Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis

VOLUME 3 • NO. 3

Jubilee!Jubilee!

MISSION STATEMENT

OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

OF THE THIRD ORDER

OF ST. FRANCIS

Dedication to Jesus Christ involves us

intimately in the liberating and reconciling

mission—to make God more deeply known

and loved, and in so doing, draw all persons

to fuller and freer life.

Together with all our sisters and brothers

who strive for a more just world, we under-

take those activities which will promote the

material and spiritual development of the

human family.

Gathering Place

is published to keep

the public informed

of the mission and

ministry of the Sisters

of St. Joseph of the

Third Order of

St. Francis.

EDITORReneta E.Webb, Ph.D., CAE

EDITORIAL BOARDSr. Carlene BlavatSr. Judith David

Sr. Marygrace PuchaczSr. MaryLou Wojtusik

Sharon McElmeel

PROOFING STAFFSr. Mary Adalbert StalSr. Dolores Mary Koza

Sr. Louise Szerpicki

PRODUCTION & LAYOUTNewcomb Print Communications/

The Printed Word

OFFICEDevelopment Office

P.O. Box 388129Chicago, IL 60638-8129

Telephone: 1-773-581-7505Fax: 1-773-581-7545

Web site: www.ssj-tosf.orge-mail: dev@ssj-tosf.org

Copyright by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, Inc.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

I really had fun with the theme of this issue—the Jubilarians as “light” in this world. I

envisioned them beaming away in locations all across the country. Well, it was all Jesus’

idea. He was very clear that,

“I, the Light, have come into this world.” (John 12:46)

But He was equally clear that, “You are the light of the world” (Matt 5:14)

Forty-one sisters celebrated jubilees in 2002. Each one is the source of incredible

brightness in enlightening the minds of the young, in bringing cheer and solace to those

who suffer, in making a positive impact on the environment in sacred places, in building

relationships with their sisters and with colleagues, and in leaving a glowing legacy

wherever they ministered. Without exception, they are grateful for you. Your care,

concern and support are keeping a steady stream of prayer on your behalf.

Get your sunscreen, because you’re invited now to bask in the

light of these Jubilarians and to feel the power of their

prayer for you.

Reneta E. Webb

DEPARTMENTS FEATURES Social Justice 38

SSJ-TOSF Statement Opposing

the War on Iraq

Christian-Islam Dialogue

In the News 40

Sr. Benjamin Chrapczinski—

Morning Journal

Sr. Stephanie Ostrowski—

Senate Apartments

Sr. Janice Rosinke

Introducing 44

Sr. Debra Ann Weina—Vocation Minister

Editorial Board

Christmas Angels

Srs.Dominica Fick and Esther Romalke

Order Blank

Formation/Vocation 49

Sr. Kim Mulhearn and Sr. Shannon Fox

Sr. Marcia Lambert

Places 50

River Pines — Beside Restful Waters

Shrine of St. Francis

From the Development Director 52

Perpetual Light 52

VOLUME 3 • NO. 3

So Let Your Light Shine 175th Jubilarians

You Are the Light of the World 670th Jubilarians

The Light on a Lampstand 1960th Jubilarians

Filled with Light 2350th Jubilarians

A Light for Revelation 3025th Jubilarian

Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Them 32

1 Vol. 3 No. 3

So Let Your Light Shinehe sisters celebrating their 75th Jubilee are doing

what Jesus said.

“Your light must shine before

others, that they may see your good

deeds and glorify your heavenly

Father.” (Matt 5:16)

They have a lifetime of good deeds of which we are

all recipients. Thank God!

T

Sister Bernice Ann StronczekFrom her very first year of teaching in

1927, it was obvious that Sister

Bernice Ann Stronczek was a

teacher to be emulated. She

served at Sweetest Heart of

Mary in Detroit, Michigan, for

three years, and then returned

to Wisconsin, teaching at St.

Adalbert in Milwaukee. In between

St. Stanislaus in Stevens Point and St.

Ignatius in Milwaukee, she taught in the

District Public School in Hofa Park, a rather new role for sisters at the

time. By 1951, she was superior and principal at St. Josaphat in

Oshkosh,Wisconsin. During this time, she earned a bachelor’s degree

from St. Norbert’s College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and a Master of

Education from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with

additional post-graduate courses at the University of Dayton, Ohio.

With all the teaching experience and a solid academic background, she

became the Supervisor of Schools in the Green Bay Diocese in

1954, a position she held for 12 years. This was followed by ten

years of “principal, teacher and coordinator” responsibilities

at St. Joseph School in Stevens Point,Wisconsin, and St.

Stanislaus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1985, she

retired to St. Joseph Congregational Home

where she continued with tutoring and

serving as Department Head of the

Learning Center.

IT ISN’T JUST THE “DOING” THAT MARKS THE LIFE OF

SR. BERNICE ANN, IT’S THE LOVE AND CARE THAT ACCOMPANIES

EVERYTHING SHE DOES.

It isn’t just the “doing” that marks the life of Sr. Bernice Ann, it’s the love

and care that accompanies everything she does. A cadre of students

and parents, co-workers and sisters in the congregation, will all attest

to the goodness and joy with which Sr. Bernice Ann met every respon-

sibility. Much of this comes from the solid family life she enjoyed as a

child in the Bridgeport area of Chicago, Illinois, where she attended St.

Barbara School. Although much of her teaching career was spent in

Wisconsin, she enjoys a legacy of people who love her even in her

retirement at St. Joseph Congregational Home in Stevens Point,

Wisconsin.

3 Vol. 3 No. 3

Sister Clementia KrolikowskiSister Clementia Krolikowski spent over 60

of her 75 years in religious life as a

teacher. Her special skills were in the

Business Arts. Students at Lourdes,

St. Barbara and St. Mary of Perpetual

Help High Schools in Chicago, Illinois,

will best remember her near a type-

writer or computer, surrounded by

“business” displays, caring deeply about the

progress and performance of each student.

Sr. Clementia was born in Strzelno, Poland, and by the time her

family moved to Milwaukee,Wisconsin, she was the oldest of six

children. She and her sister (Sister Mary Kinga) entered the

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis on the same

day, June 22, 1925. She began teaching in 1926 while she was still

a postulant. Except for the year of novitiate which she spent in St.

Joseph Convent in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Sr. Clementia dedi-

cated herself to the education of elementary and high school stu-

dents, mostly in Chicago, Illinois. She received her bachelor and

master degrees at De Paul University in Chicago. “I taught at

Lourdes High School in Chicago for over 40 years. Teaching has

always been my greatest joy!” says Sr. Clementia. “I still maintain

contact with many of my students. Their friendship has been a treas-

ured gift to me.” In 1990, she retired to the ministry of care and

support service at Lourdes Convent in Chicago, Illinois, and in 2001, she

moved to Immaculata Congregational Home in Bartlett, Illinois, where

she now resides.

“TEACHING HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY GREATEST JOY…

I STILL MAINTAIN CONTACT

WITH MANY OF MY STUDENTS.

THEIR FRIENDSHIP HAS BEEN A TREASURED GIFT TO ME.”

Sister Julia BlohowiakWhere’s Eaton, Wisconsin, you ask?

Well, it’s about halfway between

Fond Du Lac and Manitowoc, but

what really put it on the map is

that Sister Julia Blohowiak was

born and raised there. She

graduated from St. Cyril and

Methodius school before she

entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of

the Third Order of St. Francis in 1926.

In 1927, she began a teaching career that was to last for 45 years. Her

first assignment was to St. Stanislaus in East Chicago, Indiana, where

she spent five years in ministry. Then she moved back to Wisconsin,

where she taught in various schools in Rosholt, Oshkosh, Indepen-

dence, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Arcadia, Menasha and Pulaski. What is

remarkable about these years is the consistency with which Sr. Julia

continued her love of the students and her commitment to quality

education, particularly at the sixth-grade level.

She was semi-retired in 1972 when she went to care for her aging moth-

er. For the next 14 years, she served as a school librarian, receptionist,

chauffeur and in-service to the elderly. In 1987, she retired to St. Joseph

Congregational Home, where she continues to provide support servic-

es in the household.

Faithful to the Lord in Firmness of Heart (Acts 11:23)

Sister Leopolde PieczynskiHow many children would a teacher teach in a 60-year time span? Sister

Leopolde Pieczynski has over 2,000 reasons to celebrate with joy the

years that she spent as a teacher in Ohio, Connecticut and Michigan.

Sr. Leopolde was born in Detroit, Michigan, and completed eighth grade

at the Seminary of the Felician Sisters. She entered the Sisters of St.

Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis on June 28, 1925, and attended

high school at St. Joseph Academy, Garfield Heights, Ohio. She entered

the novitiate on August 10, 1927, and the following September began

teaching at St. Stanislaus in Meriden,

Connecticut. After two years of novi-

tiate, she continued her teaching

career in Ohio, at St. Hyacinth,

Immaculate Heart BVM, and SS.

Peter and Paul. In 1940, she

returned to Connecticut for the

next four years, before returning

to Immaculate Conception in

Canton, Ohio. The primary grades

were her specialty as she served in

several other schools in Ohio and

Michigan. She prepared many children to

receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion, the

occasions which she remembers with delight and joy.

Sr. Leopolde had the opportunity to travel to Italy and to Poland at the

time she celebrated her Golden Jubilee. Although several years have

passed since then, she still recalls the sights of Rome and the rolling ter-

rain of Poland.

She was teaching at Nativity BVM in Lorain, Ohio, when she retired.

Retirement, however, is relative. What it meant in this case was that Sr.

Leopolde assumed the role of librarian for a year, and then became an

English teacher to Polish immigrants and a part time sacristan. She con-

tinued these responsibilities until she moved in 1995 to Marymount

Congregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio, where she currently

lives.

5 Vol. 3 No. 3

SISTER LAMBERT SUSKI ALWAYS KNEW

SHE WANTED TO BE A TEACHER.

EVEN AS A CHILD, SHE WOULD GATHER

HER BROTHERS AND SISTERS INTO HER “CLASSROOM”

AND TEACH WHATEVER LESSON SEEMED

IMPORTANT FOR THAT DAY.

Sister Lambert SuskiSister Lambert Suski always knew she

wanted to be a teacher. Even as a

child, she would gather her

brothers and sisters into her

“classroom” and teach what-

ever lesson seemed important

for that day. After she entered

the Sisters of St. Joseph of the

Third Order of St. Francis in

1925, and armed with a bachelor’s

and master’s degree in education, she

applied her natural talents to elementary school teaching for 50 years.

She recalls her early teaching experience with 76 first-graders at St. Mary

of Perpetual Help School in Chicago, Illinois. The school was a “demon-

stration” school, with the pastor, Msgr. Thomas Bona, serving as

Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese at the time. The

best was expected and the best was given.

She continued her teaching profession at St. Roman, Chicago, Illinois;

Our Lady of Czestochowa, Cicero, Illinois; St. Fidelis, Chicago, Illinois;

and St. Stanislaus, East Chicago, Indiana. Sr. Lambert was the superior

and principal, as well as eighth-grade teacher, at both Transfiguration

School (1957-63) and St. Barbara School (1963-72). After five more

years of teaching eighth grade, Sr. Lambert took on administrative and

clerical work at Lourdes High School in Chicago,

Illinois, where she was also a substitute teacher. She

continued in this capacity until 1994 when she

retired to provide convent services at Lourdes

Convent where she now resides.

You Are the

Light of the

World

Every sound and motion in the universe

changes the relationship of all creation.

When Jesus told us that we are the light

of the world, it was to help us be aware

of our responsibility to illuminate the

world. These sisters who are celebrating

their 70th Jubilee as Sisters of St. Joseph

of the Third Order of St. Francis are

keenly aware of Jesus’ words. Their lives

are true witnesses to the Gospel.

7 Vol. 3 No. 3

Sister Agatha Kretowicz attributes her perseverance in

religious life to Mother Clara Bialkowski who encouraged her in

times of need. What a privileged experience to have known

the co-foundress of the congregation and to have had that close a

relationship with her!

When Sr. Agatha first entered the convent from St. Hyacinth Parish in

Cleveland, Ohio, at age 15, she was able to use her artistic talents by

assisting the drama teacher at St. Joseph Academy in creating stage

settings for the school plays. She also developed dietary skills which she

was able to put to use in the “hospitality” spirit of Mother Clara. People

in Ohio and Michigan know that her concern and care were felt in the

homes and kitchens of a number of parish convents. She was the heart

of the home in Immaculate Heart in Cleveland, Ohio, providing dietary

and food service. Most of her ministry was in Michigan, serving in

parishes in Detroit, Flint, Baseline, Kalamazoo, Belleville and Warren.

Her experience at St. Emeric School for Special Children in Cleveland,

Ohio, was a turning point in her ministry. The concern and care began

to take the shape of education for the children. This continued at St.

