Celebrating milestone years of service to the faith

Sunday, 19 May 2013 01:00

Celebrating milestone years of service to the faith

religious-jubilarians Catholic Times is pleased to recognize the following 62 religious sisters, brothers and priests who have lived in or served the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and are celebrating a significant jubilee in 2013. These women and men deserve our respect and admiration, for they courageously answered the call to serve the people of God. If you recognize someone who is familiar or a friend who made a difference in your life, please give a call or send a note.

Catholic Times is pleased to recognize the following 62 religious sisters, brothers and priests who have lived in or served the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and are celebrating a significant jubilee in 2013. These women and men deserve our respect and admiration, for they courageously answered the call to serve the people of God. If you recognize someone who is familiar or a friend who made a difference in your life, please give a call or send a note.

Sisters of Charity, BVM

50 Years

Sister Veronica Higgins, BVM

BVM-Higgins Sister Veronica Higgins, BVM, is celebrating 50 years as a member of the Sisters of Charity, BVM. The Chicago native entered the congregation on July 31, 1963, from St. Bartholomew Parish in Chicago. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1966 and final vows on Jan. 6, 1974.

Sister Veronica was a staff chaplain at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield from 1992 to 2001. She also taught in Chicago and East Moline and in Des Moines and Iowa City, Iowa. She was a CPE intern in Des Moines and Chicago and staff/chaplain in Arlington Heights and Belleville. She has been staff chaplain at St. Mary Health Center in St. Louis since 2005.

She is among eight golden jubilarians who will gather in the Mt. Carmel Motherhouse Chapel in Dubuque, Iowa, on July 21, 2013, for a liturgy of thanksgiving.

Sisters of Divine Providence

75 Years

Sister Lucy Schmidt, CDP

SisterLucySchmidtCDP Sister Lucy Schmidt, CDP, is celebrating 75 years as a member of the Sisters of Divine Providence. Her entrance into the community was on July 2, 1938. She is a native of Brussels and St. Mary Parish there. She earned a bachelor of science in English in 1949 from St. Louis University and a master's degree in theology in 1962 from Notre Dame University in Indiana.

Sister Lucy spent most of her active ministry as an educator. Her teaching ministry includes years at St. Mary School in Madison, from 1941 to 1943 and again from 1947 to 1948. She taught and also served as principal at several schools in Missouri and served as director of religious education at St. Christopher Parish in Florissant from 1978 to 1980.

Sister Lucy served as provincial superior of the former St. Louis Province (now part of the Marie de la Roche Province) from 1981 to 1985. She obtained a certificate in gerontology at the age of 76 and used that knowledge as the assistant activities coordinator at the University of Missouri-St. Louis Eldercare in 1987 and as senior services coordinator at Cardinal Ritter Institute in St. Louis from 1988 to 1995. She served as the community's archivist from 1996 to 2005. Sister Lucy is now in prayer ministry at Saint Clare's Villa in Alton.

A private celebration for the community jubilarians will take place in June.

60 Years

Sister Margaret Mertens, CDP

SisterMargaretMertensCDP Sister Margaret Mertens, CDP, formerly Sister Mary, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Sisters of Divine Providence. Her entrance to the community was on Sept. 5, 1953. The native of Jefferson City, Mo., earned a bachelor of science in American Studies in 1967 from Marillac College in St. Louis and a master's degree in elementary administration in 1977 from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

Sister Margaret's teaching ministry included schools in Missouri, and in the Springfield diocese at St. Mary School in Madison from 1959 to 1962. She also served as a principal and teacher at St. Mary School in Brussels from 1972 to 1978 and later in Missouri.

She served at Mt. Providence in Normandy, Mo., as the local superior, co-director and as the formation and vocation director at the motherhouse.

In 1995, Sister Margaret became program director at La Posada Providencia, located in Texas. La Posada is an emergency shelter for immigrants, asylum seekers and asylees seeking legal refuge in the United States. Sister Margaret is fluent in Spanish and international, intercultural communications. Sister Margaret ministered and lived with the retired Sisters at Saint Clare's Villa in Alton from 2008 to 2010. In 2010, she moved to what was then the Sisters of Divine Providence Novitiate House in Granite City to assist the novitiate director. Sister Margaret became the area assistant and vocation director for the St. Louis area from 2011 to 2013. Sister Margaret currently serves her community by assisting at La Posada Providencia and in the St. Louis area.

A private jubilee celebration for the Sisters of Divine Providence will take place in June.

50 Years

Sister Barbara Horenkamp, CDP

SisterBarbaraHorenkampCDP Sister Barbara Horenkamp, CDP, formerly Sister Mary Louis, is celebrating her golden jubilee as a member of the Sisters of Divine Providence. Her entrance into the community was on June 30, 1963.

A native of St. Louis, Sister Barbara earned a bachelor's degree in biology in 1973 from Marillac College in St. Louis and a master's degree in education in 1980 from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

She professed her final vows in 1971 and earned a bachelor of science in biology in 1973 from Marillac College and a master's degree in education in 1980 from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Sister Barbara's teaching ministry included schools in Missouri, and later at St. Mary-St. Mark School in Venice and Madison from 1974 to 1977. She was the principal at

St. Mary-St. Mark from 1977 to 86 and at later at Mount Providence School in Normandy, Mo., from 1986-96.

She currently serves as the school secretary at St. Dominic Savio School in St. Louis, where she has served since 1997.
A private jubilee celebration for the Sisters of Divine Providence will take place in June.

Sister Sharon Nolte, CDP

SisterSharonNotleCDP Sister Sharon Nolte, CDP, is celebrating her golden jubilee as a member of the Sisters of Divine Providence. Formerly Sister Perpetua, the native of Golden Eagle with a home parish of St. Mary in Brussels made her entrance into the community on June 30, 1963.

She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Harris Stowe Teacher's College in Missouri and a master's degree in education in 1982 from Dayton University in Ohio.

Sister Sharon's teaching ministry included schools in Westchester, Ill., as well as in Missouri and Louisiana. Sister Sharon worked in public relations at St. Elizabeth Medical Center (now Gateway Regional Medical Center) in Granite City from 1986 to 1987. She was the secretary at St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf from 1989 to 1998. Sister Sharon also helped coordinate over 25 religious pilgrimages to Europe. In 2000, she became the secretary and archivist for the Sisters at Providence Center in Bridgeton, Mo., where she currently serves. She also cares for her mother, Evelyn, and mentors many on their spiritual journey at Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry in Vandalia.

A private jubilee celebration for the Sisters of Divine Providence will take place in June.

Sister Stephanie Turck, CDP

SisterStephanieTurckCDP Sister Stephanie Turck, CDP, is celebrating her golden jubilee as a member of the Sisters of Divine Providence. Formerly Sister Martha, she is a native of Granite City with a home parish of St. Mary in Brussels. She made her entrance into the community on June 30, 1963. Sister Stephanie earned a bachelor of art in English in 1975 and a master's degree in communication disorders in 1981 from Fontbonne College in Missouri. She also earned a master's degree in health administration in 1997 and a master's degree in health care ethics in 2000 from Saint Louis University.

