SiSterS of St. franciS Dubuque, iowa Summer 2020

Footprints

Footprints

Cover Photo

Sister Nancy Schreck talks withTeresita Amador as they work onbirdhouses at Excel, Inc. in Okolona,Mississippi in June 2020. Photo byAdam Robison/Northeast MississippiDaily Journal.

FootprintsFootprints reflects the mission,spirit, and values of the Sisters ofSt. Francis, Dubuque, Iowa.

Mount St. Francis3390 Windsor AvenueDubuque, Iowa 52001Phone: 563.583.9786Fax: 563.583.3250Web site: www.osfdbq.org 4 Ministry in a Time of Pandemic

Sisters detail changes to their ministry in a turbulent 2020.

8 DBQ OSFs Use Stimulus Funds CreativelySisters create a grant program for those in need.

11 Past PandemicsSister Dorothy Schwendinger reflects on her connections to past

pandemics.

12 Statement on Racial InjusticeThe DBQ Franciscan Leadership Team releases a statement on racial injustice in the United States.

13 Making a Tax-Free Gift with an IRANews and information from the Development Office.

14 I Want You to KnowSisters participate in a fun social media campaign in the spring of 2020.

17 In RemembranceRemembering the lives of our deceased sisters.

18 Human Trafficking Coalition Celebrates Passage of Bill The bill stipulates that hotels and motels must receive training on how to recognize and address the signs of human trafficking.

19 New Leadership Team InstalledThe team will serve the congregation from 2020 to 2026.

Contents

Summer 2020 Volume 54 Number 2

A message from

With seemingly little warning, the coronavirus pandemic turned our worldupside down last March. We were all impacted; we quickly needed torethink our actions and live differently. So what are we learning in thisCOVID-time?

• We are all in this together, united in a common cause. Each and everyworker is valued and is essential: hairdressers, housekeepers, food service,scientists, medical personnel, teachers, faith leaders, meatpackers,delivery/supermarket workers, etc.

• We are generous with compassion and simple kindnesses go a long way.

• What we each do, even if it seems small and insignificant, truly matters.

• We name what we fear, how we cope, and what we value. Weunderstand in new ways the power of relationship, hope, and love.

• We better know what happens when we slow down. We redefinedependency and ordinary. We can work productively from home. Meetingscan be accomplished via video conference.

• We realize the treasure of family and friends and that all of life is gift andprecious. We worry about our loved ones, and we live with our ownisolation and emptiness.

• We embody gratitude in new ways, believing God companions us in theunknowns. We adapt and respond; we honor resiliency and innerstrength.

• We witness interconnectedness of all creation; air is less polluted andwater is clearer.

• We recognize there is a time to shelter and stay put and a time to emergefor the sake of community, safety, and health.

• We attest to hidden gifts amidst the swell and ebb of the heartaches ofthe world and the burdens found in our personal lives. May we continue tomake space for energy and patience, trusting that God intercedes throughour anguish and vulnerability as we live and serve in these unusual times.

And the greatest learning, love and determination always find a way.

--Sister Kathy Knipper, OSF

Our MissionRooted in the Gospel and in

the spirit of Sts. Francis and

Clare, the Sisters of St. Francis

live in right relationship with all

creation.

Focus 2014 - 2020:

In our personal, communal andpublic life, we commit toongoing conversion as we:deepen our relationship withMother Earth and Sister Waterstand with persons who arepoor make peace and practicenonviolence.

This is who we are; this is whatthe global community canexpect of us.

Leadership TeamSister Kathy KnipperPresident

Sister Pat ClemenVice President

Sister Maureen LeachVice President

Sister Brenda WhetstoneVice President

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Leadership

Sister Mary Kenneth Heman, 96, makes sandwiches for the Dubuque Food Pantry in April 2020. Photo by Sister Phyllis Manternach.

“Going Forward in Trust!”

On March 8, 2020, the first cases of COVID-19in Iowa were announced. Shortly after, theDubuque Franciscans’ Director of Nursing and

Administrator made the decision for sisters to “stayhome” at Mount St. Francis Center. But even thoughsisters found themselves “locked down” they wouldstill find ways to meet the needs of others. Here arejust some of the ways the sisters both near and farhave continued to minister in recent months.

Ministry Inside of Mount St. FrancisA few weeks prior to the lockdown a sister

suggested to Sister Sarah Kohles that she consideroffering some virtual sessions at Shalom SpiritualityCenter. At that time Sister Sarah was teaching 70 firstyear Lutheran seminary students an introductorycourse on the gospels at Wartburg TheologicalSeminary in Dubuque. But when Shalom had to

close its doors due to the virus, Sister Sarah knew thetime was now.

“We couldn’t just close Shalom,” she said. So shebrainstormed what she could offer. What hastranspired are Shalom’s first virtual sessions: a faithsharing group on Sunday afternoons and a morestructured session titled, “Scripture in Times ofDisruption” on Wednesday evenings.

“It’s been a way for people who are at a distance--some who are alone--to connect with a wider worldthat’s meaningful,” said Sister Sarah. “It’s a way Ican share my scripture background with a largeraudience and help meet a need right now.”

Sister Sarah said that a range of people havejoined the free sessions offered weekly over Zoom--including a handful of her students from Wartburg.

“I’m enjoying exploring the biblical text through theperspective of disruption. By considering the contextin which the biblical text was written and the

4 FootprintsContinued on the next page

Dubuque Franciscans Detail Ministry in Time of Pandemicby Jessi Russo

upheaval we areexperiencing now, weengage both our mindsand hearts. I amdelighting in seeingpeople share andencounter the Bible innew ways.”

For Sister NormaJean Holthaus, herministry as a spiritualdirector has movedfrom being in personto talking bytelephone.

“I cannot meet withmy directees as I hadbefore so now theyphone me and wehave a spiritualdirection time via thephone,” she said. “Itcertainly is not thesame, but it is helpfuland we can stay in touch that way.”

