volume 8 no 3 2007
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VOLUME 8 • NO. 3 • 2007 Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. FrancisTRANSCRIPT
VOLUME 8 • NO. 3 • 2007
Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis
Right here. Right now. God is present. In and through the spiritual
life of human beings, the Holy Spirit of God — the Lord, the Giver
of Life — lives and is revealed. This is the Good News of Jesus
Christ. A whole kingdom of God is within you.
Apparently, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis see this clearly. In
this issue of Gathering Place, you will have the delightful experience of looking into the
spiritual life of the sisters and associates. Thirty-nine sisters and associates have shared
their spiritual insights with you. Hold them dearly. Savor each one for the facet of truth,
the face of God, revealed in each. Experience your own spiritual life as you travel through
the pages of Spirituality.
The art work that appears on the cover and on pages 2-6 is the work of Welsh artist Jen Delyth. More of
her work can be found at Keltic Designs, www.kelticdesigns.com, from whom copyright permission was
granted.
MISSION STATEMENT
OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH
OF THE THIRD ORDER
OF ST. FRANCIS
Dedication to Jesus Christ involves us
intimately in the liberating and reconciling
mission—to make God more deeply known
and loved, and in so doing, draw all persons
to fuller and freer life.
Together with all our sisters and brothers
who strive for a more just world, we under-
take those activities which will promote the
material and spiritual development of the
human family.
Gathering Place
is published to keep
the public informed
of the mission and
ministry of the Sisters
of St. Joseph of the
Third Order of
St. Francis.
EDITORReneta E.Webb, Ph.D., CAE
EDITORIAL BOARDSr. Carolyn BronkTheresa KobakJames Mascal
Irene McGraneSr. Jane Zoltek
PROOFING STAFFSr. Mary Adalbert StalSr. Dolores Mary Koza
Sr. Louise SzerpickiSr. Judith David
PRODUCTION & LAYOUTNewcomb Marketing Solutions/
The Printed Word
OFFICEPublic Relations Office
P.O. Box 388129Chicago, IL 60638-8129
Telephone: 1-773-581-7505Fax: 1-773-581-7545
Web site: www.ssj-tosf.orge-mail: [email protected]
Copyright by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, Inc.
Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
The Tree of Life 2The Spirit of God works in and through the very persons we are. Spirituality and
physicality go hand in hand, like the crown and roots of the tree. In Genesis, the
creation story tells us that the Tree of Life was in the middle of the garden, roots and
branches parts of a whole, a deeply meaningful symbol of our spiritual lives.
The Hope Diamond 7
Spirituality 8
Vocation / Formation 43Sister Barb Krakora - We are the Spirituality We Wish to See
Reader’s Response 49An invitation to dialogue —
Describe a person you have known in your lifetime who embodies gentleness, a gift of the Spirit.
Share your thoughts in 100-200 words.There will be a “Readers’ Response” section in the next issue of Gathering Place.
FEATURES
Table of
VOLUME 8 • NO. 3 • 2007
Contents
Letter from the President 1
In the News 47Sisters’ Day of Thanksgiving
and Appreciation
Obituaries 51Sister Francis Clare Wojcik (Ludvina)
Sister Mary Inviolata Pieczynski
Sister Mary Generose Banish
Sister Evelyn Konkol (Philomene)
Sister Donna Wolowiec (Domitille)
Sister Florence Mary Wilczewski
(Ludvinette)
Sister Jean Brzeczkowski (Cunegunde)
Development 52
E R R A T A
The art work above which appeared on p. 14 in Vol. 8, No. 2 of Gathering Place,Gentleness, should be acknowledged asthe work of Steve Stanczyk,Abbotsford,BC, Canada. More of his artwork can beseen at www.stevestanczyk.com
DEPARTMENTS
Sister Agnelle SwierczynskiSister Alexanne OsinskiSister Mary Angeline JaszewskiSister Barbara Anne GluckSister Barbara Theresa Emick (Hermine)Sister Barbara Wanat (Dulcine)Sister Bernardine Dominick
(John Vieanney)Sister Bertille KolodziejSister Carlene BlavatSister Caroline Cerveny
(Frances Xavier)Sister Cecilia Marie MortonSister Dian Majsterek (Patrice)Sister Dolores Koza (Aurelia)Sister Dorothy PagosaSister Edith GorskiSister Esther GaileySister Fran JerzakSister Jane BlabolilSister Jane Zoltek (Cecilia Ann)
Sister Janine RajkowskiSister Mary John SzudarekSister Josephine EspinosSister Josephine Marie Peplinski
(Virginella)Sister Josita KrzeminskiSister Joyce Soukup (Roberta)Associate Kathryn Jagla HarmonSister Mary Laurentine AndreasikSister Leona Augustyn (Margaret)Sister Linda Szocik (Eva Marie)Sister Louise Szerpicki (Ann Marie)Sister Lucia BucholtzSister Madge Karecki (Jude)Sister Magdalene KabatSister Margaret HoffelderSister Mary Raphael KmiecikSister Roselle LesinskiSister Ruth BaggechSister Sandy Setterlund (Jeffrey Ann)Sister Shirlee Hoski (Raemarie)
1 Vol. 8 No. 3
Dear Friends,
Spirituality, a journey which seeks an encounter with the divine, is evident in action.
I once heard this story from a friend. It’s a story that reveals to me a deep spirituality, and happenedwithout a word being spoken...
A small rural community sponsored a celebration that concluded with a dance. Everyone danced,children and grandparents, husbands and wives, teens with the peers of their choice.
One middle-aged, single, very drunk male named Joe, known to everyone as the town alcoholic, staggered fromwoman to woman, asking each to dance with him. One by one, each woman refused, and others, too embarrassed to engage him even in conversation, turned away before he could ask.
Finally, discouraged in his search for a partner but still wanting to dance, Joe went out on the floor and clumsilypirouetted by himself, lurching in the awkward, uncoordinated movements of the inebriated. People in the crowdlaughed, but he stumbled on.
As onlookers snickered, Jennie, a leader in the town, walked over to him, and took him gentlyin her arms. Supporting him, and guiding his drunken steps, Jennie began to move around thedance floor with her partner. First the snickering stopped, and then conversation stoppedaltogether.Two by two, dancers left the floor to watch, in awe and admiration, this act oflove and respect and compassion for one of the least regarded persons in the community.The only sound was the music, and the soft shuffle of the two dancers’ feet.
Dorothy Day said “Love in action is a fierce and dreadful thing, compared to love in dreams.”
Love in action — that is spirituality. It is not Catholicism or Protestantism orBuddhism or Islam or Judaism. It is not any one of these, but it is the Golden
Rule taught by all the great religions as the essence, the heart of the matter, the way to encounter the divine.The struggle to establish peace,
dignity, and respect for others as a way of life is the all-engaging spiritualstruggle.
Everyone at the dance that night encountered the divine. So, myfriends, be gentle with your fellow travelers as they move throughthe world of stone and stars whirling with you, yet everyone alone.Do not ask questions but when (the road) invites you to dance atdaybreak, say yes. (Arlen Gay Levine)
Your sister,
Sister Jeanne ConzemiusPresident
The tree of life is in the middle, with branches reaching upward and roots reaching
down. The tree is a beautiful symbol of life with the crown of the tree in all
visible magnificence, and the invisible root system grounding and anchoring the
tree and providing nourishment.The root system of a tree can occupy an area two to four
times the diameter of the crown of the tree. Most tree roots are located in the top 6 to
24 inches of the soil. Roots do not grow toward anything or in any particular direction.
What is not seen is as vital to a tree as what is visible.
The TreeLifeofFROM THE SOIL, YAHWEH GOD
CAUSED TO GROW EVERY KIND
OF TREE, ENTICING TO LOOK AT AND
GOOD TO EAT, WITH THE TREE OF LIFE
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GARDEN, AND
THE TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF
GOOD AND EVIL.
—GENESIS 2:9
(continued on page 3)
3 Vol. 8 No. 3
The eyes of my eyesare opened.e.e. cummings
The Good NewsIn the Gospel of Mark, the earliest of the gospels to be written, the first words which Jesus
speaks are, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe this good
news.” Mark 1:15 Right at the very beginning of Jesus’ public life, there was good news. He
had not yet performed any miracles. He had not yet died on the cross or arose from the
dead.Yet, there was good news.The kingdom of God is near. “Jesus went throughout Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease
and sickness among the people.” Matthew 4:23 What is this “kingdom” that is so near, at
hand, within us, among us, that Jesus called Good News?
Apparently, up to the time of Jesus, there existed a spiritual world of which people were
not aware.They knew of a God who seemed far away, who occasionally would come to
visit “His People.” It seemed that as time passed, God’s visits became less frequent.
Particularly after the exile, people prayed “How long, O Lord, how long?” Psalm 6:3 Then
came Jesus with the Good News that the “kingdom” was already here.All we had to do
was open our eyes in faith. Like the man born blind who received his physical sight, but
was unable to see a spiritual world, we sometimes stand before a divine, spiritual world
totally unaware. Even when Jesus asks,“Do you believe in the Son of Man?” — Jesus stand-
ing a few feet away from him — the man says, “If you will just show him to me, I will
believe.” Jesus says, “I am he, the one who is speaking to you.” With that, he sees Jesus
completely different, even though the physical appearances stayed the same. Faith opens
our eyes to a spiritual world. Faith helps us to see more than what our physical eyes can
see. As e.e. cummings said, “The eyes of my eyes are opened.” Faith brings us to under-
stand the Good News of the kingdom of God. Faith clears our vision to see spiritual
things. “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
A Spiritual WorldThe spirit of God works in and through the very persons we are. Our thoughts, instincts
and emotions are vehicles in and through which God works. Every day “happenings” shape
God’s revelation to us. Scripture gives us so many examples of how things happen to
happen, how things entered the consciousness of people.When the wine ran out at the
wedding in Cana, consider the means by which the spirit of God inspired Mary to tell the
servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:5 Mary was being Mary. Mary was being a
mother and a friend. She didn’t throw her arms open to await a heavenly jolt. She was
living in a holy spirit that was so much a part of her being, that the words came forward,
The TreeLifeof
(continued from page 2)
(continued on page 5)
On thatday, youwill knowthat I am inmy Father,and you inme and I in you.John 14:22
uninhibited, revealing the moment to Jesus. Again, when Jesus turned and
looked at Peter when the soldiers were leading Jesus to his sentencing, a
look which tore into his heart, Peter needed no theological explanation of
contrition and reconciliation. He needed no definition of justice or mercy.
A real, physical, “here and now” experience, in and through the person of
Peter,made it very clear. It was an experience that convulsed his whole being
in contrite tears. Another instance of the spiritual world at work was the
dream of St. Joseph.“He was to take Mary as his wife,” so said the angel of the
Lord who appeared to him in a dream. Matthew 1:20 Without question, he followed the
advice of his dream vision.
The spiritual world is a world we all experience. We all have had inspirations, dreams,
moments when things just “occur” to us.There are moments of religious experience, times
when we know more clearly that there is a God.These are experiences that happen in our
psyches, our brains, our bodies. The “kingdom of God” is at work in us. Like the tree
grounded in its nourishing source, Life surges through body, mind and spirit. In our
meager humanity, we all have access to God who, as Jesus explained, has come to make
His tent in us. “On that day, you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me and I in you.”
John 14:22 We need eyes of faith to be able to see ourselves and all of creation as having
a spiritual dimension. It is not a dimension that just “sits there,” but rather is dynamic, and
influences our thoughts and actions.We believe in the Lord, the Giver of Life — a life that
powers us. As the psychologist Carl Jung once put it,“There is a life living itself out in me.”
In his book Imagining God, Garrett Greene develops the hypothesis that the imagination
is the human locus of revelation. We have the ability to make present in our “mind’s
eye”what is intangible. It is in and through our imaginations that the image of God takes
shape, and it is this “imago dei” that shapes our spirituality. In the human, limited
working of our imaginations, the image of God is both revealed and reduced. No single
person grasps the total mystery of God, yet each of us grasps and reveals something of the
divine splendor.
Imagination is essential to memory and learning. It is the basis of perception. Some may
remark, “It’s only imagination,” as though it were some closed pocket of phantasms.The
faculty of imagination, however, opens the lid of the soul to the mystery of God.
Imagination brings meaning to liturgy. Imagination enlivens theology. Imagination wraps the
soul in meditation. Imagination allows entry into the stories of Scripture. Imagination is the
inner “seeing” of faith. Imagination is my portal to God and God’s portal to me. As the
spiritual writer Meister Ekhart said, “The eye with which I see God is the same eye with
which God sees me.”
5 Vol. 8 No. 3
(continued from page 4) Like a net thrown into the seaNot everything that goes on in the spiritual world is light and holy. Jesus told us that “the
Kingdom of Heaven is like a net thrown into the sea and caught all kinds of fish.When it was full,
the fishermen pulled it up on shore.Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets,
but threw the bad away.” Matthew 13:47-48 When we honestly pay attention to our own
spiritual lives, we discover that not everything we see there is pleasing.
And now from the Vast of the Lord will the waters of sleepRoll in on the souls of men,but who will reveal to our waking kenThe forms that swim and the shapes that creep
Under the waters of sleep?And I would I could know what swimmeth below when the tide comes inOn the length and the breadth of the marvelous marshes of Glynn.- Sidney Lanier, Hymns of the Marshes, 1870 -
The work of the spiritual life is to “catch” the dynamics of our spirit and consciously sort
out the “bad.” A good examination of conscience supported by prayer and meditation leads
to a mended spirit. Our lovableness and our sinfulness is reconciled in Christ who assures
us that He was never really far away.
