Footprints

Footprints

Cover Photo

Photo by Sr. Phyllis Manternach, OSF

FootprintsPublished quarterly, Footprints reflects the mission, spirit, and values of the Sisters of St. Francis,Dubuque, Iowa.

Mount St. Francis3390 Windsor AvenueDubuque, Iowa 52001Phone: 563.583.9786Fax: 563.583.3250Web site: www.osfdbq.org

Writer/Editor/Designer: Jessi Russo

Proofreader: Ella Groetken, OSF

Communication Advisory Board: Sisters Carol Hoverman, Eileen Miller,Maureen Smith, Michelle Balek, MaryJane Koenigs, and Mary Lechtenberg

4 New Leadership Team InstalledThe sisters began a six-year term on June 1, 2014.

5 Sisters’ Speeches Featured in New BookLCWR publishes Sr. Nancy Schreck’s and Sr. Pat Farrell’s

LCWR presidential addresses.

6 150 Years of the Dubuque Franciscans!Sisters of St. Francis celebrate 150 years since their founding.

8 Local Parish Contributes to Sister WaterOur Sister Water Project was their Lenten almsgiving.

10 Congregation Receives New NoviceWelcome Sister Reyna Badillo!

12 Chapter 2014Read about the congregation’s General Chapter held June 24-28.

14 “Earth As Our Home”Catholic Sisters for a Healthy Earth release new booklet.

15 Letter of InstructionThoughts and information from the Development Office.

18 New Display at Archdiocese’s Offices“Women and Spirit” panels find permanent home.

19 Jubilee 2014Our sisters celebrated 50, 60, 70 years of religious life in June.

Contents

Summer 2014 Volume 48 Number 2

A message from

Recently I was reading a book by Rachel Naomi Remen titled “MyGrandfather’s Blessings.” She shares that, “according to the

Kabbalah (Jewish wisdom), at some point in the beginning of things, theHoly was broken up into countless sparks, which were scatteredthroughout the universe. There is a god spark in everyone and ineverything, a sort of diaspora of goodness.” She suggests that with eachmeeting of the Holy we should pray a blessing as “an acknowledgementthat holiness has been met in the midst of ordinary life.”

Given our logo – and all the ways wehave been blessed as a congregation –“Tree of Blessings” was mostappropriately chosen as the theme ofour 150th Anniversary celebrations.Six banners grace our corridors,highlighting all the ways we haveknown blessings in our ministries.These banners list the great number of services in which we’ve beeninvolved:

• Education – 26 areas from author to university• Social Outreach – 19 areas from care of orphans to social workers

• Spirituality – 28 from artist to youth minister• Health Care – 28 areas from anesthetist to X-ray tech• Congregational service – 21 areas from archivist to vocations

• International – ministries in 14 countries – from China to Zimbabwe

The timeline pictured on page seven is a terrific work showing bothsignificant events in the congregation and the world over the past 150years. We are inspired and humbled by all that has gone before us.But we are not just looking back. Believing in a, “God who calls usforward,” this issue of Footprints celebrates a number of ways in whichwe are focused on the future. A key blessing for us is our newmembership. We have welcomed Sister Reyna as a new novice andreceived first vows from Sister Erika in Honduras. We also have a newcandidate in Honduras.

At our June Chapter our membership recommitted to continue to focusactivity in three areas dear to our hearts:

• Deepen our relationship with Mother Earth and Sister Water, • Stand with persons who are poor, • Make peace and practice non-violence.

We hope that many of you can join us as we celebrate our 150thanniversary at a public event at Loras College, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. onSunday, October 5. Blessings!

– Sr. Cathy (Kate) Katoski, OSF

Our MissionRooted in the Gospeland in the spirit of Sts. Francis and Clare,the Sisters of St. Francislive in right relationshipwith all creation.

Focus 2014 - 2020:

In our personal, communaland public life, we commit to ongoing conversion as we: deepen our relationship withMother Earth and Sister Water stand with persons who are poor make peace and practice nonviolence.

This is who we are; this iswhat the global communitycan expect of us.

Leadership TeamSister Cathy (Kate) Katoskipresident

Sister Marie Cigrandvice president

Sister Mary Lechtenbergvice president

Sister Kathy Knippervice president

Footprints 3

Leadership

The outgoing Leadership Team (right) blesses Srs. Kate Katoski, Kathy Knipper, Marie Cigrand and Mary Lechtenberg at the installation ceremony on June 1.

New Leadership Team Installed

4 Footprints

by Jessi Russo

The Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Francisbegan their term June 1, 2014, following an

installation ceremony. Election of the team was heldin December 2013 at Shalom Retreat Center inDubuque. The new team includes Sister Cathy(Kate) Katoski, president, and Sisters KathyKnipper, Marie Cigrand, and Mary Lechtenberg,vice-presidents.

In her reflection, Sister Shell Balek expressedher gratitude to the outgoing Leadership Team.“Thank you to each of you. Not only for your yearsof superb service to us, and to the world, but moreimportantly for who you are and how you havewalked with us these past six years.” Then sheaddressed the new Leadership Team: “Welcome andthank you to each of you: Kate, Kathy, Marie, andMary. Especially for your YES – even when youdon’t have a clue how things will unfold. But we arein it together and we trust that the Spirit, with

her gift of wisdom, is present here to guide you, toguide us all.”

After Sister Shell’s reflection, each member of thenew team addressed this question from thecongregation: “How can we support you in yourroles of love and service to us and to God’s church?”from the congregation.

• “By speaking your piece of the truth from yourexperiences, and listening to the piece of the truththat your sisters hold; by recognizing that youyourself, and each member, have a role to play inleading the mission of the congregation; And by yourown openness to risk what is necessary to follow theGod who calls us forward.”

Sister Kate Katoski

• “For me, your love and support will be evident inactions, choices, attitudes, and words.

Continued on next page

Spiritual Leadership for Challenging Times is a book of 10 addressesdelivered over the years by the presidents of the LeadershipConference of Women Religious (LCWR), a national organization ofthe leaders of orders of Catholic sisters in the U.S. Of the addressesincluded, two were delivered by Dubuque Franciscans: Sisters PatFarrell and Nancy Schreck.

