Summer 2013 - Poor Clare Sisters of Omaha

Vol.7, No.2 • Summer 2013
T
Gala 2013 Gives a Boost!
he Poor Sisters of St. Clare
marked the Year of Faith with
the first of the Annual GALA,
held at the Rev. Henry L. Sullivan, SJ
Center of Creighton Prep on the 1st of
August 2013. GALA is the acronym for
“Giving A Legacy for All”.
to the cloistered Poor Sisters of St. Clare.
Through the support of many, 75% of
the work has been accomplished. And
the GALA 2013 gave a boost to bring
phase 1 of the construction to a close,
and opening that of phase 2, with more
than $200,000.00.
Most Rev. George J. Lucas, Archbishop
of Omaha and Mayor Jean Stothert were
among the guests of the event that brought
together 321 friends and benefactors for
an enjoyable evening. Scott Moore was
the able and entertaining auctioneer
for the fourth time in a row; with Todd
Andrews of TV Channel 7 as emcee.
Leo Facsianella, Elmo Gray, Tony
Messineo, Dan Novacek, Andrew Popp,
Ron Popp, Louie Rotella and Jeff Zicardi
are the eight connoisseurs in the panel
for the special Italian dinner.
The GALA guests also viewed the
testimony of Ann and Bradley Albu
of Falls City, Nebraska; and of Colter
Lewis. They gave testimonies of their
personal experience of the Power of
Prayer, through the life and mission of
the Poor Sisters of St. Clare. Both DVD
presentations were prepared by Maria
Zellmer and Fred Wolski.
Archbishop George J. Lucas gave the dinner invocation and
was there to the end to close the GALA 2013
with a blessing for everyone.
Stephanie and Jack Koraleski were the
Honorary Chairpersons for the first
Poor Sisters of St. Clare GALA. And
the GALA 2013 Team was headed by
Mary and Jim Czyz, and Ruth Ann and
Ron Popp. Members of the Advisory
Council formed by Sister Theresina
were announced and recognized. They
are: Jim Czyz, Ruth Ann Popp, Connie
Cosentino, Deacon Terry Ficenec,
Jon Engel, Deacon Joe Hartnett, and
Tom Ackley.
Performing artist Mike Debus gave
a half hour entertainment doing the
Face of Christ and the painting of the
Holy Spirit Dove, both of which were
auctioned. There were 18 items in the
mini silent auction, and 13 items in the
oral auction list. Joseph Tometich of St.
Gerald Parish won the 2013 white VW
Jetta at the raffle draw.
A tour of the Portiuncula under
construction was shown on DVD. Sister
Theresina led the tour to the guest area,
the chapel which is the central and
biggest space in the monastery, and
the multipurpose hall – all of which
The GALA brought together the city mayor
and the little nun of Omaha!
will open to serve different groups for
prayer, meeting, celebration, or days of
reflection/retreat. She also showed the
facilities within the enclosure reserved
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In her message, Sister Theresina spelled
out the word LEGACY, giving the
significance of each letter, and bringing
out the importance of each one’s
presence and participation in “Giving A
Legacy for All”. It was a delightful and
inspiring event.
Photos from the 2013 Gala Courtesy of Fred Wolski
(Right) The smiles of a delightful
evening are shown from left to right:
Jack & Stephanie Koraleski, honorary
chairpersons; Ruth Ann & Ron Popp,
Mary & Jim Czyz, GALA chairpersons.
(Left) Mike Debus proudly
presents the Face of Jesus
and the Dove of the Holy
Spirit after his half hour
amazing performance.
r the
ready fo
d getting
notes an to be seated.
Sharing
call
trumpet
(Above) Connie Cosentino & Sister Theresina
prepare for the car raffle draw.
(Right) And the winning ticket is drawn!
The 2013 white VW Jetta goes to Joseph
Tometich of St. Gerald Parish!
Helen Rotella, the determined bidder of the evening, Loreta DeMarco,
and Maria Jacobsen. There were many happy and thankful good-byes.
The Wheatfields volunteers took part in “Giving A Legacy for All”! Some of the 28 of them are shown above
with Dan Novacek of Valentino’s (4th from left), and Andrew Pop (3rd from right).
(Left) Todd Andrews with Ruth Ann Popp, Sister Theresina, and Jim Czyz in a pause after a job well done!
