FSPA welcomes nine new covenant affiliates in July

 

The FSPA celebrated the commitment of nine new covenant affiliates in July. Insight shares some of the new affiliates' reflections upon their coming to know FSPA.

Jean Amlaw
For La Crescent, Minn., resident Jean Amlaw, a former human resources trainer for A.B.L.E. Inc. and current volunteer for local organizations WAFER and Neighbors in Action, the path to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration covenant affiliation began when she attended classes at the Franciscan Spirituality Center (FSC). Then, seven years ago, she attended a Feast of St. Francis celebration where a “feeling of welcome” led her to become a prayer partner.

During her time as a prayer partner, Jean says she formed relationships with “. . . amazing Franciscan role models that caused me to want to know more about St. Francis and his lifestyle and his relationship with God.” When someone mentioned to her the idea of becoming an affiliate, Jean recalls feeling things fall into place. “It was the right time. Choosing to become an affiliate has allowed me to bond with this Franciscan community, to learn and live the values of St. Francis and become a role model in that same spirit.” Jean embodies the spirit of St. Francis at home as well, working in her yard and her garden. She also enjoys reading and spending time with her family, that includes her husband Jon, daughter Elizabeth, son Patrick, and grandchildren Max, Rowan and Rosella.

Sister Jean Kasparbauer is her contact.

Karen Donaldson
You may know this new covenant affiliate, Karen Donaldson, from her work in hospitality at the Franciscan Spirituality Center. She recalls coming to learn about affiliation with FSPA through fellow affiliate Linda Kerrigan, and says she has found the process to “. . . strengthen my awareness of the presence of God. I also believe that choosing to be a part of the FSPA community will help me to grow in faith and to be a part of a group of women that flourishes under the values of St. Francis.”

Born in Spring Grove, Minn., Karen grew up in Dorchester, Iowa, and now lives in La Crosse, Wis. She enjoys spending time with her son Mike, daughter Katie Rose and Katie’s four month-old daughter Kyra. Hiking, biking and camping are among her favorite pastimes.

Karen has served her community both philanthropically and professionally. Formerly, she had committed herself as a full-time volunteer for La Crosse’s New Horizons Shelter and Women’s Center, an organization she remains supportive of today. In her professional life, she received training as an accounting clerk at Winona Technical College and went on to become a bookkeeping clerk for several years. In addition to her current work at FSC, Karen is also employed at Fastenal as a merchandising assistant.

Her contact is Sister Karen Flottmeier.

Marilyn Hempstead
“In this period of my life,” says Marilyn Hempstead, “I am drawn to the devotion to the Spirit, and uniting with the Spirit within all of us.”

An antiques dealer in La Crosse since 1990, Marilyn is wife to John, mother to Laura and Melinda, and grandmother to Meredith, Max, Kim and Ed. She enjoys decorative painting, altered arts, genealogy and family history, and gardening. Marilyn says she became familiar with FSPA in 1990 when John started a job as Viterbo library director. “We attended FSPA events, and immediately felt embraced by the sisters.”

Raised as a Lutheran in Robbinsdale, Minn., Marilyn says the idea of affiliation came to her as she got to know the characteristics of FSPA and its mission more deeply. “I felt an affinity which was stronger than any of my former church ties,” she recalls. “Finally, I decided it was time to make a formal commitment to the FSPA spirit.”

Marilyn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Minnesota as well as a master’s in communication arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her professional experience has spanned the past 40 years and includes positions as a nursing and religious education director in Minneapolis, Minn., as well as Delafield and Racine in Wisconsin, teaching assistant at University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Women’s Resource Center director in River Falls. The 1980s brought new experiences and different horizons for Marilyn; she worked as a graphic artist in Oceanside, Calif., and then as a teacher in Denver, Colo.

Even before making her affiliation in July, Marilyn and her husband have practiced the FSPA commitment to
community by contributing funds and support to various organizations such as La Crosse’s American Association of University Women (AAUW). “John and I love visiting with the sisters at St. Rose and the Villa St. Joseph,” she adds.

Marilyn’s contact is Sister Marian Massman.

Lindsay McClead
With a Bachelor of Arts in theology from the College of St. Benedict, her current work to obtain a master’s in counseling at Winona State University, a past position with La Crosse’s Couleecap, Inc. as a mentoring program coordinator and her FSPA role as North American Coordinator for Global Awareness Through Experience (GATE), you could say that Lindsay McClead has experience that lends itself well to affiliation.

In her own words, Lindsay says her intention to continue through life as an affiliate is just that: “To live with more intention. After learning more about St. Francis’ incredible life of living against the grain of his time, I felt inspired. He lived a life full of purpose, in appreciation for creation, and lived modestly, simply.”

Lindsay says her commitment to faith was affirmed when she traveled the world as an undergrad, studying its religions. Post-college, Lindsay describes her mentoring experience with Couleecap, a local non-profit organization founded to sustain and empower low-income people, as rewarding. As grant funds for the position expired, she found herself in the office of her husband’s friend, FSPA affiliation co-minister Marci Madary. “Marci’s spirit was welcoming. She mentioned GATE and I was floored; its mission matched my opinion and passion for travel.”

The Rochester, Minn., native, married to husband Chris, shares St. Francis’ affinity for the outdoors. She also practices yoga and avidly reads.

Linda Kerrigan is Lindsay’s contact.

