Summer 2016 - Holy Cross Sisters

Holy Cross Happenings
Summer 2016
We rejoice in days
so happy and bright!
Holy Cross Campus Photo
Table of Contents
Page 3.
What is ours to do
Page 4.
New Administrator at Bell Tower
Page 5.
Thank you Bell Tower Board of Directors
Page 6.
Thankful for support
Page 7.
Snapshots of International Guests
Page 9.
Summer Assembly Scenes
Page 10.
Celebrating 60 Years of Ministry
Page 11.
25 Year Associate Journey
Page 12.
A Need of the Times
Page 14.
My Teaching Ministry
Page 16-17. Donations
Page 18-19. Fiscal Year Reports
Page 20.
Remembering
On the cover: Sisters Marija
Brizar and Dorothee Halbach
enjoy a day at the lake.
Holy Cross Happenings is published in spring, summer,
and fall for the friends of the Holy Cross Sisters, USA
Province.
Executive Editor: Sister Pat Cormack, SCSC
Managing Editor: Russ Mancl
Editorial Assistance: Lori Wiederhoeft
Contact Us
Holy Cross Sisters
1400 O’ Day Street
Merrill, WI 54452
Telephone: (715) 539-1460
E-mail: rmancl@holycrosssisters.org
Page 21-23. Snapshots
Mission Statement
We are a Franciscan community of sisters who, together with our associates, seek
ongoing conversion of heart. We embrace the mystery of the cross as we live gospel
values. Faithful to the spirit of our founders we respond to the needs of the time
with mercy and compassion while creating possibilities for the future.
2
What is ours to do . . .
By: Sister Pat Cormack, Provincial
I
n the last month the USA province has been blessed to have
Sister Marija Brizar, our superior general and Sister Dorothee
Halbach, a general counselor and contact person for our province, present with us for a formal visitation of our province.
The constitution of the entire congregation says this about
visitation: “The purpose of this visit is to strengthen the awareness
of our common bond and to deepen the spirit of unity and love
within the entire institute.” This is how we have experienced this
visit to the USA.
Each sister had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the two
visitors and to share her experiences of life in the province
particularly during this Jubilee Year of Mercy. Each local community of sisters also could pray and reflect together on the theme “Give Expression to the Tender Mercy of God.”
Some of our associates were able to interact with the visitors in local gatherings. We also joined together at our
annual Assembly in early June using this same theme.
During that time, we heard reports from Sisters Marija and Dorothee about how some of our provinces in Europe
were also talking about the effects of aging in our community life and our ministries. We also heard about the
vicariates in Uganda, Brazil and Taiwan and the ways in which they are living out our charism as Sisters of Mercy
of the Holy Cross.
These reports and the example of sisters from around the world help us to see that every moment of our lives is
surrounded by and enveloped in the loving mercy of God who inspires the young and the old of our congregation to
witness to mercy and compassion in whatever way they are able. This deepens our spirit of unity as a world-wide
congregation and prompts us to pray for each other and support the various projects of our sisters throughout the
world. It is also a reminder that, as we age, we remain Sisters of Mercy and witness to the importance of prayer, of
volunteer efforts and profound interest in the ministry of sisters in each of our provinces.
This also reminds us that over the years of our existence as a congregation and particularly, as a USA province, we
have been engaged in handing on our mission and ministry in all the places where we have served. This becomes
poignant when sisters receive communication from students they have taught, patients they have nursed,
parishioners they have catechized, and persons they have touched in small and large ways.
We are particularly excited about the opportunity to return to Vacherie, Louisiana, where Sisters Maria Theodosia
and Joelle began the catechetical apostolate 65 years ago. That ministry expanded over the years in a circle
spreading outward from Vacherie as far as New Orleans and Baton Rouge. As we plan the celebration with the
parishioners of Our Lady of Peace Parish we are inspired by what we see in them. They have taken on the
ministries there with the same mercy and compassion that motivated the early sisters and others who followed
(Sisters Benedicta, Heliodora, Mary Louise, Mary Patrick, Mary Beth, Anne (Dietlinda Meisner), Mary Hilda, John
Marie, Linda, Agnes, Laura, Mary Angela, Ann (Wittman), Ruth, Rita, Mary Charles, Mary D, Carol, Pat, Kathy
(Wiesneski), Helen and Pam).
