OurJourneySummer 2021 • Vol. 39 No. 2

Franciscan sisters oF LittLe FaLLs, Minnesota OurJourney Summer 2021 • Vol. 39 No. 2

Our Journey is published three times a year by the Community Relations Department of the Sister Mary Pat Burger named Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, for donors, associates, friends, relatives and employees. This publication shares the journeys to Charities board of our Franciscan community as we work in joyful service in the spirit of Francis and Clare. Sister Mary Pat has a wide professional experience, from Editorial Team: administration in inner city Chicago to her present home Elizabeth Mahoney Rydeen, editor and ministry in rural St. Francis. She has a first-hand Amanda Lampert, graphic designer sense of the living situations, struggles and joys of persons Sister Carolyn Law Sister Elise Saggau in small town Minnesota.” —Sister Carol Schmit Sister Carmen Barsody Associate Geri Dietz Years ago, when Sister Mary Pat Burger was a young Printed by: Range Printing, Little sister, she served on the board of directors for Catholic Falls, Minn. Charities (CC) in St. Cloud. She remembers the St. To receive this publication, Cloud Children’s Home and the important role the please contact: Franciscan Sisters played in caring for children there; Community Relations Dept. Franciscan Sisters and her grandmother lived in an apartment for people of Little Falls, Minnesota with low-incomes sponsored by Catholic Charities 116 8th Avenue SE Little Falls, MN 56345 called Key Row. Now, some 40 years later, Sister Mary Phone: 320-632-2981 Pat is back on the Catholic Charities board. [email protected] • www.fslf.org Sister Mary Pat is no stranger to the corporate world. Cover: Sisters Ange Mayers and Presently, she serves on the boards for CHI Health Bernice Rieland are busy in the campus greenhouse getting ready at Home and St. Gabriel’s Hospital, both in Little for spring planting. Falls. She’s also served on the Catholic Health Initiatives Mission and Ministry committee and as a member of the FSLF Leadership team. Photo by Amanda Lampert When the opportunity to join the CC board presented itself, she polished up her Our Mission: We, Franciscan Sisters of Little resumé and sent it to the nominating committee, who jumped at the chance to Falls, Minnesota, are a community welcome Sister Mary Pat to the board. Sister Cordy Korkowski was highly in favor of women religious whose members of the appointment, “Mary Pat has a strong interest in people and their well- are called to live the joyfully being. With a business acumen, she understands finances, economics, trends and and to reverence the earth and all of God’s creation. In the spirit of Saints projections and will bring meaningful conversation to the board.” Francis and Clare, we embody a life of prayer, simple living and service to “I’m listening and I’m learning. When Steve Pareja, executive director, took me those in need. on a grand tour, I was amazed at the number of programs and facilities Catholic We are committed to nonviolence as we recognize the need for healing Charities manages. We drove all over St. Cloud, including my old neighborhood in ourselves and in our world. We where the Children’s Home used to be. So much has changed. I saw apartment seek to build communities of peace buildings, playgrounds, centers for food distribution, youth programs and much and justice wherever we are called more. I’m eager to get involved,” said Sister Mary Pat. to serve.

© June 2021 Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

2 2021 Summer Our Journey Thank you, friends!

This spring I had an opportunity to take a walk with Sister Lillian Kroll who, at 99, walks at least a mile a day, which means about four-fi ve times back and forth on the path to the cemetery. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, she walks the halls of the convent. Oh, and she also spends 30 minutes a day on the stationary bike. Sister Lillian, the second oldest in community said, “I feel so privileged to have lived this long. My life is so full! I can’t begin to thank God for all the good things I’ve experienced in my life . . . I just can’t.” Her fi rst ministry was teaching music and religious education. “It was too much for me; I was too young and sick all the time. Mother Anastasia told me there was no excuse for being sick so much. She said, ‘Get outside, rain or shine, and walk, walk a mile every day.’ In obedience, that’s what I did and I’ve done it ever since.” As she walks the cemetery path, she looks up in wonder at the trees . . . trees she helped plant as a young sister. The beauty of nature takes her breath away. She thinks about all God has created and worries about climate change. “Don’t get me started,” she said. You might remember that Sister Lillian was featured in the recent Memorial Appeal. People enjoyed the historic photos of the Kroll family and responded generously to the appeal. We received over 450 gifts. Our gratitude is beyond words. Thank you! Your loved ones were honored during Mass on Memorial Day weekend with special prayers. Be assured of our sincere gratitude for your support and commitment to the Franciscan Sisters. Our prayers are with you and all the saints who have found their way to heaven. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Blessings,

Elizabeth Rydeen Director of Community Relations

2021 Summer Our Journey 3 A conversation with Sister Antonio Kane Sister Carol Schmit, Community Minister

This issue ofOur Journey honors the sisters who entered our congregation in 1961. Now, 60 years later, I wondered what might have attracted them to that group of who had been established just 70 years earlier in 1891. As I started to look back in history, I noticed that one of the first sisters to die in 1961 was Sister Antonio Kane. My virtual conversation with her went something like this:

Me: Tell me about your childhood. Sister Antonio: I was born into the Kane family in 1885 in Morris, Minn. I was already 31 years old when I decided to enter the convent. I arrived at a well-developed campus with three dignified buildings: the convent with the cornerstone of 1891, St. Otto’s Orphanage built in 1893 and the new, freestanding St. Gabriel’s Hospital. Of course, the buildings were only the reflection of the dynamic ministries that already had a strong outreach throughout the Morrison County area. One thing that really impressed me was the commitment to giving each young sister an education. Already sisters had been sent away for training: Rock Island, Ill., for nursing; teacher training in Columbus, Neb.; laboratory technician in Jefferson, Wis.; dietetics in Denver, Colo. Even for me, college at St. Theresa in Winona seemed a world away. Imagine the transportation to all those far off schools of higher education!