Sister Norma Jean has used this time to connectwith friends and family by phone also.

“I call just to see how they are doing. I amespecially mindful of parents with small children whohave been unable to be out and about! Phoneministry works!” she said.

The Liturgy Team of Sisters Camilla Hemannand Marge Staudt have been working through amyriad of challenges to their ministry.

“On March 19, 2020 we learned we would not beable to have Mass until further notice,” said SisterCamilla. Sisters are allowed to gather in chapel fordaily morning and evening prayer while maintainingthe appropriate social distancing.

“We’ve also have had a Service of the Word onSunday and Wednesday with several Sisterspresiding. Some enjoy preparing their own reflectionsof the Word,” said Sister Marge Staudt, who alsoserves on the Liturgy Team. “On all other days weare gifted with a homily sent by Father Bob Beck,whose perspective we continue to appreciate.”

Both Sisters Marge and Camilla noted how recentmonths have made them grateful for communityprayer.

“What we have learned through this is how muchwe appreciate community coming together in prayer,”said Sister Camilla. “Although we are confined, wepray daily for an end of this virus and ‘that all remaincalm and confident in God’s wisdom, power,goodness and care.’”

The Dubuque Franciscans’ Archivist Sister

Maxine Lavell has been working to document thistime in the congregation’s history.

“I am creating a historical log of events from thebeginning of the virus worldwide and history of thestate of Iowa as well as the Dubuque County andwhat we are doing to stay safe here on the hill,including pictures, for the archives,” she said.

During the lockdown, Sister DorothySchwendinger discovered a new way to makeconnections via the local newspaper.

“At the height of the outrage over the death ofGeorge Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement,I read a letter in the Dubuque Telegraph Heraldobjecting to the chant “Black Lives Matter.” Idisagreed and instead of writing a response to thenewspaper, I decided to contact the writer directlyand invite her into a conversation,” said SisterDorothy. The two now correspond by letter andemails. “I think that instead of creating an adversaryI made a new friend. Perhaps the time for reflectionthat the pandemic provided inspired me to take analternative and more peaceable option.”

Sister Mary Arnold Staudt has had tochange the format of her “Music AppreciationClasses” she offered monthly into “easy listening”sessions that help entertain the sisters.

“I play the piano in the Clare House dining roomand sisters come and watch or listen from the TV intheir rooms,” said Sister Mary Arnold. “Most recentlyI played “Red, White and Blue Piano Music,”honoring the 4th of July.”

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Sister Sarah Kohles sits at her desk where she hosts two virtual sessions for Shalom Spirituality Center via Zoom each week.To register, contact Shalom at info@shalomretreats.org. Photo by Sister Phyllis Manternach.

Continued on the next page

6 Footprints

At Clare House, sisters have not only enjoyedSister Mary Arnold’s music but the entertainmentprovided by a mother duck who flew into thecourtyard and birthed 12 ducklings.

“At Clare House we shared a common interest inthe ducks as we watched them hatch and grow,” saidSister Sally Mitchell. “Seeing the care that motherduck had for their young was a true lesson in nature.”

Sisters at Mount St. Francis Center were also ableto work together offering service to the Dubuque FoodPantry by preparing free bag lunches for area childrenin April.

“More than one sister commented that she wasgrateful that we could do something to be of helpduring the coronavirus situation,” said Sister RitaGoedken.

Sisters made sandwiches and then packed brownpaper bags full of fruit and other goodies. The Food

Pantry then picked up the kids’ lunch bags each dayand delivered them to Operation New View wherethey were distributed.

Ministry Outside of Mount St. FrancisSister Kay Gaul continued teaching religion to

students at Wahlert Catholic High School via Zoomfrom April 13 to June 2.

“It was a new challenge, but learning for bothstudents and myself happened,” she said.

“I was very proud of my students and the respectand care shown and desire to learn even distantly. Ihope to be teaching in the fall.”

In Melrose Park, Illinois, Sisters NilaMeyerhofer and Jan Hrubes, also transitioned theirministry with the Franciscan Resource Center online.

“Zoom is our way to participate in area agencymeetings where we keep up with the area needs and

client resources available,” said Jan. “Also Zoom meetings help our

Franciscan Community Group to continueto communicate with each other,” saidSister Nila. “Life here has changed withthe spread of the virus and developingother ways of communicating with others.”

In Stacyville, Iowa, Sister MillieLeuenberger did what she could to helpparishioners of Visitation Church.

“I made calls to let people know the newcommentaries for the readings were now inchurch and also delivered them to thosenot going to Mass,” she said. “Also anumber of people have asked for prayers--for loved ones who are nurses and areexposed to COVID-19 and some familymembers who mentally are having a hardtime with the pandemic,” said Sister Millie.She continues to telephone the homeboundwho may be lonely. “These phone calls aremuch appreciated,” she added.

For Sister Ruth Schock, trying to findministry after retiring in May from BriarCliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, has hadsome challenges.

“I attended a three week onlineretirement seminar offered through ChicagoTheological University and am now tryingto figure out what to do,” said Sister Ruth.“I have signed up to read and record for theblind through the Iowa Radio Readsprogram. They have volunteers read andrecord the various newspapers and Ioffered to read and record books for them.”

Also in Sioux City is Sister JanetKreber and she has found a new ministry.

Prayer in a Time of Pandemic

God of Mystery,remind us in this uncertain time that you are:

always creating, always inviting, always loving

You call us to do the same.

Help us to see with new eyesthat we are deeply connected even in this, our imposed isolation. We are never alone.

Calm our fears, opening our hearts to the myriad gifts of this moment in time:the recognition anew of the preciousness of all lifethe call to serve one another in new waysthe invitation to sacrifice our complacency and comfort for keen awareness and gratitude for all our blessings the latent creativity birthed forth anew.