Sister Stephanie's teaching ministry included schools in Missouri and Illinois, including in the Springfield Diocese at St. Mary School in Brussels from 1972 to 1973.

Sister Stephanie worked as a licensed speech pathologist from 1981 to 1997 and as an ethics committee chair from 2000 to 2001 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center (now Gateway Regional Medical Center) in Granite City. She was an office manager at United Congregations of Metro East in Madison in 2002. She returned to Gateway Regional Medical Center as medical staff director from 2002 to 2004. Sister Stephanie was a pastoral associate and development director at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Granite City from 2004 to 2005 and a pastoral associate for Tri-City Catholic Ministry from 2006 to 2007.

She served as the volunteer coordinator from 2008 to 2012 for Room at the Inn, a homeless shelter in St. Louis County in Missouri. Sister Stephanie currently serves as volunteer coordinator at House of Hope in Cottage Hills.

A private jubilee celebration for the Sisters of Divine Providence will take place in June.

Sister Rosella Uding, CDP

SisterRosellaUdingCDP Sister Rosella Uding, CDP, is celebrating her golden jubilee as a member of the Sisters of Divine Providence. She is a native of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., and made her entrance into the community on June 30, 1963.

She earned a bachelor of science in education in 1974 from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a master's degree in religious education in 1981 from Seattle University. Sister Rosella's teaching ministry included schools in Missouri, as well as, in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, St. Elizabeth School in Granite City from 1967 to 1972 and again from 1975 to 1980). She also taught at St. Mary-St. Mark School in Venice and Madison from 1972 to 1973).

Sister Rosella was the director of religious education at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Granite City from 1980 to 1988. She was the children and youth minister at Holy Family Parish in Litchfield from 1988 to 2003. After taking a sabbatical in 2003, Sister Rosella became the director of religious education at St. Matthew Parish in Alton,. She served her community as the house administrator for the Generalate from 2004 to 2007 in Rhode Island and as the vocations director for the Marie de la Roche Province from 2007 to 2008. Sister Rosella currently serves as the director of religious education at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Wheeling, W.Va.

A private jubilee celebration for the Sisters of Divine Providence will take place in June.

65 Years
50 Years

65 Years

Father Arnold E. Perham, CSV

perham-arnold Father Arnold E. Perham, CSV, is celebrating 65 years of religious life as a member of the Clerics of St. Viator. He made his profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1948 in Arlington Heights. The Chicago native holds master's degrees in mathematics and theology from Loyola University in Chicago, Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.

With a primary ministry in secondary education, Father Perham taught at Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield from 1951 to 1952 and at Griffin High School in Springfield from 1956 to 1962. He taught at Loyola University in Chicago from 1968 to 1973 and served as a teacher at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights for 46 years, from 1962 to 1968 and from 1973 to the present.

The Clerics of St. Viator community will hold a private celebration for its jubilarians in June.

50 Years

Father Charles G. Bolser, CSV

bolser-color Father Charles G. Bolser, CSV, is celebrating 50 years of religious life as a member of the Clerics of St. Viator. He made his profession of vows on Sept. 8, 1963 in Arlington Heights. The Rantoul native holds a bachelor's degree in theology from Loyola University in Chicago, a master's in religious studies from Mundelein College in Mundelein, a master's degree in accounting from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., and a master's in divinity from Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C.

With principal areas of ministry in secondary education and parish ministry, Father Bolser served in the Springfield diocese as a teacher and assistant principal at Griffin High School in Springfield from 1967 to 1970 and from 1973 to 1979. He was a teacher and administrator at high schools elsewhere in Illinois and in Las Vegas. He was pastor at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais and served as provincial at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights from 2001-2005 and from 2008 to the present has served as pastor at St. Viator Parish in Chicago.

The Clerics of St. Viator community will hold a private celebration for its jubilarians in June.

Father John E. Eck, CSV

eck Celebrating 50 years of priesthood in 2013, Father John E. Eck, CSV, was ordained on June 8, 1963 in Arlington Heights as a member of the Clerics of St. Viator. Father Eck is a native of the Springfield diocese; he was born in Springfield with a home parish of Blessed Sacrament there. Father Eck holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Loyola University in Chicago and a master's in counseling from Western Illinois University in Macomb.

In the Springfield diocese, Father Eck was associate pastor for St. Joseph Parish in Springfield from 1990 to 1995 and served St. John's hospital in Springfield as chaplain. He served elsewhere in Illinois as a teacher for over 20 years, as director of the Viatorian formation program from 1978 to 1983 and as pastor at St. Viator Parish in Chicago and St. Patrick Parish in Kankakee, where he currently resides in retirement.
The Clerics of St. Viator community will hold a private celebration for its jubilarians in June.

Father Erwin M. Savela, CSV

Father Erwin M. Savela, CSV, is celebrating 50 years of religious life as a member of the Clerics of St. Viator. He made his profession of vows on Sept. 8, 1963 in Arlington Heights. The Chicago native holds a bachelor's degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and a master's in religious studies from Mundelein College in Mundelein. Father Savela served in the Springfield diocese as a teacher at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield from 1989 to 1990. He taught and served as assistant principal at Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee from 1971 to 1989. He served as pastor at St. Viator Parish in Las Vegas from 1990 to 1993.

From 1995 to the present, he has ministered to those recovering from addictions at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Redlands, Calif., where he resides.

The Clerics of St. Viator community will hold a private celebration for its jubilarians in June.

Father Donald R. Wehnert, CSV

wehnert-011 Celebrating 50 years of priesthood as a member of the community of the Clerics of St. Viator, Father Donald R. Wehnert, CSV, was ordained on June 8, 1963 in Arlington Heights. A native of the Diocese in Springfield in Illinois, Father Wehnert was born in Springfield with a home parish of Blessed Sacrament.

Father Wehnert holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Loyola University in Chicago. He ministered in the Springfield diocese as a teacher at St. James Trade School in Riverton in 1955 and 1956 and spent three years as pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Springfield from 1970 to 1973. He taught at Spaulding Institute in Peoria from 1958 to 1961 and at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights from 1963 to 1964. He served at St. Viator Parish and Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas from 1964 to 1970 and again from 1973 to 1981. Father Wehnert ministered at several parishes in Illinois and is presently retired in residence at St. Patrick Parish in Kankakee.

The Clerics of St. Viator community will hold a private celebration for its jubilarians in June.

Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George

25 years

Sister Maura Carrasco, FSGM

Sister-Maura-Carrasco-FSGM Sister Maura Carrasco, FSGM, is celebrating 25 years as a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. She made her entrance into her community on Oct. 4, 1988 at St. Francis Convent in Alton. A native of Odessa, Texas, Sister Maura holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. She has a master's degree in medical surgical nursing from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and a master's in medical science (physician's assistant) from St. Louis University. She earned her medical doctor degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is currently a medical resident there.

