june communigram 2017 - franciscan sisters

VOLUME 51 ISSUE 6

St. Joseph Hillside Villa Groundbreaking Pictured l to r: Monsignor Mel Wiese, Sister Thelma Wiese, Larry Kampschneider, Mark Schlick-

bernd (Building General Manager), Andy Fuston, Jerry Wordekemper, Marlene Johnson, Tom Zuk

(Architect for the building), and Dan McGinty

West Point, Nebraska—May 9, 2017 was the groundbreaking ceremony for the

new St. Joseph Hillside. This new 54-bed skilled nursing home will be an asset

for the people of West Point and the surrounding communities.

Andy Fuston, Administrator of St. Joseph’s Retirement Community welcomed

everyone to the 4:00 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony. Monsignor Mel Wiese

opened this important event with a prayer. Other dignitaries included Jerry

Wordekemper, CEO of Franciscan Care Services; Mike McGinty, President of

the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sponsored Ministries; Larry

Kampschneider, Chairman of the Fund drive; and Mayor Marlene Johnson.

Special recognition was given to Sister Laura Wolf, the former President of the

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sponsored Ministries who made the ad-

dition of a nursing home to the Franciscan Care Services one of her goals.

There were seven Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity present for this

groundbreaking ceremony including: Sisters Laura Wolf, Thelma Wiese

(representing Sister Natalie Binversie), Charles Ann Champeau, Joy Rose, Bar-

bara Mathe, Elizabeth Ann Miller, and Sister Elizabeth Benvie. Submitted by Sister Elizabeth Benvie

CUSTOM SOLUTIONS

Robert A. Fale of Fond du Lac

has been named interim presi-

dent of Silver Lake College. He

started May 22 allowing for a

transition period before Dr.

Chris E. Domes leaves for the

presidency of Neumann Univer-

sity in Aston, Pennsylvania.

Communigram Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity

Volume 51 Issue 6 June 2017

Silver Lake College Silver Lake College Silver Lake College Names Interim Names Interim Names Interim President President President

COMMUNIGRAM

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Char-ity and Cistercian Nuns collaborated for a recent Discernment of Spirits Retreat. Twelve young women re-sponded to the invitation to learn more about St. Ignatius’ discern-ment process. Franciscan Sister Jacqueline Spaniola facilitated the retreat.

We share some feedback from two questions asked at the end of the day-long silent retreat held at Valley of Our Lady, Prairie du Sac, Wis-consin. We hope the young wom-en’s responses, ages 18-33, may en-courage others to consider this op-portunity.

What touched your heart during this discernment day?

♦ I appreciated the information of objectively being aware of thoughts and feelings over the course of a greater time and how to use this in discernment in life.

♦ I appreciated interacting with and being around all the Sisters and praying with them (Sekt and None).

♦ Being in community during prayer time (listening to the Sis-ters chant).

♦ Learning that God desires good for us and that confusion, dis-couragement and depression come from evil spirits influence, not good spirits. And I need to pray more.

♦ The opportunity to just spend time with Sisters-that isn’t some-thing that happens in my parish. Few female role models in the local Church.

♦ I was touched by the Sisters’ generosity, sense of humor and joy. These handouts and ekercis-es were also deeply insightful, and I hope to be able to share them in some form with the

youth I serve as a youth minis-ter.

What part of the day did you find the most helpful?

♦ I really appreciated having am-ple opportunity for silence, pro-cessing, and journaling.

♦ Listening to the talks. It was all very organized and informative. By Sister Julie Ann Sheahan

Discernment Retreat Collaboration

Also, on May 13 a Silent Discernment of Spirits Retreat with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and Carmelite Nuns from Holy Cross Monastery Iron Mountain, MI welcomed 10 young women.

