Reflections and Ministries of 2007 Jubilarians
FSPA Jubilarians Celebrate Service Milestones This spring and summer, 35 Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) celebrated 75, 70, 60, 50 and 25 years of service as women religious. The sisters share the following reflections on the occasion of their jubilee. Diamond (75) August 10, 1932 Sister Dolorice Schier
The miracle of my life: A native of West Point, Iowa, Sister Dolorice taught for 21 years in elementary schools in Idaho and Wisconsin. After serving as group mother and central service coordinator at St. Michael's Home in La Crosse for 32 years, she was the audiovisual department librarian at Viterbo College and then Nursing Center from 1982-1996. Several of those years she was sacristan at the Viterbo Campus Church. Sister Dolorice retired to St. Rose Convent in 1996. Diamond (70) August 5, 1937 Sister Mary Walter Heires
As I look from the vantage point of 70 years of vowed life as a Franciscan
Sister of Perpetual Adoration, I am awed by the magnificence of the gift of
a vocation-a call to "Come follow me" to live a life in close union
with God. Entering St. Rose Convent from Carroll, Iowa, Sister Mary Walter Heires was an elementary teacher for 14 years in Washington and Wisconsin before moving to Canton, Miss. There she taught junior and senior high school from 1951-1967. She returned to her home town teaching at Kuemper High School for 16 years. From 1983-1990 Sister Mary Walter cared for her mother and then managed the family farm. She returned to Camden, Miss., for four years before retiring in 1994 to Villa St. Joseph, where she currently resides and volunteers. Sister Virginia McCarville
For a person with 12 years of public school education and not too much knowledge
regarding religious life, I realize that the Holy Spirit must have had a great
amount of influence in my becoming a sister. Of course, growing up in a wholesome
family plus the yearly visits to St. Rose to see my sister, Sister Agnelia,
receive much credit also. Sister Virginia McCarville, born in Moorland, Iowa, became a teacher and ministered in elementary schools for 43 years before volunteering in Canton, Miss., and serving as the activities director in a nursing home in Claxton, Ga., each for a year. From 1981-1990 she lived in Beauford, S.C., tutoring, teaching religious education classes and playing the organ in the parish church. For a time Sister Virginia cared for her sisters while she ministered in the parish and school. From 1996-2002 she worked in Literacy Training (GED and ESL) and Adult Education for Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa. In 2002 she retired to St. Rose Convent where she currently resides. Sister Grace McDonald
Being a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration has not only "allowed," but has "freed, encouraged and motivated" me to more fully serve God, the church, and humanity, through my vows in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. This lifestyle based on following the Gospel has given me the opportunity to live in community where Eucharistic spirituality is of prime importance and where prayer and contemplation infuse our mission and ministry in the church. I thank God each day for having called me to share in the life and service of these, my Franciscan sisters. Born in Spokane, Wash., Sister Grace (Justille) McDonald chose education as her career. She spent eight years in elementary schools and two years in high school before teaching history at Viterbo College for eight years. In 1960 Sister Grace was appointed president of Viterbo, a position she held for 10 years. From 1970-1978 she served as president of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Her next ministry was in Spokane, Wash., as FSPA western province provincial. In 1986 she moved back to La Crosse, serving as FSPA secretary general and archivist for six years. She continues to serve the congregation as historian. Sister Grace is retired and resides at St. Rose Convent. Sister Riccarda Moseley
Having entered St. Rose Convent from Spokane, Wash., Sister Riccarda Moseley began her ministry as a teacher-nine years on the elementary level and 24 years on the secondary level in Iowa, Washington and Wisconsin. For the next 21 years she worked as a counselor in a halfway house for released women prisoners. From 1979-1991 Sister Riccarda served as the state parole director in Nevada and then volunteered with the sheriff's department in Carson City for 1½ years before retiring to Villa St. Joseph in 1993. Sister Faith Ruetten (assisted by Sister Clarone Brill)
Seventy years of religious life is a long time. I could never begin to count all the blessings of these years. Serving God in the ministry of education as teacher and/or principal, in religious education, in parish ministry and in my own community has been most satisfying for me. I'm proud that I am a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. I thank my God that I have had the ability to serve him and others. It is with a grateful heart that I celebrate the goodness of God. Sister Faith, a Sparta native, ministered as a teacher for 48 years in Iowa and Wisconsin. After leaving the classroom, she was involved in parish ministry and religious education at St. Lucas, Iowa, for seven years before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 1992. She made her home at the Villa St. Joseph in 1994. Sister Drusilla Trussoni