Sometimes things from the spiritual world enter into
our consciousness unbidden. It may be an energy that
propels us to an act of heroism. It may be an explosion
of anger. It may be a sudden thought of someone or
something long forgotten. All of this inner “boiling” is
significant and requires the same sorting — discernment
— process.
There is a lower level of “thinking” that can go on at the
same time we are consciously thinking of something
else.We may be introduced to someone, slipping into a
congenial conversation, while thinking about what nice
hair she has.This lower level of consciousness is partic-
ularly evident in twilight thinking, the mental activity that
The TreeLifeof
happens as we approach sleep. Here is where the true self is revealed, unin-
hibited. C.S. Lewis said, “Christianity is what you are in the dark.” He may
have had this twilight level in mind.
Even night dreams can participate in our spiritual world. Not every dream
is of divine origin, but some dreams carry powerful emotion and should be
discerned with the same “sorting” process. Scripture has many examples of
significant revelatory dreams, both Old and New Testament.
Spiritual activity happens at different levels and in different dimensions. Our
net can catch from any level of our “sea.” Then, we are called to do some
sorting. Conscious reflection — mindfulness — in the light of God keeps
our spiritual lives healthy.
The Tower of BabelReligious experience of the kingdom of God is universal. Human beings across all times
and all cultures have had experiences of being loved, being saved from themselves or
others, feeling the presence of God or of loved ones who preceded them in death, and
similar numinous experiences.Then we try to explain it.
Babel is still with us. Even when the people in the Old Testament tried to communicate in
a constructive atmosphere, they couldn’t find the language that would be understandable
by everyone.As soon as the idea was in an individual brain, articulated from a unique set
of experiences, it turned out to be an expression of only part of the whole numinous
experience. Language helps us communicate, but it can also separate. Sometimes, rational
language limps in the face of mystery. We try to express the same reality and we find
different words to describe it. We experience God and name that reality Yahweh,
Allah, Father, Mother, Messiah, Lawgiver, Jesus, Comforter, Paraclete, and so on. Jesus said,
“When you pray, pray like this: Our Father ...” Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him,
said, “To God belongs 99 names, 100 minus one, anyone who memorizes them will enter
paradise.” Compassionate, Merciful, King, Most Holy, All-peaceful, Grantor of Security,
Protector, and ninety-two more names reflect a sense of awe and mystery before God.
Yet, it is the same mystery.We believe in one God.
To approach our common spirituality, we are challenged to peel away the vocabulary that
divides, as it did at the Tower of Babel, and meet the common mystery that draws us all
together, the mystery that had one hundred names and more. The Tree of Life will then
be deeply nourished and its branches will yield rich fruit.
Christianityis what youare in thedark. C.S. Lewis
The Hope DiamondThe 45.52 carat Hope Diamond is displayed in the Smithsonian Museum
of Natural History in Washington, DC.The display case allows visitors to
stand around it, 360 degrees.The small pedestal upon which it rests rotates
a few degrees every few seconds, allowing the brilliance of the diamond to
show in different angles of light.
Looking at spirituality from different angles allows the brilliance of each
insight to rest on our souls.You are invited to turn the diamond of the
Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis with each of the
contributions of the sisters to the questions:What is spirituality?
What is the relationship of spirituality to religion and the Church?
What is the spirituality of the SSJ-TOSFs?
7 Vol. 8 No. 3
Searching for Spiritualityby Sister Shirlee Hoski
Look in the religion section of any bookstore and you are likely to find at least 20 books on the
“Art of Spirituality” or specific topics like the “spirituality of healing,” of detachment , of friend-
ship, of the Bible, of dieting, of grieving, of feminism or countless others. Spirituality is the “buzz”
word of today. Many refer to it on the talk radio and TV shows and everybody has an opinion.
Perhaps, rightly so. There are as many ways to God as there are individual human beings.
Spirituality is both the way and the goal. It has many synonyms: religion, virtue, discipline,
mysticism, holiness.
I have been reading three books that address the topic of spirituality. One is a book that I read
in novitiate titled: Man’s Quest For God by Rabbi Abraham J. Heschel, (1954).The first chapter
has a section “The Essence of Spiritual Living.” The second book is by Henri Nouwen titled
Spiritual Direction, (2006) and the third book is by Albert Nolan, OP – A Spirituality of Radical
Freedom. All three books have theories, answers, suggestions drawn from the particular view
of the author regarding his own journey to God. Ultimately, spirituality is uniquely personal.
It is one’s own “recipe” for holiness – the end of all our lives.
The basic foundation of spirituality is prayer – from the heart – from the Book – within a
community. All three are Trinitarian in their contribution to one’s spiritual life.Where do we
find the perfect spirituality? Is it Ignatian? Franciscan? Dominican?
Benedictine? Is it found in the cloister of Carmel or in the streets
of India? It is found where our lives are spent. Where our
treasures are, there are our hearts. We are called to holiness.
We are called to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly
with our God. Jesus did as much and invited us to the Way of
Spirituality: “Follow me!”
by Sister Sandy Setterlund
Spirituality is a relationship rooted in Jesus and extending to all creation. Spirituality is a call to
be in relationship with those who are considered today’s anawim — the lost and the forgotten
ones. Of the many types and dimensions of spirituality, one can be found in a reflection on the
Prayer of St. Francis.We pray that we can give faithful witness to the countercultural values and
commitment in which Francis lived.
Were he to address us today, he would challenge us to be ministers of peace who:
• welcome the immigrants in our land of opportunity and safety,
SISTER SHIRLEE HOSKI IS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC,
HOLY NAME PARISH, BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN.
Franciscan Spirituality
They will
call him
Emmanuel, a
name which
means
God-is-with-us.
Matthew 1:23
SISTER SANDY SETTERLUND HAS INTERTWINED
TEACHING AND PASTORAL MINISTRY BEGINNING IN 1967 UP TO
HER PRESENT POSITION IN PLOVER, WISCONSIN.
9 Vol. 8 No. 3
• pray for those who face an unnatural death in a system that often does not reverence life,
• bring solace to those who suffer from physical, mental or spiritual illness,
• heal the wounds of those who are suffering from the inhumanity of abusive relationships,
• assist those who are homeless or without employment,
• receive those who feel rejected and ostracized,
• bring freedom to those who are oppressed,
• reach out to the poor,
• be present to those who are aging and dying.
In selflessly giving of all we have, we will receive even more.
In being a compassionate presence, we will receive comfort in our difficult times
In offering forgiveness, we will find peace.
In dying to ourselves, we will experience the fulness
of life that Jesus promises.
This is my spirituality.
This is the spirituality that reflects the charism
of our Franciscan community.
This is the spirituality that the Church continuously
prays to reflect.
by Sister Roselle Lesinski
My spirituality involves faith, hope and love which began in my baptism into the Catholic Church
and was nurtured by my parents, by teachers in school, and by anyone who showed me
concern.The basis is God who gives and forgives, who is compassionate and teaches us to be
the same.Our spirituality is thus fueled by God through those who watch over us in our growth
of body, soul and spirit.
As we learn with God-given gifts,as we use our minds and free will,we learn that we are respon-
sible for our faith, hope and love, that we must witness to others as others have witnessed to
us.We need one another.We learn from one another. Each of us is open to receive inspiration.
Because I seek good inspiration, the education I seek must be spiritual, Godly, meaningful,
inspirational, and holy.
What is holiness? Doing your best, being your best, being yourself, following your good
conscience, obeying the ten commandments in all categories of life — religion, Church, spiritu-
ality. All of this is integrated into one relationship with God. One person in God, in holiness,
doing and being their best, can make a positive difference in this world.
Doing Our BestRepent,
for the
kingdom
of heaven
is close
at hand.
Matthew 3:2
SISTER RUTH BAGGECH IS DIRECTOR OF THE
CENTER IN BARTLETT, ILLINOIS.
St. Francis is one of those persons in God — humble, simple, and
poor. We are called to be like him.The vowed life of the Sisters
of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis is a Franciscan way
of life. Like Francis, we cherish the Gospels, we live a community
life, we join in common prayer, and we celebrate Eucharist. Each
day we offer our best effort to make this a reality.
by Sister Ruth Baggech
I like the sound of the word spir-it-u-al-i-ty. It has a lovely lilting quality that speaks to me of its
depth. It reminds me of the old song that began,“Ah, sweet Mystery of life, at last I’ve found
You!” It is the way we respond to the Divine Energy that urges us to search for the meaning of
life and to live out of what we find with integrity.
Our sisters and brothers on this planet have engaged in this search since the dawn of con-
sciousness. Who is God? Who am I? How did life originate? What is its purpose? What is
the best way for me to live? What will happen to me after I die? These are the questions that
are at the heart of spirituality.
For many, the doctrines of one of the world’s major religions offer “answers” to these questions.
For others, the search for a deeper understanding of life’s mysteries is open-ended, continuous
and often based on a profound trust in learning from our own life experiences.
Yet, spirituality is much more than a belief system. It is the lived expression of our deepest
beliefs. My spirituality will be evident in the way I live; the choices I make;my style of prayer and
other forms of worship; what sustains me through the hard times; what brings me joy!
Ideally, my religion is one of the ways that I nurture and express
my spirituality. Yet, if I live with integrity, my spirituality may at
times put me at odds with some of the teaching and practices of
my religion. It is at these times that I will test the strength of my
faith in the Mystery that is beyond religion. It is at these times
that my spirituality expands and deepens and I sing the song I was
born to sing!
SISTER ROSELLE LESINSKI IS RETIRED AT MARYMOUNT
CONGREGATIONAL HOME IN GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OHIO.
SHE IS A POET AT HEART, AND MINISTERED AS A TEACHER AND
TUTOR IN PRE-SCHOOL AND THE PRIMARY GRADES.
Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life
11 Vol. 8 No. 3
by Sister Margaret Hoffelder
Today there is a world-wide awakening of the emergence of the feminine within culture, religion
and spirituality. It speaks to the long hidden wisdom that over many centuries has been buried,
and is now becoming an active force for the conscious evolution of our world.
The emerging voice speaks of:
• the recognition of the interconnectedness of all life
• the awareness that everything has consciousness and is
sacred
• the re-membering of our selves as sacred beings, and the
loving of our minds, bodies and emotions
• the empowerment of women and all oppressed peoples
• the creation of world peace, social justice, and
environmental harmony
• the honoring of the feminine divine
• reverence for the earth, and the celebration of her
seasons and cycles and those of our lives
• to seek balance between the feminine and masculine
energies without dominance of one over the other.
by Sister Raphael Kmiecik
In the parable about the Good Samaritan, Christ gave us the best law by which to live:
“You shall love God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your
strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
As in many Catholic homes, in early childhood, I learned about our loving God from my parents
and older siblings.Daily we prayed the Our Father,Hail Mary,Guardian Angel prayers and prayer
before meals. Later on in school, I increased my knowledge of why we prayed these prayers that
embodied much of the catechism we studied.Religion classes were my favorite,and probably one
of the main reasons why I wanted to become a teacher and a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third
Order of St. Francis. St. Joseph was truly a very good man, courageous and holy, and he lovingly
cared for our Blessed Mother and Jesus.As a good model for family life, he was chosen by our
community to help us, as a community, to also live our vocation graciously and in harmony.
Feminine Spirituality
SISTER MARGARET HOFFELDERIS DIRECTOR OF SOPHIA’S PORTICO, A FEMININE SPIRITUALITY
CENTER IN FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
Spirituality for AllCourage,
my daughter,
your faith has
saved you.
Matthew 9:22
In the formation years of my religious life, I learned why we included St. Francis as a model for
our Franciscan spirituality which truly parallels God’s law of love.The Peace Prayer of St. Francis
reflects God’s law of love, and for me, this is the best spirituality I try to live by:
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled, as to console,
to be understood, as to understand,
to be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
by Sister Lucia Bucholtz
We, as individuals, do many things as common to our lives. Certain behaviors are common to
each person such as eating, drinking, walking, etc. Reasons for performing these behaviors might
vary. Eating for one person is survival, while to another it is to enjoy and savor a delicious
meal.Walking for one person is simply the manner of getting from one place to another, while
another seeks to develop an exercise routine for health reasons. Each behavior can be recognized
as different in individuals, yet a common activity.
Spirituality, I believe, is similar. Each individual, regardless of gender, occupation or other attributes,
has a relationship with God. Some might not even know this relationship exists.A person’s life phi-
losophy,as life is lived-out, is a relationship with God. If the philosophy concentrates on principles of
good works and utilizes a strong value system to “do good,” this signifies a relationship with good
and God is Goodness; therefore a relationship with God.
On the other hand, a relationship with evil or a belief that terror is the way to live with others, sig-
nifies a relationship centered on the individual.This dominance shows one’s personal power and
does not recognize a force beyond them.Spirituality is the recognition of goodness,coming into our
lives beyond us, so that we can assist the good in others to grow.
SISTER RAPHAEL KMIECIK NOW RESIDES IN
LOURDES CONVENT, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AFTER RETIRING FROM
HER FIFTY-YEAR TEACHING MINISTRY.
Grounded Spirituality It is not you who
will be speaking;
the spirit of your
Father will be
speaking in you.
Matthew 10:20
13 Vol. 8 No. 3
Spirituality differs,but in each of us,spirituality exists.It is our respon-
sibility to develop a relationship with God, which we believe exists
in us, to a level of true friendship.We then easily speak with God
rather than constantly besieging God with requests.Our actions will
be performed out of that friendship as well.Our relationships with
others will be affected by our closeness to God because true friend-
ships should include all with whom we share life.
by Sister Josita Krzeminski
Spirituality is a balance of mind, body and soul.When I feel mentally alert and aware of God and
others,my spirit is fully alive.When my body is rested and healthy,I open up more readily to accept
the possibilities and challenges of life. Spirituality is having a peaceful, loving and open heart.
