Mission Statement

Called like Francis of Assisi to live the Gospel in joyful servanthood among all people, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, as messengers of peace, commit themselves to works that reverence human dignity, embrace the poor and marginalized, and respect the gift of all creation.

Sylvania FranciscanSiSterS OF St. FranciS OF Sylvania, OhiO DevelOpment repOrt

SUMMER 2011

THE

Growing Food Year Round to Feed the HungryIt has been three years now and Sylvania Franciscan Sisters Jeremias Stinson and Grace Ellen Urban have really refined their technique of growing vegetables in the ground year round in northwest Ohio. They are doing so well that last year they harvested 600 pounds of tomatoes from 24 plants during a growing season of December to August.The two Sisters, responsible for environmental stewardship, gardens, shrines and woodland management on the 89-acre Sylvania Franciscan Village, are changing the way people think about growing food in northwest Ohio. Since 1992, the Sylvania Franciscans have grown fruits and vegetables and donated them to the Helping Hands of St. Louis soup kitchen on the eastside of Toledo. Unfortunately, their summer garden only produced fresh produce for three or four months out of the year and hunger is a 12-month problem. In 2008 Sister Jeremias and Sister Grace Ellen started working on a method to remedy this limited growing season. To accomplish their goal they built a polyhouse (a plastic greenhouse) and figured out how to make it feel like it was summer inside all year long through an innovative system that keeps the ground and air at 70 degrees— the optimum temperature necessary for germinating seeds and growing plants. Currently, the Sylvania Franciscans are in their third growing season and are the only organization in the United States to develop technology to successfully grow food year round in the ground in a four-season climate. Their crops range from tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce and broccoli to cucumbers, beets, spinach and carrots. Their year-round growing technique, documented by meticulous record keeping, has been recognized by the U. S. Department of Agriculture.There are three essential components in a year-round garden—soil, water and air. The key factor to successful growing is to keep these three elements consistently at 70 degrees. The Sisters started with a 20’ X 48’ polyhouse, made from two layers of four-mil plastic. They installed insulation panels two feet below the surface around the building to keep frost out in the winter and a grid of 1-inch PVC piping 16 inches below the surface to heat the ground. Water is brought in from a well and runs through a solar panel system to heat it to 70 degrees and is constantly pumped through the piping to keep the soil at the optimum growing temperature. Heated well water is also used to water the plants. (continued on page two)

“We want to share what we have learned with individuals, farmers, schools universities and church community groups so they too can begin using this technique to grow food year-round in northwest Ohio.” – Sister Jeremias (right, in the garden)

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(continued from cover)Message from the Congregational Minister

SYLVANIA FRANCISCANS…

Women committed to “ living the Gospel in joyful servanthood among all people…”Welcome to our summer Sylvania Franciscan Newsletter. How do you happen to be reading this communication? Undoubtedly, it is because you are one of the following: a faithful co-partner in one of our ministries, a friend, a family member, a loyal donor, a member (whether lay, priest, religious sister, brother or deacon) of the local Church of Toledo or of another Diocese where our Sisters serve, a Sylvania Franciscan Villager, a volunteer, a Sister of St. Francis, a former or present student, client or patient from one of our education or health and human services entities, a business partner, a Lourdes College student or a corporate sponsor. In each and every one of these connections there exists a relationship which is a treasured gift from God. The commitment of stewardship is central to the above relationships. Steward-ship is the value which embraces the resources of time, talent and finances. Each of you has put forth one of these gifts for the purpose of bonding with us for the sake of our mission to transform the world. Thus, it is right and just that we share with you how your contributions are being used to accomplish the mission of our Congregation. The Sylvania Franciscan Sisters are “called like Francis of Assisi to live the Gospel in joyful servanthood among all people.” This challenge is before us each and every day as it is before every Christian responding to God’s call. The difference is held within the Franciscan charism that is so unique to the example given to us, first by Christ and then by St. Francis. You will read on the following pages stories of several of our women whose lives exemplify what it means to be of a Franciscan heart. Two of these individuals are called to the care of our earth and of God’s people and respond through the planting of a year-round garden and then through sharing the produce with the poor. Another Sister spends her days as a psychologist, listening, helping and directing clients searching for answers and their desired paths of life. Ministry of another, in addition to being a professor at Lourdes College, is that of being a volunteer in a women’s prison. What a gift to God’s people who are feeling cast away, having little or no human dignity. Serving the disadvantaged who suffer daily in a variety of ways is a call that another Sister is responding to by tutoring those interested in learning computer skills. And the last is that of a Sister ministering in social justice in a parish setting, being there to help satisfy one’s basic life needs. These are just a few examples of what the Sylvania Franciscans are dedicated to and are able to be part of on a daily basis because of your assistance and partnership. In return for your generosity, please count on our constant love, prayers and support for you and your loved ones. This is the greatest gift we can offer in return. Together we can make an impact on the needed transformation of our world. Peace and all good.

Sister Diana Lynn Eckel, OSF Congregational Minister Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio

Circulation and ventilation are also important factors to keeping the air temperature in the right growing range. Simple house fans have been installed to move the air around and a ventilation fan releases air if it gets too warm. Because the sun doesn’t always shine on northwest Ohio, a hot-water tank has been installed to supplement the solar panels on cloudy days to ensure that the water is always at 70 degrees.The Sisters start planting their crops in October and by De-cember they are harvesting vegetables for the soup kitchen and continue doing so until August, when they clear everything out and prepare the soil for next year. It hasn’t been easy, but both Sisters take great satisfaction knowing they are helping feed those less fortunate in the Toledo area. Their ultimate goal is to share this year-round growing technique with as many as possible, so the amount of crops grown will expand tenfold.

For more information on this unique method of growing food 12 months of the year in a place where winters bring freezing temperatures and snow on the ground, contact Sister Jeremias or Sister Grace Ellen at 419-824-3623. Or go to the Sylvania Franciscan website www.sistersosf.org and click on “Justice and Peace” in the left hand Table of Contents and select “Year Round Garden.” Watch a video in which the Sisters discuss their year-round garden.

“Part of the Mission of the Sisters of St. Francis is to embrace the poor and marginalized. One way we do that is to help feed those who can’t provide for themselves” – Sister Grace Ellen (below, with garden produce)

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Volunteer of the YearWhen Peggy Chesher and her husband downsized from their farmhouse in Michigan to a one bedroom apartment in Convent Park Apartments, Peggy knew she needed to fill her time. On her daily walk around the Sylvania Franciscan Village, she would pass by Rosary Care Center. After several leisurely strolls she decided to come in and inquire about how to become a volunteer. That was exactly one year ago, and her hard work and dedication to the Sisters during that time is why she was named the Volunteer of the Year.“I love to bake, so I work with Sister Gretchen, but I also work with the Sisters in Rosary Care,” Peggy said. “Working with the Sisters is a blessing. I’ve received more love than I could have ever imagined.”“If I need something, I can call Peggy. She always goes above and beyond,” said Sara Emrick, Enrichment Director for Rosary Care. “She loves to bake and garden, and comes back every evening to water and weed the patio garden near the dining room. She is truly exceptional.” Volunteering with the Sisters is a natural fit for Peggy. Before she and her husband relocated to Sylvania she worked with the elderly and in a bakery. “Volunteering here is more fun and exciting than getting a paycheck. Now I am able to bake for fun, and that is a real treat,” Peggy said. Peggy plans to continue her volunteer work as long as she can. She says that during the past year she has learned a lot from the Sisters, but the most important lesson is “the more you give the more you get” and encourages others to volunteer their time.