As I look back on my 70 years in this community, I have mostly good memories. I thank God that I got to know him and love him more. I enjoyed working as a domestic, but when asked to take the nursing course, I knew I would do well and be blessed. I was certain it was God's will for me. I know I have brought many closer to God and I still do as a volunteer. God was and is good to me; I have been blessed. Sister Drusilla, a native of Genoa, Wis., worked as a domestic for 18 years before graduating from a licensed practical nursing program (LPN) in 1960. She served as an LPN at St. Francis Hospital and Villa St. Joseph from 1960-1969. For the next eight years Sister Drusilla cared for her parents until their death. She continued to work at St. Francis Hospital as a nurse and, after obtaining certifications as a chaplain in 1974, in pastoral care until the mid-1980s. After two years of home care, she returned as a volunteer at St. Francis until the present day. Sister Marie Weller
I am grateful to the community and to the sisters I have lived and worked with. And, I am grateful to God. Sister Marie Weller entered St. Rose Convent from Spokane, Wash. After earning a degree in elementary education, she taught for 15 years at the elementary level. She then earned a degree in home economics and taught in high schools in Iowa, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin for 14 years, one year at Viterbo College and one year at Spokane Community College. After leaving the classroom, Sister Marie worked at St. Joseph's Children's Home in Spokane for one year. She then volunteered as a seamstress, cook, in home care and she worked with senior citizens at St. Aloysius Parish in Spokane. She retired to St. Rose Convent in 1990. Sister Theresa Wernimont
Born in Malta, Mont., Sister Theresa Wernimont entered St. Rose Convent
from Greenwood, Wisconsin. She entered the teaching profession, serving 21 years
on the elementary level and 16 years on the secondary level. From 1974-1981
Sister Theresa taught in the special learning disabilities program, a pioneer
program in the Ashland Public Schools. For the next 19 years she volunteered
in the parish, did job counseling and was companion to the elderly in Ashland
before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 2000. Diamond (60) August 12, 1947 Sister Leclare Beres
Where did 60 years of religious life go??? My parents and siblings gave me
a great start in this life and continue to love and support me as an FSPA. They have been and continue to be a source of enrichment for me, embracing
my good points and helping to file down the points that need changing. Sister Leclare Beres, born in Elroy, Wis., entered the health care profession. She ministered as a registered nurse in Iowa, Idaho and St. Francis Hospital, La Crosse. From 1964-1973 Sister Leclare served as director of nursing at Guam Memorial Hospital. She returned to La Crosse and served as FSPA health care coordinator and then on the FSPA formation team while working in nursing services at St. Francis. In 1984 Sister Leclare was appointed director of the Indochinese Screening Clinic and, 10 years later, as director of St. Clare Health Mission in La Crosse. She retired in 2003, and then accepted a position to teach nursing students for a four-month period in Wuhan, China. She made St. Rose Convent her home in 2006. Sister Marguerite Bruening
Reflecting on my 60 years as a FSPA gives me a feeling of deep gratitude to my family and community for all God's blessings, support and encouragement. God has graced me during all the days of my life. I loved my 50 years of teaching where I was privileged to touch the minds and hearts of many young children. To bring happiness to others in my parish visiting of the elderly was always an intense joy. I feel blessed in my retirement years for the privilege of taking hours of prayer in our Chapel of Perpetual Adoration. The volunteer work I do at the hospital and St. Joseph Care Center adds rich
dimensions to my life. Sister Marguerite, a native of Carroll County, Iowa, celebrated her 60th jubilee with her community on April 28, 2007, at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wis. Sister Marguerite ministered as an elementary teacher for 50 years in Iowa, Montana and Wisconsin. Before her retirement at St. Rose Convent in 1998, Sister Marguerite tutored and did parish visiting with the elderly at Durand, Wis. Sister Joselda Hageman
As I reflect on my 60th anniversary I am grateful to my family members and community for the many graces and blessings which have come to me over the years, in my ministries and now at St. Rose Convent to help carry on the community ministry of perpetual adoration. Sister Joselda Hageman, a native of St. Lucas, Iowa, has served as a homemaker at convents and care centers in Bellevue, Coon Rapids and St. Lucas, Iowa, and at Durand, Boscobel and La Crosse, Wis. She is retired at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse where she helps to carry on the community's ministry of perpetual adoration. Sister Rita Heires
