Volume 4 No 3

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

VOLUME 4 • NO. 3

MISSION STATEMENT

OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

OF THE THIRD ORDER

OF ST. FRANCIS

Dedication to Jesus Christ involves us

intimately in the liberating and reconciling

mission—to make God more deeply known

and loved, and in so doing, draw all persons

to fuller and freer life.

Together with all our sisters and brothers

who strive for a more just world, we under-

take those activities which will promote the

material and spiritual development of the

human family.

Gathering Place

is published to keep

the public informed

of the mission and

ministry of the Sisters

of St. Joseph of the

Third Order of

St. Francis.

EDITORReneta E.Webb, Ph.D., CAE

EDITORIAL BOARDSr. Carlene BlavatSr. Judith David

Sr. Marygrace PuchaczSr. MaryLou Wojtusik

Sharon McElmeel

PROOFING STAFFSr. Mary Adalbert StalSr. Dolores Mary Koza

Sr. Louise Szerpicki

PRODUCTION & LAYOUTNewcomb Marketing Solutions/

The Printed Word

OFFICEPublic Relations Office

P.O. Box 388129Chicago, IL 60638-8129

Telephone: 1-773-581-7505Fax: 1-773-581-7545

Web site: www.ssj-tosf.orge-mail: [email protected]

Copyright by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, Inc.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Recently Newsweek devoted an issue to “God & Health,” raising

interesting questions about the relationship between intangible things

like faith and prayer, and the tangible reality of bodily health. The

essential difficulty with addressing the questions is the lack of a boundary

between the two.

I think St. Francis and St. Clare knew this. They saw no dichotomy between

creation and the spirit. Francis related to Lady Poverty and Sister Earth.

Clare proclaimed, “as the glorious Virgin carried Christ in her body…always carry Him spiritual-

ly…in your body. And you will hold God by whom you and all things are held together.” (Third Letter

to Blessed Agnes, 24-26)

The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis know that body, mind and spirit are one.

All of creation is in God and God is in all creation. In their Apostolic Creed the Sisters declare:

Nothing that will promote the dignity of the human person, the basic human values, is foreign to us...

And in the SSJ-TOSF mission statement:

…to make God more deeply known and loved and in so doing,draw all persons to fuller and freer life…we undertake thoseactivities which will promote the material and spiritual development of the human family.

In this issue of Gathering Place, you will meet several sisters who have carried out this creed and

mission in their ministries. Enjoy your Body, Mind and Spirit!

DEPARTMENTSIn the News 21

Chicago’s Catholic Festival of Faith

Sr. Rosette Rospotynski Honored by KCs

Sr. Emily Ligas - Police Interpreter

Sr. Cornelia Skora - Quilt Contribution

Vocation/Formation 26Sr. Laura Hrindak - Final Profession

Development 27Letter from Sr. Denise Seymour

Perpetual Light 28

VOLUME 4 • NO. 3

FEATURES Body, Mind, Spirit – In Harmony 1Integrity means “one.” To be a person who is truly

“together,” all aspects of the self must be in harmony.

Sr. Josephine Marie Peplinski

Integrity and Reconciliation 3There are no boundaries separating body, mind, spirit,

inner world and outer world. When all aspects are

in harmony, peace abounds. When they are not,

there is disease. Reconciliation returns harmony

and integrity.

Reneta Webb

Featuring 6Sr. Janine Rajkowski - Center for a Balanced Life

Sr. Ruth Baggech - The Center

Sr. Barbara Feleo - A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home

Sr. Alexanne Osinski - Naprapathy

Srs. Margaret Hoffelder, Marjorie White

and Therese Dulcos - Sophia’s Portico

Sr. Carol Ann Killoran - Professional Pastoral

Counseling Services

Sr. Francis Therese Woznicki

and Sr. Jean Ehasz - The Franciscan Center

Table ofContents

The art work that you see on the cover and in this issue of Gathering Place is usedwith permission of Sister Doris Klein, CSA. Sr. Doris has been a friend and aninspiration to the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis for manyyears, and we are happy to feature her work. The art pieces in Gathering Place arepresented in the magazine’s two-color format. For full color renderings of these artpieces, please visit www.dorisklein.com. To order Doris Klein cards or art pieces,please visit www.heartbeatscatalog.com.

1 Vol. 4 No. 3

ANew Age is dawning. Science and religion are resonating in humanity’s ongoing search for

meaning and noble purpose in life. Significant to that search is the scientifically accepted truth

that all creation is one. It is a holonic universe, that is, the whole is present in each of the

parts. It is simply stated in a Chinese healing exercise: “I am in the universe and the universe is in me. The

universe and I combine together.”

Further, scientists now support the vision of mystics that existence is dependent on the ongoing presence

of the Creator, in the whole and in every part. Quiet and thoughtful prayers express this truth. For

example, one may pray,“I am created by Divine Light; I am surrounded by Divine Light. Every cell of my body

is suffused with Divine Light; every level of my consciousness is enlightened.” Or a Zen mantra reveals, “My

life is the breath of God.”

by Sister Josephine Marie Peplinski

God is love, compassion, forgiveness - inviting us in to a continuous symphony of co-creation. Each of us

carries out the creative process in a network of interdependence, each relating to God, to our family

members, to social institutions, with the planet and even with the whole cosmos. In this interconnectedness,

we all have the freedom to choose. “I am offering you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so

that you and your descendants may live.” (Deut 30:19) We have the freedom to accept or reject the Spirit of

God, to choose the positive influences of communities of Light, or the darkness in a fragmented, egoistic,

consumer society. Each choice leaves its mark on the universe, for better or for worse.

Even in the midst of deprivation, struggle and suffering, we can choose life. “We know that all things work

for good for those who love God.” (Romans 8:28) Through our individual well-being, our individual health

and integrity of mind, body and spirit, we further the cause of justice and charity for all, and transform death

into life.

In mid-life, my friend Bob lost an eye in an accident. With one eye, he began to see beauty in creation, and

meaning and purpose in life, which he was unable to see with two eyes. Open to the Spirit, he keeps devel-

oping new powers of body and mind, and finds joy in wholehearted life-giving service.

Even more important than what we do, is why we do what we do.What we do in our hearts, our disposition

or intentions, affects others and us in our body-mind-spirit development. The “why” makes a difference in our

choosing healthful practices; seeking knowledge, truth and wisdom; nurturing self-

esteem, imagination and intuition; developing listening and service skills; following the

guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The foundresses of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis were

clear on the why of their response to a crisis situation. They knew the joys, hopes,

griefs and anxieties of the Polish immigrants of the late 19th century. With integrity,

they recognized their “response-ability” toward the need of the moment, the future

of these people and their welcomed integration into American society. Mother Felicia

and Mother Clara voiced the concern springing from their sacred center, “What will

happen to the children?” In the midst of risk and hardships, they gave themselves with Franciscan simplicity,

peace and joy to the task of education. It was a fitting response, enabling others to achieve “response-ability”

toward fullness of life in this promising new world.