Volunteer Peggy Chesher helps Sister M. Pierre Ostroski onto the van for a trip to the movies.

Portiuncula Chapel Celebrates 75th AnniversaryPortiuncula, Italian for “ little portion,” is a small chapel nestled on the 89-acre grounds of the Sylvania Franciscan Village. Built by the Sisters of St. Francis between 1935 and 1936 as an offering of thanksgiving for surviv-ing the difficult economic times of the Depression, the Chapel has become a place for prayer and reflection, each day for Sisters and visitors alike. The exterior of the chapel is modeled after the original chapel in Assisi, Italy. Above the altar there is a mural of Our Lady surrounded by seven angles and St. Francis kneeling in prayer. The intimate surrounding has made the Chapel a special place on campus. Those who come often speak of the peace and serenity they experience while praying there.In the 75 years since being built, Portiuncula Chapel has undergone several facelifts. The first occurred in 1945 when the main entrance was redone to correct weather damage. The restoration extended the length and width of the original design. In 1974 the Chapel received complete interior restoration under the direction of Sister Jeremias Stinson where heat, light, and water were added. Then in 2003, the Chapel was rebuilt stone-by-stone to prevent it from collapsing. The hard work to maintain the beautiful chapel is appreciated by all who visit it each day. The Portiuncula is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those who wish to pray in an atmosphere of quiet reflection and solitude.

August 2 marked the 75th anniversary of the dedication of the Portiuncula Chapel. To mark this occasion the Sisters held a Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Portiuncula.

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Sisters in MinistryCoaching the Biggest Game of All—Life Sister Rachel Nijakowski is an extraverted person with a never ending desire to help people. Her official title is Executive Director and Psychologist for the Sophia Center, but she thinks of herself as a coach, just one with a task more important than teaching somebody how to swing a bat or kick a soccer ball. She guides young people along the difficult and often overwhelming path of life. Her greatest joy is helping a teenager struggling with a low sense of self worth become confident.“It’s overwhelming when they first come in,” said Sister Rachel, “but after I get an assessment of the situation I can usually develop a step-by-step plan that can lead them out of their chaos. I try to get them to a place where they realize they can do this on their own, because, after all, I can’t do it for them.”Sister Rachel knew she wanted to be a Sylvania Franciscan the first day she walked through the doors of St. Clare Academy, the former all girls’ high school on the grounds of the Sylvania Franciscan Village and Motherhouse for the Sisters of St. Francis. She had spent her grade school years watching the Franciscan values modeled for her by the Sisters who taught at Our Lady of Lourdes in Toledo. As a young girl she admired the unbounding joy the Sisters exhibited in everything they did.She started out as an elementary school teacher and quickly realized she liked having an impact on young people. After receiving a master’s degree in psychology, she taught at Lourdes College for nine years then earned her doctorate in psychology. In 1993 she opened the Sophia Center, a nonprofit organization that helps the needy and marginalized. Today she has 10 staff: counselors, licensed social workers, a nurse practitioner, psychometrician, an educational specialist and three support staff and offer a full spectrum of services for children, adolescents and adults. Sister Rachel chose the name Sophia because it is a Greek word meaning the inner wisdom of God. That is what she thinks counseling does—helps people find their true inner self, that place where they can find God.Specializing in adolescents, she uses testing and counseling to help teens understand they aren’t stupid or lazy. Rather, in many cases, they have attention deficit disorder or dyslexia and that is why they can’t learn in school. While Sister Rachel says hers skills of talking and helping are a match made in heaven for a psychologist, she never forgets why she is using them. She is living life as a Sylvania Franciscan serving others the same way it was shown to her as a young girl.

Bringing Joy to the Forgotten OnesFrom a classroom full of college students to a stark prison cell with a single bed and a solitary female inmate seem to be two very different settings, unless you are Sister Marguerite Polcyn. For almost 50 years she has taught school, from elementary to college, but 10 years ago she found a way to expand the horizon of her ministry as a Sylvania Franciscan through prison work and easily sees common ground in both worlds.She took a field trip to a county jail in Michigan and said, as odd is it may sound, she got an immediate sense of peace and a feeling that she belonged when she was among the prisoners. That was the beginning of her exposure to a different kind of student and has led to a more fulfilling life as a Sister of St. Francis. Sister Marguerite now spends most Thursday nights with women offenders at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio in Stryker. “As a Sylvania Franciscan, I am always looking for ways to help the marginalized and what better opportunity than to work with women who are in jail,” said Sister Marguerite. “Once I get to know them I usually find out that they are beautiful people on the inside. It’s just that circumstances in their lives led them to make some bad decisions.”Sister Marguerite likes to be with people, whether it is in the classroom or in the jail. She says it brings her great peace to be with a woman who has been forgotten and is not wanted and help her understand that God loves her no matter what she did. She brings these inmates to the realization that there is hope and they can turn their lives around.She said her primary role is to be a sounding board. She just listens and lets the women become comfortable with her and begin to share their stories. Many come from abused homes and find themselves on the streets fending for themselves. Drugs and prostitution often are part of the picture. They have low self-esteem and Sister Marguerite is sometimes the first person who has ever taken the time to listen to them.“We will just sit and read a passage from the bible and talk about what it means to them. I try to help them open their eyes and see that God loves them. They find a lot of hope in prayer and seem to look forward to my visits.”Borrowing from St. Francis, Sister Marguerite sees herself as an instrument of peace... where there is darkness, she brings light... where there is despair, she is a beacon of hope.

“I help them go from mad and sad to understanding why they are the way they are and there are ways to correct it.”

“Once they trust me and begin to open up I find out that many of them are very spiritual.”

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Sisters in MinistryProviding Care and Trust for Those with Mental IllnessA handshake, a smile and a friendly “how are you doing today” is how Sister Ann Marie Emon greets everyone who comes into the computer lab of the Thomas M. Wernert Center. Located in Toledo’s old west end, the Wernert Center is a mental health recovery and support center. Everyone who comes there has been diagnosed with a mental disorder and everyone who serves them is walking the same road of living with mental health issues.It is this peer-to-peer atmosphere that makes the Wernert Center a unique place to go and it is for that very reason Sister Ann Marie has been ministering there for the past five years. She has taken her teaching skills, where she spent 17 years teaching in Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota and adapted them to a diverse environment where trust and mutual respect help lead people recovering from a mental illness to a meaningful life.“I love working with the people who come into the Wernert Center,” said Sister Ann Marie. “Every day is different. Some days I will have someone who needs a lot of support, and other days I am just here to assist them with their computer skills. I try to find everyone computer activities that will help them gain skills to become productive citizens.”Sister Ann Marie’s classroom skills are apparent to the other staff members. Her kindness and patience are clearly visible with each person who visits the computer lab. She understands each one’s limitations and finds programs that fit their individual needs. Stacy Stublefield, a computer lab assistant said when Sister isn’t there, people notice.“The people I work with are typically unable to find work because of the stigma and stereotypes attached to mental illness,” said Sister Ann Marie. “That is why I share my diagnosis with those I help. It demonstrates to them that one can live a healthy, normal life while having mental health issues.”It is her openness and ability to connect that has left a lasting impression with Wernert Center clients and other workers at the center. Just as St. Francis gave away all that he owned and lived as a beggar – preaching, repairing churches, caring for lepers, and filling the Umbrian hills with the joyful message that our God is a God of love—Sister Ann Marie brings joy and caring to those with mental illness.