Me: What would you say was your most memorable ministry? Sister Antonio: That’s an easy answer: founding and teaching at St. Francis High School. Our purpose was twofold: educate the young women entering the community and offer Catholic education to girls, mostly from the rural, central Minnesota area. We started in a simple classroom on third floor in our convent building. The year was 1923. By 1931, with much planning and financial strain, we were able to build a very fine building west of the original convent. It was four stories with updated classrooms as well as living space for the boarding students. It was a gem of a building and included a gym, locker room and swimming pool. O my goodness, how forward looking was that decision! I was principal and teacher for the first decade. Thank you for asking me about St. Francis High. It offered the basic education to many of the sisters and provided higher learning to hundreds of students from all over Minnesota and beyond. So much happened during my lifetime as a sister. Of course, with death we do not leave the community, but remain present in spirit every year, every day. Me: Yes, Sister Antonio, the spirit of our sisters As a student, I benefitted from the forward thinking faculty at St. Francis High School and the vision set in motion by Sister lives on. Antonio and others. Later, when I became a teacher myself, I did my best to carry on that tradition of excellence in education and the formation of young women.

4 2021 Summer Our Journey 2021

Th is issue of Our Journey honors fi ve Franciscan Sisters celebrating 60 years Jubilariansof religious life, along with Sister Helen Ann Brake who marks 75 years as a Franciscan Sister. First, let’s look back 60 years: John XXIII announced his intention to call Vatican II in 1959 and convened the council in 1962. John F. Kennedy was inaugurated in 1961, and Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. A Soviet cosmonaut, and then Alan Shepard, fl ew in space. East Germany built the Berlin Wall. Freedom riders in the South were asking for justice. Th e congregation was 70 years old, and its membership of 351 was growing. Community prayers had just been changed from Latin to English. With space travel, even the concept of sky was changing. And big changes for the Church were on their way. Th e sisters celebrating their 60th jubilees joined the congregation during exciting times. Th ey look back . . .

- 6 0 t h J u b i l e e -

Sister Jeremy Hein

“Perspective brings vision” could be a mantra for this jubilee year. As a layperson in the 1950s, and vowed religious now, I have experienced many opportunities to clarify my vision. Th e intense three years as a student nurse at St. Mary’s in Rochester—the discipline, the Franciscan spirituality, the sharing and shaping of life—were excellent preparation for vowed life in community. Many of these previous experiences help me face the challenges of the present days. We are trying to fi nd a way to live our future, remembering that God is in what is. Th e present moment is all we have! We continue to attempt to see God’s love mysteriously at work in the here and now. Perhaps with the vision of perspective, we will look back with wonder at what God has been doing and continues to do with us and for me.

2021 Summer Our Journey 5 Sister LaVonne Schackmann My entire life in Community has been one of transition. I came when the “winds of change” were already blowing. I am grateful for my exposure to some of the older traditions as it helped me better understand the life experience of our senior sisters. However, I was delighted when the pronouncements of Vatican II brought promise of broadened ministry among many brothers and sisters. We had already entered the foreign missions in 1962—a decision foundational to whom we have become. Discerning God’s will and following it have sustained us over the years. Our congregation is now less in number and older than when I entered. However, we remain strong women deeply in love with God and passionate about the needs of our earth home, our world, and our brothers and sisters everywhere.

Sister Mary Cassilda Obowa Each decade of life in my 60 years in community has brought its blessings and its challenges—personally, in community and professionally. In 1961, I entered the community of the Franciscan Sisters of the . Th e name of our community has changed, in order to more distinctively recognize who we are, to Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota. We have experienced so many challenges while maintaining the core of who we are as Franciscans.

Looking back, in 1961 we did not have computers. Remember the year 2000 when it was such a momentous thing that all the computers had to have programs changed from the 1900s to 2000s? What at the time seemed overwhelming, looking back is not a big thing! In the midst of so many changes, the important thing for me is to maintain steadfastly who I am: a sister, a Franciscan, a woman in love with God and being in ministry—doing my part to make peace in our world.

Sister Georgine Larson As I look back to the early 1960s, all the prayers for Mass were in Latin. I didn’t understand it, but a missal that included English helped me. Working at the hospital, I would go to Mass at 6 a.m. At that time, I was thinking about joining the community, but hearing the sisters praying their Offi ce in Latin, held me back. However, as soon as I heard them praying in English, I was more interested in joining. When I arrived here at the convent, I was happy to learn that the sisters prayed the Offi ce in English. Latin was just too much of a challenge for me.

Now 60 years later, I enjoy liturgy in English, music with a variety of accompanying instruments and having the priest facing the people. I’m grateful for more participation during Mass and other services and the opportunity to serve on corporate and nonprofi t boards in the broader community.