Looking back on the gift of 60 years as a professed member of FSPA, I can only sense an immense gratitude for the uncountable opportunities of spiritual and professional growth, the invitation to minister to children and families through educational programs and now the wide vista of service experiences that as a volunteer have opened to me because of the skills and training I received. The Spiritual Direction Program offered at FSC had a profound influence in my life personally and equipped me for so many parish ministries in my retirement years as a BeFriender, Grief/Bereavement, RCIA as well as spiritual direction itself. Undergirding all of this is a reflective posture, the daily call, and eucharistic
feast that our life provides. Embellished with community: that sharing of the
stuff of life and support in friendship-indeed what a gift to be FSPA. Sister Rita, a native of Carroll, Iowa, chose education as her career. She served as elementary teacher/principal for 36 years in parochial schools in Iowa, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. After leaving the classroom, Sister Rita was librarian for four years before being assigned as principal at Ford Dodge, Iowa, for three years. From 1996-1999, she served as first treasurer of Central Province in addition to being a teaching/principal at St. Pius X in Cedar Rapids. From 1991-1995 she served her FSPA community as central region treasurer. Sister Rita currently lives and volunteers in the Hiawatha/Cedar Rapids area. Sister Helen Keating
My heart is filled with gratitude for the many blessings I have enjoyed and experiences I have been afforded by the community during the past 60 years. At this time, I ask forgiveness of those whom I have hurt or offended along the way. May we continue our journey together in peace and love. A native of Prairie du Chien, Sister Helen graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse and earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from Viterbo College. She ministered as a registered nurse in hospitals in Wisconsin, Iowa and Idaho before joining the teaching staff at St. Francis School of Nursing. After completing an assignment at Villa St. Joseph as director of nursing, Sister Helen received a master's degree in nursing education from Columbia University. She then returned to St. Francis School of Nursing as surgical clinical coordinator. In 1969, her FSPA community asked her to be a formation coordinator. In 1970, she was elected to the FSPA General Administrative Board as the health care province representative. She served as administrator of the health care province from 1972-1979. After completing a refresher course in nursing in 1980, Sister Helen continued her nursing career as instructor at Viterbo College, as director of employee health at St. Francis Medical Center, and as staff nurse at St. Rose Convent. She retired in 1995. Sister Bernice Newton
As I reflect on my 60 years in God's service, I'm grateful first to my devout Catholic parents who started me on my journey of faith in Jesus. Next, I'm thankful for my call to be an FSPA. I've loved each of my ministries; first as a full-time musician, later as a pastoral care chaplain at St. Francis Hospital, and finally as a volunteer in hospital ministry and parish involvement at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Hiawatha, Iowa. Being back in Iowa gave me an opportunity to share with my sister, Mary, and our wonderful family. Now as a retired sister at St. Rose I'm enjoying the friendship of so many sisters who have shared this journey with me through the years. Sister Bernice, a native of Lamont, Iowa, entered St. Rose in January 1945.
She served as a full-time musician and teacher in schools and parishes in Iowa
and Wisconsin for 25 years. She then spent five years in parish ministry in
Waterloo, Iowa. Later, she ministered as a pastoral care chaplain at St. Francis
Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis., for 18 years. She retired in 1995, but continued
to volunteer in La Crosse and later at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Hiawatha,
Iowa, until 2006. Sister Bernice now resides at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse,
Wis. Sister Mary James Ramaekers with help from Sister Esther Leis
While in Minneapolis, Sister Mary James ministered with mentally and emotionally ill persons. She did mental health assessments for Hennepin County and in working with women who had suffered addictions and abuse. As a certified spiritual director, she combined these new skills while serving those who have been mentally ill. Along with Rose Tillemans, CSJ, and other Sisters of St. Joseph, Sister Mary James immersed herself in the ministry of justice and peace, and nonviolent civil disobedience. She demonstrated against U.S. involvement in the manufacture and sale of cluster bombs and nuclear weapons, and was arrested many times and jailed twice. As refugees from Central America and Africa arrived in Minneapolis, she and Rose offered their home and support to a number of these families. Sister Mary James also served the poor and homeless of Minneapolis. Sister Mary James appreciates FSPA for allowing her to follow her ministry.
