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FootprintsSummer2014_Layout_1-1
Footprints Footprints Published quarterly, Footprints reflects the mission, spirit, and values of the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, Iowa. Mount St. Francis 3390 Windsor Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Phone: 563.583.9786 Fax: 563.583.3250 Web site: www.osfdbq.org Writer/Editor/Designer: Jessi Russo Proofreader: Ella Groetken, OSF Footprints Summer 2014 Volume 48 Number 2 Contents 4 New Leadership Team Installed The sisters began a six-year term on June 1, 2014. 5 Sisters’ Speeches Featured in New Book LCWR publishes Sr. Nancy Schreck’s and Sr. Pat Farrell’s LCWR presidential addresses. Communication Advisory Board: Sisters Carol Hoverman, Eileen Miller, Maureen Smith, Michelle Balek, Mary Jane Koenigs, and Mary Lechtenberg 6 150 Years of the Dubuque Franciscans! Sisters of St. Francis celebrate 150 years since their founding. 8 Local Parish Contributes to Sister Water Our Sister Water Project was their Lenten almsgiving. 10 Congregation Receives New Novice Welcome Sister Reyna Badillo! Cover Photo 12 Chapter 2014 Read about the congregation’s General Chapter held June 24-28. 14 “Earth As Our Home” Catholic Sisters for a Healthy Earth release new booklet. 15 Letter of Instruction Thoughts and information from the Development Office. Photo by Sr. Phyllis Manternach, OSF 18 New Display at Archdiocese’s Offices “Women and Spirit” panels find permanent home. 19 Jubilee 2014 Our sisters celebrated 50, 60, 70 years of religious life in June. A message from Our Mission R Rooted in the Gospel and in the spirit of Sts. Francis and Clare, the Sisters of St. Francis live in right relationship with all creation. Leadership ecently I was reading a book by Rachel Naomi Remen titled “My Grandfather’s Blessings.” She shares that, “according to the Kabbalah (Jewish wisdom), at some point in the beginning of things, the Holy was broken up into countless sparks, which were scattered throughout the universe. There is a god spark in everyone and in everything, a sort of diaspora of goodness.” She suggests that with each meeting of the Holy we should pray a blessing as “an acknowledgement that holiness has been met in the midst of ordinary life.” Given our logo – and all the ways we have been blessed as a congregation – “Tree of Blessings” was most appropriately chosen as the theme of our 150th Anniversary celebrations. Six banners grace our corridors, highlighting all the ways we have known blessings in our ministries. These banners list the great number of services in which we’ve been involved: • Education – 26 areas from author to university • Social Outreach – 19 areas from care of orphans to social workers • Spirituality – 28 from artist to youth minister • Health Care – 28 areas from anesthetist to X-ray tech • Congregational service – 21 areas from archivist to vocations • International – ministries in 14 countries – from China to Zimbabwe The timeline pictured on page seven is a terrific work showing both significant events in the congregation and the world over the past 150 years. We are inspired and humbled by all that has gone before us. But we are not just looking back. Believing in a, “God who calls us forward,” this issue of Footprints celebrates a number of ways in which we are focused on the future. A key blessing for us is our new membership. We have welcomed Sister Reyna as a new novice and received first vows from Sister Erika in Honduras. We also have a new candidate in Honduras. Focus 2014 - 2020: In our personal, communal and public life, we commit to ongoing conversion as we: deepen our relationship with Mother Earth and Sister Water stand with persons who are poor make peace and practice nonviolence. This is who we are; this is what the global community can expect of us. Leadership Team Sister Cathy (Kate) Katoski president Sister Marie Cigrand vice president Sister Mary Lechtenberg vice president Sister Kathy Knipper vice president At our June Chapter our membership recommitted to continue to focus activity in three areas dear to our hearts: • Deepen our relationship with Mother Earth and Sister Water, • Stand with persons who are poor, • Make peace and practice non-violence. We hope that many of you can join us as we celebrate our 150th anniversary at a public event at Loras College, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5. Blessings! – Sr. Cathy (Kate) Katoski, OSF Footprints 3 The outgoing Leadership Team (right) blesses Srs. Kate Katoski, Kathy Knipper, Marie Cigrand and Mary Lechtenberg at the installation ceremony on June 1. New Leadership Team Installed by Jessi Russo T he Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Francis began their term June 1, 2014, following an installation ceremony. Election of the team was held in December 2013 at Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque. The new team includes Sister Cathy (Kate) Katoski, president, and Sisters Kathy Knipper, Marie Cigrand, and Mary Lechtenberg, vice-presidents. In her reflection, Sister Shell Balek expressed her gratitude to the outgoing Leadership Team. “Thank you to each of you. Not only for your years of superb service to us, and to the world, but more importantly for who you are and how you have walked with us these past six years.” Then she addressed the new Leadership Team: “Welcome and thank you to each of you: Kate, Kathy, Marie, and Mary. Especially for your YES – even when you don’t have a clue how things will unfold. But we are in it together and we trust that the Spirit, with her gift of wisdom, is present here to guide you, to guide us all.” After Sister Shell’s reflection, each member of the new team addressed this question from the congregation: “How can we support you in your roles of love and service to us and to God’s church?” from the congregation. • “By speaking your piece of the truth from your experiences, and listening to the piece of the truth that your sisters hold; by recognizing that you yourself, and each member, have a role to play in leading the mission of the congregation; And by your own openness to risk what is necessary to follow the God who calls us forward.” Sister Kate Katoski • “For me, your love and support will be evident in actions, choices, attitudes, and words. Continued on next page 4 Footprints Sr. Carol Besch (right) with new vice president Sr. Mary Lechtenberg. Realizing that we are pilgrims and prophets, I trust we will: love radically like Francis and Clare, especially the lonely, poor, and outcasts; imagine pathways to welcome all to our church; dialogue inter-culturally and accompany immigrants; and move beyond