That is why we can say as Francis of Assisi did: “We have done what is ours to do, may Christ teach you what is
yours.” It is very evident to us that all those who minister in Vacherie and the surrounding area have been touched
by Christ and act for Christ. We are proud of them and of the ways that our charism remains evident there. We
hope that all who are able will join us at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Vacherie on September 24th at 4 PM for Mass
celebrated by Bishop Terry Steib (a native of Vacherie) and Bishop Robert Muench, Bishop of Baton Rouge. A
reception will follow. (More on Our Lady of Peace Apostolate on Pages 12 and 13.)
3
T
he Holy Cross Sisters Leadership are pictured with Kris McGarigle, selected as the new
Administrator for Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living in Merrill, WI. Kris brings over 13 years
of executive healthcare experience to the position. Most recently she served as the Vice President of
Patient Care and CNO at Ministry St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston, WI.
Bell Tower Residence opened its doors in September of 1990 and is sponsored by the Holy Cross
Sisters. For more information visit www.belltowerresidence.org.
(Standing l-r.) Sisters Kathy Wiesneski, Pat Cormack, Carol Crosby.
Seated l-r.) Sister Linda Songy, Kris McGarigle.
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Your time and efforts are greatly
appreciated !
Kathy Graham
Dave Cooper
Mark Zulliger
Art Lersch
Barbara Hanson
S. Peggy Jackelen
Noel Bushar
Judy Warren
S. Pat Cormack
Janet Reimann
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Thankful for Support
I would like to take a moment to thank each and every donor who generously
supported Bell Tower through recent years and ask for your continued support.
Your participation in this ministry is visible as I walk through the building. Whether
it is a resident security system, a new bus, or furnishings—Bell Tower Residence
wouldn’t be able to continue its mission without those who have given from their
hearts.
Bell Tower Residence is committed to good stewardship and keeping our services
affordable for our residents. That is why we rely upon the kindness and giving spirit
of those who support us.
Kris McGarigle
Administrator
Many of our donations provided in the past few years have gone to special items or services for the Life
Enrichment Department—to enrich the lives of those who live here. I would also like to ask you to consider
donating toward some of the following items, designed to promote the health and well-being of our residents
each and every day.
$500—Handheld Oximeter: This device measures a person’s oxygen level, and can be helpful in assessing
residents who may experience shortness of breath.
$1400—Lift Recliner: These are recliners with controls to help
the resident stand up from the recliner. We could use 2-3.
$1700—Wheelchair Scales: These scales allow us to weigh
residents while they remain in their wheelchair. We need 2.
$2000—Outdoor Patio Furniture: Sturdy furniture allows our
residents and visitors to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
$4000—Sit-To-Stand Transfer: A sit-to-stand device allows a
resident to be raised from sitting to standing, and then moved to a
bed, chair or bathroom while securely belted for safety. This
equipment provides for resident dignity, as well as protecting staff
from lift injuries. We need 2 of these.
If you are interested in any of the opportunities mentioned, please
feel free to contact me. I also invite you to make a private
appointment to meet with me and learn more about Bell Tower
Residence, our mission and our goals for serving our residents far
into the future.
Visit www.belltowerresidence.org
715-536-5575
Bell Tower resident Al Saeger and CNA Becky
6
Snapshots of International Guests
Summer Assembly Days
Visit to Province Office
Louisiana Visit
Visit to Green Bay, WI
Outing with Sisters
7
Summer picnic
with our guests
from Switzerland.
(L-r. Sisters Marija and Dorothee)
8
Summer Assembly Day Scenes
9
Celebrating 60 Years of Ministry
D
By: Russ Mancl, Director of Communications
olores Hrdina grew up on a farm in Marathon County, Wisconsin,
near the city of Medford. Her parents, Raymond and Dorothy
(Delonay), provided the financial means to allow her to attend Our Lady of
Holy Cross High School in Merrill, WI, which was run by the Holy Cross
Sisters. Following graduation, she entered Holy Cross Convent on August 8,
1954, and made her First Profession as Sister Raymond on August 22, 1956.
She began teaching elementary school after two years of college. She taught
in Deer Park, Ohio; and Rhinelander and Antigo, Wisconsin. Sister also
taught school one year at Holy Cross High School and was assistant prefect for
the girls who boarded there. She taught three years at the catechetical center
in Mercer, Wisconsin.
