Volume 3 No 1 Spring 2002 by Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis

VOL. 3 NO. 1 SPRING 2002

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

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 The Gathering Place

mission—to make God more deeply known and loved, and in so doing, draw all persons

is published to keep

to fuller and freer life.

the public informed Together with all our sisters and brothers

of the mission and

who strive for a more just world, we under-

ministry of the Sisters

take those activities which will promote the material and spiritual development of the

of St. Joseph of the

human family.

Third Order of St. Francis.

I’m convinced. The world is a more beautiful place because the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF are in it.

The theme for this issue is

Art

EDITOR Reneta E.Webb, Ph.D., CAE

.When I started out, I imagined the issue

EDITORIAL BOARD

this is one multi-talented group. It seems that when a person is gifted, she is gifted in

Sr. Carlene Blavat Sr. Judith David Sr. Marygrace Puchacz Sr. MaryLou Wojtusik Sharon McElmeel

many ways.The visual artists are musicians.The musicians can cook.

PROOFING STAFF

neatly falling into three categories: visual, musical and culinary.Then I started gathering information about the creative things that the sisters were doing. I must tell you,

The homemakers are visual artists. It all braids together.

Sr. Mary Adalbert Stal Sr. Dolores Mary Koza Sr. Louise Szerpicki

Since the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis were founded 100 years

PRODUCTION & LAYOUT

ago, 2,165 young women were invested into the congregation. I wish I could tell you the

Newcomb Print Communications/ The Printed Word

stories of each one of them.The more I interview the sisters, the more I realize to what extent they are women of spirit, wisdom, talent and enormous energy. Now that’s a congregation worth getting excited about! So I present these women who join God in the act of creation.

OFFICE Development Office P.O. Box 388129 Chicago, IL 60638-8129 Telephone: 1-773-581-7505 Fax: 1-773-581-7545 Web site: www.ssj-tosf.org e-mail: dev@ssj-tosf.org

They bring beautiful things into the world and we are all better for it.

Reneta E.Webb 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.

contents table of

Creating Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 A Legacy of Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 Today’s Beauty Makers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36 Sister Kenneth Bielski • Sister Shirlee Hoski • Sister Rose Margaret Firkus Sister Marianne Saucier • Sister Catherine Britton • Sister Kathleen Koltis Sister Jane Zoltek • Sister Martha Cherney • Franciscan Chords Sister Thomasine Antenucci • Sister Philip Cservenyak Sister Mary Jane Knitter • Sisters Augusta Krueger, Lillian Kopiec, Eymard Chrusciel and Amalia Chojnowski • Sister Leandra Chraca Sister Barbara Jean Peplinski • Sister Therese Francis Waldowski Sister Helen Wachal

Property Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-39 Regina Convent—A Changing Landscape

In the News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-43 Vocation Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Message from the Development Director . . . 45 Order Blanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Cover: Sr. Shirlee Hoski and the Holy Name Choir in St. Ignatius Church in Rome, Italy.

Annunciation Henry Ossawa Tanner 1898 Philadelphia Museum of Art

To have an eye for beauty

is to have eyes of faith.

That kind of vision sees more than

external, material things.

“The lamp of the body is the eye.

It follows that if your eye is clear,

your whole body will be

filled with light.”

(Matt 6:22-23)

What a divine thing to do! The artist God splashed light and dark across the canvas of creation. Moved by a holy spirit, God conceived the idea of making human beings in his image and likeness. Divine fingers sculptured living beings out of clay, and the God spirit breathed into them the breath of life. The humans were invited into the creative act when God posed the simple question, “What shall we call them?” In the Old Testament, naming something was tantamount to creating it. Giving a name to something generated a relationship to it. Naming, painting, cooking, singing, sculpturing, dancing, sewing, playing, carving, all these activities are creative acts, bringing something new into being. The artist is filled with the creative God and allows the Spirit to spill in beauty over the world. Mary was a great artist. She conceived the words - the Word - that Gabriel delivered. She allowed the message to take shape within her and then brought forth a new and wonderful Presence to grace and beautify the earth. He went about doing good, and even today wherever Jesus walked is still called Holy Land. There is something blessed about being able to take an inspiration and give it shape in this world. We are all better for the artist being among us. The artist performs a kind of a priestly function, just as Mary did when she brought Jesus to us for the first time. The Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF have been doing this for the last 100 years. The congregation’s archives lists over 2000 young women who have entered the novitiate over the last hundred years. Each one dedicated herself to being open to the Spirit of God, undertaking “those activities which will promote the material and spiritual development of the human family.” (SSJ-TOSF Mission Statement) The other side of art is to receive it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There is a remarkable difference between ordinary or customary vision and artistic, creative, aesthetic or inner vision. To have an eye for beauty is to have eyes of faith. That kind of vision sees more than external, material things. Artistic vision sees meaning. “The eyes of my eyes have been opened,” says the poet e.e. cummings. Or, as Jesus put it, “The lamp of the body is the eye. It follows that if your eye is clear, your whole body will be filled with light.” (Matt 6:22-23) Beauty is the reflection of the Divine in creation. Those who see beauty, participate in the meaning and mystery that it brings. Dante Alligieri was one of those people who could see more than the material. It prompted him to exclaim in his works,“Nature is the art of God!” You are invited to witness the beauty brought by the Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF. It is part of their heritage and is certainly essential to who they are in the world today.

History proves it true. The Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF were always gifting the world with wonderful works of art. There are more individuals than a single article can cover. However, the following examples will illustrate the legacy of beauty left by previous generations of sisters.

Visual Art

Sister Mary Luciana Kolasinski

Sister Mary Luciana Kolasinski’s (1896-1966) paintings still hang in the halls of St. Joseph Congregational Home in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Sister Luciana entered the congregation on December 26, 1911. She taught in elementary schools in Cleveland and in Chicago from 1916 to 1934. While in Chicago, she studied at the Chicago Art Institute. The instructor who contributed most toward the development of her innate artistic ability was Mr. Edward J.E. Timmons. In 1936, she returned to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and opened an art studio at St. Joseph Convent. Sr. Luciana is best known for her small oils, water colors and pastels. Many of these are found in private homes and in public institutions in all parts of the United States. She had eleven oils copyrighted and registered with the Library of Congress. Two were printed by permission and distributed world-wide. Her art was her ministry. When she died February 20, 1966, her eulogy underscored that “Her greatest desire was to spread a genuine love of God, likewise a reverence for sacred objects...Visitors to the art studio left with a greater awareness of God and a feeling of gratitude for having come in contact with the frail sister of dynamic personality.”

Sister Mary Eusebia Krysiak

Sister Mary Eusebia Krysiak (1894-1967) was another Sister of St. Joseph.TOSF who studied under the late Edward J.E. Timmons at the Chicago Art Institute. She was born in 1894 and entered the congregation in 1910. After receiving training at the old Stevens Point Normal School, she taught in elementary schools in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. In addition to her teaching, she produced several oil paintings which are still on display at the congregational home in Stevens Point,Wisconsin. In the 1920s and 1930s, Sr. Eusebia and Sister Mary Marietta Klamra (1882-1934) worked at hand painted china. They operated a woodburning kiln in which they fired the designs. Samples of this china are on display in the history room of St. Joseph Congregational Home in Stevens Point. Sr. Marietta was also skilled in oil painting. Her works joined those of Sr. Luciana and Sr. Eusebia at the congregational home.

One look at the vitae of Sister Christine Therese Schneider (1917-2001) and you know that visual arts were her life. All her Sister Mary Marietta Klamra undergraduate and graduate education brought her to the art studio, art history and art education studies. She spent time at Instituto Cultural de Guadalajara, Mexico studying the Cultural History of Mexico and Mexican Art. She was an elementary and high school teacher for ten years, and a college professor of art for 23 years. She was curator at the Detroit Institute of Art for eight years. She published Art Appreciation for the Elementary Schools, three syllabi for teachers in the Diocese of Cleveland; Nu-Art Education, a Catholic Supplement, American Crayon Co. of New York; Alive with Art, a series of books for grades 3-6; and articles in School Arts and Everyday Arts magazines. And all the while she was producing her own works of art, the most well-known of which is her painting of St. Francis. Countless other sisters quietly contributed their share of beauty into this world through other forms of visual arts —embroidery, crafts, quilting, cross-stitch, ceramics, sculpting—works of art that never carried their names, but continue to bless our senses.

