june communigram 2017 - franciscan sisters
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VOLUME 51 ISSUE 6 Page 1
St. Joseph Hillside Villa Groundbreaking Pictured l to r: Monsignor Mel Wiese, Sister Thelma Wiese, Larry Kampschneider, Mark Schlick-
bernd (Building General Manager), Andy Fuston, Jerry Wordekemper, Marlene Johnson, Tom Zuk
(Architect for the building), and Dan McGinty
West Point, Nebraska—May 9, 2017 was the groundbreaking ceremony for the
new St. Joseph Hillside. This new 54-bed skilled nursing home will be an asset
for the people of West Point and the surrounding communities.
Andy Fuston, Administrator of St. Joseph’s Retirement Community welcomed
everyone to the 4:00 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony. Monsignor Mel Wiese
opened this important event with a prayer. Other dignitaries included Jerry
Wordekemper, CEO of Franciscan Care Services; Mike McGinty, President of
the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sponsored Ministries; Larry
Kampschneider, Chairman of the Fund drive; and Mayor Marlene Johnson.
Special recognition was given to Sister Laura Wolf, the former President of the
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sponsored Ministries who made the ad-
dition of a nursing home to the Franciscan Care Services one of her goals.
There were seven Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity present for this
groundbreaking ceremony including: Sisters Laura Wolf, Thelma Wiese
(representing Sister Natalie Binversie), Charles Ann Champeau, Joy Rose, Bar-
bara Mathe, Elizabeth Ann Miller, and Sister Elizabeth Benvie. Submitted by Sister Elizabeth Benvie
CUSTOM SOLUTIONS
Robert A. Fale of Fond du Lac
has been named interim presi-
dent of Silver Lake College. He
started May 22 allowing for a
transition period before Dr.
Chris E. Domes leaves for the
presidency of Neumann Univer-
sity in Aston, Pennsylvania.
Communigram Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity
Volume 51 Issue 6 June 2017
Silver Lake College Silver Lake College Silver Lake College Names Interim Names Interim Names Interim President President President
Page 2 COMMUNIGRAM
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Char-ity and Cistercian Nuns collaborated for a recent Discernment of Spirits Retreat. Twelve young women re-sponded to the invitation to learn more about St. Ignatius’ discern-ment process. Franciscan Sister Jacqueline Spaniola facilitated the retreat.
We share some feedback from two questions asked at the end of the day-long silent retreat held at Valley of Our Lady, Prairie du Sac, Wis-consin. We hope the young wom-en’s responses, ages 18-33, may en-courage others to consider this op-portunity.
What touched your heart during this discernment day?
♦ I appreciated the information of objectively being aware of thoughts and feelings over the course of a greater time and how to use this in discernment in life.
♦ I appreciated interacting with and being around all the Sisters and praying with them (Sekt and None).
♦ Being in community during prayer time (listening to the Sis-ters chant).
♦ Learning that God desires good for us and that confusion, dis-couragement and depression come from evil spirits influence, not good spirits. And I need to pray more.
♦ The opportunity to just spend time with Sisters-that isn’t some-thing that happens in my parish. Few female role models in the local Church.
♦ I was touched by the Sisters’ generosity, sense of humor and joy. These handouts and ekercis-es were also deeply insightful, and I hope to be able to share them in some form with the
youth I serve as a youth minis-ter.
What part of the day did you find the most helpful?
♦ I really appreciated having am-ple opportunity for silence, pro-cessing, and journaling.
♦ Listening to the talks. It was all very organized and informative. By Sister Julie Ann Sheahan
Discernment Retreat Collaboration
Also, on May 13 a Silent Discernment of Spirits Retreat with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and Carmelite Nuns from Holy Cross Monastery Iron Mountain, MI welcomed 10 young women.