Germaine School in St. Claire Shores, Michigan, but most especially at

St. Stanislaus Parish in Lorain, Ohio. It was there that Sr. Agatha estab-

lished one of the first pre-school programs for four-year-olds in the

Lorain area. She continued her teaching and tutoring ministry, along

with responsibilities for church work, for nine years at Transfiguration

Parish in Cleveland, Ohio, before retiring to Marymount Congregational

Home where she now resides.

Sister Agatha Kretowicz

Sister Anne Ozycz always took Jesus seriously. Even as a little

girl at St. Stanislaus in Meriden, Connecticut, she had her heart

set on entering the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF. Two years after

she graduated from the eighth grade, she made good on that goal. On

August 13, 1931, she arrived in Garfield Heights, Ohio, and attended St.

Joseph Academy at Marymount. She was invested on August 10, 1932,

and started her teaching career at All Saints in Flint, Michigan. “I always

enjoyed teaching,” Sr. Anne said, “and preparing children for the sacra-

ments. I had the opportunity to work with adults as well, until they

became full members of the Catholic Church.” She served in several

schools in Ohio and Connecticut before the next significant assignment.

The years 1955 to 1972 were very interesting years to be working in a

racially mixed environment in the south. It was during these years that

Sr. Anne was teacher, principal and superior at St. Francis Mission in

Greenwood, Mississippi, a school that had very humble beginnings.

Sister ANNE OZYCZ

When the SSJ-TOSFs first went to Greenwood, they found a former

nightclub called the Blue Moon which was to serve as the first church,

two-room school and temporary convent. Resources were always

tight, but even here, Sr. Anne put her trust in God and hundreds

of children benefitted from a solid education.

In 1972, Sr. Anne returned to Connecticut where she served

at St. Stanislaus in Bristol, St. Casimir in Terryville, and her

home parish of St. Stanislaus in Meriden, as teacher, librarian,

and religious educator. Sr. Anne carried her librarian skills into

her retirement at Marymount Congregational Home in Garfield

Heights, Ohio.

Even as a little girl

at St. Stanislaus in

Meriden, Connecticut,

she had her heart set on

entering the Sisters of

St. Joseph, TOSF. Two years

after she graduated

from the eighth grade,

she made good on that goal.

Andrew and Mary Jasina knew their daughter was very

talented, and Sister Mary Beata Jasina proved them right.

She completed eighth grade at Sweetest Heart of Mary in

Detroit, Michigan, and entered the convent on July 26, 1930. After enter-

ing the novitiate in 1932, she began teaching at St. Stanislaus in Bristol,

Connecticut. Following her novitiate, she continued her studies toward

her bachelor’s degree at the Sisters College of Cleveland, Ohio, and

completed it at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She brought her

expertise to Marymount High School in Garfield Heights, Ohio, teaching

social studies, math, French and Polish, before going to St.Thomas High

School in Detroit, Michigan. It was at St.Thomas High School that, as a

math teacher, she took additional courses in Industrial Arts in order to

teach drafting to the coed student body. Sr. Beata introduced Drafting

as an elective in the Art Curriculum. She donated her artistic talents to

design covers for the secondary Math and Religion curricula. She wrote

articles for the publication of the Michigan Council for Social Studies

(MCSS). In 1969, she was elected Assistant Provincial of the Marymount

Province. She then assumed the duties of Sister Mary Berchmans,

Provincial, who died unexpectedly. Sr. Beata then returned to Michigan

as a teacher at Regina High School in Harper Woods. She continued

this ministry for 17 years, during which time she also served on a

Committee of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) for

the evaluation of Regina High School. Beginning in 1991, Sr. Beata

continued at Regina High School as Library Assistant. With the wealth

of knowledge about the high school, she established the archives for the

school, while serving as substitute teacher and computer room supervi-

sor. In 2001, the convent of Regina High was closed and Sr. Beata moved

to Marymount Congregational Home to provide support services for

the sisters in Garfield Heights, Ohio.

SISTER MARY BEATA JASINA

9 Vol. 3 No. 3

The parishioners of Little Flower Parish in Cleveland,Ohio, shared

the pride of Jacob and Eva Surma when Cecilia Surma joined

the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis on

February 15, 1932. After her investing on August 10, 1932, she began her

teaching ministry at Sweetest Heart of Mary in Detroit, Michigan. She was

equipped with a Teacher’s Certificate and continued her teaching at St.

Stanislaus in Bristol, Connecticut, and St. John Cantius in Cleveland, Ohio.

It was soon obvious that Sr. Cecilia was called to serve the sick, the eld-

erly and the poor. Her R.N. from St.Vincent Hospital School of Nursing

in Toledo, Ohio; the B.S.E. from St. John College in Cleveland, Ohio; her

M.S. in Nursing Education from the Catholic University of America in

Washington, D.C.; and her Certificate in Geriatric Nursing were a solid

preparation for the huge contribution she made to St. Joseph Hospital in

Meridian, Mississippi and to Marymount Hospital in Garfield Heights,

Ohio. She was Nursing Instructor at St. Joseph Hospital, and served as

Vice President of the Hospital Board. In 1970, she was named “Nurse of

the Year” in Meridian, Mississippi. She was Director of Nursing Services at

Marymount Hospital and, in 1952, organized the School of Practical

Nursing. She expanded her responsibilities to include Nursing

Orientation, Discharge Supervisor, and Discharge Planner. Sr. Cecilia con-

tinued her care for the sick and the elderly when, in 1991, she was nurse

and consultant for the retired sisters in Clare Hall, Garfield Heights, Ohio.

After ten years, she retired to Marymount Congregational Home where

she continues her care for the sisters, body and soul.

Sister Cecilia Surma

Sister Cecilia Zwolak has a “rainbow” personality. Teaching

ability, leadership, dedication to Gospel living, musical talent,

love of the sick and poor, attention to detail—all these are the

rainbow of gifts that Sr. Cecilia has used in service of God’s people.

Her talents have made her successful in several different ministries. She

started out as an organist when she was just a postulant in the Sisters

of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, at St. Hedwig Parish in

Cleveland, Ohio. She had just recently arrived from her home town in

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but adjusted quickly to a new life and ministry.

After being invested on August 10, 1932, she began her career as a

teacher at St. Hyacinth School. She spent 18 years in elementary edu-

cation. Sr. Cecilia completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Ursuline

College and her master’s degree at the University of Detroit in biology

and education. With that, she began teaching Biology at Marymount

High School in Garfield Heights, Ohio. She went to Regina High School

Sister Cecilia ZWOLAK

in Harper Woods, Michigan, in 1957, and to St. Thomas High School

in Detroit, Michigan in 1963. In 1964, Sr. Cecilia was called to St.

Francis Mission in Greenwood, Mississippi, as principal, teacher

and superior. During this time, she developed her musical

talent and became a church organist. She returned to

Marymount High School in 1967.

After 38 years of teaching, when most people would

be planning for retirement, Sr. Cecilia planned for a

new profession. She was certified as a medical tech-

nologist and worked at Marymount Hospital in the

laboratory as a Medical Technologist. She continued in

that capacity for 26 years. Sr. Cecilia still uses her

musical talents as a substitute organist at the Marymount

Congregational Home where she is retired.

Teaching ability,

leadership,

dedication to

Gospel living, musical

talent, love of the sick

and poor, attention to

detail—all these are the

rainbow of gifts that Sr. Cecilia

has used in service of God’s people

When Sister Corfilia Pinski finished eighth grade at

Immaculate Conception School in South Chicago,

Illinois, in 1929, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of

the Third Order of St. Francis. Following her novitiate, she began her

teaching ministry at St.Adalbert Parish in Milwaukee,Wisconsin. In 1938,

she came to Chicago, Illinois, and taught English at Lourdes High School.

It was quickly apparent that English was her specialty subject. One of

her students asserts,“Sr. Corfilia taught me how to do research, how to

write a term paper, and how to appreciate beautiful prose and poetry.

It is a gift for a lifetime!”

In 1964, Sr. Corfilia attended the University of Ottawa to complete her

master’s degree and her doctorate. Her intellectual prowess was

demonstrated by the doctoral thesis she wrote in the French language.

She was a college professor from 1966 to 1971, teaching at Immaculata

College in Bartlett, Illinois, and St. Francis College in Joliet, Illinois. She

then returned to Lourdes High School as an English teacher until 1980

when she retired, assuming services in the Ministry of Care at Lourdes

Convent. In 1985, she moved to the infirmary at Immaculata

Congregational Home where she now resides.

SISTER CORFILIA PINSKI

11 Vol. 3 No. 3

The Eucharistic table and the dining room table were cared for

by Sister Mary Daniel Sutula with the same reverence and

care. Many sisters learned their culinary skills from Sr. Daniel,

whether in Ohio, Michigan or Connecticut. Sr. Daniel’s story starts in

Bristol, Connecticut, where she was born and where she attended grade

school at St. Stanislaus. When she was 15 years old, she entered the

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis and was invested

on August 10, 1932. She began her ministry in dietary and food service

at St. Hyacinth in Cleveland, Ohio. The kitchen quickly became the most

popular room in the convent.

After a few more years in convents in Ohio, Sr. Daniel assumed the

responsibilities of food service at Marymount Convent in Garfield

Heights, Ohio. It was here that she worked with many sisters,

especially Sister Zita Marie Slusarczyk, in learning the skills of

organization and food preparation. Except for two years at Regina High

School in Harper Woods, Michigan, Sr. Daniel spent 25 years

at Marymount Convent. In 1967, she went to St. Stanislaus Parish in

Meriden, Connecticut, as pastoral Minister to the Elderly and as

homemaker. She ministered in the same way at Holy Angels Parish in

Meriden. After 24 years, she moved to Rocky Hill, Connecticut, still

involved in Eucharistic ministry, and caring for her brother priest.

Sister Mary DANIEL SUTULA

Sister Emily LIgas

Itaught children, grades one through four, in a small rural school

several miles from Stevens Point,” said Sister Emily Ligas as

she was recalling her first appointment at St. Casimir’s in Stevens

Point, Wisconsin, after her novitiate in the Sisters of St. Joseph of the

Third Order of St. Francis. She entered the convent from St.Adalbert

Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1929 and began teaching in 1933.

“The teaching itself was not much of a problem, but keeping the rest of

the class well occupied with seatwork certainly was! There was no con-

venient way of duplicating material,” she explained,“but I have used sev-

eral ‘inventions’ since that time.”

Sr. Emily has the knack of capitalizing on resources and providing a supe-

rior service wherever she is. And the state of Wisconsin is better for

it. She taught in a number of schools in Stevens Point, Independence,

Milwaukee, Racine, Junction City, Krakow and Eaton, where she also

served as organist, school principal and superior. After over 50 years of

teaching, she retired to St. Joseph Congregational Home where she now

resides, providing prayer ministry and support services.

“

The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis arrived

in Puerto Rico in 1962. Sister Ernestine Jastrzemski was

the principal of the school in Lares where all subjects were

taught in Spanish except math, religion and spelling. New place, new

assignment, new language—a challenge for sure! The challenges up to this

point were almost predictable. Sister Ernestine was born and raised in

Fancher, Wisconsin. After she graduated from eighth grade at St. Mary’s

in Fancher, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St.

Francis in 1929. She began her teaching career at St. Fidelis Parish in

Chicago, Illinois, and then returned to Wisconsin, where she taught in

Milwaukee, Antigo, Stevens Point,Menasha and Hatley. She heard God’s call

to serve in missionary work and left for Puerto Rico in a great act of trust.

After six years as principal and teacher at San Jose school in Lares,

Sr. Ernestine went to Jayuya, Puerto Rico, where she began seeking out

and nurturing leadership for the local parish. “One such visit,” she

explains, “was high in the mountains, reached

only by jeep. In Puerto Plata, I found a treasure

—a school with grades one and two, but where

no child could read. No teacher cared to teach

there.” Sr. Ernestine applied to the school board

for the position and asked them to send all the

children, grades one-four, who couldn’t read. “I

went up to the empty school. I was greeted by

33 youngsters, ages five to 13. There was no

transportation, so I decided to get a cot and

sleep in the classroom.” The dedication and effort that made

the school a success was recognized by the Puerto Rican gov-

ernment. Sr. Ernestine was awarded the Manuel A. Perez

Award in recognition of educational services rendered over

and above the call of duty.

With the situation at Puerta Plata vastly improved, Sr.

Ernestine looked to other areas of need. She returned to

Lares to work among the poor in a Day Care Center for the

Elderly. In addition to her ministry at the Day Care, she helps

in the local parish by visiting the parishioners and preparing them for

the sacraments of Confirmation and Marriage.