Sister Christine Therese Schneider

“Visitors to the art studio left with a greater awareness of God and a feeling of gratitude for having come in contact with the frail sister of dynamic personality.”

Culinary Art Food is an art. All the senses participate in the enjoyment of food well-prepared and handsomely presented. For years, the Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF have been filling the world with the wonderful aromas of freshly baked bread, ` with the awesome sight of Easter Swieconkas, the “big” cooking , for hungry students or institutional residents. The kitchen of any home is usually its “heart.” This is true in the convents all over the world. The work of the culinary artists extends from being “queen” of the kitchen to being the maker of the home. Cups of coffee are sipped, messages are left, cookies savored, yummy surprises emerge, sumptuous holiday meals are celebrated, with the culinary artist—the homemaker—in the center. The homemaker has the advantage, too, of being the listener and the counselor. Hers is a ministry of presence.

Food is an

art

Sister Dolorea Romanek

Memories of SSJ-TOSF homemakers of the past are so much like the one of Sister Dolorea Romanek (1906-1976) by a student from St. Mary’s in Kalamazoo, MI: “The sisters lived about four blocks away from the school, and I would walk with Sister Dolorea, telling her everything that happened during the day in school. I remember her as being so kind and so holy. A ‘sweetie!’ My ideal of a ‘nun.’ Sometimes, when we reached the convent, she would treat me to homemade cookies and milk.”

These stories of heart and hearth are reflections of the story told of the foundress, Mother Mary Felicia Jaskulska: “... on October 1, 1901, the first candidate knocked on the convent door at St. Peter Parish in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and was led, not as she expected to some abbess’s throne, but to the kitchen. Here Sister Mary Felicia, wrapped in a big apron, was kneading dough for coffee cake. With a twinkle in her eye, she said it was a surprise for the feast of St. Francis the next day. Mother Mary Felicia was often in the convent kitchen with a helping hand and joyful spirit ... In the Franciscan tradition, Mother Mary Felicia set a precedent for reverence and hospitality for the clergy and for all guests.” A Fitting Response, (Vol II, p. 178)

For twenty years, the bakery in Stevens Point,Wisconsin, was the domain of Sister Mary Eugenia Kurkowski (19111985). She was one of those people who just had a knack for baking— breads, buns, cakes, and other delicacies. Generations of Stevens Point Sister Mary residents, sisters, novices and candiEugenia Kurkowski dates have memories of “baking day” when sweet aromas would fill the air and one could hardly wait to taste Sr. Eugenia’s handiwork. She was always generous with it, and that made the bakery a very popular place. It is no wonder that Sr. Eugenia was remembered as “always drinking in life with joy from the fountains of the Lord.” That same joy twinkled in the eyes of Sister Mary Bede Dobosz (1897-1989). The delicious aromas from her kitchen came from the signature soups she made. “It just takes a pinch of this,” she’d say, rubbing her thumb and forefinger together. Pickle soup, beet soup, potato soup, tomato soup, cabbage soup, beef barley soup, name it. Sister Bede could whip it up in no time at all. She spread her happiness and homemaking wherever she went during her 73 years as a Sister of St. Joseph, TOSF, making “home” in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri.

Bakery in Stevens Point,Wisconsin

SSJ-TOSF homemakers/culinary artists Workshop at Marymount Convent, Garfield Hts., Ohio, June 1963 with Brother Herman Zaccarelli, CSC

These are only a few stories of the many sisters who Sister Mary Bede Dobosz were the heart of the home. Over the last 100 years, more than 100 young women chose homemaking as their ministry with the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF.

It is no wonder that Sr. Eugenia was remembered as “always drinking in life with joy from the fountains of the Lord.”

Musical Arts

Sister Silviana Kudlaty

Sister Mary Lucilda Swienton

Why is it that after so many years, a student of Sister Sylviana Kudlaty (1905-1981) still remembers what a “punctum” is in Gregorian Chant? It speaks to Sister Sylviana’s facility with teaching and with music. She was one of six children in the Kudlaty family raised in Cleveland, Ohio. When she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF, her talent for music was quickly recognized. She continued her education in music through a Masters degree from the University of Notre Dame. She began teaching in Chicago, Illinois, then in Wisconsin, and in Michigan. In addition to her teaching and catechetical work, she always served as organist and music instructor. For eleven years, she was organist at the General Motherhouse of the congregation in South Bend, Indiana. She taught music to the novices, and learned ever more deeply how “singing is praying twice,” as St.Augustine was wont to say. We’ll never know how many children and adults took piano, organ or violin lessons from Sister Sylviana. Nor is it possible to determine the number of persons who were in her choirs over the years. She made prayerful music with hundreds of people in the 63 years of her life in the SSJ-TOSFs. Sister Mary Lucilda Swienton (1909-1977) made beautiful music with the sisters’ choir from Cleveland. They performed, not only in the congregation’s venues, but in public theaters in Michigan, Connecticut and Ohio. The Sisters’ Choir produced an album called “Marymount Echoes”. What is remarkable about Sr. Lucilda, as with so many other SSJ-TOSFs, she did this while teaching music in high school, being Provincial Treasurer of the congregation, being a principal of a grade school, and playing the organ in the parish churches to which she was assigned. She earned a Masters degree from Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. The delight she provided through the Sisters’ Concerts was paralleled by the reverent beauty she shared in the sacred liturgy. She was called “Our Troubador of Christ” by those who knew her. The convent chaplain asserted,“She never aged because there was always song and music in her soul.” Sister Avila Malszecki (1927-1983) knew what it meant to have song and music in her soul. It colored everything she did, being a teacher and guidance counselor at Trinity High School in Garfield Heights, Ohio, getting a Masters degree from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, being part of the Provincial Administration in Garfield Heights, Ohio, and being principal at St.Thomas High School in Detroit, Michigan. All the while she was an organist and music teacher, the quiet ministry of bringing beauty to life and worship. She had as her touchstone the saying which appeared as bookmarks in her breviary, bible and other favorite books:

Sister Avila Malszecki

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore that I can do, Or any kindness that I can show to any fellow being, Let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, For I shall not pass this way again.”

Sister Avila gave to the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF and to all who knew her, a presence that was unforgettable. She brought music into the lives of those she loved and the melody of her life will play on in the hearts of those who loved her. Music has the power to elevate the soul, and to fill the mind and heart with life. Sister Roselle Katzka (1911-2000) is a good example of this. Her life was filled with music lessons, recitals, glee clubs, orchestras and stage musicals. “Children and music keep me young,” she said. Her daily motto was “I’m awake, alive, alert, joyous and enthusiastic in the Lord.” She used her Masters degree in Music from DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, during her 16 years at St. Mary of Perpetual Help, and 12 years at Lourdes High School, both Sister Roselle Katzka places in Chicago, Illinois. In 1968, she began teaching children who have severe learning disabilities, behavior disorders or are mentally handicapped at the Bartlett Learning Center. She utilized the Orff Schulwerk way to teach music, for which she was certified. It is based on things children like to do: sing, chant rhymes, clap, dance, and keep a beat on anything near at hand. In the 1960s, she organized Sisters’ Concerts. The sisters’ choir which she led for many years, as well as the sisters’ orchestra which she developed through individual lessons, performed in several venues including the Civic Auditorium in Chicago, Illinois. She produced two recordings: “Convent Christmas Carols” and “Happiness Is.” Truly, she was totally immersed in her ministry as music educator, organist, college instructor, and special education teacher.

… not only did these sisters produce works of art, they WERE works of art. Who they were and what they did are intertwined without boundary in their legacy of beauty.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a tree, investigating the artistic abilities of the Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF. When one treasure is uncovered, it becomes apparent that there were friends and mentors of equal talent who became part of the picture. This branches off into past generations who midwifed the gifts of those with whom they worked. The sisters who are featured as todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty makers are examples of all the artistic branches that continue to bear fruit for all of us.

Sister Kenneth bielski Making an Episcopal Home r. Kenneth has been making a home at St. John’s Cathedral rectory in Cleveland, Ohio, for over 21 years. And a great home it is! She prepares the meals for Bishop Anthony Pilla and the other priests at the rectory, as well as for the staff of the Cathedral offices. The kitchen is where the residents get their wake-up coffee, stop by for a chat, taste freshly baked cookies and find a listening ear for the events of the day.