American Catholics discovered LCWR in April of 2012, when theVatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF)announced that, after a 4-year assessment, the LCWR—whosemembers represent 80% of the Catholic sisters in the UnitedStates—and its pastoral and doctrinal situation presented “a matterof serious concern.” The international storm that followed includeda “60 Minutes” segment as well as tens of thousands ofcommunications to and about LCWR. Many American Catholicsexpressed support, finding it difficult to square the CDF’sconclusions with their experience of the sisters as teachers, healers,and role models. Indeed the hunger for the type of leadership theLCWR demonstrates was one of the reasons behind the decision topublish the book Spiritual Leadership for Challenging Times.

The talks included in Spiritual Leadership for Challenging Times areextraordinary in a number of ways: presenting the challenges as wellas the joys of leadership, and discerning the meaning and living thereality of religious life on the cusp of two millennia--including theseismic shift from a pre-Vatican II to a post-Vatican IIunderstanding of faith and its impact for Catholics both lay andreligious. Prefacing each address is a brief summary of the keyevents that significantly impacted the World and the CatholicChurch at the time the address was delivered at the organization’sannual assembly. The addresses speak to the challenges theseevents posed to leaders at that time, as well as to the call to exerciseleadership that was pastoral, discerning, and at times, exceptionallycourageous.

To order the book, visit http://www.orbisbooks.com/spiritual-leadership-for-challeging-times.html, or call Orbis Books at1-800-258-5838, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST.

Sisters’Speeches

Featured inNew Book

Realizing that we are pilgrims andprophets, I trust we will: love radicallylike Francis and Clare, especially thelonely, poor, and outcasts; imaginepathways to welcome all to our church;dialogue inter-culturally and accompanyimmigrants; and move beyond comfortand stretch ourselves to new,unexpected physical places andspiritual spaces.”

Sister Kathy Knipper

• “First of all, I ask for your continuedprayer and support. I ask for yourpatience and understanding. I ask yourwillingness to share leadership with us:Be a leader in your ministry, yourvolunteer endeavors, and incongregational roles. Be open todiscernment. I ask you to keep yourfocus on our mission – the why of ourexistence - and to share our Franciscancharism whenever and whereverpossible. I ask you to deepen andbroaden your commitment to MotherEarth and Sister Water, in standing withthose who are poor, and in makingpeace and practicing non-violence.”

Sister Marie Cigrand

• “To continue to become your bestself…to continue to become your bestFRANCISCAN self…to live and walk ingenerosity in imitation of Christ…and towalk in the footprints of Mother Xavierand all of our Dubuque Franciscanforemothers, especially in this 150thyear of our founding and beyond.”

Sister Mary Lechtenberg

The Leadership Team’s term runsthrough 2020.

Sr. Carol Besch (right) with new vice president Sr. MaryLechtenberg.

Footprints 5

SISTERS BEGIN “150 DAYS OF CELEBRATION” IN HONOR OF 150TH ANNIVESARY

Sisters at a prayer service on June 8raise their arms in thanksgiving towardthe boat that represents the onefoundress Mother Xavier Termehr usedto travel from Germany to America.

On June 8, the Sisters of St. Francis began “150Days of Celebration” in honor of the 150th

anniversary of their founding.The Dubuque Franciscans’ roots are in Herford,

Germany, where foundress Mother Xavier Termehr,cared for orphans and nursed the sick. Other youngwomen asked to join her in this work and thecongregation was founded on November 4, 1864.Political changes resulted in the passage of laws in1875, which called for religious communities toeither disband or go into exile. The entire communityof 18 professed sisters, seven novices, and fourpostulants chose to exile to Iowa City, Iowa, wherethey opened the first Catholic orphanage in the state.Dubuque Archbishop Hennessy requested that thecongregation move to Dubuque to open and staff an

orphanage. They arrived in Dubuque in December1878.

During the 150 days from June 8, 2014, toNovember 4, 2014, thesisters will celebrate invariety of ways:

• By reflecting on 150events from their historythat have been compliedinto a new book. Eachday features a reflectionabout a moment inDubuque Franciscanhistory written by sistersand associates.;

6 Footprints

Continued on next pageOur reflection book.

The Sisters of Saint Francis were this year’srecipients of Briar Cliff University’s Spirit of

Saint Francis Award. Established in 2006, this awardhonors those exemplifying the Franciscan spirit ofservice, caring and openness to all throughcontributions to society and by leading a values-centered life. The award was presented at BriarCliff’s commencement on Saturday, May 17, at theOrpheum Theatre in Sioux City.

Among the Sisters of Saint Francis’ many localaccomplishments in Sioux City are the founding ofBriar Cliff; St. Anthony’s Home, an orphanage; VillaMaria, which provided social service to thecommunity with the guidance of Catholic Charities;Clare House, which assists women in their transitionout of prison; providing education at Sacred Heartin Riverside, Saint Michael’s Catholic School inLeeds; and Bishop Heelan Catholic High School;

and serving at Mercy Hospital, Sioux City.

Congregation Receives ‘Spirit of St. Francis’ Award

• By visiting parishes in July, August, andSeptember where they have served;

• By visitingand prayingat everygravesite ofall thedeceasedDubuqueFranciscansisters. InJune, thesisters tookturns visitingeach grave topray thisspecialprayer: “Inthe name ofJesus and ofhis Church,we gather in the spirit of our foremothers, theSisters of St. Francis, who rest in peace in this holyground. We believe that all the ties of friendshipand affection which knit us together in life do notunravel with death. We are confident that Godremembers the good they have done. Thank youSister, for being such an important part of our 150years in ‘desiring to put forward your best effort tothat portion of God’s children who were unprovidedfor.’ (Mother Xavier) Blessed are you who have diedin the Lord; may you rest from your labors, for yourgood deeds have gone with you. Sister, may you restin peace.”;

• By compiling and displaying a timeline of thehistory of the congregation in relation to the world’shistory. This is currently displayed in the lowerlevel of Clare House at Mount St. Francis;

• By hosting a presentation by Rev. Udo Tielkingfrom Herford, Germany, on Saturday, October 4, at2:00 p.m. at Clare House;

• And by gathering for a public celebration from 2 to4 p.m., Sunday, October 5, 2014, at Loras College.