Truly, Sr. Ernestine lives out the challenge of the congregation’s

Apostolic Creed: “Before you, O Lord, our lives. What good a life if it

is not given away?”

SISTER ERNESTINE JASTRZEMSKI

Before you, O Lord, our lives.

What good a life if it is not

given away?

13 Vol. 3 No. 3

It is interesting, the twists and turns that life will take when you’re

following the Way. Ask Sister Florence Mary Wilczewski. It

started happily in Cleveland, Ohio, where she was born and

raised. She graduated from St. John Cantius in 1930 and, the following

July, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis.

She entered the novitiate and the teaching profession in 1932 at Nativity

BVM in Lorain, Ohio. In 1934, she went to St. Francis Parish in Detroit,

Michigan, and two years later returned to Cleveland to attend Sisters

College. She was back in the classroom in 1938, and continued to teach

the elementary grades for the next 19 years in Michigan and Ohio.

Her bachelor’s degree in education was only the beginning of addition-

al course work in science and in administration. She earned her M.A. in

Guidance and Counseling at the University of Detroit which prepared

her for her impact on the Michigan high schools of Regina, Sweetest

Heart of Mary, St.Thomas the Apostle, and Aquinas where she served as

Biology teacher and guidance counselor. “I participated in the planning

and formation of the new Aquinas High School in Michigan,” Sr. Florence

Mary says. “The Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF, and three Dominican sisters

staffed the school. It was very exciting to be at the forefront of this

educational venture.” Sr. Florence Mary dedicated 20 years to high

school work before the next phase of her ministry took shape.

In 1977, Sr. Florence Mary became the Associate Chaplain at Marymount

Hospital in Garfield Heights, Ohio. She taught anatomy classes to the

nursing students in Mississippi, but pastoral care was the main focus of

her ministry. “I worked in Pastoral Care at Marymount for 15 years,” Sr.

Florence Mary recalls. “I enjoyed working with the patients, being a

Eucharistic Minister and a sacristan. I am so grateful that my experi-

ences in religious life and my education equipped me to deal with peo-

ple of many races, ages and faiths. During these years as pastoral minis-

ter, it was a joy and privilege to work with the sick, the broken, the

needy and the poor.” Sr. Florence Mary is now retired and living at

Marymount Congregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio.

Sister Florence Mary Wilczewski

During these years as pastoral miniSter,

it was a joy and privilege to work with the sick,

the broken, the needy and the poor.

From the first day of my convent life,” Sister Mary Inviolata

Pieczynski says, “I delved into the mystery of God. Trusting

Him, I put everything in His hands.” She was 14 years old when

she entered the convent from St. Thomas Parish in Detroit, Michigan.

She attended St. Joseph Academy in Garfield Heights, Ohio, and

was invested on August 10, 1932. That sense of trust and strong faith

vision accompanied her entire ministry as homemaker in the SSJ-TOSF

convents, starting at All Saints in Flint, Michigan, and continuing over 30

years in convents in Ohio, Connecticut, Mississippi, and Michigan.

During this time, it was apparent that Sr. Inviolata was talented, not only

in dietary and food service, but also in art and music. When she moved

to Marymount Congregational Home in 1969, her ministry turned to

Creative Arts. She produced watercolor and oil paintings which were

sold to support the retired sisters. The Gift Shops at Marymount con-

gregational Home are successful, in large part, due to the work of Sr.

Inviolata. She continues to contribute art pieces to the inventory, while

providing other support services at Marymount Congregational Home.

SISTER MARY INVIOLATA PIECZYNSKI

It’s nice to know people who have the ability to meet successful-

ly the situations that life presents. “I am grateful to Jesus,”

explains Sister Josephine Kubek, “who has strengthened me

through all the 70 years of my religious life.” Her life with the Sisters of

St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis began on July 13, 1930. She

had just graduated from eighth grade at St. John Cantius in Cleveland,

Ohio, where she was born and raised by Joseph and Mary Kubek. After

her investing on August 10, 1932, and two years after her novitiate, she

gracefully met the challenge of quality teaching at Immaculate Heart of

Mary in Cleveland, Ohio. After 25 years of teaching in Michigan and

Ohio schools, Sr. Josephine became principal and superior of St. Francis

School in Detroit. Having fulfilled that role so well, Sr. Josephine was

assigned as Superior of the house at Marymount Convent, which at that

time was the Provincial home in Garfield Heights, Ohio. In 1966, she

became a high school teacher as well as directress of aspirants (young

women who were entering the congregation). Sr. Josephine carried over

her leadership and teaching abilities to other schools in the Ohio and

Michigan area, and even spent a year at Colegio San Rafael in Puerto

Rico, where she taught English. In 1982, she once again became coordi-

nator at the provincial home in Garfield Heights. She then returned to

Immaculate Heart of Mary in Cleveland, the very school where 50 years

earlier she had begun her teaching career. This time, however, it was in

the role of providing school services, and, after a few years, Sr. Josephine

became a tutor in the school and the parish sacristan.

SISTER JOSEPHINE KUBEK

“

15 Vol. 3 No. 3

It is with a grateful heart that I thank the Lord for making my 70th

Jubilee in religious life a time of rejoicing and remembering,” said

Sister Marcelline Zblewski. Indeed, there is much to remem-

ber and rejoice over. Sr. Marcelline entered the SSJ-TOSFs from

St. Mary’s in Fancher,Wisconsin, where she grew up. It was 1931, and

the congregation was already 30 years old and dedicated to the ministry

of teaching. So was Sr. Marcelline. She began teaching at Immaculate

Conception School in South Chicago, Illinois, and then at St. Roman’s in

Chicago. In 1943, she went to Wisconsin where she spent the next 40

years teaching in schools in Racine, Milwaukee, Stanley, Krakow,Arcadia,

Junction City, Amherst and Stevens Point. As Sr. Marcelline explains, “I

had the joy of working in a number of city and country schools. I

enjoyed teaching children in the lower grades, preparing them for their

First Communion, and training the altar boys to serve at the sacrifice of

the Mass.” Along with her teaching responsibilities, Sr. Marcelline also

spent some 30 years in sacristy duties.

Retirement means different things to different people. Sr. Marcelline fills

her days at St. Joseph Congregational Home with a variety of support

services that keep the home humming. You may find her in the kitchen

or laundry, but most likely at the sewing machine. “Being the only

‘mender’ for the sisters,” she says, “I spend many hours at the sewing

machine, repairing the sisters’ attire and enjoying my days.”

Sister MARCELLINE ZBLEWSKI

It’s been 70 wonderful years during which life takes on its own

tempo and the divine rhythm plays out each day. So it is in the life

of Sister Michaeline Badarzynski. She was born in 1916 in

Cleveland, Ohio. Her parents, John and Wanda, presented her for

baptism at Sacred Heart Parish where she was also confirmed. At the

age of 14, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St.

Francis and prepared to continue the hymn of her life as a teacher and

organist. She began at St. John Cantius Parish in Cleveland, Ohio. Over

the next 40 years, she taught in elementary schools in Ohio,

Connecticut and Michigan in the middle and junior high grades. She was

an organist, choir director, principal and music teacher. She worked with

the Golden Agers Club at St. John Cantius for 14 years and organized

several trips for senior citizens. “I am so grateful to God,” said Sr.

Michaeline, “for the organizational skills that I was able to use to help

people of various ages and backgrounds, and for the talent in music and

art that made each day beautiful.”

Sister MICHAELINE BADARZYNSKI

“

In 1973, Sr. Michaeline retired from teaching, but maintained her

ministry as church organist, supporting liturgies in local parishes as

well as at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, located on the

campus of Marymount Congregational Home. During the 25 years

as organist, Sr. Michaeline also provided care for the infirm sisters.

She is now retired and resides in Clare Hall on the Marymount

campus, Garfield Heights, Ohio.

Sister Mary Placida Kinnick provided daily bread in many

ways. She was born in Haugen,Wisconsin in 1909, and entered

the Sisters of St. Francis of St. Clare of Rice Lake in 1932. She

had a natural talent in providing dietary and food services, a talent she

applied to health care at St. Joseph Hospital in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

The same attention and care was given at the Servite Monastery in

Chicago, Illinois.

In 1964, she returned to Rice Lake, Wisconsin to work in the Altar

Bread Department, baking hosts for use in Eucharistic celebrations.

Three years later, she was part of a historic event when her congrega-

tion merged with the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of

St. Francis. She and 31 other sisters received the

new garb and new constitution of the SSJ-TOSFs.

There was some adjustment to new faces and

surroundings, but the spirit of both congregations

was grounded in the Rule of the Third Order

Regular of St. Francis. In that spirit, Sr. Placida

continued her ministry for 20 years, providing

altar bread for parishes throughout the United

States. In 1984, she retired to household and sup-

port services at Immaculata Congregational

Home in Bartlett, Illinois. She is now in the

Francis Hall Infirmary.

SISTER Mary Placida Kinnick

Iam so grateful to god…

for the talent in music

and art that made each

day beautiful.

Sister Placida Kinnick, second row, right end.

17 Vol. 3 No. 3

The headlines in the November 23, 1956, edition of the LaCrosse

Register announced “Busy Housewives Turn Typists.” And there

was Sister Sponsa Rozga pictured as she taught the funda-

mental keyboard skills. She was prepared with a B.S. in Commerce from

De Paul University in Chicago, Illinois, and a Master of Education from

Marquette University in Milwaukee,Wisconsin. She used these talents

as a Business teacher at St. Joseph Academy and at Maria High School in

Stevens Point,Wisconsin.

Leaders are easy to spot and it wasn’t long before Sr. Sponsa was elect-

ed Provincial Secretary (1948-54), then Mistress of Postulants (1955-

62), both positions at St. Joseph Provincial Home in Stevens Point,

Wisconsin. She was then elected Fourth General Councillor and

General Secretary (1962-68) at the General Motherhouse of the

congregation in South Bend, Indiana. Her business skills continued to be

utilized as treasurer at St. Joseph Home and Hospital in River Falls,

Wisconsin. In 1976, she went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to serve as

Secretary at Marquette University. She returned to Stevens Point in

1980 where, for five years, she was bookkeeper for the coordinator of

St. Joseph Congregational Home.

Sr. Sponsa has a talent for theater. Her enthusiasm for fine arts and

literature was always contagious. As one of her students described,

“I was one of the St. Joseph Academy girls who flourished under Sister

Sponsa’s gracious play-directing. It was through the experience she

provided that I found my own self-confidence, my love of theater, and

eventually a career—first, for 16 years as a director of 32 plays in high

schools and then for 29 years of university teaching of dramatic literature.”

In the early 1980s, the Motherhouse in South Bend was sold and the

congregation’s archives were moved to Stevens Point. Sr. Sponsa

worked as a secretary for the Archives, even after her retirement in

1985. She continues to provide support services at St. Joseph

Congregational Home, surrounded by a wide circle of friends who are

always remembered in prayer.

Sister Sponsa Rozga

Sister Stephanie Ann Grzybek will make you smile. There’s

a sense of joy about her that is contagious. “I entered the

congregation from St. Francis Church in Detroit, Michigan, at

the age of 14, on August 15, 1931,” said Sr. Stephanie Ann. “On August

10, 1932, a group of us (32) were invested. Some were sent to teach; a

Sister Valerie Mushinski’s warm personality was surely influ-

enced by her “warm” beginnings in Bremond,Texas, where she

was born in 1913. On the 4th of July in 1931, she entered the

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis and dedicated her

life to the service of her sisters. Following her novitiate, she devoted

herself to food service at St. Adalbert Convent in Milwaukee,Wisconsin.

From there, she applied the same skills at several convents in Wisconsin,

Minnesota and Colorado. In 1946, she came to Chicago and added

church work, seamstress, office clerk and chauffeur to her list of servic-

es. In the mid 1950s, Sr.Valerie expanded her skills to include teaching

kindergarten, and then teaching at Lourdes High School. “My gift to the

congregation is to provide the services that are most needed wherever

I am,” said Sr.Valerie. “I am so grateful to God, that I am able to devel-

op and provide the skills that are called for in each situation.” Sr.Valerie

remained in the Chicago area except for the four years she spent in

Houston,Texas, in ministry to the elderly. She is now living at Immaculata

Congregational Home in Bartlett, Illinois.

SISTER stephanie Ann grzybek

SISTER Valerie mushinski

few others and I remained at the convent to make our novitiate year

under the directorship of Sister Mary Hilaria. After profession, I was

sent to St. Stanislaus School in Meriden, Connecticut. I was awed by the

lifestyle of the sisters with whom I lived. They were so hard working

and serious about their religious life, their teaching and their relation-

ships. They were ready and willing to be all to all.”