Sr. Kenneth is a native Clevelander who entered the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF in 1957. That Cleveland spark stays alive, as each year she is gifted with tickets to a Cleveland Brown’s football game. And she’s a real fan. The works of culinary art that emerge from the cathedral kitchen make each holiday memorable. The Cathedral staff members commented,“We always look forward to the holidays to see what surprises Sr. Kenneth has for us.” She uses her artistic skills for the cathedral’s special occasions, Bishop’s receptions, and honored guests. One of the priests commented on Sr. Kenneth’s ability to provide for unexpected guests with unruffled grace, always creating an inviting and delicious environment. But the wonder is how Sr. Kenneth can make even everyday meals look festive. Her ministry goes way beyond the art of food. Kitchen counseling expanded over the years. And it is obvious that she takes her strength from God, her congregation and the people who bless her world.

Bishop Anthony Pilla, Diocese of Cleveland: “Not only is Sister Kenneth a wonderful person, she is an excellent cook and does a great job of managing the home. She is a real blessing for the priests in the rectory. Her care and concern for them is shown by the many thoughtful things she does to make a ‘home’ for them. She SO deserves to be recognized!”

Sister Shirlee Hoski With a Song in Her Heart t was a little more than a month after the September 11th attack on the United States that Sister Shirlee Hoski accompanied her 40 member choir to a scheduled concert and liturgies in Rome. The concert at St. Ignatius in Rome was scheduled for October 21, 2001, and there were other occasions for which the choir planned to perform. One, however, was unplanned. It happened as Pope John Paul II passed in procession in St. Peter’s Square under a brilliant blue Roman sky. The throng hushed in compassionate silence as Sr. Shirlee led her choir singing “America the Beautiful.”

In preparation for the ten-day pilgrimage, Sr. Shirlee, director of music at Holy Name Parish in Birmingham, Michigan, selected music and prepared the choir for the concert and liturgies for more than a year before the trip. The group toured Assisi, Florence, Siena and Rome, gathering precious memories as they did so. They sang at St. Peter’s Basilica, on the day that hundreds of priests, monsignors and cardinals were assembled for the beatification liturgy celebrated by the Pope for Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi, the first couple in Church history to be beatified for their witness to Christian married life. When they performed at St. Ignatius Church, a 400 year old guilded Jesuit cathedral, they received a standing ovation from a full-house for their performance of di Lasso, Rachmaninov, Haydn and others. They relished the opportunity to sing in front of the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, particularly meaningful to Sr. Shirlee because of the patronage of the congregation.

Sister Shirlee Hoski

(continued from page 8)

Sr. Shirlee has been music director at Holy Name Parish since 1993. She is also pastoral associate for worship. In addition to the adult choir, she also has childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bell choir to enhance the beauty of the liturgies. She is responsible for teaching music to children from preschool through eighth grade at Holy Name School. In addition to her academic degrees, she is also a certified Kodaly Educator. The Kodaly approach involves a sequential layering of skills and concepts, beginning with singing games and leads to instrument playing, improvising, composing and arranging, reading and notating, analyzing and evaluating. Comprehensive music literacy is the goal. Her skills are obvious when seeing her in action. One knows that the Spirit is alive in her, and the ministry of bringing out the best and the beautiful in others is crystal clear.

Sister ROSE MARGARET FIrkus Making Life Special ewing, baking, cooking, photography... Sr. Rose Margaret can do it all. And note that this is in addition to her ministry as Codirector of Prevention at AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist in South Bend, Indiana, which evolved from her successful ministry as a registered nurse. She is also Novice Minister for the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF. Take a look.

Sewing just begins to tell you about the talent that Sr. Rose Margaret uses for others. There are family pictures over the years that attest to the number of holidays she made special by sewing dresses and shirts for all her grand-nieces and nephews. The idea of putting on special clothing to mark occasions is innate in human beings. When a sacrament is celebrated, special garments are donned for the occasion, like wedding dresses and tuxedos, chasubles, First Communion clothes, christening outfits. Sr. Rose Margaret made these sacramental events truly special. Most notable of her productions are the wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses and christening outfits that emerge from her sewing machine. There is one example that could be multiplied many times to illustrate her talent for sewing, and without patterns at that! In this instance, her gift to the bride was the wedding dress, complete with train and veil. She then made an identical outfit for the flower girl. The wedding dress was again reproduced for a doll that was given as a remembrance of the special day for the bride and groom. And more. Sr. Rose Margaret shared the delight of the couple expecting their first child by sewing a christening outfit that matched the pattern of the wedding gown. For so many bridal couples, for so many newly christened babies, the celebration of the sacrament was made special by the work of Sr. Rose Margaretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands.

Sister ROSE MARGARET FIrkus

(continued from page 10)

In addition to her artistic talent at the sewing machine, Sr. Rose Margaret is also a gifted photographer. She has recorded many congregational occasions and her work often appears in this publication. She is published in The International Library of Photography in the volume entitled Wondrous Worlds for her photo of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Storm Clouds Over Albuquerque.â&#x20AC;? She transforms many of her photos into note cards which she shares with sisters, friends and family. The cards are a testimony to her innate sense of balance, her ability to gather in beauty, and her eye for pleasing placement. The Easter season, with its blessing of food, is an appropriate time to exhibit the culinary art of Sr. Rose Margaret. But year-round, elbow-deep in flour or spoon-deep in a good stew, she turns out delicious meals effortlessly. Birthday cakes are always individualized in some creative way. She has the knack of transforming the kitchen into the heart of the home. Whether the art is visual, or culinary, Sr. Rose Margaret uses her talents in service of others. She brings happiness and beauty into lives, young and old.

Sister MARIANNE SAUCIER “Before You, O Lord, Our Lives...” henever the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF assemble, they sing “Before you, O Lord, Our lives, our lives. What good a life if not found in your life, O Lord?” The melody was composed by Sr. Marianne Saucier. This is just one of several musical compositions which include a “Gloria” and a responsorial psalm used at a recent Centennial celebration of the SSJ-TOSFs.

All of this creativity and musical talent was evident at a very early age. Marianne began playing the piano when she was eight years old and loved her music lessons. “There was just something about music that made me feel alive. I couldn’t wait for the piano teacher to get to our house,” she said. Music has always been her special connection to God. Just as David and the psalmists expressed their deepest feelings in the hymns of the psalms, so Sr. Marianne finds the soul-center in song. She uses this fundamental belief in her work with the guests at the Marymount Mental Health Center in Garfield Heights, Ohio, where she works as a music therapist. She has been there for almost thirty years, watching the miracles that music can perform. She does group work and recreational therapy with the adults and adolescents who are staying at the Center. She uses the lyrics of songs to promote discussion. She teaches piano to the residents to build self-esteem. “I have found that music goes beyond words. It touches something inside so private and so personal.” Sr. Marianne is also the organist at Marymount Congregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio. She has already contributed so much beauty to those around her, but she says, “I gain more than I give!”

Sister CATHERINE BRITTON “Life Isn’t a Destination…It’s a Journey” his is one of the quotations that Sister Catherine Britton uses on her art pieces. And it certainly describes the evolution of Siena Prints by Catherine. Sr. Catherine was a teacher and administrator at Trinity High School in Garfield Heights, Ohio, for thirty five years. During that time she taught English and Spanish, produced the school’s yearbook, moderated the newspaper, produced and directed Broadway musicals, and served as principal for twenty seven years. And then came one of twists in life that, at the time, seemed unaccountable.

Sister Catherine Britton and Sister Jeanne Noel Novak

Sr. Catherine had developed a hobby of writing inspirational verses, matting and framing them, and presenting them as gifts. Then in 1998, an artist cancelled his appearance at a craft show, and Sister Shawn Lee “volunteered” Sr. Catherine to exhibit and vend her artistic verses. That started it. “More shows followed,” says Sr. Catherine,“and Siena Prints took on a life of its own. It was quickly becoming a ministry. Each of us talked with people who were either seeking solace for themselves or for others. There were those who openly cried as they read certain prints because the words touched something deep in their souls. There were others who were dealing with different situations and were at a loss for words to help or soothe another. Our prints and cards were becoming their words. We listened to our customers with compassion, humor or delight, whatever blended with their stories. We hugged our customers when needed. We gave things away to those who could only afford to read, but not buy. Siena Prints became our way of undertaking ‘those activities which will promote the material and spiritual development of the human family.’ (SSJ-TOSF Mission Statement)” Sister Shawn Lee continues to work with Siena Prints in addition to her current position as President of Trinity High School. Sister Jeanne Noel Novak is the operations and inventory manager, while she maintains her role as archivist at Trinity High School. Sister Joanne Frania, an artist in her own right, works with the creative aspects of Siena Prints. Gradually, more sisters became involved with the operation, and today no less Sister Shawn Lee than twenty six sisters participate in the ministry of reaching out in inspiration to those who have “eyes to see and ears to hear.”