Sister Dolores, as she became known, entered the world of occupational therapy. In the years that followed she
worked in the physical therapy department at Holy Cross Hospital in Merrill, Wisconsin. After 26 years she left
the hospital and worked in other venues in the Merrill area using her physical therapy skills. For ten years she
worked in the Activity Department at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living in Merrill. One of her most recent
ministries was serving 22 years as treasurer for the Holy Cross Sisters USA Province.
Today, Sister Dolores continues to volunteer on the Holy Cross Campus where her musical skills are often called
upon. “During my varied ministries as a Holy Cross Sister, I have tried to follow the motto of Fr. Theodosius, ‘The
need of the times is the will of God,’” Sister Dolores said.
She added that she was most grateful to all who helped her reach this special occasion. “I want to remember my
parents with gratitude and love and to thank my family for the many things they have done for me, always showing
love and support. I also thank the Holy Cross Sisters and associates for their love and the support they have
shown.”
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25 Year Associate Journey
By: Russ Mancl, Director of Communications
W
hen reading the application forms that Jim and Pat Monroe submitted 25 years ago to become Holy
Cross Associates in Bellaire, Michigan, you find two very different stories that begin to unfold. Jim, as
he explained, became a workaholic and drifted from church, subsequently realizing there was
something missing in his life. Pat attended a Catholic school for all her education, but realized she was searching
for answers to make her life more satisfying.
They heard about the Holy Cross Associate Program and began to explore what it was all about. They met with
other associates and sisters every other Monday and found so much that fed their spiritual yearnings; it also
helped them become part of a faith community. By being associates, they were able to get involved in church
ministries and this experience allowed them to continue spreading the Holy Cross charism as lay ministers. They
felt that being associates was a strong support for them as catalysts in their work in the Diocese of Gaylord,
Michigan.
“Pat and Jim moved to Florida in January 2008 and the Bellaire, Michigan, community lost two strong leaders of
the associate program,” said Sister Celine Goessl, who worked with the associates in Michigan. They continued to
reach out and were active as Eucharistic Ministers in St. Thomas Church, St. Cloud, Florida, and Jim led wake
and committal services for a local funeral home. People often asked what the small cross they were wearing
symbolized and they were quick to talk about the Holy Cross Associates.
They treasure their close relationships over the years with Sisters Joelle, Eugenia, Anita, Celine, Kathy, Pat and
Pam.
Due to health reasons they have been limited in what they can now do. But their strong prayer ministry continues
and they feel the prayer support of the Holy Cross Sisters and Associates, which has helped them through many
ups and downs.
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We wish them well as their journey continues as Holy Cross Associates.
By: Russ Mancl, Director of Communications
It was August 1951 when Sisters Maria Theodosia Laufer and Joelle
Mauer arrived in Vacherie, Louisiana, to begin our Lady of Peace
Apostolate. The Apostolate included seven rural parishes along the
Mississippi River. This year marks the 65th Anniversary of the first
Holy Cross Sisters’ presence in Louisiana.
Sister Joelle recalls,
“When we arrived in
Vacherie in 1951,
“...Today the area is a
there
were
few
model of bi-racial unity.”
telephones,
bare
Sister Joelle
minimum electricity,
and cistern water. The
poorer houses were
“shotgun” structures—that is, each room opened to the next one.” She remembers the tense days in Louisiana
in 1953. “Archbishop Rummel sent letters to all parishes decreeing an end to segregation in the churches.
Some white parishioners presumed that because we were from the north, we instigated it.” She said they did
receive threatening phone calls and gunshots around the house, but said eventually peace returned with their
efforts, and today the area is a model of bi-racial unity.
The sisters traveled as much as 200 miles a day to all the public schools teaching religion, plus choir practices
and convert classes in the evening; yet they remained well and un-tired. Sister Joelle credits the work with Sister
Maria Theodosia in broadening her education. “With her I learned compassion and love for all people.”
Sister Mary Angela Sackmann spent a number of years in the 70s, 80s and 90s in the South in various ministries.
“My years spent in Hahnville and Vacherie were
enjoyable, rewarding and special. The people gave me
love and acceptance. They placed lots of confidence in me
as a person and in my many ministries,” Sister said.
She remembers fondly being a member of the core group
planning the parish Renew Program. It involved all ages
in the parish. “It was a joy to see 3 and 4 year olds come
out into the hall and say, ‘Look, Daddy, what we did in
renew.’ Vacherie was a great blessing for me and I thank
the people for allowing me to live and minister among
them,” Sister Mary Angela added.
