SiSterS of St. franciS Dubuque, iowa winter 2015 Footprints Footprints

Published quarterly, Footprints reflects the mission, spirit, and FootprintsWinter 2015 Volume 49 Number 3 values of the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, Iowa.

Mount St. Francis 3390 Windsor Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Contents Phone: 563.583.9786 Fax: 563.583.3250 Web site: www.osfdbq.org 4 Ministry and Mission Our sisters share their ministries and how they reflect the mission Editor: Jessi Russo of the Sisters of St. Francis.

Proofreaders: 9 Human Trafficking Exhibit in DBQ Sisters Veronica Bagenstos, Ella “Journey to Freedom” showed what trafficking victims experience. Groetken, and Susan Ivis.

Communication Advisory Board: 10 Mysticism and Mission Sisters Carol Hoverman, Eileen Miller, Read about Fr. Michael Crosby’s talk at MSF titled, Maureen Smith, Michelle Balek, Mary Jane Koenigs, and Mary Lechtenberg “Reclaiming the Mystical Basis of Our Prophetic Life.” 11 Franciscan Associate Receives Award Jean Basinger of Des Moines was recognized by the ACLU of Iowa.

12 Sister Water Helps Project in Honduras Cover Photo Villagers reach out to Sister Water Project to help finish water tank.

13 Sisters Create Comfort Bags The sisters are working with a local non-profit to provide “comfort bags” for sexual assault victims.

15 Prayer Service Honors Martyred Women Local sisters honor 4 women killed in El Salvador 35 years ago. Photo by Sister Janet Haverkamp 19 Fun with Francis! Sisters enjoyed a visit from Pope Francis to MSF!

20 Resettlement of Syrian Refugees in the USA Read the Dubuque Franciscans’ statement on this issue. A message from Our Mission Rooted in the Gospel Leadership and in the spirit of Sts. Francis and Clare, s we saw in Pope Francis’ trip to the United States this the Sisters of St. Francis past fall, he gave special attention to the children, the live in right relationship Adisfigured, the homeless, the ill, the immigrants, the with all creation. hungry, the poor, and the vulnerable. We, like Pope Francis, find Jesus in the faces and lives of those in our world. As Sisters of St. Francis, our commitment is to share in the Focus 2014 - 2020: mission of Jesus who showed solidarity with all people he In our personal, communal encountered. Jesus gave his companionship, help, and love; and public life, we commit and identified with all those who suffer, who weep, and who to ongoing conversion as we: experience any kind of injustice. He says this clearly: “I was deepen our relationship with hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me Mother Earth and Sister something to drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Water stand with persons (Matthew 25:35) who are poor make peace and practice nonviolence. In this issue of Footprints, we profile some of our sisters in ministry and how those ministries reflect the mission of the This is who we are; this is Sisters of St. Francis. We as a congregation are rooted in the what the global community Gospel; we are called to advocate for justice and integrity and can expect of us. open our hearts to the hungry, the poor and the marginalized. We are compelled to serve with love, compassion, and respect. We respond to the needs of the time through a variety of Leadership Team ministries. What a blessing it is – both to us and to the people Sister Cathy (Kate) Katoski being served – to be living the gospel in the world. Pope president Francis reminds us: “I ask you to be builders of the world, to Sister Marie Cigrand work for a better world … for the common good.” vice president We strive for this common good and respond to the Sister Mary Lechtenberg changing needs of the people in the world around us. Many vice president people share their time, talent, and treasure to serve those in Sister Kathy Knipper vice president need. It is a pleasure to know about these people, about the good things happening, and to tell some captivating stories of our Sisters, Franciscan Associates, and others whose daily commitment to the gospel is generous and good. Sharing these stories gives greater meaning to our congregation’s mission and how we are called to be bearers of the gospel’s good news. n

-Sister Kathy Knipper, OSF

Footprints 3 “My ministry certainly has been an experience of walking with people who are poor. I am often touched by the hope that they have in the midst of very difficult situations. I am also in awe at how they reach out to those who are in greater need.” Sister Carol Besch