Sister Joanne Frania

Sister Kathleen Koltis Cooking “Big” ave you ever known someone who could just touch a cornbread muffin, hot out of the oven, and know whether its done? Sister Kathleen Koltis can do that.

She works at St. Mary’s Care Center in Madison, Wisconsin. The facility has 157 residents, who are provided special dietary trays three times a day. Keeping up the pace of attractive and nutritious meals for them is a full time ministry. Sr. Kathleen works with the chef, Jesse Clark, to see that each resident gets the correct dietary nourishment for the day. What an operation! It requires “cooking big.” At 6:00 AM, the Care Center kitchen is bustling with activity. Sr. Kathleen is already working on the breakfast food, preparing steam tables for individual tray distribution. Simultaneously, items are being prepared for lunch, and wonderful treats are being baked for dinner. Keeping it all straight is a genuine art. Sr. Kathleen had some early preparation for “cooking big,” being the youngest of fourteen children on a farm in Thorp, Wisconsin. Her mother had well-developed culinary skills which were passed on to Kathleen. Even as a young woman, Sr. Kathleen knew that she wanted to use this talent in service of others. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF, and continued to develop dietary and food service skills. “I always enjoy doing things that bring people joy and comfort,” says Sr. Kathleen. She has succeeded in that completely. Her home is warm and welcoming. The relationship to the Care Center staff is deep and genuine. Everyone knows “sister.” The care with which she provides the meals is careful and prayerful. The residents love and appreciate her. She always has a smile to go along with the tray. Her very presence at St. Mary’s Care Center is a ministry and a clear example of what the SSJ-TOSFs believe: “Where one is, all are.”

Sister Kathleen Koltis

(continued from page 15)

“Just knowing that I am bringing a little comfort to a frightened or hurt child brings comfort to me as well… It’s one small way I can share God’s love for little children.” Fact: Small children are frightened when they must ride in an ambulance, particularly if they have experienced some trauma. Sr. Kathleen Koltis did something about that. She was inspired by a brief news report about a school girl who started a project collecting bears for children who were in accidents. Sr. Kathleen partnered with the local ambulance company in Madison,Wisconsin, and began to supply them with teddy bears - the comfort item that gets squeezing hugs from hurting children. (There’s some evidence that Sr. Kathleen likes the teddy bears, too!) She collects them from a variety of sources - store bought, garage sales, donations from friends - and passes them on to the ambulance company on a regular basis. An incident one summer convinced Sr. Kathleen even more of the comfort these bears could bring. She was about to pass up purchasing some teddy bears at a garage sale. After a few minutes, she returned to the bears, finding them lined up on a blanket with two small children, all smiles, playing with them. She was looking at the bears when one of the children said, “You like teddy bears, don’t you?” Sr. Kathleen said, “Yes. And I’d like to give these to children who are in accidents and need something to hug.” The child folded his arms over the bear and rocked it back and forth. “Like this?” he said. Sr. Kathleen nodded. He handed the bear to Sr. Kathleen in one generous gesture. She received the bear, knowing that the love with which it was given would not be lost during an ambulance ride. “Just knowing that I am bringing a little comfort to a frightened or hurt child brings comfort to me as well,” said Sr. Kathleen,“It’s one small way I can share God’s love for little children.”

Sister JANE ZOLTEK Books and Bells, Cards and Creativity reativity in whatever form, is about having an artist’s vision and taking the actions to bring the vision into being. Sr. Jane Zoltek started out as a business major with an emphasis on journalism, but her artistic vision expanded those boundaries to bring a multitude of beautiful things into being.

Take, for example, the fact that Sr. Jane is currently a pastoral minister at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Oak Park, Michigan, where she has been since 1972. In that capacity, she plans the liturgies, writing the script and preparing the music that will enhance the sacred moments. She is Liturgical Coordinator, working with the lectors and the Eucharistic ministers. She decorates the church, highlighting the themes of the liturgical year. Sr. Jane’s creativity is at the heart of the spiritual life of the parish. She capitalized on her musical ability—she played trumpet and trombone in the Sisters’ Orchestra—and went to Handbell School. With that training, she now directs two 3-octave handbell choirs at the parish. One of her Handbell Choirs provided the music for the SSJ-TOSF’s Centennial Celebration at Sweetest Heart of Mary Parish in Detroit, Michigan, in October 2001.

Sister JANE ZOLTEK

(continued from page 17)

Sr. Jane has been taking photographs for years. She opened a studio called “Jane’s Studio” and creates all-occasion greeting cards. The beautiful color photographs are framed in originally written greetings. Each features a different photo, and some are blank inside for one’s personal message. Her cards are appropriate for birthdays, get-well wishes, anniversaries and sympathy. She put her artist vision to work with her journalism background and with her training in life science and natural hygiene. Not only does she publish the parish newspaper at Our Lady of Fatima Church, she has authored and published four books with reflections to integrate the mind-body-spirit: • • • •

Reflections and Recipes to Nourish Mind, Body, Spirit Healthy Living Through the Seasons: Nourishing Body, Mind, Spirit A Year of Wellness: Nourishing Mind, Body, Spirit Senior Moments of Reflection to Nourish Mind, Body, Spirit

In her pastoral work, Sr. Jane leads a group called WOW, “Women of Wisdom.” It is an apt title for a woman who can give life to the Divine vision ever germinating in her.

Sister MARTHA CHERNEY It’s All In the Presentation ou are looking at a cake that Sister Martha (Marty) Cherney whipped up on the occasion of one of the sister’s Silver Jubilee. And, as it is with artists, she makes it look so easy.

Sr. Marty always had the natural ability to turn out beautiful food with ease. But it helped that she worked closely with Jim Perko, a certified executive chef, at Lakewood Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. It was there that Sr. Marty developed her ministry of food. The trays were her “get well” wishes to the patients. She would prepare special meals for the terminally ill. She decorated desserts with holiday twists. She artistically arranged the dietary requirements so that they would be appealing to those on restricted diets.

Sister MARTHA CHERNEY (continued from page 19)

She gave the physicians’ buffets an artistic flair and made the sit-down dinners truly gorgeous occasions. You’ve seen it before— not just dinner rolls, but a baked cornucopia; not just a beef roast, but a finely presented plate; not just chocolate dipped strawberries, but chocolate “tuxedos” on the strawberries. It’s all in the presentation! Meals require some thinking, planning and solid preparation. The apostles knew it when they asked Jesus about where they were to prepare the Passover meal. Preparing a special meal starts hours, even days, before. The same is true of making and transporting a wedding cake with pedestals and fountains. Sr. Marty has that art down to a science! Sr. Marty is now at St. Anthony Parish in Belleville, Michigan, where her ministry is providing special meals for church events. She makes a wonderful pot of tea for at-the-kitchen-table chat, and has a convent kitchen that smiles. She’s excited to show any visitor her quilting projects or some of the framed cross-stitching that she did. Magic hands, indeed, that present such artistic gifts to the world.

FRANCISCAn CHORDS Changing,Yet Always the Same he chapel really rocked!” That is how someone described the Centennial Liturgy in Stevens Point, Wisconsin with it’s rousing chorus of “Praise Be to Thee, O Lord.” The music was provided by the Franciscan Chords, a music group of SSJ-TOSFs that has the ability to mix and match talent as the occasions arise. At the core of the group are Sister Michelle Wronkowski and Sister Sandy Lasecke. Sr. Michelle is the principal of St. Francis Cabrini School in Oshkosh,Wisconsin, where Sr. Sandy is the music teacher. Sr. Sandy plays piano, bass violin, and a variety of brass and reed instruments. Sr. Michelle plays drums and other percussion, supplying bass or guitar when necessary.

They are usually joined by Sister Sally Dulak, a certified Orff Schulwerk music teacher, who teaches in the Kaukauna (Wisconsin) Catholic School System. She works with approximately 250 grade school students with sound and rhythm on glockenspiels, metallaphones and xylophones, fostering creativity and conveying musical knowledge and skills. She is also a certified Kodaly teacher. When she joins the Franciscan Chords, she plays guitar and sings.