Sr. Stephanie Ann spread her joy across the continental United States,

teaching in schools in Connecticut, Ohio and California. “These were

years devoted to personal education and degrees, teaching from grade

two to grade eight, working in church, attending conventions and meet-

ings,” as she describes it. “There was even a trip to Europe with Sister

Daniel Sutula. We joined a group of college students from Oakland

(California) and with Sister Thomasine and Sister Lydia, we experienced

unforgettable surprises, from getting lost on the canals in Venice, to

admiring the Eiffel Tower, to visiting the Vatican and the Holy Father,

Pope Pius XII.”

Life continues to be good, even in retirement, as Sr. Stephanie Ann

served Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Garfield Heights, Ohio, visiting the

elderly. She then assisted with services in Clare Hall for the sisters who

required assisted living. Sr. Stephanie Ann now lives at Marymount

Congregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio.

Iwas awed by the lifestyle

of the sisters with whom I

lived. They were so hard

working and serious about

their religious life, their

teaching and their

relationships. ThEY were ready

and willing to be all to all.

19 Vol. 3 No. 3

The reason for putting a light on a lampstand, as Jesus explained,

is so that others may see the good works and glorify the Father

in heaven. And a good reason it is, to highlight the talents and

gifts of the sisters who are celebrating their 60th Jubilee.

Sister Augusta KruegerFor 40 of her 60 years in religious life, Sister Augusta Krueger has been

providing culinary delights for the sisters at Immaculata Congregational

Home and for the people in the surrounding area of Bartlett, Illinois.

Her cheese cakes are famous, and her love for the work she does,

unbounded.

Sr. Augusta was born and raised in the

Bridgeport area of Chicago, Illinois. She attend-

ed St. Barbara school and entered the Sisters

of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis

in 1941 when the nation was deep into World

War II. She developed her food service and

dietary skills in convents in Illinois, Indiana and

Colorado. “I had many exciting experiences,” she

says, “when we opened a new parish, St. Anthony, in South

Bend, Indiana. Another ‘first’ was the opening of St. Jude Parish in South

Bend. However, my most memorable ‘first’ was the opening of the con-

vent at Immaculata Congregational Home. I have ministered here since

the very beginning of the building and campus in 1962.”

In addition to the food services, Sr. Augusta creates crafts for the con-

vent gift shop and for the annual Craft Fair. She contributes an enor-

mous amount of energy to the semi-annual Bake Sales, generating, for

example, 500 dozen kolaczki for each event. All the while, she makes it

look easy. “It gives me much joy,” she says,“when I can be of service to

others, knowing that I follow in the footsteps of Jesus.”

Sister Christine NowakSister Christine Nowak is making a difference in the lives

of so many people in so many ways.

It began when she was born in 1923 of Joseph and Elizabeth Nowak. She

was baptized Eleanore at St. Joseph Parish in Chicago, Illinois, and attend-

ed St. Joseph school. When she completed high

school in 1941, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph

of the Third Order of St. Francis. “One of the

most moving experiences of my dedicated life as

a teacher, community activist, hospital chap-

lain, congregational home manager, and in

retirement a parish and hospice volunteer

was an evening at the very beginning of

my life as a sister,” said Sr. Christine. “Just

before investing day, when I would become a novice—it was the Feast of

the Sacred Heart—I gazed out the window at a most beautiful sunset and

deeply felt the closeness of God.”

The closeness to God spilled over in her teaching, starting in the

elementary grades in schools in Illinois, Nebraska and Michigan. She

completed a Master’s Degree in English from De Paul University in

Chicago, Illinois, with subsequent courses in journalism at Marquette

University. This prepared her for teaching English in high school and for

the responsibilities of producing the yearbooks at Lourdes High School,

St. Barbara High School and St. Mary of Perpetual Help High School, all in

Chicago, Illinois. “Getting the students to think deeply and clearly through

the written word was important work,” she asserts. She attended Wayne

State University for a certificate in Archival Administration, which led to

her role in establishing the archives of the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF, in

South Bend, Indiana, a position she held for five years.

In 1978, Sr. Christine began a ministry in pastoral care. “Working with

hospital patients on a personal level at difficult times in their lives is a great

opportunity to bond with them,” she says, describing her experiences.“I

can share the burden, the challenge and the joy of journeying with them

through life.” Sr. Christine continues her pastoral servic-

es as a hospice chaplain in Bartlett, Illinois.

WORKING WITH

HOSPITAL PATIENTS

ON A PERSONAL

LEVEL AT DIFFICULT

TIMES IN THEIR

LIVES IS A GREAT

OPPORTUNITY TO

BOND WITH

THEM… AND TO

SHARE THE

BURDEN,THE

CHALLENGE

AND THE JOY OF

JOURNEYING

THROUGH LIFE.

21 Vol. 3 No. 3

Sister Jeanne Noel NovakOrganist, elementary school teacher, librarian, spiritu-

al formation director, media specialist, high

school teacher, archivist, manager of Siena

Prints—so, who has all these capabilities?

Sister Jeanne Noel Novak. Celebrating her

60th Jubilee is the celebration of life’s oppor-

tunities. It started in Detroit, Michigan,

where Sr. Jeanne Noel was born and

raised. Her parents, Albert and Josephine,

were parishioners at Sweetest Heart of Mary

Parish and it was there that Sr. Jeanne Noel graduated

from the eighth grade. On September 3, 1941, she entered the Sisters

of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, and was invested the fol-

lowing August. With a B.S. in Education from St. John College in

Cleveland, Ohio, Sr. Jeanne Noel began her teaching ministry at St. Mary

School in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She also served as church organist.Then

she went to St. Thomas High School in Detroit, Michigan, where she

taught English. With a Master’s degree in Library Science, she became

the librarian at Regina High School in Harper Woods, Michigan. In 1962,

she came to Marymount High School as librarian. She continued minis-

tering at Marymount High School as she assumed the responsibilities of

Assistant Director of Aspirants. In 1969, Sr. Jeanne Noel spent a year at

the House of Prayer in South Bend, Indiana, before returning to

Marymount Convent to work with young women as they prepared for

religious life. She resumed her position as librarian at Marymount High

School, even as it was changing names, becoming Trinity High School in

1973. The role expanded to “media specialist” for the school in 1988, a

role that continued for 11 years. In 1999, in addition to her role as

archivist at Trinity High School, Sr. Jeanne Noel became the manager of

Siena Prints, a card and art piece business supporting the retired SSJ-

TOSF sisters.

Sister Laura NowakowskiWalking into the pre-school classroom for four-year-olds at St.

Stanislaus in Meriden, Connecticut, tells you immediately that this

teacher knows what she is doing. The room is brightly decorated; the

children are happily learning; the parents are smiling. The parish is so

fortunate to have a sister/teacher who is knowledgeable, skilled, and,

yes, fun. Sister Laura Nowakowski has been in this ministry since 1995.

Her story starts in that same setting in 1919 when she was born in

Meriden, and baptized in the very parish church in which she now

serves. She graduated from St. Stanislaus grade school in 1932, but it

wasn’t until 10 years later that she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of

the Third Order of St. Francis, and was invested on August 10, 1942.

During her first years of teaching in Connecticut and in Ohio, she com-

pleted her B.S. in Education at St. John’s College, Cleveland, Ohio, and

continued her teaching ministry mainly in Ohio and Michigan until 1972.

During this time, she also earned an M.A. from Villanova University. She

returned to Connecticut, teaching in Bristol and Terryville until 1977.

It was a natural transition when, in 1977, Sr. Laura

focused on pastoral ministry. For years, she had

been guiding children in Christian living and

preparing them for the sacraments. Her min-

istry at Ss. Peter and Paul in Wallingford,

Connecticut, included religious education as

well as other parish services. Sr. Laura served

as pastoral minister until 1995, which brings

us back to her pre-school classroom in

Meriden, Connecticut. A happy place to be, indeed.

Sister Lydia Mergel“My greatest gift is my vocation to the religious life which gives me an

opportunity to develop a deep and meaningful

relationship with the Lord. The privilege of

daily Mass and time for prayer is, and

always was, very precious to me.” There

you have it. This is the underpinning of

Sister Lydia Mergel’s life.

“TO MY GOD,TO MY COMMUNITY,

TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS:

‘I HAVE LOVED YOU WITH AN

EVERLASTING LOVE. I HAVE

CALLED YOU AND YOU ARE MINE.’

(JEREMIAH 13:3)”

Her life began in Hamtramck, Michigan, in 1923. She attended St.

Bartholemew School in Detroit, and when she graduated, she entered

the congregation and was invested on August 10, 1942. She had the gift

of hospitality and wonderful culinary skills. The sisters at St. Joseph

Convent in Cleveland, Ohio, and Marymount Hospital and Marymount

Convent in Garfield Heights, Ohio, can tell you what a great homemak-

er Sr. Lydia is. Sr. Lydia served in these convents until 1962 when she

and Sister Thomasine Antenucci were assigned

to the residence of Bishop Floyd Begin of

Oakland, California. “We didn’t know any-

one except the Bishop when we arrived in

Oakland,” explained Sr. Lydia, “but it didn’t

take long before we met many outstanding

people in the diocese, local government,

and the local church.We formed friend-

ships that made our 12-year stay a very

happy one.” In 1976, Sr. Lydia went to

Regina High School in Harper Woods, Michigan, as homemaker and

dietician, providing food service for the school cafeteria as well as for

the sisters’ convent. Although Regina Convent was closed at the end of

the school year 2002, Sr. Lydia still resides in Michigan, providing food

service at Regina High School.

“To my God, to my community, to my family and friends,” she quotes

from Jeremiah (13:3), “I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have

called you and you are mine.”

Sister Mary Ann Rakoczy“As I reflect on the past 60 years of my religious life,” says Sister Mary

Ann Rakoczy, “there are two gifts that stand out amongst many. First,

my faith which sustained me through the happy and difficult times. It

has helped me to see in others all the goodness they have to offer,

challenging me to become the kind of religious whose works and

actions reflect the gospel. Second, the students to whom

I have ministered inspired and challenged me to

put forth my best effort, helping them, in turn,

to become the best that they could be.”

Sr. Mary Ann taught at St.Therese School and

St. Monica in Garfield Heights, Ohio, and at

Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cleveland, Ohio.

She had received her Bachelor and

Master degrees in Education, with special

certification in reading, from St. John

College in Cleveland. The years of teaching were a treasured time, but

after 30 years of educating children, Sr. Mary Ann prepared for her next

ministry to the elderly. She took classes in Applied Gerontology and, in

1997, began working at Broadview Multi-Care Center and Harbor Side

Nursing Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio. She served as Activities

Coordinator. She is presently providing home health care for the elderly

in the Cleveland area.

“One of the most memorable and exciting experiences I have had was

when I climbed the mountain where our Lady appeared at Medjugore in

Yugoslavia”, said Sr. Mary Ann. “The joy of being in the place where our

Lady appeared is still very clear in my mind, and I often reflect on it.”

…IT (MY FAITH) HAS

HELPED ME TO SEE IN

OTHERS ALL THE

GOODNESS THEY

HAVE TO OFFER,

CHALLENGING ME

TO BECOME THE KIND

OF RELIGIOUS WHOSE

WORKS AND ACTIONS

REFLECT THE GOSPEL.

23 Vol. 3 No. 3

“If your eye is clear,” Jesus said,

“your whole body will be

filled with light.”

The faith vision of these sisters celebrating

their 50th Jubilee is tempered by witnessing

profound changes in the world and in the Church

over the last several decades. They are poised

to face the 21st century as women of light.

Sister Colette WilczynskiSister Colette Wilczynski attended St. Fidelis grade school and two years at St.

Stanislaus High School in Chicago, Illinois, before she entered the Sisters of St.

Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. In 1953, after a year of novitiate, she

began teaching at Immaculate Conception, Chicago, Illinois. This was the beginning

of 48 years of joyful ministry to God’s children through education. She served in

schools in Chicago,Addison, and Bellwood in Illinois; and in East Chicago, Indiana.

In 1974, she became Director of Religious Education at St. Peter Damian in

Bartlett, Illinois, where she remained for 14 years.

With her B.S. in Education from Quincy College, and M.A. in

Education/Library Science from Chicago State University, she

advanced her education earning a Certification as a Massage

Therapist and Infant Massage Instructor at the Chicago School

of Massage Therapy. She applied these skills at a local hos-

pital for 10 years. Sr. Colette also ministered for 16 years

at Bartlett Learning Center, a special education school

serving children, ages 3-21. She was a reading teacher and

librarian.

In 2001, she became the On-Site Project Manager for Clare

Oaks, a continuing care retirement community being developed

on Immaculata Campus in Bartlett, Illinois.

Sister Francis Therese Woznicki“I consider myself a ‘bridge vocation,’” says Sister Francis Therese Woznicki.“In my

generation, life has been transformed by Vatican II, space flight, atomic and nuclear

warfare, globalization and technology. In God’s providence, this has affected my

spirituality, ministry, lifestyle, world-view and relationship with creation.”