She is grateful for the opportunity of higher learning which equipped her to
serve people both in the area of mental and emotional illness and in justice
and peace. She appreciates community with its support of people and the ability
to do so much more than any one of us alone. She describes community as a marriage-together
in sickness and in health. Finally, she is most grateful for the gift of the
Adoration Chapel. Her home is now at the Villa of St. Joseph. Born in Lindsay, Neb., and entering FSPA from Scranton, Iowa, Sister Mary James ministered as a registered nurse for 10 years before earning a degree in psychiatric nursing and nursing service administration. From 1962-1978 she served as psychiatric nurse at St. Francis Hospital and as an assistant professor at Viterbo College. Sister Mary James worked as a clinical nurse specialist at St. Joseph's Hospital, Omaha, Neb. for three years before moving to St. Paul, Minn. While there, she ministered with mentally and emotionally ill persons in the area of crisis nursing, doing mental health assessments for Hennepin County and working with women who had suffered addictions and abuse. Sister Mary James also immersed herself in the ministry of Justice and Peace and nonviolent civil disobedience; she was arrested many times and jailed twice in connection with nonviolent demonstrations. In addition, she hosted refugees from Central America and Africa in her home and served the poor and homeless of Minneapolis. Before retiring in La Crosse in 1999, Sister Mary James ministered as a spiritual director at St. Stephen Parish. She is currently residing at Villa St. Joseph. Sister Pat Sheridan
During the Easter Season we hear the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and the phrase "their hearts were burning within them." Those lines help me reflect on my 60 years as an FSPA. From the New Year's Eve in 1943 (when I was at St. Rose visiting my sister, Eileen - and I decided then and there to join the community) until now, the "burning within me" has periodically been my "engine." Among the numerous things I am grateful for: the updating we did after Vatican II; the wonderful holy human women I have lived and worked with, and the emphasis we now place on cosmic awareness and the place of women in church and society. Sister Pat, a native of Kendall, Wis., earned her music degrees from Viterbo College, La Crosse and DePaul University, Chicago. She spent 30 years teaching chorus, orchestra and band, including six years at Aquinas High School. In 1985 she became director of religious education in the Kendall-Elroy-Wilton area. Currently, Sister Pat lives in Elroy and teaches private piano lessons. Sister Mary Stadelman
Recently, one of the employees, referring to the celebration of jubilee said to me, "As you look back over your life, you must see you have given a lot." My immediate response was, "It's not what I have given but what I have received." 1) The maturing of my Catholic faith which nurtured within me the grace to respond to the call of my religious vocation. 2) An education that taught me the academic curriculum and the psychological development of the human person. 3) The opportunity of ministering as a hospital chaplain within a healthcare facility, which gave me the knowledge and the experience of life and death issues. 4) The open door to "get out of the box" when I was assigned a teaching position in the West. One example is, experiencing liberation through authentic charismatic prayer groups, giving me the freedom of the Holy Spirit to develop my own human giftedness. 5) The providential care via wise and dedicated community leaders, as well as my religious sisters who served as examples of service and charity; specifically, for Sister Dorothy Amon with whom I lived for over 20 years as a guide, companion and friend. 6) Finally, I give thanks and praise for these blessings and more, as I now have the opportunity and the challenge to live mindfully in Christ-centered consciousness here at St. Rose. Sister Mary entered St. Rose Convent from Blanchardville, Wis,. She began her active ministry in 1947 as an elementary teacher in parochial schools in Iowa, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wisconsin. She served as assistant principal for one year in Salem, Ore. After leaving the classroom in 1981, Sister Mary became a hospital chaplain at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, a position she held for 18 years. She retired in Spokane in 1999 and moved to La Crosse in 2001 where she volunteered as a sacristan at St. Rose Convent for three years. Sister Mary continues to reside at St. Rose. Sister Marian Wieland