6 2021 Summer Our Journey Sister Betty Berger On August 22, 1960, I drove to Little Falls with my mother, father and sister to enter the convent. My mother said I should drive because it might be years before I would drive again. She was right. Th e convent then was very traditional and restricted. My pastor had discouraged me from entering, and my Lutheran grandmother said I was throwing away my life. I had a desire for prayer and Eucharist and wanted to be a teacher as a religious sister. St. Clare College started on campus the fall of 1961, and I loved the study of scripture, theology and philosophy. Eventually, I did teach high school history and then went to law school. About that time, my grandmother wrote and said that I had not thrown away my life. Vatican II had dramatically changed religious life. Today I look back and say the years were challenging and good. Now in the second year of the pandemic, I can say the same thing: life is still challenging and good.

- 7 5 t h J u b i l e e - Sister Helen Ann Brake Sister Helen Ann Brake celebrates 75 years as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota. She entered the at St. Francis Convent on August 12, 1946, and made her fi nal profession of vows on August 12, 1951. Sister Helen Ann’s ministry throughout the years has been wide and varied. She ministered in childcare at St. Cloud Children’s Home; as prefect of students at St. Francis High School, Little Falls; as a bookkeeper, switchboard operator and receptionist at St. Francis Home, Breckenridge; St. Francis Convent, Little Falls; Crosier Seminary, Onamia; and St. Peter’s , St. Cloud; and as secretary in the Franciscan Sisters’ Development Offi ce. Sister Helen Ann said, “I look back with joy at being called to serve the Lord as a Franciscan. Th e years have brought a mixture of joy and suff ering along with much happiness and peace. I know that I have done God’s will, and I am grateful for the many blessings and graces I have received and for the support of my sisters and family. I continue to strive to live the Gospel, to be of service to my sisters and to be aware of God’s presence as I await His coming.”

Donating to the Franciscan Sisters Please, feel free to express any wishes you may have for your gift. However, be advised that in order to ensure that donors will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction, Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota (FSLF), is required by Internal Revenue Service rulings to retain full authority over the assets granted to it and cannot accept gifts that are required by the donor to be paid, or to be used, only to further the work of a specifi c individual or that are required to be used in another country by FSLF or a foreign charity or .

2021 Summer Our Journey 7 Our southern border: una herida abierta Sister Mary Hroscikoski

“The U.S./Mexican border es una herida abierta [open wound] where the Third World grates against the fi rst and bleeds. And before a scab forms it hemorrhages again.” (Glora Anzaldua (1942-2004). Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza, 1987)

Have you ever been able to ignore a cry for help coming from a distance? I have, regularly. But not as easily when it has come from up close. Such is the case for four of us Franciscan sisters living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas (Sisters Gloria Haider, Shirley Mueller, Pat Forster and myself). When the number of refugees coming into our local Catholic Charities Humanitarian Respite Center (HRC) increased earlier this year, more volunteer help was immediately needed. Amidst our other ministry commitments and as soon as we were fully COVID- vaccinated, we all began to engage in part-time service there. Each week now, we welcome refugees, give out toiletries and clothing, serve meals and sort mountains of donations.

Questions come from contacts far and wide as the numbers keep increasing. Why are they coming? Is there really a border crisis? Why so many? Why would parents send their young children on such a journey alone? Why are they being let in? How are you doing? We reply…

• Our country has had a failed immigration policy for the past 40 years. And our government and corporate actions in other countries have helped create unlivable conditions for people there. • We are now seeing some of the hundreds of thousands of refugees we had turned away in recent years, especially since 2019. • Th e climate emergency has created a huge dry corridor in Central America. Farming, practiced by many, no longer provides subsistence. On top of COVID eff ects, Eastern Guatemala and Nicaragua and large areas of Honduras were decimated by back-to-back hurricanes last November. Hunger and malnutrition are widespread. • Violence, intensifi ed by hunger and cartels, adds to the misery of poverty, lack of opportunity and threat to life. Parents tell their children: “If you stay here, you will be killed. If you go, something terrible may happen to you, but death is not certain.” • However imperfectly we follow it, U.S. law still requires that those at our border requesting asylum be allowed to enter to make their case.

St. Francis taught that, with all of creation, we exist in kinship as sisters and brothers. Isn’t one of our highest gospel calls to love our neighbor as ourselves? And who is our neighbor? Jesus taught it is none other than those before us in need.

Sister Mary fi lls baby bottles at the Respite Center. When the number of refugees seeking help increased, she and others responded immediately.

8 2021 Summer Our Journey Corporal on the border Sister Gloria Haider

Living in the Rio Grande Valley, I have become deeply concerned about two urgent needs here. One is the humane welcoming of immigrants. The Trump administration’s 2019 “Remain in Mexico” policy and later the coronavirus kept immigrants from coming to the Catholic Charities Respite Center in McAllen, except for some pregnant women who could not stay in the tent camp in Matamoros, Mexico, while having their babies.

The Biden administration has rescinded the “Remain in Mexico” policy, but is being very slow at developing new policies. In the meantime, families that have sponsors in the United States are being accepted at the Respite Center and usually stay one or two nights only before moving on to their sponsors. At the Respite Center, we volunteers help feed and clothe the immigrants and also distribute hygiene products. For a few months before the pandemic spread, I also went to the tent camp in Matamoros across from Brownsville, Tex., to distribute hygiene products, food and warm blankets.