“As a Sister of St. Francis, I am called to help the poor and the marginalized. People who suffer from mental illness often fall into both categories.”

Helping the Poor and MarginalizedA peanut butter sandwich or a clean tee shirt doesn’t seem like much unless you are living on the streets or a migrant worker. As the Director of Social Justice for a Catholic parish in Virginia Beach, Sister Mary Ann Grzeskowiak serves the poor and the marginalized in an area you wouldn’t normally associate with those in need.“You would think Virginia Beach would be immune to the downturn in the economy,” said Sister Mary Ann, “but it isn’t. We used to get mostly walk-ins looking for a meal or clean clothes. Now we have a food bank where we provide groceries and assistance with rent and utilities for people who have lost their jobs.”The problem is so bad that Sister Mary Ann has volunteers who go to local super markets and food stores to find day-old bread and other items that would normally be thrown away, so they can give them to the needy. When she first arrived at Star of Sea parish 11 years ago, she only supplied bag lunches. Now she solicits donations to help provide food for whole families, as well as help paying their medical bills. “Every mother or father would like to know somebody is helping their son or daughter who might have lost their way. I have heard so many stories from people who are trying to find their way home that I have lost count,” she said. Sister Mary Ann taught school for many years, was principal of Cardinal Stritch High School in Toledo from 1976 to 1983, then served for eight years on the Sylvania Franciscan Leadership Team. She wanted a change and went to Mississippi where she worked with the poor. That led her to Virginia Beach, where she currently ministers to a combination of homeless, mentally ill and the working poor.Once a week on Tuesday evenings, Sister and a group of volunteers go out to the eastern shores of Chesapeake Bay where they give out welcome kits to migrant workers after their long day of picking tomatoes. Their offerings are meager—towels, clean tee shirts, toothbrushes and flip flops—but, as she said, for these people it is the little things that count.“We want them to know we appreciate who they are, not what they do,” she said. “To see them smile after we give them their little welcome kit is more rewarding than anything they could give in return.”The theme for Sister’s ministry is “What so ever you do for the least of my people, you do for me” and she is grateful if she is able to help one mother sleep better knowing somebody is looking after her wayward son.

“We also serve as a voice of compassion for the mentally ill and the homeless.”

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Our 2011 Jubilarians

Platinum Jubilarian Celebrating 75 Years

Sister M. Alma Zigment, OSF Sister M. Alma Zigment taught elementary school for 54 years in Sylvania, Fremont, Toledo and Bowling Green, Ohio; Minneapolis, Winona and Wells, Minnesota; and Liberty, Texas. She entered the Sylvania Franciscans from St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish in Duluth, Minn. After retiring from the classroom, she tutored students and did volunteer work in elementary schools and at Lourdes College for several years until her health declined and she moved to Rosary Care Center where she continues her ministry of prayer for others.Sister Alma is a beautiful example of someone who has grown closer to the Lord as she has grown in wisdom and grace.

Diamond Jubilarians Celebrating 60 Years

Sister M. Alacoque Skoney, OSFSister M. Alacoque Skoney taught elementary school for 23 years in Ohio, Minnesota, and Michigan. She spent 10 years as a Catechist at St. Claude Parish in Mt. Clements, Mich., worked in the business office at the Motherhouse, and assisting in the pastoral care department at Holy Cross Hospital in Detroit. She entered the Sylvania Franciscans from Queen of Apostles Parish in Hamtramck, Mich. She cared for her ailing mother in Detroit for a number of years and currently volunteers at Rosary Care Center where she resides.Sister said her life has been a happy one for the past 60 years and she feels that the following quotation from Rev. Thaddeus Horgan sums it up beautifully, “Through prayer, life becomes God-centered and faith-filled with the Good News of Jesus Christ.” She hopes to accomplish God’s will for her and prays for the good health she needs to be able to continue her ministry at Rosary Care Center.

Sister Dorothy Marie Balabuch, OSFSister Dorothy Marie Balabuch has served in a variety of ministries ranging from housekeeping and dietary at the Motherhouse to serving in convents and local hospitals. She was a home health aide, a house parent at an orphanage, a school bus driver, a day care center teacher, as well as a second grade teacher. Sister Dorothy entered the convent from St. Ladislaus Parish in Hamtramck, Michigan. She currently works in food service at Southview High School in Sylvania.In addition to her work in food service, Sister Dorothy visits the residents at Rosary Care Center with her little dog, Oreo. She also spends time with her large extended family and enjoys celebrating various events and sometimes travels with them. Her goal in life is quite simple, “to get to heaven.”

Sister Jeanine Sokolowski, OSFSister Jeanine Sokolowski taught elementary school for 38 years in Michigan, Ohio, and Minnesota. She entered the Sylvania Franciscans from Holy Cross Parish in Minneapolis, Minn. After retiring from teaching she tutored, worked in home health, and served as a driver and companion for the residents of Rosary Care Center as well as an assistant activity director in a nursing home. Sister Jeanine currently assists Sisters who are taken to the hospital in an emergency situation. She said she finds this ministry very fulfilling as the Sisters tell her how happy they are to have her as their companion at such difficult times. She loves to be of service wherever she can.

Sister M. Madeleva Kraus, OSFSister M. Madeleva Kraus, entered the Sylvania Franciscans from Immaculate Conception Parish in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. She taught for 22 years in elementary schools in Michigan, Ohio and Minnesota. She was an elementary school principal in Maryland and Ohio for 16 years and served two terms on the Congregational Leadership Team. Currently, she is the Director of Mission Integration at Madonna Manor, a retirement community managed by Franciscan Living Communities and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, in Villa Hills, Kentucky.Sister Madeleva has had a lifelong love for the arts as expressed in concerts, art exhibits as well as her own creative seasonal decorating projects. She continues to dabble in poetry and writing and loves to relax to beautiful music. She said a scripture passage that has become very meaningful to her is from the prophet, Micah—“Act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God.”

Thirteen Jubilarians representing 725 years of “ joyful servanthood among all people” were recently honored for their ministries. Seated in the center is 75-year Jubilarian Sister M. Alma Zigment. From left are Sr. Ann Rita Young, Sr. M. Eucharista Ward, Sr. Julitta M. Campbell, Sr. La Donna Marie Pinkelman, Sr. M. Ellen Cmiel, Sr. Ritamary Pyzick, Sr. M. Madeleva Kraus, Sr. Jeanine Sokolowski, Sr. Dorothy Marie Balabuch, Sr. Dorothy Jayne Krupp, Sr. M. Alacoque Skoney, Sr. M. Thomas More Ruffing.

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Sister M. Thomas More Ruffing, OSFSister M. Thomas More Ruffing taught school for 27 years, first in elementary schools in Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio, and then at St. Clare Academy in Sylvania and Central Catholic High School in Toledo. She also served as the head librarian for Lourdes College for 28 years. Sister Thomas More entered the Sylvania Franciscans from St. Casimir’s Parish in Wells, Minn. Since her retirement from the college, she has served the residents at Rosary Care Center, worked in the Communication Office for the Sisters and is currently Assistant Congregational Archivist.Sister Thomas More feels that she really has accomplished all that she ever wanted to do, and even more than she could ever have imagined. Highlights of her years in religion include: the many opportunities to travel in the U.S. and abroad; playing the pipe organ in Rome’s Pantheon while the tour group joined her in the hymn Immaculate Mary; and the recent celebration acknowledging her 50 years of faithful service as an organist in the Motherhouse Chapel.