The congregation’s mission statement summarizes, not only the individual’s integrity, but also the oneness with

all of creation: “Together with all our brothers and sisters who strive for a more just world, we undertake

those activities which will promote the material and spiritual development of the human family.” It is a com-

mitment “to make God more deeply known and loved and in so doing draw all persons to fuller and freer life.”

When body, mind and spirit are in harmony, we have the power to live mindfully. We have the energy to love.

Each moment is sacred. Life is balanced, free of guilt for the past or fear for the future. We live in a holy Spirit,

in Love. We are the Body of Christ.

Together with all our

brothers and sisters

who strive for a

more just world,

we undertake those

activities which will

promote the material

and spiritual

development of the

human family.

Sr. Josephine Marie Peplinski

3 Vol. 4 No. 3

Everybody has one. A spiritual life, that is.

We all have those inner thoughts, those unverbalized

feelings. We have mental conversations with

ourselves. We spend time thinking through the

events of the day. There is always something

churning around inside our thoughts and perceptions.

Even when we’re not thinking of anything in

particular, we’re thinking of something.

Reneta Webb

by Reneta Webb

andINTEGRITY

Reconciliation

The spiritual life of a person involves several overlapping processes. Let us start, as Sigmund Freud did, with a simple question about memory. When I forget, where does the

thought go? And when I remember, where does it come from? What is the relationship between memory

and imagination? How does my imagination influence my thoughts and actions? Say, for example, you lost your

keys. This activates the imagination, tracing the memory of activities just completed. The path of memories

may lead to envisioning someone dear to you. Your emotions are activated. You enjoy keeping them in your

“mind’s eye.” The recollection of the location of your keys sends you walking in the direction of your

imagination. No doubt that the spiritual life has a direct bearing on the physical. Even inner activity for which

we have no words, influences our behavior. We know more than we can say. Memory, imagination, emotion,

intuition, learning, thinking, daydreaming, even night dreaming, are all aspects of a person’s spiritual life. Integrity

is the ever-more conscious resonance of the spiritual life with that of the body and mind.

The spiritual life also involves relating to spiritual phenomena beyond the individual. Carl Jung, in his psychological research, concluded that there seems to be psychoid material which exists

independently of any individual psyche. Jung asserted that these archetypal energies influence individuals,

whether they are conscious of them or not. A psychologically healthy person is in an ongoing process of

discerning and attending to the inner life. Organized religion has given us

words to describe the dynamics of these spiritual phenomena. We can say

“God,” “inspiration,” “providence,” “faith,” and many other spiritual refer-

ences. Michael Morwood, in his book, “Tomorrow’s Catholic,” describes

redemption as a call to consciousness. Jesus showed us how to live a con-

scious spiritual life. And he often pointed out that “Your faith has saved you.”

(e.g. Luke 7:50) Coming to a realization of a divine “Other,” God, is psycho-

logically healthy. Learning how to relate to God on a consistent basis is called

prayer or mindfulness. Integrity is being pure of heart so that one can see

God.

The spiritual life works in and through the body. When the body is whole, the spiritual life is free to develop. Conversely, “if

your eye (faith) is clear, your whole body is in light.” (Matt 6:22) The body

reflects the kind of spirit in which a person lives. A mean, belligerent spirit

will register in frown lines, closed body postures, furtive glances. An open,

loving spirit will see the value of others, see and seek to serve, be patient and

kind. Facial muscles will be relaxed, hand gestures will be palm up, people and

objects will be handled with care. We are called to care for our bodies as

vessels of the Holy Spirit. Diet, exercise, and proper medical care are all part

of integrity.

The brain is integral to the body and the spirit. It is the seat of activity of the spiritual life. Keeping the body in good health contributes to good intellectual

activity. Studying, thinking, analyzing, researching, and writing are all “mind” activities which can help develop

the spiritual life and change behavior. The mind is the center of consciousness, the faculty that helps us to

be aware.

When the body is

whole, the spiritual life

is free to develop.

Conversely, “if your eye

(faith) is clear, your

whole body is in light.”

—Matt 6:22

5 Vol. 4 No. 3

Our gift

of presence,

our gift of ministry,

happens in a

bodily and

sensory world.

Through the body, we are in relationship to the environment. Just as one’s inner life relates to a larger world of spiritual dynamics, so, too, the body relates to an external

world. Through the body we relate to other people. Our gift of presence, our gift of ministry, happens in a

bodily and sensory world. The works of mercy are physical works. Our stewardship of the earth also occurs

in a physical domain. Even the legacy we leave to the universe is designed through the body.

Where is the separation of body from mind? Of mind from spiritual life? Of spiritual life from the body?

There is none. The life of one feeds into the other. When all these dimensions of ourselves are integrated,

we are the happiest and healthiest. We are one. We are “integers.” There is a yogic posture that ultimately

balances on one foot with the other foot placed at the side of the inner knee. Hands are folded. Posture is

prayerful. In perfect balance, in perfect harmony, the person is one—body, mind and spirit. This is the state

to which we are called. We are people of balance, harmony, and integrity.

Sometimes the resonance among the body, the mind, the spirit, the spiritual world and the physical environ-

ment is impaired. We know better than to throw trash out the car window, but we do it anyway. We wake

up with a headache and grouse around our environment all day. A deadline gets us under stress and our neck

and back muscles tense up. We are in disease.

Reconciliation is the act of bringing elements into harmony. We then become instruments of peace.We are one—body, mind, and spirit—relating to the world inside and

outside us in a divinely centered way.

Lord,

make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

—Prayer for Peace - St. Francis of Assisi

CompanionstoWholeness

Each of the sisters you will meet in this

issue of Gathering Place are companions

to wholeness. The essential part of their

ministry is to walk with each of us, hand in

hand, toward integrity and reconciliation.

7 Vol. 4 No. 2

Sister Janine RajkowskiThe music from the album “Feather on the Breath ofGod” softly played while Sister Janine Rajkowskibegan the Healing Stone massage. Her reverentand gifted touch blended with a prayerful silence

as she worked away the stress andimbalance of the work-a-day world.The warmed stones were placed atstrategic points to regain the balance ofenergy. With quiet gentleness, she began the massage with stones thatwere 400 to 600 million years old and permanent natural geomagnets.