My second concern is food insecurity, which has become a big issue as a result of the pandemic, Hurricane Hanna (which hit south Texas in July 2020), and the February winter storm that brought power outages and water shortages to the area. I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to help distribute food through a food bank in Pharr. The staff there is well organized, and there are many volunteers. Working there on Wednesday mornings, I've helped distribute food to around 700 families. After the storm in February, this food bank held a Mass Drive Emergency Pantry at the Bert Odgen Arena in Edinburg, providing food assistance for 3,500 needy families. I have also become involved with food assistance through His Hands Ministries in Penitas. We Franciscan sisters see the border crisis as a challenge to our nation’s collective ability to care for others in need. While this is not easy, each of us It is with a grateful heart that I can help can welcome and serve those at the Respite Center, where many hands make the people in the Rio Grande Valley with light work. Sister Mary Hroscikoski (seated) with Sisters Pat Forster, Shirley their basic needs. It is my way of doing the Mueller and Gloria Haider. Corporal Works of Mercy.

Sister Gloria also reports that Marsha Ralston, a friend she met while volunteering, recently wrote a children's book about the camp that is just across the border in Matamoros. The book is called Justin and Benja's Adventures in Dignity Village: A Child's View of Migrant Protection Protocols (Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.). It describes the friendship that develops between two young boys as they share adventures in the tent camp. She highly recommends this book.

2021 Summer Our Journey 9 Sister Aurora (center) prays the Stations of the Cross with women from the village of Las Esperanzas.

The joy, love and presence of God Sister Aurora Tovar

Sister Aurora Tovar ministers in the town of San Rafael in the sparsely populated Municipality of Galeana in the State of Nuevo León, Mexico. A member of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls since 2008, Sister Aurora serves to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the people of San Rafael Parish. The homes of the parishioners are scattered far and wide, many in high mountain areas. In this article, Sister Aurora refl ects on her ministry.

Walking with the families of San Rafael Parish, I experience the joy, love and presence of God. Each person is a learning opportunity that makes me feel happy and blessed. Th e goodness and love of God revealed in these families help me see the Risen One even in the midst of these diffi cult moments of the pandemic. I know that I experience God when I receive the smiles of these people, who act according to God's plan even when they themselves do not realize it. From them I learn that economic and spiritual crises are much greater and more serious when we forget to live in solidarity and simplicity.

I help these people fi nd opportunities to grow in their personal life and accompany them as they discover their own abilities and gifts. I rejoice with them as they realize and value the skills God has given them. For example, some of the women who sew and embroider are motivated to improve their products and sell them. But at the same time, I rejoice to see them respond to training that helps them believe in themselves and their talents.

I am also able to assist young people who live in remote rural communities and have academic problems. I help fi nd professional people to tutor them. Some are able to do this via Zoom; others come to our Franciscan center, Casa Franciscana, to receive tutorials.

In our extensive San Rafael parish, I am part of an eff ort to share bread with those who have lost their jobs and with those who are unable to leave their homes due to illness. Th e urgency of promoting the physical, emotional and spiritual health of our communities gives me the motivation to help develop intervention plans, to assist families dealing with an alcoholic member, to accompany families going through a divorce process and to help people manage their emotions. Above all, my ministry gives me opportunities to assist our parishioners’ growth in faith and help them develop as leaders of their own communities. Just as we work together to give the food that does not last, we collaborate in giving the bread that lasts for eternal life (John 6:27).

My involvement in ministry gives me endless opportunities to listen to and comfort those who seek peace. Technology enables me to continue serving even when I am not able to be with others in person.

I thank each of our donors for being part of our ministry. Even in the midst of the pandemic, you make it possible for us to continue our service and our eff orts to promote what Jesus taught us: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice” (Matthew 5:6).

10 2021 Summer Our Journey Elevator project complete!

You may remember Sisters Carol Schmit and Georgine Larson on the cover, along with Sister Anita Jennissen on the inside, of the special Elevator Appeal mailed to donors last August. Well, Sisters Carol and Georgine can put their tools away. The elevator upgrade project is complete! We received over 800 gifts, which more than covered the cost of a new motor and other upgrades. We are overwhelmed by the generous response—grateful for each and every gift. As Sister Carol said in the appeal letter, “Without a doubt, this elevator is essential to our daily life and well-being.” So many sisters use the elevator multiple times a day to make their way to the chapel, dining room, library and back to their rooms in Mary Hall or Clare Residence. As we travel up and down, many times each day, we give thanks for all our generous donors and this very successful appeal. Be assured of grateful prayers. Thank you!

Zoom keeps people connected Associate Cheri Hample

The concept of a “coffee break” is an opportunity to take time away from the routine and busyness of your day. It is a time to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, a time we often share with friends, neighbors, coworkers, family. I have many wonderful childhood memories of my grandmother’s “coffee klatch” that gathered at her friends’ homes or the local cafe. When my father retired from teaching, he routinely met for morning coffee with his buddies.

I believe most people have a deep hunger for connection. We want to be a part of something beyond ourselves. The current pandemic has forced us to be creative in how we connect.

Prior to COVID-19, associates were able to be physically present at the Motherhouse to join the sisters for coffee and conversation. With Zoom technology, our Friday coffee breaks Sister Betty Berger is a regular at the Friday coffee breaks. with sisters and associates have allowed us to be more inclusive with an opportunity to get to know sisters and associates from many geographic locations. We begin together and then separate in small groups, allowing precious time to get to know one another, form friendships and relationships. By coming together we increase our spiritual and personal connection, strengthen our commitment to one another and live our Franciscan value of building community.