Tenth Class of NaPro Surgeons Graduate Drs. Teresa Hilgers and Neil Sink, the tenth class of NaPro Surgeons, will complete

their surgical fellowship at the Pope Paul VI Institute on July 28th and will officially

graduate on July 24th. They join the ranks of the other twenty previously trained

NaPro Surgeons in setting up NaPro Clinics throughout the United States. Dr. Te-

resa Hilgers will be joining her Dad, Dr. Thomas Hilgers, at the Pope Paul VI Insti-

tute Clinic in Omaha; Dr. Sink will join the NaPro Clinic in South Bend, Indiana.

During their fellowship, I have had the privilege of teaching Hilgers & Sink a sik

month ethics seminar under the threefold heading of John Paul II's Love & Re-

sponsibility, Theology of the Body and specific OB/Gyn ethics issues. What a joy:

Wonderful classes; great discussions. I will be happy to associate with Dr. Teresa in

the upcoming years and will miss Dr. Neil and his wife and two children. But, as is

true of all temporal things, they must come to an end . . . Now we are preparing to

welcome the nekt class of fellows at the end of July. Submitted by Sister Renée Mirkes

VOLUME 51 ISSUE 6

Having few ekams during finals week

can allow for some fun adventures.

Sister Karen Suhr organized a mini

pilgrimage to St. Thomas the Apostle

parish in Newton, Wisconsin with

Sister Lois Risch, Sister Clarita Ryan,

and Sister Alice Marie Hickok. I was

glad to tag along as a chauffeur and

travel buddy. St. Thomas the Apostle

recently celebrated three years of be-

ing a parish. The church was built to

combine four area parishes. Sister

Marlita Henseler, St. Thomas the

Apostle Pastoral Leader, was ek-

tremely helpful in pointing out unique

aspects about the church. The mini

pilgrimage ended with ice cream sun-

daes and a visit to our own Lourdes

Grotto. It was truly a blessed day for

all. Submitted by Postulant Megan Kugel

Mini Pilgrimage to Newton

A Million Thanks May Activity

Manitowoc, Wisconsin—May is National Military Apprecia-

tion Month. Sisters from our community gathered in the

cafeteria on Friday, May 5th to write messages of thanks

to our Service Members.

The organization A Million Thanks.org distributes letters to

Service Members whether they are Veterans, injured indi-

viduals in a hospital, recuperating, serving locally, or

abroad.

St. Rita’s Activity Department hosted the activity and Lisa

took the letters to the local drop off center located in

Sheboygan. Our hopes are that the letters will reach our

Service Members by Memorial Day. The Sisters liked the

activity so much that they said they would like to do it

every year.

Submitted by St. Rita Heath Center Activity Staff

Sister Myra Jean Sweigart re-

flected on Mary, the Mother of God in the Acts of the Apostles

at a recent event at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, Champi-on, Wisconsin. The evening of prayer was sponsored by the Sis-ters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross and Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Community members served as leader, reader, ministers of hospitality, and music.

Sisters in the for-

ward photo l to r:

Sisters Rose Ulmen, Annette Blonde, and Barbara Belinske.

Pictured in the back photos l to r: Sisters Mary Lee Schommer,

Marion Gillis, Maria Casetta, Miriam Dosch, Francine Goodman,

Alice Marie Hickok, Kathlyn Vanness, and Johanna Kalscheur.

COMMUNIGRAM

Manitowoc, Wisconsin—Many people enjoy birds at their backyard feeders all year but May

brings even more special birds. It is migration time so these birds are seen only passing

through on their way to the area in which they raise their young. One of the migrants is

shown on the left—a Rose-breasted Grosbeak at the feeder at St. Francis Convent.

Birders like Sisters Deborah Shepeck, Shirley Spilker, and Ver-

na Osterhout go out into nature where they find birds that

aren’t seed eaters so never appear at a feeder. Sister Verna

started this seriously with her Nature Clubs at Roncalli, Xavier,

and Bishop Amat (California) high schools. During the early

70’s, while teaching at Roncalli, the science department re-

ceived an invite to join a survey of Wisconsin Breeding birds.