FRANCISCAN CHORDS (continued from page 21)

Sister Elizabeth Dedo, who lives with Sr. Sally and works in the Fox Valley Catholic Schools in Wisconsin, is also part of the Franciscan Chords chorus. And then there’s Sister Angelora Grossman, who lives in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and works in the Financial Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF; Sister Henrietta Gensinski, the receptionist at St. Joseph Congregational Home in Stevens Point, Wisconsin; and Sister Leanne Lee, who works at Lawrence University in Menasha, Wisconsin. They all join their voices in harmony. The group expands with others, depending on the occasion. Sister Debra Ann Weina plays the guitar, sings and does liturgical dance. She is part of Franciscan Chords in addition to her ministry, working with animals at Wolf River Vet Clinic. Sister Mary Ellen Diermeier is a pastoral associate at St. Ladislaus Parish in Bevent, Wisconsin, but she is also a guitar player and singer for the Franciscan Chords. Sister Margaret Trzebiatowski is Chaplain at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire,Wisconsin and she plays bass for the Franciscan Chords. When she has the opportunity, Sister Jane Blabolil blends in with her flute. Her missionary work is at Nuestra Sra del Rosario Parish in Lima, Peru, South America. Are you getting the idea that, although the group may change in composition, they represent at all times an enormously talented, harmonious group? They supported numerous congregational liturgies with their music. The further success they have had in shaping local parish liturgies into deeply prayerful and involved experiences with their music has started the group members thinking in terms of offering the services of Franciscan Chords “on the road.” We’re waiting!

Sister THOMASINE ANTONucci Setting the Table s soon as you meet Sister Thomasine Antenucci, you feel at home. That has always been her gift.

The Sisters at Marymount Convent knew this when Sr.Thomasine began her ministry working in dietary/food service at Marymount High School and Marymount Convent in Garfield Heights, Ohio. She learned about the art of food and the sacred space that it creates from her friends and mentors, Sister Daniel Sutula, Sister Lydia Mergel and Sister Lucinda Mroczek. Sr. Thomasine took the skills she learned to Oakland, California, where she was homemaker for the late Bishop Floyd Begin of Oakland California. Because of her ability to set a beautiful table and to present food in a delicious, delightful way, Bishop Begin once remarked to her, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of decisions are made around the dinner table. Important matters are settled because of you.â&#x20AC;? Bishop Cummins of Oakland, CA with Sr.Thomasine

The late Bishop Begin celebrating 25 years in Oakland, CA.

Sr.Thomasine and Sr. Lydia with the late Bishop Sheen.

Sister THOMASINE ANTONucci

(continued from page 21)

While she was coordinator of Marymount Congregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio, Sr. Thomasine continued to make a home for the sisters residing there. After seven years, she became the Head Sacristan at St. John’s Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio, setting a beautiful table in the house of God. Even in her brief capacity as snack bar manager at Trinity High School in Garfield Heights, Ohio, she earned the nickname “Miss Hospitality” from the students. With well-developed administrative skills, her ability to relate easily to people, and her natural ability to set a beautiful table, Sister Thomasine was invited to handle the special meeting/meals for Bishop Anthony Pilla, Bishop of Cleveland. Rev. Tim O’Connor recognized Sr. Thomasine’s capability to invite people to the feast. He asked Sr.Thomasine to come to St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake, Ohio, to “be present” to the parishioners there and let her ministry take shape as needed. Her pastoral work has been priceless, appreciated by young and old alike. It’s probably because, as she states, “I always left a place better than I found it.” That philosophy is very attractive. When asked about what powers her daily activities, Sr. Thomasine makes it clear, “The love of my religious life and my desire to be of service to God’s people.”

Sr.Thomasine with Cardinal Krol of Philadelphia

Sister MARY PHILIP CSERVENYAK A Sister in Song usic and accounting in the same person. Go figure. Sister Mary Philip Cservenyak began her career as an elementary and high school teacher in Ohio and Michigan, the area of the country where she was born. While teaching, she also sang in a Sisters Chorus in public concerts, and played the trumpet in the Sisters Orchestra for over twenty years.

Sr. Philip went to California one summer on an economics scholarship to San Jose State University. Two years later, she returned to California serving as administrative assistant, treasurer and bookkeeper first at St. Vincent Ferrer High School in Vallejo, CA, then Holy Names College in Oakland, CA, Justin-Siena High School in Napa, CA, and St. Patrick/St.Vincent High School back in Vallejo, CA. During this time, her musical talent was not abandoned. Sr. Philip is a gifted vocalist. She tried out for “Sisters in Song,” a choral group composed of sisters from 28 states and 58 different religious communities. Over 300 sisters auditioned for the choir and only 60 were accepted, Sr. Philip among them. They produced two recordings,“Celebrate!” and “Christmas Spirit.” The chorus was increased to 80 voices for the third recording, “Rejoice!” A fourth recording is scheduled for 2003. Proceeds from the sale of the CDs/tapes fund the retirement needs of religious congregations in the United States. Sr. Philip was a choir member at the Oakland Cathedral in Oakland, California, for fifteen years under the direction of John L. McDonnell. During that time, she participated in the Festival of Masses with Robert Shaw held in San Francisco for two weeks. She participated in Contra Costa Chorale, a community chorus, for three years under the direction of Paul Perry. Sister Philip states,“I hope that our music is an inspiration to people all over the world and that our efforts are worthy of God’s praise.”

For information on ordering the albums of Sisters in Song, please visit www.ssj-tosf.org

Now, for those of you who have purchased “Convent Cuisine,” the cookbook produced by the Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF, you will notice that Sr. Philip is one of the most prolific contributors of recipes. She is a skilled cook and has shared her secrets in the form of delectable cookbook entries.

Sister MARY JANE KNITTER Creating Harmony ord, make me an instrument of your peace,” the song started. And it was so appropriate for Sr. Mary Jane Knitter, who creates harmony wherever she goes. That’s not just musical harmony, although that’s the medium she uses to create the environment of peace. She has been the Director of Music at St. Patrick Parish, South Bend, Indiana, as well as music teacher in the school. Sr. Mary Jane plans the music for the parish liturgies, making sure that daily they are made more beautiful through sound. Whether it’s a wedding or daily Mass, Easter Triduum or a prayer service, Sr. Mary Jane knows how to make it a prayerful experience for all involved.

She teaches music in the grade school at St. Patrick. This involves individual music lessons as well as the classroom teaching with the students. Of course, there is the annual Christmas pageant featuring Mary, Joseph and the shepherds, and the “multitude of angels singing...” There was a multitude of flowers for the music teacher, too. It is fitting that Sr. Mary Jane lives with and close to other SSJ-TOSFs and the young women who are candidates of the congregation. She shares her musical talent with all of them, whether it is for a community prayer service or a Christmas sing-along. Music is just part of being together. Sr. Mary Jane is an example of someone who does the usual things unusually well.

The Fabulous Four SisterS Amalia Chojnowski, Augusta Krueger, Eymard ChrUSciel, Lillian kopiec We Work As One he freshly baked cheesecake was waiting to be eaten. The knife slipped through the sugar crumbles and the crisp crust, and came out with a creamy coating of delicate cheese filling.

This was a gift from the Fabulous Four: Sisters Amalia Chojnowski, Augusta Krueger, Eymard Chrusciel and Lillian Kopiec. They made a name for themselves with the wonderful things that emerge from their kitchen at Immaculata Congregational Home in Bartlett, Illinois. Sister Augusta was the first of the four to arrive in Bartlett. She was there when the doors of the Congregational Home opened for the first time in 1964. Sister Amalia joined her a few years later, after having spent nineteen years at the SSJ-TOSF Motherhouse and Novitiate in South Bend, Indiana. In September 1972, Sister Eymard arrived at Immaculata Congregational Home. The Bartlett Learning Center (BLC) began in 1968 and the sisters provided the meals for the children as well as for the other residents of the Congregational Home. The dietary/food service responsibilities were expanding. In 1989 Sister Lillian completed the Four, bringing her baking, desserts and salad specialties to the convent kitchen. “We work as one,” they say. Each one complements the other making daily meals possible for the sisters, the children of BLC, and the residents of Francis Hall (assisted living facility). There are special events that call for the unique artistic gifts of all four sisters. The Easter table, for example. The whole baked ham is presented with flowers and garnish surrounding an art piece of wheat and grapes, host and chalice. All this is framed in purple and silver foil. The ham rests beside a sumptuous tray of homemade cookies, next to the freshly baked Easter lamb cake. The colored eggs are as bright in color as the fresh fruit tray. The polish sausage, brightened with radish “roses,” stands next to the butter lamb, the coffee cake and the bottles of wine. A table worthy of blessing!