comfort and stretch ourselves to new, unexpected physical places and spiritual spaces.” Sister Kathy Knipper • “First of all, I ask for your continued prayer and support. I ask for your patience and understanding. I ask your willingness to share leadership with us: Be a leader in your ministry, your volunteer endeavors, and in congregational roles. Be open to discernment. I ask you to keep your focus on our mission – the why of our existence - and to share our Franciscan charism whenever and wherever possible. I ask you to deepen and broaden your commitment to Mother Earth and Sister Water, in standing with those who are poor, and in making peace and practicing non-violence.” Sister Marie Cigrand • “To continue to become your best self…to continue to become your best FRANCISCAN self…to live and walk in generosity in imitation of Christ…and to walk in the footprints of Mother Xavier and all of our Dubuque Franciscan foremothers, especially in this 150th year of our founding and beyond.” Sister Mary Lechtenberg The Leadership Team’s term runs through 2020. Sisters’ Speeches Featured in New Book Spiritual Leadership for Challenging Times is a book of 10 addresses delivered over the years by the presidents of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), a national organization of the leaders of orders of Catholic sisters in the U.S. Of the addresses included, two were delivered by Dubuque Franciscans: Sisters Pat Farrell and Nancy Schreck. American Catholics discovered LCWR in April of 2012, when the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) announced that, after a 4-year assessment, the LCWR—whose members represent 80% of the Catholic sisters in the United States—and its pastoral and doctrinal situation presented “a matter of serious concern.” The international storm that followed included a “60 Minutes” segment as well as tens of thousands of communications to and about LCWR. Many American Catholics expressed support, finding it difficult to square the CDF’s conclusions with their experience of the sisters as teachers, healers, and role models. Indeed the hunger for the type of leadership the LCWR demonstrates was one of the reasons behind the decision to publish the book Spiritual Leadership for Challenging Times. The talks included in Spiritual Leadership for Challenging Times are extraordinary in a number of ways: presenting the challenges as well as the joys of leadership, and discerning the meaning and living the reality of religious life on the cusp of two millennia--including the seismic shift from a pre-Vatican II to a post-Vatican II understanding of faith and its impact for Catholics both lay and religious. Prefacing each address is a brief summary of the key events that significantly impacted the World and the Catholic Church at the time the address was delivered at the organization’s annual assembly. The addresses speak to the challenges these events posed to leaders at that time, as well as to the call to exercise leadership that was pastoral, discerning, and at times, exceptionally courageous. To order the book, visit http://www.orbisbooks.com/spiritualleadership-for-challeging-times.html, or call Orbis Books at 1-800-258-5838, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST. Footprints 5 Sisters at a prayer service on June 8 raise their arms in thanksgiving toward the boat that represents the one foundress Mother Xavier Termehr used to travel from Germany to America. SISTERS BEGIN “150 DAYS OF CELEBRATION” IN HONOR OF 150TH ANNIVESARY O n June 8, the Sisters of St. Francis began “150 Days of Celebration” in honor of the 150th anniversary of their founding. The Dubuque Franciscans’ roots are in Herford, Germany, where foundress Mother Xavier Termehr, cared for orphans and nursed the sick. Other young women asked to join her in this work and the congregation was founded on November 4, 1864. Political changes resulted in the passage of laws in 1875, which called for religious communities to either disband or go into exile. The entire community of 18 professed sisters, seven novices, and four postulants chose to exile to Iowa City, Iowa, where they opened the first Catholic orphanage in the state. Dubuque Archbishop Hennessy requested that the congregation move to Dubuque to open and staff an orphanage. They arrived in Dubuque in December 1878. During the 150 days from June 8, 2014, to November 4, 2014, the sisters will celebrate in variety of ways: • By reflecting on 150 events from their history that have been complied into a new book. Each day features a reflection about a moment in Dubuque Franciscan history written by sisters and associates.; Continued on next page Our reflection book. 6 Footprints • By visiting parishes in July, August, and September where they have served; • By visiting and praying at every gravesite of all the deceased Dubuque Franciscan sisters. In June, the sisters took turns visiting each grave to pray this special prayer: “In the name of Jesus and of Sr. Mary Kenneth Hemann prays at the grave of one his Church, of the Dubuque Franciscan sisters. we gather in the spirit of our foremothers, the Sisters of St. Francis, who rest in peace in this holy ground. We believe that all the ties of friendship and affection which knit us together in life do not unravel with death. We are confident that God remembers the good they have done. Thank you Sister, for being such an important part of our 150 years in ‘desiring to put forward your best effort to that portion of God’s children who were unprovided for.’ (Mother Xavier) Blessed are you who have died in the Lord; may you rest from your labors, for your good deeds have gone with you. Sister, may you rest in peace.”; The timeline displayed at Clare House. • By compiling and displaying a timeline of the history of the congregation in relation to the world’s history. This is currently displayed in the lower level of Clare House at Mount St. Francis; • By hosting a presentation by Rev. Udo Tielking from Herford, Germany, on Saturday, October 4, at 2:00 p.m. at Clare House; • And by gathering for a public celebration from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, October 5, 2014, at Loras College. The sisters also invite the public to celebrate their 150 years of prayer and service by pledging to serve others. Pledge forms are available at http://www.osfdbq.org/celebrations.php. You can commit to any type of service for 150 hours, 150 minutes, or even 10 acts of service for 15 minutes from June 8, 2014, to November 4, 2014. Congregation Receives ‘Spirit of St. Francis’ Award T he Sisters of Saint Francis were this year’s recipients of Briar Cliff University’s Spirit of Saint Francis