Part of spirituality is caring for my soul. I do so in different ways. I am an active member of St.
Gabriel’s Parish in Chicago, Illinois, and I work as a campus minister at Lourdes Hall of De La Salle
Institute, the girls’ campus. I am continually preaching, praying, mediating, meditating, and spread-
ing the word of God.One of my most important yearly projects is the preparation of high school
boys and girls for the sacraments of Baptism,Reconciliation,Eucharist and Confirmation. I love to
pray formally and informally by saying the rosary daily, reciting the
Divine Office, doing morning and evening meditation, and attend-
ing Liturgy.The Franciscan spirit of generosity, simplicity, and care
of creation to which I have dedicated myself, blends in so beauti-
fully with the three Lasallian values of faith,service and community.
Spirituality for me is a daily challenge to stay connected with God,
myself and others.
by Sister Madge Karecki
In the spirituality section of any bookstore we can find books ranging from the Spirituality of
Lawn Mowing to the Ascent to Mount Carmel and everything in between. “Spirituality” has
become a buzzword in contemporary society. People now speak of the “spirituality market.”
Colleen Griffith, of Boston College writing in Spirituality for the 21st Century, laments the fact
that “spirituality has become a financially astute investment, a reliable growth industry in
corporate America...Spirituality is becoming the latest successful capitalist venture, a hot
SISTER LUCIA BUCHOLTZ IS A SCHOOL SUPERVISOR
IN THE OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOR THE DIOCESE OF
CLEVELAND, OHIO.
My Spirituality
SISTER JOSITA KRZEMINSKI IS CAMPUS MINISTER,
LOURDES HALL OF DE LA SALLE INSTITUTE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
SSJ-TOSF Spirituality
commodity that stimulates people at the level of desire.” This has happened, in part, because
spirituality has been divorced from religion. People say,“I’m spiritual but not religious.” As a
result they sever their connection with organized religion.The problem with such an approach
is that it can quickly become accommodationist while its prophetic function is eroded.
Griffith sees the danger in any estrangement between spirituality and religion:
Religion that is bereft of spirituality becomes anemic, irrelevant, and self-serving.
Spirituality that lacks connection with religious tradition has no roots, lacking both
community and tradition. It has no recourse to the benefits of a larger body of discourse
and accountability and is prone to hyperbole and instability.
This division did not exist until after the 13th century. It was Thomas Aquinas in his Summa
Theologiae who included spiritual theology under moral theology because it dealt with the lived
aspects of Christian life. In the medieval era when classifications and distinctions were the way
theology was done; spirituality, because it focused on one’s relationship with God and people,
was eclipsed. Nevertheless, great spiritual classics were produced during this period by great
mystics:Clare of Assisi, Francis of Assisi, Julian of Norwich,Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross
to name just a few.
But what is spirituality? In general, it is a way of nurturing one’s capacity for transcendence and
enabling one to become open to forming relationships with God and others. Systematic
theologian, Sandra Schneiders reminds her readers that all Catholic spirituality is essentially
communal. It develops in history, in the church and the outcome is usually a school of
spirituality that develops distinguishing characteristics that become points of emphasis and
rootedness. It provides adherents with a world view and hence, a way of being in the world.
What is our congregational spirituality? Quite clearly and simply, from the beginning it was
and continues to be Franciscan spirituality. One only has to think back to the choices of our
pioneer sisters who chose to keep the Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis. Page after page
of the commemorative book,The White Cord, which marked our Golden Jubilee as a congrega-
tion is replete with references to our Franciscan way of life.
The pattern of Franciscan spirituality is marked by the mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus. We
see every person and every aspect of life marked by the presence of Christ. It was the poor
Christ who captivated the hearts of Francis and Clare and shaped their choices about how to
live. They fell in love with Christ and he filled them with the kind of joy that overflows in
charity toward all people, but especially the poor. It is missionary by its very nature. Mother
Felicia and Mother Clara intuitively imbibed what it meant to follow the poor Christ.
Franciscan spirituality is nourished and formed by the church: its liturgy, teaching and traditions.
It is always deeply Marian;because Mary is seen as the model for faith and action. She is the first
church. It is also Eucharistic because it is through participation in the paschal mystery that one
comes to understand Jesus’s self-giving as the model for her own life.The cross remains the
central symbol of our faith because it embodies the deepest meaning of Christianity.
Anyone who
welcomes you,
welcomes me;
and anyone who
welcomes me
welcomes the
one who sent me.
Matthew 10:40
15 Vol. 8 No. 3
Since Vatican II we have grown in many ways; some of them did not always nourish our
Franciscan identity as a community. It was Karl Rahner in Theological Investigations Vol. 3, who
articulated the significance of communal charisms. He taught that there are two kinds of
charisms: individual gifts which a person uses to build-up the body of Christ; and communal
charisms that include spirituality. These charisms are given to religious founders and they are
communal in nature. They are expressed in a way of life (life-style) and a way of relating to God
and others (spirituality).
Even if we did not claim our charism and even if they were
overshadowed by monastic practices in the years preceding
Vatican II, the charism and spirituality of Francis and Clare have
marked the life of our congregation and that cannot be denied.
Since Vatican II a wealth of resources have been made available to
enrich our lives as Franciscan Sisters. May the Spirit who inspires
all spiritualities in the church help us to make use of them for the
good of the church and the world.
by Sister Mary John Szudarek
Spirituality is the individual’s following of the teachings of Jesus, individually or corporately. It is
our vocation and privilege that by sharing our life, we connect ourselves, through Jesus, to a
deeper relationship to the Trinity. Our words and works are to be living signs of the Lord’s
presence in our lives.
We can do nothing on our own. We must always look to the Lord and call upon Him to
strengthen the service we have taken on willingly. Spirituality is action powered by prayer and
directed to service.This is our way of giving witness to believers
and non-believers.
The spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of
St. Francis is to serve God through the example of Mary, Joseph,
Francis and all the saints. If we do that we are assured of God’s
blessings now and in the future.
SISTER MADGE KARECKI IS THE HISTORIAN OF
THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF THE THIRD ORDER OF
ST. FRANCIS, COMMISSIONED TO WRITE THE NEXT VOLUMES OF
THE CONGREGATION’S HISTORY.
Giving Witness
SISTER MARY JOHN SZUDAREK TAUGHT IN
OHIO AND MICHIGAN SCHOOLS FOR TWENTY-NINE YEARS, AND
PROVIDED SEVERAL DIFFERENT SERVICES FOR THE SISTERS AT
MARYMOUNT CONGREGATIONAL HOME, GARFIELD HEIGHTS,
OHIO, AS SHE DOES EVEN NOW.
by Sister Magdalene Kabat
Spirituality to me is a way of life, a personal relationship with God. Spirituality centers on the
heart aspect of my faith — the devotions,prayers, and all of the traditions of my Catholic faith.
The beginnings of my spirituality came from my parents.They took me to the church to be
baptized into the Catholic faith.We went to Mass together every Sunday; we went to May
devotions where we sang, prayed the rosary, and were blessed during the benediction of the
Blessed Sacrament; we prayed at meals; we sang traditional hymns in Polish and English at
Christmastime; and Midnight Mass was always special to us. My mom taught me how to make
the Sign of the Cross, and to kneel at my bedside to pray before I went to sleep.
As a student at St. Salomea School, the SSJ-TOSFs taught me all of my formal prayers, prepared
me for the sacraments, and taught me the basic beliefs of my faith.We participated in daily Mass
during my grade school years.When I began high school at St. Louis Academy, I continued to
attend daily Mass, all seven days of the week! Praying the rosary was and is a very important
part of my daily life.All these are the heart aspect of my faith — my spirituality.
To me, religion is my belief system. If I have to fill out a form that asks for my religion, I always
write Roman Catholic. My religion helps to nourish the heart aspect of my faith — my
spirituality.
Church is defined within the scope of my religion. Church is a liturgical assembly, a local
community, as well as the entire communion of believers, the People of God throughout the
whole world. For me, church is the Catholic Church where I, with my brothers and sisters,
gather together to hear the Gospel of Christ and celebrate the Lord’s Supper. In the Catechism
of the Catholic Church, #887 states that being a member of the Church means being “fully
incorporated into the society of the Church together with her entire organization and who
— by the bonds constituted by the profession of faith, the sacraments, the ecclesiastical
government, and communion — are joined in a visible structure of the Church of Christ,who
rules her through the Supreme Pontiff and the bishops.”
So, I believe that spirituality, religion and church are all connected. My heart aspect — my
spirituality — is nourished as I practice my Catholic religion together with the People of God
(the Church).
I believe that as a vowed religious woman in the congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of
the Third Order of St. Francis, our spirituality must be a Franciscan spirituality.The Franciscan
Rule draws together spirituality, religion, and church into the spirit of Francis and Clare: “The
form of life of the brothers and sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis is this: to
Fourfold
And, look,
I am with you
always; yes,
to the end
of time.
Matthew 28:20
17 Vol. 8 No. 3
observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ living in obedience, poverty and chastity.”
It further states,“With all in the holy, catholic and apostolic Church who wish to serve God,
they are to persevere in true faith and penance.” “The sisters and brothers promise obedience
and reverence to the Pope and the Catholic Church.” “In the same spirit, they are to obey those
called to be ministers and servants of their own community.” Our Franciscan Rule further states,
“Let them be mindful that they should desire one thing alone, namely the Spirit of God at work
within them; always obedient to the Church and firmly established in the Catholic Church, let
them live according to the poverty, the humility of the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
which they have solemnly promised to observe.”
While these excerpts from the Rule are not the whole of
Franciscan spirituality, they draw together spirituality, religion,
church and a Franciscan way of life.As a Sister of St. Joseph of the
Third Order of St. Francis, I fully embrace Franciscan Spirituality
as my way of life as I practice my Catholic religion within the
Roman Catholic Church.
by Sister Linda Szocik
God’s presence as life evolves for me and my awareness to all creation.
As I live my day-to-dayness, I desire to (and at times do) keep an active awareness of God in my
life. This desired God-conscious awareness is more often a hope than a reality due to my
exaggerated business on life’s highway.However, viewing and living life with God-awareness gives
in-depth purpose and brings out my better self even though my imperfections are still clearly
manifested; life’s purpose is not diminished when I notice that I am not all I can be. Each day,
event, challenge, disappointment, etc., are all opportunities of hope and trust that “next” time I
may meet life’s moments with more grace-filled kindness and love. Excitement comes when I
reflect that God is not finished with me yet; future grace-filled opportunities will invite me to
encounter God in loving interaction with my sisters and brothers and even myself.
Presently, in my elder years, I treasure most the spirituality I’ve come to know within my being
through my years of life’s wisdom. Just once, I have come to a point in my life in which an inner
freedom momentarily releasing me even from my selfish-self opened as I’ve never experienced
before-this freedom gave God sole reign. Such awareness is gift, not present to me by choice.
Religion and Church are respected as stages leading me to where I am now but neither of them
are a primary spiritual source any longer.
The spirituality of the sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, I trust, is to live
our Mission Statement to the degree each sister relates to God and struggles to be true to the
SISTER MAGDALENE KABAT RECENTLY RETIRED
FROM HER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE AS PRINCIPAL OF ST. MARY OF
CZESTOCHOWA SCHOOL IN CICERO, ILLINOIS, WHERE SHE NOW
ASSISTS WITH PARISH PROJECTS.
Sprituality as Revelation
This is what the
Kingdom
of God is like.
A man scatters
seed on the land.
Night and day,
while he sleeps,
when he is
awake, the seed
is sprouting and
growing; how,
he does not
know.
Mark 4:26-27
Creator and to herself. Our Community Leadership invites and calls us to come to know
a loving Creator God to whom we each in our own way walk-the-walk to know God in a
personal way.
I delight as I see God in myself, others, creation and all events in
life. I know God is present in the good and the not so good. I live
with the conviction of God’s constant presence and goodness in
all creation and that our God is a personal God.
by Sister Mary Louise Szerpicki
What is the source of your strength? From where do you draw your energy? How is your
spirit, your heart? These are some of the questions I ask as I obtain a spiritual history from
the men and women at the shelter and clinic for the homeless where I minister. Incorporating
a spiritual history within a client’s history and physical allows one to begin to be present to
the whole person — mind, body, spirit. It is also about catching a glimpse of an individual’s
spirituality.
I believe that spirituality is the life force that burns within us. It is an awesome and profound gift
of who we are as human creatures. To be human is to be spiritual. Spirituality is the inner life-
line of our connection with God. It reverberates within us in both simple and profound ways.
It may express itself as energy, vitality, desperation, chaos, beauty, darkness, hope, despair, peace,
turmoil – all are interconnected. Strength, spirit, heart, life-energy are all descriptors of the
sacredness of our lives.
In his book,The Holy Longing,Ron Rolheiser says “Long before we do anything explicitly religious
at all, we have to do something about the fire that burns within us. What we do with that fire,
how we channel it, is our spirituality.” “Spirituality is more about whether or not we can sleep
at night than about whether or not we go to church. It is about being integrated or falling apart,
about being within community or being lonely, about being in harmony with Mother Earth or
being alienated from her.”
Spirituality is both the fire that inflames and consumes us and
what we do with the fire. The disciplines and habits we choose
to live by, will either lead to a greater integration or disinte-
gration within our bodies,minds and souls. How we express the
energy within will also affect the way we relate to God, others
and the cosmos.
SISTER LINDA SZOCIK WORKS WITH THE
HOMELESS AT ST. BEN’S CLINIC AND AT THE CATHEDRAL
CENTER IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN.