Sr. Francis Therese graduated from Marymount High School in Garfield Heights,

Ohio, in 1949, and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis

on August 22, 1951. Her first years of ministry began as a high school teacher of

Science and English. After her final vows, she was sent to Rome for studies at Regina Mundi, the first Pontifical

Institute of Theology for Women in the world, established by Pope Pius XII. She was privileged to be present

at the solemn opening of Vatican Council II and witness the international gathering of bishops, cardinals and

primates of other denominations. She knew she was witnessing an event that would leave an indelible mark

25 Vol. 3 No. 3

on history. With this education and experience, Sr. Francis Therese was

appointed to be on the first formation team at Immaculata College to

work with the young women who were entering the congregation. By

1968, having been elected to congregational leadership, she was work-

ing with the Research Committee of the newly formed Franciscan

Federation and was appointed as one of a four-member retreat team of

Franciscans called “Tau in Pilgrimage,” formed for the renewal of Third

Order Franciscan spirituality. By 1976, she was the first woman to

receive an episcopal appointment as Associate Director of the Diocesan

Retreat House, and in 1980, was the only religious woman member of

the Committee for Priestly Renewal, which led to planning for and personal involvement in Emmaus Renewal

for Priests. Care for her mother in years of failing health and training in hospital chaplaincy prepared her for

the unexpected call to manage and minister at the Malachi House of Hope for the terminally ill homeless. In

1989, Sr. Francis Therese became a pastoral minister at Ascension Parish in Cleveland, Ohio, where she estab-

lished several new ministries: bereavement, nursing home visitation, parish nurse service, housing for the elder-

ly, seminars on prayer and spirituality, and AIDS awareness ministry. In 1996, she founded and became co-direc-

tor of the Franciscan Center in Garfield Heights, Ohio, which is a resource center for Franciscan spirituality and

a place for spiritual seekers, for prayer, renewal of heart of outreach to those in need.

Reflecting on the amazing turns life has taken since her birth in 1932, Sr. Francis Therese sees it as the unfold-

ing of the call we all receive in baptism. As she says, “When I first read in the biographies of Francis of Assisi

and Therese of Lisieux that they were both inspired to ‘return love for (God’s) love,’ that became my call, too!

Little did I know that one does not learn to love, one discovers the ability to do so, and, in some way, dies in

the attempt. Then, by God’s grace, little by little, we are resurrected in the spirit of the only person who ever

loved God totally: Jesus, the Christ.”

Sister Mary John SzudarekSister Mary John Szudarek was 26 years old when she entered the Sisters of St.

Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis from Immaculate Heart of Mary in

Cleveland, Ohio, on August 25, 1951. She attended St. John College before she

began her teaching ministry at Ascension Parish in Base Line, Michigan. She con-

tinued teaching at schools in Michigan and Ohio, until her leadership qualities were

applied to being the coordinator at Marymount Convent in Garfield Heights, Ohio.

In 1981, she returned to the classroom for 10 more years. “The past 50 years as

a Sister of St. Joseph, TOSF, have been truly blessed and challenging,” says Sister

Mary John. “My desire was to serve wherever the need was the greatest. I was a teacher for practically 40

years which brought me great peace and joy.”

“When I firstread in the

biographies ofFrancis of Assisiand Therese of

Lisieux thatthey were both

inspired to‘return love for

(God’s) love,’that became my

call, too!”

Sister Francis Therese Woznicki

Sr.Mary John was instrumental in bringing so many people to a deep commitment to God. While

she was a classroom teacher, she prepared children for the sacraments. “Even when I no longer

was teaching on a daily basis, I taught religion to public school children on Sundays,” she explains,

“I worked with adults, conducting classes for converts, which was a ‘first’ for SS. Peter and Paul

Parish as well as for me. I am most grateful for being able to share faith and hope with God’s

people. I am also grateful for the bonds of love and commitment that I can share with my

sisters, helping me to deepen my relationship to the Triune God.” Her loving

relationship to her sisters still holds strong as she provides support services

at Marymount Congregational Home.

Sister Leona Augustyn“The Sister with the Big Heart” the headline said.

It was an article in The Grand Island Independent in Nebraska, written when Sr.

Leona celebrated her “50 years of compassion and service.”

Sister Leona Augustyn began her commitment to Gospel living even when she was

being raised in Loup City, Nebraska. Her parents worked the farm, living close to

the rhythms of nature. Leona entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order

of St. Francis on September 5, 1949 and, after graduating from Lourdes High

School in Chicago, Illinois, was invested on August 10, 1952. She began her teaching ministry at St. John Bosco

in Hammond, Indiana. During this time, she was pursuing her B.A. in Music Theory which she was awarded

from De Paul University, Chicago, Illinois. In 1966, she moved from the Chicago area to St. Josephat Parish in

Loup City, Nebraska, which is the parish where she was baptized and confirmed as a child. She became

Diocesan Supervisor of Education in Grand Island, Nebraska in 1972. After two years, she returned to

Bellwood, Illinois, to serve as principal of St. Simeon School.

Having earned her master’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Nebraska in Kearney, she

directed her energy to pastoral ministry. She served in St. Leo Parish in Gordon, Nebraska; St.Ann Parish in

Lexington, Nebraska, and St. Joseph Parish in Broken Bow, Nebraska. She now serves at St. Leo Parish in Grand

Island, the first sister to serve as Pastoral Minister at the cathedral parish for the Grand Island Diocese.

“All of you have touched my life, and I hope I have touched yours,” Sr. Leona said at the parish Jubilee cele-

bration. “You are all precious in the eyes of the Lord, and you are precious in mine as well. The love and

prayerful support of my sisters, my family and friends, have made it possible for me to do the work that I have

been able to do, and I promise to continue my commitment to make God more deeply known and loved.”

“The love and prayerfulsupport of mysisters, my family andfriends, havemade it possible for me to do thework that I have beenable to do.”

Sister Leona Augustyn

27 Vol. 3 No. 3

Sister Kathleen KoltisJesus always accepted his dinner invitations. If, say, Martha and Mary’s dinners were

anything like Sister Kathleen Koltis’, one can see why. Sr. Kathleen has been in the

business of food and dietary service most of her life. She learned the skill during

her early years in the congregation from Sister Renata Sluzinski, a Sister of St.

Joseph, TOSF, who taught Sr. Kathleen, not only the culinary skills, but also the

importance of prayer and community living.

The adjustments to community living came easily for Sr. Kathleen. She is the

youngest of 14 children, raised on a farm in Thorp,Wisconsin. She graduated from

St. Hedwig’s School and entered the convent the following September. She was invested on August 10, 1952,

and, following her novitiate, began her ministry of food service and dietary management at St. Peter Parish

in Stevens Point,Wisconsin. After serving in convents and schools in Stevens Point, Milwaukee, Menasha

and Thorp, she expanded her service to include cooking and housekeeping for the Neuman Parish

and then at the Christian Brothers Residence in Stevens Point. In 1989, she moved to

Minneapolis, Minnesota, as Food Service Director at De La Salle High School. “I always liked to

work with the elderly,” Sr. Kathleen says.“Just a smile or a ‘Good Morning’ means so much.” The

opportunity to minister to the elderly opened at Leader Nursing and Rehabilitation

Center in Madison,Wisconsin, where Sr. Kathleen served for five years before mov-

ing to her current position in food service at St. Mary Day Care Center in Madison.

“Having the privilege of traveling to Rome and Assisi opened up a new appreciation of

St. Peter, St. Francis and St. Clare,” explains Sr. Kathleen. “I always loved St. Peter, his

being so close to Jesus and yet so human. That same humanity came through clearly

with Sts. Francis and Clare, as we walked the same roads and prayed in the same places

as they. It was an unforgettable experience. The trip happened in 1997 and the

memories are as fresh as yesterday.”

“As I share my life with others in community and in ministry, I realize how much

closer I am to God,” says Sr. Kathleen. “At this time of Jubilee, I am filled with

gratitude to God who has guided me into grace-filled situations that I would not

have ventured on my own. And I thank God for all the loving people who are

woven in the tapestry of my life.”

”I thank God for all the loving people who arewoven in the tapestry of my life.” Sister Kathleen Koltis

Sister Theresita SpychallaSister Theresita Spychalla knows how to transform an ordinary task into a blessed

gift. It was probably something that she learned as a child while she was attending

St. Hyacinth’s School in Antigo,Wisconsin. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of

the Third Order of St. Francis in 1950 and began her novitiate on August 10, 1952.

Her assignment to St. John the Baptist in Menasha,Wisconsin, began her ministry

in dietary and food service. “To serve Christ in others has always been my goal,”

says Sister Theresita. “I always tried to provide delicious meals for the sisters who

spent their days teaching children. Along with shopping for the food, prepar-

ing it and serving it in an appetizing way was my everyday aim. Wherever possible, providing a listening

and understanding ear also gave me an opportunity to serve others.” Not only were the sisters ben-

eficiaries of Sr.Theresita’s care, so were the tuberculosis patients at River Pines Sanatorium where

Sr. Theresita managed the food service for five years.

In 1977, her ministry changed. She provided home care for the elderly in Antigo,Wisconsin, doing

the household chores and providing bedside care, which evolved to include her parents, whom she

nurtured through hospice care. As of 1998, Sr.Theresita is retired, living in Antigo,Wisconsin, and

continuing her volunteer services.

“I always tried to provide delicious meals for the sisters who spent their days teaching children…whenever possible, providing a listening and understanding ear also gave me an opportunity to serve others.”

Sister Theresita Spychalla

29 Vol. 3 No. 3

Sister Virginia JakuszGladys Jakusz was there to see her daughter, Sister Virginia Jakusz, celebrate her

Golden Jubilee. How proud a parent must be to mark such a significant milestone!

Gladys and Leo raised their daughter in Stevens Point,Wisconsin, where Virginia

attended St. Peter School. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order

of St. Francis in 1950, and was invested on August 10, 1952. After two years of

novitiate, she began her teaching career at St. John the Baptist Parish in Menasha,

Wisconsin. She excelled as a math teacher, especially in the upper grades, but she

also touched the lives of many younger children in the various Wisconsin schools

in which she taught in Stevens Point, Menasha, Green Bay,Thorp and Pulaski. She served as principal at Sts.

Peter and Paul in Duluth, Minnesota, and then at St. Hedwig in Thorp,Wisconsin.

Sr. Virginia is now at St. Jude School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Sisters serving on an elementary school

teaching staff have become a rare commodity, so Sr.Virginia, the only sister on staff, is greatly appreciated.

Her enthusiasm undoubtedly has something to do with it. Every year turns out to be, as she expresses it,

“one of my best teaching years, and I love it!”

“I am very grateful to God for my vocation,” says Sr.Virginia, “and for the many opportunities I’ve had during

these past years to be an instrument of God, spreading His love and care to others.”

Every year turns out to be, as she expresses it, “one of my best teaching years, and I love it!”

Sister Virginia Jakusz

How is the mystery

of God revealed?

By the turn of events,

by the stirring of the soul,

by things dawning on us—

each of these casts light

on the working

of the Spirit.

In turn, it makes

each of us light for

revelation, just as is this

25th Jubilarian.

31 Vol. 3 No. 3

Who would have guessed that this sweet child

would some day be teaching grade school at St.

Boniface School in Oak Harbor,

Ohio? That is precisely the path

that the life of Sr. Barbara

Krakora has taken. She

grew up in Cleveland,

Ohio, graduated from

high school, and moved to Medina,

Ohio, to groom and train horses for

sulky racing. God was at work, and

the thought of religious life was strong.

Sr. Barbara entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of

the Third Order of St. Francis, in September 1976,

only a year after she became a Catholic. She

received the sacrament of Confirmation and began her novi-

tiate the following year. “1977 was not a banner year for young

women entering the novitiate. I was the only novice that year

and one of the first novices to take classes with the diocesan

seminarians at Borromeo Seminary (Cleveland,Ohio),” explains

Sr. Barbara. “I’m sure that I was the only novice to shut down

the novitiate for a day because of a snowstorm. I called the

radio station when the storm grew severe and had the closing

announced every hour.”

God has a way of making dreams come true, especially with a

modicum of effort on our part. Sr. Barbara supplied the

energy to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary

Music from Springhill College, Alabama, and a Master of

Arts in Scriptural Theology from Ursuline College,

Cleveland,Ohio. She also holds a teaching certificate for all

subjects in grades one-eight. She spent three years teach-

ing in Ohio before she went to St. Francis School in

Greenwood, Mississippi. For 10 years, she dedicated

herself to providing a quality education for students in one

of the poorest parts of the city. She also became Director of

Religious Education at St. Francis Parish, assuring that children

were firmly rooted in God, and prepared for the sacraments.