2021 Summer Our Journey 11 Sister Clara Stang sees everyone as sister and Sister Elise Saggau

I’ve been blessed to serve in a vast variety of ministries in many different places. I am ever reminded of the ecumenical spirit present in my interactions with people and what was accomplished when we worked together. I believe the Holy Spirit calls and moves us to create healthier societies, seeing everyone as sister and brother.” —Sister Clara

In 1982, Sister Clara Stang was appointed Coordinator program. It was designed to involve select parishioners of Ministries and Pastoral Associate at St. Andrew’s Parish from each deanery in effectively assessing and creating in Lexington, in the Diocese of Memphis, Tenn. At the programs to meet local social needs. These persons, in time, this small Catholic community had no building. It turn, were to form parish teams to assess local needs gathered for its weekly services in a hospitable Methodist and create action programs. The Tri-Parish . Sister Clara was instrumental in helping the Community in the Little Falls area—St. Mary’s, Our parishioners build the first Catholic church in Henderson Lady of Lourdes and —sent representatives County, which was, at the time, only .07% Catholic. to Langer’s training sessions. Sister Clara participated on The church not only gave new visibility to a Catholic behalf of the Franciscan Sisters. After completing their presence, but set the tone for healthy ecumenical training, this Little Falls Catholic group called itself the relationships in the area. Tri-Parish Social Concerns Committee. With a view to getting their parishes involved, they set about prioritizing In 1993, Sister Clara became a pastoral minister in a local needs and planning responses. They discovered, forward-looking program that included five Minnesota however, that few parishioners seemed interested in parishes in the Diocese of New Ulm. Assigned to expanding their involvement. Many were already Visitation Parish in Danvers, she quickly discovered the participating in other parish organizations such as the potential for significant ecumenical involvement. The five , women’s groups, pastoral councils, parishes she served engaged effectively in social concerns finance committees, education committees, volunteer activities with other churches in the area. catechetical work, liturgy planning, mission projects and parish festival committees. In 2014, when Sister Clara moved to Little Falls, Kathy Langer of the St. Cloud Diocese Catholic Charities Social When the members of the new social concerns committee Concerns Committee was just beginning a new diocesan did not manage to awaken a significant response in their own parishes, they decided to broaden their membership base. They contacted ministers of other churches in the community. Pastor Henry French at First Lutheran Church and Pastor Anthony Romaine at First United quickly expressed interest. They joined the committee and helped identify significant local concerns such as drug addiction, food insecurity, insufficient childcare opportunities, alcoholism, human trafficking and homelessness. The committee then selected homelessness as its first focus and began recruiting new members from the local churches and the Franciscan Sisters’ community. Pastor Michael Hartwell of Randall Presbyterian Church also joined at this time.

Sister Clara with the local bishop and pastor of St. Andrew’s Church, The committee, which was now ecumenical, soon Lexington, Tenn., 1987. “I was awed to witness the joy of the people when we dedicated the new Catholic Church,” she recalls. decided to call itself Faith Not Fear (FNF). It chose to -Continued, Page 13 12 2021 Summer Our Journey form an alliance with Oasis Central Minnesota, a local organization that, among other services, provides emergency shelter for persons experiencing homelessness and assists them in fi nding permanent housing. Rose Surma, its executive director, welcomed the interest and support of the FNF committee. She provided invaluable information about local homelessness and the various ways Oasis was working with this issue.

Realizing that the Morrison County community was generally unaware that homelessness was a serious issue locally, FNF off ered a public forum in May 2018, at the Initiative Foundation in Little Falls. Experts, including Rose Surma, were invited to describe the reality of the homeless problem locally and point toward realistic remedies. In April 2019, the committee held a second forum, this time at First United Church. Both these forums were well-attended and advanced the consciousness of the community. Th e April 14, 2019, edition of the Morrison County Record covered the second event, thus further disseminating valuable information about the local homeless problem. A third forum is now in the planning stage. Sister Clara and Ayan Omar, a middle school teacher, are members of a Christian-Muslim dialogue group that began Th e FNF ecumenical committee has been one of the fruits of Sister over 10 years ago in St. Cloud. Back in 2017, they were Clara’s dream to have leaders from the various faith communities part of a team that led the “My Neighbor is Muslim” study respond cooperatively to local social concerns. She continues to be active course, which drew over 100 people to St. Francis Convent to learn about Islam and the culture of the Muslim people. on this committee and recently became a member of the Oasis board of directors. In these ways, she continues to pursue her dream of helping local faith communities become more conscious of their Christian social responsibilities and seeing them work together toward common ends.

Cheers to sitting four to a table! Sister Joan Tuberty

A joyous surprise gift of conversation and closeness came for the sisters as they were allowed to be seated “four to a table” at the Holy Th ursday community dinner!

Since March 2020, we’ve been following CDC guidelines for long-term health care facilities. During Holy Week, the CDC eased some restrictions for those vaccinated. Be gone social distancing! Be gone the supreme eff ort to have your voice carried to a sister seated six feet away!

With wine glasses lifted, we made a toast to a healthier way of living with much gratitude for being protected from COVID-19. Holy Th ursday and the gift of gathering “four to a table” on the eve of Jesus’ last supper is a celebration Sisters Mary Lou Eltgroth, Annella Henger, Cordy Korkowski the sisters will not forget. Cheers to every family that can and Mary Dumonceaux enjoy dinner—four to a table. gather again around their table! Be gone social distancing!