Tenth Class of NaPro Surgeons Graduate Drs. Teresa Hilgers and Neil Sink, the tenth class of NaPro Surgeons, will complete
their surgical fellowship at the Pope Paul VI Institute on July 28th and will officially
graduate on July 24th. They join the ranks of the other twenty previously trained
NaPro Surgeons in setting up NaPro Clinics throughout the United States. Dr. Te-
resa Hilgers will be joining her Dad, Dr. Thomas Hilgers, at the Pope Paul VI Insti-
tute Clinic in Omaha; Dr. Sink will join the NaPro Clinic in South Bend, Indiana.
During their fellowship, I have had the privilege of teaching Hilgers & Sink a sik
month ethics seminar under the threefold heading of John Paul II's Love & Re-
sponsibility, Theology of the Body and specific OB/Gyn ethics issues. What a joy:
Wonderful classes; great discussions. I will be happy to associate with Dr. Teresa in
the upcoming years and will miss Dr. Neil and his wife and two children. But, as is
true of all temporal things, they must come to an end . . . Now we are preparing to
welcome the nekt class of fellows at the end of July. Submitted by Sister Renée Mirkes
VOLUME 51 ISSUE 6 Page 3
Having few ekams during finals week
can allow for some fun adventures.
Sister Karen Suhr organized a mini
pilgrimage to St. Thomas the Apostle
parish in Newton, Wisconsin with
Sister Lois Risch, Sister Clarita Ryan,
and Sister Alice Marie Hickok. I was
glad to tag along as a chauffeur and
travel buddy. St. Thomas the Apostle
recently celebrated three years of be-
ing a parish. The church was built to
combine four area parishes. Sister
Marlita Henseler, St. Thomas the
Apostle Pastoral Leader, was ek-
tremely helpful in pointing out unique
aspects about the church. The mini
pilgrimage ended with ice cream sun-
daes and a visit to our own Lourdes
Grotto. It was truly a blessed day for
all. Submitted by Postulant Megan Kugel
Mini Pilgrimage to Newton
A Million Thanks May Activity
Manitowoc, Wisconsin—May is National Military Apprecia-
tion Month. Sisters from our community gathered in the
cafeteria on Friday, May 5th to write messages of thanks
to our Service Members.
The organization A Million Thanks.org distributes letters to
Service Members whether they are Veterans, injured indi-
viduals in a hospital, recuperating, serving locally, or
abroad.
St. Rita’s Activity Department hosted the activity and Lisa
took the letters to the local drop off center located in
Sheboygan. Our hopes are that the letters will reach our
Service Members by Memorial Day. The Sisters liked the
activity so much that they said they would like to do it
every year.
Submitted by St. Rita Heath Center Activity Staff
Sister Myra Jean Sweigart re-
flected on Mary, the Mother of God in the Acts of the Apostles
at a recent event at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, Champi-on, Wisconsin. The evening of prayer was sponsored by the Sis-ters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross and Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Community members served as leader, reader, ministers of hospitality, and music.
Sisters in the for-
ward photo l to r:
Sisters Rose Ulmen, Annette Blonde, and Barbara Belinske.
Pictured in the back photos l to r: Sisters Mary Lee Schommer,
Marion Gillis, Maria Casetta, Miriam Dosch, Francine Goodman,
Alice Marie Hickok, Kathlyn Vanness, and Johanna Kalscheur.
Page 4 COMMUNIGRAM
Manitowoc, Wisconsin—Many people enjoy birds at their backyard feeders all year but May
brings even more special birds. It is migration time so these birds are seen only passing
through on their way to the area in which they raise their young. One of the migrants is
shown on the left—a Rose-breasted Grosbeak at the feeder at St. Francis Convent.
Birders like Sisters Deborah Shepeck, Shirley Spilker, and Ver-
na Osterhout go out into nature where they find birds that
aren’t seed eaters so never appear at a feeder. Sister Verna
started this seriously with her Nature Clubs at Roncalli, Xavier,
and Bishop Amat (California) high schools. During the early
70’s, while teaching at Roncalli, the science department re-
ceived an invite to join a survey of Wisconsin Breeding birds.