Ministering to people with her therapy and counseling was a long-timedream of Sr. Janine. Establishing the Center for a Balanced Life in WestSt. Paul, Minnesota, was a dream come true. Sr. Janine works with a staffof four other massage therapists and two receptionists, to offer a varietyof services for well-being. She extends these services to various business

sites in the Minneapolis-St Paul area, providing “chairmassages” which concentrate mainly on the neck andshoulders. Employees can sign up for 15-30 minute ses-sions.

Sr. Janine is supremely qualified to offer these services.She is a registered nurse (University of Wisconsin, EauClaire) with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology(Alfred Adler Institute). She is also a certified MassageTherapist, a Registered Polarity Practitioner, a hyp-notherapist, a Healing Stone Massage/Bodyworker,Healing Stone Instructor, and a holistic therapist.

The journey to her present position as director of theCenter for a Balanced Life was not linear. It was more like the path of a feather on thebreath of God.

Sr. Janine is the oldest of sixteen children born ofJohn and Joanne Rajkowski in Stevens Point,Wisconsin. Most of her brothers and sisters wereborn after she had entered the Sisters of St. Josephof the Third Order of St. Francis on August 25, 1952.She started her ministry, as many other sisters did inthe 1950s, as an elementary school teacher. She firstwent to St. Mary of the Angels in Green Bay,Wisconsin, and then moved to Milwaukee, serving atSt. Adalbert School and at Blessed SacramentSchool.

1963 was a significant turning point in her ministry.She began practical nurses training at Marymount School ofNursing in Garfield Heights, Ohio. For the next five years, Sr. Janineapplied her skills at health care facilities in Wisconsin. She contin-

ued her training at the University of Wisconsin and Sacred HeartHospital starting in 1969 until 1973. It was apparent that Sr. Janine

had the congregation’s mission at heart “to undertake those activitieswhich will promote the material and spiritual development of the

human family.”

Therapeutic MassageHealing Stone Massage

Deep Tissue MobilizationAccupressure

Myofascial ReleaseReflexology

Polarity TherapyCranial Sacral Therapy

Mariel/ReikiElectrotherapy

Infant MassageYoga with Meditation

Relaxation and Meditation

Herbal Body WrapSeaweed Body Mask

Salt Glow Body ScrubParaffin Wax Dip

Vibrosaun TreatmentsEar Candling

Cellulite Reduction Treatments

Individual CounselingSpiritual Mentoring

Nutritional CounselingHypnosis


For the next thirteen years, her healing ministryextended to Holy Cross Hospital in Merrill,Wisconsin; participating in a midwifery program,part of Frontier Nursing, Hyden, Kentucky; work-ing in Labor and Delivery in Brandon, Mississippi;working in a cancer unit in Evansville, Indiana; serv-ing as a hospice nurse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin;assuming duties as head nurse at Walker MethodistHealth Care in Eagan, Minnesota; and a privateduty nurse at G & G Hawkins Home in Ankona,Minnesota.

The move to Minnesota was significant. It was there that Sr.Janine began to use massage therapy in her work as a nurse.The massage relaxed her patients and promoted healing. Shecompleted her certification as a Massage Therapist, andwent to work at a therapy center in West St. Paul. Shebegan to feel the need to expand services to include otheraspects of holistic health. In 1987, Sr. Janine opened theCenter for a Balanced Life. This was the first ministry of itskind for the SSJ-TOSFs and the venue where Sr. Janine wasable to promote whole person wellness —body, mind andspirit. It was truly the culmination of her training and min-istry, the opportunity to draw together her health care

experiences and apply them in a creative way. As she works on the body, Sr. Janineprays for each client, as she says,“...with a clear sense of the congregation’s Franciscanroots and the call to Gospel living.”

Sr. Janine has a framed poster in her center that sums up her ministry:

Massage therapy is Touching.

It is touching the Body...

its intricate designs of

structure and form.

It is touching the Mind...

Its delicate balance of

thoughts and emotions.

It is touching the Spirit...

And merging all three

even if just for a moment.

Massage therapy is...

Touching Humanity.


As she works on the body,

Sr. Janine prays for each client,

as she says, “...with a clear

sense of the congregation’s

Franciscan roots and the call

to Gospel living.”


9 Vol. 4 No. 3

Sister Ruth Baggech“Come to the Center!” When Sister Ruth Baggech says this, she means it in everysense of the word. She invites you to the center of yourself—that place where body,mind and spirit are integrated in the Divine Center. The “core” of your person is whereyou are most completely yourself, and where all elements of your being are in balance.“Come to the Center,” is Ruth’s invitation to explore the depths of yourself and, in sodoing, continue your search for God.

“Come to the Center!” The Center, located in Immaculata CongregationalHome in Bartlett, Illinois, was co-founded by Srs. Ruth and BernardineDominick. “Come to the Center!” is also Ruth’s invitation to you to spendsome time in the quiet solitude of the 42 acres of the Bartlett property,or to participate in one of the retreat days, workshops or seasonal ritualscelebrated at The Center.

Ruth has a knack for leading the way. Even as a child growing up in theBridgeport area of Chicago, and attending St. Mary of Perpetual Help school,she was a leader with intelligence and high energy. When she completedher junior year of high school, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of theThird Order of St. Francis in 1953. She began her ministry as a teacher,initially at St. Roman School and later at St. Fidelis School, both in Chicago.

In 1968, she was chosen Fourth Councillor and Provincial Secretary of thethen Immaculate Conception Province. She served this in leadership roleuntil 1971 when she began working for a Master’s degree in religious studies at St. Louis University. Ruth returned to Addison, Illinois, where she applied her creative skills at St. Joseph Parish as Director of ReligiousEducation.

Through all the events and responsibilities of her life, her spiritual journeywas leading to The Center. When she became Formation Director for theprovince, Ruth organized an ongoing formation program in which women inthe area as well as Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF, participated. Ruth was calledto leadership again, being elected Provincial in 1986. She served in thiscapacity until 1990 when the provincial structure of the congregation wasdissolved. The call to The Center was postponed.

For the next five years, Ruth worked as the Community ResourcesCoordinator at Family Shelter Service in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. “This was a veryexciting time full of new experiences. Yet, I missed developing the spiritualaspect of my life,” Ruth recalled. During a ten-month sabbatical in 1995, Ruthheard an undeniable call to commit herself to the nourishing of her own center. “It was a call to conversion,” she stated.

1n 1996, Sister Bernardine Dominick brought her considerable gifts as an artist andspiritual companion, and worked with Ruth to submit a proposal to the congregation’sCentral Board for what would become The Center. Together they formulated its original vision statement:

Sr. Ruth Baggech

“The Center is a Sacred Time and a Sacred Place. Set in a lush

expanse of rare and wild woodlands. The Center offers retreat days,

workshops, seminars and personal conversation to heighten awareness

of the Divine Energy at the heart of all Creation.”