I grew up on a farm. My father and mother and two brothers and three sisters were a close family. Went to the convent and became a homemaker. I enjoyed cooking and the many jobs with it. Then in 1969 I became a nurse aide with the mothers and babies. Then I went to work with patients on the floor. I enjoyed the many sisters I worked with and lived with, also the many people I worked with. I enjoy Mass and prayers. I love the Blessed Mother. Entering religious life from Carroll, Iowa, Sister Marian ministered as a homemaker in convent homes, Villa St. Joseph and St. Joseph Home from 1947-1967. She was appointed dietitian at St. Anthony Hospital, Arco, Idaho, for two years. Sister Marian changed occupations and served as a nurse aide at St. Anthony Regional Hospital, Carroll, Iowa, for the next 28 years. She retired in 1997, but continues to volunteer at St. Anthony's Hospital. Golden Jubilee (50) August 12, 1957 Sister Marianna Ableidinger
"I, Sister Marianna vow to God Almighty…" That first vow day of 50 years ago still lives in my heart and guides me as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration to be faithful to my vocation as the bride of Christ. I am forever grateful for the roads I have been able to travel in ministry within and without the United States under the guidance of the leaders and sisters of our FSPA community. I am grateful for the opportunity to study Spanish in Bolivia and Guatemala and for the ministry in El Salvador and New Mexico, which have had a great impact on my ministry and spirituality. I thank the teachers, grade school through university level, who inspired me to be a teacher and parish catechetical leader. May God bless my parents and family who first revealed the faith to me in practice, my religious community, the pastors, parishioners, teenagers and children that I have had the privilege to know. "What return shall I give to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? I will call upon the name of the Lord. My vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all his people." Psalm 116:12, 14. A native of Mondovi, Wis., (St. Joseph Parish, Rock Falls), Sister Marianna began her career in teaching as an elementary teacher for 19 years and at the same time principal for five years at Boyd. Afterward, she served as a missionary to El Salvador from 1977-1981. Sister Marianna returned to the classroom for two more years before working in pastoral ministry and as director of religious education in Chimayo and Mora, N. M., for 14 years. The past eight years she has been pastoral associate and director of religious education, K-adult, first in Lac du Flambeau and currently in Gilman, Sheldon, Lublin and Jump River Cluster. Sister Marianna resides in Sheldon. Sister Joyce Blum
What is evangelization? We have a group of migrants going from house to house
in Storm Lake, Iowa. As I read about pioneer evangelization in the National
Catholic Reporter (NCR) this week, I thought that "this is what we are
doing." We have so much disharmony, division, violence in and among our
Hispanic families. What a challenge as we face the ills of globalization in
our midst. How are we as a congregation reaching out to all areas of our planetary needs?
I praise God for the discernment shown me to respond to church and societal needs. We are God's messengers of light and hope. I just completed four days of 20 inches of snow "this is Iowa they tell me!" All of nature calls out saying "Be still and know that I am God." (Ps. 46.10) These have been grace-filled days as I shovel out of heavy, wet drifts. This
unfamiliar culture is still scary to me as I begin in the Sioux City Diocese.
I am a stranger in a strange land. My creator is not a stranger to me; I am
part of God's household. How conscious I am becoming to the Hispanic presence
in our U.S. church. Sister Cecilia Corcoran
Looking over the last 50 years I am amazed at the path my life has taken. From
a place of utmost gratitude and joy I see the unfolding of my life in FSPA as
a "Yes!" that drew me into a story I could not have imagined. The
historic realities impacting religious life over these years is the backdrop
on which my personal life was lived. But deeper than the chronology of events
is the stillness of the divine never-changing Presence within. This moves me
to sing my own "Magnificat!" in thanksgiving. Entering the FSPA congregation from Superior, Wis., Sister Cecilia taught elementary school until 1968 when, in El Salvador, she turned to religious education. That led her into parish ministry (Anoka, Minn.), youth formation (El Salvador), campus ministry, (Tulsa, Okla.) and international work for global awareness (Mexico). In 1982 she was elected FSPA vice president, a position she held for eight years. Sister Cecilia holds advanced degrees in education, ministry and women's religious studies. As team coordinator at the Christine Center (Willard, Wis.), she continues with the FSPA Global Awareness Through Experience (GATE) program part-time. Sister Delores Claire DuCharme