Golden Jubilarians Celebrating 50 Years

Sister Ann Rita Young, OSFSister Ann Rita Young transferred to the Sisters of St. Francis in Sylvania, Ohio from the Felician Sisters in Livonia, Michigan in 1990. She taught elementary, junior high and high school for over 35 years, 21 of them in schools in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba, Brazil. She taught at the University of Toledo and worked in the accounting department for the Sisters of St. Francis. She currently is a chaplain at the University of Toledo Medical Center.Sister Ann Rita said she sees life now as a time for helping others to become the best they can be, not perfect, but the best of who they can be. Sister Ann Rita draws consolation from 1 John 4:9-10 “God’s love was revealed in our midst in this way: He sent His only Son to the world that we might have life through Him. Love, then, consists in this: not that we have loved God but that He has loved us and has sent His Son as an offering for our sins.”

Sister Dorothy Jayne Krupp, OSFSister Dorothy Jayne Krupp entered the Sylvania Franciscans from St. Paul’s Parish, Norwalk, Ohio. Sister taught for 23 years in elementary schools in Ohio and Minnesota. She was Worship Coordinator at St. Martin de Porres in Warren, Mich. and is currently the Pastoral Associate at St. Michael Parish in Monroe, Mich. where she enjoys walking with people in their faith journey.She said she feels that she has influenced others the past 50 years by being true to who she is, by living simply, and by living the Gospel as she compassionately cares for those in need of her gifts. Her life can be summed up in her own words, “My heart is filled with gratitude for these 50 years of grace. God is good! God is faithful! All praise to the Most High God!”

Sister M. Ellen Cmiel, OSFSister M. Ellen Cmiel taught in grade schools in Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota for 13 years. She then spent 36 years in various parish ministry positions in Minnesota, and Michigan. She entered the Sylvania Fran-ciscans from St. John the Baptist Parish in New Brighton, Minn. and is currently the Director of Faith Formation and a Pastoral Minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Minneapolis.As she reflects on her life over the past 50 years and wonders about the future, Sister Ellen hopes to continue to be faithful to her vocation and her ministry. She sums up her life and her look into her future with these words from Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him in love.”

Sister M. Eucharista Ward, OSFSister M. Eucharista Ward entered the Sylvania Franciscans from Im-maculate Conception Parish in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. She spent 23 years teaching English and religion courses in high schools in Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota. Her last 21 years of ministry have taken place in Sylvania and Minneapolis, where Sister Eucharista has been a resident aide and home-health aide assisting elders with a variety of needs. Her lifelong interest in writing continues to be part of her current ministry.Sister Eucharista credits her elementary school teachers for her interest in religious life and says that her mother “was all for it.” Teaching and living at Cardinal Stritch High School in Oregon, Ohio was a highlight in her life. She enjoys reading, writing and cooking and continues to influence others by being faithful in prayer and receiving the sacraments.

Sister Julitta M. Campbell, OSFSister Julitta M. Campbell taught elementary school for 13 years in Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota and served in a variety of pastoral ministries for 25 years in parishes in Indiana, Ohio, and Minnesota. She entered the Sylvania Franciscans from Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in St. Paul, Minn. She served as a missionary in Africa for five years in Binga and Kamativi, Zimbabwe. Sister Julitta is currently Director of Spiritual Care at Providence Care Center in Sandusky, Ohio where she continues to learn from the elders on how to accept the aging process and the limitations that come with it.Sister Julitta said she is most grateful to the Community for the education that prepared her for her ministries, the retreats that sustained her spiritual life, the sabbaticals that renewed her energies and the ongoing support and love of the leadership and her Sisters over these 50 years. She feels her vocation is God’s gift and grace and she has found life and meaning in her commitment as a Sylvania Franciscan Sister. To quote Jean Christie Lien, ‘I love this part of my life as much as the beginning. These are the “Yes” years, when there is so much we can do.’”

Sister La Donna Marie Pinkelman, OSFSister La Donna Marie Pinkelman entered the Sylvania Franciscans from St. Elizabeth Parish in Berkey, Ohio. She taught elementary school for 15 years in Ohio and Minnesota, worked in pastoral care for 12 years in Ohio and Colorado, and religious education for eight years in Ohio and Minnesota. Currently she is the Director of the Wholistic Resource Center located in Rosary Care Center on the Motherhouse grounds in Sylvania. Sister La Donna spends time writing prose, poetry and prayers, some of which have been published.Sister La Donna hopes she can still continue to serve others through her writing, her life and her love of people as she accompanies them on their spiritual journey in life. Her life is guided by several words of wisdom from the writing of Scripture and St. Francis “Gaze, consider, contemplate” (St. Francis); “God’s grace keeps pace with whatever we face” (unknown); “Be still and know that I am God” (Scripture); and “Nothing is impossible with God.”

Sister Ritamary Pyzick, OSFSister Ritamary Pyzick taught elementary school for 28 years in Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota and has spent the last 23 years as a Pastoral Minister at St. Raphael Parish in Garden City, Mich. She entered the Sylvania Franciscans from St. Casimir Parish in Wells, Minn. Sister Ritamary said, “My 50th Jubilee is a celebration of praise and thanks to God for so many blessings in my life—my parents and family, their dedication to God and the Catholic faith, for the opportunity of having a Catholic education and being able to grow up with the Sylvania Franciscan Sisters, our Sisters in Community, their prayers, support and friendship and the People of God with whom I have ministered for 50 years. I thank God for traveling this journey with me, always there to guide, bless, direct and protect me, and I know that He will always be there for me as I journey into the future as a Sylvania Franciscan Sister. Thank you, Lord, for calling me and for gracing me to follow Your call!”

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In MemoriumSister Mary Pius Serewa, OSFSister Mary Pius Serewa died January 30, 2011 in Rosary Care Center. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1922, she entered the Sylvania Franciscans in 1944 and made her final vows in 1947. Sister Mary Pius spent most of her life and ministry as an elementary teacher in schools in Ohio, Michigan, and Maryland for a total of 57 years. Thirty-eight of those years she spent in ministry at St. Hyacinth School and parish in Toledo, Ohio—28 as a teacher and 10 in parish ministry—where she visited the sick and helped the elder members of the parish. Sister Mary Pius will be remembered for her kind and generous spirit. She was always willing to help someone in need. She loved people and animals and enjoyed the many groups of people who came to entertain the residents at Rosary Care Center where she lived and prayed for others the last eight years of her life.

Sister M. Antonelle Slostech, OSFSister M. Antonelle Slostech died on April 21, 2011 at Flower Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio. Born in Min-neapolis, Minnesota in 1920, she professed her first vows as a Sylvania Franciscan in 1946 and her final vows in 1949. Sister Antonelle taught for 36 years in elementary schools in Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota. She worked in parish ministry for 13 years at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Minneapolis, Minn., until she came back to the Motherhouse where she spent the past 17 years volunteer-ing for the St. Francis Guild, serving on the Sacristy Team and working in the Rosary Care Center Gift Shop.Sister Antonelle will be remembered for her gracious manner and lovely smile as she welcomed visitors to the campus and in the gift shop.