Award. Established in 2006, this award honors those exemplifying the Franciscan spirit of service, caring and openness to all through contributions to society and by leading a valuescentered life. The award was presented at Briar Cliff’s commencement on Saturday, May 17, at the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City. Among the Sisters of Saint Francis’ many local accomplishments in Sioux City are the founding of Briar Cliff; St. Anthony’s Home, an orphanage; Villa Maria, which provided social service to the community with the guidance of Catholic Charities; Clare House, which assists women in their transition out of prison; providing education at Sacred Heart in Riverside, Saint Michael’s Catholic School in Leeds; and Bishop Heelan Catholic High School; President of Briar Cliff University Beverly Wharton (left) presents the Spirit of St. Francis Award to Sisters Nancy Schreck and Margaret Wick. Photo courtesy of Briar Cliff University. and serving at Mercy Hospital, Sioux City. Footprints 7 The jugs and cup that parishoners at St. Elizabeth’s pastorate used to fill with money during their Lenten almsgiving. Photo courtesy of Brian Gilligan. Local Parish Contributes to Sister Water by Dan Russo of The Witness The people of St. Elizabeth Pastorate dug deep into their jingling pockets for the Dubuque Franciscans’ Sister Water Project, raising about $15,975 as a Lenten almsgiving effort. The families of St. John in Placid, Iowa, St. Clement in Bankston, Iowa, St. Patrick in Epworth, Iowa, St. Joseph in Farley, Iowa, and St. John the Baptist in Peosta, Iowa, joined forces to exceed their original goal of $10,000 by bringing spare change to weekly Masses from Palm Sunday through Easter. School children at Seton Catholic Schools also got into the act, coming up with several creative fundraisers and engaging in personal sacrifices to help the less fortunate. The money is going to be used to create an endowment fund for the charity for the first time with the help of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. “I was really happy,” said Father John Haugen, sacramental priest for the pastorate, about the 8 Footprints success. “I think one part of (the reason we could do this) is that in this area people are aware of how important water is.” The pastorate’s members come from farming communities that are tied to the land. The effort began at a time when a bitterly cold winter further reminded people of the power of nature. “We launched this right after many people in the area were supposed to have their water running to keep their pipes from freezing and now we were trying to raise money for people who don’t have water.” The Sister Water Project began in 2004. The charity builds wells in Honduras and Tanzania that provide clean, safe drinking water. Since its inception, the organization has raised over $500,000 and done more than 60 projects. The idea that young people their age in other countries don’t have viable water energized many of the students at Seton Catholic Schools. One second Continued on next page grader, for example, was motivated to give his own personal piggy bank savings of about $80. A group of middle school students organized a dodge ball tournament as a fundraiser. There were many other surprising group and individual actions among the students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade that led to a combined total donation of about $1,500 from both schools. “Our students and our families really embraced the water project and went above and beyond to make the project successful,” said Seton principal Mary Smock. Brian Gilligan, part of the Sister Water organizing committee, is the member of the St. Elizabeth Pastorate who came up with the idea for the Lenten project. He used his own money to make about 2,500 plastic cups with the charity’s logo on them. People would bring the cups filled with change to Mass and pour the coins into water jugs near the entrances of the five churches. Gilligan was overwhelmed when he found out the final donation tally exceeded expectations by so much. “We were absolutely floored,” he said. “That money that people gave and raised will never be spent. We will use the interest.” The endowment being created, which will grow through investments, will allow the charity to spend funds on promotional materials, construction equipment and other items that are not directly related to individual well projects. Gilligan thanked the families of the St. Elizabeth Pastorate and also acknowledged philanthropist Jim Theisen of Dubuque who gave a gift of $2,500. Sister Water Committee Members Visit Africa Sheri Hosek and Brian Gilligan (back right corner) celebrate with villagers at the site of water pump in Morogoro, Tanzania, Africa. Sister Water Committee Members Brian Gilligan and Sheri Hosek traveled to Tanzania, Africa, May 31, to June 13. Their mission was to accompany Sister Water Project partners from Safe Water for Life and Dignity in Tanzania as they built five wells the Sister Water Project funded in the villages surrounding Morogoro. “The people have been so welcoming,” said Brian in an e-mail after arriving in Tanzania. “It is like we are some very important guests and the whole village comes out to greet us. I have seen the height of human spirit. It’s hard to imagine how people with nothing are so happy and content. It makes me ponder my life and count my abundant blessings.” One of the wells that Brian and Sheri visited was the first Sister Water well, which was installed eight years ago. “It still works and the villagers testified for us through an interpreter how the health has improved since,” said Brian. Brian and Sheri were moved while witnessing the installation of a water pump in Morogoro, Tanzania. “The villagers greeted us with their patented high-pitched voice trilling,” wrote Sheri. “After words of gratitude were exchanged, the community broke out in a common festive song, and we joined in as best we could. The women had buckets already lined up along the pump’s perimeter when we arrived, and as soon as the water began flowing from it, one woman grabbed a bucket, put it under the spigot and took a nice long drink from it.” Brian and Sheri joined in the celebration with the villagers and were offered gifts of bananas and melons. When Brian and Sheri departed, the villagers, “sang us out, and we left with full hearts and good energy. It was the epitome of our trip,” said Sheri. For Brian and Sheri the trip was not only educational but life changing. “We have learned much about Safe Water for Life and Dignity and the inner workings of the group and the people,” said Brian. “The trip has been invaluable for