volume 9 no 1

VOLUME 9 • NO. 1 • 2008

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:26 AM

The theme for this issue of Gathering Place started, as always, with

the Editorial Board. One of the members asked, “What do you

desire for your children –— that they be good or that they be

happy?” That got us thinking. Parenting would look different in

each case. But how do you know if your children are “good?”

What do you mean by “happy?” Are they mutually exclusive? Is the question directed only

to children, or can we ask the same of the entire human family?

You are invited to ponder these questions as you travel through the pages of this issue.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis have many examples of how

good and happy can co-exist, and even strengthen each other. Enter into good and happy.

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 Bronk

Sr. Carol Ann KilloranTheresa Kobak

Sr. Sandy LaseckeJames Mascal

Irene McGraneSr. Jane Zoltek

PROOFING STAFFSr. Mary Adalbert StalSr. Dolores Mary Koza

Sr. Louise SzerpickiSr. Judith David

PRODUCTION & LAYOUTNewcomb Integrated Marketing Solutions/

The Printed Word

OFFICEPublic Relations Office

P.O. Box 8441Bartlett, IL 60103-8441

Telephone: 630-289-3831Fax: 630-289-0606

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.

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:26 AM

Good and Happy 2

God saw that all of creation was good. Living by the criteria for “good” that

existed in God is the path to happiness. Jesus revealed to us the joy and

peace that life in God can bring.

Perfect Joy

St. Francis told Brother Leo the meaning of perfect joy. 9

Good and Happy People 11

Sister Charlotte Wachadlo

Sister Michelle Wronkowski

Vocation / Formation 24

Six Professions

Arizona Associates

2008 Jubilees 31

In Memoriam - Dr. Arlene Lennox 33

Readers’ Response 35What is Spirituality?

Sister Elaine Haiduk

Sister Roselle Lesinski

FEATURES

Table of

VOLUME 9 • NO. 1 • 2008

Contents

Sr. Jeanne’s Letter 1

In the News 19Central Board 2008-2013

2008 Peacemakers of the Year

Sister Edmund Antoniewicz

Sister Irmina Bula

Obituaries 34Sister Marian Mocadlo

Sister Virginia Kendzierski (Alfreda)

Sister Narcissa Blaszczak

Sister Esther Spychalski

Sister Marie Carole DeBacker

(Gerard Marie)

Sister Rosette Rospotynski

Sister Mary Berchmans Majchrowski

Development 36

DEPARTMENTS

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1 Vol. 9 No. 1

June 2008

Dear Friends,

Can we be good and happy at the same time?

The integration of happiness and goodness is the work of a lifetime, but small children seemto know how to do this from the start.They can be totally happy playing with the shining sunlight as it disappears into shadow, listening to the profound music of a brook splashingover and around stones on its way to somewhere, or stroking the warm fur of the family pet.Happiness is awareness of the good in the present moment, and the two come together perfectly in childhood enjoyment of the present.

The caveat is that we can never be happy clinging to the good of that present moment.Again, children can exhibitcomplete openness to what the next moment will bring.They have an attitude of contentment in the exploration of now, along with a happy anticipation of the future: “Is it tomorrow yet?”

As we grow older, we know when tomorrow will come, but our appreciation of the good of today may diminish ourrelish for the changes that tomorrow will surely bring—unless we become the change. Gandhi said,“Be the changeyou want to see.” Change doesn’t just happen, we create it with each decision we make.As we grow older we learnto go with the flow, loving the change from minute to minute, day to day, year to year, and we gradually shed theawkwardness of youth, donning a gracefulness that comes with age and wisdom.

This is my last letter to you as President of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. Thanks for thememories of the journey we have walked together over these past twelve years. I look forward to Sister JaneBlabolil’s and the new Central Board members’ leadership of our congregation, confident that good things are instore for us in the coming years.

Be the change, embrace the change, love the change. Can we be good and happy at the same time? It doesn’t matter what the question is, love is the answer.

And so, my friends, the next Gathering Place letter will be from Sister Jane.I close this, my last letter to you, with excerpts from a favorite poem by Ranier Maria Rilke:

Want the change. Be inspired by the flameWhere everything shines as it disappears.

What locks itself in sameness has congealed.

Pour yourself out like a fountain,Flow into the knowledge that what you are seekingFinishes often at the start, and, with ending, begins.

Your sister,

Sister Jeanne ConzemiusPresident

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Each of us — even God, it seems — is constantly evaluating, sorting, deciding “good”

and “not good” by some internal barometer. We ordinarily don’t put these evalu-

ations into words, or even think them consciously. But they are at the heart of the

choices we make throughout each day, from a pleasing flavor of ice cream to a heroic act

of bravery. Something is at work.

Good, by Law

In the beginning, the criteria for determining “good” resided in God.The ability to know

good and evil came to human beings in a “happy fault,” coming from their grasping nature,

wanting it all. God observes that “the human has become like one of us, knowing good and

evil ...” Genesis 3:22 Once given this weighty ability, human beings also received the bur-

den of using it well. It was almost more than they had bargained for. Smart people began

to realize that good decision making required a lot of wisdom. Wise people began to

depend on one another to articulate positive experiences and gain insight into what

works to the good. They came to know that treating others in the same way that they

would like to be treated was a good measuring stick, a golden rule, for behavior. Much of

this wisdom was codified into rules and laws, the greatest of which were the command-

GOD SAW THAT IT WAS GOOD. —GENESIS 1:10

(continued on page 3)

Good & Happy

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…even if

we were

to fulfill

all the

requirements

of these laws,

clvil and

ecclesial,

would that

make us

“Good?”

ments given by God. It was good for human beings to worship one God, to honor their

parents, not to kill, cheat or covet. It was also good to make restitution for evils done. It

was good to study the law, to educate children, and to join with others in ceremonies of

worship.

Law, then, is the articulation of the best of human

experience and covers a wide range of actions.

That which is legal, is the least one can do to be “good.” “Legal” is the common denomina-

tor of basic civility. If people are to live together, wisely using the resources of the earth,

relating to one another in a good way, the law of the land points the way.The best known

legal code was that of Hammurabi (ca. 1760 BC), although there are earlier collections as

far back as 2000 BC. Hammurabi set down 282 rules that clarified what was good, and ways

to deal with behavior that was not good. By 1500-1400 BC, the law was enriched with the

ten commandments received by Moses from God.The Torah then expanded the law into

613 mitzvot, “commandments.” Throughout history, societies have established courts of

justice, using written laws as the basis for their determinations.The Catholic Church began

collecting decretals of the popes during the 1200s AD which developed into the current

Canon Law.All of this was to guide our decisions and behavior toward the good.

The law helps us to participate in the wisdom of the ages.“Come up to me on the moun-

tain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commands I

have written for their instruction,” God said to Moses. Exodus 24:12

But even if we were to fulfill all the requirements of these laws, civil and ecclesial, would

that make us “good?” We all have a fundamental sense that goodness reaches farther than

the law. Jesus was very clear that it was not external conformity to the law that makes us

“good.” Rather, the internalizing of the law, making the law live within, is what transforms

each of us. Even as early as the writing of the first five books of the Bible, the patriarchs

encouraged us to treasure the law and make it our own.