Sister M. Faber Narog, OSFSister M. Faber Narog died on May 1, 2011 at Rosary Care Center. Sister was born in Minneapolis, Min-nesota in 1921 and professed her first vows as a Sylvania Franciscan in 1941 and her final vows in 1944. Sister Faber taught in elementary schools in Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan for 17 years and in high schools in Ohio and Michigan for 13 years. She was principal at St. Ladislaus High School in Hamtramck, Mich. for five years before serving as community secretary for the Sylvania Franciscans for 12 years. Before coming to reside at Rosary Care Center, Sr. Faber was the Golden Club Medallion Club Assistant (a senior citizens group) at St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan, Texas, a hospital sponsored by the Sylvania Franciscans.Sister Faber will be remembered for her quiet manner and pleasant personality. She was always willing to do whatever needed to be done in the various ministries in which she participated.

Sister M. Clarentia Lasko, OSFSister M. Clarentia Lasko died on May 4, 2011 at Rosary Care Center. She was born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1917 and professed her first vows in 1938 and her final vows in 1941. Sister Clarentia taught for 61 years in elementary schools in Michigan and Wisconsin, 35 of those years at St. Ladislaus School in Hamtramck, Mich. She felt privileged to prepare the third graders for First Communion and helped many students conquer their difficulties with reading through her creative teaching and perseverance. Sister Clarentia will be remembered by all who knew her as a woman of courage and patience. Her health problems were challenging, but she never complained or seemed upset about them.

Sister M. Rosaria Petra, OSFSister M. Rosaria Petra died on May 14, 2011 at Rosary Care Center. She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1921 and professed her first vows in 1941 and her final vows in 1944. Sister Rosaria spent her 70 years in religious life involved in a variety of ministries. She taught in elementary schools, high schools and colleges in Michigan and Ohio. She had received her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame. She served as Assistant Administrator of Cardinal Stritch High School, in Oregon, Ohio for two years and was President of Lourdes Junior College in Sylvania, Ohio for nine years. During her tenure she helped develop new associate degree programs as well as lay the ground work to change the two year institution into a four year college.Sister Rosaria will be remembered for her contagious smile and a twinkle in her eye that attracted others to her warm spirit and kind manner.

Sister Alice Warrick, OSF Sister Alice Warrick died on May 18, 2011 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bryan, Texas where she had served as Vice President of Mission Integration for the St. Joseph Health System since 1999. Sister Alice was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1936 and professed her first vows in 1955 and her final vows in 1958. Sister Alice spent her 56 years in religious life involved in a variety of ministries related to health care. She taught in elementary schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota before moving to healthcare. She became nursing supervisor, director of nursing, assistant administrator and eventually the administrator of Providence Hospital, Sandusky, Ohio in 1973. She also served as President of St. John Medical Center in Steubenville from 1978-1988.Sister Alice received a nursing home administrator’s license and in 1995 became the administrator of St. Ann Nursing Facility affiliated with Providence Hospital in Sandusky. She was instrumental in the development of a retirement commu-nity, St. Joseph Manor, affiliated with St. Joseph Health System in Bryan, Texas. Sister Alice will be remembered as someone who knew how to get things done and someone you could count on when you needed a friend.

Sister M. Norbertine Zacharias, OSFSister M. Norbertine Zacharias died on June 5, 2011 at Rosary Care Center surrounded by her loving family members and friends. Born in Hamtramck, Michigan in 1928, she professed her first vows in 1949 and her final vows in 1952. Her 62 years in religious life were filled with a variety of min-istries mostly in education, business and health care. For 12 years she taught in elementary schools in Ohio and Minnesota. She then entered healthcare and was the Controller and later Assistant Administrator of Providence Hospital in Sandusky, Ohio, Administrator of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan, Texas, and President and CEO of Holy Cross Hospital in Detroit. Those who knew Sister Norbertine best recall that she was a person with a strong personality, very clever in her dealings with people and an astute hospital administrator. She had a good sense of humor, a ready smile, and sparkling eyes.

Sister Virgilia Choy, OSFSister Virgilia Choy died on July 9, 2011 at Rosary Care Center. She was born in Fullerton, Nebraska in 1921 and professed her first vows in 1941 and her final vows in 1944. Sister Virgilia spent her 70 years in religious life involved in all levels of the education ministry. She began in 1940 by teaching in Catholic schools in Ohio, Minnesota, and Michigan 18 years. Her longest ministry was teaching for 23 years at Lourdes College, Sylvania, Ohio where she was an Associate Professor of History. Sister Virgilia also worked in the Congregation Development Office for 18 years. Those who know Sister Virgilia remember her as a woman of integrity, of kindness, and of readiness to learn. She understood the importance and relevance of history to contemporary life and was someone to count on when you needed an attentive ear.

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Thank You to our DonorsAhmed, Mohd & ShahedaAldahondo, Teresa H.Alvarado, Rebecca R.Ambrosia, Angela E.Belkofer, Rayman J.Birch, Emilia T.Bixler, R. Jeffrey & KathleenBosinger, James & LindaBrandenburg, Susan M.Brazeau, James & MicheleBrown, Susan J.Brown, Theodore B.Burmis, John & HeidiBurns, SusanButler, BernadetteCalabrese, Donald & AliceCall, Archie & CherylChirpich, Marcella V.Chmiel, MarieCiancetta, Victor C.Crowe, Rhonda S.Cundari, James & JohannaCzerniakowski, Raymond S.Dawson, Mary/Dawson Design Dean, JanetDeeter, Michelle M.Dimech Services, Inc.Drozdowicz, Michael & DianneDyko, ChesterDzierzawski, Nancy H.Erickson, Peter & CeceliaFaist, Richard & KathleenFantozzi, Frank & AnnaFijal, Walter R.Fitzgerald, Robert & TerryFlasck, Richard & MaryFranciscan Care Center,

Sylvania, OHFritsch, L. Donald & JaneFroehle, Rev. CharlesGabrik, Thomas & MargaretGarrity, ThereseGerard, Michael & JenniferGirard, JeffreyGrozde, George & JudithHall, Rev. John F.Halleron, UrsulaHamilton, Rev. Terence J.Handel, Thomas & RobertaHensley, Karen J.Henson, Donna M.Hesburn, Cynthia A.Hoeflinger, Brian & CynthiaHoeflinger FamilyHollenbeck, Paul & PamelaHolmes, Michael & CynthiaHolzemer, James & JaniceJaros, Rev. Joseph P.Johnson, Robert C.Joy Circle Methodist GroupJulkowski, Helen M.Jungquist, Jerome K.Kappel, Rosemary H.Kaufman, Thomas W.Keran, Christine M.Kimpel, RosalindaKohart, Ken & DeniseKolanko, Joseph & RoseKollar, Richard & JaneenKornacki, John & BarbaraKoziel, Kathleen M.Krzyzaniak, Alice R.Lipa, Phyllis L.Lisoski, Leona J.Litfin, Joan M.Maas, Ronald & MarilynMacDermott, MichaelMachesky, Ronald & Mary

Maciejewski, MichaelMajewski, Judith M.Marchiniak, John & FlorenceMarchiniak, Theodore & MurielMasten, William & BarbaraMazur, Eugene R.McCabe, Owen & JudithMeehan, Thomas & MaryMerriman, Ellen E.Middaugh, MarjorieMiksa, SophiaMiller, Dennis & JanetMilton, Jo A.Mockensturm, Michael