From 1996 to 2009, Sister Maura was a nurse and physician's assistant at Saint Anthony's Health Center in Alton. A community jubilee celebration will take place in the fall.

Sister Marianna Troendle, FSGM

Sister-Marianna-Troendle-FSGM Sister Marianna Troendle, FSGM, is celebrating 25 years as a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. She made her entrance into her community on Oct. 4, 1988 at St. Francis Convent in Alton.

Hailing from New Orleans, La., Sister Marianna earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Loyola University in New Orleans.

In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, Sister Marianna served in 2002 in the offices of St. Francis Convent in Alton. She has also worked at Mother of Good Counsel nursing home in St. Louis, Bonacum House residence for retired priests in Lincoln, Neb., and at Maria Regina home for retired priests in New Jersey.

Currently, Sister Marianna is Superior of the St. Clare Convent House of Studies in Steubenville, Ohio.

A community jubilee celebration will take place in the fall.

Dominican Sisters of Springfield

75 Years

Sister Ann Regina Baker, OP

OP-Baker-Ann-Regina Sister Ann Regina Baker, OP, is celebrating 75 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Lincoln, she professed her vows on April 30, 1938 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

Sister Ann Regina's education includes a Doctor of Ministry from St. Mary's University and Seminary in Baltimore, a master's in religious education from Loyola University in Chicago, and a bachelors in music education from Chicago Music College. She holds certificates in retreat and spiritual direction, retirement plan specialist, ministry transition specialist and body-mind-spirit healing.

With principal areas of ministry in teaching, spiritual direction, study and prayer, Sister Ann Regina's assignments in the Springfield diocese were at Sacred Heart Academy in Springfield and the Benincasa Renewal Center in Riverton, as well as at Sacred Heart Convent. She served the diocesan office in Rockford as director of religious education and assistant director of renewal. She has served parishes in the Chicago area as well as Odell and Rockford, as well as in Minnesota in Michigan.
Sister Ann Regina is currently participating in ongoing formation classes and spiritual direction at Sacred Heart Convent, where a private jubilee celebration will take place in August.

Sister Virginia Dever, OP

OP-Dever Sister Virginia Dever, OP, is celebrating 75 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Chicago, she professed her vows on Jan. 3, 1938 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

Sister Virginia's education includes a bachelor's in philosophy from DePaul University in Chicago and master's degrees from St. Louis University and Creighton University in Nebraska.

With principal areas of ministry in teaching drama and speech in secondary schools, Sister Virginia ministered in the Springfield diocese at St. Joseph School in Granite City where she was one of the pioneers and at St. Michael School in Michael. She taught at Sacred Heart Academy and Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield on two occasions, serving on the staff as an instructor and chairperson of the drama department. Sister Virginia also served at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights and other schools and parishes in the Chicago area, as well as in Duluth, Minn., and Hammond, La.

Currently, Sister Virginia is retired and residing at Sacred Heart Convent, where a private jubilee celebration will take place in August.

Sister M. Jeanine McGinley, OP

OP-Mcginley-Jeanine Sister M. Jeanine McGinley, OP, is celebrating 75 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Chicago, she professed her vows on Aug. 4, 1938 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

Sister M. Jeanine served her community in the area of education. In the Springfield diocese, she ministered in the following schools: St. Mary in Assumption, and St. Agnes, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Little Flower, all in Springfield. She has also been assigned to schools in the Peoria and Rockford dioceses and in the Chicago archdiocese.

Currently, Sister M. Jeanine is retired and residing at Sacred Heart Convent, where a private jubilee celebration will take place in August.

Sister Ann Catherine Radosevic, OP

OP-Radosevic-Ann-Catherine Sister Ann Catherine Radosevic, OP, is celebrating 75 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Lincoln, she professed her vows on Jan. 3, 1938 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield. She earned a bachelor's degree from Fontbonne College in St. Louis.

With an education ministry, Sister Ann Catherine taught at Cathedral and St. Agnes schools in the Springfield diocese. She also served in pastoral care ministry at St. Joseph's Home in Springfield and Villa Health Care in Sherman. She also ministered in Crystal Lake, Chicago, Cary, East Moline, Elgin, Paris, and Peoria, and in North Dakota and California.

Sister Ann Catherine is currently retired to a ministry of prayer at Sacred Heart Convent. A private community celebration will take place there in August with the Springfield Dominican Sisters.

60 Years

Sister Helen Becker, OP

OP-Becker-Helen Sister Helen Becker, OP is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Carrollton with a home parish of St. John, she professed her vows on Jan. 4, 1953 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Ind., and a master's from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Sister Helen has primarily ministered in education. Her assignments in the Springfield diocese include teaching at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and St. Agnes in Springfield and at St. Kevin in East Alton. She resided at Little Flower and Josephine House while ministering at Sacred Heart Convent. Sister Helen stated that her most significant assignment was at Josephine House where the Sisters were a presence on the east side of Springfield. Other assignments included Holy Cross in Mendota; St. Paul in Odell; Rosary High in Aurora; St. Christina, St. John Bosco and St. Edward in Chicago; Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights and Holy Rosary in Duluth, Minn.

Sister Helen is currently working in community service and support at Sacred Heart Convent, where a where a private jubilee celebration will take place in August.

Sr. Mary Emmeric Emerick, OP

OP-Emmeric-Emerick Sr. Mary Emmeric Emerick, OP, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Mendota, she professed her vows on Jan. 4, 1953 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

She holds a bachelors degree from St. Ambrose College in Iowa and a master's in education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

With a primary ministry in education, Sister Mary Emmeric's ministered both as a teacher and principal. In the Springfield diocese she ministered at St. Mary in Assumption, St. Agnes and St. Cabrini in Springfield and Sacred Heart in Pana. She also ministered at St. Edward in Chicago, St. Joseph in Bradley; St. Lawrence O'Toole in Matteson, St. Thomas in Crystal Lake, St. Charles Borromeo in Hampshire and, outside of Illinois, Holy Rosary in Denver.

Sister Mary Emmeric is currently retired to a ministry of prayer at Sacred Heart Convent, where a private jubilee celebration will take place in August for the Dominican community.

Sister Janet Guretz, OP

OP-Guretz-Janet Sister Janet Guretz, OP, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Chicago, she professed her vows on Jan. 4, 1953 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

Sister Janet holds a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Ind., and a master's from St. Louis University. Sister Janet ministered many years in South America at the Springfield Dominican missions located in Lima, Peru. In the Springfield diocese, Sister Janet ministered at Sacred Heart in Granite City, Christ the King in Springfield, St. Dominic in Quincy and at Sacred Heart Convent. Sister also ministered in St. Anne, Aurora, Chicago and in Navarino, Wis.