“For this law which I am laying down for you today is neither obscure for you

nor beyond your reach. It is not in heaven, so that you need to wonder, ‘Who

will go up to heaven for us and bring it down to us, so that we can hear and prac-

tice it?’ Nor is it beyond the seas, so that you need to wonder, ‘ Who will cross

the seas for us, and bring it back to us, so that we can hear and practice it?’ No,

the word is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart for you to

put into practice.” Deuteronomy 30 :11-14

(continued from page 2)

3 Vol. 9 No. 1

Good & Happy

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Moral people

have a vision

greater than

the law and

are able to

see the law

for what

it is—

human-made

guides of

human

behavior.

As moral human beings, we are drawn to a higher level of goodness. Being a moral person

rests on the internalization of the law.A moral person does not have to consult the law in

order to know what is good and what is evil. Moral persons so live in the law that they no

longer must consult the law to know what is good and not good. And more, they live in

such a way that their “good” goes beyond the law.They contribute more than is required.

The whole situation is better for their having been a part of it.

Moral people have a vision greater than the law and are able to see the law for what it is

— human-made guides of human behavior.The Decalogue being an exception, laws, rules

and regulations can be reviewed and re-evaluated and sometimes rewritten. In the Sermon

on the Mount, Jesus repeated “You have heard it said ... but I say to you ...,” going beyond

the law to higher moral living.

Those who have internalized the law are in touch with the intent and meaning of the law.

Moral people know the profound truth to which the law is guiding them. For that reason,

Jesus could challenge the Pharisees with regard to the Sabbath practices, or the touch of

a sinner. He knew the Spirit from which the law was written.

Good, by Spirit

The descriptive “good” appears in the Bible about 600 times, depending on the translation.

It refers to a good spirit, a good death, doing good, knowing good and evil, good faith, good

land, good master, good shepherd.The term is used freely, as though there is an expecta-

tion that everyone has a sense of what it means.

Jesus gave us the key to goodness of spirit and how one can enter such a state. It was in

His conversation with the rich young man:

And someone came to him and said,“Teacher, what good thing should I do that

I may obtain eternal life? And He said to him,“Why are you asking me about what

is good? There is only one who is good. But if you wish to enter into life, keep

the commandments.” Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You

shall not commit murder.You shall not commit adultery.You shall not steal.You

shall not bear false witness.You shall honor your father and mother.And you shall

love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these things I

have kept.What am I still lacking?” Jesus said to him,“If you wish to be complete,

go sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heav-

en, and come follow me.” Matthew 19:16-21

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The first step is obeying the commandments.And again, the question — If we obey all the

rules and commandments, are we good? What are we still lacking?

“If you wish to be complete, go sell your possessions and give to the poor ...” We ordi-

narily think of possessions as material things, but there is a broader meaning to it as well.

What are those things which we would like to hold tightly? We value time.We hold on to

the good opinion of others.We are convinced of our opinion as right.We enjoy positions

of power. Sell your “possessions.” Give them to the ones who need them. Spend time with

the ones who are imprisoned in grief. Rejoice at the success of others. Give your atten-

tion to a child. Sell your possessions and give to the poor.

Then, what are we still lacking? “Come follow me.” Following Jesus means walking with God,

an image that runs through the Old and New Testaments.The prophet Micah clearly states,

“You have been told what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: only to do right, to

love goodness and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 “So, as you have received

Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him ...” Colossians 2:6 Walking with God means living in the

spirit of Jesus who said,“I am the Way.” I am the way you hug your children. I am the way you

give of your time. I am the way you take “time out” when things are not going well. I am the

way you respect all of creation. I am the way events unfold each day. I am the way under your

feet.“And look, I am with you always.Yes, even to the end of time.” Matthew 28:20

So the idea of “goodness” ends up where it began — in God. “In Him we live and move

and have our being.” Acts 17:28 If we live in the spirit of God, we live in goodness. In God,

in good.

Pursuing Happiness

The pursuit of happiness can be deceptive.We deceive ourselves into thinking that we can

be relieved of all unhappiness, and that relief will make us happy. In the year 2000, we spent

$13.4 billion on Prozac.We have an obesity crisis in the United States.We are developing

a dependence on passive entertainment.The louder the music, the better time we think

we’re having. We look forward to “happy hour.” Financial success, the corner office, this

year’s model car, sexual pleasure, cosmetic surgery, all become “must haves.” Pursuing “hap-

piness” gets sidetracked into thrills, distraction, self-indulgence and fraudulent bonhomie.

We expect happiness to come from some external thing, event, or person.


Good & Happy

5 Vol. 9 No. 1


In HIM

we live

and move

and have

our being.

Acts 17:28

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46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:26 AM

Pursuing happiness has to do with gratification. It seeks reward and recompense, as though

we are owed this. Pursuing happiness sets us up for disappointment because it comes to

an end.The new car smell fades.The video game gets boring.We continue to age.We blame

others for not making our lives happier. It’s a doomed cycle.

Imagine your hand being drawn through water.You are making the effort.You are moving

ahead.The swirls follow every time. Happiness is like that. It is not the happiness we pur-

sue, it is the goal toward which we move with happiness in its wake; doing those

things, living life in such a way, that brings happiness. It is not pursuing happi-

ness. It is finding happiness as a result of good living. Jimmy Durante, the big

nosed comedian of the 1900s radio and TV, had it right when he sang,

“Make someone happy. Make just one someone happy, and you will be

happy, too.”

The State of Happiness

Happiness is a state of being. It is the abiding presence of peace and joy that

comes from being good and doing good. It is the assurance that one is loved,

first by God, and then by those for whom one’s life is given. Because it is an inter-

nal state, it cannot be taken away. Even in the face of suffering, disappointment, and

reverses of life, there is a steady river of joy. As Christophe Andre says in his book The

Art of Happiness,“Accept that there will be unpleasant things in life. All the time, every day,

you’ll face hindrances: you’ll be too late, or make a mistake, or say something stupid. It’s

the rent you pay to live in the house of life.There’s no point in being disappointed when

things don’t go your way.”

A sense of mission enriches the ecology of joy, particularly if it is focused on service of

others. When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, her spirit rejoiced. When a family

prepares a Thanksgiving dinner, they are not thinking about the drudgery of kitchen work.

When parents envision their child’s graduation, the daily routine becomes energized. So,

while the journey makes us happy, it needs a destination.The goal makes it a journey rather

than wandering.

Love and relationship are necessary to happiness. When all the external trappings of happi-

ness are gone, that which endures is our relationship to others. Living in love, in communion

and community with others, incarnates the law of love that Jesus gave us,“You shall love the

Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your

strength. And the second law is this,You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no

other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 There is a Zulu word “abunto”

Good & Happy

7 Vol. 9 No. 1


46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:27 AM

which is often translated to mean community, but more accurately it is rendered “I am

because we are; we are because I am.” Or another translation has it,“A person becomes a

person with others.” Happiness lives in relatedness.