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(Left) Sister Eva Marie of Divine Mercy, OSC received the
habit and white veil of the novice on Pentecost Sunday,
the 19th of May 2013. Rt. Rev. Abbot Theodore Wolff, OSB
presided at the Eucharist and Investiture Ceremony. Sister
Eva was born in Quezon Province, Philippines. She is the
daughter of the late Maxima and Ambrocio O. Bunag.
(Below) Sister Rosalie of the Sacred Heart Savarimuthu,
OSC made her simple profession of vows on the Feast
of St. Clare, the 11th of August 2013 at 9:00 am. The
celebrant for the Eucharist and Ceremony of Profession
was Rev. Robert Kroll, SJ. After pronouncing her vows and
signing the official register, she is shown receiving the
insignia of profession: the black veil and the cord.
Sister Eva Marie with Elaine Martin, her sponsor.
IN LOVING
REMEMBRANCE
The Poor Clare Sisters of St. Clare
pray for your Beloved Departed
Mary Frances Brannen
Martha & John Buelt
Thomas J. Burley
Andre H. Busse
Ross J. Cavaleri
Theresa M. Danahy
Rev. William Dunn
Virginia Galera
Joanne Graeve
Lawrence Greiner
Harold Heithoff
Leona rdo B. Kabigting Jr
Norma Kohles
Sally T. Mancuso
David McEvoy
James E. Morton
Rob Podjenski
Dennis Rosenbaum
Joanne Rouse
Irene Seidl
Alvin Sloup
Virginia Spethmann
Elin Terra
Betty Turley
Deacon Tom Valasek
The newly professed in a joyful pose between Connie Cosentino,
(at left) her sponsor, and Carm (at right).
Publisher: Franciscan Monastery of St. Clare
3626 North 65th Avenue
Staff: Sister Kathy R. Hawkins, OSC
Omaha, NE 68104-3299
Larry Reding, Lu Vavak,
Website: www.omahapoorclare.org
Fred Wolski
Editor:
Sister Theresina R. Santiago, OSC -3-
You are the Living Stones
building up this dwelling of God!
“Ask, and you shall receive…”
Dear Sisters,
I wrote to you a few months ago asking for prayers that
I receive a job promotion I had applied for. I found out
yesterday that I am being promoted to that position!
Thank you so much for your prayers. Please cover me in
prayer that I will glorify God in my new work.
In His Love,
Ruby
Dear Sister,
We have terrific news: Mary passed her exam yesterday.
We are ecstatic as this allows Mary to continue her work
as a social worker and will enable her to supervise others.
Mary works with the severely mentally handicapped
– people who were formally institutionalized and who
now reside in their own housing units. Mary ministers to
them, makes sure they take their medications, makes sure
they keep their doctor visits, makes sure they have food,
clothing, shelter, etc. She is truly and angel of mercy.
Your prayers helped Mary take the next step to spread
her love and empathy. Your prayers will help so many
others through Mary’s efforts.
We are profoundly grateful. Thank you!
Ed Warin
List of donors from February to August 2013
Praise to You, my Lord, through Brother
Sun …through whom you give us light!
BROTHER SUN
$10,000 and above
Ambrose, James & Callista
Anonymous Bastian & Hanson Charitable Trust
Brauch-Petersen, Dr. Mary T.
Cosentino, Carm
Cosentino, Connie
Czyz, James & Mary
DeMarco, Dr. Peter & Loretta
Engel, Jon & Bea
Erftmier, Don & Adelaide
Fitzpatrick, Dr. John & Mary
Franciscan Friars, Sacred Heart Province
Gross, M.D., Joseph F. & Helen C. Foundation
Helen Boland Estate
Holloway, Jo A.
Krings, Anthony J. & Martha L.
Lynch, Colleen
McCarthy, Beverly J.
Omaha Gives 2013
Pavlik, Dr. Kenneth & Norene
Peters, Dr. Richard E. & Mary Anne
Popp, Ron & Ruth Ann
Reding, Larry & Patricia
Schlegel, S.J., John P.
Struyk, Garry
Susquehanna Foods, Inc.
Praise to You, my Lord, through Sister
Moon and the Stars …clear and precious
and beautiful!