May we enter courageously into the mystery of now caring for one another believing we have what we need acknowledging and trusting this paschal journey will surprise us with new life in unexpected ways.

God of Love,walk with us

as we strive to follow your path of lovethis day and always. n

By Sister Michelle Balek, OSF

Continued on the next page

Footprints 7

“I’m working at the Food Bank of Siouxland sincemy other jobs ended,” she said. “I volunteer fromone to five mornings a week there.”

Sister Mary Day feels that she’s been fortunateto continue work on community projects in SiouxCity. In one of her ministries she’s been working withtranslators who are able to communicate news aboutthe pandemic.

“As a member of the Board of Directors at Mary J.Treglia Community House, a place that assistsimmigrants as they become citizens, I have beendirectly involved in finding immigrant peoples whoare capable of translating daily news (national andlocal) into seven different languages and create apodcast that is heard over Siouxland Public Mediaand on YouTube and other social media outlets,” saidSister Mary. “Most recently we have created bulletinboards outside other non-profit agencies with boththe news and photos of the immigrants translatingthe news. We have had good response to this projectwhich is one of a kind in our area.”

In Waterloo, Iowa, Sister Carole Freking’sministry with Bridges Out of Poverty has gonethrough many adaptations since the pandemic began.

“We were starting a new group for our Bridges Outof Poverty program the next week after the shut-downs began and immediately postponed classesuntil fall,” she said. “But when we all wereencouraged to ‘stay home’ in March, I thought of themany people who live alone and wouldn’t see

another human day after day. So I invited a formerco-teacher to join me in a new ministry: to daily sendthese people an email to remind them that they arethought about and prayed for, as well as to give themsomething inspirational or to elicit a smile that day.”

International Ministries In Honduras, the country locked down on March

16, said Sister Nancy Meyerhofer. “Only banks, pharmacies and supermarkets have

been open and one can only go out on the day ofone's ‘number’--the last digit of your ID card. This isabout once every two weeks,” said Sister Nancy.

Sister Nancy’s ministry with San Antonio DePadua Parish in La Entrada cannot be done fromhome, but at the beginning of May she was asked todo a TV program with the local Catholic station.

“Originally its target audience were the catechists,since I usually met with them every two weeks, butthen I realized that others were also tuning in evenbeyond the parish,” she said. “So I have made theweekly themes more general, but always some kind offormation is given.”

Topics of the TV programs Sister Nancy hasoffered have included Mary, effects of living underquarantine and how to handle them, “where is Godin all this,” stories of solidarity in COVID-19 times,and liturgical celebrations such as Pentecost.

Sister Frances Nosbisch’s ministry came to asudden halt in St. Lucia when the country closed

down due to COVID-19. “I quickly moved to the

Archdiocesan Pastoral Center just priorto travel between north and south ofthe country being closed,” she said.

While living at the center on herown, she worked on a small number ofpainting, varnishing and cleaningprojects to help enhance the buildingupon reopening.

“Our staff has been furloughed andthe only ones who have come in to doany work have done so on a volunteerbasis as we have no funds to pay them.Just last week we were able to get somefood items to give to them,” she said.

She has recently been able to resumein-person spiritual direction with strictguidelines in place.

“We go forward in trust!” said SisterFrances. n

Sister Bertha Bonert (center) visits with Sister Mildred Nachtman (left) and Sister Mary Kivlahan (right)on Sister Mary’s 90th birthday party with social distancing in July. Photo by Sister Janet Haverkamp.

Like the rest of the nation, the Sisters of SaintFrancis of Dubuque, Iowa, each received astimulus check from the government.

Immediately the sisters decided that they woulduse the $1,200 each sister received to set up grants tosupport people who needed help quickly due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.

“When a crisis unfolds, the Dubuque FranciscanSisters want to help,” said Sister Kathy Knipper,president of the congregation. “When the FinanceOffice informed the Leadership Team that each sisterwould receive an Economic Input Payment for eachmember of the congregation, we thought we could usethose funds to care for those who were in need due to

the pandemic.”The sisters created a very simple grant application

and an ad hoc committee was formed. SistersVirginia Jennings, Edith Gottsacker, RuthKleitsch and Kathy Knipper met to considerapplications. All grant requests had to be initiated bya sister and organizations had to have a history ofcollaborating with other groups/entities. The fundswere used to address immediate needs around food,health, and safety related to the COVID-19 pandemic.The money was distributed within days of approval.Forty-five non-profit organizations in Iowa,Mississippi, Texas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois,Washington, DC, Massachusetts, Maryland, andHonduras received anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000

by Sister Maureen Leach and Jessi Russo

Photo on left: Sister Mary Beth Goldsmith delivers food in Mississippi. Photo by Sister Nancy Schreck. Photo top right: Dubuque Franciscan Associate Doris Menjivardelivers food in Gracias, Lempira, Honduras. Contributed photo. Bottom right: A parishioner from San Antonio de Padua delivers food in La Entrada, Copan,Honduras. Contributed photo.

DBQ Franciscans Create Grants with Stimulus Funds

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each, for a total of $200,000. Sister Nancy Schreck applied for a grant for

Excel, Inc. in Okolona, Mississippi. “We sought funds in order to be able to assist

people with food, and with utilities and rentespecially for those whose employment wasaffected by the virus,” said Sister Nancy. “Therewas a small portion in the grant to provide fortransportation to get the food delivered to peopleliving out in rural areas, not able to get to Excel.”

Sister Nancy said the greatest demand for thegrant was for food for those in need. She alongwith Dubuque Franciscan Sisters Reyna HelenBadillo, and Mary Beth Goldsmith recognizedthat many area immigrants in Mississippi didn’tqualify for services of area agencies. The sistersmade a weekly shopping trip of 50 miles roundtrip to nearby Tupelo to purchase groceries andother supplies and then delivered them topeople’s homes.