Sister Verna and a fellow birder, Margaret Hallisy, joined and did this survey every June
for the nekt 37 years. Sister Shirley joined them in 1985. Jim Knickelbine, present Direc-
tor of Woodland Dunes, got his start in birding while in Sister Verna’s Nature Club at Roncalli and later joined in this
survey. The survey was done by identifying the birds by sight or by bird calls. These birders carried out this survey in
several places: Point Beach, Vanderbloomen Bog, Maribel Caves, and Moonlight Bay in
Door County.
This year during Holy Week Sisters Shirley and Verna spotted a Bald Eagle in a tree on the
south side of Silver Lake. The white head stood out in the trees. This was a special thrill as
eagles aren’t often seen. It even stayed long enough to show other Sisters who were walking
by.
Enjoying God’s Creation in Wisconsin
Often in the middle of May—migration time, we walk the trails at Point Beach to see what have been nicknamed, God’s
Flying Flowers because of their brilliant colors. They are tiny warblers that don’t eat seeds so don’t appear at home feed-
ers. Most people don’t even know they ekist. Warblers are so attractive that seeing or, even hearing one brings special
joy. They usually prefer the tops of trees so binoculars are essential.
Shown here left to right are the Yellow, Blackburnian, Cape May, and
Chestnut-sided Warblers.
Wildflowers, such as this hepatica and marsh marigold, are usually an add-
ed enjoyment. Thus birders can enjoy the sun’s rays through the tall trees,
the cool breezes, and comradery and enjoying God’s creation together. Submitted by Sister Shirley Spilker and Sister Verna Osterhout
Sisters Deborah, Shirley, and
Verna at Point Beach, Two
Rivers.
“My brother birds, you should greatly praise your Creator, and love Him always. He gave you feathers
to wear, wings to fly, and whatever you need. God made you noble among His creatures . . . though you
neither sow nor reap.” ― St. Francis of Assisi
VOLUME 51 ISSUE 6 Page 5
Pictures Tell the Story
Above photo―The Community thanked Dr. Chris and Mary Domes for the blessing they have been for Silver Lake College over the last four years with a Mass offered for them and an invitation to dinner at the Mother-house on May 28. Left photo―Left to right, Sisters: Pamela Catherine Peasel, Carol Mathe, Hannah Johnecheck, Martha Mary Carpenter, Thereselle Arru-da, Barbara Jean Butler, and Maria Goretti Scandaliato from St. Peter Indian Mission, Bapchule, Arizona at the 29th Annual Crozier Gala.
Left to right: Sister Adrianna Schouten and Sister Natalie Binversie appreciated their time at the IFC-TOR General Assembly in Assisi
Kekaha, Hawaii—May 7 was set aside to honor many different events at St. Theresa Parish. It was First Communion and Confirmation. Sister Michael
Ann O’Donnell’s long hours of meetings and preparations paid off. Twelve 2nd grade children made their First Communion and seven adults were con-
firmed. Submitted by Sister Mary Ann Tupy
Two Vietnamese Sisters Trang Nguyen (far left) and Mai Nguyen (far right)
visited their Sisters living at the Motherhouse l to r: Sisters Hue Dang,
Huong Nguyen, Natalie Binversie, Thi Nhu Le, and Tuyen Ngoc Le.
Page 6 COMMUNIGRAM
Cambridge Parish and School Cambridge Parish and School Cambridge Parish and School Say Goodbye to Two SistersSay Goodbye to Two SistersSay Goodbye to Two Sisters
Cambridge, Ohio— Saint Bene-
dict's School students: grades K
through 8, held their Talent
Show in the school gym on May
11. There were twenty-nine en-
tries submitted and led by Sister
Carol Juckem, Music teacher. A
variety of musical talents in-
volved bells, recorders, violin,
flute, guitar, piano, song, dance,
and gymnastics.
Submitted by Sister Sharon Paul
Photos by Wes Jones
Sister Bernadone Fagan enjoyed her 90th birthday
party at Chiara Convent with family and friends.