With a grounding in creation spirituality, the tag line of The Center is “Finding God inall things.” “The Center exists to provide an environment, as well as the programs andservices, for persons to reach their own centers,” says Ruth.“It’s all about heighteningawareness of the sacredness of all life.”

On October 4, 1996, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, The Center marked its officialbeginning with a day long celebration aptly called “Down to Earth.” In the autumn of1997, Sister Rosemarie Burian joined The Center team. She expanded the scope ofThe Center with a very successful Healing Touch practice, and her expertise in teach-ing meditation and the chakra system.

Sister Alexanne Osinski is the newest member of The Center staff. She will begin tooffer her services as a naprapath in January 2004.

A listing of The Center’s programs this winter include:

T’ai Chi ChihHatha YogaCentering with a StoryFeeling my Way to GodAn In-depth Look at the ChakrasArthritis Relief at Your FingertipsWriting MindfullyReflexologyLiving with Faith in a Living UniverseCelebrating Spring EquinoxCreativity and Imagination

Ongoing programs and services include:

Healing TouchSpiritual CompanioningFull Circle (a Women’s Spirituality Group)Men’s SpiritualityMindfulness Meditation

“The Center exists to

provide an environment,

as well as the programs and

services, for persons to reach

their own centers…

It’s all about heightening

awareness of the sacredness

of all life.”

11 Vol. 4 No. 3

Sister Barbara FeleoSister Barbara Feleo does grief counseling at A. J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home inTroy, Michigan. She journeys with persons during a time of profound loss when theymost need compassion and understanding. “I try to create a peaceful environmentwhere people can feel safe and accepted,” says Sr. Barbara. “They are the ones thatdirect the time we have together as they search for meaning in the midst of loss.”

A day in the life of a grief counselor is a busy one. It usually starts out withoffice work, checking calendars, answering phone calls, and sorting throughmail. Depending on the events in the funeral home, Sr. Barbara may be greet-ing a family as they come to the casket showroom, or accompanying them asthey arrive for the wake the first time, or grieving with family members afterthe visitors have left. She also has initiated several ongoing programs for people in grief, for example, “Perspectives,” a program of bereavement information and support;“Take Time to Heal,” a program to assist anyone whois dealing with the death of a loved one; “P.A.L. Personal Approach to Loss,” asupport group for widowed men and women. These programs have been gaining a following and draw participants from the greater Detroit area. Some

of the groups continue to meet, even after the formal sessions have ended, since theparticipants find strength in each other’s sharing.

Sr. Barbara draws her strength and inspiration from center-ing prayer. “Before meeting those who are grieving,” shesays,“I quietly enter in to a restful place in God, where body,mind and spirit come together in a wholesome, holy way.That way, I know that it is more than ‘me’ at work.”

Sr. Barbara uses Healing Touch in her grief coun-seling. “There was a woman who came to thefuneral home, sobbing and shaking with grief. Iasked her to breathe deeply. I just remained inquiet prayer with her,” said Sr. Barbara. “It waslike a miracle. She began to relax, and we wereable to share her feelings of loss and separation.”Healing Touch is a holistic energy therapy that emphasizes compassion andcare, where provider and client are equal partners in facilitating health andhealing. Healing touch uses gentle, non-invasive touch to influence and support the human energy system within and surrounding the body, tobring it in to harmony and balance. The goal is to support the client’s self-healing, becoming whole in body, mind, emotion and spirit.


Sr. Barbara Feleo

“Before meeting those who

are grieving,” she says,

“I quietly enter in to a

restful place in God,

where body, mind and

spirit come together in

a wholesome, holy way.

That way, I know that it is

more than ‘me’ at work.”

The counseling, the healing touch ministry,and the organizational ability that sup-ports it, began way back. Sr. Barbara wasborn in Detroit, Michigan, November 27,1937. She was attracted to music at ayoung age, and to this day sings in thechoir conducted by Sr. Shirlee Hoski atHoly Name Parish in Troy, Michigan.Barbara was always the responsible big sis-ter to her younger sister and four broth-ers. She attended Ascension School inBase Line,Michigan. That is where she metthe Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Orderof St. Francis, the congregation she joinedright after her grade school graduation in1951. After her novitiate, she spent thefirst fifteen years of her ministry in educa-tion, teaching in schools in Connecticut,Ohio and Michigan.

In 1971, when she was at St. Anastasia Parish, she extended herwork to include pastoral ministry. She continued in pastoral min-istry as Christian Service Coordinator at St. Clemens in Romeo,Michigan, and as Music Minister at St. Louis in Mt. Clemens,Michigan. In 1988, Sr. Barbara became a social worker for theNOR Service Group and then for the Center for Anxiety andDepressive Disorders. She spent a year as administrator ofMadonna Villa Senior Residence before the opportunity for GriefCounseling opened up at Desmond Funeral Homes in 1992.

“Each person’s timetable for healing—for bringing body, mind and spirit together—is different. All grief is not the same grief,”said Sr. Barbara. “We need time to vent—and invent ways of liv-ing with loss in our lives. The healing power of God continues tobe at work.”


“We need time to vent—

and invent ways of living

with loss in our lives.

The healing power of God

continues to be at work.”

—Sr. Barbara Feleo

13 Vol. 4 No. 3

Sister Alexanne OsinskiNaprapathy. This is the ministry of Sister AlexanneOsinski. As a naprapath, she is an alternative manual medicine specialist, treating persons by the use of con-nective tissue manipulation, therapeutic and rehabilitativeexercise, postural counseling, and nutritional counseling.

It wasn’t always this way. In fact, naprapathy was not onthe mind of the young girl who was raised in Chicago, ahappy child in a loving family, and the niece of the lateMarysza Data, entertainer and radio personality. After Sr.

Alexanne graduated from St. Nicholas of Tolentine grade school, she attended LourdesHigh School where the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis wereteaching. It was here that she experienced the spirit of the sisters and was drawn tothe Franciscan way of life. In her words,“When I entered the Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF,on August 9, 1959, it was important to me that I was committing myself to a Franciscanway of life—and ever since then, I have been defining myself in that context. Once, inorder to pick up a clothing donation for the poor, I walked into a Christian mission thatprovided shelter for the homeless and derelict. I was taken aback by a pointed question from the clerk at the desk: ‘When were you saved?’ At the time I smiledinwardly at the naiveté of the question, but since then, I have reflected seriously on thequestion, and I have answered it in different ways over time.”