2021 Summer Our Journey 13 Attentive and generous, steady and faithful Sister Cordy Korkowski, director of Donor Relations

In my offi ce, there are predictable and unpredictable events. For example, a week before Easter, one of my colleagues came to my offi ce, announcing that they were naming one of their chickens “Cordelia.” I told my friend that Cordelia, my baptismal name, means heartfelt, so I hope this chicken will be full of empathy, compassionate and have a sharing nature in the coop and yard. She said, “She has a ways to go!” I was introduced to my namesake after Easter and found her quite mannerly, somewhat independent, but striking. Never expected a chicken to respond to my name.

Moving forward on the predictability in development work, I know countless donors we can turn to, in and out of season. Ruth and Lloyd Pallansch from Clitherall are prime examples. Th ey have been donors for 33 years. When asked, Ruth and Lloyd Pallansch have been supporting Ruth was eager to share her story: the Franciscan Sisters for 33 years.

I was introduced to the Franciscan Sisters as a student at St. Francis High School. When I was invited to St. Gabriel’s School of Nursing graduation, my long-held dream of becoming a nurse solidifi ed. I spent three “best years of my life” as a nursing student from 1960-1963. Over the years, I attended class reunions and was reunited with a childhood friend, Sister Rose Margaret Schneider, who encouraged me to become a Franciscan Associate. Sister Mary Zirbes came into my life and facilitated my formation. I joined the ranks of the Associate Relationship in 1999.

As an associate, I had a sincere desire to walk in the footprints of Jesus Christ. I attended retreats, gatherings of sisters and associates, made many friends among the sisters, especially with Sister Charlene Grossman, my Franciscan Associate companion. I kept connected with nursing school faculty, and, to this day, when I visit the Motherhouse, my relationship with Sisters Sharon Fyle and Anita Jennissen are easily re-established.

I began inviting my husband, Lloyd, to celebrations of Liturgy and other celebratory events with the Franciscan Sisters. Soon Lloyd developed a respect and love for the sisters and desired to participate in some way. Th at started his own decision to become a donor. Lloyd and I live in a Franciscan-like home and are so grateful for the love and support of the sisters.

Th ank you, Ruth and Lloyd, for your ongoing relationship with the sisters. You have been attentive and generous, steady and faithful fi nancial partners for decades. Th e Franciscan Sisters are honored and blessed by you.

Since the last Our Journey issue, our spirits have soared through gifts from donors like Ruth and Lloyd. Each and every gift, small and large, fi lls our hearts with gratitude. Th ank you, thank you from the Franciscan Sisters.

14 2021 Summer Our Journey Old friends become new members at St. Francis Health and Wellness Elizabeth Rydeen

“It was just like returning to our childhood homes after being gone for several decades.” Th ese were the sentiments of Marilyn and Steve Brown after their fi rst day at St. Francis Health and Wellness. Marilyn, who retired as the volunteer coordinator for the Franciscan Sisters in 2006, recalls that she used to pass through the area now occupied by the center on a daily basis. “Our two youngest children learned to swim here at the pool,” she recalls.

Steve, who used to work in administration at St. Gabriel’s Hospital, recalls regular meetings conducted at the convent. He especially remembers his weekly battles with friends and family members on the racquetball court.

“Marilyn and I exercised three days a week at a local fi tness center to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Steve recounted. “After that facility closed, our only exercise has been occasional walks around the neighborhood. Finally agreeing that we needed to get back into a regular exercise program, a friend suggested that we check out St. Francis Health and Wellness. We were surprised and pleased to learn the center has all of the equipment of our former facility plus access to the swimming pool, racquetball court and a hot tub! And, the frosting on the cake is that our Marilyn and Steve Brown are monthly fee is half of what it was at the other facility.” enjoying the many benefi ts of St. Francis Health & Wellness. In addition to the exercise and recreation facilities, the center off ers regular classes in fi tness and general health and wellness as well as the availability of massage services.

Summer Fitness Classes t. Francis Kettlebell: Mon 6:30am Health & Wellness Aqua Fitness: Mon & Wed 1-1:45pm • Tues & Thurs 1:00-1:45pm Sport Yoga: Mon & Wed 5:30-6:30pm 116 8th Avenue SE Kettlebell HIIT: Mon & Wed 4-5pm Little Falls, MN 56345 H&W In/Outdoor: Tues & Thurs 7:30-8:15am (320)632-0627 Silver Sneakers: Tues & Thurs 11-11:45am [email protected] Pickleball: Mon, Wed, Fri 8-10am • Tues & Thurs 5-7pm Monday-Friday, 5am-7pm Personal Training Saturday, 8am-noon Pool & Hot Tub

2021 Summer Our Journey 15 Grief pending Rev. Joe Cherry, Franciscan Associate

I was talking with a friend the other day about loss in the time of physical separation, like the one that we are in now—that the whole world is in now. Human beings are communal. We have developed in our history great societies, empires that have risen and fallen, languages that are new and those that are lost to time. No matter the ruler, the language or the geography, we are social creatures. And, as social creatures, we have developed rituals and cultural norms. Th ere was a time in living memory that a woman wearing pants to work would have caused tongues to wag on several fronts: Where were her children? Where was her modesty? Luckily, that particular set of cultural norms has faded away.

