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Marywood open house marks ministry of sisters

Sisters Jolynn Brehm, left, and Pauline Wittry

On Sunday, June 25, more than 50 people attended an open house at Marywood Spiritualty Center celebrating the leadership ministry of Sister Jolynn Brehm and the retirement of Sister Pauline Wittry from full-time ministry as a staff member.

Sister Jolynn is a co-founder and served as director from 1993 to 2006. During that time thousands of people participated in programs, retreats and spiritual direction at the center. She has been responsible for oversight and improvements for the lodge, four cabins and the administrative office center. She spear-headed a prayer trail, coordinated shoreline restoration, and established the St. Francis Garden, a place of memorials and gratitude.

Sister Jolynn's programming focus has been in spiritual direction, and presentations on the renewing energy of nature. Reflecting on her keen awareness of the site, one participant suggested that she has a name for every rock.

Sister Eileen Lang, chair of the Marywood board, checks out one of the new shrubs.

The Day Break Disciples group at Holy Family Woodruff Parish was also established by Sister Jolynn. The group, which has been meeting weekly for 10 years at 7:30 a.m. to explore the Sunday liturgy readings, will continue. Sister Jolynn will continue to live in the area, provide spiritual direction, guide programs and direct retreats, as well as work with Franciscan studies.

Sister Pauline was the initial staff person, starting in 1993. She initiated programming at the center, giving presentations on spirituality, conducting retreats and spiritual direction. She has gained regional recognition with her work in facilitating grief processes and studies on cosmology and mystics. Sister Pauline also travels to local parishes to provide spiritual direction and centering prayer experiences. She will continue in her ministry at the center on a part-time basis.

In her remarks Sister Pauline said, "You are all on the way, just by the fact that you come seeking. Making God the center of your life is the first thing."

Participants at the event also blessed a new grove of native trees and shrubs planted to create a natural sound barrier and contemplative atmosphere at the center. Staff also surprised Sister Jean Michael Treba by recognizing her service to the center as leadership liaison. She was presented with a Marywood Earth Day t-shirt in appreciation.

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