Sister Verna and a fellow birder, Margaret Hallisy, joined and did this survey every June

for the nekt 37 years. Sister Shirley joined them in 1985. Jim Knickelbine, present Direc-

tor of Woodland Dunes, got his start in birding while in Sister Verna’s Nature Club at Roncalli and later joined in this

survey. The survey was done by identifying the birds by sight or by bird calls. These birders carried out this survey in

several places: Point Beach, Vanderbloomen Bog, Maribel Caves, and Moonlight Bay in

Door County.

This year during Holy Week Sisters Shirley and Verna spotted a Bald Eagle in a tree on the

south side of Silver Lake. The white head stood out in the trees. This was a special thrill as

eagles aren’t often seen. It even stayed long enough to show other Sisters who were walking

by.

Enjoying God’s Creation in Wisconsin

Often in the middle of May—migration time, we walk the trails at Point Beach to see what have been nicknamed, God’s

Flying Flowers because of their brilliant colors. They are tiny warblers that don’t eat seeds so don’t appear at home feed-

ers. Most people don’t even know they ekist. Warblers are so attractive that seeing or, even hearing one brings special

joy. They usually prefer the tops of trees so binoculars are essential.

Shown here left to right are the Yellow, Blackburnian, Cape May, and

Chestnut-sided Warblers.

Wildflowers, such as this hepatica and marsh marigold, are usually an add-

ed enjoyment. Thus birders can enjoy the sun’s rays through the tall trees,

the cool breezes, and comradery and enjoying God’s creation together. Submitted by Sister Shirley Spilker and Sister Verna Osterhout

Sisters Deborah, Shirley, and

Verna at Point Beach, Two

Rivers.

“My brother birds, you should greatly praise your Creator, and love Him always. He gave you feathers

to wear, wings to fly, and whatever you need. God made you noble among His creatures . . . though you

neither sow nor reap.” ― St. Francis of Assisi

VOLUME 51 ISSUE 6

Pictures Tell the Story

Above photo―The Community thanked Dr. Chris and Mary Domes for the blessing they have been for Silver Lake College over the last four years with a Mass offered for them and an invitation to dinner at the Mother-house on May 28. Left photo―Left to right, Sisters: Pamela Catherine Peasel, Carol Mathe, Hannah Johnecheck, Martha Mary Carpenter, Thereselle Arru-da, Barbara Jean Butler, and Maria Goretti Scandaliato from St. Peter Indian Mission, Bapchule, Arizona at the 29th Annual Crozier Gala.

Left to right: Sister Adrianna Schouten and Sister Natalie Binversie appreciated their time at the IFC-TOR General Assembly in Assisi

Kekaha, Hawaii—May 7 was set aside to honor many different events at St. Theresa Parish. It was First Communion and Confirmation. Sister Michael

Ann O’Donnell’s long hours of meetings and preparations paid off. Twelve 2nd grade children made their First Communion and seven adults were con-

firmed. Submitted by Sister Mary Ann Tupy

Two Vietnamese Sisters Trang Nguyen (far left) and Mai Nguyen (far right)

visited their Sisters living at the Motherhouse l to r: Sisters Hue Dang,

Huong Nguyen, Natalie Binversie, Thi Nhu Le, and Tuyen Ngoc Le.

COMMUNIGRAM

Cambridge Parish and School Cambridge Parish and School Cambridge Parish and School Say Goodbye to Two SistersSay Goodbye to Two SistersSay Goodbye to Two Sisters

Cambridge, Ohio— Saint Bene-

dict's School students: grades K

through 8, held their Talent

Show in the school gym on May

11. There were twenty-nine en-

tries submitted and led by Sister

Carol Juckem, Music teacher. A

variety of musical talents in-

volved bells, recorders, violin,

flute, guitar, piano, song, dance,

and gymnastics.

Submitted by Sister Sharon Paul

Photos by Wes Jones

Sister Bernadone Fagan enjoyed her 90th birthday

party at Chiara Convent with family and friends.