“The deliveries were made using appropriatesocial distancing and masks--so waves ofgratitude and a blown kiss of thanks were a greatreward,” said Sister Nancy. “I just hope that themembers of the congregation realize the significanceof the gift these COVID grants are to God’s people inneed.”

A Zoom faith-sharing meeting led Sister LoisErpelding to learn of a community in Minnesota thatneeded help.

“In April 21, I was in a Zoom call titled, ‘Life andDignity of the Human Person.’ Our facilitator lived inWorthington, Minnesota, and other participants ofthe call were in Worthington. We shared concernsabout need to honor dignity of all,” said Sister Lois.

Sister Lois learned that Worthington was a “hotspot” in Minnesota with over 200 testing positive forthe COVID-19 virus by April 24. When thecongregation’s Leadership Team announced thatgrants were available, Sister Lois thought of theWorthington community and wanted to help. Shewas put in touch with Father James Callahan, who ispastor of St. Mary Church and chair of the Our Ladyof Guadalupe Free Clinic in Worthington.

“He said to me, ‘people are choosing betweenfood and medicine. Our parish and clinic will findways to provide medicine,’” remembered Sister Lois.

Grant funding for Our Lady of Guadalupe FreeClinic helped provide medical and mental health careto Worthington residents.

“Because of the virus, more people are dealingwith severe depression, diagnosed psychiatric

disorders, and increased domestic violence. Theclinic helps address all these issues,” she said.

In a letter to the Dubuque Franciscan Sisters,Father James wrote, “Thanks to you, culturallysensitive help and information is available with aphone call. Help to access testing. Help tounderstand masks, social distancing, isolation, andhow to care for themselves and loved ones with thecoronavirus. Help to stay on their medications forunderlying health conditions when they have nofunds left to get those themselves. Help to knowwhen to go to the ER. You are the reason more than1,000 patients have a trusted place to turn to formedical care in the midst of the uncertain times ofCOVID-19 pandemic.”

Sister Mary Lou Reisch requested funds for anorganization in Washington DC that left animpression on her since the 1990s.

“I volunteered for one week in 1990 at So OthersMight Eat (SOME) with Sisters Rosemary Vaske,Rose Mary Thillen, and Edna Ginder, and thenagain in 1992 with Sisters Mary Klisart, JanetKreber, and Verna Gaul,” said Sister Mary LouReisch.

SOME is a non-profit organization which providesfood, clothing, and healthcare services to the poorand homeless and works to break the cycle of

Continued on the next page

Sister Carol Hawkins, OSF (in background) works with parishioners inGracias, Lempira, Honduras, to put together items for delivery. Contributed photo.

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Organizations that received COVID-19 GrantsCatholic Charities, DubuqueOpening Doors, DubuqueSS Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Sturgeon Bay, WisconsinFood Bank of Siouxland, Sioux CitySan Antonio (Texas) Catholic Worker HouseExcel, Inc., Okolona, MississippiOur Daily Bread Food Pantry, Bruce,

MississippiSt. Christopher Catholic Church,

Pontotoc, MississippiDubuque Rescue MissionDubuque Food PantryDream Center, DubuqueResources Unite, DubuqueOur Lady of Guadalupe Free Clinic,

Worthington, MinnesotaCommunity Action Agency of Siouxland, Sioux

City, IowaAnnunciation House, El Paso, TexasCatholic Charities, Jackson, MississippiSt. Peter’s Outreach Committee,

Eagle River, WisconsinCaring Hands Outreach Center, Altoona, IowaPresentation Lantern Center, DubuqueUISG COVSolidarity, Silver Springs, MarylandInterfaith Community for Detained Immigrants,

Chicago

Food Bank of Iowa, Des MoinesChurch of Reconciliation, San Antonio, TexasAlmost Home, DubuqueRed Basket Project, DubuqueHillcrest Family Services, DubuqueGracias Community, HondurasEMBARC, Waterloo, IowaRefugee Alliance of Central Iowa, Des MoinesPartners in Health, Boston, MassachusettsChicago Food DepositoryParish San Antonio de Padua, La Entrada

HondurasSt. Vincent DePaul, Grayslake, IllinoisHills and Dales, DubuqueFountain of Youth, DubuqueMary J. Treglia Community House, Sioux City,

IowaCatholic Church Extension Society, ChicagoMonticello (Iowa) Food PantryCrescent Community Health Center, DubuqueCatholic Church Extension Society, ChicagoInterfaith Welcome Coalition, San Antonio,

TexasMitchell County Food Bank, Osage, IowaSo Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.), Washington,

DCMetro Catholic Outreach, Cedar Rapids, IowaSt. Vincent DePaul, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

homelessness by providing job training, counseling,and low-cost housing.

“Just the short time I spent with Father JohnAdams and his SOME team left me with life-lastingmemories of the many people who benefitedfrom their persistence, generosity, and help to make adifference for those in need.”

Grant funding helped SOME to distribute hot to-gobreakfasts and bagged lunches; provided telehealthfor medical and psychiatric services; facilitated dailyconference calls and food delivery to senior residents;and offered resources to those losing employment.

“It’s been 30 years but I still read the SOMEnewsletters about their work to alleviate the povertyin DC,” she added.

In Honduras, Sister Nancy Meyerhofer soughthelp for 200 families in the parish she ministers at inLaEntrada, Copan.

“The money received helped with people who arehungry because they have no income due to theCOVID-19 crisis,” she said. With the grant, food waspurchased and parishioners helped to package and

deliver it to the homes of those in need. “We have been in very strict lockdown here since

Monday, March 16, 2020,” said Sister Nancy. “Thisis a real hardship for the majority of our parishionersin town who are day workers and live from day today. The social ministry of our parish has beenworking to help families suffering from hunger in thisextended lockdown.”