I thank God, my FSPA community and my family for my 50 years as every day holds some lovely secret waiting to be found. As "we are women of the church, integral to its mission, sent as Jesus was sent to manifest the Father's love to the world, to bring new life, new meaning, new hope to a suffering and searching humanity, to heal with compassion and forgiveness, to proclaim the Gospel in word and action, to be prophets, scrutinizing and criticizing our times, proclaiming the Christian dimension of eschatological values, recalling people to their true nature and purpose" as our Rule of Life says. Each day centered in the Eucharist as I follow the Gospel as did St. Francis and St. Clare, I thank for all and the challenge of change and growth as FSPA with my sisters. A native of Eastman, Wis., Sister Delores Claire began her active ministry as a homemaker (15 years) in convent homes in Iowa, Mississippi, Washington and Wisconsin. After a year as a nurse aide at Villa St. Joseph and working as a certified nursing assistant while obtaining a two year registered nursing degree (1975) at Western Wisconsin Technical Institute, she ministered as a nurse at St. Francis Nursing Home, La Crosse, Wis., while obtaining a bachelor of science in nursing degree at Viterbo College (1985) for 24 years until retiring and working as volunteer since 2001 at its closing. Sister Maria Friedman
When I was in the sixth grade at Holy Angels School, Roselle, Iowa, I heard a guest FSPA talk about the sisters' work in China. In that moment I sensed in some intangible way that sisters were part of something "big," and I knew I wanted to be one of them. After 53 years in the community, I am grateful that I chose religious life, and more specifically, FSPA religious life. The opportunities, the web of relationships that is FSPA, and being part of something bigger than myself is beyond anything I had imagined. And I have the feeling that the best is yet to come! Sister Maria, born in Roselle, Iowa, chose education for her ministry. She taught on the elementary level for nine years and 17 years on the junior and senior high level. From 1987-1991 Sister Maria cared for Bishop Maurice Dingman in his final years of life. The FSPA appointed her to be their communications director, a position she held for eight years. She continued to serve the congregation as the North American GATE (Global Awareness Through Experience) coordinator until 2006. Sister Maria is retired and lives in La Crosse, where she serves as a volunteer tutor at the county jail. Sister Arlene Melder
I am thankful for all the many graces and blessings of the past 50 years. I am especially grateful for my parents for their support and love, also for the FSPA who were my teachers at St. Robert's School in Halder, who inspired me. I am grateful for all the FSPA who have loved and supported me on my journey. As a young sister I had the privilege of working with the sisters at St. Michael's Home in La Crosse which was an enriching experience. I have many good memories of the love, support and humor we shared. Then there were the many people who have touched my life in my various ministries at Idaho Falls, Hillsboro, the Villa, Claxton, Ga., Caledonia, Minn., and the 16 years at Arcadia, Wis. There have been many challenges, but God has been good to me, as I strive to be more aware of God's love for me. One of the ways I experience God's love is being in nature. I am most grateful for the daily opportunity for Eucharist and the privilege to participate in perpetual adoration here at St. Rose Convent. Born in Halder, Wis., Sister Arlene has served in various ministries. She served as a food service manager at St. Michaels Home in La Crosse, Villa St. Joseph and Idaho Falls Hospital. From 1974-1979 Sister Arlene lived in the House of Prayer and worked as a certified nursing assistant at Hillsboro. In 1980 after taking clinical pastoral education, she became a member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and ministered as a chaplain in Claxton, Ga., Caledonia, Minn., and Arcadia, Wis., (16 years). She also did home care and hospice work. Sister Arlene retired to St. Rose Convent in La Crosse in 2006. Sister Mary Louise Mutch
In some ways it feels that my life is really just now coming together. The things I have done, the meanings that have deepened, and the values that have grown strong bring me an increasing sense of peace and confidence. I am so grateful to the community and God's loving care for the graces and opportunities that have encouraged and supported me throughout this journey. A La Crosse native, Sister Mary Louise Mutch ministered as a music teacher for 20 years in Iowa, Washington and Wisconsin, before being appointed FSPA provincial treasurer and secretary, a position which she held from 1980 to 1987. Sister Mary Louise was then hired as manager of the development office at Holy Hill Shrine of Mary near Hartford, Wis., until 1995. For the past 10 years she has worked in the FSPA archives and lives in La Crosse. Sister Eudora Navarre