The sisters also invite the public to celebrate their150 years of prayer and service by pledging to serveothers. Pledge forms are available athttp://www.osfdbq.org/celebrations.php. You cancommit to any type of service for 150 hours, 150minutes, or even 10 acts of service for 15 minutesfrom June 8, 2014, to November 4, 2014.

President of Briar Cliff University Beverly Wharton (left)presents the Spirit of St. Francis Award to Sisters NancySchreck and Margaret Wick. Photo courtesy of Briar CliffUniversity.

Footprints 7

Sr. Mary Kenneth Hemann prays at the grave of oneof the Dubuque Franciscan sisters.

The timeline displayed at Clare House.

8 Footprints

The jugs and cup that parishoners at St. Elizabeth’s pastorate used to fill with money during their Lenten almsgiving. Photo courtesy of Brian Gilligan.

Local Parish Contributes to Sister Waterby Dan Russo of The Witness

The people of St. Elizabeth Pastorate dug deep intotheir jingling pockets for the Dubuque Franciscans’Sister Water Project, raising about $15,975 as aLenten almsgiving effort.

The families of St. John in Placid, Iowa, St.Clement in Bankston, Iowa, St. Patrick in Epworth,Iowa, St. Joseph in Farley, Iowa, and St. John theBaptist in Peosta, Iowa, joined forces to exceed theiroriginal goal of $10,000 by bringing spare change toweekly Masses from Palm Sunday through Easter.School children at Seton Catholic Schools also gotinto the act, coming up with several creativefundraisers and engaging in personal sacrifices tohelp the less fortunate.

The money is going to be used to create anendowment fund for the charity for the first time withthe help of the Community Foundation of GreaterDubuque.

“I was really happy,” said Father John Haugen,sacramental priest for the pastorate, about the

success. “I think one part of (the reason we could dothis) is that in this area people are aware of howimportant water is.”

The pastorate’s members come from farmingcommunities that are tied to the land. The effortbegan at a time when a bitterly cold winter furtherreminded people of the power of nature.

“We launched this right after many people in thearea were supposed to have their water running tokeep their pipes from freezing and now we weretrying to raise money for people who don’t havewater.”

The Sister Water Project began in 2004. Thecharity builds wells in Honduras and Tanzania thatprovide clean, safe drinking water. Since itsinception, the organization has raised over $500,000and done more than 60 projects.

The idea that young people their age in othercountries don’t have viable water energized many ofthe students at Seton Catholic Schools. One second

Continued on next page

Sister Water Committee Members Brian Gilligan and Sheri Hosektraveled to Tanzania, Africa, May 31, to June 13. Their mission wasto accompany Sister Water Project partners from Safe Water for Lifeand Dignity in Tanzania as they built five wells the Sister WaterProject funded in the villages surrounding Morogoro.

“The people have been so welcoming,” said Brian in an e-mail afterarriving in Tanzania. “It is like we are some very important guestsand the whole village comes out to greet us. I have seen the heightof human spirit. It’s hard to imagine how people with nothing are sohappy and content. It makes me ponder my life and count myabundant blessings.”

One of the wells that Brian and Sheri visited was the first SisterWater well, which was installed eight years ago. “It still works andthe villagers testified for us through an interpreter how thehealth has improved since,” said Brian.

Brian and Sheri were moved while witnessing the installation of awater pump in Morogoro, Tanzania. “The villagers greeted us withtheir patented high-pitched voice trilling,” wrote Sheri. “After wordsof gratitude were exchanged, the community broke out in a commonfestive song, and we joined in as best we could. The women hadbuckets already lined up along the pump’s perimeter when wearrived, and as soon as the water began flowing from it, one womangrabbed a bucket, put it under the spigot and took a nice long drinkfrom it.” Brian and Sheri joined in the celebration with the villagersand were offered gifts of bananas and melons. When Brian andSheri departed, the villagers, “sang us out, and we left with fullhearts and good energy. It was the epitome of our trip,” said Sheri.

For Brian and Sheri the trip was not only educational but lifechanging. “We have learned much about Safe Water for Life andDignity and the inner workings of the group and the people,” saidBrian. “The trip has been invaluable for that reason alone, but towitness the need and the help thus far given is off the charts. Thethings I have seen I will never forget.”

Sister Water CommitteeMembers Visit Africa

grader, for example, was motivated togive his own personal piggy banksavings of about $80. A group of middleschool students organized a dodge balltournament as a fundraiser. There weremany other surprising group andindividual actions among the studentsfrom pre-kindergarten through eighthgrade that led to a combined totaldonation of about $1,500 from bothschools.

“Our students and our families reallyembraced the water project and wentabove and beyond to make the projectsuccessful,” said Seton principal MarySmock.

Brian Gilligan, part of the SisterWater organizing committee, is themember of the St. Elizabeth Pastoratewho came up with the idea for theLenten project. He used his own moneyto make about 2,500 plastic cups withthe charity’s logo on them. Peoplewould bring the cups filled with changeto Mass and pour the coins into waterjugs near the entrances of the fivechurches.

Gilligan was overwhelmed when hefound out the final donation tallyexceeded expectations by so much.“We were absolutely floored,” he said.“That money that people gave andraised will never be spent. We will usethe interest.”

The endowment being created, whichwill grow through investments, willallow the charity to spend funds onpromotional materials, constructionequipment and other items that are notdirectly related to individual wellprojects.

Gilligan thanked the families of theSt. Elizabeth Pastorate and alsoacknowledged philanthropist JimTheisen of Dubuque who gave a gift of$2,500.

Sheri Hosek and Brian Gilligan (back right corner) celebrate with villagersat the site of water pump in Morogoro, Tanzania, Africa.

Footprints 9

10 Footprints

Sisters Receive New Novice

Above photo: Sister Gwen Hennessey (left) congratulates Sister Reynaafter her reception ceremony on June 26 at Mount St. Francis.

On Thursday, June 26, the Sisters of St. Francisreceived Reyna Badillo, of Dubuque, as a

novice at Mount St. Francis. During the ceremony,she was officially named Sister Reyna and receivedthe rule, constitutions, and directives of thecongregation.