A private community celebration will take place in August with the Springfield Dominican Sisters.

Sister Clarice Kniery, OP

OP-Kniery-Clarie Sister Clarice Kniery, OP, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Bloomington, she professed her vows on Aug. 5, 1953 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

Sister Clarice has a master's in education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a bachelors degree from DePaul University in Chicago. She has served in ministry of education throughout her career, Sister Clarice served in the Springfield diocese at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Bethalto and at Little Flower in Spring-

Field. In other Illinois dioceses she has ministered at St. Charles Borromeo in Hampshire, Holy Angels in Aurora, Holy Cross in Mendota, as principal at St. Thomas in Philo and at Sister Thea Bowman School in East St. Louis. One of her most significant assignments was at Hesed House, a transitional living community, in Aurora where she was the founding program director. She also worked in Michigan.

Sister Clarice is currently secretary for poverty, justice and peace at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield, where a private celebration honoring the Dominican jubilarians will take place in August.

Sister Mary Anita Tapocik, OP

OP-Tapocik-Anita Sister Mary Anita Tapocik, OP, is celebrating her 60-year jubilee as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Springfield with a home parish of St. Aloysius, she professed her vows on Jan. 4, 1953 at Sacred Heart Convent, also in Springfield.

She holds a bachelors degree from St. Ambrose College in Iowa and a master's in education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

With a primary area of ministry in education, Sister Mary Anita's assignments in the Springfield diocese were at Our Saviour in Jacksonville and Little Flower in Springfield. Outside the diocese, she has served in Illinois at St. Mary in East Moline, St. Thomas in Crystal Lake, St. Joseph in Bradley and at the Alfred Fortin Villa in Bourbonnais, as well as in Minnesota and California. She is presently serving at St. Malachy in Rantoul.

A private jubilee celebration for the Dominican Sisters will take place in August at Sacred Heart Convent.

Sister Doris Taylor, OP

OP-Taylor-Doris Sister Doris Taylor, OP, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Carrollton with a home parish there of St. John, she professed her vows on Jan. 4, 1953 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

Sister Doris holds a master's degree from St. Louis University and a bachelor's from St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Ind. She has primarily served in ministries of presence and prayer. In 1964 she studied Spanish in Puerto Rico. From 1965-1999 she served in Peru, saying "My pastoral work in the province of Yauli, La Oroya and Canto Grande, Peru, were my most significant assignments." Sister Doris's Hispanic ministry in the United States included stops Albany, Ky., and Freeport. Other assignments included: Our Lady of Grace in Chicago, St. Mary in East Moline and St. Mary in East St. Louis. Prior to her retirement, Sister Doris worked with Hispanic ministry at Our Saviour in Jacksonville.

Sister Doris is currently retired to Sacred Heart Convent, where a private jubilee celebration will take place in August.

Sister Helen Wolf, OP

OP-Wolf-Helen Sister Helen Wolf, OP, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Odell, she professed her vows on Jan. 4, 1953 at Sacred Heart Convent, also in Springfield. She holds a master's degree from DePaul University in Chicago and a bachelor's from St. Xavier College, also in Chicago.

Sister Helen currently serves as community treasurer at Sacred Heart Convent. She has also taught secondary education at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights and at Sacred Heart Academy and Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield. She also had assignments at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Catholic Charities in Springfield. Outside of the Springfield diocese, Sister Helen taught at St. Charles Borromeo in Hampshire and at Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward in Chicago.

A private jubilee celebration for the Dominican Sisters will take place in August at Sacred Heart Convent.

50 Years

Sister Joan Barbara Fenton, OP

OP-Fenton-Joan-Barbara Sister Joan Barbara Fenton, OP, is celebrating 50 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Cabery, she professed her vows on June 19, 1963 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

Sister Joan holds a bachelor's degree from DePaul University. Her primary ministry has been in child care and teaching. Sister Joan Barbara was gifted in caring for small children and spent many years at Alfred Fortin Villa in Bourbonnais, where she worked with the children from 1970 to 1973 and again from 1986 to 1998. She also taught at St. Joseph in Bradley and did volunteer work in the Bradley area. Other assignments include St. Malachy in the Peoria diocese and St. John Bosco and St. Edward in the Chicago Archdiocese.

Sister was appointed to Sacred Heart Convent in 2007 to assist Sisters as a companion and driver. A private jubilee celebration honoring the Dominican Sisters will take place there in August.

Sister Karen Freund, OP

OP-Freund-Karen Sister Karen Freund, OP (formerly Sister Mary Siena), is celebrating 50 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Crystal Lake, she professed her vows on June 19, 1963 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

She earned a bachelors degree from DePaul University and a master's degree from the University of Notre Dame and certifications in Biblical Spirituality from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a certificate in religious formation from St. Louis University Institute.

Sister Karen has served her community in education and spirituality and pastoral care. In the Diocese of Springfield, she has ministered in the parishes of Sacred Heart in Granite City and Christ the King in Springfield, as well as at Sacred Heart Academy in Springfield. She also served as formation director and in general administration at Sacred Heart Convent. She has also served parishes in Wisconsin and Kentucky and is presently pastoral associate at St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish in Columbia, Mo.

A private jubilee celebration for the Dominican Sisters will take place in August at Sacred Heart Convent.

Sister Judine Hilbing, OP

OP-Hilbing-Judine Sister Judine Hilbing, OP celebrated 50 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Quincy, she professed her vows on June 19, 1963 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

She holds a bachelors degree, with a certificate in teaching, from St. Ambrose College in Iowa and a master's in education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. With a primary area of ministry in education, Sister Judine served in the Springfield Diocese at St. Agnes and Christ the King schools in Springfield, St. John Neumann in Collinsville and Holy Family in Decatur. Elsewhere in Illinois, she ministered at St. Thomas More in Elgin and at St. Walter, St. Christina and St. Michael in Chicago. She currently serves at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights.

A private jubilee celebration for the Dominican Sisters will take place in August at Sacred Heart Convent.

Sister Kathleen Kenny, OP

OP-Kenny-Kathleen Sister Kathleen Kenny, OP, is celebrating 50 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Chicago with a home parish of Blessed Sacrament in Springfield, she professed her vows on June 19, 1963 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

She holds degrees in nursing, including a master's from St. Louis University and a bachelors from the University of Mississippi in Jackson. She has a bachelors degree from St. Ambrose College in Iowa.

In the Springfield diocese, Sister Kathleen served at Our Lady of Lourdes in Decatur, Little Flower in Springfield and St. Kevin in East Alton. She served as director of nursing at Sacred Heart Convent and also taught Nursing courses from 2010-2012 at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. From 1977 to 1993, Sister Kathleen was on the staff of the Dominican community sponsored hospitals: St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Miss., and St. Mary Hospital in Rogers, Ark.