The sisters who were on lockdown in Dubuquewere happy to provide this gift, especially since theyhave not been able to go out to perform the servicesthat they typically do in the community.

“It was a great privilege to share our stimulusmonies with so many in need,” said Sister EdithGottsacker, who served on the grant committee.

“These grants helped give expression to the livingout of the congregation’s constitutional commitmentsto bear witness to God’s extravagant love, to respondto the needs of the times, and to further the reign ofGod in human life and social structures,” saidLeadership Team member Sister Maureen Leach,quoting the constitutions of the congregation. n

10 Footprints

During the lock-down we are all experiencingin 2020, our minds may get to wonderinghow people navigated serious pandemics in

the past. For example, I have always felt that my lifewas quite profoundly touched by the 1918-1919influenza epidemic even though it was decadesbefore I was born. Have you ever wondered howour congregation navigated those years?

It was Mark Twain who once said, “Historydoesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” How so?My own memories got me to thinking about myexperience today and what was the congregation’sexperience in 1918-1919. I discovered that whileperhaps 50 million people world-wide died in thatflu epidemic, apparently only one member of theDubuque Franciscans died according to SisterEunice Mousel’s history book, “They Have TakenRoot.” She informs us that though the sistersthemselves were not stricken, they bravely went outto nurse the sick in their homes. They cooked, didthe laundry, cared for the dying, and helped manyfamilies grieve as they buried their dead. She tellsthis story: “A martyr to the work of nursing theepidemic-stricken ill during these months wasSister Mary Ruth Kane, a young sister in her early20s who succumbed to the disease and diedNovember 6, 1918. Sister Ruth Kane grew up inFillmore, Iowa, and she entered Mount St. Francisin 1913. During the epidemic she volunteered tonurse the sick orphans at St. Mary’s Home. When

she got the flu herself and was in a dying condition,her parents, her younger sister (who later became amember herself), and Mother Coletta Rohretgathered at her bedside. All day, on the last day ofher life, they stood watch--offering their support andpresence, and certainly their prayers. She died thatevening at the age of 24.

I draw some personal connections to this story.Sister Eunice Mousel, a most accomplished Englishteacher, must have known the Kane family well.Eunice was sent to teach at the small two-year highschool in Fillmore in 1922. According to my mother(also from Fillmore), Sister Eunice was not in thebest of health and so the congregation thought thecountry air of a very rural area would be good forher. Normally such a brilliant teacher might nothave been sent to such a small high school. Mymother considered this a stroke of luck as SisterEunice became a teacher and a very dear life-longfriend to my mother, Levina Rea. Eunice mustsurely have learned that my mom, Levina, lost hermother to the flu in 1919. My mother was onlyseven years old when Margaret Kinsella Rea died.Margaret, at 41, left a husband and four youngbereaved children and she died while she waspregnant. Her obituary states that she was awoman of “singular loveliness.” She was born ofIrish descendants in Garryowen, Iowa, and shegraduated from the Visitation Academy in Dubuque(which was rather rare for a woman at the turn ofthe century). Her obituary noted that she had“tenderly restored her children back to health.”(Both of my mom’s older sisters had recovered fromthe flu under her care.) Though my own mothernever really remembered much about her mother,the loss left a deep impression upon her. BecauseLevina Rea Schwendinger eventually became mymother and because she was a woman of greatgrace, gentleness, and faith, she deeply influencedmy life. I think I had a heartfelt grasp of what mygrandmother’s death meant to her family. Luckily,my mother’s aunt, her father’s maiden sister, movedin with the family for a few years to help thechildren grow beyond childhood. Aunt Mary was awonderful and dearly loved surrogate mother.

Pandemics of thePast

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Footprints 11

Sister Mary Ruth Kane.

by Sister Dorothy Schwendinger

Today the Dubuque Franciscans have so farbeen spared the devastation of the 2020 pandemic.But we have felt its effects and its losses. Some ofour families have been ill. Some have died. A fewof our sisters have ventured into the homes of poorpeople in Mississippi and Honduras and broughtmuch needed food. Others continued servingimmigrants on our southern border. Thecongregation has contributed to minoritypopulations that have been hit hard by the virus.The community donated the government funds eachsister received for COVID-19 relief to assist withimmediate needs for food and health assistance inplaces where our sisters serve or have connections.We have been so grateful for our nursingadministrators and the staff at Mount St. FrancisCenter who have been so deliberate andprofessional in keeping us well and safe. We havebeen more than happy to provide additional hazardpay to our caregivers and offer little incentives thatdaily say our thanks. We sisters have missed ourfriends and our families. We have bowed patientlyto the regulations imposed because of the virus(Well, mostly!) We have found creative ways tofind meaning in the “poverty” of the moment. Aswe wait out the virus, we write more letters, sendout emails, make phone calls and even do virtualadvocacy/political action. We have read lots ofbooks, finished projects which have long been idleon the shelf, and fostered deeper relationshipsamong ourselves. When the moments of lonelinessand ennui settled in upon us, we searched forgreater depth in contemplation and prayer. We tryto see a spiritual calling hidden in thecircumstances of the time.

2020 is not 1918 but it does rhyme in someways. The experiences of the past somehow stillconnect us. History brought together Sister MaryRuth Kane, Sister Eunice Mousel, Margaret KinsellaRea, my own mother, myself, and now you, thereader of this article. In fact it brings together everyDubuque Franciscan who is alive and living in thedifficult uncertainty of these days. We will tell itsstories probably for the rest of our lives. Maybethey will come pouring out in the rhymes of alimerick, a sonnet, or even in iambic pentameter!Either way, Mark Twain will smile but he will not besurprised. n

On June 4, the Dubuque Franciscans released thefollowing statement following the tragic death ofGeorge Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis,Minnesota:

The Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, Iowa call onour country to deal with the systemic racism that wasevidenced by the murder of George Floyd. 8 minutesand 46 seconds! That’s how long three police officersstood guard as Officer Derek Chauvin suffocatedGeorge Floyd to death. Our hearts are breaking as wemourn with his family and friends, and with all whohave lost loved ones to law enforcement violence, allwho live in fear, and all whose dignity is threatened.The continued killing of black women and men, theconstant harassment of people of color, and the denialof rights must end now. We are also saddened thatthe Marshallese, African American, and Latinocommunities are disproportionately experiencing theeffects of COVID-19. We oppose the systemic racismthat has perpetuated these evils.