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Sister Benedicta Berger also worked in the South for many years. She loved
music and served as a church musician for the parishes of St. Phillips, St.
James and Our Lady of Peace in Vacherie. She was also a religion teacher for
Catholic public school students in Vacherie and taught evening classes and
adult instruction. “When I moved to the South Civil Rights was a major
issue. I wasn’t sure how they would take a young, white sister. I wasn’t sure
about anything. I had visited the New Orleans area, but never been where
our sisters were. I felt at home and accepted. They were very good to the
sisters,” Sister Benedicta said.
“When I moved to the
South Civil Rights was a
major issue.”
Sister Benedicta
In 1982, the Holy Cross Sisters formally closed their South apostolate, primarily because there were no longer
enough sisters to sustain it. Although individual sisters or small groups of sisters continued to help the parishes
in various ways and at various times over the next few years, the original apostolate had finished its course.
Today Sisters Linda Songy and Pam Hodgson reside in the New Orleans area where they work with incarcerated
women, those released from prison and other volunteer efforts through parish work. They continue to meet the
13
need of the times.
M
By: Sister Pam Hodgson
y teaching journey has spanned a period of 40 years. It
began with teaching 2nd grade for 27 years at St.
Francis Xavier School in Merrill and then third grade for 13 years
at St. Benedict the Moor School in New Orleans. Through those
years, I was blessed with many wonderful students that always
brought joy and excitement to my teaching and, in return, I tried to
bring joy and excitement to
them by making learning
fun. I tried to do new things
“I teach because there
each year, and I remember
is an excitement and
my former students saying,
joy and suspense in the
“We didn’t get to do that last
year,” to which I would reply, “I don’t want to be bored.”
journey.” - Rebecca Alber
Some of the special activities I remember planning at St. Francis were making
our own pasta after reading Strega Nona by Tomie dePaolo, eating sardines when we studied about Norway, making
and eating fried rice (with chopsticks) to go along with our study about Japan, and having our mini-classroom
museum, where each student could share and display their personal collections.
When I first set foot in St. Benedict the Moor School, I fell in love with the school and the mission of St. Joseph
Foundation that runs it. St. Benedict’s mission is to give a tuition free education to families that could not afford a
Catholic school education for their children. It is called, “a secret gem in Gentilly.” I knew that this was a place for a
Holy Cross Sister because of Father Theodosius Florentini’s mission to reach out to the poor and underprivileged
with a great love.
As a school, we worked very hard to give the best education possible to our students in order for them to succeed in
their future. A great honor we received at St. Benedict was having the highest state test scores for the last 2 years as
a State Scholarship School.
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The school is a Service Learning school, which teaches the students about
needs of the community and gives them the opportunity to give back to the
people of New Orleans. The classes are involved in many different
projects. My third grade class collected food for and worked at Second
Harvest Food Pantry, visited and worked at a homeless shelter, and shared
our time and talent with the elderly sisters of the Sisters of the Holy
Family.
I will never forget my experience of going through Hurricane Katrina and
seeing the devastation it did to the New Orleans area. Upon seeing the
neighborhood and school for the
first time with Principal Phyllis
Benoit and the National Guard
“As long as there is a
personnel that took us to the school
poor child under the
it was unknown if St. Benedict
sun, I cannot rest.”
would be able to be reopened.
Everything on the first floor of the
Father Theodosius
building had been under about 8 feet of water; therefore, it would need to be
gutted, rebuilt and resupplied. This loss was all material but our major
concern was where our students and families were Were they safe? Did they all survive? Eventually we were able to
get in contact with some families. In addition, through insurance money and donations of many giving people we
were able to open for the next school year. We were again able to give the children and families a safe and loving
place to be amongst all the turmoil the families had gone through and the struggles they continued to have in
rebuilding their own homes.
God has blessed me with many years of working with children from Merrill and New Orleans and for that, I am
forever grateful. I am always thrilled to see and hear from former students, and learn what they are now doing with
their life.
I retired after this school year and plan on working as a volunteer at St Benedict the Moor School, helping to
organize the library. In addition, I plan on doing some volunteer work with the poor in the New Orleans area.
Staff at St. Benedict the Moor School wish Sister Pam a happy retirement.