The Fabulous Four SisterS Amalia Chojnowski, Augusta Krueger, Eymard ChrUSciel, Lillian kopiec

Every year, the Fabulous Four provide a significant contribution to the Fall Craft Fair which began at Bartlett in 1982. A major feature has always been the bakery sale. Beginning at 8:00 AM, the line of waiting patrons winds through the hallway and out the door. The Fabulous Four prepares 500 dozen kolacki, hundreds of coffee cakes, caramel apples, and other baked goodies. By 9:30 AM, the tables are bare. The people know where the “good stuff” is! As the culinary reputation of these four sisters grew, a Spring Bake Sale took shape. Residents in the Bartlett area stream to the congregational home for their semiannual treat of convent baked delicacies. In addition to the Jubilee celebrations and other special occasions at Immaculata Congregational home, the Fabulous Four prepares crafts for the Fall Craft Fair. “To keep our sanity,” as they jokingly explain. With that, they spin out quilts, place mats, table cloths, center pieces, wall hangings ... whatever their creative muse prompts them to do. Each year, the Craft Fair is a tribute to the artistic ability of the sisters, particularly the Fabulous Four.

The Gift Shops he place where you can see the artistic work of the sisters is in the Gift Shops located at each of the congregational homes:

Immaculata Congregational Home 801 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett, IL 60103

Sister Eymard Chrusciel arranges a display of baby blankets in the Immaculata Gift Shop.

Marymount Congregational Home 12215 Granger Road, Garfield Heights, OH 44125 St. Joseph Congregational Home 1300 Maria Drive, Stevens Point,WI 54481 The sisters put countless hours into beautifully crafted items which are for sale. Do you need house slippers? A baby blanket? Place mats? Cuddly dolls? Dessert dishes? Greeting cards? The Gift Shops are the place for you.

Sister Joselda Bemowski works on clown dolls for the St. Joseph Gift Shop.

The hours vary slightly from one location to the other, but generally are open during regular business hours. Stop in the Gift Shop nearest you and enjoy the gallery of artistic, practical items!

Sister Mary Morenc completes Easter egg centerpieces for the Marymount Gift Shop.

Sister LEANDRA CHRACA Go, Go, Go! ister Leandra Chraca’s day starts at 5:00 AM, greeting the new day with her usual joy. Preparing food for the fifty residents of the St. Joseph Congregational Home, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is no small task, especially when it involves all those special events like jubilees, General Chapters, birthday parties, and feast days. Sr. Leandra rises to the occasion. With unruffled grace, she presents an attractive buffet that’s hard to resist.

Sr. Leandra is well practiced in the art of food preparation. She learned her skill at St. Roman Convent in Chicago, Illinois and then at St. Joseph Convent in Stevens Point,Wisconsin. She spent eighteen years overseeing the food preparation at River Pines Sanitorium in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Most of her experience was at St. Joseph Congregational Home where she is the Manager of Food Services. Her art is making each individual helping of food look like it was prepared for one. She surrounds the presentation with scents of freshly baked bread, with the visual appeal of sour cream dollops in the beet soup, with the enticing sizzle of steaks off the grille, with the smooth texture of pumpkin pie ... she seems to know what makes it good! She makes her world a better place for her presence. Whether Sr. Leandra is in the kitchen, in the chapel or on her cousin’s motorcycle, the energy of her joy is contagious.

Sister BARBARA JEAN PEPLINSKI “Your Love is Forever” o you need music for your lecture? Would you like an organist for that special liturgy? Can we find someone who will be the consistent planner of the morning liturgies? Will someone design a program of songs for the May devotions?

The Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF have that person. Sister Barbara Jean Peplinski is the Liturgical Planner for St. Joseph Congregational Home in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She was born on St. Patrick’s Day in Milwaukee,Wisconsin, where she was raised and educated by the SSJ-TOSFs. She entered the congregation with a solid musical background that made it possible for her to assume the “teacher/organist” role in the various Wisconsin parishes in which she served for over twenty years. She became Provincial Secretary in 1972 at the St. Joseph Congregational Home in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She extended her expertise to include the spiritual development of the congregation’s novices, and the physical development through therapy for elderly persons. Sr. Barbara Jean is currently at St. Joseph Congregational Home providing pastoral care for the residents, in addition to her role as liturgist and organist. Be assured that if you ever need a special program of music, or accompaniment for a Christmas sing-along, or a specific jubilee song, Sr. Barbara Jean’s love and dedication is forever.

Sister Therese Frances Waldowski Body Prayer usic and visual arts come together in the body prayer of liturgical dance. Sister Therese Francis Waldowski brings them together in graceful and grace-filled moments of Divine encounter. As she says, “The Spirit is alive in me as I lose myself in the experience of giving movement to the music.”

Sr.Therese Francis jokes, “I began to dance in my mother’s womb.” But for sure, by age two and a half, she was dancing on stage in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. There are newspaper clippings to prove it, collected by the other eleven older children in her family. Through high school, she participated in school plays as well as those sponsored by local civic groups. It was natural that when she entered the congregation, she would teach Drama and Speech to high school students. In 1970, she went to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, to complete her Masters Degree in Theater and subsequently earned a Masters in Theology from Chicago Theological Union. For over twenty years, she has been applying her expertise to her teaching of speech and drama in the Chicago Public Schools where, she maintains, she taught “religion” in its purest basic form. Sr. Therese Francis began liturgical dancing at the congregation’s 75th Anniversary in 1976. Since then she has provided body prayer for jubilees and other special events. No question, when she is dancing, you are invited to touch God.

Sister HELEN WACHAL “I Believe in the Lord, the Giver of Life…” ister Helen Wachal is as comfortable at the art studio’s kiln as she is in the convent kitchen. She was always tuned to Life, and responds creatively as the Living God reveals new paths. She grew up in Antigo,Wisconsin. When she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF, she served as homemaker in convents in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. In 1974, she came to provide the same service at St. Joseph Congregational Home in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and new paths opened up. Her artistic side emerged in a different way and she became Director of Arts and Crafts. She took classes in ceramics and became a regular contributor to the local ceramics shows. She won first place and best-inshow at one of these gatherings.

Her studio is a tribute to the artists who preceded her in the congregational home. The kiln technology is upgraded from the early ceramic firings of the hand painted dinnerware of Srs. Eusebia and Marietta. Sr. Helen takes the art piece from ceramic mold, to kiln, to painting and firing.

Sister HELEN WACHAL (continued from page 35)

For the past seventeen years, she has been the major supplier of ceramic art for the Gift Shop. Her work provides seasonal decoration in the halls of the congregational home. So do her flowers. Sr. Helen developed wonderful gardening skills. The campus of the congregational home is living proof of that. Begonias, roses, day lilies (one produced 32 blossoms!), tulips, hyacinths - all enhance the beauty of the gardens. Sr. Helen finds Life - gives Life - wherever she goes.

P R O P E R T Y

U P D A T E Sisters Lucinda Mroczek and Lydia Mergel

Sisters Patricia Ann Ruppenthal, Berchmans Majchrowski, Mary Generose Banish, Katherine Wyszynski, Adeline Szczesniak and Esther Gailey

The feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 2002, was celebrated by the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF in a special way. It marked a significant transition for Regina Convent and its residents. The sisters in this Harper Woods, Michigan, home were moving out and the convent would be 37

closed and demolished.

(continued on page 38)

P R O P E R T Y

U P D A T E

(continued from page 37)

Over forty sisters gathered from several states for a prayer service and ceremony in the chapel of Regina High School. During the prayer service, Sister Shawn Lee addressed the gathering of sisters beginning with the words: “We are gathered here today to do the IMPOSSIBLE and the NECESSARY. It is impossible to adequately put into words the depth of personal meaning and poignancy that is contained in this final gathering of our congregation here in this place which we have known as Regina Convent for more than forty years. But it is necessary that we try to do so, and it is necessary on different levels for different reasons.” It was a sad moment for all the sisters, but especially for those seven sisters who were living at the facility. There were tears and hugs, and understanding smiles, during the prayer service and at the Pot Luck dinner that followed. Sister Katherine Wyszynski, of the SSJ-TOSF Central Board, noted, “I admire the faith with which these sisters put the common good over their own life and ministry at Regina Convent. They were able, with great grace, to grasp the larger implication of this decision and to move ahead with courage.” Sisters Adeline Szczesniak, Esther Gailey, Mary Generose Banish and Patricia Ann Ruppenthal will be living at Marymount Congregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Sister Berchmans Majchrowski will be living in Flint, Michigan, at her home parish where her brother is the pastor. Although their residence has changed, Sisters Lydia Mergel and Lucinda Mroczek will continue their dietary services at Regina High School. Sister Esther Gailey said, “While we all felt sad at the closing of the convent, the gathering of sisters for the prayer service brought closure to the process. We were able to move ahead with the vision of future possibilities, knowing that the space would be put to good use.” As one sister put it,“I commend the sisters who have been living at Regina Convent this year because of the example shown by their faith, trust and willingness to move forward to new and blessed experiences.”