Racism has infected our nation since its founding.Until we address it, people of color will continue to dieand our nation will not heal. Racism, whetherinstitutional which privileges some at the expense ofothers or the daily acts of hate and discrimination,diminishes us all. Racism disregards the profoundtruth that all are created in the image and likeness ofGod. Every person is entitled to dignity and respect.

As women religious, we acknowledge our owncomplicity in institutional racism. We ask forgivenessof our sisters and brothers of color, and we pray forour nation’s healing. We know that is not enough! Itis time for bold, decisive action! We pledge to raiseour voices and act courageously to address racism; weare called to live in right relationship and worktowards creating a just and moral society. We arecommitted to the practice of peace and non-violenceto transform hearts and minds. It is time to dismantlewhite privilege and rededicate ourselves to buildingGod’s beloved community.

Dubuque FranciscansRelease Statement on

Racial Injustice

12 Footprints

T H O U G H T S and I N F O R M AT I O N from the D E V E L O P M E N T O F F I C E

Make a Tax-Free Gift with an IRARecently a friend asked me about herbrother making a donation from his IRA. Ifyou have an IRA (an “IndividualRetirement Account”) and are 70½ yearsold or older, you can take advantage of thissimple way to benefit charities and receivetax benefits in return.

You can give any amount, from $100 up to$100,000 per year from your IRA directlyto a qualified charity without having to payincome taxes on the money. This populargift option is commonly called the “IRAcharitable rollover or a “qualifiedcharitable distribution.”

There are a number of advantages for you to make a gift in this fashion:

• The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you donot itemize your deductions.

• You can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD). (Note:The RMD requirement has been waived for 2020, per the CARES Act signed into law on March 27,2020.)

• Since the gift doesn’t count as income to you, it can reduce your annual income level. This mayhelp lower your Medicare premiums and decrease the amount of Social Security that is subject totax.

• Contact your IRA custodian to complete the gift. It is also wise to consult with your taxprofessionals or legal advisor if you are contemplating a charitable gift of a sizeable nature.

• This can be a wonderful win-win for people who would rather gift to charity than pay taxes.Experts estimate that heirs receive less than 25% of most IRA assets that pass through estates.Direct gifts to a qualified charity can be made only from an IRA. Under certain circumstances,however, you may be able to roll assets from a pension, profit sharing, 401(k) or 403(b) plan into anIRA and then make the transfer from the IRA directly to your favorite charities.

Legal name: Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, Iowa

Address: 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001-1311

Federal tax ID number: Please contact Sister Cathy Katoski at (563) 564-9411 for our federal tax ID number.

Sister Cathy (Kate) Katoski, OSFFor the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, IA Footprints 13

I Want You In March, Activities Director Jennifer Hammerand saw

a campaign on social media called “I want you toknow.” The campaign featured messages of hope and

positivity from nursing home residents who were in themidst of lockdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic.Jennifer sought to adapt the campaign for the Sisters ofFrancis.

Sisters Marie Therese Kalb and Carol Hemesath

Sister Dorothy Adams

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Sister Marge Burkle

Sister Jeanine McDermott

Sister Marla Smith Sister Donalda Kehoe

Sister Monica McMahon

Sister Mary Arnold Staudt

Sister Edith Halbach

Sisters Ann and Lene Rubly

to Know

Sister JoAnn Lohrman

Sister Susan Seitz

“I knew the sisters would have some fun with it and peoplecould see the sisters were OK and they were hanging inthere,” said Jennifer.

Jennifer asked the sisters to finish the sentence: “I wantyou to know” and the images were then shared on the

Dubuque Franciscans’ social media pages.“When the comments came in and I showed them, thatwas really fun for them--especially when they sawmessages from people they hadn’t heard from in a longtime!” she added. n

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The Dubuque FranciscanSisters have again teamed up withGoats on the Go-Dubuque.

In June, 70 goats returned toMount St. Francis Center to eatthe weeds, specifically orientalbittersweet, thistle, and wildparsnip in another section of theDubuque Franciscans’ prairie.Peg Harbaugh of Goats on the

Go-Dubuque discoveredsomething new about her goatsas they worked on eating thewild parsnips from the DubuqueFranciscans’ prairie.

“I discovered how fascinatingthese animals are because thoseplants grow very tall and there’sa lot of it [at Mount St. FrancisCenter] and they’re leaving alittle patch once in awhile,” saidPeg in an interview on KDTH’s“Voices of the Tri-States.”

“I was absolutely amazed whythey were leaving stalks of thisplant only to discover inside wasa nest. Goats are beautifulanimals and they do a great joband they naturally protect.” n

Goats Return toMount St.

Francis Center

Sister Reyna Helen Badillo Renews Vows

Sister Reyna Helen Badillo renewed her vows on June 18 at aceremony inOkolona,Mississippi.

DubuqueFranciscanSister NancySchreckpresided overthe ceremonyas SisterReyna, whocurrentlyministers inOkolona,renewed hervows for twomore years.

“Thank youfor your prayers and support,” said Sister Reyna. “I continue movingforward because your prayers.” n

DBQ Franciscans CompleteSolar Panel Project

Along the way...

The solar panels at Mount St. Francis Center.

Sister Reyna Badillo signs the book of intentions as Sister Nancy Schreckand Sister Liz Brown, CSJ, look on. Contributed photo.