that reason alone, but to witness the need and the help thus far given is off the charts. The things I have seen I will never forget.” Footprints 9 Sisters Receive New Novice by Jessi Russo O n Thursday, June 26, the Sisters of St. Francis received Reyna Badillo, of Dubuque, as a novice at Mount St. Francis. During the ceremony, she was officially named Sister Reyna and received the rule, constitutions, and directives of the congregation. Sister Reyna was asked by Sister Cathy (Kate) Katoski, president, what she needs from the congregation. She replied, “Drawn by God’s love and mercy, I have come here to learn your way of life. I ask you to teach me to live in poverty, obedience and celibacy; to persevere in prayer and penance; to be of service to the Church and to all the people; to be one with you in heart and mind; and to live out the Gospel every day of my life. Teach me your rule and help me to learn to love as Jesus commanded us.” During the ceremony Sister Pat Doody, candidacy director, and the members of the community where Sister Reyna has lived expressed their support for Sister Reyna’s reception: “We have walked with you and know of your hopes, dreams and desires to grow as a member of this Franciscan congregation. We support your request to begin this 10 Footprints novitiate year and rejoice with you.” “I am privileged to walk with this gifted and generous woman,” said Sister Pat. “Her decision to continue discernment of her call to religious life is an act of courage and faith.” When Sister Kate presented Sister Reyna to the Franciscan community, the chapel erupted in applause. “We are all inspired by the faith and trust that Reyna has placed in our congregation and in God who calls her forward into community and ministry,” said Sister Kate. Sister Reyna’s ministry while living with the Dubuque Franciscans was serving as a secretary with the Asociacion de Religiosas Hispanas. In late August, Sister Reyna will begin a ninemonth study program at the Common Franciscan Novitiate in St. Louis. This program will involve time for prayer, study, ministry, and community life. Major areas of study focus on the history and charism of the Franciscan tradition and an understanding of vows and religious life. Above photo: Sister Gwen Hennessey (left) congratulates Sister Reyna after her reception ceremony on June 26 at Mount St. Francis. Sr. Pat Farrell (left) presents Sr. Erika Calderón Cruz with a San Damiano cross at her first vows ceremony in Gracias, Lempira, Honduras. Sr. Erika Professes First Vows by Jessi Russo ister Erika Calderón Cruz professed her first vows as a Dubuque Franciscan Sister on S Saturday, February 8, in San Marcos Church in Gracias, Lempira, Honduras. Sisters Nancy Schreck and Pat Farrell participated in the celebration of vows with Sister Erika in Honduras. “This love of God expressed in service, which responds to the deep questions of my heart, has led me to deepen my decision through personal and community prayer,” said Sister Erika during the ceremony. “I wish to embrace and continue this spiritual journey, living in relationship with the word of God.” The daughter of Gabriel and Marta Calderón Cruz, Sister Erika is a native of Pinal, San José, Honduras. She was received into the congregation as a candidate in 2010. She made contact with the Sisters of St. Francis community after meeting Sisters Nancy Meyerhofer, and Brenda Whetstone, who have been ministering in Honduras since 2005. As a candidate, Sister Erika was involved with the youth group and the music ministry of San Marcos parish. In December 2011, she was received into the congregation as a novice. In 2012 and 2013, she attended the inter-congregational Franciscan --Sr. Erika Calderón Cruz novitiate course in Lima, Peru, studying scripture, religious life, theology, Franciscan traditions. “Erika is a beautiful, deeply spiritual young woman,” said Sister Nancy Schreck. “I have witnessed her desire to be of service especially among people who are poor.” Sister Erika continues her ministry with San Marcos as a Eucharistic minister to the homebound and sharing her gift of music with the church. “I am discovering that I really maintain the beautiful desire to continue to do God’s will through the mission the sisters are developing in Honduras,” said Sister Erika. Footprints 11 Graphic Recorder Martha McGuinness listens to the sisters’ discussions at Chapter and captures the ideas in colorful words and images. Chapter 2014 by Sr. Marie Cigrand, OSF O n Tuesday afternoon, June 24, 106 Dubuque Franciscans assembled at Mount St. Francis to begin the Chapter of Affairs. Sister Cathy Bertrand, SSND, facilitator, reminded those gathered that the General Chapter is the “highest extraordinary expression of authority within the congregation,” and to embrace it as a “spiritual experience which has the potential of being both contemplative and transformative.” Other sisters, Franciscan associates, and Franciscan Way of Life participants viewed the proceedings and participated in many discussions. Three “big picture” conversations took place on successive mornings: spirituality, relationship to the Church, and mission/ministry. The following questions were the framework for the conversation on spirituality: How would you describe your evolving spiritual life? Where has your heart’s journey taken you? How have I/we experienced ongoing conversion in my/our spiritual life since the last Chapter? Similar questions were used in the second discussion on relationship to Church: Describe your evolving experience of being Church. As women of the Church, how have I/we experienced ongoing conversion in my/our experience of being Church. The third conversation on mission/ministry included discussion on the following: Describe your understanding and experience of being in mission. How have I/we, as women religious, experienced ongoing conversion in my/our experience of being in mission? What is the future asking of us? How does my ministry reflect our 12 Footprints mission? A proposed Corporate Stance against Human Trafficking was introduced. Informational materials will be distributed to the congregation and associates in the upcoming months with a vote on the stance to occur before the end of the year. The revised Constitutions and Book of Directives were approved. Reports received from related institutions, committees, and departments were reviewed and affirmed. Several revisions in governance structure were adopted. An action/commitment to celebrate the 150th anniversary of founding of the Dubuque Franciscans in Herford, Germany, was discussed. An announcement of this action/commitment will be part of the public celebration to be held