Her first response to the challenging question came in her teachingcareer. In 1963, Sr. Alexanne became a faculty member at St. AnthonySchool in South Bend, Indiana, and in 1967, taught Speech, English andPlaywriting at Lourdes High School in Chicago, Illinois. The changing timesof the late 1960s and early 1970s called for changing responses to theneeds of God’s people. Sr.Alexanne became the Rehabilitation Director

at Normandy Terrace, a convalescent andnursing home in Chicago. “I believe I wasprofoundly changed,” said Sr.Alexanne,“whenI was asked to feed a nursing home residentwhile cradling his body. This person couldneither hear nor see nor sit nor hold up hisown head—his brain was damaged. Therewas no verbal communication between us. Irealized that this person’s experience ofhuman life was so different than mine. Hewas not a productive citizen of the United

States. He couldn’t interact with the environment. He couldn’t ministerto others. He had no friends. It seemed that what we know about beinghuman was expressed in the rhythm of his heartbeat or in the regularityof his breathing. What he knew of relationships was dependent upon theway others touched or ‘handled’ him.”


naprapathy - n -prap -the

noun. Treatment of disease by manipulation of joints,muscles, and ligaments, based on the belief that many diseasesare caused by displacement of connective tissues.

Etymology:Czech náprava, correction (from napravit, to correct)

e e‘ -


Sr.Alexanne goes on to say, “Some writers of the life of St. Francis mark his ‘conver-sion’ experience as the moment when he finally overcame his revulsion and embracedthe abhorrent leper. I have often wondered about St. Francis’ experience with theleper. Perhaps St. Francis is not the hero of the story. Perhaps it was the leper’s vitalenergy that healed Francis’ anxiety and fear, and revealed to Francis ‘his world’s valuesystem upside down.’ In our day, it’s been proven that when one touches another,there is a real exchange of energy—and some have actually measured it. I am aNaprapath, a member of a manual medicine profession. Bodywork has been an oppor-tunity for expressing my Franciscan insights. I use my hands to alleviate pain and dis-comfort, and I have discovered that God is under the skin of those who seek my help.”

Sr. Alexanne went on to use her abilities for thirteen years as an occupational therapist at the Children’s Institute for Developmentally Disabled, Augusta Center forDevelopmentally Disabled, Misericordia Home for Disabled Children, and EdgewaterRehabilitation Association. In 1991, she extended her ministry to the infirmary atImmaculata Congregational Home in Bartlett, Illinois, while working a part-time naprapathic practice in Niles, Illinois. When she became administrator, teacher, thenDean of Academics at the Chicago National College of Naprapathy, she continued asan occupational therapist at Resurrection Life Center in Chicago, Illinois. She is currently an occupational therapist at Resurrection Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

“Bodywork has been an

opportunity for expressing

my Franciscan insights.

I use my hands to alleviate

pain and discomfort,

and I have discovered

that God is under the

skin of those who seek

my help.”

—Sr.Alexanne Osinski

15 Vol. 4 No. 3


Sophia’s PorticoMany women have passed through Sophia’s Portico, seeking the wisdom that her nameimplies. “Sophia” is the feminine expression of God. “Portico” is an entrance, a wayto move forward. Sophia’s Portico is a feminine spirituality center, a sacred place thatblesses Fort Wayne, Indiana. The facility houses a large meeting room, a portico, and awomen’s art center. But it’s so much more than that.

Sophia’s Portico rose out of a group of women who called themselves “The Searchers.”They dreamed of a place where women could gather to explore their spirituality, a safeand welcoming space that would encourage and support their inner quest. In themidst of their search, a space became available on the campus of the YWCA in FortWayne, perfect for the mission that was being formulated to revere the earth and cel-ebrate the feminine spirit. Sophia’s Portico was officially founded in 1992 with the fol-lowing mission statement:

Sophia’s Portico offers a haven to explore oppor-tunities for growth in feminine spirituality.Inclusive of creeds, cultures, genders and races,Sophia’s Portico seeks to nurture spiritual growthin an atmosphere of peace, freedom, dignity andjustice. All seeking personal empowerment, sup-portive community, and emergent paradigms arewelcome to participate in ritual and formativeexperiences.

There are five Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis involved in Sophia’sPortico, each contributing to its vibrancy and welcoming spirit in her own way. Eachone is a leader, all are responsible, every sister enriches Sophia’s Portico with her gifts.It could be Sr. Marjorie planting maiden grass in the Garden Sanctuary, or Sr. Paulinecelebrating her 60th Jubilee in religious life with the women at Sophia’s Portico, or Sr.Margaret leading sessions on women-stories in the Bible, or Sr. Charlyne hosting awomen’s health series, or Sr.Therese meditating with a group of women walking theoutdoor labyrinth. They all participate in planning, implementing and sharing programs

Sr. Margaret Hoffelder Sr.Therese Duclos Sr. Pauline Grutzius Sr. Marjorie White Sr. Charlyne Berube

“Sophia” is the feminine

expression of God. “Portico”

is an entrance, a way to

move forward.


such as “Midwinter Feast for Ladies,” “Crones Meet,” “Series onWomen Mystics,” “Spiritual Connection with Health,” “Developingyour Intuition” or the Feminist Chorus, the Drumming Circle orthe Chanting Circle. There are offerings of Tai Chi, Belly Dancing,and Reiki training, as well as a Doris Klein Retreat on the “Journeyof the Soul.” There is an ongoing cycle of opportunities of invitedspeakers, performers and workshop leaders. People are alwayswalking through Sophia’s Portico.

Another reason for people visiting Sophia’s Portico is The SoulMaking Art Gallery, featuring works of women artists. The art media include oils, acrylic,fabric, clay, pencil, glass, silk and marbled paper. Jewelry is also featured. Sophia’sPortico was featured in the premier issue of the Fort Wayne magazine (September-October 2003) as a “sacrosanct place ... with peaceful energy and grace.”

A visit to Sophia’s Portico reminds the guest that God cannot be contained in one setof images. People of all religioustraditions are welcome. “Theocean refuses no river,” explainsSr. Margaret. Persons are invitedto expand the vision of the basictruths of religion to include feminine images of God. Theseimages are ancient, as when Godspeaks to the Chosen People inIsaiah 66:23, “ As one whom hismother comforts, so I will comfort you.” St. Clare in thethirteenth century declares, “Goforth without fear for the onewho created you has made youholy, has always protected youand loves you as a mother.” Atthe entrance of the meeting

room of Sophia’s Portico stands a statue of Kuan Yin, mother of compassion,healing and centering in Chinese culture. On the walls of Sophia’s Porticohangs an art piece of Doris Klein, CSA , called “Gramma God,” flanked byan art piece called “Celtic Trinity.” They shake the perception of a too-smallGod, and present, as their mission statement says,“opportunities for growthin feminine spirituality.”