Brother David Steindl-Rast has long been a proponent of gratefulness. His web site,

www.gratefulness.org, carries the tag line “Alive with the joy of gratitude.” He has written

a book entitled Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer in which he describes this thankful attitude

of prayer. Sarah Ban Breathnach, who wrote Simple Abundance, says on her web site “At

the heart of simple abundance is the belief that true contentment lies not in some distant

horizon, attainable only by immense sacrifice, but is found all around us. It exists in the

creative choices we make each day and the awareness and appreciation of simple

pleasures, bountiful blessings and everyday epiphanies.” Christophe Andre continues in his

The Art of Happiness,“Take time out.The ability to pause, mentally as well as in your actions,

is important. Taking breaks is a prerequisite for experiencing happiness. Pay attention to

your family and friends. Social ties are important for happiness. Don’t let a day go by with-

out thinking of, or seeing, someone you love.Try to get in touch with nature every day.

Take a walk in the park and spend a few minutes looking at nature. Express your gratitude

and respect for the good things you experience. Being thankful makes you happy and

increases the chance of social connection.” Happiness and gratefulness grow together.

Being good in the spirit is living in the state of happiness.

Mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend.

Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust.Write a love letter.

Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth.

Manifest your loyalty in a word or deed.

Keep a promise. Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy.

Listen. Apologize if you were wrong.Try to understand. Flout envy.

Examine your demands on others.Think first of someone else.

Appreciate, be kind, be gentle. Laugh a little more.

Deserve confidence. Meet malice with peace. Decry complacency.

Express your gratitude.Worship your God. Gladden the heart of a child.

Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.

Speak your love. Speak it again.

Speak it still again. Speak it still once again.

A sense of

mission

enriches

the ecology

of joy,

particularly

if it is

focused

on service

of others.

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:27 AM

One winter day, St. Francis was coming to St. Mary of the Angels from Perugia with

Brother Leo, and the bitter cold made them suffer keenly. St. Francis called to

Brother Leo, who was walking a bit ahead of him, and he said,“Brother Leo, even

if the Friars Minor in every country give a great example of holiness and integrity and good

edification, nevertheless, write down and note carefully that perfect joy is not in that.”

And when he had walked on a bit, St. Francis called to him again, saying,“Brother Leo,

even if a Friar Minor gives sight to the blind, heals the paralyzed, drives out devils,

gives hearing back to the deaf, makes the lame walk, and restores speech to the

dumb, and what is still more, bring back to life a man who has been dead

for four days, write that perfect joy is not in that.”

And going on a bit, St. Francis cried out again in a strong voice,

“Brother Leo, if a Friar Minor knew all languages and all sciences

and Scripture, if he also knew how to prophesy and to reveal,

not only the future, but also the secrets of the consciences

and minds of others, write down and note carefully that true

joy is not in that.”

And as they walked on, after a while St. Francis called again

forcefully, “Brother Leo, Little Lamb of God, even if a Friar

Minor could speak with the voice of an angel, and knew the

courses of the stars and the powers of herbs, and knew all

about the treasures in the earth, and if he knew the qual-

ities of the birds and the fishes, animals, humans, roots,

trees, rocks and waters, write down and note carefully

that true joy is not in that.”

And going on a bit further, St. Francis called again strongly,

“Brother Leo, even if a Friar Minor could preach so well that he could

convert all infidels to the faith of Christ, write that perfect joy is not there.”

Now, when he had been talking this way for a distance of two miles, Brother Leo in great

amazement asked him,“Father, I beg you in God’s name to tell me where perfect joy is.”

And St. Francis replied,“When we come to St. Mary of the Angels, soaked by the rain and

frozen by the cold, all soiled with mud and suffering from hunger, and we ring at the gate

of the place and the brother porter comes and says angrily, ‘Who are you?’ And we say

‘We are two of your brothers.’ And he contradicts us, saying,‘You are not telling the truth.

9 Vol. 9 No. 1

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:27 AM

Rather you are two rascals who go around deceiving peo-

ple and stealing what they give to the poor. Go away!’ And

he does not open for us, but makes us stand outside in the

snow and rain, cold and hungry, until night falls — then if

we endure all those insults and cruel rebuffs patiently,

without being troubled and without complaining,

and if we reflect humbly and charitably that that

porter really knows us and that God makes him speak

against us, oh, Brother Leo, write that perfect joy is there!

“And if we continue to knock, and the porter comes out in

anger, and drives us away with curses and hard blows like

bothersome scoundrels, saying, ‘Get away from here, you

dirty thieves. Go to the hospital! Who do you think you

are? You certainly won’t eat or sleep here.’ And if we bear

it patiently and take the insults with joy and love in our

hearts, oh, Brother Leo, write that that is perfect joy!

“And if later, suffering intensely from hunger and the painful

cold, with night falling, we still knock and call, and crying

loudly beg to open for us and let us come in for the love

of God, and he grows still more angry and says, ‘Those fel-

lows are bold and shameless ruffians. I’ll give them what

they deserve.’ And he comes out with a knotty club, and

grasping us by

the cowl throws

us to the ground,

rolling us in the mud and

snow, and beats us with that

club so much that he covers our

bodies with wounds — if we

endure all those evils and insults and

blows with joy and patience, reflecting that we must accept

and bear the sufferings of the Blessed Christ patiently for

love of Him, oh, Brother Leo, write: that is perfect joy!

“And, now hear the conclusion, Brother Leo.Above all the

graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit which Christ gives to His

friends is that of conquering oneself and willingly enduring

sufferings, insults, humiliations, and hardships for the love of

Christ. For we cannot glory in all those other marvelous

gifts of God, as they are not ours but God’s, as the Apostle

says, ‘What have you that you have not received?’ But we

can glory in the cross of tribulations and afflictions, because

that is ours, and so the Apostle says,‘I will not glory save in

the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.’’

To whom be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

From the Little Flowers of St. Francis, The Fioretti

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11 Vol. 9 No. 1

A Life for God– S R . M A R Y C H A R L O T T E W A C H A D L O –

Elsie Wachadlo entered the convent three times.There was no escaping the determination she had to live a life

for God.

She was born in East Chicago, Indiana, June 16, 1923, a twin and the sixth of the seven children of Mary and

Stanislaus Wachadlo. She attended St. Stanislaus School in East Chicago where she came to know the Sisters of

St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. She knew in her heart that this was the way she wanted to live her

life for God. After two years at Roosevelt High School, she entered the congregation in 1940. A fainting spell

sent her home again for some rest and recuperation. In the summer of 1942, she entered the SSJ-TOSFs a sec-

ond time, determined to give her whole self to the congregation’s mission and ministry. The congregation was

undergoing some changes at the time and was not prepared to accept candidates, so Elsie left for a few months

and returned a third time in the fall of 1942.The third time was the charm. She became a postulant, and entered

the novitiate on August 10, 1943, receiving the name Sister Mary Charlotte.

There is a certain peaceful resilience to people who are good and happy.Their “houses,”

as Jesus described, are built on solid rock.The foundation remains solid no matter what

the weather. Sr. Charlotte is one of those persons with a grounding in God, in good. Her

joy in every situation comes from that foundation.

Elsie before enteringthe convent

The first candidature

Investing Day 1943

First Vows 1945

A postulant in 1943

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 3:59 PM

She began her teaching ministry in 1945, teaching kinder-

garten at St. Mary of Czestochowa School in Cicero,

Illinois.After a year, there was a need for a kindergarten

teacher at Transfiguration School in Chicago, Illinois, and

Sr. Charlotte was there with a smile, teaching primary

grades for the next ten years. In 1956, she went to St.

Mary of Perpetual Help School in Chicago, Illinois, all the

while honing her skills as an educator.