Talent Show at St. Benedict’sTalent Show at St. Benedict’sTalent Show at St. Benedict’s

Pictures Tell the Story

Cambridge, Ohio—A reception

was held at St. Benedict's gym

after the 5:00 P.M. Mass on

May 20, 2017 to say "Thank

you" and "Goodbye" to left to

right: Sister Carolee Vanness

and Sister Anna Maar.

Barbara Denniston and Teri

Fitch who each served 35 years

at St. Benedict's School were

also honored.

Submitted by Sister Sharon Paul

Eleven Sister Jubilarians living at Holy Family Convent were honored with a Community Mass and a

served dinner on May 7th. Starting left and going around the table Sisters: Ann Chepkurui Francis,

Marlene Schwaller, Cabrini Schmidt, Marsaia Kaster, Daniel Wolf, Donalise Popelka, Frances Ann

Longo, Kay Warning, Carol Diederich, Laura Wolf, and Kathlyn Vanness.

May 23 - May Crowning at the Motherhouse. Postu-

lant Colleen Demro crowned the statue of Mary. Pos-

tulants Megan Kugel (center) and Tricia Oswald

(right) did the readings from scripture. Sister Catherine

Glim (seated) carried the crown.

VOLUME 51 ISSUE 6

Spring Music Program at Guardian Angels

Franciscan Sisters Walk to Mary

Sister Tuyen Ngoc Le, earned

her Bachelor of Arts Degree in

Psychology form Silver Lake

College on May 6th. She gradu-

ated Summa Cum Laude.

West Point, Nebraska—The kindergarten-third grade students and the Hand-

chimes Choir from Guardian Angels Central Catholic School performed a Spring

Music Program on May 10th at 2 p.m.

Some of the Handchimes members dressed differently—they were celebrating

Pioneer Day as a class. Sister Elizabeth Benvie taught the fourth grade students

how to square dance as a part of their special event

Submitted by Sister Elizabeth Benvie

With 1000 other pilgrims, Sister Jane Kinate,

Sister Julie Ann Sheahan, and Sister Elaine

Turba recently completed the Shrine of Our

Lady of Good Help Walk to Mary.

It was a Franciscan Sister relay: Sister Jane

and Sister Julie Ann walked the first 14 miles

after parking their car at Sister Jane’s brother

Jim’s home a few blocks from the starting

point at St. Norbert College. After an open-

ing prayer and a stop at the site of the Shrine

of St. Joseph, they began the walk through

the streets of De Pere and Green Bay.

Some time after noon they met Sister Elaine for a

healthy lunch at Holy Cross School. It was soon time for

Sister Elaine to board the bus to

be transported across Highway

57 and continue the journey.

Meanwhile, Sister Jane and Sister

Julie Ann used the time to pick

up the car in De Pere so to be

ready with two cars to meet Sis-

ter Elaine at the end of the walk.

They made a prayer stop at St.

Mary Ledgeview, the home par-

ish of Postulant Colleen Demro.

It was a blessing to meet family

and friends of our Sisters before heading home to Mani-

towoc. Everyone cheered as the smaller statue of Mary

arrived home to the Shrine. By Sister Julie Ann Sheahan

Pictured with Sister Tuyen l to r: Sisters

Theresa Feldkamp, Anne Turba. Laura

Wolf, Myra Jean Sweigart, and Donalise

Popelka. Photo provided by Sister Thi Le

Sisters Julie Ann, Elaine and Jane on

the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help

Walk to Mary.

Silver Lake College photo

COMMUNIGRAM

Let us pray for the deceased

SISTER ANNE

BROCHTRUP

Born: May 21, 1925

Died at Holy Family Convent

May 4, 2017

Religious Profession of Vows

August 15, 1943


SISTER MALACHY

DONNELLY

Born: December31, 1923


May 25, 2017


August 15, 1942


SISTER ROSELANI

GOMES

Born: March 21, 1927


May 26, 2017


August 15, 1950

june communigram 2017 - franciscan sisters

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