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Donations from February 1 - May 31, 2016
IN HONOR OF:
S. Benedicta Berger
S. Janet Franklin
S. Pamela Hodgson
S. Kathy Lange
S. Mary Thomas Reichl
Sisters who Ministered at Our Lady
of Peace, Vacherie, LA
S. Linda Songy
S. Ann Wittman
IN MEMORY OF:
Alberg Family Members
S. Martha Amann
Betty & Charles Ashwell
Curtis & Eugenie Becnel
Eugene Boehm
Jim Braun
H. Patricia Braunschweiger
Mary Broeckel
Paul Bruns
Dewey Conley
Lenora Cronin
Barbara & Howard Drake
Joyce Ellis
Sidney Farrell Sr.
Ray Feller
Fink & Knab Families
Dr. Maximino Floreza
Roy Forcier
Mike Gonder
Harriett Grey
Fred Grey's Mother
Ernest Grossaint
Erma & Mary Guenther
Joseph & Felicite Guidry Sr.
Kathleen Gwidt
Donald Hansen
Christine Hanson
Bud Herman
Raymond Holtgrave
Holy Cross Sisters
Alvin Kanitz
Leonard Karlen
Don Kayser
Estelle Kearns
S. Virginia Klein
Walter & Margaret Lacey
Loved Ones
Mary Mangold
Meta Martens
Menting Family Members
Daniel Mootz
Gerald Plautz
Gert Plonsky
Lucille Raasch
Grayce & Leslie Radloff
John Rahe
Dorothy Rahlf
Miriam Salefske
Rev. Donald Schulz
Marguerite Schupman
David Skeivik
Roxanne Sladek
Don Smith
Lillian Smith
Peg Stahl
Al & Mary Suchomel
Michelle Sukow
Chuck Summers
Gen & Ed Swanson
Jean Taylor
Teamus & Seamus
Barbara Tholl
Janet Vadnais
Beverly Vogel
Warren Weckwerth
S. Agnes Zich
Bonnie Zulliger
DONORS:
Rose Akey
Alice Alberg
Anonymous
Dorothy Bahlow
John & Mary Bartol
Grace & Steve Batchelder
Mary Bauman
Gene & Karleen Bebel
Clarissa & Emed Benitez
Richard & Darlene Bettin
Giovanna & Maurus Birchler
Lynn Blades
Robert & Marsha Bloechl
Allen Bourgeois
Roland & Marcia Brandstetter
S. Jeanne Marie Braun
Dr. Chris Braunschweiger, PhD
Margaret & Jerry Breuer
Peter Broeckel
James Brown
Elizabeth Bruns
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Caire
Amedeo & Marie Castiglione
Marty & Ginni Cormack
Cornelius Cronin
John Crowley
Pauline DiMaggio
William & Robert Drake
Mary & Lawrence Duginski
Phyllis Ely
David & Carol Finanger
M. Brigid Flood
Dr. Belen Floreza
Michael & Rachel Geisler
Vincent Geisler
Dr. Irene Giessl
Chris & Kathleen Graham
Fred Grey
Tom & Tess Grund
Joseph & Molly Guidry
Jennifer Halls
Patricia Hansen
Barb Hanson
M. Sharon Harvey
Lorene Hass
Kathie & Jim Heimann
Arthur & Sylvia Henken
Monica Herman
Fr. Charles Hoffmann
Angela Holtgrave
Leila Howland
Tom Hrdina
Joan Hummer
Frank & Shirley Iczkowski
Barb Janowiak
Robert & Ann Marie Jelinek
David & Bonnie Kaiser
Phyllis Kanitz
Michael & Patricia Knab
Randy & Barb Koehler
Gloria & Raymond Kondzela
Dr. Tom Krembs
Ron & Barbara Kroeger
Rev. Dale & Jackie Kuck
Betty Lacey
Mary Lagerbloom
Justice Harry T. Lemmon
Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon
Marilyn Loen
Joey & Dick MacDonald
Ethel Mader
Diana Maki
Bruce Mamer
Russ & Carol Mancl
Dr. Jacob & Kathleen Martens
Ron & Mary Mauer
Dr. Mark & Irene Mehlos
Ann B. Miller
Ed & Betty Miller
Jim & Pat Monroe
James & Nancy Monti
Karen Mootz
Renee & Michael Nemeth
Jim & Henrietta Nistler
Mike & Barbara Nolan
Gay & Sally Oberg
Mary Olsen
Richard & Jean Olson
Raymond & Mary Ann Paluck
Steven Pamperin
Larry & Patricia Peeters
Richard Pehle
Estate of Dahlia Pezzi
Rose Mary Plano
Jerry & Carol Plautz
Mary Ellen Porwoll
Georgia Price
Beverley Rahe
Eileen, Mary & Rose Renner
Jose & Stella Reyes
Mike & Patty Rice
Dr. Renato & Erlinda Rivera
Cathy & Bruce Robinson
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Lisa Robinson
Linda & Francis Rodrigue
Theresa Roy
S. Doris Ann Samens
Donald & Karen Savoie
Judine & Bruce Schield
William & Judith Schwantes
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Schwarz
Patrick & Jane Severt
Phil & Phyllis Sheil
Brian, Jimmy & Renee Sladek
Mary & George Sladek