A Fitting Response, the history of the SSJ- TOSFs written

by Sister Josephine Marie Peplinski, states that in 1961,

“Right Reverend Agostino Casseroli, under secretary of

the pontifical commission for Latin America, presented

to [the Institute of Higher Superiors] a ten-year plan.He

urged the religious superiors of the United States to

tithe, that is, to send ten percent of their active sisters

to South America within the next ten years.” (p. 477)

This call came during Sr. Charlotte’s years at St. Mary’s.

She responded to that call, and in 1963, she and three

other sisters opened Our Lady of Monserrate School in

Jayuya, Puerto Rico. Sr. Charlotte was the principal,

superior and teacher. “My teaching experience was the

basis of my ability to open a school in Puerto Rico. My

work with the children in Puerto Rico led me to my

ministry with special children and adults. Life unfolds in

Sr. Charlotte and her class at Our Lady of Monserrate inJayuya, Puerto Rico, 1963

Visiting barrios and workingwith ungraded children


“My teaching experience was the

basis of my ability to open a school in

Puerto Rico. My work with the children

in Puerto Rico led me to my ministry

with special children and adults.

Life unfolds in beautiful ways.”

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:27 AM

13 Vol. 9 No. 1

beautiful ways,” said Sr. Charlotte. After six years of teaching in the Catholic

school, Sr. Charlotte took a position with the public schools in Puerto Rico

teaching the ungraded and developmentally disabled children. In many cases,

they were ungraded because of the lack of opportunity to learn.This was a

turning point in Sr. Charlotte’s ministry. She was convinced of the beauty and

unlimited potential of all of God’s children, and set her energy to calling the

best from each of them.

Her passion for enabling those who, to many, seemed unable led her back to

the United States as a teacher at the Bartlett Learning Center in Bartlett,

Illinois.The Bartlett Learning Center, now Clare Woods Academy, is an SSJ-

TOSF sponsored ministry dedicated to educating the developmentally

disabled, and providing work and living skills for independent living. For eight

years, Sr. Charlotte devoted her life to God in each of her students.All the

while, God was weaving out the next phase of Sr. Charlotte’s ministry.

For one school year, 1978-79, Sr. Charlotte

taught at Immaculate Conception School

in Fairbanks, Alaska, joining Sr. Sylvia

Dolores Plochocki and several other sis-

ters who staffed the school. The weather

A Life for God– S R . M A R Y C H A R L O T T E –


46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:27 AM

was different from Puerto Rico or from

Illinois, but the needs of the children were the

same.

When Sr. Charlotte became the Director of

Residential Services at St. Vincent Home for

Children in Freeport, Illinois, in 1979, she had no

idea that her ministry would reside there for

the next twenty-five years. She was drawn to

serve the developmentally disabled and it con-

tinued to grow into a beautiful ministry. At St.

Vincent Home there were a number of women

who did housekeeping and cleaning chores

around the campus.They were themselves developmentally challenged, but were

more than capable of maintaining their responsibilities around the campus, some

for as long as 20 or 30 years. In 1985, a group of eight of these women moved

into a convent building “with Sister Charlotte Wachadlo, who had taken the

women under her wing like a mother hen,” said a 2004 article in The Journal-

Standard of Freeport, Illinois. For almost twenty years, Sr. Charlotte served as

director of this group home, providing service and security for the women. In

2004, Sr. Charlotte provided for the care of the last of the residents, and she her-

self retired.

Sr. Charlotte has managed to blend goodness and happiness into a beautiful life

for God that still is brightening lives. She now resides in Clare Oaks, a continu-

ing care retirement community in Bartlett, Illinois. She fills the home with

happiness that comes from a life lived for God.

Sr. Charlotte has managed

to blend goodness and

happiness into a beautiful

life of God that is still

brightening lives.

As director of residential

services at St.Vincent Home

for Children,Freeport, Illinois

As director of the Group Home, Freeport, Illinois

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:27 AM

15 Vol. 9 No. 1

Doing the Work of Jesus– S R . M I C H E L L E W R O N K O W S K I –

“Everything in the school radiates from here,” said Sister Michelle Wronkowski

as she passed the chapel of Lourdes High School in Oshkosh,Wisconsin, where

she serves as principal. The doors of the chapel were open wide, soft music

played invitingly and the focused lighting led the visitor into quiet prayer.

Somehow, it was a reflection of the spirituality of Sr. Michelle, a solid grounding

in Jesus, a deep respect for the Sacred Meal, and a conviction about the love that

joins all human beings into a family.

These were life lessons that Sr. Michelle learned as she was being raised in

Wausau,Wisconsin, the middle child of seven siblings. She was born in Manitowoc,Wisconsin, on February 4,

1961, and her family moved to Wausau when she was a year and a half old. By the time she was in high school,

she was working in a pizza parlor, playing three high school sports and being a good and happy teen. It wasn’t

until she graduated from D.C. Everest High School in Schofield,Wisconsin, that the pastor of St. Agnes Parish

in Schofield introduced her to the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. She found kindred

spirits and was drawn to the Franciscan way of life.“I knew then, as I do now, that we are on mission together,

doing the work of Jesus,” said Sr. Michelle.

Sr. Michelle completed her novitiate and graduated from St. Norbert College in DePere,Wisconsin, with a bach-

elor’s degree in Education with a minor in Theology and Math, graduating magna cum

laude. In 1989, she began teaching middle

school Math, Art and Drama at St. John

Nepomucene School in Little Chute,

Wisconsin. One of the fourteen years she

spent there, she served as Assistant

Principal. She earned two master’s

degrees, one in Education and the other in

Administration. Further, while ”doing the

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 3:59 PM

work of Jesus,” she also made a mark as the only sister

to ever play on a local restaurant’s baseball team as a

star player for two years.

Somewhere along the line, she acquired

a motorcycle license. But, keeping the

balance of action and quiet time, she is

drawn to the serenity of Wisconsin fish-

ing.“I am fortunate to belong to a family

that helps me celebrate life and focus

on togetherness,” said Sr. Michelle. Her

“family” includes both her relatives and

her sisters in community. For all of

them she cares deeply.

Fun time on the water with her nephew

“I am fortunate to belong to a familythat helps me celebrate life and focus

on togetherness.”


46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:27 AM

17 Vol. 9 No. 1

Doing the Work of Jesus– S R . M I C H E L L E W R O N K O W S K I –


She co-founded the Anawim music min-

istry with her friend, Sr. Sandy Lasecke,

who shares ministry in education. Sr.

Michelle plays a seven piece drum set,

and is also gifted in playing other

stringed instruments. It doesn’t take

much time with Sr. Michelle to know

that she has a source of life and zest

that springs from God.

“I am a member of the community

first,” said Sr. Michelle. “I am grateful

that I have a challenging and faith-jour-

neying community that allows me the

freedom to discern my responsibilities

as a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph

of the Third Order of St. Francis.” Sr.

Michelle is living “good and happy” and in the process

is making a difference in the world. In 2001, she

became a principal of St. Francis Cabrini School in

Oshkosh,Wisconsin. She was then invited to be the

principal of Lourdes High School, and for a while, held

both principalships until a replacement could be found

for the grade school.