Ritual and cultural norms can also bring us tremendous comfort in times of great distress. Denied them, we can often feel as though something is amiss; something is not quite settled. Th is last year of the pandemic and the Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do. When we are unable to accompanying isolation (or at least a minimization of come together to mourn a beloved friend, our ritual is social contact) has interrupted so many of our rituals not complete. It as if we have been unable to complete and cultural norms, not the least of which are the the scale. We merely get to sing Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti ways we celebrate and honor two of the biggest of life’s . . . and not that fi nal Do. Our minds and spirits are transformations: life and death. used to the completion that the fi nal Do off ers us and When a new life begins, humans have gathered together to be denied that resolution of the scale leaves us in an to give thanks, to celebrate a new beginning, to support uncomfortable tension—an anticipation that wants to the new parents and dream about what this new life be completed. might accomplish. Phone calls and video conferencing We may feel that without completion of the grieving can allow us to share some of the hopes for this future, ritual, without the fi nal Do or an ability to come together but it is a poor cousin to being able to be with the new physically to mourn our beloved dead, that we have not life and its parents in person, to hug, to kiss and to tickle. been given the proper format for grieving, and that this When a life ends, we gather in sorrow and love for a uncompleted ritual may somehow demonstrate a lack of person whom we will never get to be with again. Th e care and respect. end of a life also brings us to a place where we consider Th is is where love and grace are so important. All our our own mortality, as well as remembering the losses relationships contain moments where we have been of loved ones in the past. We feel the need to gather, to prevented, for one reason or another, from being our comfort each other. Yet in the last year, this has been an whole and best selves. Love is built on this awareness. impossibility. Because we cannot complete our known Th e fi nal Do may be delayed, but certainly, one day, it and comforting rituals, we can be left with a feeling will come. Until the time when we can gather as human of incompletion. beings again, and share in a collective resolution of our grief, surely we can be patient and know that however our A western musical scale contains eight notes: C-D-E-F- grief has come, it honors enough. G-A-B-C. You may be aware of them as song, like this:

16 2021 Summer Our Journey Engaging Franciscan Spirituality completes third cohort Rick Dietz, Franciscan Life Center

Th e Franciscan Outreach Committee is happy to announce that the Engaging Franciscan Spirituality program has completed its third cohort. Nine individuals have fi nished their two-year journey learning about the life and spirituality of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, and then using this knowledge to engage with the Franciscan charism and values. One participant wrote, “Th e concept of the , peacemaking and compassion, the care of creation, contemplation, conversion and the Franciscan moral The Engaging Franciscan Spirituality team celebrated the conclusion vision was inspiring.” Another member said, “It was of the two-year program for Cohort 3 with a festive meal at Little an amazing life-altering experience for me. I have Fiesta in Little Falls. Pictured: Sisters Michelle L’Allier, Elise Saggau, grown in my spiritual life.” Jan Kilian; Rick Dietz, Geri Dietz and Christi Hartwell. Sister Jan Kilian remarked, “We’ve grown from simply sharing the history of Francis and his followers into making decisions and living in Th e cohort met once a month for two years on right relationship with Jesus and all of creation.” Saturday mornings for a total of 21 sessions. Each session included a presentation on a certain aspect of Franciscan spirituality and small and large group discussion. Another participant wrote, “Th is was a positive and loving view of God. I saw a continuous image of a loving God . . . life with God is not a distant concept, it’s here and now. We go back to God over and over. [Th e program] was very transforming.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program pivoted and used Zoom for its meetings. We congratulate the participants for completing the program and receiving their certifi cates! During the fi nal session, one person said, “Th e people and the Engaging Franciscan Spirituality Cohort 3 members with their process [of the program] has changed my life and I certifi cates: Top L-R: Maribel Torres-Bertram, Katherine Giorgio, Kay Brown; Middle L-R: Deanna Haeg, Steve Peterson, Cheri will forever be grateful." Hample; Lower L-R: Maureen Gertken, Trevor Wichner, Anna Taylor.

Planned Giving Please let us know if you would like more information on remembering the Franciscan Sisters in your will and estate planning. Contact: Sister Bernice Ebner 116 8th Avenue SE, Little Falls, Minnesota 56345 (320)632-0699 • [email protected]

2021 Summer Our Journey 17 Thank you for 42 years of blessings Geri Dietz, Minister for Associates

“Praise God from whom all blessings fl ow…” Th e are retiring from our current positions to volunteer with opening phrase from this well-known hymn expresses the expanding programs at Welcoming House. We are our feelings as Franciscan Associates and employees. My looking forward to helping create something new that can husband Rick and I have been Franciscan Associates for be off ered in the St. Cloud area and beyond. 15 years. We met our fi rst Franciscan Sisters in 1979 when Rick worked as director of Religious Education for We want to thank the sisters, associates and lay staff at Assumption Parish in Morris, where the sisters staff ed the the convent for supporting us all these years. We cherish parish school. I remember Rick describing the sisters as our ministries and the people we have met along the way. joyful. Oh, how true! Th e sisters danced at our wedding We leave feeling that we are handing over our ministries and blessed us when we left Morris for new adventures. in good shape to the next directors. We look forward to Th e blessings fl owed. seeing how this next year unfolds with new programs.