Leslie Smid
Stephany Smith
Clarann & Molly Stocker
John & Gretchen Stronczer
Gregory Suchomel
Steve & Karen Suick
Brian Sukow
Eva & Sid Sukow
Mary Summers
Freida & Garth Swanson
Monica Talbot
Kenneth & Mary Ann Van Der Geest
Gary Van Vonderen
Bernard & Mary Wahl
Estate of Deacon Anton Wanner
Mark & Betty Weix
Helen & John Wellens
Margaret Willson
Judith Woller
Fr. Jeremiah Worman
Gary & Marilyn Wright
Sharon & Richard Zich
Holy Cross Associate Dahlia Pezzi
of
Merrill, Wisconsin, was small in stature, but
had such a big heart. She helped so many
people in her lifetime with her generosity
and being present to those in need. When
she was able, she wasn’t afraid to role up
her sleeves and get her hands dirty. Note
the photo when associates cleaned along the
highway.
Her generosity continues even after death
on October 4, 2014. We recently received a
generous bequest from the estate of Dahlia.
We know Dahlia is watching over us. The
Holy Cross Sisters would like to express
their appreciation for this bequest.
We hope you will consider including a gift to
the Holy Cross Sisters in your will or living
trust, it is the simplest form of estate
planning. To include the Holy Cross Sisters
in your estate plan, our legal name is Sisters
of Mercy of the Holy Cross., and our federal
tax ID number is 39-0807052
DONOR ORGANIZATIONS:
Bell Tower Administration - Merrill, WI
Benevity Community Impact Fund - Hudson, OH
Holy Cross Sisters, Cottage - Merrill, WI
Holy Cross Sisters - USA Province
Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center - Merrill, WI
Takoda Enterprises Inc. - Cincinnati, OH
Transportation Traffic Engineering - Kenner, LA
For more information please call the Office of Development
Your gifts to the Holy Cross Sisters Retirement Fund help care for the
sisters that have ministered throughout the United States.
Pictured
below (l-r.) Sisters Loretta Schreiber, Rita Pearce and Benedicta Berger.
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Fiscal Year 2015 Revenues
Special Needs Donations
Life Line Donations
Huss Fund Donations
Friends of Bell Tower
General Donations
Total Revenues
133,818
1,450
8,425
46,097
32,451
225, 298
Expenses
BELL TOWER RESIDENCE
The following is a report on
Fiscal Year 2015 for Bell Tower
Residence Assisted Living in
Merrill, WI, a sponsored ministry
of the Holy Cross Sisters.
Resident Services
Administration
Life Enrichment
Assisi Hall-Improvements
Life Line
Building Fund
Huss Fund
General Operating
Total Expenses
29,771
4,488
1,569
120,418
1,450
46,097
3,057
18,448
225,298
Staying fit and having fun are part of the Life Enrichment Program at
Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living. Below, residents are lead in
exercise by a staff member. The latest nationwide craze is adult coloring.
The photo on the right shows residents putting their personal touch to
their work of art.
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Fiscal Year 2015
Development Revenues
FAME-Donations
Special Ministries
General Donations
Stained Glass Windows
Chapel
Retirement
Lake
FAME Endowment-Interest
Total Revenues
HOLY CROSS SISTERS
The following is a report
on Fiscal Year 2015 for the
Holy Cross Sisters USA
Province.
The Holy Cross Sisters are grateful
for your generosity. They continue
to hold you in prayer and ask God to
bless each of you for the important
role that you play in supporting their
ministries.
As Director of Development, I
promise to oversee your donations
and make sure they are processed as
you requested.
If you ever have
questions about your donations, please contact me at
(715) 539-1464 or at rmancl@holycrosssisters.org. With
your support, the Holy Cross Sisters and associates are
able to continue to help those in need.