17 Vol. 4 No. 3


Sister Carol Ann Killoran

Professional Pastoral CounselingIndividual - Couples - Families

Sister Carol Ann Killoran, D. Min., LPCCPastoral Counselor/Psychotherapist

These are pretty impressive credentials to carry around on a business card,but every word of it is true. In an expanded version, Sr. Carol Ann Killoranholds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Counseling and Psychotherapyfrom Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. She hasspecialized clinical training through the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland for indi-vidual, couple and family therapy. She is a Licensed Professional ClinicalCounselor in the State of Ohio, and a Fellow of the American Association ofPastoral Counselors.

Sr. Carol Ann has been in private practice for over ten years. She is a pastoral counselor which means that God is in it. As Sr. Carol Ann’s brochure explains,“Pastoral Counseling is a form of therapy in which a pastoral counselor, as a repre-sentative of a religious tradition or community, utilizes the insights and principles ofreligion, theology, and the behavioral sciences while working with individuals, couples,families and groups toward the achievement of wholeness and health. What makespastoral counseling different is the conviction that life’s crises and transitions are bestsupported by both religious teachings and human sciences.”

Sr. Carol Ann was born in 1946, the second old-est of five children in an Irish-Catholic family. Sheattended Marymount High School in GarfieldHeights, Ohio, where she met the Sisters of St.Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. With aquick smile, Sr. Carol Ann will tell you that thelate 1960s was an interesting time to enter thecongregation. So many changes were happeningin the Church as a result of Vatican II, and religious congregations were in the thick of it.She began her novitiate in 1966, taking collegecourses and preparing for a teaching career. Herfirst teaching assignment was at SS. Peter & Paulin Garfield Heights, Ohio. She completed her

bachelor’s degree in History at Ursuline College in Ohio, and in 1971 went toMarymount High School to teach History. The call to pastoral counseling was alive andwell during all these years, and in 1975 Sr. Carol Ann went to St. Louis University tocomplete a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry. That began a whole new phase in herprofessional life.

Pastoral Counseling is a form of therapy in

which a pastoral counselor, as a

representative of a religious tradition

or community, utilizes the insights

and principles of religion, theology,

and the behavioral sciences

while working with individuals, couples,

families and groups toward the

achievement of wholeness and health.


Sr. Carol Ann spent twelve years as co-pastor at St. Mary Magdalene Parish inWillowick, Ohio, working primarily with programs of charity and social justice such asthe St.Vincent DePaul Society and programs for the homeless. Her work brought herin contact with people who were in need of assistance, body, mind and spirit. Therewere situations that required more than material help. It was a natural evolution forSr. Carol Ann to establish Professional Pastoral Counseling Service in Willoughby Hills,Ohio. She was able to work with people on issues such as personal growth, stress man-agement, adult-child issues, co-dependency, twelve-step programs, conflict resolution,mid-life issues, or working through separation ordivorce. “As a pastoral counselor, I experience themystery of God within each person, every personseeking to be reconciled with God, self and others,”says Sr. Carol Ann. It was also an natural evolution tomentor others in the counseling profession. She hasbeen teaching pastoral counseling at Ursuline Collegefor the last ten years, advising others in this helpingprofession.

To revive her own spirit, Sr. Carol Ann is a person of power naps and the great outdoors. “I love thebeauty and solitude of hiking trails or cross countryskiing,” she said. “I take daily walks in the city’s parks,meditating and really seeing the beauty of God’s creation. My vacations are usually built around some outdoor activity. And wheneverI spend these ‘outdoor’ times with friends, I come back renewed and affirmed.” Just a few minutes with Sr. Carol Ann will confirm the strength and joy she draws from the God of all creation. She is reallytogether—body, mind and spirit.

“As a pastoral counselor, I experience

the mystery of God within each person,

every person seeking to be reconciled

with God, self and others.”

—Sr. Carol Ann Killoran

19 Vol. 4 No. 3


The Franciscan CenterPresence. In 1971, Jerzy Kosinski wrote a novel entitled Being There, that turned into a PeterSellers cinematic masterpiece.The story line is classic.Through the innocent presence

of Chance the Gardener, connections were made, truth was surfaced and peoplewere changed for the better. Chance’s character made a difference in the lives ofpeople, just by being there.

The Franciscan Center makes a difference in the lives of people, just by being there.But, even as in the story of Chance the Gardener, it involves all the interactionswith the people and the environment in which it is present.

In 1995, a group of sisters gathered to brainstorm ideas for new ministries. Thegroup coalesced around a fundamental belief. “Whatever the ministry, we wantedto minister out of who we are, out of a Franciscan spirituality. It was not the workitself, but the spirit in which the work is done. It was not the location or facility,but a movement,” said Sister Francis Therese Woznicki. As the discussion pro-gressed, the group became increasingly aware of the need for its own development,prayer and education. “We needed to realize and articulate the spirit/charism towhich we were committed,” said Sr. Francis Therese. The group committed itselfto a nine-session formative experience. At the end of the sessions, each received

a Tau cross, signifying a dedication to a Franciscan gospel life. From this visioning groupalso came the first broad outlines of the Franciscan Center, formulating it’s missionstatement which remains as true today as it was in 1996:

The Franciscan Center, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, is a sacred place for meeting the Christ of the Gospels and carrying the experience to others. It is agathering place for faith-sharing, prayer, study, and outreach from thefeminine perspective of Franciscan life. It is a stopping place for thosewho travel as pilgrims on a journey with God; for those who long forongoing conversion, reconciliation, and peace; for those who hunger tobe moved by God’s spirit.

At the same time, office and meeting space became available at MarymountCongregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio. The Sisters of St. Joseph of the ThirdOrder of St. Francis are the only Franciscan congregation in the Cleveland area, so it

seemed a fitting niche in establishing a Franciscan “presence.” Sister Jean Ehaszjoined Sr. Francis Therese in shaping the office space and establishing aFranciscan environment.

Both sisters brought their Franciscan background to bear on the “shape” ofthe Center. Sr. Francis Therese had participated in the 1968 FranciscanFederation research that resulted in the document “Go to my Brethren.” Thisled to the international effort, formulating the 1985 version of the Rule of theThird Order Regular of St. Francis. Coupled with her experience as PastoralAssociate and Spiritual Director at Ascension Parish in Cleveland, Ohio,(1989-96) she came to the Franciscan Center ready for “whatever would be

revealed.” Sr. Jean was ready, too, having just completed a three month intensive Franciscan program at the Tau Center in Minnesota in 1995-96. She had completed 37years in education, serving as teacher and as principal. She also served in the congre-gation’s formation program early 1996. The opportunity to minister at the Franciscan

Sr. Frances Therese

Sr. Jean Ehasz


Center with an administrative/ hospitality role was timely and fitting. The FranciscanCenter officially opened its doors in November 1996.