Gratitude is in my heart for having been accepted into the community and to the sisters in leadership who supported and encouraged me in my education and ministry over the past years. The kindness and companionship of the sisters throughout the community has been an ongoing support for me. God bless the community and all of the sisters as only he can. Entering St. Rose Convent from Milwaukee, Wis., Sister Eudora served as receptionist at Viterbo College from 1957-1968 and worked part-time in the book store. For the next 11 years she was assistant librarian and worked in the mail room at Viterbo. Sister Eudora continued using her library skills at St. Anthony School in Pewaukee, Wis., (five years), and St. Rose Convent media center (6 years). From 2000 until her retirement at St. Rose in 2005, she volunteered in the FSPA archives. Sister Nina Shephard
Fifty years of graced moments Given a choice, I might have changed some Together with all my FSPA community, Like myriad drops of water gathered in a well, "Quaerite primum regnum Dei… Sister Nina, from Spokane, was a music teacher for nine years before becoming a missionary in El Salvador in 1969. After returning to La Crosse in 1973, she was director of the FSPA social concerns office. In 1974 Sister Nina was elected assistant to the provincial for the FSPA western province in Spokane. After her term was completed, she spent six years at Franciscan Communications Center in Los Angeles. From 1985-2004 Sister Nina ministered as pastoral assistant in Stockton, (4 years), Oakland, (9 years), and Oakdale, Calif., (5 years), before moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she now resides. She is currently serving as pastoral assistant at Immaculate Conception and St. Wenceslaus parishes and in ministry to the Spanish-speaking at the State Prison in Anamosa. Sister Charlene Smith
Golden jubilee. Time to celebrate remarkable years as a Franciscan Sisters.
Formation, college and graduate education, travels, stimulating, rewarding ministries
in teaching, consulting and administration passed quickly. Entering St. Rose Convent from Harper, Iowa, Sister Charlene pursued a career as a speech and drama teacher following three years as a junior high teacher. Moving into administration in 1972, she served as dean of students at Viterbo College, then as dean of women at Kuemper High School, Carroll, Iowa. Completing a sabbatical at Catholic University, for the next several years Sister Charlene ministered in Washington, D.C., as a consultant with Management Design, Inc., in administration with the national Religious Formation Conference. In 1988 she returned to Viterbo College as director of the library. Returning to Washington, D.C., in 1990, she was a consultant/administrator with High Performance Learning. In 1994 she was appointed FSPA congregational secretary until 2000 when she became coordinator of the Thea Bowman Legacy, a position she currently holds. Sister Charlene resides in La Crosse. Sister Laurette Sprosty
I am thankful for this time set aside to "re-cognize" and celebrate the life-giving Spirit that has been present in every step of my journey, in every circumstance of my life, in every person and culture that has touched me, in nature that constantly embraces me. In retrospect it seems that even "disaster" has somehow borne seeds of transformation! And there is no way that I can look at myself and where I have been without recognizing that I am FSPA-shaped, too, by a very special community of sisters for which I am most grateful. Tatenda, masviita, siyabonga, thanks. A native of Eastman, Wis., Sister Laurette ministered as an elementary teacher/principal for 19 years including 12 years at St. Wenceslaus/Cathedral School in La Crosse. She worked at the La Crosse Diocesan Education Center for one year before being elected FSPA provincial (1978-1982). Since that time Sister Laurette has been ministering in Zimbabwe, Africa, as a teacher in a rural secondary school, as a lecturer at Bondolfi Teacher's College, on the Catholic education staff development team, director of a volunteer teacher organization, and lastly, working with an orphan project and teaching postulants of the OFM Irish Province in Chivhu, which are her current ministries. Sister Jeanne Storms
I'm thankful for the privilege of perpetual adoration, instruction in the spiritual life, for pilgrimages, and the opportunity to share these with others. In addition, I am thankful for the outstanding education provided to us in preparation for our ministries. I look forward to our retirement years, which enable us to develop the contemplative aspect of our lives. Sister Jeanne, born in Spokane, Wash., chose education as her ministry. She taught in elementary schools for seven years and at Marycliff High School, Spokane, for seven years. From 1972-1986 Sister Jeanne served as secretary or office manager in schools in Spokane, Portland and Palo Alto. For four years she was director of religious education at St. Mary's Parish, Mt. Angel, Ore. Sister Jeanne was appointed FSPA Western Region secretary and treasurer, a position she held for seven years. When the region closed, Sister Storms relocated at LaPuente, Calif., where she served as bookkeeper at St. Raymond School, Downey, Calif., until retirement. Sister Donna Mae Venteicher