SISTER MOON AND
STARS
$5,000 - $9,999
Dear Poor Clare Sisters,
On July 12th, I contacted you with a prayer request for
my daughter. Lisa is in the early stages of pregnancy and
had just discovered a lump in her breast. Of course, if
the tissue proved to be malignant, her treatment options
would have been extremely limited. We rejoice to say that
the pathology results indicated nothing worrisome!
We are so very grateful for your intercession and ask for
your continued prayers for a safe delivery and healthy
baby. I hope to send more good news in January. God
bless your holy work!
S. Q., Omaha
Barmettler, Mary Beth
Bush, Lavern L.
Cholet, Clare J.
Cochran, Larry & Diane
Dawson, Michael
Gehringer, Mary Helen
Lang, Rod & Carol
Lickteig, Mary
Luetkenhaus, Earl & Mary
McEvoy, David, R.I.P.
Schinker, George & Mary Lou
Smith, Dr. James & Marty
Spanke, Paula
Praise to You, my Lord, through Brother
Wind …the air and every other kind of
weather through whom You give sustenance
to your creatures!
BROTHER WIND
$1,000 - $4,999
Beal, John & Michelle
Baum, Dr. Clete & Mary
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Beaver, Ninette R.
Belford, Mary Ann
Bemis, James J. & Joanne
Boeckman, Jr., James M.
Briganti, Anne M., R.I.P.
Budenholzer, Mary Jo
Burkhard, Robert V. & Cathy
Catholic Mutual Group
Chesire, Daniel P. & Nora
Corbit, Roger & Christine
Czerwien, Maggie G.
Dawson, Todd & Geri
Dwyer, Michael
Ficenec, Deacon Terrence & Karen
Freivald, Joseph
Gobel, Barbara
Gross, Diane N.
Haney, OFS, Bea C.
Hardebeck, Matthew
Heffron, Mrs. Patricia
Heider, Mary
Holst, Julie
Hrabovsky, Grant & Sharon
Jacobsen, Dean & Maria
Jesuit Community at Creighton University
Johnson, David & Eva
Johnson, Patti
Kineen, James P. Charitable Fund
Knights of Columbus # 14077
Kreski, Dr. & Mrs. Harold
Lang, Daniel & Carol
Lewis, Galen & Mary
Lorkovic, Bernie & Peg
Mansfield, Linda
March, Rick A.
May, Elizabeth A.
McCaslin, Rev. John O.
McEvoy, Judith
Mehser, OFS, Christine
Moss, Warner M.
Munch, Joan
Odulio, Estrella B.
Olivares, Sonia S.
Pfeifer, Alvin & Margaret
Reding, Germain & Armella
Ries, Dr. Gerald & Mary
Rieden, Henry & Joann
Savarimuthu, Michael & Mary
Schanbacher, John C. & Cheryl
Shrier, Elizabeth
Skradski, Ed & Marlene
Skrupa, Frank & Rosemary
Sloup, Rick
Sorrell, Dr. & Mrs. Michael
Steffensmeier, Gene & Peg
Tan, Dolly
Thompson, Charles & Sharry
Vavak, Craig & Lu
Walker, Matt & Kelly
West, Gary & Mary
Wolfe, Dr. Steven & Marie
List of donors from February to August 2013
continued from page 4
Praise to You, my Lord, through Sister
Water, who is very useful, humble, precious and chaste!
SISTER WATER
$500 - $999.00
Bianchi, Roberta P., R.I.P.
Brady, Sr., Paul & Diane
Broghammer, Robert & Dorothy
Chedester, Dr. John K.
Connelly, Dan & Angela
Davee, Warren & Elaine
Doyle, Jon & Kay
Doyle, Kathleen C.
Dulac, Dr. Michael & Mary C.
Ensor, Lorraine
Harsh, Andrew D.
Hartnett, Paul & Marjorie
Ihle, Dr. Christopher & Barbara
Knights of Columbus #11600
Manuel, OFS, Anna M.
Munter, Doug & Kay
O’Halloran, Philip & Susan
Olson, Oral & Joyce
Pavlas, George
Peschel, Rev. Roland A.
Petty, David Z. & Kim
Plevniak, Marylynn
Raiti, Charles & Catherine, R.I.P.
Schrad, Charles & Theresa
Simon, Mr. & Mrs. Martin G.
Spargo, OFS, James & Anna Marie
Steffens, Mary L.