Sister Kathleen is currently coordinator of the community wellness program at Sacred Heart Convent. She will celebrate her jubilee with family in June and with the Springfield Dominican community in August 2013.

Sister Mary Lou Owens, OP

OP-Owens-MaryLou Sister Mary Lou Owens, OP (formerly Sister Mary Owen Owens), is celebrating 50 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Chicago, she professed her vows on June 19, 1963 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

She earned a bachelors degree from St. Ambrose College in Iowa, a master's in education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master's from Creighton University in Nebraska. She holds certificates in religious formation from St. Louis University and in retreats and spiritual direction from Creighton.

With primary areas of ministry in education and spiritual life. Sister Mary Lou's Springfield diocese assignments include Little Flower in Springfield, Holy Family in Decatur, Holy Ghost in Jerseyville and Ss. Mary and Joseph in Carlinville. She has also served her community as formation director at Sacred Heart Convent and in parishes n the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Currently, Sister Mary Lou resides in Lincoln and serves as spiritual life coordinator of Logan County, including the parishes of Holy Family in Lincoln, St. Mary in Atlanta, St. Thomas in Mt. Pulaski and St. Patrick in Elkhart. A private jubilee celebration for the Dominican Sisters will take place in August at Sacred Heart Convent.

Sister Judith Pfile, OP

OP-Pfile-Judith Sister Judith Pfile, OP (formerly Sister Donna Marie Pfile), is celebrating 50 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Springfield with Little Flower as her home parish, she professed her vows on June 19, 1963 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

She holds a master's in education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and a bachelors from St. Ambrose College in Iowa.

With principal areas of ministry in pastoral ministry and in Education as a teacher and principal, Sister Judith began her teaching ministry at Sacred Heart in Granite City. She also served at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Bethalto and at St. Agnes and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Sister ministered in the Rockford diocese at St. Charles Borromeo in Hampshire, and at Ss. Peter and Paul in Cary, where she was principal from 1981 to 1989 as Principal and pastoral minister from 2000 to 2006. In the Chicago Archdiocese, she served at Our Lady of Grace and St. Walter Parish.

She is presently ministering as pastoral associate at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Chatham. A private jubilee celebration for the Dominican Sisters will take place in August at Sacred Heart Convent.

Sister M. Theodora Stremlau, OP

OP-Stremlau-Theodora Sister M. Theodora Stremlau, OP, is celebrating 50 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Mendota, she professed her vows on June 19, 1963 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

She holds a master's degree from St. Louis University and a bachelors from St. Joseph College, Rensselaer, Ind.

With a principal areas of ministry in education, specifically teaching theology, Sister M. Theodora's present ministry is formation director for the Springfield Dominicans and college theology instructor to candidates and novices at Sacred Heart Convent for Quincy. She recently taught a class on vowed life in community at Aquinas Institute in St. Louis. Sister began her ministry at Holy Family Parish in Decatur. Other assignments in the Springfield diocese include the parishes of St. Francis in Jerseyville, Sacred Heart in Granite City. She served education at Sacred Heart Academy, Sacred Heart-Griffin High School and Benedictine University in Springfield. Sister M. Theodora also taught at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights and St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Hammond, La.

A private jubilee celebration for the Dominican Sisters will take place in August at Sacred Heart Convent.

25 years

Sister Peggy Conway, OP

OP-Conway-Peggy Sister Peggy Conway, OP, is celebrating 25 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Springfield with a home parish of Little Flower, she professed her vows on Aug. 9, 1988 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield.

Sister Peggy holds a master's degree from Aquinas Institute in St. Louis, a bachelor's from Illinois State University and an associate's degree from Springfield College (now Benedictine University in Springfield).

With a ministry in education, Sister Peggy's is currently assigned to the Springfield diocese as a Theology teacher at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, where she has served since 2002. In other Illinois dioceses, Sister Peggy ministered in the following schools: St. Christina in Chicago, Holy Angels in Aurora and St. Thomas, in Philo. Sister Peggy says, "Living as a Dominican within community is such a gift. The Sisters have encouraged me to be the best person I can be. I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet so many people in community and in my ministry."

A private jubilee celebration for the Dominican Sisters will take place in August at Sacred Heart Convent.

Sister Elizabeth Wrenn, OP

OP-Wrenn-Elizabeth Sister Elizabeth Wrenn, OP, is celebrating 25 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Born in Flossmoor, she professed her vows on Aug. 9, 1988 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield. Sister Elizabeth holds a master's degree from the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis and a bachelor's from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also has a certificate in Library Technology from the College of Du Page in Glen Ellyn.

With a primary area of ministry in education, Sister Elizabeth currently serves the Springfield diocese as librarian for Cathedral Grade School and Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield. Her previous assignments in the Springfield Diocese include work at St. Norbert in Hardin and St. John Neumann in Collinsville. Sister Elizabeth has also served in the Rockford Diocese at Holy Rosary High School in Aurora and Ss. Peter and Paul in Cary.

A private jubilee celebration for the Dominican Sisters will take place in August at Sacred Heart Convent.

Hospital Sisters of St. Francis

80 Years

Sister Gabrielis Hu, OSF

Gabrielis-Hu Sister Gabrielis Hu, OSF, is celebrating 80 years as a professed member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. She made her profession of vows on May 19, 1938 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield. She is a native of Wucheng Shandong Province in China.

Sister Gabrielis served her community as a missionary in Tsinafu, China and in Taiwan. She worked in hospitals, including St. Francis in Litchfield and at St. John's Sanitarium in Springfield, working in the X-ray department, laboratories and as a volunteer. She also served her community at St. Francis Convent in Springfield, where she is currently residing in ministry of prayer.
A private jubilee celebration for the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis community will take place in June at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

75 Years

Sister Joel Jacobi, OSF

Joel-Jacobi Sister Joel Jacobi, OSF, is celebrating 75 years as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. The Belleville native made her profession of vows on Oct. 4, 1933 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield. She holds a degree in registered nursing from St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield, a bachelor's of science in nursing from St. Louis University and a master's of science in nursing from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Sister Joel served in the Springfield diocese at St. John's Hospital, College of Nursing and Crippled Children's Home in Springfield. She has served as staff nurse, head nurse, supervisor, clinical instructor, medical-surgical coordinator and acting nursing service director. She has been a department chair and assistant professor of nursing. She is a co-founder and administrator of a charity food pantry in Wisconsin.

Currently residing at St. Francis Convent in Springfield, Sister Joel's ministry includes prayer and volunteer services. A private jubilee celebration will take place in June.

70 Years

Sister Michaeline Hoffmann, OSF

Michaeline-Hoffman Celebrating 70 years as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, Sister Michaeline Hoffmann, OSF, made her profession of vows on Oct. 4, 1943 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield. A native of Belleville, she attended St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield and earned a registered nursing degree.