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:27 AM

Sr. Michelle is leaving her position as principal of Lourdes

High School at the end of the 2007-08 school year to do the

work of Jesus in another way. In February 2008, she was

elected First Vice-President of Sisters of St. Joseph of the

Third Order of St. Francis. She will be serving in that

position for the next five years until the next General

Chapter in 2013. When asked what she desires for the SSJ-

TOSFs, that they be good or that they be happy, she quickly

responded — good. And what is good? “That they live in the

spirit of Jesus,” she asserted, true to the Franciscan way of

bringing goodness and joy together in Gospel living.

When asked whatshe desires for theSSJ-TOSFs, that theybe good or that theybe happy, she quicklyresponded — good.And what is good?“That they live in thespirit of Jesus.”

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:27 AM

THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS

ELECT LEADERSHIP TEAM FOR 2008-2013

19 Vol. 9 No. 1

The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis elected the congregation’s leadership team at the 25th General Chapter held in South Bend, Indiana,

February 8-11, 2008:

Sister Dorothy Pagosa, Second Vice-President

Sister Linda Szocik,Third Vice-President

Sister Jane Blabolil, President

Sister Michelle Wronkowski, First Vice-President

The election represented an enthusiastic endorsement of the leadership of these four women, all of whom will complete their term of office in June 2013.

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:27 AM

The new term of office will begin July 1, 2008,

and end with the next General Chapter five

years from now in 2013. From experience, the

members of the congregation know that the four per-

sons in leadership truly operate as a team. Even

though separated geographically, the leadership team

remains in close contact with one another personally,

as well as through technology.

On the first day of the 25th General Chapter,

February 8, 2008, the voting participants invoked the

guidance of the Holy Spirit in choosing the leadership

that will move the congregation forward, witnessing

the Franciscan way of Gospel living.After the balloting,

the chapter participants blessed each of the newly

elected leadership and pledged their support in carry-

ing out the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the

Third Order of St. Francis:

Dedication to Jesus Christ involves us

intimately with his liberating and reconciling

mission - to make God more deeply known

and loved and in so doing draw all persons

to a fuller and freer life.

Together with all our sisters and brothers

who strive for a more just world, we

undertake those activities which will

promote the material and spiritual

development of the human family.

In turn, the newly elected leadership team

committed themselves to journey with the

congregation as they move to a new phase

of the congregation’s history.

Sister Jane Blabolil receives thesupport of the sisters followingthe election.

Sister Therese Duclos calls the Chapter session to prayer.

Sister Jeanne Conzemius, the SSJ-TOSF President until July 1, 2008,presided over the balloting at the 25th General Chapter.Sister Jo Ann Poplar and Sister Susanne Skorich served as tellers.

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:28 AM

21 Vol. 9 No. 1

Sister Jane Blabolil,elected as President,resides in Cleveland,Ohio. She has served inthe missions inTahuantinsuyo, Lima,Peru, for over twentyyears. She has now

concluded her ministry with the IsaiasDuarte Center in Cleveland, focusing on the immigration situation in the United States.

Sister MichelleWronkowski is originally fromManitowoc,Wisconsin.She is a gifted educatorand, at the end of thepast school year, hascompleted her ministryas principal of Lourdes

High School in Oshkosh,Wisconsin. Shewill serve as First Vice-President.

Sister DorothyPagosa, Second Vice-President, is originallyfrom Cleveland, Ohio.She has been a residentof Chicago, Illinois, forover twenty years.During that time shehas ministered as a

staff member of the 8th Day Center forJustice. She also serves as chair of the congregation’s Social Justice Commission.

The Third Vice-President, Sister Linda Szocik (EvaMarie), previouslyserved as President ofthe congregation. She is a Family NursePractitioner andSpiritual Guide at

St. Ben’s Clinic in Milwaukee,Wisconsin, afacility serving the poor and homeless.

The transition team:Srs. Mary Alice Jarosz,Dorothy Pagosa,Valerie Kulbacki,Linda Szocik,Jane Blabolil,Jeanne Conzemius,Michelle Wronkowski,and Katherine Wyszynski

�

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:28 AM

2008PEACEMAKERS OF THE YEAR

Sister Mary Irmina Bula

Sister Mary EdmundAntoniewicz

Sister Mary Edmund Antoniewicz and Sister Mary IrminaBula have been chosen as the congregation’s 2008Peacemakers of the Year. They will be honored at the annualFranciscan Federation Conference “Pilgrims and Strangers:Eyes Fixed on Christ,” July 24-27, 2008, in Denver, Colorado.

Srs. Edmund and Irmina have provided foster care to 84 children and adults during the thirty-five years they have min-istered together at the Sisters’ Treatment Home in TwoRivers,Wisconsin. They provide total care twenty-four hoursa day, seven days a week. At one time, a newspaper reporterasked if they ever take a vacation. They responded,

“Our vocation is our vacation.”

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:28 AM

23 Vol. 9 No. 1

Sr. Edmund is originally from SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.After high school, she worked several jobs before she entered the congregation at theage of 33. She was invested on August 10, 1957. When she completed the two years ofnovitiate, she went to Marymount Hospital in Garfield Heights, Ohio, to complete herstudies as a medical records librarian.

Meanwhile, Sr. Irmina entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Orderof St. Francis in 1940 from St. Hyacinth’s Parish in Antigo,Wisconsin.

She became a novice on August 5, 1941. She began her ministry asa teacher in kindergarten and first grade, a ministry she enjoyed

for seventeen years. In 1959, Sr. Irmina went to St. MaryHospital in Rochester, Minnesota, for training as a dietician.She became a registered dietician and consulting dietician inhospitals and nursing homes for the next fourteen years.

It was at St. Joseph Home and Hospital in River Falls,Wisconsin, in 1941, that Sr. Edmund and Sr. Irmina first met.They

shared the same dream of opening a foster home for severelyhandicapped children. It took several years for the plans to gel, but

on November 16, 1972, with the approval of the Manitowoc CountyDepartment of Social Services, they took the first four children into their

home. For the first years, Sr. Edmund continued with her work in medicalrecords, and Sr. Irmina served as a hospital dietician, each on different shifts

so that someone could be with the children at all times. By 1977, it wasapparent that the ministry to the children was full time.“From the verybeginning,” said Sr. Edmund,“we decided to ‘sacrifice our steady footing’and lay our lives on the line in dedication to foster children. Our goalwas and is to live out a life for the glory of God through service to Hispeople, especially the poor — in this case, the mentally and/or physical-

ly handicapped children. ‘Before you, O Lord, our lives. What good a lifeif it is not given away?’”

The Sisters’ Treatment Home, a not-for-profit organization supported bythe Manitowoc County Department of Social Services, functions as a private

school, and the children receive therapy treatments in the home fromOccupational, Physical, Speech and Inhalation Therapists, as well as assistance from

child care workers. Srs. Edmund and Irmina give their all to the children. They gettheir energy, in their words,“from the Lord’s providential presence; the gift of Franciscan,loving, caring and joyful sisters; and our love for the Lord’s very special children. His work,our hands.”

His work,our hands

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:28 AM

VOCATION / FORMATION

Six ProfessionsSIX WOMEN MAKE VOWED COMMITMENT

WITH THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF THE THIRD ORDER

OF ST. FRANCIS

Between April and August of 2008, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis

accepted the vowed commitment of six women: Sisters Arlid Barrera, Anne Marie Luberda,

Barbara Suntava, Judith Wood, Kimberly Mulhearn and Shannon Fox.