She tutored adults, raising the literacy level of older Americans

through her reading program. In 1998, Sr. Barbara moved to

Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio, where she teaches fourth and fifth

grades at St. Boniface School in Oak Harbor.

“I am most grateful for this community of sisters.

After 25 years, I still marvel at the patience, the

love, the respect and the support that I have always

felt from my SSJ-TOSF family,” says Sr. Barbara. “I

know that I have become and continue to be my

best self because of the holy and faithful

women in this community who have nurtured,

sheltered, challenged and been there for me.”

Sister Barbara Krakora

“AFTER 25 YEARS, I STILL MARVEL AT THE PATIENCE,

THE LOVE, THE RESPECT AND THE SUPPORT THAT I

HAVE ALWAYS FELT FROM MY SSJ-TOSF FAMILY.”

These sisters celebrated

their Jubilees with the

sisters, and with family and friends

during this past year. Being women

who were filled with light during their

lifetimes, they now enjoy perpetual

light shining on them.

33 Vol. 3 No. 3

Sister Mary Mansuetta WaliczekIn how many Masses, over a 50-year

span, would an organist participate,

given at least one Mass a day? It’s prob-

ably safe to say that Sister Mary

Mansuetta Waliczek, as teacher and

organist in several Wisconsin parishes

from 1927 to 1977, sang Eucharistic

praises over 20,000 times!

Sr. Mansuetta was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and entered the

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis from St. Mary

of Perpetual Help Parish. She began her novitiate on August 9, 1927,

the same year she began her teaching career at St. Stanislaus School

in Arcadia,Wisconsin. In 1977, she moved to Cicero, Illinois, continuing

her ministry as teacher and organist. “I was an organist, taught inter-

mediate grades, taught music, worked with children to present school

plays, worked as a sacristan—so many things filled my days,” Sr.

Mansuetta said. She continued on at St. Mary’s when, in 1985, she began

to teach part-time and assumed the full-time responsibilities of sacristan

for the church.

In 1993, she moved to Immaculata Congregational Home in Bartlett,

Illinois. At first, she was able to provide various support services in the

convent, but as her health failed, she was moved to the infirmary where

she passed away on September 19, 2002.

“I WAS AN

ORGANIST, TAUGHT

INTERMEDIATE

GRADES,

TAUGHT MUSIC,

WORKED WITH

CHILDREN TO PRESENT

SCHOOL PLAYS,

WORKED AS A

SACRISTAN—

SO MANY

THINGS FILLED

MY DAYS.”

Sister Mary Robert Nowak had

“fine art” fingers. She could sew,

crochet, knit, and create beautiful pieces

of tapestry. Many of her works of art

are still in the chapels and churches

where she served in Cleveland, Ohio;

Stevens Point,Wisconsin; East Chicago,

Indiana; Cheyenne Wells, Colorado; and

Chicago, Illinois.

Sr. Mary Robert was born in East Chicago, Indiana. She was baptized at

St. Stanislaus Parish where she also attended grade school. She entered

the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis in 1931 and

began her novitiate in 1932. In 1934, she began as a teacher at St. Peter’s

Parish in Stevens Point,Wisconsin. For almost 20 years, she ministered

as a teacher in schools in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. Sr. Mary Robert

also provided administrative services at Lourdes High School in Chicago,

Illinois. Students remember her special care and quick smile, making a

trip to the school office far less demanding. In the following years,

Sr. Mary Robert was a sacristan, seamstress, and producer of stunning

crafts. She integrated these skills with her Ministry of Prayer while she

resided at Immaculata Congregational Home, remembering all of God’s

people with each stitch. It was at the congregational home that Sr. Mary

Robert’s earthly life came to an end on October 16, 2002.

Sister Mary Robert Nowak

STUDENTS REMEMBER

HER SPECIAL CARE AND

QUICK SMILE, MAKING

A TRIP TO THE SCHOOL

OFFICE FAR LESS

DEMANDING.

IN THE

FOLLOWING YEARS,

SR. MARY ROBERT

WAS A SACRISTAN,

SEAMSTRESS, AND

PRODUCER OF

STUNNING CRAFTS.

35 Vol. 3 No. 3

Sister Julianna StencelSister Julianna Stencel defies sum-

marizing. Right from her birth in St.

Francis, Wisconsin, the middle one of

nine children, she was destined for

greatness. Even when she was a child,

Sr. Julianna recalled, “While other chil-

dren were out playing, my best friend

and I used to listen through the keyhole

of the chapel to hear the sisters pray.

Even then, I felt there was something wonderful about the prayer of the

Franciscan sisters.” She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third

Order of St. Francis on July 5, 1931, when she was 17 years old.

She prepared for a teaching ministry with degrees in Spanish and Latin:

a bachelor’s degree from Cardinal Stritch College and a master’s degree

from Marquette University, both in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She began

teaching at St. Joseph Academy in Stevens Point,Wisconsin, in 1946, just

at the time when, in order to keep their accreditation, the school was

required to add physical education to the curriculum. Sr. Julianna donned

tennis shoes and a whistle to accompany her P.E. Certificate, and was out

on the gym floor refereeing games and teaching tumbling. In 1952, Sr.

Julianna was asked to become Directress of the aspirants and

postulants, guiding young women in their orientation to religious life, and

in 1953, moved to South Bend, Indiana, to become Directress of the

interprovincial novitiate at the General Motherhouse. Her desire to

serve in the missions was fulfilled in October of 1964, when she left for

Puerto Rico to become teacher and principal at the newly opened school

of Santa Gema in Vistamar. Four years later, she returned to Stevens Point,

Wisconsin to teach Latin, Spanish and Religion at Maria High School.

Then life became even more exciting. In 1970, Sr. Julianna went to Saltello,

Mexico to study the Spanish language and heritage for her

master’s degree. There, she taught and tutored English as a Second

Language at the Iberian-American Institute. From 1973 to 1984, Sr.

Julianna was called upon to serve her own congregation, first as

Directress of Retirement and then as a Regional Director, forming part

of the Provincial Team in Stevens Point,Wisconsin. During this time, she

was one of the original organizers of the Central Wisconsin Committee

for Hispanics, a team which serves the Hispanic Community throughout

Wisconsin. This team provided for liturgy in the Federal

Prison, Oxford, Wisconsin, and also at the various migrant

worker camps in the state. From 1984 to 2001, Sr. Julianna’s

“hats” varied from Volunteer Worker with/for Hispanic

People, Diocese of LaCrosse; Spanish Teacher; Tutor at St.

Joseph Learning Center; Teacher of Advanced Spanish,

Lincoln Center; Prison and Jail Ministry; Social Services;

Spanish Teacher, Senior Citizens; Staff Assistant to Hispanic

People. All of this began when she was 70 years old.

In 1986, Sr. Julianna served on a special delegation of 26 women from across the United States to travel to El

Salvador during its civil war. “The delegation,” she explained,“was organized to be another kind of presence—

not a military or political presence—but a presence of hope and compassion.” The delegation escorted villagers

from their hiding places in the mountains back to their rightful places, at home in the valley; they made visits to

a prison, a refugee camp and an orphanage; they were able to present financial help from the U.S. to a priest

who was working for the Salvadoran poor; and they participated in prayer with Christian base communities.

The trip lasted from November 19 to December 6, but it was a lifetime of memories.

Sr. Julianna was awarded a plaque of appreciation from the Federal Prison in Oxford,Wisconsin, as well as the

Brother James Miller Award for “outstanding ministry to migrant workers and Hispanics” from the LaCrosse

Diocese.When Sr. Julianna was 87 years old, she retired to St. Joseph Congregational Home in Stevens Point,

Wisconsin, where her health failed and she entered eternal life on August 14, 2002.

SR. JULIANNA SERVED ON A SPECIAL DELEGATION…

ORGANIZED TO BE ANOTHER KIND OF PRESENCE—

NOT A MILITARY OR POLITICAL PRESENCE—

BUT A PRESENCE OF HOPE AND COMPASSION.”

37 Vol. 3 No. 3

Sister Regina KlimczakSister Regina Klimczak knew how

to get things done. Her gentle spirit,

her dedication to her mission and

ministry were exceeded only by her

total commitment to Gospel living. She

was born in 1911 in Milwaukee,

Wisconsin. She was 20 years old and

had already attended high school and

business college when she entered the

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. She was invested

on August 8, 1932. Following her novitiate, she taught for five years at

Assumption BVM in Pulaski,Wisconsin. She moved to Chicago, Illinois,

where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from De Paul

University. In 1942, Sr. Regina returned to Stevens Point, where she

became the principal of Maria High School, as well as a business teacher.

She was elected as fourth Councillor and Procurator of the St. Joseph

Province for a six-year term. All the while, she was completing a Master

in Education from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She

became the principal of the school at SS. Peter and Paul in Independence,

Wisconsin, and then turned her talents to the health care field. In 1961,

she became the superior and administrator of St. Joseph Home and

Hospital in River Falls,Wisconsin. Holding a Certificate of Public Health

Administration from the University of Minnesota, she continued with St.

Joseph Home and Hospital for 14 years, until she became the Assistant

Provincial in 1975 at St. Joseph Convent in Stevens Point. She served a

term as president of the Wisconsin Hospital Association, Northwest

Area, and held a Fellowship from the American College of Hospital

Administrators. From 1978 to 1989, she shared her talent, joy and quick

smile to staff and patients at St. Joseph Hospital of the Plains in Cheyenne

Wells, Colorado, where she served as Special Projects Coordinator,

Administrative Assistant and Pastoral Associate. Throughout her life,

people always remembered Sr.Regina as warm and loving. Administrative

roles never dimmed the welcoming joy she spread wherever she was.

She continued pastoral services at Sacred Heart Church in Cheyenne

Wells from 1989 until 1992, when she retired to St. Joseph

Congregational Home, providing support services and a loving heart to

all her sisters. She entered eternal life on July 21, 2002.

THROUGHOUT HER LIFE,

PEOPLE ALWAYS

REMEMBERED

SR. REGINA AS WARM

AND LOVING.

ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES

NEVER DIMMED

THE WELCOMING JOY

SHE SPREAD

WHEREVER SHE WAS.

The Central Board on behalf of the

entire congregation of the Sisters of

St. Joseph of the Third Order of St.

Francis released a statement, October 2002,

opposing military intervention in Iraq and

called upon leaders to settle any disputes using

peaceful means.

“Looking at our Franciscan tradition, Catholic

just war theory, and international law, we can-

not keep silent as our country heads toward a

preemptive strike on Iraq,” stated Sister

Dorothy Pagosa, Social Justice Director for the

congregation. “Right now we see the call for

peacemaking and reconciliation as a fitting

response in a world caught up in violence and

vengeance.”

The congregational statement reads:

WHEREAS, our Franciscan tradition calls us to

be peacemakers and reconcilers in this world;

and

WHEREAS, the Leadership Conference of

Women Religious have resolved to use every

means to oppose military intervention in Iraq,

including letters to President Bush, appropriate

Cabinet members, and Members of Congress;

and

WHEREAS, the United States Conference of

Catholic Bishops states that “given the prece-

dents and risks involved, we find it difficult to

justify extending the war on terrorism to Iraq,

absent clear and adequate evidence of Iraqi

involvement in the attacks of September 11th

or of an imminent attack of a grave nature.”;

and

WHEREAS, a United States invasion of Iraq

would be a clear violation of international and

U.S. law, especially Article 2 of the UN Charter

which forbids the threat of force against the

territorial integrity or political independence of

any state and requires its members to settle

their international disputes by peaceful means,

the Pact of Paris which renounces aggressive

acts of war, and the U.S. Federal law which

prohibits assassination of foreign leaders.

The Sisters of St. Joseph,Third Order of

St. Francis oppose military intervention

in Iraq and call upon our leaders to settle

any disputes using peaceful means.

Iraq is more than Saddam Hussein. It is a coun-

try of 25 million people. It includes civilians

who would be at risk for death in any military

confrontation. We cannot in good conscience

support such a risk.

We will continue to pray for wisdom for our

leaders, leaders in the Middle East including

Saddam Hussein, and peace in our world. In

the spirit of St. Francis, who subjected himself

to the Sultan when all were claiming the

Saracens as evil, we pray for the day when we

are connected by our similarities rather than

separated by our differences.

S o c i a l J u s t i c e

39 Vol. 3 No. 3

IslamTwo Faiths and One God

September 11, 2001. It is still a chilling memory of lives lost. It still challenges us

to the Franciscan ideal of peacemaking.