Sister Reyna was asked by Sister Cathy (Kate)Katoski, president, what she needs from thecongregation. She replied, “Drawn by God’s love andmercy, I have come here to learn your way of life. Iask you to teach me to live in poverty, obedience andcelibacy; to persevere in prayer and penance; to be ofservice to the Church and to all the people; to be onewith you in heart and mind; and to live out theGospel every day of my life. Teach me your rule andhelp me to learn to love as Jesus commanded us.”

During the ceremony Sister Pat Doody,candidacy director, and the members of thecommunity where Sister Reyna has lived expressedtheir support for Sister Reyna’s reception: “We havewalked with you and know of your hopes, dreamsand desires to grow as a member of this Franciscancongregation. We support your request to begin this

novitiate year and rejoice with you.” “I am privileged to walk with this gifted and

generous woman,” said Sister Pat. “Her decision tocontinue discernment of her call to religious life is anact of courage and faith.”

When Sister Kate presented Sister Reyna to theFranciscan community, the chapel erupted inapplause.

“We are all inspired by the faith and trust thatReyna has placed in our congregation and in Godwho calls her forward into community and ministry,”said Sister Kate.

Sister Reyna’s ministry while living with theDubuque Franciscans was serving as a secretary withthe Asociacion de Religiosas Hispanas.

In late August, Sister Reyna will begin a nine-month study program at the Common FranciscanNovitiate in St. Louis. This program will involve timefor prayer, study, ministry, and community life. Majorareas of study focus on the history and charism of theFranciscan tradition and an understanding of vowsand religious life.

by Jessi Russoby Jessi Russo

Footprints 11

Sr. Pat Farrell (left) presents Sr. Erika Calderón Cruz with aSan Damiano cross at her first vows ceremony in Gracias,Lempira, Honduras.

Sister Erika Calderón Cruz professed her firstvows as a Dubuque Franciscan Sister on

Saturday, February 8, in San Marcos Church inGracias, Lempira, Honduras. Sisters NancySchreck and Pat Farrell participated in thecelebration of vows with Sister Erika inHonduras.

“This love of God expressed in service, whichresponds to the deep questions of my heart, hasled me to deepen my decision through personaland community prayer,” said Sister Erika duringthe ceremony. “I wish to embrace and continuethis spiritual journey, living in relationship withthe word of God.”

The daughter of Gabriel and Marta CalderónCruz, Sister Erika is a native of Pinal, San José,Honduras. She was received into thecongregation as a candidate in 2010. She madecontact with the Sisters of St. Francis communityafter meeting Sisters Nancy Meyerhofer, andBrenda Whetstone, who have been ministeringin Honduras since 2005. As a candidate, SisterErika was involved with the youth group and themusic ministry of San Marcos parish. InDecember 2011, she was received into thecongregation as a novice. In 2012 and 2013, sheattended the inter-congregational Franciscan

novitiate course in Lima, Peru, studyingscripture, religious life, theology, Franciscantraditions.

“Erika is a beautiful, deeply spiritual youngwoman,” said Sister Nancy Schreck. “I havewitnessed her desire to be of service especiallyamong people who are poor.”

Sister Erika continues her ministry with SanMarcos as a Eucharistic minister to thehomebound and sharing her gift of music withthe church.

“I am discovering that I really maintain thebeautiful desire to continue to do God’s willthrough the mission the sisters are developing inHonduras,” said Sister Erika.

--Sr. Erika Calderón Cruz

by Jessi Russo

Sr. Erika Professes First Vows

Graphic Recorder Martha McGuinness listens to the sisters’ discussions at Chapter and captures the ideas in colorful words and images.

Chapter 2014by Sr. Marie Cigrand, OSF

On Tuesday afternoon, June 24, 106 DubuqueFranciscans assembled at Mount St. Francis to

begin the Chapter of Affairs. Sister Cathy Bertrand,SSND, facilitator, reminded those gathered that theGeneral Chapter is the “highest extraordinaryexpression of authority within the congregation,” andto embrace it as a “spiritual experience which has thepotential of being both contemplative andtransformative.” Other sisters, Franciscan associates,and Franciscan Way of Life participants viewed theproceedings and participated in many discussions.

Three “big picture” conversations took place onsuccessive mornings: spirituality, relationship to theChurch, and mission/ministry. The followingquestions were the framework for the conversation onspirituality: How would you describe your evolvingspiritual life? Where has your heart’s journey takenyou? How have I/we experienced ongoing conversionin my/our spiritual life since the last Chapter? Similar questions were used in the second discussionon relationship to Church: Describe your evolvingexperience of being Church. As women of the Church,how have I/we experienced ongoing conversion inmy/our experience of being Church. The thirdconversation on mission/ministry included discussionon the following: Describe your understanding andexperience of being in mission. How have I/we, aswomen religious, experienced ongoing conversion inmy/our experience of being in mission? What is thefuture asking of us? How does my ministry reflect our

mission? A proposed Corporate Stance against Human

Trafficking was introduced. Informational materialswill be distributed to the congregation and associatesin the upcoming months with a vote on the stance tooccur before the end of the year.

The revised Constitutions and Book of Directiveswere approved. Reports received from relatedinstitutions, committees, and departments werereviewed and affirmed. Several revisions ingovernance structure were adopted.

An action/commitment to celebrate the 150thanniversary of founding of the Dubuque Franciscansin Herford, Germany, was discussed. Anannouncement of this action/commitment will be partof the public celebration to be held October 5 at LorasCollege.

An exciting addition to the Chapter was thepresence of a graphic recorder, Martha McGinnis.Through word and sketches, Martha recorded thethreads of conversation that comprised the fabric ofthe Chapter. The finished posters are being displayedat Clare House for further viewing.

On the final day of Chapter, the Leadership Teamaddressed the congregation. A festive liturgy wascelebrated to officially start the celebration of the150th anniversary with Archbishop Michael Jackelspresiding. Those attending the Chapter agreed that itindeed was a spiritual experience that was bothcontemplative and transformative.