Sister Arlid Barrera professed first vows on April 5, 2008, at St. JosephMotherhouse, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Rev. Patrick Hussey, SJ, was the

celebrant of the Mass during which Sister Jeanne Conzemius, SSJ-TOSFPresident, assisted by Sister Mary Alice Jarosz, Central Board Member,received Sr.Arlid’s vows on behalf of the congregation.

Sr.Arlid was born and raised in Colombia, South America, the oldestof seven children. She came to the United States when she was 22

years old, and became a U.S. citizen in 1996. She worked a factory job,taught Spanish and English as a second language; she worked as a pastoral

minister in North Carolina and Ohio, particularly on peace and justice issuesrelating to the poor and marginalized. She found kindred spirits in the Sisters of St. Joseph of theThird Order of St. Francis, the congregation she entered on January 25, 2007. She holds a bachelor’sdegree from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay; a Lay Ministry Certificate from the Diocese ofCharlotte, North Carolina; and a Certificate from the Pastoral Studies Program at South EastPastoral Institute in Florida.

On May 10, 2008, at an 11:00 a.m. liturgy, Sisters Anne Marie Luberda and Barbara Suntava professedperpetual vows in Clare Hall Chapel at Marymount Convent in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Srs. AnneMarie and Barbara have each spent years of ministry, prior to this final commitment with the SSJ-TOSF congregation.


46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:28 AM


Sister Anne Marie Luberda is a registered nurse. She was born andraised in Cleveland, Ohio, and entered the congregation from St.Hyacinth Parish where she attended grade school. She graduatedfrom St. John College, Cleveland, and served briefly at MarymountHospital before going to St. Joseph Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi,where she served through the challenging 1960s. She prepared forhospital administration with a degree from St. Louis University,St. Louis, Missouri, and served for seven years as Assistant VicePresident of St. Joseph Hospital in Grand Blanc, Michigan. She cur-rently resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Sister Barbara Suntava was born in Bristol, Connecticut, where sheattended St. Stanislaus Grade School. She moved to Garfield Heights,

Ohio, graduating from Marymount High School. She began her careeras a teacher, but after four years became a student nurse at MercyHospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and completed her nursingdegree at the Catholic University of America in Washington,DC.Sheworked with Sr.Anne Marie Luberda for several years at St. Joseph

Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi, and spent almost ten years atMarymount Hospital in Garfield Heights,Ohio.With further study at the

University of Maryland in Baltimore, she became an Assistant Director ofNursing Services at DePaul Hospital in Clayton,Missouri. Again, she worked as R.N.with Sr.Anne MarieLuberda at St. Joseph Hospital in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Sr. Barbara resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Sister Judith Wood professed first vows on May 10, 2008, at a vesper service in Assisi Chapel of the Village at Marymount, GarfieldHeights, Ohio.

Sr. Judith was raised in Cleveland, Ohio.At the time she was attend-ing Kent State University, she had the opportunity to join thefaculty of St. Stanislaus School as a fourth grade teacher. It was therethat she became acquainted with the Sisters of St. Joseph of the ThirdOrder of St. Francis. After several years of teaching, she became a fulltime student at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. Thedegree in Pastoral Ministry prepared her to become Director of Adult Education at St.Angela Parishin Fairview Park, Ohio, and then, Pastoral Minister at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Macedonia,Ohio. She completed a second master’s degree in Social Work from Case Western Reserve inCleveland, Ohio. For the last seventeen years, Sr. Judith has been on the staff of the Bellflower Centerfor the Prevention of Child Abuse in Cleveland, Ohio. Her current title is Supervisor.

25 Vol. 9 No. 1

(continued from page 24)Six Professions

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:28 AM


Sister Kimberly Mulhearn professed final vows on July 5, 2008, at an11:00 a.m. liturgy in the Clare Oaks Chapel, Bartlett, Illinois.

Sr. Kim was born in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of the three children of Rose and James Mulhearn. She attended Our Lady ofthe Snows Grade School, and entered the SSJ-TOSFs after hergraduation from Lourdes High School in 2003. Sr. Kim attended

Indiana University in South Bend, Indiana, completing a Bachelor ofScience degree in Elementary Education. Sr. Kim is also part of the

Franciscan Chords, the SSJ-TOSF music group, and is the youngest vowedmember of the congregation. “Each day of my vowed life, I learn more profoundly how communityliving supports my sharing the Franciscan charism with every person I meet,” said Sr. Kim.

Sister Shannon Fox will profess perpetual vows on August 9, 2008, at an 11:00 a.m. liturgy in AssisiChapel, Marymount Village, Garfield Heights, Ohio.

Sr. Shannon was the first of three children born to Dennis and LindaFox. Although she was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she wasraised in Cleveland, Ohio. She comes from a family of teachers —both her parents and her sister. She also developed a love for teach-ing while working for two years with Americorps, administeringafter-school programs. In 2007, Sr. Shannon completed a Master ofScience Degree in Special Education from Indiana University in SouthBend, Indiana, with a 4.0 GPA.This past year, she taught special educationat Harrison Primary School in South Bend. On recalling the occasion of her first vows, Sr. Shannonsaid,“One of the happiest days of my life was the day I first professed the vows of poverty, chastityand obedience as a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis.”

“One of the happiest days of my life was

the day I first professed the vows of poverty,

chastity and obedience as a Sister of St. Joseph

of the Third Order of St. Francis.”—Sr. Shannon Fox

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:28 AM


Ten Arizona

27 Vol. 9 No. 1

Associates

On Thursday, May 15, 2008, four SSJ-TOSF Asso-

ciates renewed their commitment and six more

Associates made their first commitment at

St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Avondale, Arizona. Sr. Francesca

Grzeslo, who serves at St.Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community,

and Sr. Jane Blabolil, who is the President of the Sisters of St.

Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, received the commit-

ments on behalf of the congregation.

Back Row: Peggy Medley, Charlene Krushinski, Patricia DeVito, Jean Herring, Mary Frances Cieszynski, Jan Tappan

Front Row: Dian Radtke, Doris Klag, Jennifer Perez-Florez, Maria Davis, Sister Francesca Grzeslo, Sister Jane Blabolil

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:28 AM


Patricia DeVitoI just celebrated my 25th

wedding anniversary. We

have four sons who have

been the light of our lives.

My sons are Michael,Tim,Tom

and John. My husband is Mike. I’ve

been teaching in the Diocese of Phoenix for eleven

years. I completed my master’s degree in

Curriculum and Instruction this year.

This is the second year of my commitment to the

SSJ-TOSF mission and ministry, and I have relied on

the community support during this past year after

losing my mother. I somehow felt that our group

had a direct link to heaven, especially with our

moderator, Sr. Francesca Grzeslo. It is with great

humility that I open my mind and heart to wherever

the Spirit of God may lead me.

Charlene KrushinskyI am a mother of three

beautiful daughters who

are the love of my life!

My oldest, Kelsey will be

a freshman in high school;

Kaitlyn is a 7th grader; and Jessica

will be a 3rd grader next school year. I have been a

teacher at St.Thomas Aquinas Grade School for the

last three years and have been in education for

fifteen years.With a master’s degree in Education

Administration from NAU (Northern Arizona

University), I have been appointed as the new

principal for 2008-2009 at Pope John XXIII School.