6,435
34,559
168,253
5,650
3,005
17, 533
3,675
55,700
294,810
Development Expenses
FAME Endowments:
Bell Tower Residence
International Ministries
Other Ministries
14,000
10,000
26,125
Chapel
Retirement
Lake
Bell Tower-Stained Glass Windows
*Special Ministries Listed Below
Uganda
Fr. Theodosius Fund
Human Trafficking
Prison Ministry
Sister Pam-School
Kentucky
3,005
17,533
3,675
5,650
34,559
440
22,124
5,880
5,625
390
100
Development Expenses
Total Expenses
180,263
294,810
We ask God to bless you in abundance for your faithful
support.
Russ Mancl, Director of Communications & Development
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Florence (Wozniak) Klawinski, Racine, WI , Class of 1947, died 2-23-16.
Kathleen (Murr) Gwidt, Green Bay, WI, Class of 1953, died 5-5-16.
Eileen (Schotz) Fadelle, Ontario, Canada, Class of 1962, died 5-17-16.
Margaret (Krupka) Stepnock Cameranesi, Wauwatosa, WI, Class of
1949, died 5-20-16.
Ab0ve: Sister Stanislaus Poehnelt in front
of Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School
in Merrill, WI. To the left is a photo of the
library of the high school dating back to
1939. Today it is known as the De Angelis
Room at Ministry Good Samaritan Health
Center in Merrill, WI.
Joan (Hinz) Stuemke, Rothschild, WI, Class of 1948, died 5-25-16.
Holy Cross Associate Co-Director Carol Mancl joined leaders of other congregations of associate
programs at Midwest Kindred Spirits at the Siena Center in Racine, WI.
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S
N
A
P
S
Pictured above on the left is Associate Diana Maki with Marlee Strasburg on First Communion Day at Holy Family
Catholic Parish in Woodruff, WI. Diana is Director of Faith Formation at the parish. Above on the right is Associate
Antoinette René of Opelousas, Louisiana, Director of Religious Education at the parishes of St. Ann in Mallett and Holy
Family Catholic Church in Lawtell, Louisiana. She is located in the last row and pictured with second grade First
Communion Class, teachers and pastor from the combined churches.
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A Jubilee Mass celebrated by Bishop James P. Powers of the Diocese of Superior took place May 12 in Holy
Cross Chapel, Merrill, WI. (L-r.) Sister Joelle Mauer, SCSC, (65th Jubilee); Bishop Powers; Sister Rosemary
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Fandel, Servite Sister and Sister Dolores Hrdina, SCSC, both celebrating 60 years of religious life.
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Father Dan Crosby , OFM Cap, during The Mercy Retreat held in Holy Cross Chapel, April 13-16.
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Sister Carol Crosby and Associate Ric Johnson during the Missioning Ceremony in the Clare Center, Merrill, WI, June 10.
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Sister Mary Michael Smits works on the display used for the Summer Assembly Days in the
Clare Center. She was assisted by Sister Mary Angela Sackmann and Associate Russ Mancl.
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Students from St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Merrill, Wisconsin, display Bibles that were purchased
from a financial gift presented by the Holy Cross Sisters USA Province during Catholic Schools Week.
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St. John the Baptist Parish
in Howard, Wisconsin, is
collecting cans that will be
recycled with the proceeds
benefiting an “after-house”
for survivors of human sex
trafficking, located in the
Green Bay, Wisconsin, area.
Sister Celine is pictured in
front of the collection area.
She has been speaking
across the state of
Wisconsin telling the story
of human trafficking.
Sister Ann Wittman was one of 3
winners of an essay contest sponsored
by the Cemetery Tour Committee of
the Merrill Historical Society in
Merrill, WI. The title of the contest
was “Women at Work and in Business”
and the subject of the essay had to be
someone buried in the Merrill
Cemetery.
She wrote about her
mother, Mabel (Downie) Wittman,
who, when her husband died in 1916,
took over his insurance business and
stayed with it until she was 72. The
winners are invited to be part of the
cemetery tour in the fall, speaking
about the women they highlighted.
Sister Joelle Mauer volunteers in
the Holy Cross Sisters Archives
helping to organize photo
collections.
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Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross
1400 O’Day Street
Merrill, WI 54452
715-539-1460
rmancl@holycrosssisters.org
www.holycrosssisters.org
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