Opening the doors, one is invited into a holistic Franciscan experience. The environ-ment is welcoming. The sensory experience of the sacred space is engaging, with music,scented candles, Franciscan art pieces, and Christian symbols. Individuals who come tothe Franciscan Center for personal retreats and quiet prayer have a sacred space to be.The Franciscan Center offers personal spiritual direction as well as workshops,retreats, study groups, prayer gatherings, prison ministry outreach, library resources,invited speakers and celebrations—all designed to speak to the deeper levels of thespirit. Over the years, the programs have been “spirit-led,” marking Franciscan feastsand milestones, praying over national and international developments, celebrating civicand community events. The activities reflect the statement from the Center’s brochure:“The Franciscan Center is a meeting place for those who hunger to be moved by God’sspirit so as to become instruments of peace, love and reconciliation.”

In her ministry of spiritual direction, Sr. Francis Therese uses the gentle practice of Bio-Spiritual Focusing, “when words are not enough.” Focusing is a body-centeredexperience. When using bio-spiritual focusing, the director does not choose what isimportant, rather allows the individual to select the path to his or her interior. It’s avery incarnational way of experiencing God. The approach recognizes that the Spiritof God is at work in the body, spirit and mind of a person.

Everything about the Franciscan Center declares that God is in creation, and most elegantly in human beings, body, mind and spirit.

“Let us want one thing only...

The spirit of God at work in ourhearts and in our lives.“

— Third Order Rule -32

Sr. FrancisTherese

welcomingparticipants

in a MandalaWorkshop

Dedicating the statue of St. Clare on the Marymount campus

At the dedication of the Peace Pole on the groundsof Marymount Congregational Home

A Christian/Islamic Dialogue following 9/11

Participating in the public Stations of the Cross inGarfield Heights, Ohio

Sr. Jean sharing resources from the Franciscan Library

The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis were prominentlyrepresented at the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Catholic Festival of Faith heldat Navy Pier from October 30 to November 2, 2003. The event involvedover 17,000 Catholics from the greater Chicago area.

Sister Debra Ann Weina, SSJ-TOSF Vocation Minister, was at the booth displaying the history and current ministry of the congregation, specificallyin the Chicago area. Sister Cecilia Zielen designed a three languagebrochure—English, Polish and Spanish—for distribution at the booth.Sisters Alice Myslinski, Judy David, Ruth Baggech, MarcellaNowakowski, Rosalie Gentile, Agnes Marie Adasiewicz, andLoretta Ciesielski took turns attending the events and staffing the booth.The Festival attendees were able to pick up copies of Gathering Place, infor-mation on Clare Oaks, as well as information about the congregation.

The people who stopped at the booth received some engaging information,but the exchange went both ways. The visitors shared so many happy memories and wonderful comments. “I was a graduate of Queen of theUniverse and Lourdes High School,” said one woman. “The sisters whotaught me were stellar.” Another woman said,“I went to St. Fidelis School.I helped the sister who worked in the church. She walked like an angel.”Another visitor to the booth pointed out,“The sisters were very influentialin my life. Whatever the sisters taught me helped me in good times andhard times.” One person who stopped at the booth pointed out that shewas a graduate of St. Mary of Perpetual Help grade school, and was nowherself a grade school principal in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Many othercomments were gathered during the four days of the festival.

Sister Caroline Cerveny was an active participant in the Cyber Caféthat was a big part of the displays at the Festival of Faith. She presentedseveral sessions, one of which was “Web World Wonders: Bringing theInternet to Catechesis” which explored a learner-centered, inquiry-based

21 Vol. 4 No. 3

THE CATHOLIC

FESTIVALFAITHOF

approach to technology. Another presentation, “Safety First - Tips forSurfing the Internet,” alerted teachers and parents to the dangers of anopen internet for their children.

Associate Reneta Webb was chair of the committee that arranged aBreakfast with Cardinal George that was held on November 1, 2003, at theFestival of Faith. The event attracted over 800 participants, representingthe parish leadership from the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Cardinal wasa guest speaker at the event and spent significant time answering questionsfrom the group.

The four-day Festival of Faith was the first of its kind in the Archdiocese ofChicago. In previous years, each Archdiocesan organization sponsored itsown annual meeting. The Festival of Faith was a coordinated effort thatbrought together Catholics from every ministry, parish, ethnic group or agebracket. It was a fitting celebration of a community of believers.

Reneta Webb

Sr. Cecilia Zielan

Sr. Ruth Baggech

Sr. Caroline Cerveny

Cardinal George

Breakfast

THE CATHOLIC

FESTIVALFAITHOF

Sr. Agnes Marie Adasiewicz

Sr. Loretta Ciesielski

Sr. AliceMyslinski

and Sr.Marcella

Nowakowski

Sr. Rosalie Gentile

23 Vol. 4 No. 3

Knights of Columbus Honor Sister Rosette Rospotynski

Sister Rosette Rospotynski was honored at the Annual Cleveland Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. The

headline in the Buckeye Bulletin, August-September 2003, read, “Cleveland Knights honor Sister Rosette for

her 76 dedicated years as a nun.”

Sr. Rosette made her mark on the Cleveland area. She was teacher, and at times

principal, in six different schools in the greater Cleveland area besides serving as

Mistress of Postulants at Marymount Congregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio.

She also taught in Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; and New Britain, Connecticut.

But her influence through the years extends to her work in Puerto Rico. She was one

of the first sisters to staff St. Raphael School in Quebradillas where she spent thirteen

years in educational ministry to children and their families in western Puerto Rico.

When she came back to Garfield Heights in 1984, she continued her ministry to the

Hispanic population, and in 1988 became the administrator of the St. John Cantius

Hunger Center. In 2003, at age 93 she retired to Marymount Congregational Home. She delighted the

dinner guests that evening with great stories of the early days of the congregation, of her teaching experiences,

and the challenges of starting a new missionary activity—stories enriched by the dedicated spirit of the teller.C L E V E L A N D

K N I G H T S

H O N O R S I S T E R

R O S E T T E

F O R H E R

7 6 D E D I C A T E D

Y E A R S

A S A N U NThe Knights of Columbuspresented Sr. Rosette with

a beautiful bouquet ofred roses.

Sister Emily Ligas—Interpreter

“Point police call Polish interpreter” said the Stevens Point Journal on October 4, 2003. The Polish interpreter

was Sister Emily Ligas who resides at St. Joseph Congregational Home in Stevens Point,Wisconsin. The Stevens

Point police had just arrested a man for shoplifting and found that they could not understand the language he

was speaking. Enter Sr. Emily.

Sr. Emily’s parents were born in Poland and she grew up in a Polish-speaking home in Milwaukee,Wisconsin.

She learned English when she went to elementary school. She has been proficient in both languages all her

life. Sr. Emily has been a Polish interpreter for the police department for many

years. “It was really quite simple,” Sr. Emily said. “The police asked the questions

in English, I spoke to the man in Polish, and returned his answers in English.”