Sister Francis Therese Woznicki, together with Sister Jean Ehasz, of the Franciscan

Center in Garfield Heights, Ohio, initiated a Christian-Islam dialogue which took

place on Saturday, June 22, 2002, at Marymount Congregational Home in Garfield

Heights, Ohio. There were more than 20 people present, representing

both the Muslim and the Christian faiths. Prior to this interfaith

exchange, a study group had been meeting for six sessions, guided by the

book Islam and Franciscanism: A Dialogue, essays written by Muslim Imams

and Franciscan Friars. The monthly series began in January and continued

through June 2002. It was most appropriate to culminate the series with

one-on-one dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

With the collaboration of Suna Aziz at the Grand Mosque in Parma, Ohio,

Sr. Francis Therese hosted the event in St. Joseph Hall of the congrega-

tional home. The entire occasion was rooted deeply in Franciscan

tradition. In the thirteenth century, in spite of the hostile climate of the

crusades, St. Francis of Assisi was received by Sultan Malik El Kamil in a manner

which truly honored the God in whom each believed. The same mutual respect

was evident as the dialogue began with readings from the Quran and from

Christian Scriptures. Each group shared faith insights with each other, and both

groups addressed the questions:

• Do you see any good that has come after 9/11? What concerns you?

• What does “peace” mean in your tradition?

The dialogue concluded with the group’s responses to “What blessings do you ask

of God for our world?” and with reciting St. Francis’ Prayer for Peace.

The group representing the Muslim faith presented a gift of baklava, enjoyed by the

entire group, and a framed art piece, the Names of Allah, which is hung in a place

of honor in the Franciscan Center.

&Christianity:S o c i a l J u s t i c e

Sister Benjamin ChrapczynskiHelping Young and OldThe Morning Journal of Lorain, Ohio, featured Sister Benjamin

Chrapczynski in the “Friends and Neighbors” section on August 25,

2002, commending her for her volunteer activities. “At age 76,” the

article stated, “Sister Benjamin devotes as much as 40 hours a week

helping others learn how to read through the S.T.A.R.S. (Senior

Teaching and Reaching Students) program and individual tutoring ses-

sions, helping the bedridden with caregiving and even helping a Polish-born

woman gain her U.S. citizenship.”

Her teaching skills were honed early on. Sr. Benjamin began teaching when she was

18 years old. She taught fourth grade and had 72 children in her class. Excellence in teaching was always

important to Sr. Benjamin. She continued to attend classes, even beyond the bachelor’s and master’s degrees

from the University of Detroit. She took graduate courses at St. John’s College, Cleveland, Ohio and Spanish

courses at Ursuline College, Cleveland. The students she taught in the schools in Michigan and Ohio can attest

to the quality education received from Sr. Benjamin.

“After I retired, I wanted to come back to my home town and give my service. I decided to teach catechism

classes at St. Stanislaus, St. Peter and St. John’s churches (Lorain, Ohio),” said Sr. Benjamin. She visits the sick

and elderly in private homes and nursing

homes several hours a week. And then there’s

the tutoring. Sr. Benjamin has her private

store of energy, and there’s something suspi-

ciously holy about it.

“SISTER BENJAMIN

DEVOTES AS MUCH

AS 40 HOURS A WEEK

HELPING OTHERS LEARN

HOW TO READ THROUGH

THE S.T.A.R.S. PROGRAM

AND INDIVIDUAL

TUTORING SESSIONS,

HELPING THE

BEDRIDDEN WITH

CAREGIVING AND

EVEN HELPING A

POLISH-BORN WOMAN

GAIN HER U.S.

CITIZENSHIP.”

Sister Benjamin tutors twins,Justin and Joshua Gtuing, 7, in their Lorain home.

(photo by Ross Weitzner.)

Sister Stephanie OstrowskiNeighbor, Friend, Sister

F O R A L M O S T

1 6 Y E A R S ,

S I S T E R S T E P H A N I E

J O U R N E Y E D W I T H

T H E P E O P L E O F

S E N AT E A N D P R E T E

A PA RT M E N T S I N

A S P I R I T O F

G E N E R O U S

S E L F - G I V I N G ,

C O M I N G A S N E I G H -

B O R , F R I E N D A N D

S I S T E R

TO E AC H P E R S O N

S H E M E T.

41 Vol. 3 No. 3

The atmosphere at the Senate Apartments was electric with excitement

and anticipation on the afternoon of February 17, 2002.This was the day

the residents of the Senate and Prete Apartments were gathering to

pay tribute to Sister Stephanie Ostrowski, who would soon be retiring

from her ministry there.

Sister Stephanie began her ministry at the Senate and Prete Apartments

on December 22, 1986, as an Administrative Assistant. One of her

responsibilities in this capacity was to collect the monthly rent from the

senior residents which was pro-rated according to each individual’s

income. The following year she became the Assistant Manager. After

completing all the required courses, she became a Certified Occupancy Specialist for Housing in 1995. From

1996 until 2002, she was the manager of these two facilities.The Senate and Prete Apartments, subsidized by

HUD, provide low-income housing for seniors.The Senate Apartments consist of 240 units with over 300 res-

idents.The Prete Apartments house over 90 residents in 75 units.

In her various leadership roles, Sister Stephanie was animated by the Mission Statement of the Sisters of

St. Joseph,TOSF: “Dedication to Jesus Christ involves us intimately with his liberating and reconciling mission—

to make God more deeply known and loved and, in so doing, draw all persons to a fuller and freer life.”

Day by day, Sister Stephanie put this mission into practice

by fostering quality of life for the residents and helping

them form a community. This was an ongoing challenge

because the seniors were a diverse group of religious,

ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Sr. Stephanie accommo-

dated this by posting all notices for residents in English,

Russian and Korean.

by Sister Cecilia Zielen

Sister Stephanie implemented an “Open Door

Policy”, by which the residents were welcome at

any time to meet with her or any of the staff

members. Together with the staff, she tried to

help the residents grow in self-esteem and to be

as independent as possible. When someone

became sick, others would give their love and

support as needed. Sister Stephanie believes that

some residents lived longer in this environment

because they were happy and lived with dignity.

Annually, Sister Stephanie organized a major fund-raiser which financed numerous activities for the seniors,

such as a St. Joseph Table and a 4th of July celebration.The fund-raiser provided the means to rent a city bus

which took residents shopping on a regular basis. It is not surprising that Sister Stephanie was awarded numer-

ous certificates of recognition for excellence in managing various aspects of housing for seniors.

The Retirement Party was a grand celebration of gratitude for Sister Stephanie’s love and dedication to the

people with whom she ministered. Sister Stephanie’s family members, the Sisters from her local community,

and civic leaders were also present for this occasion.There was music, singing, balloons, flowers, tributes, poet-

ry and food—all expressions of the people’s gratitude and love. Some of their comments were:

“Sister Stephanie understood me. She played fair with everybody.”

“The Senate Apartments are one of the best subsidized buildings in Chicago.”

“Caring for people came through in all you (Sister Stephanie) did.”

For almost 16 years, Sister Stephanie journeyed with the people of Senate and Prete

Apartments in a spirit of generous self-giving, coming as neighbor, friend and sister to each

person she met.

43 Vol. 3 No. 3

Sister Janice Rosinke and theDiocese of RockfordSister Janice Rosinke is making a difference in the Diocese of Rockford.

Her insights into the ministry and direction of the diocese come from the

fact that she has given over 25 years of service to the Rockford Diocese as

a pastoral minister and pastoral associate, beginning at St. Mary Parish in

DeKalb, Illinois, to St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and

currently at St. Lawrence Parish in Elgin, Illinois. Her contacts and experi-

ence have prepared her for the invitation she received to serve on the

Pastoral Council of the Diocese of Rockford. The Pastoral Council consists

of 30 members presided by Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran, D.D., J.C.D.,

Bishop of Rockford, and the Council Chairman. They meet quarterly and

advise the bishop on matters concerning the diocese. Sr. Janice’s role is to

represent the wisdom of the 262 women religious of the diocese, and to bring

forward issues surfaced by them.

Further, Sr. Janice represented the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis at the Fourth Synod

of the Diocese of Rockford (the Third Legislative Synod) held on September 13, 2002. The synod, with approx-

imately 130 representatives from the diocese, is called periodically to address specific diocesan issues that

require the input of the vicars, lay representatives, clergy, and men and women religious. The last Legislative

Synod was held in 1958. Many of the legislative norms of the diocese needed to be reviewed and revised in

light of the advances in technology over the last several decades. The last Pastoral Synod was held in 1975 to

address the spiritual life of God’s people.

The Diocese of Rockford, established on September 23, 1908, is a

community of 371,322 Catholics located in11 northern Illinois counties,

covering 6,457 square miles. It includes 105 parishes. Both the Diocesan

Pastoral Council and the Diocesan Synod are advisory groups to Bishop

Doran to fulfill their mission of being “called by the Father through

Baptism to be the new people of God. United in faith and relying on

the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, we have access to the redeem-

ing love of Jesus, the Christ, and are called to share in his mission to pro-

claim the reign of God in Word, Sacrament and Service,” a mission to

which Sr. Janice is soundly committed.

H E R I N S I G H T S I N TO

T H E M I N I S T RY A N D

D I R E C T I O N O F T H E

D I O C E S E C O M E

F R O M T H E FAC T

T H AT S H E H A S

G I V E N OV E R

2 5 Y E A R S O F

S E RV I C E TO T H E

R O C K F O R D

D I O C E S E A S A

PA S TO R A L

M I N I S T E R A N D

PA S TO R A L

A S S O C I AT E .

I N T R O D U C I N G …

Sister Debra Ann WeinaV O C AT I O N M I N I S T E R

Sister Debra Ann Weina knows how to nurture life, which, ofcourse, makes her perfect as a vocation minister. In that

capacity, Sr. Deb will be a resource and companion for those young women who

are seriously considering the life of a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St.

Francis. She states, “It is an honor to walk with a new generation of Franciscan

women who will shape the future of the congregation.”

“Sr. Deb is deeply Franciscan,” says Kathleen Riley, a friend and colleague.

Reflecting on Sr. Deb’s work with rehabilitating wildlife, Ms. Riley continues,“For her,

all of creation is one. She is energized by compassion and creatures trust her.” Sr. Deb

has a Veterinary Certification and has worked in a local vet clinic, working to

rehabilitate animals who were injured by natural causes or

intentional violence. Her love for animals is one

expression of her spirituality which is solidly root-

ed in Native American tradition. In addition to

the spiritual formation of the congrega-

tion, Sr. Deb had an Ojibway mentor

who opened the wonders of a

creation-based spirituality that

paralleled the way of SS. Francis

and Clare.

“Time for contemplation is neces-

sary, sorting out ever more deeply the

answers to the question, ‘Where am I

going?’” says Sr. Deb. She does a lot of her con-

templating in her kayak. “First, I work my way

upstream, battling the current and working very hard.

Then I give myself over to the water and float downstream.

It’s a metaphor for life. Giving myself over to the Lord, the

Giver of life, allows things to unfold as they should.”

Sr. Deb is from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, a little town of

13,000. From the age of six, she knew that she would be a

sister. She recalls seeing a sister and saying, “Someday I’ll be

just like you. Will I find Jesus there?” “I think Jesus found you,”

the sister said. Those were prophetic words, but it wasn’t until a high

school retreat that Sr. Deb was to realize her dream. Something kept coming back to

her about being a sister. After investigating several congregations, Sr. Deb entered the Sisters of St.

Joseph,TOSF, on August 15, 1978. She worked as a teacher’s aide while also working in support

45 Vol. 3 No. 3

I N T R O D U C I N G …

Sister Debra Ann WeinaV O C AT I O N M I N I S T E R

home care for Portage County Human Services. In 1989, she was campus

minister at the Newman Catholic Center in Oshkosh,Wisconsin. For eight

years, she was the Coordinator of Religious Education at St. Peter’s Parish

in Oshkosh. She was a lab technician for a year at Cleanwater Testing,

Inc. in Appleton, Wisconsin, before beginning her work at Wolf River

Veterinary Clinic in New London,Wisconsin.

Her mother was an organist, which explains how Sr. Deb got her love and

skill for music. She plays guitar and sings with the Franciscan Chords, a music

group of the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF. She does liturgical dance to enhance the

special occasions of the congregation.

In her position as Vocation Minister, her main role will be mentor for the

women seeking information about the congregation and accompanying

them on the journey to precandidacy. She will also be the contact for high

school and college career fairs, attend the “Come and See” weekends, work

with parishes in their vocation efforts, and prepare and provide information

about the congregation. Jesus found Sr. Deb, and, lucky for the women who

are considering the SSJ-TOSF lifestyle, so did the congregation.

“First, I work my way upstream, battling the current and working very

hard. Then I give myself over to the water and float downstream. It’s

a metaphor for life. Giving myself over to the Lord, the Giver of life,

allows things to unfold as they should.”