What is Spirituality?
SISTER MARY LOUISE SZERPICKI WAS A TEACHER
FOR THIRTY YEARS BEFORE SHE BECAME THE SECRETARY FOR THE
CONGREGATION’S CENTRAL BOARD, THEN FOR CLEVELAND
CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. RETIRED, SHE NOW OFFERS HER
SERVICES AS PROOF-READER FOR GATHERING PLACE.
19 Vol. 8 No. 3
by Sister Mary Laurentine Andreasik
Faced with the task of writing about the spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third
Order of St. Francis, I had no idea where to begin. Finally, the thought of a definition of
“spirituality” might be a starting point. I turned to the dictionary. The term “spirituality was
not an entry, but looking further, found “spiritual,” which means:1) of or having to do with
the soul, 2) caring much for the things of the spirit or soul, 3) of or having to do with spirits;
supernatural, 4) having to do with the church, 5) sacred; religious, a sacred song or hymn as
originally created or interpreted in the southern United States, and “spirit,” which means:1) the
immaterial part of a person; soul, 2) a person’s moral, religious or emotional nature, 3) a
supernatural being such as a deity — God, the Holy Spirit, 4) influence that stirs up and rouses;
a spirit of reform; the spirit ofindependence. 5) courage; vigor; liveliness, 6) enthusiasm and
loyalty, quality or tendency; the spirit of our institutions.
These definitions made it a bit clearer what I was looking for.As Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third
Order of St. Francis we aim to bring the spirit of St. Francis to life.Among the many qualities of
our holy father St.Francis are his spirit of simplicity,prayerfulness,humility,kindness,poverty,and,
above all, his imitation of Christ. Our sisters strive each day to
bring Christ to all they meet, however they minister to God’s
people. Each individual sister strives to accomplish this with the
qualities she possesses. Often, because the relationship between
God and the individual is a very personal and deep experience,
many hesitate to discuss their spirituality with others.The true
meaning of spirituality, then, remains somewhat of a mystery.
by Sister Joyce Soukup
Spirituality is the magnet within us that draws us to God. It immerses us in a consciousness
of God who is with us and beyond us. Spirituality is the reality that all life must be lived aware
of the divine in the mundane, in life experiences, in human relationships, in all of creation, in
the holy.
Spirituality is a way of life. It is belief in action. It is letting life lived speak of God. It is what
I do because of what I believe and value. Spirituality is not a purely spiritual thing.
Rather… culture, religion, relationships, the world, the universe… become both a filter
and a foundation of perception of God and that awareness demands a response of care
and compassion. Spirituality….like life… is an incredible journey, a sacred mystery… often
Spirituality Defined
SISTER MARY LAURENTINE ANDREASIKIS NOW RETIRED FROM HER MINISTRY AS A TEACHER AND A
PRINCIPAL IN OHIO SCHOOLS, BUT SHE CONTINUES HER
PRAYER AND PASTORAL MINISTRY IN GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OHIO.
“Rabunni, let me
see again!” Jesus
said to him,
“Go, your faith
has saved you.”
And at once his
sight returned
and he followed
him along
the road…
Mark 10:52
Reflections on Spirituality
hidden and filled with awe…struggle…discovery....wonder. It is meeting God face-to-face,
heart-to-heart in the events of life, in awareness of the universe. It’s a rhythm of ups and
downs.
As I reflect, my spiritual journey has taken many turns and my understandings of spirit-
uality have changed. My parents introduced me to a loving God. Through religion I met a
God who I was to know, love and serve. I came to know Jesus and circles of loving
people. Now in awe of the cosmos, I am coming to experience a giftedness that empowers
me for service and mission in new ways.
Sometimes, spirituality is like being submerged, stuck forever in the mud of my own making
at other times it’s a spiraling upward, alert to the forces that stream around me. Spirituality
energizes and gives me the courage to put my heart’s desires to the test …to keep
believing that there is something more life-giving that awaits…that I am willing to seek. At
times, it’s about intuitions and imagination. It’s about finding the
passion and courage to stay in a heartfelt journey.
Spirituality gives life meaning…relationships beyond imagin-
ation, exceeding my most audacious dreams….finding an
infinitely gentle God who awaits me outside old rules, at
someplace new.
by Sister Dorothy Pagosa
Spirituality relates to my connectedness with God and all things beyond me. I don’t believe
it is the same as religion, although religion can feed one’s spirituality. I have always seen the
spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Joseph as Franciscan. What
that means is open to many interpretations. This is mine. I draw on the life and spirit
of St. Francis. By maintaining a contemplative relationship with God and those most
marginalized in this world, Francis was able to go beyond the ordinary. He was able to see
that he was but a small part of God’s creation. He saw the sun as his brother, the moon as
his sister. This may sound poetic, but I think it went beyond that. He also saw Clare as an
equal and accepted her into the movement at a time when that was even rarer than today.
Was he perfect? No, neither are any of us. But he tried.
I try to maintain a contemplative relationship with God and those who are most
marginalized, taking time for prayer, and maintaining awareness of what is happening in our
SISTER JOYCE SOUKUP IS DIRECTOR OF HUMAN
RESOURCES FOR THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF THE THIRD
ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS.
On the Margin
This righteous-
ness from God
comes through
faith in Jesus
Christ to all
who believe.
Romans 3:22
21 Vol. 8 No. 3
world. My friends who are among those who are impoverished
have fed my understanding of injustice, but also led me to expe-
rience peace. I am in awe of the love they share of God and
people. It defies logic. I watch as those who have so little share
with those who have less. I listen and participate when they
share their love of God, and hope that religious leaders will
speak out against injustice. It’s hard to explain, but it feeds my
Franciscan spirituality. It pulls me beyond myself.
by Sister Josephine Marie Peplinski
When asked to co-found the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, Sister Felicia
Jaskulski framed her motivation by asking, “What will happen to the children?” Obviously,
Sr. Felicia was fully alive in the here and now, deeply aware of God — “I am.” — and God’s
presence in people and in the whole world, God’s gift to all. She was aware with compassion
for the deprived. Penniless like St. Francis, she went forth, trusting in God, a challenge I learned
in my sixth-grade prayer book: “Trust in God when thy strength is small. Trust in God when
simply to trust God is the hardest thing of all.”
Sr. Felicia reflects a spiritual lesson my father taught us the day before he died at age 85. Sitting
at his bedside, I helped him pray using his simplified prayerbook. I read a line from Psalm 63 and
he repeated it in his own way:
“Love consists in this: not that we have loved God, but that God has loved us.” 1 John 4:10 It is
ours to let God be God in us as in gratitude and joy we extend Love in human form.Response,
then, is not controlling but allowing, not doing but being drawn
forward, surrendering to an unknown future and destiny.
Two more thoughts on presence here and now. First, as a
novice I read in a Polish book by a medieval author, something I
took to heart,“Czyn co czynisz,” that is,“Do what you are doing.”
Second, in yoga class, I learned the importance of breath
awareness. Right here and now,“My life is the breath of God.”
SISTER DOROTHY PAGOSA IS A STAFF MEMBER OF
THE 8TH DAY CENTER FOR JUSTICE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AND
CHAIR OF THE CONGREGATION’S SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMISSION.
Lessons from the Roots
The Psalm
O God, my God
How I search for you!
How I thirst for you!
How I long to find you!
I will praise you with great joy.
Amen.Alleluia.
My father’s response
O God, my God
How you search for me!
How you thirst for me!
How you long to find me!
I will praise you with great joy.
Amen.Alleluia.
SISTER JOSEPHINE MARIE PEPLINSKIAUTHORED THE TWO VOLUME HISTORY OF THE CONGREGATION,
“A FITTING RESPONSE,” AND IS NOW SSJ-TOSF HISTORIAN EMERITUS.
by Sister Jane Zoltek
One grand endeavor is the pursuit of spirituality. It is important more than workshops, tapes,
books and seminars. Spirituality is a lifelong process of deep personal exploration. Spirituality is
never a final state. It is an ongoing process.The spiritual life is not easy, nor is it hard. It just is!
It is the honest knowledge and expression of one’s true self. It is the acceptance of who you are
whether you like what you see or not.Spirituality is about embracing one’s truth,with the under-
standing that you must first be who you are before you can be more.
Spiritual persons take responsibility for the lives they create.They understand that denial is the
enemy of personal change and growth.A gentle, understanding discipline of negative discoveries
will dissolve them and lead to the development of harmony within one’s soul. If this sounds like
work, you are correct. It takes a real commitment to address one’s personal truth, and courage
to accept it.As you pursue the discovery of your uniqueness, you will realize that this process
is a most rewarding and fulfilling activity in your life.
This commitment to the spiritual life makes all things possible because self love is manifested in
the soul.This love is not static. It does not stand still.
The spiritual path has shape and dimension.When you think of your spiritual path, visualize
an ascending spiral staircase where every forward movement produces a corresponding,
incremental movement upwards.
Learning to pray is an important part of an individual’s spiritual development. The key to
effective prayer is concentration. If you find your thoughts wandering during prayer, do not
become flustered. Start again where you left off.Cultivate emotional and mental relaxation.This
aids your concentration and strengthens your focus.
The spiritual evolution of humankind is a gradual but steady
purification of each soul. Your thoughts and feelings create
spiritual forms that are visible to those in the spirit world. A
spiritually developed individual who has attained inner harmony
creates thoughts that form beautiful visions in the spirit world.
Pursuing Spirituality
SISTER JANE ZOLTEK IS AUTHOR OF FIVE BOOKS ON SPIRITUALITY AND PASTORAL
ASSOCIATE AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH IN OAK PARK,
MICHIGAN.
Whoever eats my
flesh and drinks
my blood lives in
me and I live in
that person.
John 6:56
23 Vol. 8 No. 3
by Sister Josephine Espinos
When I was reflecting on how Franciscan spirituality touches my life, I came across Father
Campion Murray’s way of defining spirituality “as the way a person is attracted to the Lord
and how he or she develops this attraction into a discipline of life.” “Spirituality” comes
from “spirit” or what gives me life. I have received life from my parents and family, from my
upbringing and even from many of my friends,who are not necessarily Franciscan,but they reflect
some of what Francis preached in terms of love of prayer, reflecting on the Gospel life and
appreciation for the Eucharist.
As a Franciscan sister I am proud to have been touched by the life and spirit of Francis during
my years of formation and in the manner he speaks to me now of how to follow God’s will
through reflecting on the Gospels.To know Francis is to know Franciscan spirituality, because
the aim of Franciscan spirituality is to look at life, prayer, creation, the Church and God in the
way that Francis looked at them.
Looking at Francis’ life, it is evident that one of the key experiences that shaped his life was the
encountering of Christ when meeting with the leper. For me personally, his example calls me to
reflect on the suffering Christ by reaching to all in need especially the poor and the outcast. This
call is fed and nurtured by daily prayer, frequent reception of the Eucharist, living and
sharing in community, reflecting with our sisters and associates as well as with others on how
God moves in our lives… in the turmoil as well as the joy filled moments.
In a special way I have been deeply affected by sharing life with our Peruvian people. They
are survivors in their history and in their way of viewing life. I see Franciscan joy in their
celebrations: their many foods and dances from jungle,mountain and coast all linked to love and
nature.They are survivors of years of oppression and domination and have a strong will guided
by their faith to stand tall despite obstacles.And they teach me to be a survivor, having passed
20 years of terrorism from 1980 to 2000 by the violent group Shining Path and the military lead-
ers. Now more recently they are attempting to overcome the effects of death and destruction
as a result of the earthquake, in the south; they turn to their faith for strength and consolation.
In Pisco,on the day after the quake,the Lord of the Miracles was taken out in procession through
the city.Their faith carries them through the tragedies of life and this faith touches me and helps
me to live the Franciscan life.
Francis loved the Church.My spirituality is also affected by what is happening here in the Church
of South America. In May of this year in Aparecida,Brazil, there was the Fifth General Conference
of Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean. In Pope Benedict’s Inaugural Address to the
conference he affirmed that,“the preferential option for the poor is implicit in the Christological
faith in the God who became poor for us in order to enrich us with His poverty.” God’s love
Franciscan Spirituality
“Examine your-
selves to see
whether you are
in the faith; test
yourselves.
Do you not
realize that
Christ Jesus
is in you—
unless, of course,
you fail the test?
2 Corinthians 13:5
In all truth I
tell you, no one
can see the
kingdom of
God without
being born
from above.
John 3:3
extends to all persons, and excludes no one. By Christ’s humble birth, and his upbringing in a
marginalized society, and by His ignominious death for standing up for the rights of the down-
trodden, God shows a special love for those who are helpless and have nowhere to turn…
namely the poor of the world.What does this call me to be? It calls me to walk with, to listen
to and to share my life with those who are in need.
Francis was also a reconciler. Frequently I pray the prayer which many attribute to St. Francis.
As I say “Lord,make me an instrument of your peace” I recall events in my life, to see when and
where I need conversion and how can I become a reconciler. Francis was a peace maker and
the patron saint of ecology. Here in South America there is a monthly bulletin put out by the
Franciscan movement entitled Justicia y Paz,because peace needs
to be founded on justice and truth. In today’s world it is a call to
see how globalization is affecting us and our environment and to
work towards a world where there is a respect for all persons
no matter their race, creed, or gender and for all of nature.This
to me is being “an instrument of peace” and a true Franciscan,
and seeing the face of Christ in my neighbor and in my world.
by Sister Janine Rajkowski
What is Spirituality? Does everyone possess spirituality?