Talent Show at St. Benedict’sTalent Show at St. Benedict’sTalent Show at St. Benedict’s
Pictures Tell the Story
Cambridge, Ohio—A reception
was held at St. Benedict's gym
after the 5:00 P.M. Mass on
May 20, 2017 to say "Thank
you" and "Goodbye" to left to
right: Sister Carolee Vanness
and Sister Anna Maar.
Barbara Denniston and Teri
Fitch who each served 35 years
at St. Benedict's School were
also honored.
Submitted by Sister Sharon Paul
Eleven Sister Jubilarians living at Holy Family Convent were honored with a Community Mass and a
served dinner on May 7th. Starting left and going around the table Sisters: Ann Chepkurui Francis,
Marlene Schwaller, Cabrini Schmidt, Marsaia Kaster, Daniel Wolf, Donalise Popelka, Frances Ann
Longo, Kay Warning, Carol Diederich, Laura Wolf, and Kathlyn Vanness.
May 23 - May Crowning at the Motherhouse. Postu-
lant Colleen Demro crowned the statue of Mary. Pos-
tulants Megan Kugel (center) and Tricia Oswald
(right) did the readings from scripture. Sister Catherine
Glim (seated) carried the crown.
VOLUME 51 ISSUE 6 Page 7
Spring Music Program at Guardian Angels
Franciscan Sisters Walk to Mary
Sister Tuyen Ngoc Le, earned
her Bachelor of Arts Degree in
Psychology form Silver Lake
College on May 6th. She gradu-
ated Summa Cum Laude.
West Point, Nebraska—The kindergarten-third grade students and the Hand-
chimes Choir from Guardian Angels Central Catholic School performed a Spring
Music Program on May 10th at 2 p.m.
Some of the Handchimes members dressed differently—they were celebrating
Pioneer Day as a class. Sister Elizabeth Benvie taught the fourth grade students
how to square dance as a part of their special event
Submitted by Sister Elizabeth Benvie
With 1000 other pilgrims, Sister Jane Kinate,
Sister Julie Ann Sheahan, and Sister Elaine
Turba recently completed the Shrine of Our
Lady of Good Help Walk to Mary.
It was a Franciscan Sister relay: Sister Jane
and Sister Julie Ann walked the first 14 miles
after parking their car at Sister Jane’s brother
Jim’s home a few blocks from the starting
point at St. Norbert College. After an open-
ing prayer and a stop at the site of the Shrine
of St. Joseph, they began the walk through
the streets of De Pere and Green Bay.
Some time after noon they met Sister Elaine for a
healthy lunch at Holy Cross School. It was soon time for
Sister Elaine to board the bus to
be transported across Highway
57 and continue the journey.
Meanwhile, Sister Jane and Sister
Julie Ann used the time to pick
up the car in De Pere so to be
ready with two cars to meet Sis-
ter Elaine at the end of the walk.
They made a prayer stop at St.
Mary Ledgeview, the home par-
ish of Postulant Colleen Demro.
It was a blessing to meet family
and friends of our Sisters before heading home to Mani-
towoc. Everyone cheered as the smaller statue of Mary
arrived home to the Shrine. By Sister Julie Ann Sheahan
Pictured with Sister Tuyen l to r: Sisters
Theresa Feldkamp, Anne Turba. Laura
Wolf, Myra Jean Sweigart, and Donalise
Popelka. Photo provided by Sister Thi Le
Sisters Julie Ann, Elaine and Jane on
the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help
Walk to Mary.
Silver Lake College photo
Page 8 COMMUNIGRAM
Let us pray for the deceased
SISTER ANNE
BROCHTRUP
Born: May 21, 1925
Died at Holy Family Convent
May 4, 2017
Religious Profession of Vows
August 15, 1943
Let us pray for the deceased
SISTER MALACHY
DONNELLY
Born: December31, 1923
Died at Holy Family Convent
May 25, 2017
Religious Profession of Vows
August 15, 1942
Let us pray for the deceased
SISTER ROSELANI
GOMES
Born: March 21, 1927
Died at Holy Family Convent
May 26, 2017
Religious Profession of Vows
August 15, 1950
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