& ChristineMucci, Dennis & MargaretMurzyn, Mike & Patricia Siwek

MurzynMustafaga, Evelyn P.Myers, Doris M.Niemiec, Michael J.Nordan, David & JudithOnisko, Loretta J.Pappa, Joseph & CarolPartyka, Stanley & Mary JanePeltier, StellaPeters, Rita W.Pietrowski, Helen A.Pisula, Richard & IsabellaPostlewaite, CandacePrebonich, Sharon A.Prosser, IreneRiestenberg, Patricia L.Rogowski, Jo Ann M.Rose, Daniel J.Rudzki, Wanda C.Schaupp, Rev. Mr. Larry

& HelenSchmenk, Rev. Msgr. Cleo S.Sheahan, RogerSheibley, Mary LouSigrist, James P.Slates, Charles & MarieSmith, Brian C.Solt, Mary KaySoltys, Mary T.Sonntag, EleanorStrick, James & JulieStuhltrager, Philip L.Swaincott, LisaSwiderski, Edward & FlorenceSzyndlar, SophieTatro, Mary JeanThomas, Dale & JaniceThornell, Robert & AlmaThornell, Robert & DianeTollison, Joanne K.Utykanski, David & ElisaVan Koughnet, Theresa G.Varney, Lawrence F.Verbosky, Jr., WilliamWalczewski, Walter & GertrudeWehinger, Rev. Thomas E.Weide, Harley & TheresaWise, Elizabeth T.Wojtas, Carol E.Wojtas, Diane K.Wozniak, SophieYeager, Gerald & SandraZachel, Katherine A.Zakrzewski, Raymond & CaroleZalecki, ClaraZembal, Edward & PazZerhusen, Leo & Jeannette

MeMORIALSNarcyz and Anna Adamkiewicz Stock, Camille A.Allam Family Members Thibodeau, Thomas & JanSister M. Avila Antczak, OSF Smith, GeraldineMary Arquette Totwnsend, Theodore & HelenSister Elaine Marie Baca, OSF Baca, Bernard & Colleen Baca, Eugene & Eleanor Baca, Stanley J. Troxtell, Rose AnnAlex Baird Baird, Lois A.Sophie Chylinski Chylinski, Joseph L.Barnowski Family Members Pluta, Thomas & PatriciaEd Bialecki Bialecki, Lavonda M.Christine Marie Bober Bober, Aloysius & RosemarieDiane Brown Bialecki, Lavonda M.Dorothy E. Clunk Clunk, Kathleen L.Sister M. Alexandra Coffel, OSF Watrol, Robert P.Cass and Stella Cosky Brown, Thomas & Leona Leocadia Czajka Gearhart, Lucy A.Florence Decker Walczak, Valeria C.Elizabeth J. Senecal Derivan Bodey, Steven K. Brenner, Joseph & Mary Jo. Dowd, David & Joyce Fortuna Family Gould, Betty Hamann, Lloyd & Roxanne Lioi, The Honorable Sara E. Mahnke, Caroline Senecal, David Steinmann, Scott & SuzyRita Dorr Dorr, John E.Sister M. Marcelline Drewniak, OSF Schedin, Wallace & JeanFlorence J. Duffy Duffy Family Duffy, Thomas E.Sister M. Laurentine Dupla, OSF Hungate, Mary D.Dupla Family Members Hungate, Mary D.James Dzialak Lentocha, Jennifer L.Marguarite “Pety” Eckel Burrer, Wayne & Gayle Eckel, Constance S. Fondren, Eugene Gallenstein, Winifred A. Haswell, Thomas & Kathryn Lampkowski, Michael & Gayle Waters, William & AnnEdward Fackelman Fackelman, ElizabethJoanne Fitzpatrick Apel, MaryWalter and Verna Foloik Schrieber, Raymond H.Elizabeth C. Fowler Fowler, Charles & CatherineSister M. Felice Gorny, OSF Gorny, Ronald

Virginia Handel Williams, Adelaide M.Sister M. Assumpta Hintz, OSF Ciancetta Victor C. Zaborski, Mary AnnMr. and Mrs. Gerald Holscher Holscher, Carol AnnJablonski Family Members Wodarski, BarbaraJoseph and Louise Kijek Schaldenbrand, Peter &

FlorenceSister M. Gerald Konjolka, OSF Kondziolka, Stanley & PatriciaRichard Kott Kott, OSF, M. Rose de LimaWayne Kott Kott, OSF, M. Rose de LimaSister M. Gonzaga Kozek, OSF Braun, Joanne M.Stanley and Patricia Kruzel Nyitray, Sharon A.Sister M. Gregory Kubik, OSF Johnson, Sophie G.Sister M. Gregory Kubik, OSF Johnson, Sophie G.Sister M. Charlotte Kubielka, OSF Braun, Joanne M.Mary Kudla Johnson, Sophie G.Marilyn Kurtzman Kurtzman, John L.Sister M. Immaculata Kusina, OSF Hy, John & JanineCharles Langenderfer Langenderfer, Melba J.Sister M. Clarentia Lasko, OSF Arvant, Elizabeth J. Jankowski, Alfred & Shirley McKenna, James & Mary Ann Michalak, Phyllis A. Sarnowski, EleanoreSister M. Siena Lemm, OSF Aubart, Mary K.Sister M. Michaeline Lesiak, OSF Zaleski, Ramona M.Sister M. Victorine Lopata, OSF Shelland, John & PatriciaSylvester Lubiatowski Lubiatowski, Marjorie A.Natalie Marshall Marshall, Michael & MarilynGeorge and Ella Marzolf Marzolf, Richard & MaryGerald A. Mazuchowski Helmier, Marcine A.Sister M. Gregoria (Mary)

Metro, OSF Zaleski, Ramona M.Sister M. Albertina Mielcarek, OSF Williams, Adelaide M.Sister M. Leontine Milewski, OSF Milewski, Leonard & JosephineMiller Family Members Myers, Clifford & ElizabethMichael Miller Miller, EleanorTed Mrozek Mrozek, Henry & carolMyers Family Members Myers, Clifford & ElizabethMatthew Najmowicz Najmowicz, Susan M.

Sister M. Faber Narog, OSF Chock, Ann M. Ciancetta, Victor C. Dziekciowski, Thomas & Marilyn Humecke, Cecilia N. Johnson, Sophie G. Joncas, Rev. Michael Joncas, Theresa J. Klesmit, Gertrude M. Modeen, Donald & Rosemary Narog Family O’Connell, John & Donna Palicki, Walter R. Sarnowski, Eleanore Stopera, Anne B. Weglinski, Mark Weglinski, RitaGeraldine Sandusky Niemiec Boma, Diane E. D’Alo, Stelio & Dolores Feeney, Erin Wehrman, David & LindaSister M. Lucilla Osinski, OSF Warren, GeorgianneBernard Paskiet Paskiet, BarbaraSister M. Roberta Pelc, OSF Peltz, Richard & Helen MarySister M. Rosaria Petra, OSF Cerepak, Bruce & Susan Drewicz, Norene L. Gorr, Rose Marie T. Meyer, Vincenz Marie Nussel, Edward & Lorraine O’Connell, John & Donna Otto, Ray & Sheila Palicki, Walter R. Pitra, Marilyn Sarnowski, Eleanore Swierczek, Lillian M. Zak, Ronald & VeronicaVirginia “Ginny” Pezzin Pezzin, John J.Mary Jo Sienko Pfeifer Conroy, Ann MariePluta Family Members Pluta, Thomas & PatriciaOllie Raszka Raszka, Eleanor R.Corrine L. Reineke Reineke, Sr., William F.Angeline E. Ripsin Kiner, Mary Jane Palapala, JudyNorb and Mary Roeder Marshall, Michael & MarilynDavid Rutz Frakie, Roger & JaniceSister M. Clementine Rybinski, OSF Rybinski, AgnesSister M. Paschal Rybinski, OSF Rybinski, AgnesDolores Schrieber Schrieber, Raymond H.Max and Alenes Schrieber Schrieber, Raymond H.Betty J. Schrein Schrein, OSF, ShannonCharles Schroeder Brian, Timothy & LynnLeo and Loretta Schulte Marzolf, Richard & MarySeliga Family Members Skelton, AgnesSister M. Trinita Seliga, OSF Skelton, Agnes