Spirituality is akin to expressing the inexpressible. It is difficult to pin it down and is elusive when
one tries to grasp it and make it one’s own.Spirituality encompasses our religious,moral, sacred
and secular values, the way we think, pray and live. It is the skeletal system on which religious
beliefs and practices take flesh.Thus because it is so encompassing it makes it difficult to pin it
down or define it in verbal terms.
Spirituality enfolds the body and mind while moving beyond those tangible parts of our being
into the spiritual world, where words may limit rather than encompass. The spiritual life is a
journey and I am still on the road —“God is not finished with me yet.” When you consider
spirituality it is like savoring a new dish for the first time.
Spirituality is not a belief system, but rather one’s basic approach to life. The best one can do is
to wrap the mind around spirituality to acknowledge it is a vital though unseen power in life.
As Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis we do encompass a Franciscan spiritu-
ality with individual sisters being on their own path developing and living out their spirituality in
their daily lives.
SISTER JOSEPHINE ESPINOS IS A
PASTORAL MINISTER, TAHUANTINSUYO, LIMA, PERU.
Spirituality with Skin
Now while he
was with them at
table, he took
bread and said
the blessing;
then he broke it
and handed it to
them. And their
eyes were
opened and they
recognized him.
Luke 24:30
25 Vol. 8 No. 3
One can find different ways of living out one’s spirituality.
Take for instance Pope John Paul II or Mother Teresa who both
were deeply spiritual persons. Spirituality does not belong to
a specific religion or church. Spirituality brings us gifts of the
Spirit and helps lead us to God.
Much of this is from Following Francis of Assisi by Patti Normile.
by Sister Edith Gorski
The word “spirituality” seems to be a mystical term, something we cannot touch with the
human hand. According to the dictionary, it is of “incorporeal or immaterial nature.” To me,
personally, spirituality is an intimate part of my life, my inner being, by which I can, in a calm
manner, react to all the circumstances that come my way.The circumstances could be physical,
mental or emotional. My meditations, my time to be quiet and think alone, help feed this inner
spirit of mine, and is food for my soul.
I define spirituality as the strength of my being. I cannot physically touch it, but I know it is
within me because of my connection with the Holy Spirit.The Holy Spirit has helped me search
for an authentic spiritual life ever since my novitiate days, and has continued to help me build
my spiritual being. Spirituality is within me. It is like an inner eye looking out and connecting me
to the world.
Religion, in my opinion, is concerned with outward signs. I make the Sign of the Cross; I touch
and use holy water; I pray the rosary; palms are in every room of my home; I pray the Psalms
and read my Bible.These are all items that I use physically. Using them helps me strengthen my
inner spirit, but they are still outward signs.Traditions are also part of religion.They, too, are
outward signs directed to strengthening my inner spirit. Even the books that I read are direct-
ed in the same way.
Our Church does not deal totally with my inner spirit, but focuses more on rules, regulations,
buildings and, at times, politics. The Church seems to be more concerned with outward
movements, actions and outward signs.
Jesus prepared His apostles for three years to develop their inner spirit for future ministry. He
used miracles and parables, outward signs for the people, and yet these people rejected Him
because of their lack of spirituality, a strong inner spirit.Taking a lesson from them, if I use all
outward signs and items correctly and with thought — that is, turn them inwardly — they will
serve to build my inner spirit.
SISTER JANINE RAJKOWSKI IS DIRECTOR OF THE
CENTER FOR A BALANCED LIFE, INC., WEST ST. PAUL,
MINNESOTA.
My Inner Being
A part of spirituality is being conscious of all that surrounds me. People surround me. Creation
is all around me. Like St. Francis who embraced the leper, all of creation feeds into my spirit-
uality. Francis internalized all that God made and his inner spirit was intensified. He shared
this intensification with his fellow monks and the Poor Clares. He created a community based
on spirituality. He shared his inner spirit with all he met.This I
must do — share my spirituality, for it is not mine to keep to
myself. This prevents it from becoming stagnant, and possibly
making me a prisoner in my own being. Sharing spirituality gives
us all the freedom of being the children of God.
by Sister Jane Blabolil
“In God we live and move and have our Being.” Acts 17:28
Jesus had a spirituality, as did Buddha and Abraham. So do you and I. For me,“spirituality” is
who I am and how I am in relation to God, my sisters and brothers and all of creation.
According to the Sufi’s or Muslim mystics, “God is closer to me than my jugular vein.” How
close am I to God and how close do I allow God to come to me? As a Sister of St. Joseph,
TOSF, I embrace a Christian and specifically, Franciscan spirituality or way of relating to life –
of breathing in and out the word of God “gifted” to us in the Bible,but also as heard in the world
today. Who God is for me and who I believe I am for God is not dependent upon doctrine,
(although that may guide us),but upon direct experience. I believe
I have been “kissed” by God as well as nudged and encouraged
to be in relation in love as an “instrument of peace.” Spirituality
is a remembering of who I am in the DNA of my soul. This is the
mystery of our faith – that God wants to relate to and co-create
with us in a world desperately in need of better relations.
SISTER EDITH GORSKI BEGAN HER MINISTRY AS A TEACHER
FOR TWENTY YEARS, AFTER WHICH SHE SERVED IN PROVINCIAL
ADMINISTRATION. FOR SEVEN YEARS, SHE WAS DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS
FOR THE DIOCESE OF COVINGTON, KENTUCKY, AND THEN ASSOCIATE
DIRECTOR OF FAMILY MINISTRY IN MADISON, WISCONSIN. CURRENTLY,
SHE IS A VOLUNTEER TEACHER OF ENGLISH IN MADISON.
In God
SISTER JANE BLABOLIL IS A PASTORAL MINISTER,
TAHUANTINSUYO, LIMA, PERU, AND IS CURRENTLY CARING FOR
HER MOTHER IN CLEVELAND, OHIO.
I shall pour out
my Spirit on all
humanity.
Joel 3:1
27 Vol. 8 No. 3
by Sister Leona Augustyn
Spirituality is the deep yearning within to recognize and realize how the very breath, courage
and vigor of God becomes one’s very own.
St.Augustine sums up this yearning as,“Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” St. Francis
expresses it in his “My God and my All.” Micah 6:8 tells us to “live justly, love tenderly and walk
humbly with your God.” Jesus gives us the living example of love in action,nourished by a prayer-
filled life.
In Psalm 46:10 we read,“Be still and know that I am God.” This verse bids us to seek the touch
of God when we are broken or whole, weak or strong, sad or happy, sick or healthy. Each
moment of life can be a moment yearning for the presence of God,whether we are aware of it
or not.That is spirituality.
We live our “walking humbly with our God” through the way we work, pray and live. We
cannot be people of action if we are not people of prayer. Prayer — our relationship with God
— is the very core of our spirituality,our yearning for God.Music, silence,rest,nature moments,
all can be an oasis for us to nourish the inner being as we live life, strive for peace and accept
new life through death.
Our call to be Franciscan women, women of the Gospel way,
challenges us to allow the very being of Jesus,His spirit,to so pen-
etrate our lives that seeing Him in those we meet becomes
likened to breathing, enabling us to exclaim with our father
Francis,“My God and my All!”
by Sister Dolores Koza
From earliest years, mankind was aware of supreme beings.They formed various religions from
which spiritualities were developed that practiced adoration and prayer using holocausts, idols,
rituals and the like.
Yahweh, our God, reached out to Abraham in about 2000 BC. He sent His messengers to the
Hebrew people up to the time He came to Moses in about 1500 BC. God also inspired the
A Deep Yearning
SISTER LEONA AUGUSTYN WAS A TEACHER
AND PRINCIPAL FOR THIRTY-FIVE YEARS UNTIL SHE BEGAN
PARISH MINISTRY IN PARISHES IN NEBRASKA WHERE SHE
CURRENTLY RESIDES.
Our Catholic Heritage&Spirituality
I tell you the
truth, anyone
who has faith in
me will do
what I have
been doing.
John 14:12
prophets to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. It was in the Jewish Scriptures, the Old
Testament, that we see the people come to know Yahweh, the true God, our Father.
In about 1 A.D., the year of the Lord, God sent His angel to the Virgin Mary.With her “fiat” she
conceived by the Holy Spirit.Christ,God’s beloved Son,the second Person of the Blessed Trinity,
was born of Mary in Bethlehem. In the Gospels of Matthew,Mark,Luke and John,we learn about
Christ’s ministry and teachings.We hear about His suffering, death and resurrection.The Paschal
Mystery centers on Christ’s redeeming us from sin and our resurrection from the dead on the
last day.
Jesus appointed St. Peter to lead His Church, the gathering, the assembly, the convocation of all
the people who followed Christ’s teachings and life. Today, the People of God, the Catholic
Church, numbers over a billion people.The spirituality of the Catholic Church is primarily the
Eucharistic celebration, the Mass; the sacraments; and the Liturgy of the Hours. Catholics also
have private devotions such as praying the rosary, attending novenas, praying the Stations of the
Cross and similar pious practices. Catholics listen and follow the leadership of the Pope and
bishops, successors of St. Peter and the apostles.
There are also men and women who have entered religious orders whose spirituality is based
on the Church’s liturgy, sacraments and the Liturgy of the Hours.We,Sisters of St. Joseph of the
Third Order of St. Francis follow the Rule of St. Francis. We have inherited a rich spiritual
legacy from the 13th century. St. Francis gave up his wealth and prestige, and embraced a life of
poverty. Like Francis, we serve wherever we are needed.We endeavor to follow the teachings
found in the Gospels.
St.Clare established the Second Order of St. Francis, the cloistered contemplatives called “Poor
Clares.” She, too, is a model for us, calling us to mirror Christ, to reflect Christ in our lives, in
order to illuminate the way for others to imitate union with Him.
As a congregation, we extend hospitality, love, and compassion
to all persons and strive to foster respect for the earth, God’s
creation, and its resources.We pray to deepen our intimacy with
God, and to bring joy, peace, justice, and evangelization to a
hungry, broken, misguided world. In keeping with the Franciscan
values, we strive simply, counter-culturally, and faithfully in our
relationship to the Catholic Church, the People of God.
He said
to the woman,
“Your faith has
saved you; go in
peace.”
Luke 7:50
SISTER DOLORES KOZA SERVED IN CONGREGATION-
AL LEADERSHIP AS NOVICE DIRECTRESS, FORMATION DIRECTOR,
AND PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR, AS WELL AS TEACHER AND PASTORAL
ASSOCIATE IN ILLINOIS AND INDIANA. SHE CURRENTLY SERVES AS
CONVENT TREASURER, LOURDES CONVENT, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.
29 Vol. 8 No. 3
by Sister Fran Jerzak
In my reflections on spirituality, it soon became obvious that its characteristics vary with the
uniqueness of each person — further proof that God doesn’t make carbon copies.
Spirituality, from my perspective, is what gives God’s meaning and purpose for my existence in
this world, at this time, and in this place. It substantiates, among other activities, how I fill this
time and space: praying; playing; loving; obeying God’s commandments; forgiving even as I seek
forgiveness; accepting the inevitable physical and emotional pain God permits; fostering rela-
tionships with kindness, empathy, and integrity; and having a willingness to let go/let God, with
trust in God’s merciful grace.
The call to live as a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis adds the special dimen-
sion of communal spirituality, that of emulating the Gospel life, virtues and teachings of St.
Francis of Assisi and St. Clare. Now, as then, Franciscan spirituality emphasizes love of God, love
of God’s people (the Church),commitment to Gospel living especially as peace bearers to those
suffering pain, sorrow, poverty, violence or injustice.
Perhaps all of the thoughts expressed above could be summa-
rized in a simple sentence: I believe spirituality is why and how I
live my faith, every day, until death summons me to union with
God forever.
by Sister Dian Majsterek
Google defines spirituality as “the state, quality, manner, or fact of being spiritual”. Wikipedia
states that spirituality “in a narrow sense, concerns itself with matters of the spirit” and speaks
of Indian and Christian and New Age spirituality. Thomas Keating reminds us that “For the early
Fathers of the Church there was only one spirituality, the spirituality of Jesus Christ…who is
pouring out his Spirit over the world.”
Through time and our own personal and communal experience, we recognize that spirituality
has taken many forms according to the various religious leaders who have interpreted specific
ways of living out their spiritual life. So, we speak of Benedictine, Augustinian, Dominican, Jesuit
Meaning and Purpose
SISTER FRAN JERZAKSPENT MOST OF HER MINISTRY AS A MEDICAL RECORDS
SPECIALIST, THEN AS A PASTORAL AND SOCIAL SERVICE
MINISTER. SHE NOW PROVIDES SUPPORT SERVICES AT
ST. JOSEPH MOTHERHOUSE IN STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN.
Spirituality…One idea
Blessed are
the clean of
heart, for they
shall see God.
Matthew 5:8
or Franciscan spirituality. Each has a particular vision of the life and ministry of Jesus and the
way to meet the needs of the specific time and people.
In our own Community, we have leaned on the example and life of Francis and our Founding
Mothers to live out our own spirituality,our life in the spirit. We have adopted and adapted our
community prayer life according to the particular time—praying together in Polish then in
English, participating in various devotions according to the seasons and feasts, sharing the life of
the Church in the Liturgy and the Breviary, sharing creative and spontaneous prayer.
Our spirituality, our spiritual life, has always included a practical dimension of ministry to the
underprivileged and outcasts of our day. We have identified our spiritual life with education,
health ministry, dietary concerns, social ministry, pastoral leadership and a multitude of other
actions that put flesh on our spirit, the extension of the spirit of Francis, Clare, and Jesus.
Spirituality is the soul, the life of the individual. Spirituality is no less the life of our Congregation.
Without spirit, we are soulless, we are walking dead.