I N T R O D U C I N G …

The Editorial BoardO F G AT H E R I N G P L A C E

Behind the scenes is a group of very insightful, creative women, guiding the publication you are now

reading. On September 7, 2002, the Editorial Board met in Chicago, Illinois, to lay the plans for the

2003 editions of the magazine. The responsibilities of the Editorial Board are:

• To assure that the mission of the congregation is faithfully represented in the publication;

• To maintain, in the publication, the positive image of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis;

• To select themes and features annually that would be of interest to the external public;

• To review the previous year’s issues of the publication for clarity, interest, timeliness and meaning (relevancy to the intended audience).

The individuals, Charter members of the Board serving for three full years before staggered

replacements are made, are pictured below:

Sharon McElmeel, Des Plaines, Illinois

Sister Marygrace Puchacz, Concord, California

Sister Jeanne Conzemius, Central Board Liaison, Rice Lake,Wisconsin

Reneta Webb, Editor, Chicago, Illinois

Sister MaryLou Wojtusik, Forestville, Connecticut

Sister Carlene Blavat, Stevens Point,Wisconsin

Sister Judith David, Chicago, Illinois

Thank you for your creativity and insights in making this a quality magazine!

47 Vol. 3 No. 3

I N T R O D U C I N G …

Christmas AngelsS I S T E R D O M I N I C A F I C K & S I S T E R E S T H E R R O M A L K E

Angels are winging their way across the miles. Youhave an opportunity for Christmas gifts right here!

Sister Dominica Fick and Sister Esther Romalke are using their artistic skills

for Siena Prints, an art enterprise of the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF, to support

the retired sisters. The process happens in a bustling workroom in

Garfield Heights, Ohio. The angels come in a variety of colors and

have custom decorations. They stand approximately eight inches

tall and can be used for Christmas or to commemorate other spe-

cial events. If you would like to discuss some special orders, you can call

Sr. Dominica at (216) 429-1769 or send an e-mail at srdominica@aol.com.

SisterDominica

Fick

Sister EstherRomalke

I N T R O D U C I N G …

Christmas AngelsS I S T E R D O M I N I C A F I C K & S I S T E R E S T H E R R O M A L K E

Both Sr. Esther and Sr. Dominica are used to organizing and handling things. They both recently

retired from their positions as coordinators at Marymount Congregational Home, Sr. Esther after

nine years and Sr. Dominica after 13. One can only imagine the responsibilities of providing the daily

needs of 40 sisters living in the congregational home, including hospitality, maintenance, health needs,

regular meals and the like. It’s no wonder the sisters living at Marymount had a “thank you” banquet

in their honor.

And here they are, providing wonderful Christmas angels for you. The angels are $15 each plus $3

postage and handling. This is your opportunity to order the angels by mail:

Name

Address

City State Zip

Please check your preference of color: ❏ Blue ❏ Yellow ❏ Pink ❏ White ❏ Violet ❏ Green ❏ Peach

Please send ___________ angels at $15 each = $ _________________

plus postage and handling = $______3.00________

TOTAL = $ _________________

Please make checks payable to Siena Prints and send your order to:

Sister Dominica Fick10807 Wadsworth AvenueGarfield Heights, OH 44125-2267

You may also place orders by calling (216) 429-1769 or by e-mailing srdominica@aol.com.

Sister Shannon Fox

With joy, the Sisters of St. Joseph ofthe Third Order of St. Francis wel-comed Sister Shannon Fox into thenovitiate on Saturday, July 27, 2002, atMarymount Congregational Home,Garfield Heights, Ohio.

While Sr. Shannon was working on herBachelor’s Degree in psychology, shewas discerning God’s call to religious

life and considered various religious communities. Following graduation,Sr. Shannon joined Americorp and served in that organization for twoyears. It was during this time that Sr. Shannon met Sr.Anne Maslanka atMarymount Hospital and shared her interest in religious life. Sr. Anneinvited her to attend the “Come and See” weekend being held atMarymount Congregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio. The “Comeand See” events were beginning that very evening. Without hesitation, Sr.Shannon packed a bag and began her discernment process. Meeting thesisters and experiencing the SSJ-TOSF spirit was a happy ending to hersearch for a religious community. She knew she had come home.

Sr. Shannon is now a Canonical novice and for nine months will partici-pate in the Common Franciscan Novitiate now located in Joliet, Illinois.

Sister Kimberly MulhearnOn Saturday, August 3, 2002, SisterKimberly Mulhearn became a noviceof the Sisters of St. Joseph of the ThirdOrder of St. Francis. The ceremony,held at Immaculata CongregationalHome in Bartlett, Illinois, not onlybegan her canonical year of novitiate,it also passed on for a time the posi-tion of “youngest sister in the congre-gation” at age 21.

Sr. Kim began her vocational quest while she still attended Lourdes HighSchool in Chicago, Illinois. She was greatly influenced by her religionteacher, Sister Josita Krzeminski. As part of her outreach experience atLourdes, Sr. Kim participated for two summers in Appalachian Exchange,a program providing volunteers and opportunity to minister to the needyin Tennessee while experiencing the Appalachian culture. During theseweeks, Sr. Kim also experienced the SSJ-TOSF spirit through contact withSister Barbara Hathaway, a nurse practitioner in northeastern Tennesseeand Sister Jean Sonsalla, Director of Appalachian Exchange.

After Sr. Kim graduated from Lourdes High School, she continued her dis-cernment of a SSJ-TOSF vocation as a Pre-Candidate and a Candidate.During this time, she was employed and also began her education towardbecoming an elementary teacher. Now that she is a novice, Sr. Kim joinsSr. Shannon in the Common Franciscan Novitiate in Joliet, Illinois.

Sister Marcia LambertOn Sunday, August 11, 2002, Sister Marcia Lambert professed perpetual

vows as a Sister of St. Joseph of theThird Order of St. Francis at St.Joseph Congregational Home inStevens Point,Wisconsin.

Sister Marcia, formerly of JohnsonCity, Tennessee, became acquaintedwith the congregation through afriend who was also a friend of SisterLinda Szocik, an SSJ-TOSF working inVirginia at the time. Shortly after they

began correspondence, Sr. Marcia, having completed her degree in SocialWork, began working with the elderly in the mountains of Tennessee. Thisprovided an opportunity to meet and begin a cooperative ministry withSister Jean Sonsalla, then Director of Catholic Charities in the Five RiversDeanery of northeastern Tennessee, and Sister Barbara Hathaway, nursepractitioner in the same mountain area.

Sr. Marcia attended a “Come and See” weekend sponsored by the SSJ-TOSF Vocation/Formation Commission. Though she was only an inquirer,she felt God’s call and began the discernment process. This included Pre-Candidacy, Candidacy, participation in the Common FranciscanNovitiate, and, in 1999, profession of temporary vows. The discernment“journey” brought Sr. Marcia to the profession of perpetual vows on thefeast of St. Clare, August 11, 2002.

SSJ-TOSF Novices

F O R M A T I O N / V O C A T I O N

49 Vol. 3 No. 3

Perpetual Vows

Places…A re you looking for a quiet place where you can get away?

Spend time with God? Focus in dialogue with your col-

leagues? This is it! The River Pines House in central

Wisconsin is waiting for you.

River Pines House is located on the shores of the Wisconsin River

in Whiting, Wisconsin. The house serves individuals or groups

seeking a quiet, hospitable place for rest, retreat, prayer, reflection

and leisure. It is also used by gatherings such as school staffs,

church or parish committees and other support groups. Persons

or groups may come for a few hours, a day, several days or even a

week.

River Pines is owned by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the

Third Order of St. Francis and has the characteristic

aura of hospitality that is the hallmark of the congre-

gation. Besides its eight bedrooms (four singles and

four doubles), River Pines also has a full kitchen (the

guests provide/prepare their own meals/snacks), a

small chapel, a living room with a fireplace, a dining

room and a screened porch. It is handicapped acces-

sible with an outdoor disability ramp and deck. It is

surrounded by pine trees and inviting grounds, and is

a stone’s throw from the Wisconsin River.

The original building was built by Dr. Franklin Walbridge in 1912. Dr.Walbridge was a colleague and

shareholder with Dr. Thomas H. Hay and Dr. Hoyt E. Dearholt, founders of the River Pines

Sanatorium. When he passed away in 1929, the “brick house” became part of River Pines

Corporation, and eventually was sold to the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF.

“Near Restful Waters He Leads Me...”

It’s a wonderful facility. The fees are modest. Check it out! For infor-

mation and reservations, contact:

Sister Florence Domka

St. Joseph Congregational Home

1300 Maria Drive

Stevens Point,WI 54481

Phone: (715) 344-2830

Fax: (715) 344-2380

E-mail: marise@coredcs.com

51 Vol. 3 No. 3

Places…“Holy Ground, Shrine of St. Francis”

Garfield Heights, Ohio

I f every rain drop is a blessing, the ground

that is now the Shrine of St. Francis in

Garfield Heights, Ohio, is truly hallowed.

About 300 people gathered with Bishop A.

Edward Pevec in a downpour of rain to dedicate

the area just outside of Trinity High School,

placing the statue of St. Francis in its designated

spot and blessing 374 bricks, each inscribed with

the name of a Sister of St. Joseph, TOSF, who

began and/or served at Trinity High School

(previously St. Joseph Academy, then Marymount

High School).

“On one level, we are gathered here this evening

to dedicate a shrine in honor of St. Francis and

to bless some bricks,” said Sister Shawn Lee,

president of Trinity High School. “On another level, we are gathered to say ‘thank you’ for the past. Thank you

for all of the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF, who gave a part of their lives to the founding, progress and develop-

ment of this school, whether it was at St. Joseph Academy, Marymount High School, or Trinity. And thank you

for those alumni and friends whose companionship has blessed the journey of these years. On still another

level, we are gathered to ask the blessing of God upon our future endeavors as we re-commit ourselves to the

mission with which we have been entrusted.”

The person who guided the idea from inception to reality

was Dr. Patrick Riley, faculty member of Trinity High School

as well as faculty in the graduate school of Ursuline College,

Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Riley has completed 25 years of serv-

ice to Trinity High School and embodies so much of the

spirit of the school and the SSJ-TOSFs. “He is a wonderful

mix of academic pursuit and hands-on work,” said Sr. Shawn.

“He is a theologian and a laborer, and loves both equally.

Both are the gift and the legacy he has given to Trinity High

School for the past 25 years.”

The sun now shines brightly on the St. Francis “piazza,” a

splendid monument to the legacy of the past and the prom-

ise of the future.

Sisters of St. Josephof the Third Order of St. FrancisDevelopment OfficeP.O. Box 388129Chicago, IL 60638-8129

Phone: (773) 581-7505Fax: (773) 581-7545e-mail: dev@ssj-tosf.org

Dear Friends,

9/11 is still a searing memory. The recent economy has not been kind. In spite of the difficulties, we thank God for what is, and continue on. We pray, we renew, we learn, we grow and most importantly, we continueon ever stronger in our commitment to carry out our mission and ministry… “to make God more deeplyknown and loved…”

This fact becomes more evident as we read about the lives and ministries of our 41 Jubilarians of 2002. Wepray that God will continue His blessings upon them and all of us.

We thank God for each one of you and ask His special blessings and protection upon you and your families,our partners in ministry.

Sincerely,Sister Denise Seymour

Sister Denise Seymour

Sister Dorothy KurzawaBorn into this life: April 2, 1909

Born to eternal life: September 19, 2002

Through Sr. Dorothy’s hands and constantlife-giving service, convent homes in

Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan were sourcesof hospitality and nourishment.

Sister Valerian LechowiczBorn into this life: September 26, 1919Born to eternal life: September 8, 2002

With dedication and love, Sr. Valerian ministered as a teacher.

Peace emanated from her person and her smile was for everyone.

Sister Alverna SobczykBorn into this life: November 21, 1912Born to eternal life: October 31, 2002

Sister Alverna was a superior teacher of highschool Spanish and Home Nursing and alsoa model of care and concern for those whowere sick and unable to care for themselves.

“to make God more deeply known and loved…”

Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSFDevelopment OfficeP.O. Box 388129Chicago, Illinois 60638-8129www.ssj-tosf.org

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCHICAGO, IL

PERMIT #5504

Places…“Near Restful Waters He Leads Me...”

River Pines Houseis located on the shores of the

Wisconsin River in Whiting,

Wisconsin. The house serves

individuals or groups seeking a

quiet, hospitable place for rest,

retreat, prayer, reflection and

leisure. It is also used by

gatherings such as school staffs,

church or parish committees

and other support groups.

Persons or groups may come

for a few hours, a day, several

days or even a week.

It’s a wonderful facility. The fees are modest.

Check it out! For information and reservations, contact:

Sister Florence Domka

St. Joseph Congregational Home

1300 Maria Drive • Stevens Point,WI 54481

Phone: (715) 344-2830

Fax: (715) 344-2380

E-mail: marise@coredcs.com