As I look back over the 50 years of my religious life, there are so many things to be grateful for. I am extremely grateful to God, my FSPA community, my family and my many friends for their love, prayers and support. I ask God that I may continue the dance of life and good health for many years to come. Born in Willey, Iowa, Sister Donna Mae ministered as a homemaker in convent homes and as a food service manager in hospitals in Iowa and Idaho for 16 years. From 1974-1996 she served as administrator of the nursing home in Fort Madison, Iowa, and then as long-term care administrator at Senior Home in Monticello, Iowa. She retired in Monticello in 2005. Sister Joan Weisenbeck
It takes time to allow the reality of celebrating a golden jubilee to sink into one's consciousness. Fifty years of anything is awesome. As I have been reflecting on what this means in my life, the word gratitude arises within my heart. I am abundantly grateful to the FSPA for the many and various gifts that have been part of my life as a community member. I have had opportunities for education, for continual formation through assemblies, spiritual and professional enrichment and travel. Because there has been such openness within FSPA to assisting me and others to use and develop their individual gifts, I have been able to serve through teaching, parish ministry, community leadership, spiritual and retreat direction. I have felt supported and encouraged in each of those ministries and have enjoyed all of them. I am grateful for the many women with whom I have shared community living. Many of them I call friends. As a Franciscan woman, I stand before the Mystery of Love. I treasure the beauty that is revealed within me, in the diversity of the human community, in creation. I cherish the golden gems of loving presence, enriching relationships, family bonds and meaningful service. Having entered St. Rose Convent from Durand, Wis., Sister Joan chose education as her ministry. She taught in elementary schools in Guam, Iowa and Wisconsin for 20 years. From 1979-1982 Sister Joan served in pastoral ministry in Chisholm, Minn. She was elected FSPA provincial in 1982 and Eastern Region leader in 1985. In 1991 Sister Joan joined the staff at St. Thomas Apostle Parish in Naperville, Ill., as spiritual development and retreat coordinator, a position she held for nine years. She moved to La Crosse in 2000 and joined the staff of the Franciscan Spirituality Center where she ministers today. Sister Therese Wolf
When I entered St. Rose Convent over 50 years ago, there is no way I could
have imagined the many roads I would take as an FSPA. Who would have ever guessed
all the changes that would take place in the world, the church and the FSPA
community in those years? Sister Therese entered St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, from Tomah, Wis., (St. John the Baptist Parish, Wilton). After becoming a licensed practical nurse, she served in that capacity at Villa St. Joseph, St. Francis Nursing Home, La Crosse, and St. Mary's Hospital in Sparta from 1959-1975. Sister Therese served as a secretary for five years in the religious education for the deaf in the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis. After course work at the Catholic University and Gallaudet College (now University) in Washington, D.C., Sister Therese served for 13 years as co-director of ministry to the deaf and hard of hearing for the Diocese of Madison, Wis., while also doing some nursing. Moving back to La Crosse she worked for Unity Home Health Care/Franciscan Skemp Healthcare - Home Health Services for almost five years before joining the Wellness Center staff at St. Rose Convent where she is currently in ministry. Silver (25)
Sister Kathleen Mitchell
Thank you to my sisters in FSPA, to my sisters in the Daughters of St. Paul and to my family and friends. Thank you for your prayers, loving support and friendship on my journey of life and faith. I could never have imagined myself on this road without you beside me. As I celebrate my silver jubilee, I ask for your continued prayers and companionship. I entrust all my tomorrows to the faithful God who has been my Good Shepherd since my childhood. Sister Kathleen was born in Longview, Wash. As a young girl she moved to Springfield, Mo., and in high school entered the Daughters of St. Paul in Boston, Mass. There she was the director of St. Paul Video and was involved in many aspects of their mission of evangelizing with the media of social communication. After transferring to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1999, Sister Kathleen pursued a master's degree in education and is currently living in Evanston, Ill., where she teaches at Pope John XXIII School. She also serves on the FSPA membership team and is studying theology. Click here to return to the FSPA News page.
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