The dementors in the Harry Potter volumes were spirits who could suck out the spirit, the soul
of an individual and leave that person worse than dead. The one who received the “dementor’s
kiss” had no soul, no identity, no more than physical being.
An individual or group without a clear life of the spirit can likewise be walking dead, without
soul, without identity, without life. Unless a person/group knows who they are in relation to
God and to others that person/group has no identity, no spirit, no life.
Each person/group needs a spirituality that can be recognized and defined, even if no one uses
words to define it. Each person/ group is identified by the man-
ner in which they give flesh to that spirituality. Each person/group
lives and flourishes by the spirit that invigorates it. With a living,
vibrant spirituality, the person/group is filled with enthusiasm, is
infused by the very Spirit of Life and Love.
Jesus looked up and said, “Zaccheus, come down quickly,
for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down
quickly and received him with joy.
Luke 19:7-8
SISTER DIAN MAJSTEREK RECENTLY COMPLETED
ALMOST FIFTY YEARS AS TEACHER, PRINCIPAL AND PASTORAL
MINISTER. SHE NOW SERVES AS RECEPTIONIST AT VILLA
ST. JOSEPH, GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OHIO.
31 Vol. 8 No. 3
by Sister Esther Gailey
Spirituality? I believe it is our relationship with God and sacred matters which helps us live a
fuller and holier life. St. Francis would withdraw from activities to the solitude he needed for
prayer by entering a cave. I don’t have access to a cave, but I need to find a quiet place such as
our chapel in the presence of our Lord, or on a bench out on our beautiful grounds.
The rosary, which I try to pray every day, is a great help for my spirituality.The mysteries focus
on the life of Jesus and Mary, and they deepen my relationship with them.
I recently read this short poem,“Quiet Time,” by Sandra Lytle which sums up spirituality for me:
I need some quiet time with God
To help me through the day;
A little time to read His word,
A little time to pray.
From this I gain the strength I need
To carry me along;
It lifts me up on wings of joy
And gives my heart a song.
by Sister Cecilia Marie Morton
My view of spirituality is a black spirituality, which is a personal relationship with God
• God is father, mother, sister, brother, my all in all
• God is above all people and things.
• God is someone you’re never without.
• God is someone you can talk to like a special friend — any time, anywhere, and
in different ways.
• God is alive and spirited, yet quiet and holy
• God cannot be contained.
Spirituality is living out the Gospels, and continued growth through spiritual reading, meditation
and other forms of prayer.
Spirituality is prayer put into action. Knowing God results in a sincere concern and caring for
others,especially the poor — those looked down upon — and all persons,no matter what race,
color or creed. Spirituality calls us to realize the dignity of every human being, particularly in a
material world where “throw-away” applies to people as well as things.
Quiet Time
SISTER ESTHER GAILEYIS RETIRED AT MARYMOUNT CONGREGATIONAL HOME IN
GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OHIO, AFTER ALMOST SIXTY YEARS AS GRADE
SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER AND COUNSELOR.
Knowing God
This deep relationship with God and the respect for all
creation is also the spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the
Third Order of St. Francis. It is the Franciscan spirit. It’s what
we live.
by Sister Barbara Theresa Emick
Spirit - Our spirits are led by the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Perfection - “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
Interrogation - Ask yourself,“Who am I? Who am I for Jesus? What can I do for the
Church? What can I do for my community?
Relationship - Strive to gain the best relationship possible with God, Church and
community.
Introspection - Seek to question deep within yourself,“What is my purpose
here on earth?”
Thankfulness - Give thanks to God for all that was, is now, and will be.
Unity - At our deepest level, we all rest in God.
Alive - The integrated person, body, mind, and spirit, is fully alive.
Love - Jesus gave us the simple and profound challenge,“Love one another as
I have loved you.” John 13:34
Imitation - As Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis we strive to
imitate Jesus, Francis, Clare and all the holy saints.
Time - Since our time here on earth is but a breath of God, we must use
every moment wisely.
Yearning - As St.Augustine said,“Our hearts are restless, O God, until they rest in you.”
SISTER CECILIA MARIE MORTONBASED IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN, LEADS “THE VILLAGE,” RITES
OF PASSAGE PROGRAMS FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH
Spirituality
SISTER BARBARA THERESA EMICK IS A TEACHER IN THE BRECKSVILLE/BROADVIEW HEIGHTS
PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OHIO.
The angel
of the Lord
appeared to
Joseph in a
dream.
Matthew 2:13
33 Vol. 8 No. 3
by Sister Caroline CervenySpirituality is a way of life where I become a follower and proclaimer of Christ! In this 21st century,how we follow Christ is deeply rooted in both our Catholic and Franciscan history andvalues. Previously we made Christ and His Gospel known through oral stories, then these stories were recorded on parchment, and then printed by the printing press. Today, our storiesand faith tradition are available by the medium of the Internet.
The Internet, and electronic medium and environment, is a part of modern-day living. In manyways it is part of Catholic spirituality. When I want to learn about spirituality, I go to a searchengine like Google and am initially overwhelmed with over 2.3 million hits using the terms“Spirituality + Catholic.” It is not easy to find the best of what Catholics offer in this area; any-one can publish their thoughts and reflections about their personal faith. So the first task in mysearch is to look for recognized websites that support good Catholic doctrine and teaching aswell as offer insights into our Catholic spirituality.
Some of the websites that are my favorite are the following: Sacred Space(http://www.sacredspace.ie/) developed by the Irish Jesuits. Here the participant is “invit-ed to spend ten minutes, praying here and now, as you sit at your computer. There ison-screen guidance and scripture chosen especially every day.” For children, there is Talkto God (http://www.catholicireland.net/talk2god/) where a child may go to be invited topray for others and to pray either in the morning or in the evening. These links are just afew of the many resources that you are able to find on the Internet that will nurture yourspiritual self.
It is easy today to find information about the New Catholic Catechism or any documentthat is part of our Catholic Tradition. The Internet is a very important tool for all Catholicsbecause it is fairly easy to access information about the Catholic faith and its spirituality.This awareness can lead us to a deeper appreciation of our faith and lead us to a deeperdesire and greater commitment to spread the Catholic faith through electronic mediums.Just look at our SSJ-TOSF website at http://www.ssj-tosf.org. Today, anyone across theworld who has access to the Internet may learn about us through our photos and theword that shares the story of who we are.
Catholic spirituality in the age of technology is a new phenomenon and reality. Before thisE-world, the sharing and communication of faith to another person on the other side of
the globe happened maybe via phone or a letter that oftentook weeks to arrive in someone’s mailbox. Now it is possible to do so through the media of e-mail, blogging, webpages, and the variety of e-options we have at our fingertips today. This E-world provides us with a wonderfulopportunity to explore further how we can share ourFranciscan spirituality with others across the globe.
Spirituality in Cyberspace
SISTER CAROLINE CERVENY IS A FACULTY MEMBER AT
ST. LEO UNIVERSITY IN OLDSMAR, FLORIDA.
In Christ, we live
and move and
have our being.
Acts 17:28
by Sister Carlene Blavat
A short reflection on spirituality sounded simple, until I really thought about it, and found it as
complex as an essay on love or truth or good.There are so very many thoughts and words
about spirituality, but who can catch the unadulterated, pure definition? Finally, I rather limply
settled for it being a quality of relationship to the animating entity in one’s life,which then
overflows into all other relationships we encounter.
In my years of pastoral ministry in parishes and hospital care, I have been privileged to kneel
many times before a deceased person and preside at the wake service.The body before me is
so still — no longer animated, no longer enspirited, no longer relational as it once was.Then, at
the funeral, I listen to the clergy or family or friends speak of what spirit had permeated that
person, what made them “Live and move and have [their] being.” Acts 17:28
For me personally, as a person baptized into Christ and vowed into the religious community of
the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, it is the rest of the quote above that I
strive for in my spirituality. “In Christ, I live and move and have my being.” Our community
documents, in the first chapter and first article of both our Franciscan Rule and our SSJ-TOSF
Constitution, give priority to observing the Gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ. And so I really try to listen, ponder, and apply those
Gospels of Christ so when it comes to my time of passing on to
eternal life, others may recall that my spirituality strove to live
those devotional words prayed silently as the Gospel is about to
be read,“May the Lord be in my mind,on my lips,and in my heart,
that I may worthily and fittingly proclaim the Holy Gospel.”
A Quality of Relationship
SISTER CARLENE BLAVAT RECENTLY COMPLETED
HER PASTORAL MINISTRY AT ST. STANISLAUS PARISH IN
STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN.
You spare all things, because they are yours, O Lord and
lover of souls, for your imerishable spirit is in all things!
Wisdom 12:1
35 Vol. 8 No. 3
by Sister Barbara Wanat
To me,spirituality is the central core of my life,a purity of intention,an inner harmony with God,
myself and others according to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a state of inner peace
in times of happiness and success, as well as in the midst of difficulties and trials. From this aura
of intimate relationship with my Beloved — my Creator, my Redeemer, my Sanctifier — I am
able to function and radiate God’s love, goodness and compassion to all whom I encounter.
The personal expression of spirituality of each sister and associate can be different, but as a
community, the spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis is to be
a visible, communal relationship of love for one another through fidelity to Christ and His
Gospel values, and the sacred teachings of the Catholic Church.
This holy relationship which begins with God is to expand itself
to the world, encompassing all of God’s creation. In this way, thus
imbued with the grace of God, we can become the Heart of
God in our world by our very being, and by our prayers, works
and actions.
by Sister Bernardine Dominick
The awareness of God comes streaming into me in varies ways. I could describe it as one author
titled her book,“Immersed in the Sacred.”
As an example, this past weekend, I caught a glimpse of a non-denominational church called
“Abiding Presence.” What a way to reach down in the center of one’s being and remember
God’s abiding presence in any moment of day or night. It made me question, though, would a
person be more drawn to participate in Abiding Presence or to St. John Fisher University Chapel
Parish, the faith community where I am committed. This question led me to reflect on the
meaning of religion and spirituality.
Membership in both of these churches have their rites of initiation, articles of faith, worship
services and rituals, and hopefully offer opportunities for compassionate ministry to the larger
world community. Each of them claim belief in God, and invest or ordain ministers to mediate
the relationship of members to God.This is my understanding of religion.
The Center Core
SISTER BARBARA WANATIS RECENTLY RETIRED FROM TEACHING AT HOLY CROSS SCHOOL
IN NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT.
Religion and Spirituality
May they all be
one, just as,
Father, you are
in me and I am in
you, so that they
also may be in us,
so that the world
may believe that
it was you who
sent me.
John 17:21
Spirituality, as I have come to understand, comes from the collective experiences that I have had
of God, the great Mystery from whom my life has come and been nourished. It is that spark of
divinity by the fact of my creation — made in the image and likeness of God.
I have always considered myself to be a religious person. I attribute my spiritual “leap” beginning
with the renewal Chapter of 1968.The study of the documents of the Second Vatican Council
in preparation for the Chapter was quite “faith shattering,” and I mean that in the most positive
and transforming sense. It was a realization that I was now to become the “Church in the
Modern World.” From this perspective, I was led to ministries I never thought possible.
I began life among the Appalachian people where being Catholic was very foreign.Tenets of my
faith were always questioned. Then when I administered, counseled and learned the birth
process with homeless pregnant women, I encountered varied perceptions of how God was
present in very difficult circumstances. Upon invitation of Sister Ruth Baggech, I assisted in the
creation of The Center in Bartlett, Illinois, and then with Sister Barbara Feleo, in beginning
Pathways to Wisdom in Troy, Michigan.The persons who came to these centers are searching
deeply for their own path to the Divine.They may be of a religious tradition or not.What they
seek is to live their lives with meaning and purpose.Along with ministry at Pathways to Wisdom,
I volunteer at the Hospice Program of Beaumont Hospital as a home visitor to dying patients.
Being with them, I realize the importance of what compassionate presence means.
Self authoring, especially through the study of the universe, brings with it a tremendous
acknowledgment of how great our God is. I believe that self-authoring necessitates discernment
of the Spirit with faith-filled friends, the search for good spiritual companions, taking opportuni-
ties for professional and spiritual growth, a commitment to prolonged deep stillness and
solitude, meaningful worship and ritual, and the search and expression of artful creativity.These
pursuits, and others too many to be named, lead me deeply into the experience of God. And I
continue to believe that the SSJ-TOSF congregation is willing and able to assist me in this
process. I pray Psalm 51 with and for them,and love the verse,“you love those centered in truth,
in Wisdom center me.”
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson,“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small
matters compared to what lies within me.” I truly believe that
we are only in the beginning stages of sharing what “lies within
us.” As I probe the depth of my inner Wisdom, I thank all my
dearest friends who share their love with me on this journey, for
I believe as Joan Chittister says, “The love of a friend comes
always with a lantern in its (her) hand.”
SISTER BERNARDINE DOMINICKIS CO-FOUNDER AND STAFF MEMBER OF PATHWAYS TO
WISDOM, TROY, MICHIGAN
by Sister Agnelle Swierczynski
So often we read or hear about these two words — “religion” and “spirituality” — and ponder
their meaning. Religion deals with our exterior practices, the way we show our respect and
observance of God’s commandments. But to be life-giving, these practices must always be
grounded in a deep spirituality. A person may go to daily Mass, receive the Eucharist, attend
devotions and the like,and yet not grow spiritually.To test the strength of the connection between
religion and spirituality, ask:Do I really know Jesus,personally and intimately? Am I aware of God’s
presence as I go about my daily tasks? When I pray, am I attentive, taking time to enter into the
mysteries of God? As I approach the Eucharist, am I aware of whom I am receiving?