12 Footprints

La tarde del martes 24 de junio 106 hermanasFranciscanas de Dubuque se reunieron en el Monte de

San Francisco para comenzar el capítulo de Relaciones.La hna. Cathy Bertrand, SSND, moderadora, recordó a lasreunidas que el Capítulo General era la “más alta yextraordinaria expresión de autoridad dentro de lacongregación,” y para aceptarla como una "experienciaespiritual que tiene el potencial de ser a la vezcontemplativa y transformadora.” Otras hermanas,asociadas franciscanas y las participantes de Vida delCamino Franciscano vieron como se desarrolló la reunióny participaron en muchas discusiones.

Tres “grandes ideas” de conversación fueron los temasque tuvieron lugar en las mañanas sucesivas:espiritualidad, relación con la Iglesia, y lamisión/ministerio. Las siguientes preguntas fueron elmarco para la conversación en la espiritualidad: ¿Cómodescribirías tu vida espiritual en evolución? ¿A dónde teha llevado el viaje de tu corazón? ¿Cómo he/hemosexperimentado una conversión continua en mi/nuestravida espiritual desde el último capítulo?

Otras preguntas similares se utilizaron en la segundadiscusión en relación con la Iglesia: Describa suexperiencia evolutiva del “ser” Iglesia. Como mujeres de laIglesia, ¿cómo he/hemos experimentado una conversióncontinua en mi/nuestra experiencia de “ser” Iglesia? Latercera conversación sobre la misión/ministerio incluyó ladiscusión del siguiente tema: Describa su entendimiento yexperiencia de estar en misión. ¿Cómo he/nosotros, comolas religiosas, experimentaron una conversión continua enmi / nuestra experiencia de estar en la misión? ¿Qué nospide el futuro de nosotras? ¿Cómo nuestro ministerio

refleja nuestra misión?Se introdujo una propuesta sobre la postura

corporativa contra la trata de personas. Los materialesinformativos fueron distribuidos a la congregación y a lasasociadas. En los próximos meses a través de unavotación, todas nosotras expresaremos nuestra posiciónsobre esta postura para finales del año.

Se aprobaron las Constituciones revisadas y el libro delas Directivas. Los informes recibidos de las institucionesrelacionadas, comités y departamentos fueron revisados yreconfirmados. Se adoptaron varias revisiones a laestructura administrativa.

Una acción/compromiso para celebrar el 150aniversario de la fundación de las franciscanas enDubuque en Herford, Alemania, también fue discutida.Un anuncio de esta acción/compromiso fue parte de lacelebración pública que se celebrará 05 de octubre enLoras College.

Un interesante complemento al Capítulo fue lapresencia de una registradora gráfica, Martha McGinnis. Através de la palabra y bocetos, Martha registró los hilos delas conversaciones que formaron la estructura delcapítulo. Los carteles ya terminados están siendoexhibidos en Clare House para su posterior visualización.

Finalmente en el último día del Capítulo, el Equipo deLiderazgo se dirigió a la congregación. Una liturgia festivase celebró para iniciar oficialmente la celebración del 150aniversario con el arzobispo Michael Jackels presidiendoesta liturgia. Los asistentes al Capítulo estuvieron deacuerdo en concluir que de hecho fue una experienciaespiritual contemplativa y a su vez transformadora.

Footprints 13

Las hermanas escuchan a la Hermana Kathleen Grace durante la celebración y conmemoración del Capítulo.

Capítulo 2014por Sr. Marie Cigrand, OSF

14 Footprints

Too often when we hear the word ‘house’ weonly think of a physical building and its

rooms. But what if we began to think of Earth asour house - with various rooms - what would weneed to do to make this ‘house’ a true ‘home?’

The Catholic Sisters for a Healthy Earth haveprepared a reflection booklet on the variousrooms of a house, placing each room and itsactivities into the broader context of our Earth-home. The booklet includes suggestions ofsimple actions for families to take in order to livemore sustainably and walk more gently onEarth. To download the free booklet, visithttp://www.osfdbq.org/brochures.php.

“This booklet is a wonderful way to promoteeveryday as Earth Day!” said Catholic Sisters fora Healthy Earth Committee Member Sr. ShellBalek, OSF.

The word ecology has its roots in the Greekwords “oikos,” meaning house or householdand “logos,” meaning to gather, count, recount,say, speak. Ecology is understood as thelegend or logic of the dwelling place. In itsessence it is the story of where we live. Thisstory of the house instructs us and informs ouractions in managing this household we callEarth.

“Our intention is totake a new look at howeverything we do, nomatter where we are, isinterconnected and tied tothe wellbeing of all livingthings,” said the group’scoordinator Sr. JoyPeterson, PBVM.

Catholic Sisters for aHealthy Earth is made upof representatives fromcongregations of womenreligious from the upperMississippi Valley ineastern Iowa and southwestern Wisconsinincluding: Congregation of the Humility of Mary,Davenport, Iowa; School Sisters of Notre Dame,Central Pacific Province, St. Louis, Mo.;Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, Sinsinawa, Wis.;Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,Dubuque; Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa;Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque; and the Sisters ofthe Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary,Dubuque. The mission of the group states:“Respecting the interdependence of creation, wewill promote eco-literacy and influence a justrelationship with the environment.”

-Sr. Shell Balek, Catholic Sisters fora Heathy Earth Committee Member

Catholic Sisters Release‘Earth as Our Home’ Booklet

Clare Guest House in Sioux City, Iowa

T H O U G H T S and I N F O R M AT I O N from the D E V E L O P M E N T O F F I C E

Letter of Instruction to Family

(10) List of all bonds with serial numbers,denominations and names in which they areregistered.

(11) List of all shares of stock, with names ofcompanies, number of shares, in whose namethey are issued and name and address ofstockbroker.

(12) List of mutual funds, annuities,pensions, profit sharing plans and any otherinvestments and location of pertinentdocuments.

(13) List of all credit cards with the name andaddress of the issuer and card number.

In our last two issues, we shared the initial points of a suggested “Letter of Instruction to Family.” Here weinclude points 10 through 16. We are most willing to send the full “Will Planning Worksheet” to anyone who

wants a copy. The complete worksheet contains many other helpful suggestions in planning a will anddiscussing it with your family. Write, call or email: Sr. Cathy Katoski, 3390 Windsor Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001,katoskic@osfdbq.org or (563)564-9411

Letter of Instruction to Family

(14) List of monetary obligations, includingmortgages with name and address of bank orother lender, account number, name appearingon loan documents, amount of loan, monthlypayment, collateral if any and whether therewas life insurance on loan, and if so, name andaddress of insurer, with instructions to notifythem and file claim immediately.