Donor listing reflects contributions from January 2011 through June 2011.

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“Our five children were educated by the Sisters of St. Francis at Immaculate Conception in Port Clinton, Ohio. The education they received was stellar. Thank you very much. Our gratitude only increases with time.” – Joe and Mary Jo Streeter Brenner

Sister Mary Pius Serewa, OSF Ciancetta, Victor C. Collier Family Collier, Keith & Carol Friends Klocinski, Esther A. Kolinski, Joanne F. Krolak, Sharon A. McKinstray, Mary S. Palicki, Walter R. Polcyn, Leonard & Judy Raszka, Eleanor R. Rutkowski, M/M Walter Sarnowski, Eleanore Stanakis, Hedy & Stephanie Swierczek, Lillian M. Szyndlar, Sophie Whitehead, Susan A.Sister M. Sheila Shea, OSF Holscher, Carol Ann Jex, David & Jori Lynch Jex Seymour, Dale & Phyllis Stough, The Honorable Craig A.

& BarbaraSister M. Aquin Sienko, OSF Sienko, Frank A.Sister M. Danielle Sienko, OSF Sienko, Frank A.Sister M. Dorothy Sienko, OSF Sienko, Stanley P.Sister M. Melanie Sienko, OSF Sienko, Frank A.John Sikora Frakie, Roger & Janice Godlewski, Janice M. Herschbach, J. M. Johnson, Sophie G. Murzyn, Jim & Audrey Stopera, Anne B. Wissink, Joyce AnnSister M. Berneta Skorka, OSF Pylak, DonnaSister M. Antonelle Slostech, OSF Aumann, Clara Moll Balent, Dorothy Brandt, Jeffrey & Jennifer Ciancetta, Victor C. Ehling Family Ehling, Kenneth & Jean Ehling, Matthew & Cheri Gerlach, Thomas & Dianne Mustafaga, Evelyn P. Olson, Harlan & Joan Palicki, Walter R. Rice, Peter & Charlotte Sarnowski, Eleanore

Schluender, Leo & Pat Simon, Hannah P. Swierczek, Lillian M. Tomochek, James & CarolynPhil and Sadie Spino Roome, Robert & CarolynSadie Spino Steele, Robert & PhyllisSister Jeanne Stack, OSF Tomaszewski, Gerald J.Suzanne Stanek Stanek, Rose Ann F.Danny and Alice Stelmaszewski Stelmaszewski, Donna J.Stanley and Helen Stopczynski Stopczynski, ThomasSylvania Franciscans Borkowski, OSF, Barbara AnnSylvania Franciscans who served at

St. Ladislaus, Hamtramck, MI

Sister M. Benedicta Szuta, OSF Flosky, LeonardThibodeau Family Members Thibodeau, Thomas & JanSister M. Priscilla Tykwinski, OSF Sovell, Donald K.Edward and Sophie Urban Urban, OSF, AdrienneHarry Villec Rabideau, MargaretSister Alice Warrick, OSF Belt, Jenifer A. Bonar, Carol L. Erftmier, Don & Adelaide Ertle, Thomas & Jane Everett, Charles & Patricia Hallock, Betty Jacobs, Chuck & Sonia Ramirez

Jacobs Jones, Bradford & Susan Kohlman, M. Avolene La Jimodiere, Leonard & Dorothy Lenhart, Donald & Michael Anne Longenberger, Edward & Mary Beth Marzano, Augstine & Jane Meyer, Vincenz Marie Obringer, Robert & Marlene O’Connell, John & Donna Ohio Valley Neurology Associates,

PLLC, Weirton, WV Potts, Mary M. Reiter, Mary Alice Roesner, John & Rosemary Sarnowski, Eleanore Schaeffer, Theodore & Florence Schwerer, Lois Sheibley, Mary Lou Singh, Ranjera Singh, Sarjit Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP Viertlbeck, Thomas & Patricia Warrick, Robert & Betty Zarvis, John & LaurenJay Patrick Welch Welch, Gerald J.Walter and Angeline Wheeler Clarke, Marlene BedorePearl M. White White, Richard E.Mitchell Wiejowski Giza, Edward T.Robert Wilczynski Wilczynski. BermadetteWodarski Family Members Wodarski, BarbaraSister M. Justin Yourish, OSF Wehrung, Barbara A.Sister M. Norbertine Zacharias, OSF Boyer, John & Annette Crane, Harry & Jennifer Dupler, Kristi Formella, Herbert & Dorothy Green, Loretta Z. Karasinski, Marge Kelly, Mary Kay Leonard, Richard & Lori Lojek, Joseph & Theresa Lomske, Steven & Cecile Mathes, Joseph & Lorraine McLaughlin, William & Ruth Ann Nalecz, Norbert & Vallie O’Connell, John & Donna Parini, Ron & Alicia Poplaw, OSF, M. Laura Romanczuk, Anna Romanczuk, Paul & Kathleen Romanski, Marie

Sarnowski, Eleanore Scavo, James & Amy Scavo, Michael & Esther Scott, Leeanne Sobanski, Sylvia Sobota, Leonard & Rose Marie Stuckey, Robert & Patricia Sylvania Franciscan Health Tosoian, Charles & Christine Tosoian, Nicholas Tosoian, Owen & Judith Tuszak, M/M Joseph R. Yec, Karen N. Zacharias, Amy Zacharias Family Zacharias, Jeffrey & Virginia Zacharias, John & Jean Zacharias, Joseph & Jo Ann Zacharias, Stanley Zacharias, Steve & Helene Zacharias, Thomas Zanke, Gerald & DianeSister M. Beatrice Zawisza, OSF Kaitaniak, Melvin & Dolores Shutt, Lewis & Elaine