Sister Leanne Leszczynski, Principal of Regina High School

The decision concerning Regina Convent didn’t happen easily. The fact was, however, that by 2002, seven sisters were living in the convent designed for fifty-two. For two and a half years, the Central Board of the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF, engaged in market repositioning studies, pursuing a viable option for future use of Regina Convent which is part of the complex of the Regina High School campus. Under-utilization and some deferred maintenance had taken their toll on the facility, and it became more and more apparent that the cost of upgrading the building would exceed its potential use. In August 2001, after reviewing the results of the studies, the Central Board decided to suspend further efforts to secure a third party tenant for the convent and to collaborate with the Regina High School (RHS) Board of Directors and the RHS Administration, under the expert leadership of Sister Mary Leanne Leszczynski, regarding the reuse and/or demolition and land redevelopment of the convent facility. Sister Mary Alice Jarosz, Central Board Liaison to SSJ-TOSF sponsored institutions, has been working all along with the RHS Board Members and Administration to carry out the project. Sister Katherine Wyszynski assisted the sisters who were living at Regina Convent with residency changes and continues now with other follow-up activities.

Sister Joyce Hollkamp

P R O P E R T Y

U P D A T E With the assistance of Sister Geraldine Deininger, Sister Leanne and many others, Sister Joyce Hollkamp has assumed leadership on site for disposing of the furnishings of Regina Convent prior to demolition. She is assuring that the items are distributed in the Gospel spirit to those who can best use them. Sister Joyce has been pivotal throughout the transition, hosting, along with the sisters in her local community, the March 19th prayer service and dinner; transporting the

sisters’

personal

belongings

Marymount Congregational Home; contacting potential recipients of the convent furnishings; assuring adherence to the spirit of the congregation throughout the entire disSisters Jeanne Conzemius, Katherine Wyszynski, Mary Alice Jarosz, and Valerie Kulbacki, SSJ-TOSF Central Board

tribution process. In March and April 2002, the sisters moved out of the convent. The rest of the transition of the convent space will include demolition and landscaping of temporary green space; remodeling of the chapel entrance for future, outside use; and construction of permanent green space, additional parking, and/or an athletic field extension. The March 19th ceremony brought back so many memories. The convent was completed in 1960 for 52 sisters. Over the years, the home at Regina Convent served as a meeting place for the SSJTOSFs because the residents comprised the largest local community in the Michigan area. The General Chapter of 1968 was held at Regina Convent. Sisters recalled their being assigned to teaching at Regina High School as young sisters and living in the convent. Sister Helen Huellmantel recalled, “My first experience of being at Regina Convent was as a member of the concert prepared by our dear Sister Lucilda. That was quite an experience!” Sometimes the convent was a place of spiritual retreat. Other times it housed great parties. Every sister gathered these memories close to her heart as they prayed with Sister Shawn: “In surrendering back this sacred space which was both convent and home, we give back to you, O Spirit God, the love which brought us here and has sustained us these many years. In our passing from this place, let our footsteps be light. May we leave upon the very earth the loving memory of our presence here.”

IN THE NEWS The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis

The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis elected the congregationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership team at the 24th General Chapter of Elections held in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, March 8-10, 2002:

Sister Jeanne Conzemius Sister Mary Alice Jarosz Sister Katherine Wyszynski Sister Valerie Kulbacki This represented an enthusiastic endorsement of the leadership of these four women, all of whom will complete the previous term of office in June 2002. On the first day of the 24th General Chapter of Elections, the voting participants celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit and worked in small groups to articulate the direction they would like to see the congregation take over the next several years. Having the direction clearly in mind, the chapter participants dialogued with the candidates prior to the elections. The voting participants felt confident that their votes would help lead the congregation successfully into the new millennium. After the balloting, the chapter participants blessed the newly elected leadership and pledged their support in carrying out the commitments to the future.

IN THE NEWS (continued from page 40)

Sister Jeanne Conzemius resides in Rice Lake,

being a teacher and a principal was enhanced by six

Wisconsin. For the first ten years of her religious

years of serving as the Executive Secretary in the

life, Sister Jeanne was a teacher and organist. In

Central Offices of the congregation. Working in the

1973, she became the General and Provincial

Central Offices gave Sr. Katherine a comprehensive view

Coordinator of the Social Concerns Commis-

of the SSJ-TOSFs and prepared her for overseeing the

sion, and then became part of the Provincial Team

financial aspects of the congregation. Beginning in June

of the congregationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s St. Joseph Province in 1975.

2002, she will be the second Vice President.

Beginning in 1978, she served the La Crosse Diocese in the Peace and Justice Office for five years. For the last

Sister Valerie Kulbacki was born and

18 years, Sr. Jeanne held various leadership roles includ-

raised in Chicago, IL, baptized at

ing first Vice President, Central Board Member,

St. Mary of Perpetual Help

Development Director, and President. Sr. Jeanne was

parish in the Bridgeport area of

elected for a second term as President starting in June

Chicago.

2002 until June 2008.

She attended St.

Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grade School and also graduated from Lourdes

Sister Mary Alice Jarosz was a high school teacher and

High School, Chicago, IL. She

guidance counselor. Starting in 1986 she was elected to

entered the Sisters of St. Joseph,

the Provincial Administrative Team at Marymount

TOSF in 1960 and began her career as a teacher, both in

Congregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio. In

grade school and high school. After twelve years of

1996, Sr. Mary Alice became a member of the

teaching, she moved to parish ministry, serving as a pas-

Central Board, the leadership team of the SSJ-TOSFs,

toral associate and counselor. She remained in that

responsible for the congregations sponsored institu-

capacity at St. Mary of Gostyn parish in Downers

tions. On March 9, 2002, Sister Mary Alice was elected

Grove, IL for twelve years before she was elected to

as first vice-president of the congregation.

congregational leadership in March 2000.

She was

recently re-elected as third vice president, an office she Sister Katherine Wyszynski became a member of the Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF in 1996. Her experience of

will retain until June 2008.

IN THE NEWS

The Numbers Speak

eventeen state-of-the-art computers, a blueprint printer, a large autoCAD lab. This describes the Thomas L. Mikes Computer-Aided Design Center at Trinity High School, Garfield Heights, Ohio. Sister Lucine Mikes established the center with a generous donation of $125,000 from her nephew after whom the Center is named. Computer-aided Design 1, 2 and 3 - The course description reads:“This program consists of two years of drafting initially offered to juniors and seniors, and to sophomores on a first-come first-served basis (if places are available). The program is designed for the beginner who is interested in technical drawing because he/she wishes to pursue a career as a drafting technician, engineer, industrial designer, or architect.” Enrollment has skyrocketed. And Sister Lucine can smile with the graduates who are certified architects and the many who are in college engineering programs. For the 1981 Trinity graduate Deborah Zeils, who is now an architect, Sister Lucine was definitely a role model. “She instilled in me a confidence, but it wasn’t a feminist kind of confidence. I saw her as a woman teaching with ease in this male-dominated class.” 1946 was the year that Sister Lucine became a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. This talented woman brought her facility in math, her ability with teaching and her natural organizational skills, to meet the needs of the high school students she was teaching in Detroit, Michigan. She signed up for classes at Wayne State University and became certified to teach drafting. In 1973, when Marymount High School (later Trinity High School) went coed, Sister Lucine volunteered to start a drafting program. “That course has progressed by leaps and bounds, said 1997 graduate Tim Wilhelm, who will graduate from Kent State University’s School of Architecture this spring. “It’s amazing what those students can do. They do more than a third- or fourth-year student can do at Kent.” 52 years - That’s the number of years Sister Lucine has been teaching. The numbers speak for themselves. “I’ve done my best with what I was given,” she says,“I would like to retire while ahead of the game, while I still have my energy.” Sister Lucine, who is now 73, plans to devote some time to Siena Prints, the greeting card and framed picture venture to benefit retired sisters.