It is the prayer of the heart that pleases our Lord — lifting up your heart for a moment,
uniting yourself to God, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Archbishop Louis
Martinez of Mexico, in his book Secrets of the Interior Life, wrote eloquently about this close
union with Christ. This connection does not require many words. Heart speaks to heart.
St. Casimir Church in Terryville, Connecticut, has a life-size crucifixion scene above the altar.
For a number of years, I served as sacristan and had the opportunity to sit for a while and gaze
at that life-like scene — Jesus on the Cross,Mary on the right gazing at her Son, St. John on the
left, and Mary Magdalene kneeling at the foot of the cross. No words are needed. God’s word
wells up in your heart. There is just the chance to look and love.
Long ago, I read of a mother who didn’t have much time for prayer. Each day, however, she
would go to the corner of her kitchen and throw her apron over her head.Her children knew
that was her “quiet time” and left her alone.
Jesus invites us, as He points to his heart, to imitate his mother
who “pondered all these things in her heart.” Luke 2:52 “Be still
and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
37 Vol. 8 No. 3
Religion and Spirituality
SISTER AGNELLE SWIERCZYNSKI PROVIDES HOME CARE AND PASTORAL MINISTRY IN TERRYVILLE,
CONNECTICUT.
When you pray,
go to your private
room, shut
yourself in,
and so pray to
your father who
is in that secret
place….
Mark 10:21
by Sister Mary Angeline Jaszewski
Spirituality calls us to constant conversion.The universal call to holiness draws us always to
growth.Whenever we receive Holy Communion, we must become what we see and receive
what we are.
For me, spirituality is to know the Lord, to bear His cross, so to wear the crown He wore.
Anything else is a loss, worthless refuse to me. For to gain the Lord is to gain all I need. So
“I will fight the good fight of the faith.And take hold of the eternal life to which [we] were
called when [we] made [our] noble profession of faith in the presence of many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:12
I try to live in the gladness of the Lord, “so to shine like stars in the darkness of the night.”
St. Louis Jesuits
Spirituality is what draws all religious people together. Jesus prayed for this at the Last Supper,
saying, “May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you, so that they also
may be in us, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me.” John 17:21
Franciscan spirituality and the spirituality of the Sisters of St.
Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis rests in simplicity.
Again, the words of Jesus to the rich young man ring true for
us as well, “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven.Then come, follow me.”
Mark 10:21
Into the Word
SISTER MARY ANGELINE JASZEWSKIIS A PRAYER MINISTER AT ST. JOSEPH MOTHERHOUSE,
STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN.
Go, sell everything you have and give to the
poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.
Mark 10:21
39 Vol. 8 No. 3
by Sister Barbara Anne Gluck
Spirituality is meeting God in all of life. Spirituality is how a person copes with life. It becomes
visible in the religious aspects of the Christian life such as prayer, penance and fasting. But it
is not equated with any one of these aspects, rather, spirituality is the whole of Christian life
lived in response to the Spirit.
Christian spirituality has three characteristics. It is one, unique and ongoing. Christian spirit-
uality is one because it is rooted in the Paschal mystery. It is unique in that no two of us have
the same perspective on life. Even though we may share many beliefs and practices with each
other, none of us has a spiritual clone. Christian spirituality is ongoing, never fully formed or
finished. God is forever calling us to greater conversion.
As Franciscan sisters, we are guided to be followers of St. Francis, praying and living according
to the Gospel. Every day is one of conversion and change. We are committed to serving
Christ, invisible in the Eucharist and visible in the Church, particularly in the poor and the
needy.As a congregation,we get further lessons from our pioneer sisters who lived traditions
rooted in the land, the family and the Church.They learned to fulfill the will of God and the
laws of nature through habits of hard work, thrift, sharing,
responsibility, courtesy, and hospitality. They were moved to
dedicate themselves to God and the furthering of His kingdom.
Today, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis
continue walking in the spirit of the foundresses, moving that
spirit into the future.
Spirituality
SISTER BARBARA ANNE GLUCKIS A LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE AT ST. JOSEPH MOTHERHOUSE
IN STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN.
What is the kingdom of God like? It is like a
mustard seed which a man took and threw into his
garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds
of the air sheltered in its branches.
Luke 13:18-19
by Sister Alexanne Osinski
The contemporary spiritual writer Thomas Moore uses the phrase “original self.” I like that
concept to describe the divine gift of my spirituality. It is a life-breath — deep within me —
deeper than rational thought. It is a vitality which is uniquely me, from which my outer life takes
shape, and in which I spiral through such yearnings or unrests as: freedom/responsibility;
power/receptivity; wildness/civility; individuality/community; passion/superficiality; life/death. It
is the habitual way I welcome the unfamiliar. My expressed spirituality, though unique to me, has
a universal dimension. Every human and non-human life has a spiritual nature.This “universality”
is why I can relate to others without feeling threatened by differences of DNA, religion, culture,
history,prayer. This “oneness” is the ground of being for Franciscan brotherhood and sisterhood,
for the Kingdom of God.
I think that religion and religious orders are examples of institutionalized spiritualities which,
in their best moments, even with their conditions and prescriptions, provide a kind of discipline
to my own spirituality, expressed as it is in compassionate service. Sadly, historical religious
institutions have been sources of exclusivity, division and conflict because of their focus on some
external norms of belonging — leaving it to the mystics among them to sing of the inherent
universal nature of all living beings, and thus, their relatedness with
all of creation. Over the years, I’ve noticed that the language I use
to describe the spiritual life has changed. I do not “spiritualize” the
world, or “raise it (the world) up,” or pray for redemption from
my baser self. More and more I echo Thomas Merton’s words,
“God isn’t someone else.”
Original Self
SISTER ALEXANNE OSINSKIIS A NAPRAPATH, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, AND MINISTER AT THE
CENTER IN BARTLETT, ILLINOIS.
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts
for nothing. The words I have spoken
to you are spirit and they are life.
John 6:63
41 Vol. 8 No. 3
by Sister Mary Bertille Kolodziej
As a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis,
spirituality, to me, means being a prayerful person, living the
Gospel values, and obeying the Ten Commandments. It means
aspiring to be holy, and attending Mass daily, if possible, and
saying the rosary.
by Associate Kathy Harmon
Spirituality can be considered as God’s kaleidoscopic gift to His chosen followers.This many
faceted gift can be seen as a posture, attitude, belief system or personal challenge. The
Baptism that most of us experienced as infants has exploded to become a sort of super nova
desire to attain all that is holy and redeeming in our lives.
As a posture, spirituality is the tree that reaches toward the sun and puts roots deep into
the ground in search of water and nourishment.As we women of the Lord aspire to new
challenges, we too are in search of the redemptive Son and the new sources of life and
energy that will make us a religious entity for many more generations.We join in common
prayer, General Chapters, and smaller focus groups to discuss how the words and examples
of lowly St. Francis can resonate and inspire, no matter where our journeys may take us.
Spirituality as an attitude finds its basis in Holy Scripture and the recounting of the lives of
St. Francis and St. Clare.Two individuals, just like us, set out to discover a new sense of possi-
bility.True humility and adherence to the Franciscan Rule led them to believe that they had
gifts to share that could connect them to the people around them for many generations to
come.The spirituality of Sts. Francis and Clare is married to the precepts of reflection, prayer,
devotion, obedience, sacrifice and patience. Life lived according to the spirituality of the
Franciscan Rule will find itself manifested in mercy, forgiveness, gratitude, courage and faith.
SISTER MARY BERTILLE KOLODZIEJSPENT 60 YEARS PROVIDING FOOD SERVICE AND HOMEMAKING
FOR HER SISTERS. SHE IS NOW RETIRED AND IN PRAYER MINISTRY
AT MARYMOUNT CONGREGATIONAL HOME, CLARE HALL, IN
GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OHIO.
Essential Spirituality
The Essence of a Life Lived for God
The Sisters of St. Joseph fo the Third Order of St. Francis have expanded their belief system
as to what comprises the vowed life to include women and men who are seeking to embrace
the Lord in the Associate Relationship.This facet of spirituality is encompassing persons on
many different spiritual levels, with many varied talents and a burning desire to see their faith
deepened and their aspiring dreams of generosity fulfilled.These associate members find their
strength in a communal relationship with the professed membership. In the lowly and gentle
example of St. Francis, they are striving to make the world a “peaceable kingdom” for all.
The Church is the living expression of our religion. Our grasp of how to attain holiness is
the glue I would refer to as spirituality. Each of us who has been Baptized needs to embrace
our personal challenge to daily serve the Lord in the persons who enter our lives and cross
our paths each day. It is the smile, the gentle word, the tender embrace, the generous shar-
ing of gifts that makes the world today a spiritual dwelling place for God and all people.
In our most insignificant acts, we become living examples of
persons who are striving for holiness and wholeness, and
especially, oneness with our Lord and Savior.We, daughters and
sons of St. Francis, joyfully embrace the mystery of our call to
holiness, for we are never walking alone.
ASSOCIATE KATHRYN JAGLA HARMONMADE HER FIRST COMMITMENT AS AN ASSOCIATE IN MAY 2007,
PHOENIX, ARIZONA.
The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
send in my name, will teach you all things and will
remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26
VOCATION / FORMATION
In the context of religious orders, spirituality has to do with our particular way of being a Sister of St. Joseph of theThird Order of St. Francis in today’s Catholic Church.Starting with the big picture, our spirituality falls within thebroader categories of being Christian, Catholic, and thenFranciscan (in whatever way you might want to limit orexpand that concept).However,where do we go from there?How do we begin to recognize that new layer of spiritualitythat Mother Clara and Mother Felicia set in motion, whichparticularly marked us as the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis? Furthermore, how has this brandof spirituality evolved to the present? For me the answer liesin looking at what we do naturally in our everyday lives.Each one of us is living and shaping our congregational senseof spirituality as I speak and you read! Or, in the words ofour Chapter theme, “We are the change — the spiritualitywe wish to see”.
Being in vocation ministry often gives me the opportunity tolook at our congregation through the eyes of inquiringwomen who come our way. They too want to understandour spirituality and see if it fits well with what they under-stand of their own spirit. This is what women look at whenthey attend a Come and See. They come to see our particu-lar spin on being a religious congregation. They come tolearn why we have chosen to pledge our lives to God and toeach other in the way that we do. They come hoping thatGod might be calling them to our way of life.
On August 3, seven women came to our Come and See atRiver Pines.What in fact did they see of our spirituality thatweekend? Let me describe the weekend to you and you canobserve our SSJ-TOSF spirituality in action for yourself.
As each woman arrived, a sister welcomed her and helpedher to settle in. Then everyone gathered for an evening mealprepared by Sr. Rose Margaret Firkus, (and we all know howgood her cooking is!) Just imagine, there were eighteen of uson the first night and we all managed to fit in the one diningroom! Needless to say, we got to know one another quicklyjust through the necessity of passing food back and forth andgetting up for more of this or that. Likewise, the table conversation also flowed freely as we mixed and mingledwith one another.
Following the meal, we gathered on the enclosed porch forour evening prayer. I introduced the theme for the weekend,“Listening for God’s Voice.” We prayed psalms that spoke ofcreation, and we named whatit was we needed from ourCreator God. Then we wentoutside for a fun activity that involved the skill of lis-tening—listening and copyingrecipes that is—and theseweren’t your ordinary,
Come and SeeWe are the Spirituality We Wish to Seeby Sister Barb KrakoraAssistant Vocation Director
43 Vol. 8 No. 3
VOCATION / FORMATION
everyday recipes—so you had to listen really well to get everything down fordishes such as Barbecued Alligator Tail, Fall Apart Moose, and Spam Shakes.I think the spectators laughed the hardest because from their vantage pointthey heard things like,“Season alligator meat with pepper and grill over hotcoals” followed by,“Then serve chilled with a celery stick.”
After some fresh air and laughter, we gathered around Sr. Mary Alice Jaroszwho told us the story of our Congregation’s birth and of our Sisters fromthe early years down to the present. Reading from ‘the Constitutions,’ Sr.Mary Alice explained,“The form of life of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the ThirdOrder of St. Francis is this: to observe with loving and generous hearts theholy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the Rule and Life of the Brothersand Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.” She concluded withthis reminder and challenge,“The history of this Congregation continues toevolve each day. Each of us is a part of that unfolding story and each of uscontributes uniqueness to what this Congregation will become in the futureand to the story yet to be told.” The evening ended with popcorn and amovie on the life of St. Francis.
On Saturday morning everyone ate a leisurely breakfast. We then gatheredfor Morning Prayer and heard the Canticle of the Creatures in prayer andsong. Using the Canticle of the Creatures and related Scripture, I sharedinsights and reflections on Brother Wind, Brother Fire, and Sister Water.After each session, the group had quiet time to pray and reflect, and thencame back together for sharing. On Saturday evening Sr. Mary EllenDiermeier, Sr. Dolores Mikula, and a few other Sisters shared their call stories. They recalled what it was that first attracted them to ourCongregation and then how their call deepened as they grew through theyears. During this session, twenty-three women filled the room and yet youcould have heard a pin drop as everyone listened to a Sister’s personal story.
On Sunday morning we drove to St. Joseph Motherhouse and attended Masswith the sisters. Breakfast followed in the dining room where the inquirershad the opportunity to meet more of our sisters. Then it was off for a tourof the building and grounds. Back at River Pines, we concluded the weekendwith a special Franciscan blessing for the Inquirers and presented them witha necklace that symbolized Brother Sun and Sister Moon.
I am always amazed at how the Spirit works through everyone who partici-pates in a Come and See. Some Inquirers receive a clearer picture of whatGod wants of them, and others receive a deeper insight about themselves. Some find the weekend enjoyable and others findit challenging. Some return to us and others do not. But above all these women experience our SSJ-TOSF spirituality, andthe touch of our spirit changes them forever.