My desire is to continue to live my life through the

words of St. Francis:“Preach the Gospel at all times,

and when necessary use words.”

Jean HerringI have been married for

fifteen years, and am the

mother of two great girls.

I am a school nurse at

St.Thomas Aquinas Grade

School. I feel very blessed to be

part of the SSJ-TOSF family.

Mary FrancesCieszynskiI am a single mother of

three beautiful children

and their spouses, ages

35-40, and “Grammy” of six

fantastic and adorable grand-chil-

dren, ages 10 months to 17 years. I am very proud

of all of them and their achievements.

I attended Catholic grade school and college. I still

correspond with Sr. Raymond Joseph, my second

grade teacher who was my mentor.Throughout my

63 years, I have entertained thoughts of becoming a

nun and giving my life fully to the Lord. After I was

divorced 21 years ago, I seriously contemplated the

idea. I made my Cursillo 26 years ago and learned

how to live in closer union with the Lord, and to

grow in my community.

The Arizona Associates introduce themselves:


46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:28 AM


29 Vol. 9 No. 1

I have been the school/financial secretary at

St.Thomas Aquinas school for the past four years.

It is there that I befriended Sr. Francesca Grzeslo

and became interested in the Associate Relationship

of the SSJ-TOSFs.This is my second year of commit-

ment. I will be venturing out in a new direction this

summer.With my faith, new sisters of SSJ-TOSF, and

St. Francis beside me, I will achieve the new life that

our Lord has in store for me.

Maria DavisMy 30-plus years of office

administration has taught

me many valuable lessons,

most of all, patience.

My relationship with God has

been at the forefront of my life,

helping to make all my endeavors successful in the

way God intended.With the sisters and associates,

I hope to enlarge my vision of Gospel living, deepen

my respect for the values they reflect, and live in the

Holy Spirit of God.

Jennifer Perez-FlorezI am the wife of Ruben P.

Florez, Jr. We were united

as one on May 27, 2005,

celebrating our third

anniversary this year.

My husband is my life and my rock!

I am also the daughter of Alfred and Connie Perez

who have twelve children, seven boys and five girls.

I also have been blessed with several nieces and

nephews who I hold dear to my heart. I am the sec-

ond grade teacher at St.Thomas Aquinas Grade

School. I have been blessed with the opportunity of

teaching at such an AWESOME school. For my stu-

dents and their parents, I am grateful.They are, and

continue to be, my special gifts from heaven. I am

now an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the

Third Order of St. Francis.To my new sisters, thank

you for accepting me as part of your family.

Doris KlagI have been married for

fifty-five years, mother

of five, grandmother of

seventeen. My family is

priority #1.

After nurse’s training, I worked in newborn and

premature nurseries for twenty years, followed by

thirteen years as a Medical Assistant to six ortho-

pedic surgeons. I am now retired.

Margaret (Peggy)MedleyI have been married for

forty years. I have a twenty-

one year old son attending

Northern Arizona University. I

made my Cursillo nineteen years

ago and am active in the Cursillo community.

I am an instructional assistant and substitute

kindergarten teacher, certified catechist for religious

education in the Dioceses of Phoenix and

Washington, DC. I have always wanted to be a nun,

Ten Arizona Associates(continued from page 28)

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:28 AM


and it is an honor to be an Associate of the Sisters

of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis.

Dian RadtkeI was born on December

14, 1941, in Massillon,

Ohio; orphaned at age 15

and brought up by

relatives. I graduated from

Perry High School, Massillon, Ohio, in

1960, and attended Akron University. Sewing is an

interest of mine, and has been for most of my life.

After making wedding gowns for my two daughters

in 1980, I started my own business.

I made my Cursillo in September 2005. I am

constantly seeking a closer relationship with the

Lord. I believe that by taking the avenue of the

SSJ-TOSF Associate Relationship, I will be able to

learn more about the Catholic faith and understand

my place in life.

Jan TappanI am the mother of two

wonderful girls, ages

seventeen and eleven.They

are the light of my life! In

June of this year, I am to be

married to a wonderful man. He has

made our lives very happy.

I am honored to be an Associate of the Sisters

of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis.

Ten Arizona Associates~ Patricia DeVito ~ Charlene Krushinsky ~ Jean Herring ~

~ Mary Frances Cieszynski ~ Maria Davis ~ Jennifer Perez-Florez ~

~ Doris Klag ~ Margaret (Peggy) Medley ~

~ Dian Radtke ~ Jan Tappan ~

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 3:29 PM

31 Vol. 9 No. 1

Sr. Agnes Marie Adasiewicz(Alphonsette)

Sr. Albina Sadowski Sr. Bonaventa Kazmierski Sr. Joselle Queoff Sr. Leandra Chraca

Sr. Maximilia Olejnik Sr. Perpetua Guzak Sr. Relinette Pochron Sr. Rose Ann Kolbus Sr.Veronette Dzieginski

75th

Sr. Grace Briskey Sr. Raphael Kmiecik Sr.Virginette Czerwinski

70th Jubilarians

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:28 AM

Sr. Agnes Jendras Sr. Alice Chmura

Sr. Alice Trebatoski(Gabriel)

Sr. Barbara Jean Peplinski Sr. Claire Gonsowski Sr. Damian Peplinski Sr. Jane Zoltek(Cecilia Marie)

Sr. Laurentine Andreasik Sr. Marianne Wiora Sr. Therese Francis Waldowski Sr. Virgianne Wantuch

Sr. Ann Mary Wundrach(Luanne)

50th

60th

Sr. Eymard Chrusciel Sr. Maria Kurrie(Pierre)

Sr. Marygrace Puchacz(Dismas)

Sr.Theresa Marie Slonina(Dymphna)

Sr. Jane Blabolil

25th

Sr. Suzanne Dietz(Gregory)

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:29 AM

For three years, Dr. Arlene Lennox gave the same spiritedsupport of Gathering Place as she did to her work at Fermilabin Batavia, Illinois. She served on the Editorial Board ofGathering Place from 2004 to 2007, steering the quality of themagazine and its content in ministry to its readers. As amember of the Editorial Board, she helped shape the themesof each issue. She guided the magazine from a “newsletter”concept to one of a written ministry.

Dr. Lennox left a legacy in the medical field as well.She was a medical physicist and considered one ofthe world’s leading experts in neutron therapy. Shewas the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in elemen-tary particle physics from the University of Notre

Dame. She began her career while working on a research project at ArgonneNational Laboratory near Lemont. That is when she met her husband, DavidEartly. Dr. Lennox accepted a post-doctoral position at Fermi NationalAccelerator Lab (Fermilab) where she worked on experiments involvingTevatron, the most powerful accelerator in the world. In 1985 she made a careerchange from quantum physics to a medical application, becoming departmenthead at the Fermi Neutron Therapy Facility. She discovered that neurons can be moreeffective at killing cancerous tumors than conventional radiation therapy. She worked onthe accelerator now used for proton therapy at Loma Linda University Medical Center inCalifornia. She was named a fellow of the prestigious American Physical Society in recog-nition of her contributions to neutron therapy. She was a frequent invited speaker atnational and international conferences on medical physics.Yet, she had time to play firstviolin with the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and serve as an adjunct professor atNorthern Illinois University Graduate School in De Kalb, Illinois.