October 5 at Loras College. An exciting addition to the Chapter was the presence of a graphic recorder, Martha McGinnis. Through word and sketches, Martha recorded the threads of conversation that comprised the fabric of the Chapter. The finished posters are being displayed at Clare House for further viewing. On the final day of Chapter, the Leadership Team addressed the congregation. A festive liturgy was celebrated to officially start the celebration of the 150th anniversary with Archbishop Michael Jackels presiding. Those attending the Chapter agreed that it indeed was a spiritual experience that was both contemplative and transformative. Las hermanas escuchan a la Hermana Kathleen Grace durante la celebración y conmemoración del Capítulo. Capítulo 2014 L por Sr. Marie Cigrand, OSF a tarde del martes 24 de junio 106 hermanas Franciscanas de Dubuque se reunieron en el Monte de San Francisco para comenzar el capítulo de Relaciones. La hna. Cathy Bertrand, SSND, moderadora, recordó a las reunidas que el Capítulo General era la “más alta y extraordinaria expresión de autoridad dentro de la congregación,” y para aceptarla como una "experiencia espiritual que tiene el potencial de ser a la vez contemplativa y transformadora.” Otras hermanas, asociadas franciscanas y las participantes de Vida del Camino Franciscano vieron como se desarrolló la reunión y participaron en muchas discusiones. Tres “grandes ideas” de conversación fueron los temas que tuvieron lugar en las mañanas sucesivas: espiritualidad, relación con la Iglesia, y la misión/ministerio. Las siguientes preguntas fueron el marco para la conversación en la espiritualidad: ¿Cómo describirías tu vida espiritual en evolución? ¿A dónde te ha llevado el viaje de tu corazón? ¿Cómo he/hemos experimentado una conversión continua en mi/nuestra vida espiritual desde el último capítulo? Otras preguntas similares se utilizaron en la segunda discusión en relación con la Iglesia: Describa su experiencia evolutiva del “ser” Iglesia. Como mujeres de la Iglesia, ¿cómo he/hemos experimentado una conversión continua en mi/nuestra experiencia de “ser” Iglesia? La tercera conversación sobre la misión/ministerio incluyó la discusión del siguiente tema: Describa su entendimiento y experiencia de estar en misión. ¿Cómo he/nosotros, como las religiosas, experimentaron una conversión continua en mi / nuestra experiencia de estar en la misión? ¿Qué nos pide el futuro de nosotras? ¿Cómo nuestro ministerio refleja nuestra misión? Se introdujo una propuesta sobre la postura corporativa contra la trata de personas. Los materiales informativos fueron distribuidos a la congregación y a las asociadas. En los próximos meses a través de una votación, todas nosotras expresaremos nuestra posición sobre esta postura para finales del año. Se aprobaron las Constituciones revisadas y el libro de las Directivas. Los informes recibidos de las instituciones relacionadas, comités y departamentos fueron revisados y reconfirmados. Se adoptaron varias revisiones a la estructura administrativa. Una acción/compromiso para celebrar el 150 aniversario de la fundación de las franciscanas en Dubuque en Herford, Alemania, también fue discutida. Un anuncio de esta acción/compromiso fue parte de la celebración pública que se celebrará 05 de octubre en Loras College. Un interesante complemento al Capítulo fue la presencia de una registradora gráfica, Martha McGinnis. A través de la palabra y bocetos, Martha registró los hilos de las conversaciones que formaron la estructura del capítulo. Los carteles ya terminados están siendo exhibidos en Clare House para su posterior visualización. Finalmente en el último día del Capítulo, el Equipo de Liderazgo se dirigió a la congregación. Una liturgia festiva se celebró para iniciar oficialmente la celebración del 150 aniversario con el arzobispo Michael Jackels presidiendo esta liturgia. Los asistentes al Capítulo estuvieron de acuerdo en concluir que de hecho fue una experiencia espiritual contemplativa y a su vez transformadora. Footprints 13 -Sr. Shell Balek, Catholic Sisters for a Heathy Earth Committee Member Clare Guest House in Sioux City, Iowa Catholic Sisters Release ‘Earth as Our Home’ Booklet oo often when we hear the word ‘house’ we only think of a physical building and its T rooms. But what if we began to think of Earth as our house - with various rooms - what would we need to do to make this ‘house’ a true ‘home?’ The Catholic Sisters for a Healthy Earth have prepared a reflection booklet on the various rooms of a house, placing each room and its activities into the broader context of our Earthhome. The booklet includes suggestions of simple actions for families to take in order to live more sustainably and walk more gently on Earth. To download the free booklet, visit http://www.osfdbq.org/brochures.php. “This booklet is a wonderful way to promote everyday as Earth Day!” said Catholic Sisters for a Healthy Earth Committee Member Sr. Shell Balek, OSF. The word ecology has its roots in the Greek words “oikos,” meaning house or household and “logos,” meaning to gather, count, recount, say, speak. Ecology is understood as the legend or logic of the dwelling place. In its essence it is the story of where we live. This story of the house instructs us and informs our actions in managing this household we call Earth. 14 Footprints “Our intention is to take a new look at how everything we do, no matter where we are, is interconnected and tied to the wellbeing of all living things,” said the group’s coordinator Sr. Joy Peterson, PBVM. Catholic Sisters for a Healthy Earth is made up of representatives from congregations of women religious from the upper Mississippi Valley in eastern Iowa and southwestern Wisconsin including: Congregation of the Humility of Mary, Davenport, Iowa; School Sisters of Notre Dame, Central Pacific Province, St. Louis, Mo.; Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, Sinsinawa, Wis.; Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dubuque; Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa; Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque; and the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dubuque. The mission of the group states: “Respecting the interdependence of creation, we will promote eco-literacy and influence a just relationship with the environment.” T H O U G H T S and I N F O R M A T I O N from the D E V E L O P M E N T O F F I C E Letter of Instruction to Family I n our last two issues, we shared the initial points of a suggested “Letter of Instruction to Family.” Here we include points 10 through 16. We are most willing to send the full “Will Planning Worksheet” to anyone who wants