Sister Michaeline's work in healthcare included serving as a nurse, night nurse and nurse supervisor, overseeing practical nurses. She worked in psychiatric and medical nursing and as a home health nurse. She worked at St. Mary's Convent in Decatur, St. Anthony's Hospital in Effingham and St. John's Hospital in Springfield. She also worked as a nurse and in purchasing and receiving at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

Sister Michaline currently resides in ministry of prayer at St. Francis Convent in Springfield, where a private jubilee celebration will take place in June.

Sister Eleanora Marie Maurer, OSF

Eleanora-Marie-Maurer Sister Eleanora Marie Maurer, OSF, is celebrating 70 years as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. She made her profession of vows on Oct. 4, 1943 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

Born in Red Bud, Sister Eleanora holds a bachelor's degree from Fontbonne College in St. Louis and a master's degree from Stout State College in Wisconsin. She has served the Springfield Diocese at St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland and St. John's Hospital in Springfield in administration, as a clinician and a therapeutic dietician. She also served the hospitals as director of volunteers, sister advocate and dietetic instructor. She ministered at Brother James Court in Springfield as a consultant and clinical dietician.

Sister Jolene currently resides at St. Francis Convent in Springfield in ministry of prayer. A private jubilee celebration will take place there in June.

Sister Jolene Pachay, OSF

Jolene-Pachay Celebrating 70 years as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, Sister Jolene Pachay, OSF, made her profession of vows on Oct. 4, 1943 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield. The Chicago native holds a bachelor's degree from Fontbonne College in St. Louis.

Sister Jolene has served in health care, as a dietician and nurse's aide throughout the Springfield Diocese, including at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland, St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield and St. John's Hospital in Springfield. She also worked at St. Francis Convent in Springfield as a supervisor for purchasing, receiving and switchboard, and has served the Hospital Sisters Health System at the switchboard at the corporate office.

Sister Jolene currently serves in ministry of prayer at St. Francis Convent in Springfield, where a private jubilee celebration will take place in June.

Sister Jocelyn Serwatka, OSF

Jocelyn-Serwatka Celebrating 70 years as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, Sister Jocelyn Serwatka, OSF, made her profession of vows on Oct. 4, 1943 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield. A native of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, she was born in Madison and baptised at St. Mary Church there.

Sister Jocelyn earned a degree in registered nursing at St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield, bachelor's degrees from Quincy University and Marillac College in St. Louis and a master's in nursing from St. Louis University. She worked at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur and St. John's Hospital in Springfield, She has worked as a nurse, staff nurse, in pastoral care and as supervisor of the medical unit. She was a nurse, assistant director and teacher at St. Francis Prepatory School at St. Francis Convent in Springfield. She worked in pastoral care at St. Thomas Parish in Decatur and as the community's coordinator for justice concerns at the convent in Springfield.

Sister Jocely is currently serving as chapel sacristan at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur. A private celebration for the community jubilarians will take place in June at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

60 Years

Sister Ruth Brueggemann, OSF

Ruth-Brueggemann Sister Ruth Brueggemann, OSF, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. She made her profession of vows on June 13, 1953 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield. The Belleville native earned her registered nursing degree at St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield and ministered in healthcare at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield and St. John's Hospital in Springfield. She worked as a nurse supervisor, volunteer and missionary in Japan and as a nurse, nurse supervisor and coordinator in hospitals. She served her community at St. Francis Convent in Springfield as church sacristan and chapel sacristan.

She currently resides in ministry of prayer at St. Francis Convent, where a private celebration for the community's jubilarians will take place in June.

Sister Annice McClure, OSF

Annice-McClure Sister Annice McClure, OSF, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. Born in Green Bay, Wis., she made her profession of vows on Oct. 4, 1953 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

Sister Annice earned a degree as a registered nurse from St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield, a bachelor's degree from Fontbonne College in St. Louis and a master's from the University of Illinois at Chicago. With a primary ministry in health care, Sister Annice has served as a dietician and staff nurse, ICU nurse, home health care director, hospice supervisor, VIP program coordinator, oncology volunteer coordinator and in organizational development at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield and St. John's Hospital in Springfield. At St. Francis Convent in Springfield she served as vocation directress and at St. Alexius Parish in Beardstown she ministered as a parish nurse.

Currently residing in Green Bay, Sister Annice works in the organizational development department serving St. Mary's and St. Vincent's Hospitals in Green Bay and St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan.

A private jubilee celebration will take place in June at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

Sister Mary Morin, OSF

Mary-Morin Sister Mary Morin, OSF, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. She made her profession of vows on Oct. 4, 1953 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield. A native of St. Albans, Vt., she holds a degree in registered nursing from St. John's College in Springfield, a bachelor's and master's in nursing from St. Louis University and a master's degree from Sangamon State University (now the University of Illinois at Springfield). Working in health care and health care education, Sister Mary served at St. John's Hospital and College of Nursing in Springfield and at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. She worked as head nurse, development program head nurse, pediatrics supervisor, psychiatric nurse and working in in-service training. She has been patient care director, project director, nursing service coordinator and community college refresher course instructor. She has been a clinical instructor and nursing instructor. She also served in the library and in provincial administration at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

Sister Mary resides in Springfield and works in volunteer services. A private celebration for the Hospital Sisters jubilarians will take place in June.

Sister Celestine Rivera, OSF

Celestine-Rivera Sister Celestine Rivera, OSF, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. She made her profession of vows on Oct. 4, 1953 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield. A native of Gibson, N.M., Sister Celestine earned her degree as a registered nurse from St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield, an associate's degree from Navajo Community College in Arizona and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Northern Arizona University.

Sister Celestine has served as a nurse, instructor and missionary in Arizona, New Mexico and in Venezuela. In the Springfield Diocese, she has worked as a nurse in the areas of obstetrics, surgery and home health as well as a nursing supervisor and instructor. She served at St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland and at St. John's Sanitarium and Hospital in Springfield. At St. Francis Convent in Springfield, she has served as a nurse and in the receiving department.

Currently residing at St. Francis Convent in Springfield, Sister Celestine's ministry is in prayer and volunteer services. A private jubilee celebration will take place in June.

Sister Josepha Schaeffer, OSF

Josepha-Schaeffer Sister Josepha Schaeffer, OSF, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, she made her profession of vows on June 13, 1953 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

She earned a degree in registered nursing from St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield, a bachelor's degree in nursing from Marquette University in Milwaukee and a master's of science in nursing from Indiana University in Bloomington., Ind.

With a primary area of ministry in healthcare, Sister Josepha has worked as a head surgery nurse, a nursing supervisor for medical and surgical, as nursing service director and assistant executive director in patient care. She served at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur and St. John's Hospital in Springfield. She has worked in administration for the Hospital Sisters Health System in Springfield and as archivist for St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

Currently serving in ministry of prayer and volunteer services at St. Francis Convent in Springfield, Sister Josepha will celebrate her jubilee at a private community celebration in June.