Arlene always loved the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. She sup-ported their mission and ministry in a variety of ways over the years. It was her desire thatmemorials in her name would be directed to Support our Aging Religious (SOAR) inWashington, DC.

Arlene passed away peacefully on May 24, 2008,at her residence in Elburn, Illinois.

Dr.Arlene LennoxEntered this life: December 3, 1942Entered Eternal Life: May 24, 2008

IN MEMORIAM

33 Vol. 9 No. 1

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Sister Marian MocadloBorn to this life: November 11, 1914

Born to eternal life: December 13, 2007

Sister Marian served with joy and dedicationas homemaker for sisters at St. JosephMotherhouse in Stevens Point,Wisconsin andas Supervisor of laundry services at DivineInfant Hospital in Wakefield, Michigan.

Sister Virginia Kendzierski(Alfreda)Born to this life: June 15, 1921

Born to eternal life: December 21, 2007

Sister Virginia lived in the spirit of thefoundress Mother Felicia Jaskulski,ministering in schools in Connecticut,Michigan and Ohio. She served as librarianat Regina High School, then in HarperWoods, Michigan, for twenty-six years.

Sister Narcissa BlaszczakBorn to this life: May 29, 1914

Born to eternal life: February 26, 2008

Sister Narcissa’s creative spirit filled herteaching ministry for over fifty years. Sheserved in elementary schools and highschools in Michigan and Ohio. Modeling theMaster Teacher, she led her students to Godand to a fuller life.

Sister Esther Spychalski

Born to this life: December 1, 1906

Born to eternal life: March 19, 2008

Sister Esther lived to be 101 years old.Seventy-seven of those years were lived as a Sister of St. Joseph,TOSF — teacher,administrator, friend, mentor — in schoolsand convents in Indiana,Wisconsin andIllinois.

Sister Marie Carole DeBacker

(Gerard Marie)Born to this life: October 29, 1944

Born to eternal life: June 6, 2008

With quiet dignity and joy, Sr. Marie Carolewas sister, friend and neighbor to the students and staff of Trinity High School forforty years, and to her family, friends andcommunity for a lifetime.

Sister Rosette Rospotynski

Born to this life: November 19, 1909


Sr. Rosette shared her gentle spirit as ateacher in schools in the Cleveland area;Mistress of Postulants of the SSJ-TOSFs;missionary in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico;pastoral minister for the Hispanic community at St. John Cantius in Cleveland,Ohio; and manager of a Hunger Center atSt. John Cantius.

Sister Mary Berchmans Majchrowski

Born to this life: November 14, 1913


As a teacher, principal, school supervisor, orcounselor in schools in Ohio and Michigan,Sr. Berchmans’ quiet, competent, spiritualand prayerful personality touched the livesof all she met.

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:29 AM

Readers’ Response to:There will be a

“Readers’ Response”

section in the next issue

of Gathering Place featuring

your insights.

the next Readers’Response question:

How do you know ifsomeone or somethingis good?

orWhat is your definition of happiness?

what is spirituality?As I reflected on my faith development, three themes seem to predominate, namely prayer,compassion and obedience. Luke, in his gospel, presents Christ in this way — as the prayer-ful, compassionate, and obedient servant. This is, perhaps, why the gospel of Luke has astrong appeal to me.

From childhood on, I found a need to pray. In religious life, I experienced new forms ofprayer, formal meditation and Liturgy of the Hours. Music has always been uplifting for me,and sacred song has provided me with much sunlight on the foggy days of my life. Prayeris the basis of my spirituality, the way in which we all become one in God.

Even before I could read the life of Jesus, I witnessed the threads of compassion beingwoven into the fabric of our family life. Even during the difficult days of the Depression,our home was always open to those in need. I believe in the Jesus who is open, friendlyand compassionate to the lost sheep, the prodigal son, the sinful woman, all sinners andoutcasts.

To me,“love” and “obey” are synonymous in our relationship to God as well as our humanrelationships. I grew up knowing that my parents loved me, so I never wanted to hurt themwith an act of disobedience.

Spirituality means knowing Jesus, seeing his life in relationship to the Father, learning howto live in a Holy Spirit. In that process, spirituality means becoming a prayerful, compas-sionate and obedient person.

Sister Elaine Haiduk

What is spirituality? In Baptism, the seed of faith is planted in our souls. The seeds mayyield different fruits. Spirituality in each person is different, yet the one Spirit is at work inall of us, uniting us in God. There are different gifts, but one Lord. Whatever our gift is, itgives us life and energy. Spirituality steers our lives toward God.There is a close relation-ship, an intertwining of spirit and humanity. Spirituality is not only in the immaterial, it is“incarnate.” Spirituality is a very real experience of goodness and righteousness. The giftsof the Spirit always show themselves in action.

Sister Roselle Lesinski

Share your thoughts in100-200 words, andsend them to:

Reneta Webb, EditorGathering PlaceP.O. Box 8441Bartlett, IL 60103-8441

or e-mail your responseto:[email protected]

35 Vol. 9 No. 1

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:29 AM

Dear Friends,

We pray you are having a good and happy day! As we move into these summer days, we

experience the loveliness of God’s creations all around us.This beauty leads us to express

more deeply our praise and gratitude to Our Heavenly Father which includes our thanks

and gratitude for you, our friends and partners in ministry.

Much has transpired over the last few months. We have moved our office to our

Continuing Care Community at Clare Oaks in Bartlett, Illinois. Our office is now

located in the East wing of the original building, next to the Chapel.

Our new address is:

The Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF

Development Office

P.O. Box 8441

Bartlett, Illinois 60103-8441

We have printed new envelopes with our new address, so we ask that you discard any

envelopes with our old address. The post office does not always forward all mail.

News on our renovation projects - St. Joseph Motherhouse in Stevens Point

has completed the major renovations, but we are still seeking donations to

help with the expenses; Marymount Convent in Garfield Heights, Ohio, is in the

process of renovation: Immaculata Convent in Bartlett, Illinois, is now Clare Oaks

Continuing Care Retirement Community and the Chapel renovations are nearly

completed and will be blessed in August 2008.

As you know, the costs of renovation and construction are very high, so again we turn

to you, our faithful partners to help us reach our goal. We know that with your help

and God’s blessing it will be realized.

Asking God to bless all of us!

Sincerely in Christ,

Sister Denise Seymour, SSJ-TOSF

Director of Development

Sisters of St. Joseph

of the Third Order

of St. Francis

Development Office

P.O. Box 8441

Bartlett, IL 60103-8441

Phone: (630) 289-0505

Fax: (630) 289-0606

e-mail: [email protected]

Sister Denise Seymour

46895_SOSJ GP Vol9No1 7/25/08 11:29 AM

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCHICAGO, IL

PERMIT #5504

Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSFPublic Relations OfficeP.O. Box 8441Bartlett, Illinois 60103-8441www.ssj-tosf.org

LITURGY OF CONSECRATION AND

DEDICATION OF THE CLARE OAKS CHAPEL

ANDBLESSING OF CLARE OAKSRETIREMENT COMMUNITY

ON THE FEAST OF ST. CLARE

AUGUST 11, 2008

BARTLETT, ILLINOIS

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volume 9 no 1

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