a copy. The complete worksheet contains many other helpful suggestions in planning a will and discussing it with your family. Write, call or email: Sr. Cathy Katoski, 3390 Windsor Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001, katoskic@osfdbq.org or (563)564-9411 Letter of Instruction to Family A letter of instruction to your family should include the following information. It should be kept with your other important papers. (11) List of all shares of stock, with names of companies, number of shares, in whose name they are issued and name and address of stockbroker. (14) List of monetary obligations, including mortgages with name and address of bank or other lender, account number, name appearing on loan documents, amount of loan, monthly payment, collateral if any and whether there was life insurance on loan, and if so, name and address of insurer, with instructions to notify them and file claim immediately. (12) List of mutual funds, annuities, pensions, profit sharing plans and any other investments and location of pertinent documents. (15) List of all automobiles, with year, make, model, body type, color and identification (VIN number. A copy of the declarations page of insurance could be sufficient. (13) List of all credit cards with the name and address of the issuer and card number. (16) List and location of personal items and other personal property with sentimental value and the worksheet for disposing of those items. (10) List of all bonds with serial numbers, denominations and names in which they are registered. S IS T E R S IN THE NEWS Sr. Marge Burkle Named Franciscan Federation Honoree S ister Marge Burkle was named a 2014 Franciscan Banquet Honoree at the annual Franciscan Federation Conference held July 18-21 in St. Louis. Honorees are Franciscan brothers and sisters within the Church who: • Embody Francis’ and Clare’s witness to creative fidelity. • Nurture that ecclesial communion of love to which Jesus invites us. • Embrace the Church with all its ambiguities. • Energize and give hope to the doubtful and the discouraged. Sr. Marge was recognized for her ministry as the pre/retirement director for the congregation. “From the earliest days of this ministry, her passion was to make this transition state in the lives of our sisters an enriching experience,” said her nomination essay, which was completed by the Leadership Team. “Her program of discernment Sr. Marge Burkle (right) with Sr. Emiliana Meissen. and assistance in the process have been given national affirmation as a model to be used by others. One of her goals is to keep the sisters vitally aware of and involved in the mission of the congregation through programs of enrichments and experience.” Footprints 15 In Remembrance Sister Jeanne Ann Cantin December 31, 1912 – March 6, 2014 O n December 31,1912, a second child, a daughter, was born to Victor and Odile (Provost) Cantin in Jefferson, S.D. She was baptized on January 3, and given the name, Aletha. In the years following, four more daughters were born, bringing the total family to one boy and five girls. The Cantin children attended Sacred Heart School in Riverside, taught by the Franciscans. Sister writes, “The first Franciscans I met came to Sacred Heart School in 1920. Among those that made a lasting impression on me were Sisters Dulcissima, Joseph, and Esther. Since Sr. Esther was such a beautiful young person, many of us decided to take music lessons. Our enthusiasm waned when we found out we would have to practice.” Following grade school, Aletha took a commercial course from the BVMs at St. Joseph while she fought against a vocation she had been aware of since seventh grade. When, at the age of 14 she decided to enter Mount St. Francis, her father was not happy because he considered the convent equivalent to a jail; however, Fr. Janse, their parish priest, helped him accept her decision. Aletha entered Mount St. Francis on August 15, 1927. At her reception on June 21,1928, she was given the name, Sister Jeanne Ann. Her first profession was June 20,1930. Sister served at St. Joseph, Bode; St. Mary’s, Keota; St. Mary’s, Remsen; IC, North Washington; Holy Trinity, Dubuque, where she Sister Mary E. Engler July 19, 1924 S ister Mary E. Engler was born on July 19, 1924. She was baptized Lila Mae. Two boys and two more girls were born to complete the family. The Englers lived in Worthington, Iowa, across the street from the church and near enough to the convent that Lila Mae could watch the sisters taking their daily mandatory walk after school hours, walking two by two. In the winter, she watched them from the window, but in the warmer months she would arrange to be outside in the hope that they would talk to her. Watching the sisters, interacting with them, and admiring them was very much a part of her life. Sister was received on August 12, l943, and given the name Sister Mary Edgar, after her father. Sr. Mary E. thought of herself as a 16 Footprints mentored our sister student teachers; St. Francis de Sales, Ossian; Holy Cross in Holy Cross; St. Mary, Alton; St. John, Bancroft; St. Joseph, Granville; St. Michael, Norway; St. Joseph, Earlville; and Mary of the Angels in Dubuque. She retired to Mt. St. Francis in 1989 and moved to Holy Family Hall in 1997. Sister Jeanne Ann lived to celebrate her 100th birthday, and while it was characteristic of her to be smiling, she was exceptionally radiant that day. Sister is survived by her nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters with whom she shared 85 years of her life Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Freeman; her sisters, Bonita (Donald) Casey; Madonna (Joseph) Meinen; Bernice (George) Crane; and Elaine (Otis) Thompson. – March 20, 2014 born teacher. She was sent to teach at St. Mary’s, Dubuque, and then the rural parishes of Stacyville and Monticello, before being sent to Crescent City, California. Here she reveled in the redwoods, the mountain air, and the ocean breezes for three years before returning to teach at Holy Trinity, Dubuque, Holy Cross, and Keota where she was also principal. While attending a Changing Ministries Workshop at the Colette Center, she was told she had a gift for working with people in the retreat ministry. This led her to Bishop Lane Retreat Center in Rockford, Ill., where she made a 30 day retreat with the Capuchins at Marathon, Wis., followed by a 10 day internship on giving directed retreats. She found this a very grace filled event and ministry. Sister returned to her retreat ministry at Colette Renewal Center. It was while working here that she met her spiritual director, Father David, who had a master’s degree in Graphoanalysis. After he