Sister Joan Winkler, OSF

Joan-Winkler Sister Joan Winkler, OSF, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. A Breese native, she made her profession of vows on Oct. 4, 1953 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

She earned a bachelor's degree from Fontbonne College in St. Louis and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Loyola University.

Sister Joan has served the Springfield Diocese in health care and community administration at St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland and St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Her work includes service as a dietician, director of the dietary department, assistant administrator, executive director, administrator and employee mentor. She worked as well as at the Franciscan Apostolic Center in Springfield as a program director and assistant administrator. At St. Francis Convent she has served in provincial administration.

Currently a part-time volunteer and employee mentor at St. John's Hospital, Sister Jean resides at St. Francis Convent in Springfield, where a private celebration for the community's jubilarians will take place in June.

50 Years

Sister Marybeth Culnan, OSF

Marybeth-Culnan Celebrating her golden jubilee as a member of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, Sister MMarybeth Culnan, OSF, made her profession of vows on Sept. 8, 1963. The Lincoln native earned a degree in registered nursing from St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield and master's degrees from Marillac College in St. Louis and Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. Sister Marybeth's career in health care includes stops at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, and in administration with the Hospital Sisters Health System and St. Francis Convent, both in Springfield. She has worked in hospitals in as a clinical nurse specialist in neurology.

Sister Marybeth us currently senior vice president of sponsorship and governance with the Hospital Sisters Health System in Springfield.

A private jubilee celebration for the Hospital Sisters jubilarians will take place in June at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union

70 Years

Sister Mary Anthony Breuhan, OSU

Breuhan-M-Anthony Sister Mary Anthony Breuhan, OSU, is celebrating 70 years as a member of the Ursulines of the Roman Union, Central Province. A native of St. Louis, she made her profession of vows on Jan. 16, 1943 at the Ursuline Novitiate in Crystal City, Mo.

During her career, Sister Mary Anthony provided community service for Ursuline Sisters living in Springfield, Alton and Decatur within the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, as well as in Arcadia, Crystal City and Kirkwood, Mo.; Frontenac, Minn.; and New Orleans, La. She also was a local councilor for the Ursulines in Frontenac.
Currently, Sister Mary Anthony resides in ministry of prayer at the Queen of Peace Center in Alton. The Ursuline community celebrated jubilees in January in Alton.

Sister M. Agnes Hermes, OSU

Hermes-M-Agnes Sister M. Agnes Hermes, OSU, is celebrating 70 years as a member of the Ursulines of the Roman Union, Central Province. A native of Jacksonville, she made her profession of vows on Jan. 16, 1943 at the Ursuline Novitiate in Crystal City, Mo.

Sister M. Agnes holds a bachelor's degree in English from the College of New Rochelle in New York and a master's in education from DePaul University in Chicago.

In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, Sister M. Agnes taught at schools in Springfield: St. Aloysius School from 1946 to 1949, Blessed Sacrament from 1949 to 1953 and St. Joseph from 1953 to 1955. She also taught at Ascension School in Oak Park and at Sacred Heart in Festus, Mo., and Immaculate Conception in Arnold, Mo. She also served the Ursuline communities in Dallas-Fort Worth and Galveston, Texas. She was provincial secretary for the Ursuline Sisters of the Central Province from 1977 to 1996.

Currently, Sister M. Agnes provides support to Ursuline Community in Alton and assists the archivist there.

The Ursuline community celebrated jubilees in January in Alton.

Sister Mary Ann Luth, OSU

Sr-mary-ann-luth Sister Mary Ann Luth, OSU, is celebrating 70 years as a member of the Ursulines of the Roman Union, Central Province. A native of St. Louis, she made her profession of vows on Jan. 16, 1943 at the Ursuline Novitiate in Crystal City, Mo.

She holds a bachelor's degree in history from the College of New Rochelle in New York and a master's in education from Fontbonne University in St. Louis.

Sister Mary Ann was president of Springfield College in Illinois from 1975 to 1978. Her long career as an educator has included teaching high school at Marquette High School in Alton, Cilla Maria Academy in Frontenac, Minn.; and Ursuline Academy in St. Louis, where she also was principal. She was director of RCIA at St. Bernard Parish in Wood River from 1995 to 2006 and archivist for the Ursuline Convent in Alton from 1993 to 2006.

Currently, Sister Joan resides in ministry of prayer at the Queen of Peace Center in Alton. The Ursuline community celebrated jubilees in January in Alton.

60 Years

Sister Joan Bretz, OSU

Bretz-Joan Sister Joan Bretz, OSU, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Ursulines of the Roman Union, Central Province. The Springfield native made her profession of vows on Jan. 16, 1953 at the Ursuline Novitiate in Crystal City, Mo.

Sister Joan holds a bachelor's degree in English from the College of New Rochelle in New York, and, from St. Louis University, a master's and a PhD. in English.

Sister Joan taught at Springfield College in Illinois from 1956 to 1957 and from 1973 to 1990. She taught at Ursuline Academy in Springfield from 1957 to 1959. She also taught at St. Patrick's in Galveston, Texas; Corpus Christi High School in Jennings, Mo.; and Ursuline Academy in Laredo, Texas. Additionally, she held a number of offices in the Springfield Ursuline community. Sister Joan founded the office of communications and development for the Ursulines of the Central Province in 1996. She served as director of both communications and development until 2002 and continued her service as director of communications until 2010.

Currently, Sister Joan resides in ministry of prayer at the Queen of Peace Center in Alton. The Ursuline community celebrated jubilees in January in Alton.

50 Years

Sister Lois Castillon, OSU

srlois Sister Lois Castillon, OSU, is celebrating her golden jubilee as a member of the Ursulines of the Roman Union, Central Province. She made her profession of vows on Jan. 20, 1961 at the Ursuline Novitiate in Crystal City, Mo.

A native of St. Louis, Sister Lois holds a bachelor's degree in English from the College of New Rochelle in New York. She earned a master's in English from the University of Iowa and a PhD. in education from the University of San Francisco.

Sister Lois taught at St. Aloysius School in Springfield from 1967 to 1970 and at St. Joseph there from 1970 to 1971. She was principal of Ascension School in Oak Park from 1974 to 1980; president of Ursuline Academy in St. Louis from 1990 to 1992; and director of North American Ursuline Educational Services from 1996 to 2005. She has served as prioress of several Ursuline communities, assistant provincial of the Ursuline Sisters of the Central Province, and provincial of the Ursuline Sisters of the Western Province.

Sister Lois is currently residing in Dallas, where she serves as director of mission and heritage at the Ursuline Academy there. She celebrated her jubilee in January.

Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ

75 Years

Sister Vivian Brand, PHJC

Sister Vivian Brand, PHJC, is celebrating 75 years as a member of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Ancilla Domini Sisters. A native of Germantown, she made her first vows on June 25, 1938. Sister Vivian ministered in education, administration and library work, including serving the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois at St. Boniface School in Edwardsville. She also worked at St. Augustine High School in Chicago and at Ancilla High School and College in the Diocese of Fort Wayne and South Bend, Ind.
Presently retired, Sister Vivian resides at the Catherine Kaspar Home in Donaldson, Ind., where community and individual celebrations for the community jubilarians will take place this spring and summer.