TRIBuTeSArend Family Arend, Russell & MarySister Dorothy Marie Balabuch’s Diamond Jubilee Yenrick, Carolyn L.Sister M. Digna Chirpich, OSF Kosnik, PaulSister M. Philothea Chirpich, OSF Kosnik, PaulSister M. Virgilia Choy, OSF Zoucha, Dr. & Mrs. AdamAlaina Dixon Brady, Paula K.Jablonski Family Members Wodarski, BarbaraSister M. Angelita Kaczmarzyk, OSF Tozer, Jane M.Sister Patrice Keran, OSF Cutshall, William & SusanFathers of the Kluska Family Walczak, Valeria C.Sister M. Matthias Kolinski, OSF Kolinski, George & ElaineSister Gwendolin Koniar, OSF Boyce, William & Rochelle Church of St. Hedwig Dompierre, Mark & JeanneKonopka Family Konopka, OSF, M. JosettaLambart Family Ponzi, Lawrence & TinaSister M. Samuel Lubeck, OSF Steinle, Rev. James E.Sister M. Pierre Ostroski, OSF Krupp, Dan & DianeSister Kathleen Ottrock, OSF Dorr, Robert & DiannePonzi Family Ponzi, Lawrence & TinaSister Ritamary Pyzick, OSF Prus, Rev. Edward J.Sister Rita Jane Radecki, OSF Carleski, James & Rita AnnSister M. Fidelis Rubbo, OSF Balicki, William & DorisSister M. Thomas More Ruffing, OSF Gillespie, Larry J. Hartmann, Marcia J. Kiros, Patsy McCarthy, Audrey Mohar, Karen Murray, LindaSister M. Irenaeus Samsel, OSF Nycz, Joseph & MarilynSister M. Juliana Sienko, OSF Sienko, Frank A.Sister M. Rosine Sobczak, OSF McHue, Denise M.Sister Jeanine Sokolowski, OSF AnonymousSpitler Family Ponzi, Lawrence & TinaPatty Stephanoff Brady, Paula K.Sylvania Franciscans who ministered at Presentation of Mercy, MN Garrity, ThereseSylvania Franciscans who served at Presentation Parish, Maplewood, MN Wittgenstein, Victor & SuzanneSylvania Franciscans who taught at St. Ladislaus, Hamtramck, MI Wolyniak, Cecilia MariaSzmania Family Szmania, Thomas J.

Sister M. Winifred Templin, OSF Balicki, William & Doris Cutshall, William & SusanFathers of the Walczak Family Walczak, Valeria C.Roger and Mary Wells Hall, OSF, MargaretWodarski Family Members Wodarski, BarbaraSister Ann Rita Young, OSF Scarbrough, R. Joyce

ANNuITIeS AND BeQueSTSEagles, Mary P.Flesher, RayHenrisey, Francis “Pete”Helminski, Florentine C.Koerber, Rev. George M.Schmenk, Monsignor Cleo S.

CLARe’S PeNCeAnonymousBedo, Paul & LindaKappa Gamma Pi,

Toledo Chapter

GIFT-IN-KINDBrahier, James R.Brahier OilHiggins, EdHowe, Dr. and Mrs MurrayMarks, EmilProfota, Rev. JamesSchoen, Inc.Thompson, JaniceToledo Zoo

GROuNDS AND SHRINeSMiller, Dale & Sharon

HAITI MISSIONAnonymousBazeley, Stephen & CathyBosinger, James & LindaCarleski, James & Rita AnnChurch of St. Timothy S.T.O.P.,

Blaine, MNCosky, Alicia C.Czerniakowski, Raymond S.Dege, Richard & VictoryGlodek, Thomas & SandraHall, Rosaleen T.Heller, Mark & AnnHoly Trinity Catholic Church,

Swanton, OHHoly Trinity Catholic School,

Swanton, OHInternational Projects, Inc.Johnson, Virginia C.Kaericher, Michael & DianneKummer, Rev. John R.Lighthouse, Fremont, OHMaggioncalda, Mary T.Markiewicz, James & LorraineMockensturm, Michael &

ChristineNovascone, Mary AnnOstrowski, BarbaraResurrection Parish, Lexington, OHSamplo, StevenSt. Joseph CCD Class, Sylvania, OHSt. Paul’s Catholic Church,

Wilmington, DEWeiss, Harold & PatriciaWelly, Thomas & AnnWensink, RuthWilson, Bruce & Deborah

Thank You to our Donors

Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio

6832 Convent BoulevardSylvania, Ohio 43560Phone: 419-882-2016Fax: 419-885-8643Web: www.sistersosf.org

The Sylvania Franciscan is a publication of the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. For more information, contact the Development Office, phone: 419-824-3625, e-mail: cgrace@sistersosf.org or Communications Office, phone: 419-824-3627, e-mail: dthomas@sistersosf.orgAdministration:Sister Diana Lynn Eckel, OSF, Congregational MinisterSister Mary Jon Wagner, OSF, Assistant Congregational MinisterSister Nancy Linenkugel, OSF, Congregational SecretarySister Patricia Gardner, OSF, Congregational TreasurerSister Carol Ann Grace, OSF, Administrator of Congregational Advancement & DevelopmentDale Thomas Director of Marketing & Communications, Editor

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HAITI MISSION MeMORIALS

Sister Alice Warrick, OSF Carleski, James & Rita Ann

HAITI MISSION TRIBuTe

Sister Marie Andree Chorzempa, OSF Chorzempa, Matthew J.

MINISTRY FuND MeMORIAL

Sister Alice Warrick, OSF Lampkowski, Michael & Gayle

Thank You to our DonorsPLANT FuND

MeMORIALSHelen Scur Rainbow Seniors, Hamtramck, MI Zacharias, Frank & MargeSister M. Norbertine Zacharias, OSF Rogowski, Jo Ann M. Waldowski Family Waldowski, Wanda Zacharias, Frank & Marge

ReTIReMeNT FuNDBook, William & MaryRisher, Warren & MarthaTemplin, Sharlene T.Warpeha, Walter & MaryWeiss, Harry & PatriciaZachel, Katherine A.

ReTIReMeNT FuND MeMORIALS

Sister M. Antonelle Slostech, OSF Ehling, Mark Lathrop, Mary T. Lathrop, Sara J.Sister Alice Warrick, OSF Sylvania Franciscan Health

ReTIReMeNT FuND TRIBuTeS

Sylvania Franciscans at St. Ladislaus School, Hamtramck, MI Stock, Camille A.Sylvania Franciscans at St. Francis Hospital, Hamtramck, MI Stock, Camille A.

“Gifts from our supporters enable us to serve in diverse ministries including education on all levels, social work, health and human services, religious education, parish and retreat ministry and spiritual direction.” – Sister Carol Ann Grace, OSF

ALL GOOD THINGSOn the grounds of the Sisters of St. Francis

419-824-3749 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Looking for the perfect gift? Visit our online store at www.allgoodthingsosf.org

Original artwork, prints, cards, jewelry, prayer pillows, soaps, lotions & more.

Featuring items that reflect the beauty and good taste that support the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio.

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

P A I DTOLEDO, OH

PERMIT NO. 242

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Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio 6832 Convent Boulevard Sylvania, Ohio 43560

JOIN US FOR THE SylvaNIa FRaNcIScaN 12TH aNNUal FUNdRaISINg gala

Dancing under the StarsSaturday, September 24, 2011

Franciscan Theatre and conference center

The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio invite you to join them in an evening of celebration under the heavenly stars to honor and support their mission of

“joyful servanthood among all people.”

5 p.m. Mass in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel Awards Presentation:

St. Francis Award Honoree Sylvania Mayor Craig A. Stough St. Clare Award Honoree Gayle A. Lampkowski

6 p.m. Gala Reception at the Franciscan Center Hors d’oeuvres, Strolling Dinner, and Silent Auction

Entertainment provided by KGB Motown Dance Band

For more information, contact ashley Traynum, 419-824-3624, or atraynum@sistersosf.org.