analyzed her handwriting she became an instant convert to the art. She took a correspondence course and became a certified graphoanalyst in 1980. She had an office in Dubuque where she often analyzed handwriting for businesses who were hiring new personnel. She gave workshops and analyzed the handwriting of people from all over the United States. Many happy hours of her life were spent working with the earth, planting and caring for luxuriant lilies, begonias, and geraniums; however, she is best remembered for her beautiful roses in the garden enclosed. Sister is survived by her sisters-inlaw: Jeanette and Geraldine, her nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters with whom she shared 70 years of her life. Sister was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers: John; David; and her sisters: Mary Jane Beitzel; and Ann (David) Green. In Remembrance Sister Anne Kisting February 10, 1932 - March 22, 2014 A nne Catherine Kisting was born to William and Cleopha (Kalb) Kisting in Dubuque, on February 10, 1932. Three brothers, William, John, and Paul, completed the family. She was educated at Sacred Heart Grade School and Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque. Both schools were close enough to the family home on 23rd and White St. to allow Anne to walk to and from school. On August 25, 1949, she entered Mount St. Francis and was received on August 12, 1950, with the name Sister Mary Loran. After making first vows on August 12, 1952, she began teaching at SS. Peter and Paul School in Petersburg. After three years there she was sent to the community’s teacher training school, Holy Trinity, in Dubuque. She admitted to being a little shocked at what was expected of her, but found the four years spent there to be challenging and rewarding. Sister taught upper grades and was principal at Visitation School, Stacyville; Holy Ghost, Dubuque; Mater Christi, North Riverside, Ill.; and St. Mary, Manchester. Many of her students remember her because she had a genuine love for each of them. One of her values was to instill in her students a spirit of inclusiveness and fair play. Her unwavering support for the Cubs led to an annual trip to Chicago with other loyal Cubs fans. Cub memorabilia could always be found in her car and her classroom. After a sabbatical in New York, Sister left teaching and served in various parish positions, first at St. John’s in Independence, then on a five parish team in Blairstown, and finally at Coggon where she was the pastoral associate for 19 years. Sister Maurella Schilling October 2, 1924 M ary Ann Schilling was born October 2, 1924, at the home of her parents, John and Ella (Donavan) Schilling in Dubuque. She was the third child, following a sister and a brother. Her father was a prominent semiprofessional baseball player in Iowa who had once tried out for the Chicago White Sox. From him she inherited a love of sports and avidly followed the White Sox, the Green Bay Packers, and the football and basketball teams of Dubuque Wahlert High School. Mary Ann attended Sacred Heart School in Dubuque and then went on to Immaculate Conception Academy. She attributes her During this time, her health deteriorated greatly, and the people of St. John’s parish were very faithful in caring for her. Both she and Father Wayne Droessler retired at the same time. The brochure in their honor reads, “Thank you for your caring love and years of service to our faith communities. Your dedication and leadership were a blessing for us all.” On the occasion of her Golden Jubilee, many relatives and friends wrote of their memories and impressions of Sister Anne. Among the characteristics commonly mentioned were her loving personality, her supportive presence, and her gentle spirit. She was very attentive to her father in his later years, and it was she who brought the extended family together for reunions. Sister is survived by her brothers John (Eula Mai) and Paul (Danielle), her sister-in-law, Dorothy, and her Franciscan sisters with whom she shared 63 years of her life. – May 12, 2014 vocation to Sr. Carlos who was principal at the Academy. A year after she graduated from Mercy School of Nursing, she writes, “I was walkingdown Davis Avenue with Sister and she pointed to the plot of ground where the present Xavier Hospital stands and stated ‘That is where you belong.’” Prior to that Mary Ann had been in doubt about religious life, but with this encouragement she made plans to enter. On August 25, 1946, Mary Ann entered Mount St. Francis and was received August 12, 1947, with the name, Sister Mary Maurella. She went to Xavier Hospital after taking her first vows on August 10, 1949. Here she served as floor supervisor in the surgery department and in OB where she helped deliver many of the Dubuque babies. She spent a short time at Sacred Heart Hospital in LeMars, and later studied in LaCrosse. Besides her other duties, she was then on call as an anesthetist. When Xavier Hospital closed in 1980, Sister Maurella worked as Director of Nurses at Holy Family Hall for eight years before going to Stonehill Care Center as night nurse. She retired in 1994 to have knee surgery. During the ensuing 20 years, she served tirelessly as a companion to sisters who were hospitalized or seeing doctors. Many nights she slept in a chair beside the bed of a dying sister. Her dedication to the sick and suffering was unparalleled. Sister is survived by her nieces, nephew, and her Franciscan sisters with whom she shared 66 years of her life. Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert, and her sister, Virginia (Robert) Stierman. Footprints 17 In Remembrance Sister Mary Lou Murray October 24, 1927 – May 25, 2014 M ary Lou was born on October 24, 1927, and grew up on Cloverdale Farm in rural Hopkinton, Iowa. On August 25, 1945, Mary Lou entered Mount St. Francis, leaving her parents: Louis and Veronica (Turnis) Murray; her brothers, Patrick and Charles; and her sister, Monica. She was received the following year and given the name, Sister Mary James, in honor of a brother who had died shortly after birth. After making her first profession in 1948, she was assigned to teach seventh grade at Bancroft. She loved teaching, but the lack of any hills or bluffs in that area made her very homesick. To counter this, she would sometimes climb the church tower. Sr. Mary Lou was later assigned to Melrose Park, where she taught eighth grade and was principal. Following this, she moved into secondary education, teaching at Pocahontas, Wahlert, Bancroft, and Columbus. Sister enjoyed teaching as well as working with the students in speech contests, plays, and newspaper. During the summers she attended