Sweeney, Patrick
Terschuren, Therese
Thull, Ted T. & Kay M.
Turner, Rosemary B.
Villaruz, Augusto & Amelita
Warin, Edward & Colleen
Weide, Rosemary
Wickes, Renee
Praise to You, my Lord, through
Brother Fire, through whom You light
the night; he is playful, robust and
strong!
BROTHER FIRE
$100.00 - $499.00
Alaimo, Halina
Alder, Marilee
Anderson, Rosemary C.
Banal, Mary Rose
Barron, Cecilia
Bermel, Kathleen
Betzold, Mike
Brannen, Mary Frances, R.I.P.
Brannen, Tom & Ann
Buckman, Linda
Bunag, Homer & Teresita
Busse, Andre H., R.I.P.
Camenzind, Charlene
Chilcutt, Inez
Ching, Caridad Ranara
Cooper, Kevin & Lora
Cordray, Shannon
Cork, Paula
Cote, Roger & Susan
Danahy, Theresa M., R.I.P.
Degan, Carol
Delnegro, Susanne M.
DeVaughn, Marynell
Dunn, Deacon Don & Marie
Dwyer, Joseph
Dwyer, Michael J.
Dwyer, Prema
Ellis, Mary Jo
Esch, Dennis & Kathleen
Farnan, Theresa
Fowler, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph
Gates, Kathy
Gehringer, Joseph & Patricia
Gist, Dr. William & Judith
Gleason, Sheila
Goeken, Mr. & Mrs. Jerome F.
Gruttemeyer, Mary A.
Guinan, Thomas & Carol F.
Hahn, Lawrence
Hahn, OFM, Rev. Bernardine
Hamilton, Rev. Mr. Robert & Lori
Haney, Gerald & Janet
Hayes, Patricia
Hoig, Robert
Hood, Rev. Mervin
Hottor, Henry
Huerter, Joe & Jeanne
Insolera, Frank & Dorothy
Jennen, Kate
Jorgensen, Janice M.
Keary, Margaret
Kelley, Vivian
Kenny, William & Shirley
Kolenda, David J. & Joanne L.
Kratochvil, Dr. & Mrs. Bernard
Kratochvil, Susan
Krejci, Michael & Laurita
Kremla, Stephanie
Krueger, Deacon David
Kubat, Mr. & Mrs. Richard J.
Kukula, John & Deborah
Leighton, Michael
Lewis, Roxie
Lindsay, Edward P.
Linenfelser, Francis J.
Mahoney, Earl G.
Manhart, Mr. & Mrs. R. J.
Martin, Elaine
McCullough, Steve & Donna
McGranaghan, Robert E.
Miles, Mary S.
Molacek, Gilbert & Renelda
Monson, Dr. John & Mary
Mucia, Dave & Mary Ann
Mueller, Bob & Iva
Nagengast, Josephine
Nayak, Anjuli
Neneman, John
Nitsch, M. J.
Noble, Mary
Ohri, Rose Mary
Olson, John & Joyce
Pavelka, Dr. Donald & Barbara
Peckinpough, Marion
Petty, Bill & Mary
Placzek, Dan & Kris
Raynor, Walter V.
Reeder, Patricia
Reedy, Tom & Dede
Reyes, Raoul S.
Roddy, Frances M.
Sales, Holly
Schrad, Thomas & Marcia
Schumacher, Bill & Barbara
Schumacher, Stephen
Scraba, OFS, Paula
Shelton, Frances
Slattery, Tim & Dorothy
Steffes, Paul
Stevens, Angelika
Torres, Juliana
Vaccarelli, Paul & Barbara
Wilwerding, Steve
Woodard, Karen
Yoest, Mary Devlin
Praise to You, my Lord, through Sister
Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us and protects us and produces
fruit, colored flowers and herbs!
SISTER MOTHER
EARTH
$1.00 - $99.00
Amstuz, Karen
Anzaldo, Subby & Janice
Barry, Mike
Bickels, Mary
Black, M. Jane
Boone, Cathy
Bost, Lisa White
Brink, Karen
Budenholzer, Geri
Buechler, Amy
Burkhard, Susan
Carlson, Suzanne
Chrystal, Agnes
Cihal, Sandi
Condotti, Elsie, R.I.P.
Conway, Kent
Cork, Paulette
Crane, Marilyn
Craney, Joseph M.