Refl
ectio
n
Reflection on Brother WindI sat near the lake and breathed in the air.The wind blew a refreshing morning greeting across the water.I whispered my prayer of thanksgiving.
I walked with the wind into the woods.In the center of the path I stopped, and watched, and listened.Birds built their nest high in the tree above me where theWind gently rocked it to the rhythm of the bird’s song.Their song was carried by the gentle breeze that driftedAnd twisted its way to my ears.
The wind carried the sounds of nature and life: the rustling leaves,The water’s ripple, the soft whispers of the grass, the birds chirping,A squirrel chattering, the bees buzzing. In the distance a train tooted itsWay across the land.
Then, the wind rested.In that short stillness, I walked back to the water’s edgeAnd sat watching the wind dance a quickstep across the surface.As Brother Wind danced around me, he gathered my prayers and promisedTo carry them to the heart of God.
Brother Wind, ethereally lightCarrying my prayers all day, all nightSpirit Flight.
By a Come and See Inquirer
A Reflection on Brother FireSteady flame burning cobalt blue, yellow and gold,Mesmerizing in its beauty; slowly devouring its connecting wickWith heated pleasure.
Your heat rising and pointing its prayerfulPraise always to its creator God.
45 Vol. 8 No. 3
You are a reminder of the Flame within.So unselfish in your mission of giving of yourself,Even to your end.
We are kindred indeed dear Brother Fire,For it is your cousin Passion that burns within my being;Always purifying, always illuminating.
O most gracious God, mesmerize meWith the passion of your eternal flame.Let it consume my being and purify my soul.May it ever consume me, even to death, so that I,Like a phoenix, may rise and ride the Eternal FlameTo your kingdom.
By a Come and See Inquirer
A Reflection on Sister Water(In answer to the question: What is the wisdom in the proverb,“There is no need to push the river”?)
This wisdom can help me in the way that I live my life because it teaches me that I amnot the creator, therefore, not the controller of the currents in my life. I did not createthe path that my life should flow to; and even if I get caught up in the riptides that towme under, there is a source that has chosen that experience for me.
Sometimes God allows me to sail above the waters and choose a port to dock in.Other times, I am submersed in its murky depths and struggle against death in its cold,dark abyss, only to discover that the less I struggle, the quicker I surface.
Yes,“there is no need to push the river,” for my pushing is in vain. We build dams anddig paths to try to control a river’s flow but eventually God sets it back to the path hechooses.
Water is:Cleansing, transparent, healing, powerful,Life-sustaining, life-giving,A most precious resource.
By a Come and See Inquirer
Reflection
47 Vol. 8 No. 3
SISTERS’ DAY OF
THANKSGIVING & APPRECIATION
It was the end of an era.The Sisters of St. Joseph of the
Third Order of St. Francis staffed the newly built
school of St. Barbara Parish in Chicago, Illinois, in 1910.
The celebration on September 30, 2007,“Sisters’ Thank
You Day,” marked the ending of the SSJ-TOSF presence
in the parish. It began with a Mass at 11:30 AM presided
by Rev. Dennis Ziomek, Administrator of St. Barbara
Parish.Dinner followed in the parish hall. Special recog-
nition was given to those sisters who had ministered at
St. Barbara over the years, as well as those who
entered the convent from that parish.
Sister Evelyn Konkol, who passed away on September
8, 2007, was one of the last sisters to serve at the
parish. Her picture was displayed and her missionary
spirit remembered with the plaque that designated her
“1st Place” as High School Mission Leader,Archdiocese
of Chicago.
Sister Agnes Jendras also received the deep gratitude
of the people. She was the last sister to move from the
parish, now residing at Lourdes Convent. Although she
is sorely missed by the parish community, she cheered
everyone at the dinner with a farewell polka, her true
Franciscan joy shining through.
The day was filled with happy “meetings” — teachers
and students, parishioners and pastoral ministers,
friends, families — all wishing the best for the new
chapter of parish life at St. Barbara.
(Above) The Children’sChoir and Orchestra, ledby Bradley Zamora,played for theEucharistic Celebration.(Right) Sr. ColetteWilczynski and Rev.Francis Li, Assistant at St. Barbara Parish.(Below) Sr.Agnes Jendrasand Sr. Julia Rdzak arein the party spirit.
(Left) Rev. Dennis Ziomekand Sr.Agnes Jendras recallspecial memories at St.Barbara Parish.
(Right) Josephine Soltysiak who headed theSisters’Appreciation Committee distributedbags of treats to the sisters.(Below) Sr.Raphael Kmiecik remembers herteaching days at St. Barbs.
(Above) Sr. EstherSpychalski was the oldestof all the sisters whoserved at St. Barbara atage 100. Sr. Esther wasraised in the Bridgeportarea of Chicago, Illinois,and St. Barbara was herhome parish.(Left) Sr. Barbara Kozaexpressed the gratitude ofthe sisters for the wonder-ful opportunities forministry over the last 97years.
(Right) Sr. Dolores Koza,Sr. Barbara Koza andSr. Esther Spychalski arein “community.”
Readers’ Response to:
49 Vol. 8 No. 3
Why would young women choose vowed religious life in today’s world?
Volume 8, Number 1 - Jesus:Who do people say that I am?
Young women want to have a cause to fight for.They need a sense of belonging.They wantto witness their commitment by wearing a religious symbol, a veil or a pin.They need amoral compass.They crave the discipline they may not be getting at home or at school.They are willing to work hard at something they believe in.
Deanne Sczepanski — Independence,Wisconsin
Describe a person you have known in your lifetime who embodies gentleness, a gift of the Spirit
Volume 8, Number 2 - Gentleness
The personality of Waclaw Soroka spoke gentleness. Real human compassion showedwithout saying in this professor of history, a clear distinction from the violence of WorlWar II in Poland where he had committed to heroic resistance efforts as a young man.Then, regimented peace imposed following the war obliged him and his young wife to leavetheir motherland, but not her peaceful gentleness. That presence in central Wisconsin,where they eventually settled, was now again made known in person.
A scholar of the highest degree, liberty of thought was apparent in Dr. Soroka’s deep con-sideration of a vast variety of viewpoints, though in his perusal of cark moments in history,the lecturing voice would drop to a deep but gentle growl, with courage enough to con-vince any “dog of war” to quit its dehumanizing tracks.
A gradual debilitating disease in later years found this gentleman for themost part unchanged, present in that same warm radiant gazeunaffected by pain or illness. Memorable, too, and mild wordsof wisdom, observations of an artist of life, historicmoments of light selflessly shared, much as: “Thehuman spirit will always seek liberty, even at theexpense of human life.”
James SoikStevens Point,Wisconsin
what issprituality?
Share your thoughts in100-200 words, andsend them to:
Reneta Webb, EditorGathering PlaceP.O. Box 388129Chicago, IL 60638-8129
or e-mail your responseto:[email protected]
There will be a “Readers’ Response” section in the next issue of
Gathering Place featuring your insights.
the next Readers’ Response question:
Gramma — Clara Sinning — was a gentle woman. She lived herwhole life, all 100 years of it, in Lennox, South Dakota, where sheshowed her family and friends how to deal graciously with life.Gramma told us how excited she was, for example, the first timeshe was put in charge of the cooking during thrashing time on thefarm, a remarkable responsibility for a teenager.That meant cook-ing for the farmers who would pool their efforts in the field.Thatmeant breakfast, mid-morning break, lunch, mid-afternoon snackand dinner for close to a hundred people. She handled it with graceand charm. She married Henry Sinning and raised three children on
the farm, close to the earth and close to God. She knew how to accept the good timeswith joy, and how to let go in times of loss.There’s no doubt that her gentle strengthcame from her daily prayer and reading of Scripture.The pages of her Bible were wornfrom the daily “visits.” Even when it came time for her to move to a nursing home, shedid so with her usual serenity. Our family is blessed for having experienced her gentlepresence. We all have a very clear idea of what gentleness is, and we pray that shecontinues to guide us, even from her place in heaven.
Debbie, Craig and Ryan AndersonGeneseo, Illinois
Volume 8, Number 2 - Gentleness
After reading the issue of Gathering Place regarding gentleness- A Gift of the Spirit—I felt a need to share a “someone you should know”.
The person who I feel embodies gentleness is Debbie Simpson. I met Debbie a fewyears ago when I went on a Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) weekend at St. JohnNeumann Church, St. Charles, Illinois. Our weekend was Debbie’s first CRHP weekendas the coordinator for CRHP—a very large undertaking. Debbie is always available fora kind word, a hug, a good laugh or a good cry. She is a very busy person—besides beingon staff at SJN, she is an attorney with the Attorney General’s office—dealing with manychild abuse cases. She sees many horrific things that we can’t even contemplate. Debbieis there as an advocate for the children and will do all in her power to see that the chil-dren are protected. And even after being involved in these difficult cases, she knows thatshe is there for a reason and is guided by her faith.
During our formation months, Debbie was always able to bring something positive toour meetings — even after spending a full day dealing with so many sad cases. Debbieis the favorite aunt of many nieces and nephews, and she always has time for theiractivities. Debbie is a role model of sharing the gift of the Spirit with all who knowher. I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to meet Debbie and feelthat we are joined as “sisters” through our loving Father.
Peggy BucaroBartlett, Illinois
Sister Francis Clare Wojcik (Ludvina)Born to this life: November 14, 1918Born to eternal life: August 3, 2007
Sister Francis Clare was a homemaker whospread her happiness and skills in convents inIllinois, Indiana, Nebraska and Colorado. Familywas always important to her, both her birth family and her religious community.
Sister Mary Inviolata PieczynskiBorn to this life: November 8, 1915Born to eternal life: August 21, 2007
Sister Inviolata devoted thirty-six years ofFranciscan hospitality as a homemaker in convents in Michigan, Ohio, Connecticut andMississippi before she retired to creating arts and crafts at Marymount Congregational Homein Garfield Heights, Ohio.
Sister Mary Generose BanishBorn to this life: December 7, 1912Born to eternal life: September 5, 2007
Sister Generose was a teacher in Connecticut,Ohio and Michigan. She spent twenty-five yearsat Regina High School, then in Harper Woods,Michigan, as Tuition Manager and Sacristan. Shemet each responsibility with joy, and with “Here Iam, Lord.”
Sister Evelyn Konkol (Philomene)Born to this life: December 26, 1915Born to eternal life: September 8, 2007
Over forty-five years of Sister Evelyn’s teachingministry were spent at St. Barbara Parish inChicago, Illinois. She also taught in other schoolsin Illinois and Nebraska.Wherever she was, shepoured love and joy into all ninety-one years ofher life.
Sister Donna Wolowiec (Domitille)Born to this life: May 5, 1914Born to eternal life: October 2, 2007
Sister Donna “went about doing good,” just asJesus, her model, did.This was accomplished as ateacher in Michigan, Ohio and Connecticut, aswell as secretary, sacristan and receptionist inparishes in Cleveland and Garfield Heights, Ohio.
51 Vol. 8 No. 3
Sister Florence Mary Wilczewski(Ludvinette) Born to this life: September 21, 1915 Born to eternal life: October 11, 2007
With gentle care, Sister Florence MaryWilczewski dedicated forty-five years of her ministry to teaching in grade schools and high schools in Michigan and Ohio, and fifteenyears as pastoral associate at MarymountHospital in Garfield Heights, Ohio.
Sister Jean Brzeczkowski (Cunegunde) Born to this life: May 24, 1917 Born to eternal life: October 29, 2007 During her 73 years of religious life, Sister JeanBrzeczkowski shared her many talents teachingCCD, becoming a certified dietitian, teaching art,managing food service, serving as a hospitalEucharistic Minister, and services that remainhidden in the heart of the God she served completely.
Dear Friends,
Thanksgiving Season presents a special opportunity for remembering all that we have
to be thankful for. The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis wish to take
advantage of this season of THANKS to remember in a special way, all of you, our most
gracious and generous benefactors and partners. Our most sincere thanks is to keep you
in our special daily prayers and Eucharistic Celebrations.
As promised, we wish to keep you updated on our progress with all the renovations in
process or in the planning stages. Our Motherhouse in Stevens Point,Wisconsin, is nearly
completed and Sisters are occupying some of the finished rooms. (They think they are in
Heaven with room to move about and with their own bathroom!) The Chapel in Bartlett,
Illinois, is in the process of renovations, and Marymount Convent in Garfield Heights, Ohio,
is just about ready to begin renovating the second and third floors. The Capital Campaign
in Stevens Point,Wisconsin, is under way and not yet half way to the goal of the two million
dollars needed. But we are hopeful and continue to pray that we will meet our goal. We
are most grateful for all who have helped us so far.
Another reminder that this year, the Pension Act of 2006 expires on December 31, 2007.
Those who are 70 years of age and have IRAs, may make a direct transfer without having to
report the transferred amount as taxable income.
We are grateful for the assistance you have given to the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF, in the
past both prayerful and financial. We are blessed to have you as partners.
May our Lord bless you and keep you in His loving care!
Sincerely in Christ,
Sister Denise Seymour
Director of Development
Sisters of St. Joseph
of the Third Order
of St. Francis
Development Office
P.O. Box 388129
Chicago, IL 60638-8129
Phone: (773) 581-7505
Fax: (773) 581-7545
e-mail: [email protected]
Sister Denise Seymour
NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDCHICAGO, IL
PERMIT #5504
Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSFPublic Relations OfficeP.O. Box 388129Chicago, Illinois 60638-8129www.ssj-tosf.org