Twenty years later, by what could only be called a graced While we will not be at the motherhouse as often, we movement of the Spirit, we moved to St. Cloud and met will still be connected through the Welcoming House more Franciscan Sisters. We became associates and later and look forward to participating in diff erent events at employees at the motherhouse in Little Falls. Rick has the convent. Please know we will continue to be in this been the director of the Franciscan Life Center for over treasured Franciscan Sister and Associate Relationship. 8 years, and I’ve been minister of Associates for over 13 “Praise God from whom all blessings fl ow…” Th ank you, years. We have loved working in these ministries! Th e sisters, for these 42 years of blessings. Praise God that the sisters are the best mentors, the best in-person social blessings continue to fl ow in this new endeavor. infl uencers. Th e sisters have continuously supported us faithfully in our ever-widening and expanding work. Blessings fl ow.

For some time, we have been working with the Charism Circle contemplating ways to extend the Franciscan values and spirituality to the wider world. While the pandemic pushed us to change and off er more things online, there were advantages to those changes. We were able to connect to more people and have some folks participate in events who would not be able to join us if we were doing things in-person only. One of the things we have been exploring is to off er expanded Franciscan spirituality programs, workshops and seminars at and through the Franciscan Welcoming House in St. Cloud. As we worked on possible plans, we were energized by the possibilities. God has surprised us by giving us both a passion and calling to do this.

With prayerful hearts, we have carefully discerned that we would like to be involved in off ering some of those programs and workshops. Both the Associates Offi ce and the Franciscan Life Center ministries are doing extremely well. However, we realize that we cannot explore this new venture while also working our current full-time ministries. As a result of this newfound call, we Geri and Rick Dietz

18 2021 Summer Our Journey In loving memory

Sister Mary Rosaria Hagel, 97 — Rita Armella Hagel was born October 12, 1923, in Rogers, the fi fth of 11 children of John and Catherine (Dahlheimer) Hagel. Growing up in such a large family, Rita Armella learned many domestic skills from her mother, which she utilized in her varied ministries. Longevity was a family characteristic and Catherine lived to be 114 years old. Rita Armella attended a one-room school in Hennepin County. Reading was her favorite subject and became her special pastime for the rest of her life. Shortly after her graduation, her mother gave birth to her second set of twin boys. Rita Armella opted to stay at home for three years to help with the family. At 18, she enrolled in Elk River high school for three October 12, 1923 – years and then worked in a defense plant in Minneapolis. At 21, she came to St. Francis High February 24, 2021 School, graduating in 1945. As a student in Elk River, Rita Armella met her fi rst Franciscan Sisters and was impressed with Sister Elaine Sursley’s kindness and gentle spirit. Following a Christmas retreat during her senior year, she made the decision to become a Franciscan Sister. Upon entering the novitiate, she received the name Sister Mary Rosaria. She made her fi nal vows in 1950. Sister Rosaria ministered as a “cottage mother” at the St. Cloud Children’s Home, a baker and a housekeeper. For nearly all of her religious life she did domestic work or held hospitality responsibilities. She particularly enjoyed her years in Duluth, serving at the bishop’s residence, where the guests included many interesting people whom Sister Rosaria graciously served. A great love for people and a remarkable memory for the details of their lives were among her special gifts. A private burial was held for Sister Rosaria on February 26, 2021

Sister Sharon Fitzpatrick, 76 — She was born September 25, 1944, in St. Cloud, the fourth of eight children of Ed and Ellen (Smith) Fitzpatrick. Sister Sharon was always very proud of her Irish heritage. She attended both elementary and high school in Foley, and in the fall of 1963 entered the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota. She was received into the novitiate July 31, 1964, and given the name Sister Mary Colleen. She returned to her baptismal name in 1976. Sister Sharon made her fi rst profession of vows on June 13, 1966, and fi nal vows on June 6, 1971. Sister Sharon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from St. Mary’s College, Winona. She ministered as a teacher’s aide, homemaker, baker, parish minister and counselor. September 25, 1944 - She was the co-founder and administrator of Th e House of Bread and Peace, a shelter for March 6, 2021 homeless women. Later, she co-founded Becker House, a transitional home for single women. When the Midwest Franciscans opened a novitiate in Joliet, Sister Sharon was appointed as assistant novice director. From 2009-2020, she was the Benefactor Relations coordinator for the Franciscan Sisters. She served in Little Falls and Duluth; Evansville, Ind.; Chicago and Joliet, Ill. Sister Sharon was always concerned for the well-being of others. Her ministry to homeless women and those in transition tells how she did what Jesus would do in a given situation. She was a person who would scrape wooden fl oors with glass and refi nish them, manicure a pathway, care for fl owers and wash large heaps of kitchen pots and pans—and enjoy every minute. She once said, “Work doesn’t spur me on—work isn’t me. I enjoy life and I enjoy living. If there is something blocking me from enjoying it, I change it. Sister Sharon loved camping in the rough and watching and learning about the stars. A private burial was held for Sister Sharon on March 8, 2021.

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Large crowd delighted with outdoor concert! All three orchestras from St. Francis Music Center, along with the Percussion Ensemble and URock band "Sunny in Florida" performed May 19 before a large audience on the beautiful grounds of Linden Hill Historic Estate in Little Falls. Though there have been no live concerts for over 15 months due to COVID-19 restrictions, the orchestras and ensembles have been meeting for rehearsals, and students of all ages have continued with music lessons. The musicians were so happy for the opportunity to perform before a live audience. The Music Center honored graduating seniors Samuel Zimmerman, Michael Oberton and Aiden Kaddatz. St. FRANCIS MUSIC CENTER