Sister Jeanne Koehler, PHJC

Sr-Jeanne-Koehler2 Sister Jeanne Koehler, PHJC, is celebrating 75 years as a member of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Ancilla Domini Sisters. The Chicago native made her first vows on June 25, 1938.

With work in education, administration, spiritual direction and as a librarian and pastoral minister, Sister Jeanne's served in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois at St. Boniface School in Edwardsville. She also worked at Mater Dei High School in Belleville, at the Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago, and at schools, parishes and retreat centers in Indiana, including Ancilla College in Fort Wayne and South Bend.

Presently retired, Sister Jeanne resides at the Catherine Kaspar Home in Donaldson, Ind., where community and individual jubilee celebrations will take place this spring and summer.

70 Years

Sister Julienne Smith, PHJC

PHJC-Julienne-Smith-corrected Sister Julienne Smith, PHJC, is celebrating 70 years as a member of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Ancilla Domini Sisters. She made her first vows on June 25, 1943. A native of Fort Wayne, Ind., Sister Julienne has served in the areas of education and administration and as a vocation director and hostess. In the Springfield Diocese, she worked at St. Boniface in Edwardsville School in Springfield. She also served at St. Mary School in Belleville, at the Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago, other schools in Illinois and Indiana and the St. Joseph Medical Center and the Convent Ancilla Domini in Fort Wayne and South Bend, Ind.

Sister Julienne resides at the Marian Convent in Fort Wayne. An individual celebration in the spring, and a community jubilee celebration in July, are scheduled for the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ jubilarians.

60 Years

Sister Patricia Belting, PHJC

Sr-Patricia-Belting Sister Patricia Belting, PHJC, is celebrating her 60th year in the community of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Ancilla Domini Sisters. A native of Mishawaka, Ind., Sister Patricia made her first vows on June 25, 1953.

Sister Patricia served her community in the area of education, and as a spiritual director, therapist and novitiate tem member. She served the Springfield Diocese at St. Boniface in Edwardsville School in Springfield.

Her ministry included schools in Chicago and in Indiana, as well as at religious centers in Ohio and Wisconsin. She ministered at several locations associated with the community's home in Indiana, including the House of Prayer, Samaritan Center, Healing Arts Center, Ancilla Health Care, Indiana Health Center and the Center at Donaldson.

Presently retired, Sister Jeanne resides at the Catherine Kaspar Home in Donaldson, Ind., where community and individual jubilee celebrations will take place this spring and summer.

50 years

Sister Roberta Christianson, PHJC

Sr-Roberta-Christian Celebrating her golden jubilee as a member of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Ancilla Domini Sisters, Sister Roberta Christianson, PHJC made her first vows on Aug. 6, 1963. The native of Mishawaka, Ind., has served her community in the areas of education, administration, child care and community service and as a sacristan and driver. In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, she served at St. Boniface in Edwardsville School in Springfield. Her service included work at schools and orphanages in Indiana, as well as the Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago. She ministered at St. Vincent Villa, Convent Ancilla Domini and the Center at Donaldson, all in the Diocese of Fort Wayne and South Bend, Ind., and at health care centers and the PHJC motherhouse in Limburg, Germany.

She currently resides at Ancilla Domini Convent in Donaldson, Ind., where individual and community jubilee celebrations will take place this spring and summer.

Sister Coletta Wrasman, PHJC

Sr Colletta Sister Coletta Wrasman, PHJC, is celebrating 50 years, her golden jubilee as a member of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Ancilla Domini Sisters. A native of Delphos, Ohio, she made her first vows on Aug. 6, 1963. Her ministries have included education, vocations and spiritual direction and as organist, novice director and librarian. In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, she served at St. Mark Parish Venice. She worked at schools in Indiana and Minnesota as well as St. Anthony School in Belleville. She ministered at convents and houses of prayer in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Texas and Missouri, including at the Center for Christian Meditation in Chicago.

Sister Coletta resides at Convent Ancilla Domini in Donaldson, Ind., where an individual jubilee celebration will take place in June and a community celebration in July.

Sisters of Loretto

70 Years

Sister Mary Denis Bruck, SL

SrMaryDenisBruckSL Sister Mary Denis Bruck, SL, is celebrating 70 years of religious life as a member of the Sisters of Loretto. She received her habit on April 25, 1943 and the Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky. She was born in the Springfield diocese on Jan. 25, 1918 in Quincy and was baptized Hedwig Bruck at St. Boniface Church on Feb. 10, 1918.

Sister Mary Denis earned a bachelor's degree in sociology, with minors in philosophy and education, from Webster College (now University) in Webster Groves, Mo., in 1952 and a master's in business education, with a minor in geography, from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., in 1961. She taught and served as principal at schools in Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico and Kentucky, and at Newman High School in Sterling. From 1974 to 1989 she was the coordinator of the Loretto Center in Littleton, Colo. In 1990, Sister Mary Denis began ministering in San Diego, where she worked as a secretary and research assistant and taught junior high CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine for teaching youth the faith) until her retirement in 1994.

Sister Mary Denis moved to the Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky., in 2011, where she is carrying out a ministry of prayer and service.

On April 25, Foundation Day, a Mass was celebrated, followed by dinner, in honor of Sister Mary Denis and three other Loretto Sisters who reside at the motherhouse and are celebrating their 70th jubilees this year.

Order of Friars Minor

65 Years
60 Years

65 Years
60 Years

65 Years

Father Albert Langheim, OFM

Langheim-Albert Father Albert Langheim, OFM, is celebrating 65 years as a member of the Order of Friars Minor, Sacred Heart Province. A native of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, Father Albert was born in Girard to a home parish of St. Catherine in Virden. He received his habit on July 3, 1948 at the St. Francis Novitiate in Teutopolis.

Father Albert's career ministry includes serving pastor at several parishes in the province, religious formation work, including at Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Quincy, serving as director of friar personnel and retirement offices, and chaplaincy.
Currently, Father Albert is retired and residing at Saint Clare Friary in Alton. A private celebration is planned.

60 Years

Father Thomas Shaughnessy, OFM

Shaughnessy-Thomas Father Thomas Shaughnessy, OFM, is celebrating 60 years as a member of the Order of Friars Minor, Sacred Heart Province. A St. Louis native, Father Thomas received his habit on July 4, 1953, at the St. Joseph Seminary in Teutopolis. He holds a master's degree in special education.

Father Thomas' career includes parish work, prison chaplaincy, special education, Hispanic ministry and outreach service ministry.

Currently, Father Shaughnessy serves as senior parochial vicar at St. Francis Solanus Parish in Quincy.

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