IN THE NEWS

Sister Joan Szkutnicki is Saluted

hen the Michigan Catholic did a salute to Catholic schools, it was fitting that Sister Joan Szkutnicki was featured for her work at St. Anselm school in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. She has been at the school for seven

years teaching second grade, and contributed professionally and spiritually to the life of the school. As John Palgut, principal of St.Anselm school, puts it,“We are a family. Everyone knows the talents of the other. With everyone contributing to the educational goal, we are all successful.” With that philosophy, there is flexibility and common decision making. The students get the exact help they need. For example, Sister Joan was the person who was able to help a fourth grader with extra tutoring. St.Anselm’s is a real learning community. Sister Joan fits right in.Teaching is her gift. She is the only sister on the faculty and her presence is very special to the Catholic school setting. She has been involved in teaching in schools in both Ohio and Michigan. “My father always said,‘Be sure to get a job that will make you happy, because you will have to wake up to it every morning.’ I found that job. I work with a wonderful group of children, energetic parents, and dedicated 43

teachers. I love them all and it makes each day very satisfying.” A salute, indeed.

Kimberly Mulhearn and Shannon Fox are now Candidates of the Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF. During the Reception Ceremony, Shannon and Kim were asked by Sister Mary Alice Jarosz: “Are you ready to accept, hear, study and pray the word of God with us?” As each answered “I am willing,” she was given a Bible with the words: “Receive the Word of God, the Good News of the Lord. Hear it and be faithful to it.”

he process of becoming a Sister of St. Joseph,TOSF involves several steps,

to assure that the individual has the opportunity to think seriously about the lifestyle she is choosing and to make a free and joyful commitment. The

first step of integration into the congregation is pre-candidacy, allowing the indi-

Then, Sister Mary Alice addressed them again, asking: “Are you willing to participate in the prayer life of the Church with us?”

vidual to pray and discern the life of a Sister of St. Joseph,TOSF. The next step is candidacy, when the person joins the sisters in prayer and community. During the first year of the novitiate, the novice, together with others from Franciscan communities, spends time in prayer, reflection on the Word of God, the study of

As Kim and Shannon answered “I am willing,” each was given a copy of “Prayer of Christians” with the words:

religious life, the Franciscan Rule and the Constitution of the congregation. In the second year, the novice engages in two or three apostolic experiences with sisters in the congregation. At the end of novitiate, the novice professes the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for a period of three years. During this time the newly professed sister is involved in full time ministry, professional studies or a combination of both. She also strives to integrate her spiritual, communal and ministerial life. The sister remains in temporary vows until she makes her perpetual commitment in the congregation.

“Receive the ‘Prayer of Christians.’ Pray it whenever and wherever the Church gathers for prayer.” The gathering sang the Congregation’s commitment song, “Before you, O Lord, our lives, our lives. What good a life if not found in your life, O Lord?”

From the

Dear Friends,

DEVELOPMENT

DIRECTOR

On March 1st, the retired and infirm Sisters from Immaculata and Lourdes convents gathered at Immaculata Convent in Bartlett, Illinois to receive an $8,000 Grant from

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 Web site: www.ssj-tosf.org e-mail: dev@ssj-tosf.org

SOAR.

SOAR, (Support Our Aging Religious, Inc.), is an organization that was established in 1986 by a group of concerned and committed lay people as a vehicle to address the failing financial situation facing Religious Congregations today. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to raise funds for congregations to meet immediate needs of their retired members, to educate the public about the serious retirement needs confronting elderly Sisters, Priests and Brothers, and to develop a national network of concerned individuals who wish to respond to this growing need.

Miss Carol Brown, the Chicago representative of SOAR presented the $8,000 check to our President, Sister Jeanne Conzemius to be used to upgrade the infirmary room at Lourdes Convent in Chicago, IL. A new handicapped accessible shower, toilet and electric hospital bed will soon be operational at Lourdes Convent, and we, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis are deeply grateful to SOAR and Carol Brown for this very welcome grant.

May God bless SOAR and all of our wonderful Donors! Sincerely, Sister Denise Seymour Director

Carol Brown visits Sister Renata Orzechowski in Francis Hall, Bartlett, Illinois

Sister Denise Seymour, Carol Brown, Sister Jeanne Conzemius

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your Chance to Order! How to Order Return the order form for the desired item, along with your check or money order, made out to the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF, to: Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis P.O. Box 305 Stevens Point,WI 54481

Cookbooks Please send me _____ copies of the Convent Cuisine cookbook at $15.00 per copy and $3.00 for shipping and handling per book. Enclosed is my check or money order for $_______.

Mail books to: Name ______________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State ________ Zip ___________

Photo Directory A Directory of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis in their Centennial Year, 2001-2002! Pictures of all the sisters, associates and candidates!

Please send me ______ copies of the SSJ-TOSF Photo Directory at $8.00 each plus $2.00 for shipping and handling per book. Enclosed is my check or money order for $_________. Mail the Photo Directory(ies) to:

Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: _________________ Zip: ___________

Here’s Your Chance to Order! Centennial Videotapes You can have the memories of the once-in-a-century celebration that marked the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. The Centennial Event in Stevens Point, June 29 to July 1, 2001 was an unforgettable experience. You can share the moments by ordering any or all of the following tapes:

_____ copy(ies) of “The Opening Ritual” which includes the Seven Days of Creation of the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF by Sister Josephine Marie Peplinski, 67 minutes, @ $12/tape _____ copy(ies) of “The Jubilee Liturgy” which includes the Mass of Jubilee and Sister Jeanne Conzemius’ reflection, 120 minutes, @ $12/tape _____ copy(ies) of “The Centennial Event,” an overview of the entire weekend with individual interviews of sisters and associates who attended, 60 minutes, @ $12/tape _____ copy(ies) of “Focusing on the Future” by Sister Nancy Schreck, OSF, Keynote Speaker, 96 minutes, @ $12/tape _____ copy(ies) of “Historical Film,” footage taken by Sister Mary Cherubim of the early days of the congregation, video played in connection with the Archival Display, @ $12/tape

Please add $3.00 for postage and handling. Please make your check payable to the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF.

I am ordering _______ tapes x $12 = ____________ plus $3.00 postage and handling TOTAL

$3.00 ____________

Name ______________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State ________ Zip ___________

Sister Marise Zielinski

Sister Theodorette Sypniewski

Sister Euphebia Kozlowski

Born into this life: February 12, 1935 Born to eternal life: December 2, 2001

Born into this life: January 10, 1910 Born to eternal life: December 8, 2001

Born into this life: May 26, 1918 Born to eternal life: December 21, 2001

Sister Erasmus Basinski

Sister Madeleine Adamczyk

Sister Matthew Kathleen Blaney

Born into this life: October 15, 1905 Born to eternal life: December 28, 2001

Born into this life: January 6, 1914 Born to eternal life: December 26, 2001

Born into this life: June 6, 1934 Born to eternal life: December 30, 2001

Sister Lucy Sliwinski

Sister Gertrude Dudzinski

Sister Cornelia Molenda

Born into this life: March 4, 1919 Born to eternal life: January 5, 2002

Born into this life: March 13, 1911 Born to eternal life: January 17, 2002

Born into this life: February 25, 1924 Born to eternal life: April 4, 2002

Sister Ethelreda Zalewski

Sister Helen Mary Maroun

Born into this life: April 6, 1922 Born to eternal life: March 26, 2002

Born into this life: March 1, 1930 Born to eternal life: April 11, 2002

ince 1956, Regina High School has challenged young women to achieve academic

excellence in the Catholic tradition. The Regina Class of 2002 is proud of Erin Blair, Kristin Budde, Lauren Cetnar, Patricia Mackin, and Heather Oswald named as NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS!

Congratulations also to Rebecca Kyritses, Semifinalist and Kenicia Adams Achievement

Regina High School is a Ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Third Order of Saint Francis

Scholarship Semifinalist! Sr. Mary Leanne, Principal Sr. Mary Hyacinth, Assistant Principal

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHICAGO, IL PERMIT #5504

Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF Development Office P.O. Box 388129 Chicago, Illinois 60638-8129 www.ssj-tosf.org

Address Service Requested