Sr. Emily, 87, is the only Polish interpreter on the police department’s on-call list.

In contrast, there are at least 15 translators for Spanish and Hmong, and four

American Sign Language interpreters.

P O I N T P O L I C E

C A L L

P O L I S H

I N T E R P R E T E R

25 Vol. 4 No. 3

Sister Cornelia SkoraThe beauty of Sister Cornelia Skora’s cross-stitching was on

display at the top of a Baltimore Bride’s Album quilt. The quilt

was raffled at the Pacelli Panacea, an event to benefit Pacelli High School

in Stevens Point,Wisconsin, September 2003. The quilt was a combined

effort of Sr. Cornelia who cross-stitched the top of the quilt, and Ruth

Kalas who quilted the pieces together. The project was featured in the

Stevens Point Journal on September 8, 2003.

This was no small project. The quilt is for a double bed and

consists of 12 blocks with floral motifs. The Baltimore Album Quilts

were a tradition that sprang up in the mid 1850s. Also known as

Presentation Quilts, Baltimore Album Quilts were often made to mark

a special event. The designs were based on “blocks” rather than patches. The quilts were appliqued and many

had elaborate shashing. The background fabrics in these quilts are almost always white, allowing for the design

elements to stand out.

For ten year, Sr. Cornelia has been donating many of her

cross-stitching projects to the convent gift shop at St.

Joseph Congregational Home. “I’ve done counted cross

stitch and other embroidery on pillow cases, table runners

and other craft items,” Sr. Cornelia said. “It gives me so

much pleasure to do some handiwork.”

Editor’s Note:Sister Cornelia Skora, age 87, entered eternal life on Saturday, December 6, 2003 at 10:35 a.m.

“ I ’ V E D O N E C O U N T E D

C R O S S S T I T C H

A N D OT H E R

E M B R O I D E RY O N

P I L L OW C A S E S ,

TA B L E RU N N E R S

A N D OT H E R

C R A F T I T E M S …

I T G I V E S M E S O M U C H

P L E A S U R E TO D O

S O M E H A N D I WO R K .”

—Sr. Cornelia Skora

Photo by Thomas Kujawski

V O C A T I O N / F O R M A T I O N

Sister Laura Hrindak Makes Final Profession

On September 27, 2003, Sister Laura Hrindak pronounced her

final vows as a Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of

St. Francis. Sisters, family and friends gathered at St. Joseph

Congregational Home in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to witness Sr. Laura’s

commitment to the service of God’s people.

The ceremony of final vows took place at a celebration of the Eucharist.

Following the Gospel and the reflection, Sr. Laura was called forward. While

the Litany of the Saints was chanted, representatives of the congregation

placed their hands on her shoulders signifying the community’s mutual commitment to be sister, friend and

companion. Sr. Laura then made her profession of the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience,

ending “with joy I seal this covenant in the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the

Holy Spirit. + Amen. Alleluia!” She then signed the Book of Professed while the congregation sang in

affirmation.

A symbol of the final profession is a ring, a simple gold band. The ring was blessed and given to Sr.

Laura. She also received a candle, a reminder of Jesus’ words, “So let your light shine in such a way

that they may see your good works and glorify your

Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)

The ceremony was followed by a dinner reception at St. Joseph

Congregational Home, where everyone continued to share the joy

of the day.

“So let your light shine in such

a way they may see your good

works and glorify your

Father in heaven.”

—Matt 5:16

27 Vol. 4 No. 3

Dear Friends in Christ,

Devotedly, our sisters strive to keep our founding Vision/Mission alive and

productive.We find them responding to the call of God’s people by bringing the

Eucharist to the imprisoned, assisting and praying with the homebound, tutoring

children and adults, visiting and praying with the infirm or hospitalized, providing temporary

shelter for those in need, conducting retreats and workshops, teaching, nursing, counseling,

working in the missions, and the list goes on and on.

You have read, in this issue of Gathering Place, about a few of the sisters engaged in the

ministries of therapy and counseling, or as it is called, Mind, Body and Spirit. No

matter where the cry leads, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis strive to

answer the call even beyond retirement years.

This dedication and commitment to our founding spirit is passed on to inspire our new

members to keep the vision of the congregation alive and productive.

We are grateful for your participation and partnering with us through your generosity and

prayerful support. We thank you for your support in the past and look forward to your

continuing with us on our journey to make God more fully known and loved in our troubled

society today. Your partnership with us is a vital portion of our success.

May our Heavenly Father bless you and keep you in His loving care!

In the peace of Christ,

Sister Denise Seymour

Director of Development

Sisters of St. Josephof the Third Order of St. FrancisDevelopment OfficeP.O. Box 388129Chicago, IL 60638-8129

Phone: (773) 581-7505Fax: (773) 581-7545e-mail: [email protected]

Sister Denise Seymour

Sister Cecilia ZwolakBorn to this life: December 18, 1915Born to eternal life: October 12, 2003Teacher, principal, musician, medical technologist, she offered all her talents in service of God’s people.

Sister Joella WcisloBorn to this life:August 19, 1917Born to eternal life: November 2, 2003Teacher and librarian, she gently brought knowledge and insight to each life she touched.

Sister Celine WozniakBorn to this life: January 15, 1913Born to eternal life: November 5, 2003With serenity and thoroughness,she ministered as a chemistry teacher,a nurse and a sister to all.

Sister Gladys MrozBorn to this life: September 30, 1914Born to eternal life: November 30, 2003She lived the virtues she taught of gracious hospitality and refined homemaking.

Sister Charlene ZawadzkiBorn to this life: August 7, 1938Born to eternal life: November 26, 2003With joy in her ministry and patience in suffering, she reached out to serve wherever she could.

ShareIf you enjoy reading aboutthe good works of the sistersin Gathering Place, share theword with someone youknow! We would be veryhappy to extend a freesubscription to the person(s)you recomend.

Please complete the information to the left, and send it to :Reneta E. Webb, Editor, Gathering Place, P.O. Box 388129, Chicago, IL 60638

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSFDevelopment OfficeP.O. Box 388129Chicago, Illinois 60638-8129www.ssj-tosf.org

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCHICAGO, IL

PERMIT #5504

B A RT L E T T L E A R N I N G C E N T E R , I N C .B A RT L E T T, I L L I N O I S

Clare Woods Academy (formerly known as Bartlett Learning

Center) is a special education facility for children, ages

three to twenty-one. The mission of Clare Woods

Academy and Cupertino Home is to provide a

loving and trusting environment in which

developmentally disabled youth and adults

learn to become self-sufficient.

Both are sponsored institutions of the

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third

Order of St. Francis.

Documents

Volume 4 No 3