(15) List of all automobiles, with year, make,model, body type, color and identification (VINnumber. A copy of the declarations page ofinsurance could be sufficient.

(16) List and location of personal items andother personal property with sentimental valueand the worksheet for disposing of those items.

A letter of instruction to your family should include the following information. It should be kept withyour other important papers.

SISTERS IN THE NEWSSr. Marge Burkle Named Franciscan Federation Honoree

Sister Marge Burkle was named a 2014Franciscan Banquet Honoree at the annual

Franciscan Federation Conference held July 18-21 inSt. Louis. Honorees are Franciscan brothers andsisters within the Church who:

• Embody Francis’ and Clare’s witness to creative fidelity.

• Nurture that ecclesial communion of love to which Jesus invites us.

• Embrace the Church with all its ambiguities.• Energize and give hope to the doubtful and

the discouraged.Sr. Marge was recognized for her ministry as the

pre/retirement director for the congregation. “Fromthe earliest days of this ministry, her passion was tomake this transition state in the lives of our sisters an

enrichingexperience,”said hernominationessay, whichwas completedby theLeadershipTeam. “Herprogram ofdiscernmentand assistance in the process have been givennational affirmation as a model to be used by others.One of her goals is to keep the sisters vitally aware ofand involved in the mission of the congregationthrough programs of enrichments and experience.”

Sr. Marge Burkle (right) with Sr. Emiliana Meissen.

Footprints 15

In RemembranceOn December

31,1912, asecond child, adaughter, wasborn to Victorand Odile(Provost) Cantinin Jefferson, S.D.She was baptizedon January 3, andgiven the name,

Aletha. In the years following, fourmore daughters were born, bringingthe total family to one boy and fivegirls.

The Cantin children attendedSacred Heart School in Riverside,taught by the Franciscans. Sisterwrites, “The first Franciscans I metcame to Sacred Heart Schoolin 1920. Among those that made alasting impression on me were SistersDulcissima, Joseph, and Esther. SinceSr. Esther was such a beautiful young

person, many of us decided to takemusic lessons. Our enthusiasmwaned when we found out we wouldhave to practice.”

Following grade school, Alethatook a commercial course from theBVMs at St. Joseph while she foughtagainst a vocation she had beenaware of since seventh grade. When,at the age of 14 she decided to enterMount St. Francis, her father was nothappy because he considered theconvent equivalent to a jail; however,Fr. Janse, their parish priest,helped him accept her decision.

Aletha entered Mount St. Francison August 15, 1927. At her receptionon June 21,1928, she was given thename, Sister Jeanne Ann. Her firstprofession was June 20,1930.

Sister served at St. Joseph, Bode;St. Mary’s, Keota; St. Mary’s,Remsen; IC, North Washington; HolyTrinity, Dubuque, where she

mentored our sister student teachers;St. Francis de Sales, Ossian; HolyCross in Holy Cross; St. Mary, Alton;St. John, Bancroft; St. Joseph,Granville; St. Michael, Norway; St.Joseph, Earlville; and Mary of theAngels in Dubuque. She retired to Mt.St. Francis in 1989 and moved toHoly Family Hall in 1997.

Sister Jeanne Ann lived tocelebrate her 100th birthday, andwhile it was characteristic ofher to be smiling, she wasexceptionally radiant that day.

Sister is survived by her nieces,nephews, and her Franciscan sisterswith whom she shared 85 years of herlife

Sister was preceded in death byher parents; her brother, Freeman; hersisters, Bonita (Donald) Casey;Madonna (Joseph) Meinen; Bernice(George) Crane; and Elaine (Otis)Thompson.

Sister Jeanne Ann Cantin December 31, 1912 – March 6, 2014

Sister Mary E. Engler July 19, 1924 – March 20, 2014

Sister Mary E.Engler was

born on July 19,1924. She wasbaptized LilaMae. Two boysand two moregirls were born tocomplete thefamily.

The Englers lived in Worthington,Iowa, across the street from thechurch and near enough to theconvent that Lila Mae could watchthe sisters taking their dailymandatory walk after school hours,walking two by two. In the winter,she watched them from the window,but in the warmer months she wouldarrange to be outside in the hope thatthey would talk to her. Watching thesisters, interacting with them, andadmiring them was very much a partof her life.

Sister was received on August 12,l943, and given the name Sister MaryEdgar, after her father.

Sr. Mary E. thought of herself as a

born teacher. She was sent to teachat St. Mary’s, Dubuque, and then therural parishes of Stacyville andMonticello, before being sent toCrescent City, California. Here shereveled in the redwoods, themountain air, and the ocean breezesfor three years before returning toteach at Holy Trinity, Dubuque, HolyCross, and Keota where she was alsoprincipal.

While attending a ChangingMinistries Workshop at the ColetteCenter, she was told she had a gift forworking with people in the retreatministry. This led her to Bishop LaneRetreat Center in Rockford, Ill., whereshe made a 30 day retreat with theCapuchins at Marathon, Wis.,followed by a 10 day internship ongiving directed retreats. She foundthis a very grace filled event andministry.

Sister returned to her retreatministry at Colette Renewal Center.It was while working here that shemet her spiritual director, FatherDavid, who had a master’s degree in

Graphoanalysis. After he analyzedher handwriting she became aninstant convert to the art. She took acorrespondence course and became acertified graphoanalyst in 1980. Shehad an office in Dubuque where sheoften analyzed handwriting forbusinesses who were hiring newpersonnel. She gave workshops andanalyzed the handwriting of peoplefrom all over the United States.

Many happy hours of her life werespent working with the earth,planting and caring for luxuriantlilies, begonias, and geraniums;however, she is best remembered forher beautiful roses in the gardenenclosed.

Sister is survived by her sisters-in-law: Jeanette and Geraldine, hernieces, nephews, and her Franciscansisters with whom she shared 70years of her life.

Sister was preceded in death byher parents, her brothers: John;David; and her sisters: Mary JaneBeitzel; and Ann (David) Green.