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Construction is complete on the Dubuque Franciscans’ solar panelproject. The 2,600 solar panels will power Clare House at Mount

St. Francis Center.Each panel generates 375 watts of electricity, for a grand total of

990,000 watts; the ground-mounted solar system will reduce ClareHouse’s energy usage by 80%. n

On EasterSunday,1927,

George andLioba (Kraut)Wingertwelcomed theirfourth daughterin Raymond,

Iowa, and called her Lioba Remigiaafter her mother and a cousin.

After graduation from St. Mary’s,Lioba attended Teachers’ College inCedar Falls for 12 weeks, earning atemporary teaching certificate. For ayear, she was an assistant teacher inthe Raymond school, taking her turnstarting the fire in the wintermornings.

During the summer, Lioba went toWashington, D.C., with her sister,Mary, and typed for three lawyers in

the Office of Price Administration. Inthe fall, she returned to Raymond.Lioba knew she was being called toreligious life.

At her reception on August 12,1946, Lioba was given the name,Sister Mary Mona. After finalprofession in 1948, she wasmissioned at Holy Trinity inDubuque, teaching kindergarten inthe mornings and PE for children ingrades 1-6 in the afternoons. OnJanuary 28, 1955, Sister Mona’smother died at age 56. This was thefirst death in her immediate familyand came as a great shock to her.

Sister Mona also taughtkindergarten and fourth througheighth grades at St. Mary of theWoods in Chicago, and was principaland superior for the Sisters.Following this, she was elected tocongregational leadership as

Regional Coordinator when thecommunity first went to thatgovernance model. Sister Mona thenreturned to education, serving fouryears as principal at St. Edward’s inWaterloo before she was hired as anAssociate in the Archdiocese ofDubuque Education Office.

In 1986, Sister became AssistantSuperintendent of Education in theDiocese of Charlotte, North Carolina.Her sixteen years in Charlotte gaveher a chance to be with her brotherJohn, his wife, and his children andgrandchildren.

Sister Mona retired to Mount St.Francis in 2002 and moved to ClareHouse in 2017. Sister is survived byher sister, Sister Jolene Wingert; hersisters-in-law, Jean Wingert andCatherine (Kitty) Wingert; nieces,nephews, and Franciscan sisters. n

Sister Mona Wingert April 17, 1927 - March 17, 2020

In Remembrance

On July24, 1920Mike

and Elizabeth(Zeimen)Schoenherrwelcomed thefourth child ofthe family and

named her Beatrice Mary, born onthe farm north of Mapleton, Iowa.

Beatrice attended school at St.Mary’s Catholic school in Mapletonfor eight years and graduated withhonors and was mentioned on theMonona County honor roll.Beatrice then entered MapletonConsolidated High School. Aftergraduation she attended WesternUnion College in LeMars andreceived a teaching certificate. Herteaching career began in a County

School north of Mapleton and aftertwo years she then moved toanother County School north ofUte, Iowa.

On August 25, 1946, Beatriceentered the Dubuque Franciscansand in the following year on August10, 1949, she was received into theFranciscan community and giventhe name Sister Mary Consilia, inhonor of the Mother of GoodCounsel.

Sister Mary Consilia’s ministrybegan with teaching in Iowaschools, St. Joseph, Earlville, St.Anthony, Hospers, St. Martin,Odebolt, St. Michael, Norway, St.Joseph, Bode, and St. Athanasius,Jesup, and two schools in Illinois,St. Anne, Hazel Crest, and St.Christopher, Midlothian. Sister’slast years of teaching was spent at

Heelan High School in Sioux City,teaching Developmental Reading toninth graders. In 1998 SisterConsilia retired to Mount St.Francis and in 2012 moved to ClareHouse. n

Sister Consilia Schoenherr July 24, 1920 - May 18, 2020

Eleanor HohenseeMother of Sister Renae Hohensee

Harold “Pete” SchaafBrother-in-law of Sisters Clara and Denise Streng

Lorena KivlahanSister-in-law of Sr. Mary Kivlahan

Joan HamiltonSister of Sisters Clara and Denise Streng

Roger GinderBrother of Sister Edna Ginder

Rita (Rolling) BesheySister of Sister Theresa Rolling

Rita BemisSister of Sisters Anthony and Mary Ann Wagner

Rest in Peace

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Human Trafficking Coalition Celebrates Passage of BillMembers of the Tri-State Coalition Against

Human Trafficking and Slavery, which includesDubuque Franciscan Sisters and Associates, arecelebrating the unanimous passage of a bill by theIowa Legislature and its signing into law by Gov.Kim Reynolds on June 29.

The bill, HF 2259, stipulates that, beginning in2022, any hotel or motel doing business with theState of Iowa – including the hosting of meetings –must be able to certify that its staff has receivedtraining on how to recognize and address the signsof human trafficking. It specifies the componentsof the training program and that certification mustbe publicly displayed by each hotel and moteltrained.

“Our Coalition has actively promoted this billwith our legislators since January 2019, after it wasintroduced by Representatives Chuck Isenhart andLindsay James,” said Dubuque Franciscan SisterMary Lechtenberg, chair of the Coalition.

“Its passage will limit traffickers from using somehotels and motels to profit from the destruction ofthe lives of women, men, girls and boys.”

The Coalition began training employees of arealodgings in December 2018, and has completedtraining in eight area lodging facilities to date, withothers slated for training once the coronaviruspandemic recedes.

“The passage of this bill will give addedimportance and impetus to our efforts,” she said.

Area legislators Representatives Chuck Isenhart,Lindsay James and Shannon Lundgren andSenators Pam Jochum and Carrie Koelker allvoted for the measure. During this session, HF2259 was co-sponsored by Rep. Jerry Mohr ofScott County. “We are most grateful for theirsupport and commitment to helping Iowa becomea trafficking-free state,” Sister Mary said.

