More links for the Archives subsection

Select One News Archives Faith Stories Archives Profiles in Faith Archives Thea Resources

Christine Center celebrates Sister Johanna's 20 years of service

Sister Cecilia Corcoran, right, pins a corsage on Sister Johanna Seubert. Photo by Margo Berg

The Christine Center in Willard, Wis., recently erupted in a weekend of song and dance to honor Sister Johanna Seubert for 20 years of service to the spirituality center. The celebration, which included a comedic “roast” by Sister Cecilia Corcoran, as well as a meaningful tribute service and a banquet, was a surprise to Sister Johanna until it was announced in The Christine Center’s newsletter. Co-workers knew that Sister Johanna wouldn’t want a fuss being made over her. That same humble, unassuming nature was obvious as she reflected upon the celebration.

“It felt wonderful, supportive. I don’t think it was so much for me as for all who served here and for the acknowledgement of the spiritual potential that exists,” says Sister Johanna. “It’s recognizing what is possible as far as spiritual evolution is concerned. So I don’t consider that (the celebration) was only for me, but for something much bigger.”

Margo Berg lived at the center for a year, volunteering in the Work Exchange Program. Sister Johanna was the first person she met when she came to the center—and since then, she has come to know and appreciate Sister Johanna. “Johanna is just a spiritual presence; she is present to all of us. She goes about her work quietly and works very hard, very long days,” says Margo, who has had Sister Johanna as a spiritual director. “When something makes her laugh her face lights up and her eyes twinkle. When I see that, I see the lightness of her spirit.” Margo says another special quality that Sister Johanna possesses is her totally non-judgmental acceptance of everyone she meets.

Together, Margo and Sister Henrita Frost led the tribute service to Sister Johanna during the festivities. Sister Henrita, a School Sister of Notre Dame who is also a core team member at the center, has had Sister Johanna as a spiritual guide since before Sister Henrita started working at the center. “I think her greatest gift to all of us is she’s been here 20 years,” says Sister Henrita. “She holds the history of the center and her fortitude in remaining with it through some difficult times, as well as some wonderful times, is a tribute to her spirituality, leadership and dedication. Now, together with Johanna, we are poised for a future of continuing to enflesh the mission of the center—spiritual deepening for global transformation—in expansive and exciting ways.”

That plan includes a capital campaign which is well underway, nearing the half-way mark for raising $1 million. Embedded within that plan, which includes construction of a new hermitage, upgrades to existing hermitages, remodeling and construction of new meeting and office space and a chapel, is a tribute to Sister Johanna. Already, the goal of $5,000 has been raised for a window to be placed in the chapel in Sister Johanna’s honor. While the design of the window has not yet been chosen, it is an appropriate gift for someone who has devoted 20 years to helping the spiritual light of others shine through.

“It’s gratifying to see the hunger that people have for spiritual deepening,” says Sister Johanna. “It’s been a very transformative experience personally. I think also the diversity of people who come to the center are open and ready; I love working with them. It’s deep work spiritually and I see fabulous responses in people who come.”

Individuals interested in donating to The Christine Center’s capital campaign can learn more about giving opportunities at www.christinecenter.org/capital_fund.html.

Click here to return to the Perspectives page.