Leaders

 

FSPA leadership is elected through a prayerful process that involves the entire membership of the congregation. Terms of office are four years long and members are eligible to serve two terms. Currently Sister Marlene Weisenbeck serves as president, and Sister Paulynn Instenes as vice president of the congregation. They are assisted by three mission councilors: Sisters Sharon Berger, Karen Neuser and Linda Mershon.

The five sisters work together to consider both the welfare of each sister and the corporate good of the congregation, fostering FSPA life and mission in the church and in the world.

Sister Marlene Weisenbeck

Sister Marlene Weisenbeck, has been the FSPA president since 2002. She also serves as president for the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Prior to that, she served the La Crosse Diocese in the Office of Consecrated Life, and as chancellor. Before she studied canon law she taught music at the high school and college levels. She holds a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a master's degree from George Peabody College, Nashville, Tenn., and a bachelor's degree from Viterbo University, La Crosse. She currently lives in La Crosse.

 

Sister Paulynn Instenes

Sister Paulynn Instenes, vice president, is a native of La Crosse, Wis., and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Viterbo University in La Crosse. She has served as a principal and teacher in schools around the world, including Mississippi, Wisconsin, Guam and Zimbabwe.

Sister Sharon Berger

Sister Sharon Berger, mission councilor, has served as a member of the FSPA leadership team since 2002. Prior to that she served the congregation in the offices of formation and vocation. She is a graduate of Viterbo University and holds a master's degree from Aquinas Institute, Dubuque, Iowa. She currently lives in La Crosse.

 

Sister Linda Mershon

Sister Linda Mershon, mission councilor holds a master's degree in spirituality from Prescott College in Prescott, Ariz., and a bachelor's degree in sociology from California State University at Long Beach. Sister Mershon, who has two married sons and a granddaughter, accepted her call to religious life during her mid-life years. She currently lives in La Crosse.

Sister Karen Neuser

Sister Karen Neuser, mission councilor, oversees the FSPA GATE program and Membership Office. She holds a master's degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University in New Orleans and a bachelor's degree in math and chemistry from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc. She has served in pastoral ministry in Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin and Michigan, and has worked as an elementary teacher.