Trish Peebles
“I would like to deepen my relationship with God and have long been an admirer of St. Francis,” says Trish Peebles of her choice to become a covenant affiliate. Attending retreats at Prairiewoods Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, Iowa, and working with her spiritual director, Sister Lucille Winnike, affirmed her new dedication to her faith. “I often pray the St. Francis Prayer of Peace, especially when I am walking on a hiking trail,” says Trish. “I really admire the great respect FSPA has for nature, and the way it is open to people of all religions.”

Iowa has long been Trish’s home; she was born in Monona, grew up in Fayette and now resides in Urbana.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and business from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, and ventured as far as DeKalb, Ill., to obtain an MBA from the University of Northern Illinois. Trish has twenty years of experience, both in the military and in the field of accounting and finance. For the past seven years she has been employed as a financial analyst for Continental Corporation in Cedar Rapids. She walks, gardens and reads often, and attends Mass at Urbana’s St. Mary’s Church.

Her contact is Sister Lucille Winnike.

Gene Portz
The covenant affiliation program has welcomed Gene Portz into the fold.

Another long-term Iowa resident, Gene was born in Davenport, grew up in Andrew and currently lives in Marengo with his wife Leanne Spacek. He is father to daughters Tami and Gina.

Gene describes himself as a “jack of all trades,” and is self-employed as a cabinet maker. He has partaken in ministry formation classes at the Diocese of Dubuque and, along with his wife, has given much of his talents and time to Habitat for Humanity as well as the St. Joseph Home for Boys in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

His affiliation, too, seems to be a natural extension of his benevolent nature. “My choice was made for the spiritual support for the projects that Leanne and I get involved in,” says Gene. “I also like the philosophies of stewardship of the Earth and their whole religious philosophy.

Introduced to affiliation by his cousin, Clarice Flagel, Gene’s contact is Sister Maryam Gossling.

Leanne Spacek
“My faith journey has been long, winding and often lonely, but always exciting and fulfilling. It feels wonderful to have company on the road to Emmaus,” says Leanne Spacek.

The process for Leanne began as she came to know her icon writing classmates, Sisters Maryam Gossling, Carlene Unser and Karen Flottmeier, and when she accompanied a work crew from the Franciscan Spirituality Center on a trip to New Orleans in May of 1997. She says she finds that the benefit of belonging to a small local group of supportive, loving people like the covenant affiliates encourages her to “. . . deepen my faith and also to support others. It feels like a faith family that draws me in for mutual love, respect and nurturing . . . and fun.”

An artist and art teacher, Leanne holds two degrees from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, colleges on the subject–an undergraduate degree from Kirkwood Community College as well as a Bachelor of Arts from Coe College. She has been a potter, carpenter’s helper and icon writer, which led to her work with the St. Joseph Home for Boys in Haiti. Leanne has a certificate in ministry foundation from the Diocese of Davenport.

Further reflection of her Franciscan life can be found in Leanne’s hobby–knitting and crocheting hats and scarves for homeless shelters. She has three children–Suzanne, David and Thomas.

Sister Maryam Gossling is also the contact for Leanne.

Kelly Teachout
A La Crosse native now living across the Mississippi in Brownsville, Minn., Kelly Teachout is an advocate for many underserved communities in our area. In her professional life she currently serves two groups, the homeless and mentally challenged as a case manager for Couleecap, Inc., and women undergoing substance abuse recovery with Gundersen Lutheran’s Unity House for Women. Kelly also volunteers at St. Clare Health Mission, assisting with the clinic’s intake, social work and crisis counseling.

Well equipped to serve those in need, Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in sociology with a minor in women’s studies from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She also obtained a master’s in social work from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

For Kelly, making a commitment to a group like the FSPA affiliates has intensified her outreach. “It has made everything in my life, including my work, deeper.” She references John Yoder’s book The Politics of Jesus and its call to duty for social justice. “My affiliation has brought that message closer to home for me,” she says.

Along with her partner Sandi Krajewski, Kelly enjoys traveling and spending time with friends. She can also be found riding her motorcycle or reading.

Kelly’s contact is affiliate Sheila Garrity.

Sandy Brennan Worthing
A native of Rockville Centre on Long Island, N.Y., Sandy Brennan Worthing says she felt a desire to make her affiliation after her spiritual director, Kathy Corey, suggested it and she became familiar with their ethics. “I truly admire the FSPA and their values, especially those pertaining to the care of the Earth.”

Global sustainability issues, particularly those related to health and wellness, are important to Sandy and her family. “My husband, Rich, has had an undiagnosed blood disease for two and one half years,” she says. “I consider my ministry now as one pursuing his and my own optimal health as best we can.” Sandy’s family also includes son Angus, daughter Kate and grandchildren Lane and Ben.

Now retired in Minneapolis, Minn., Sandy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Newton College in Newton, Mass., and a master’s in education from Bank Street College of Education in New York. She taught kindergarten and second grade in New York’s Emerson School, and served also as a substitute and preschool teacher in Minnesota schools. She is also a certified massage therapist.

Sandy’s leisure time, which she enjoys spending with family and friends, is surely booked solid with activities like walking, yoga, water aerobics and Pilates, reading, watching films, attending concerts, doing “energy work” and meeting with her companion group.

Sandy is working with her contact, Sister Romana Klaubauf.