Crouchley, Jean
Delaney, Kathleen
Dixon, Joyce
Dobrowolsky, Helene
Dorman, John
Fleissner, Peggy
Franzluebbers, Regina
Freeland, Betsy
Garrigan, Erin
Godek, John & Mary
Gregory, Anne E.
Gustafson, Carol
Halpin, Mary K.
Hanson, Deacon Chris & Erika
Harms, Cynthia
Hartnett, Helen
Hunt, Mary Beth
Johnson, Russ & Connie
Kahm, Nancy
Knavel, Mary
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Kurz, Melissa
Lang, David & Patricia
Lim, Sandra
Limbeck, Mr. & Mrs. Richard
Lindsay, William
Lindschmidt, Michele
Lodorick, Brent
Lund, Tedi
Madison, Anne M.
Manuel, Esperanza K.
McGonical, Bernard
McGowan, Mrs. Robert
Meints, Ruth
Melcer, Michael & Becky
Murray, Patrick
Oberg, Jason
O’Callaghan, Chris
Pence, Mary Joellen
Pepitone, Jack
Pratt, Denise
Putnam, Susan
Quinn, John
Regan, Mary
Ries, Maureen
Spethman, Virginia, R.I.P.
Sund, Joseph
Travis, OFS, Rosemary
Vela, Porfirio
Volkmann, William
Walowski, Kathryn
Weide, Bridget
Wilberding, Ed
Williams, Sara
Williams, Stacy
Wintz, Daniel
Yeutter, Jill
Zuchniak, Kathleen
The Poor Sisters of
St. Clare
are deeply grateful to
all of you who have helped
us to accomplish 75% of the
building project.
We count on your
continued support
as we set out to raise the
funds needed for the
remaining 25%
to complete the new
monastery that
can be at the service
of many.
May the Lord continue
to bless you,
and confirm you in Faith!
Franciscan Monastery of Saint Clare
3626 North 65th Avenue
Omaha, Nebraska 68104-3299
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A Christmas Concert for the Poor
Sisters of St. Clare has been scheduled on Wednesday, the 4th of
December 2013 at 7:00 - 8:30 pm
at Christ the King Church. It will
feature the Frontier String Ensemble of the Omaha Conservatory of Music. Tickets at $15 for Adults and $5 for
Children (12 & Under) will be available at the Franciscan Monastery of St. Clare,Wheatfields, and the Omaha
Conservatory of Music.
The quarterly issues of The Portiuncula Journey have
been reduced to two issues a year, for cost-cutting reasons. This is the second and last issue for the Year 2013.
There will be the Spring and Autumn Issues for 2014.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Sister Theresina and her Sisters wish to express their gratitude to:
• All those who took part in “Omaha Gives” 2013 which added
$68,756.24 to the much needed building fund!
• The 12 Parishes that took part in the car raffle: Our Lady of Lourdes,
St. John Vianney, St. Wenceslaus, St. Patrick in Gretna, St. Gerald, St.
Robert Bellarmine, St. Mary in Bellevue, St. Patrick in Elkhorn, St.
Elizabeth Ann, St. Thomas More, Mary Our Queen, and Christ the King!
• All those who volunteered to sell raffle tickets on weekend Masses of
the months of June and July in 12 parishes!
• The whole GALA Team, for the hours of planning, work, meeting, and
bringing everything together for the dinner & auction!
• The 28 volunteers from Wheatfields who cheerfully served the Italian
dinner at the GALA!
• The guests who took part in the mini silent & oral auction, and those
who raised the paddle!
• The generous donors of all the auction items!
• Scott Moore and Todd Andrews!
• The Jesuit Community and Administration of Creighton Prep for the
use of the Henry L. Sullivan SJ Center on the 1st of August 2013!
May the Lord continue to bless you all and be your reward!
Portiuncula Construction Update
The present stage of the work in the building project is that of the
exterior utilities. The second phase of the parking lot on the east
side has been completed. Concrete has already been poured on the
sidewalk that leads to the chapel and to the main entrance of the monastery. Landscaping by David Lanoha and his company starts middle
of August 2013.
(Top) Phase 2 of the parking lot on the east side.
(Bottom) Sidewalk to the Chapel entrance by the Belltower, and one leading to the
main entrance of the monastery on the south side at left.
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