The Tri-State Coalition Against Trafficking andSlavery (Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois) engages ineducation and advocacy to eradicate humantrafficking. Members cooperate with other areaorganizations with similar goals. The Coalition isa member of US Catholic Sisters Against HumanTrafficking, and has a member on the board of theIowa Network Against Human Trafficking. n

Lou Ann wasborn toNick and

Frances(Clausen)Kilburg onSeptember 12,1943, on theirfarm southwestof Bellevue,

Iowa. On September 3, 1961, Lou Ann

entered the community and in thefollowing year on August 10, 1962,she was received and given the nameSister Mary Aquilene.

Sister Lou Ann started teachingstudents at St. Mary’s and HolyGhost in Dubuque, Sacred Heart inMonticello, and Niles, Illinois. In thesummers of the mid 70s, she

volunteered in the DubuqueFranciscans’ Common Ventureprogram and went to the Pine RidgeReservation in South Dakota. Alongwith team members, she worked inthe small villages of Allen, Kyle,Wounded Knee, and Wanblee. From,August of 1978 to 1986 Sister servedas a member of the Pastoral Team inthe villages of St. Frances, Parmelee,Mission, and Okreek, South Dakota.

In September of 1989, Sister LouAnn was appointed as ParishAdministrator Intern for St. Joseph’sParish in Clements, Minnesota. In1993, after much prayer anddiscernment, Sister resigned andaccepted a position as pastoralminister on the Rosebud Reservationin South Dakota. She enjoyedworking with the Lakota people.They taught her many important

lessons for living in harmony with theearth. After 14 years living on theReservation, she moved to LowerBrule, South Dakota. Due to theexcessive dust on the reservation,which seriously affected her health,Sister Lou Ann accepted a position asPastoral Administrator in 2003 for St.Peter’s Church, Sabula, Iowa. In2011 the parish closed and shemoved to Dubuque and took aposition as Senior Care Giver forHome Instead until her retirement in2017.

Sister is survived by her sistersNorma (David) Sieverding and JudyMoran; brothers Arlin (Bernice)Kilburg and Donald (Viola) Kilburg;sister-in-law Mary Kilburg; niecesand nephews; and her Franciscansisters. n

Sister Lou Ann Kilburg September 12, 1943 - July 13, 2020

In Remembrance

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On Sunday, May 31, 2020, the DubuqueFranciscans’ 2020-2026 Leadership Teamwas installed at the Transition of

Leadership Service at Mount St. Francis Center.Members of the new leadership team are

Sisters Kathy Knipper, president; and SistersPat Clemen, Maureen Leach, and BrendaWhetstone, vice presidents. Sister Cathy(Kate) Katoski, served as past president; andSisters Kathy Knipper, Marie Cigrand andMary Lechtenberg served as vice presidents from2014-2020.

The theme of the installation service was“Empowered by our Common Heart.” Eachmember of the new Leadership Team was given aheart shaped container dish made of onyx.

In her reflection, Sister Kathy Lentschaddressed the new team and encouraged them tofind strength in their community.

“The congregation called you forth to this timeand space. There are gifts you were born to give tous and to share with other congregations and the

world,” said Sister Kathy. “You have perspectives,insights and wisdom to lead us into whatever isnext. And when you grow weary or afraid, pause,breathe, and remember the collective discernmentthat brought you to this role. When you feeluncertain in yourself, trust in the group that calledyou forth.”

During the service, the community thanked theoutgoing Leadership Team for their years ofservice. “God of love and blessings, we lift ourhearts to you on this day of transfer of leadershipin our congregation,” read Sister Rita Goedken.“We offer praise and gratitude to you, Sisters Kate,Kathy, Marie and Mary, who have faithfullyanswered your call to leadership these past sixyears in our congregation.”

Sisters Kathy, Pat, Maureen, and Brenda wereelected during the community’s Chapter ofElections, December 27-31, 2019 at ShalomSpirituality Center in Dubuque. n

Dubuque Franciscans 2020-2026 LeadershipTeam Installed

From left to right: Sisters Kate Katoski, Kathy Knipper, Pat Clemen, Mary Lechtenberg, Maureen Leach, Brenda Whetstone, and MarieCigrand. Photo by Sister Phyllis Manternach.

Non-Profit Organ.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Dubuque, IA

52001-1311

Permit No. 88

Sisters of St. Francis3390 Windsor AvenueDubuque, Iowa 52001-1311

Footprints

Working with partners Safe Water for Lifeand Dignity (SWLD) in Tanzania, theSister Water Project (SWP) completed

the installation of wells #255 through #269 inMarch, April, May and June 2020. JamesNyangas of SWLD wrote to the Sister WaterCommittee in March about the importance of cleanwater in the fight against COVID-19.

“Since our people are poor, a majority of themlack financial means to buy the scientificallyapproved chemicals, disinfectants, and sanitizers,”said James. “Clean water for the poor is consideredthe only major weapon against the novelcoronavirus. This is where we see triple the needfor clean water.”

Noticing how the water pumps are constantly

being touched by villagers, SWLD began installingwater stations with soap at each well so villagerscould wash their hands before and after pumpingwater.

“SWLD decided to donate the water stations todouble the efforts of SWP toward preventing thespread of the virus,” wrote James. “We thought itis a good thing as it would help focus on thehygiene of the hands that use the hand pumps.

Each villages’ water committee will beresponsible for making sure the dispensers arefilled with soap and water.

“The SWP wells provide clean water which is agreat base not only in the fight against thecoronavirus but for other health issues, too,” saidJames. n

Clean Water Vital in the Fight Against COVID-19

Villagers rejoice after the installation of SWP well #265 in Michungwani, population 2,000. SWLD includes water stations (white bucket tothe left of the pump) next to all SWP wells for villagers to wash their hands before and after pumping water. Contributed photo.

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