16 Footprints

In RemembranceAnne

CatherineKisting was bornto William andCleopha (Kalb)Kisting inDubuque, onFebruary 10,1932. Threebrothers, William,John, and Paul,

completed the family. She waseducated at Sacred Heart GradeSchool and Immaculate ConceptionAcademy in Dubuque. Both schoolswere close enough to the family homeon 23rd and White St. to allow Anneto walk to and from school.

On August 25, 1949, she enteredMount St. Francis and was receivedon August 12, 1950, with the nameSister Mary Loran. After making firstvows on August 12, 1952, she beganteaching at SS. Peter and Paul Schoolin Petersburg. After three years thereshe was sent to the community’steacher training school, Holy Trinity,

in Dubuque. She admitted to being alittle shocked at what was expected ofher, but found the four years spentthere to be challenging andrewarding.

Sister taught upper grades and wasprincipal at Visitation School,Stacyville; Holy Ghost, Dubuque;Mater Christi, North Riverside, Ill.;and St. Mary, Manchester. Many ofher students remember her becauseshe had a genuine love for each ofthem. One of her values was to instillin her students a spirit ofinclusiveness and fair play.

Her unwavering support for theCubs led to an annual trip to Chicagowith other loyal Cubs fans. Cubmemorabilia could always be foundin her car and her classroom.

After a sabbatical in New York,Sister left teaching and served invarious parish positions, first at St.John’s in Independence, then on afive parish team in Blairstown, andfinally at Coggon where she was thepastoral associate for 19 years.

During this time, her healthdeteriorated greatly, and the people ofSt. John’s parish were very faithful incaring for her. Both she and FatherWayne Droessler retired at the sametime. The brochure in their honorreads, “Thank you for your caringlove and years of service to our faithcommunities. Your dedication andleadership were a blessing for us all.”

On the occasion of her GoldenJubilee, many relatives and friendswrote of their memories andimpressions of Sister Anne. Amongthe characteristics commonlymentioned were her lovingpersonality, her supportive presence,and her gentle spirit. She was veryattentive to her father in his lateryears, and it was she who brought theextended family together for reunions.

Sister is survived by her brothersJohn (Eula Mai) and Paul (Danielle),her sister-in-law, Dorothy, and herFranciscan sisters with whom sheshared 63 years of her life.

Sister Anne Kisting February 10, 1932 - March 22, 2014

Mary AnnSchilling

was bornOctober 2, 1924,at the home ofherparents, Johnand Ella(Donavan)

Schilling in Dubuque. She was thethird child, following a sisterand a brother.

Her father was a prominent semi-professional baseball player in Iowawho had once tried out for theChicago White Sox. From him sheinherited a love of sports and avidlyfollowed the White Sox, the GreenBay Packers, and the football andbasketball teams of DubuqueWahlert High School.

Mary Ann attended Sacred HeartSchool in Dubuque and then wenton to Immaculate ConceptionAcademy. She attributes her

vocation to Sr. Carlos who wasprincipal at the Academy. A yearafter she graduated from MercySchool of Nursing, she writes, “I waswalkingdown Davis Avenue withSister and she pointed to the plot ofground where the presentXavier Hospital stands and stated‘That is where you belong.’” Prior tothat Mary Ann had been in doubtabout religious life, but with thisencouragement she made plans toenter.

On August 25, 1946, Mary Annentered Mount St. Francis and wasreceived August 12, 1947, with thename, Sister Mary Maurella. Shewent to Xavier Hospital after takingher first vows on August 10, 1949.Here she served as floor supervisorin the surgery department and in OBwhere she helped deliver many ofthe Dubuque babies. She spenta short time at Sacred HeartHospital in LeMars, and later

studied in LaCrosse. Besides her other duties, she was

then on call as an anesthetist.When Xavier Hospital closed in

1980, Sister Maurella worked asDirector of Nurses at Holy FamilyHall for eight years before going toStonehill Care Center as night nurse.

She retired in 1994 to have kneesurgery. During the ensuing 20years, she served tirelessly as acompanion to sisters who werehospitalized or seeing doctors. Manynights she slept in a chair beside thebed of a dying sister. Her dedicationto the sick and suffering wasunparalleled.

Sister is survived by her nieces,nephew, and her Franciscan sisterswith whom she shared 66 years ofher life.

Sister was preceded in death byher parents; her brother, Robert, andher sister, Virginia (Robert) Stierman.

Sister Maurella Schilling October 2, 1924 – May 12, 2014

Footprints 17

In RemembranceMary Lou was

born onOctober 24, 1927,and grew up onCloverdale Farmin ruralHopkinton, Iowa.

On August 25,1945, Mary Louentered Mount St.Francis, leaving

her parents: Louis and Veronica(Turnis) Murray; her brothers, Patrickand Charles; and her sister, Monica.She was received the following yearand given the name, Sister MaryJames, in honor of a brother who haddied shortly after birth. After makingher first profession in 1948, she wasassigned to teach seventh grade atBancroft. She loved teaching, but thelack of any hills or bluffs in that areamade her very homesick. To counter

this, she would sometimes climb thechurch tower.

Sr. Mary Lou was later assigned toMelrose Park, where she taughteighth grade and was principal.Following this, she moved intosecondary education, teaching atPocahontas, Wahlert, Bancroft, andColumbus. Sister enjoyed teaching aswell as working with the students inspeech contests, plays, andnewspaper. During the summers sheattended school at Loras, Briar Cliff,and Creighton in Omaha where sheearned her M.A. in 1971.

In 1969, Mary Lou came into theBaptism of the Spirit in Omaha, andthis began her work with thecharismatic renewal. She workedwith the Jesus people in Waterloo andregularly ministered to a group ofprisoners in the AnamosaReformatory. In 1972, Mary Lou

moved to Los Angeles to work fulltime in a drug rehabilitation center forteenage girls. In working with womeninvolved with drugs, she saw in a newway the power of God’s unconditionallove working in their lives. She beganpraying for healing, especially innerhealing.

In 1973, Mary Lou returned toDubuque to help care for her mother.After a 30 day retreat in 1977, sheopened a house of prayer and healingin Dubuque. She gave talks andweekend seminars in various placesthroughout the United States until herhealth failed and she retired to Mt. St.Francis in 1996. She moved to HolyFamily Hall in 2004.