school at Loras, Briar Cliff, and Creighton in Omaha where she earned her M.A. in 1971. In 1969, Mary Lou came into the Baptism of the Spirit in Omaha, and this began her work with the charismatic renewal. She worked with the Jesus people in Waterloo and regularly ministered to a group of prisoners in the Anamosa Reformatory. In 1972, Mary Lou moved to Los Angeles to work full time in a drug rehabilitation center for teenage girls. In working with women involved with drugs, she saw in a new way the power of God’s unconditional love working in their lives. She began praying for healing, especially inner healing. In 1973, Mary Lou returned to Dubuque to help care for her mother. After a 30 day retreat in 1977, she opened a house of prayer and healing in Dubuque. She gave talks and weekend seminars in various places throughout the United States until her health failed and she retired to Mt. St. Francis in 1996. She moved to Holy Family Hall in 2004. Sister is survived by her sister Monica Murray, nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters with whom she shared 67 years of her life. IN THE NEWS Local ‘Women in Spirit’ Exhibit Permanently Displayed at Pastoral Center of Archdiocese of Dubuque by Dan Russo of The Witness P art of the “Women and Spirit” Exhibit has found a permanent home at the Archdiocese of Dubuque’s Pastoral Center. The panels featured in the Religious Heritage Conference Center give the history of local women religious that were originally included in a larger exhibit sponsored by the Smithsonian. Dubuque Archbishop Michael Jackels blessed the newly created Religious Heritage Conference Center on March 13. “We have living sisters here and we have 18 Footprints living testimonies to their presence, their prayers, their ministries, their apostolate in our midst, so why not switch out and give this display a proper home where it can also be accessible to the public?” said Archbishop Jackels. The local portion of the National Women and Spirit Exhibit toured the region and was displayed at the Mississippi River Museum before the panels were transferred to the conference center. “It is just a beautiful summary of what the women religious have done in the Upper Mississippi Valley,” said Sister Ginny Heldorfer, after the blessing. The panels feature photos of women religious engaged in various ministries, such as the founding of hospitals and schools. The first women religious came to the region almost 200 years ago. There are currently about 1,000 sisters who live and work in the archdiocese. “People today need to know that we’re continually on the cutting edge of the church and of ministries, and that our role in the church is vital to the life of the church,” said Sister Pat Doody. Dubuque Archbishop Michael Jackels at the blessing of the Religious Heritage Conference Center on March 13. Photo by Sr. Carol Hovermann, OSF. O Jubilee 2014 n June 21 and 22, sisters, family, and friends gathered at Mount St. Francis to celebrate and rejoice with the 23 sisters who commemorated 70, 60, and 50 years of vowed commitment to God’s call. In her reflection at the Golden Jubilee Mass, Sister Mary Lechtenberg remarked, “The women who are celebrating today have ‘walked the walk.’ They know that one doesn’t become a friend of God ONLY by studying in a classroom. They have learned to entwine their lives with God through prayer, by retreating to a desert space and time, by listening to God on a regular basis, by recognizing the face of God in people whom society has cast aside and by inviting others into a relationship with God. They have found God in the experiences of daily life: in classrooms, in mental health care, in libraries, in sacramental preparation, in pastoral care, in adult religious formation and retreat ministry, and by serving as a bridge to those who need many forms of assistance. They have come to know God as God wants to be known.” Double Diamond Jubilarians - 70 Years Double Jubilarians honored were (back row left to right): Sisters Mary Lucilla Oberbroeckling, Bona Joan Hebig and Ramona Colling. Front row left to right: Sisters Verna Gaul and Noreen Pearce. Diamond Jubilarians - 60 Years Diamond Jubilarians honored were (back row left to right): Sisters Lene Rubly, Ruth Fagan, Margie Hosch, Davida Loosbrock, and Susan Seitz. Front row left to right: Sisters Ann Rubly, Janaan Hickie and Joan Meyer. Golden Jubilarians - 50 Years Golden Jubilarians honored were (back row left to right): Sisters Marge Burkle, Jan Hrubes, Eileen Miller, Charlotte Klein, and Donna Schmitt. Front row left to right: Sisters Darcy Peletich, Dorothy Heiderscheit, and Lois Erpelding. Footprints 19 Footprints Sisters of St. Francis 3390 Windsor Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001-1311 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Calendar of Events SEPTEMBER 13 Silver Jubilee Rest in SEPTEMBER 22 Shalom Peace Musical Concert with dinner, 6-9 p.m., Shalom Spirituality Center, 1001 Davis St., Dubuque. OCTOBER 4 Presentation by Rev. Udo about Herford, Germany, 2 p.m., Clare House, 3340 Windsor Ave., Dubuque. OCTOBER 5 150th Anniversary Event, 2-4 p.m., Loras College, 1450 Alta Vista St., Dubuque. Gerry Galles Brother of Sr. Michaela Galles Charles Hauber Brother of Sr. Carol Ann Hauber Barbara Meyers Sister-in-law of Sr. Melita Meyers Edel Heiderscheit Sister-in-law of Dorothy Heiderscheit Sr. Helen Carney, OLVM Sister of Sr. Rose Mary Carney Carl Kleitsch Brother of Sr. Ruth Kleitsch Joyce Gearhart Sister of Sr. Janice Rosman Lucy Lunsford Sister of Sr. Bev Eichler Rita Kobliska Sister of Sr. Lois Kobliska Mary Ann Streff Sister of Sr. Margaret Hansen Anthony Kuhn Brother-in-law of Sr. Ruth Elsbernd John Seitz Brother of Sr. Susan Seitz Vernon Leach Father of Sr. Marueen Leach Mildred Reiter Sister of Sr. Ivan Goedken Photo by Sister Phyllis Manternach John T. Nelson Brother of Sr. Helen Nelson Kathy Wagner Sister-in-law of Srs. Mary Ann and Anthony Wagner Shirley Kamentz-Winkler Sister-in-law of Sr. Shirley Kamentz Donna Hrubes Sister-in-law of Sr. Jan Hrubes Gerald Timp Brother of Sr. Selma Timp Ruth Gertrude Pickart Jacobs Sister of Sr. Romaine Pickart Majel Kehoe Sister-in-law of Sr. Donalda Kehoe OCTOBER 11 Associates Fall Gathering, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Shalom Spirituality Center, 1001 Davis St., Dubuque. Contact Lisa Schmidt at (563) 583-9786 for more information. OCTOBER 24 Shalom Shenanigans Benefit Dinner and Auction, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Shalom Spirituality Center, 1001 Davis St., Dubuque. This event features a social hour, plated dinner, auctions and entertainment. Contact Shalom at (563) 5823592.