Sister is survived by her sisterMonica Murray, nieces, nephews, andher Franciscan sisters with whom sheshared 67 years of her life.

Sister Mary Lou Murray October 24, 1927 – May 25, 2014

Part of the “Women and Spirit” Exhibit has found apermanent home at the Archdiocese of Dubuque’s

Pastoral Center. The panels featured in the ReligiousHeritage Conference Center give the history of localwomen religious that were originally included in alarger exhibit sponsored by the Smithsonian.

Dubuque Archbishop Michael Jackels blessed thenewly created Religious Heritage Conference Center onMarch 13. “We have living sisters here and we have

living testimonies to their presence, their prayers, theirministries, their apostolate in our midst, so why notswitch out and give this display a proper home where itcan also be accessible to the public?” said ArchbishopJackels.

The local portion of the National Women and SpiritExhibit toured the region and was displayed at theMississippi River Museum before the panels weretransferred to the conference center.

“It is just a beautiful summary of what the womenreligious have done in the Upper Mississippi Valley,”said Sister Ginny Heldorfer, after the blessing.

The panels feature photos of women religiousengaged in various ministries, such as the founding ofhospitals and schools. The first women religious cameto the region almost 200 years ago. There are currentlyabout 1,000 sisters who live and work in thearchdiocese.

“People today need to know that we’re continuallyon the cutting edge of the church and of ministries, andthat our role in the church is vital to the life of thechurch,” said Sister Pat Doody.

Local ‘Women in Spirit’ Exhibit Permanently Displayedat Pastoral Center of Archdiocese of Dubuque

IN THE NEWS

Dubuque Archbishop Michael Jackels at the blessing of the Religious HeritageConference Center on March 13. Photo by Sr. Carol Hovermann, OSF.

18 Footprints

by Dan Russo of The Witness

Jubilee 2014On June 21 and 22, sisters, family, and friends

gathered at Mount St. Francis to celebrate andrejoice with the 23 sisters who commemorated 70, 60,and 50 years of vowed commitment to God’s call. In herreflection at the Golden Jubilee Mass, Sister MaryLechtenberg remarked, “The women who are celebratingtoday have ‘walked the walk.’ They know that onedoesn’t become a friend of God ONLY by studying in aclassroom. They have learned to entwine their lives withGod through prayer, by retreating to a desert space and

time, by listening to God on a regular basis, byrecognizing the face of God in people whom society hascast aside and by inviting others into a relationship withGod. They have found God in the experiences of dailylife: in classrooms, in mental health care, in libraries, insacramental preparation, in pastoral care, in adultreligious formation and retreat ministry, and by serving asa bridge to those who need many forms of assistance.They have come to know God as God wants to beknown.”

Footprints 19

Double Diamond Jubilarians - 70 Years

Diamond Jubilarians - 60 Years

Golden Jubilarians - 50 Years

Double Jubilarians honored were (back row leftto right): Sisters Mary Lucilla Oberbroeckling,Bona Joan Hebig and Ramona Colling. Frontrow left to right: Sisters Verna Gaul and NoreenPearce.

Diamond Jubilarians honored were (back row leftto right): Sisters Lene Rubly, Ruth Fagan, MargieHosch, Davida Loosbrock, and Susan Seitz. Frontrow left to right: Sisters Ann Rubly, Janaan Hickieand Joan Meyer.

Golden Jubilarians honored were (back row left toright): Sisters Marge Burkle, Jan Hrubes, Eileen Miller,Charlotte Klein, and Donna Schmitt. Front row left toright: Sisters Darcy Peletich, Dorothy Heiderscheit,and Lois Erpelding.

Footprints

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Sisters of St. Francis3390 Windsor AvenueDubuque, Iowa 52001-1311

Calendar ofEvents

SEPTEMBER 13Silver Jubilee

SEPTEMBER 22Shalom Peace Musical Concertwith dinner, 6-9 p.m., ShalomSpirituality Center, 1001 DavisSt., Dubuque.

OCTOBER 4Presentation by Rev. Udo aboutHerford, Germany, 2 p.m., ClareHouse, 3340 Windsor Ave.,Dubuque.

OCTOBER 5150th Anniversary Event, 2-4p.m., Loras College, 1450 AltaVista St., Dubuque.

OCTOBER 11Associates Fall Gathering, 9 a.m.to 3 p.m., Shalom SpiritualityCenter, 1001 Davis St.,Dubuque. Contact Lisa Schmidtat (563) 583-9786 for moreinformation.

OCTOBER 24Shalom Shenanigans BenefitDinner and Auction, 5:30 p.m. to9:00 p.m., Shalom SpiritualityCenter, 1001 Davis St.,Dubuque. This event features asocial hour, plated dinner,auctions and entertainment.Contact Shalom at (563) 582-3592.

Gerry GallesBrother of Sr. Michaela GallesCharles HauberBrother of Sr. Carol AnnHauberBarbara MeyersSister-in-law of Sr. Melita MeyersEdel HeiderscheitSister-in-law of Dorothy HeiderscheitSr. Helen Carney, OLVMSister of Sr. Rose Mary CarneyCarl KleitschBrother of Sr. Ruth Kleitsch

Joyce GearhartSister of Sr. Janice RosmanLucy LunsfordSister of Sr. Bev EichlerRita KobliskaSister of Sr. Lois KobliskaMary Ann StreffSister of Sr. Margaret HansenAnthony KuhnBrother-in-law of Sr. Ruth ElsberndJohn SeitzBrother of Sr. Susan SeitzVernon LeachFather of Sr. Marueen LeachMildred ReiterSister of Sr. Ivan Goedken

John T. NelsonBrother of Sr. Helen NelsonKathy WagnerSister-in-law of Srs. Mary Annand Anthony WagnerShirley Kamentz-WinklerSister-in-law of Sr. Shirley KamentzDonna HrubesSister-in-law of Sr. Jan HrubesGerald TimpBrother of Sr. Selma TimpRuth Gertrude Pickart JacobsSister of Sr. Romaine PickartMajel KehoeSister-in-law of Sr. DonaldaKehoe

Rest in

Photo by Sister Phyllis Manternach