Sister Carol Besch holds Samantha Lopez. Sister Carol was in the delivery room when Samantha was born helping as an interpreter. Welcoming the Stranger by Sister Carol Besch y ministry involves providing consulted by phone when people encounter counseling for Spanish speaking difficulties that need immediate attention. I Mclients in the area of Hampton, Iowa. am able to refer them to other services if I see persons in their homes or in St. necessary. Patrick’s Church if they live in the nearby I do enjoy the clientele that I have at the towns. I work with persons who deal with moment. There is a lot of variety in the cases trauma, abuse, depression, extreme I am presently working with--domestic abuse, difficulties or serious health issues. Some parents with severely handicapped children, are more recent refugees who have worker compensation cases, sexual assault, experienced extreme violence in Mexico. At depression, and people who have recently times they have fled their homes, leaving fled violence. Most of the clients I’m working everything behind, to save their lives. They with want to grow, are faithful to their have often witnessed the deaths of family and appointments, and they themselves can see friends before leaving. the benefit in the counseling time. I usually have about 20 to 25 clients that My ministry certainly has been an I am actively working with. Those who are experience of walking with people who are new clients and in serious distress, I see poor. I am often touched by the hope that every week. There are others who have they have in the midst of very difficult worked through the worst trauma and are situations. I am also in awe at how they able to be seen less frequently reach out to those who are in greater need. I am able to go each week for two full Most of the clients I receive have been days. I also have time when I’m in Dubuque referred to me from former clients who have to do the follow-up work for many of my found new strength in their own recovery. sessions – writing up psychological reports of Another way that immigrants give so clients who are applying for work permits generously of themselves is the remittances after sexual assault or domestic violence. they send to their families in Mexico or These people have cooperated with the Central America. They remind me of the police, reporting serious incidents, in the widow who “gives from her poverty, hope that others will not suffer the same contributing all that she has, her whole violence they have witnessed. I am also livelihood.” (Mk. 12:44) n

4 Footprints Sister Carole Freking serves a meal at a “Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’ By World” meeting in Waterloo in November. Continuing the Mission in Waterloo by Sister Carole Freking am on the core team initiating part of the Bridges In order to get to know the area and people I’d be Out of Poverty program in Waterloo, Iowa. Our working with, I set a goal to weekly eat at one of the Iprogram is called Getting Ahead in the Cedar Valley, city’s community meals for the homeless and hungry; which involves both Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa. often I encounter the modern ‘leper’ that St. Francis My time here is both exciting and challenging as we embraced and am able to show care and interest in are implementing the program called, “Getting Ahead in them. By inviting many groups and individuals to be a Just-Gettin’-By World.” The program is already part of our program, we extend their ministry and established in Dubuque and Clinton, Iowa, as well as ensure the long-term success of our program. By many states in the USA and internationally; we are challenging and assisting participants in setting life currently running our pilot group locally. The goals and paths to achieving them, we are empowering curriculum offers step-by-step life planning lessons them to take control of their own life and then celebrate while exposing the hidden rules of economic class their accomplishments. By incorporating culture. It seeks to teach families and individuals who peace/nonviolence and care of the Earth in sessions, we are experiencing poverty how they can create a path to share the focus areas of our Franciscan charism. a more stable, secure future for their family. The idea is Though only in the beginning stages, by facilitating a to “teach someone to fish” rather than “give them a fish process for businesses, churches, organizations, local for a day.” government, agencies, and the general populace to Some of the groundwork I have done along with the collaborate for the sake of those less fortunate, we team for Getting Ahead in the Cedar Valley is strive to create Christian community. By showing that researching the program at other locations, getting lacking finances is only one of 11 ways to be ‘poor’ in certified through St. Vincent de Paul, giving resources, we help downhearted people see the many presentations to groups, surfacing and interviewing other ways they are ‘rich’ and gifted. By welcoming potential team members/mentors/participants, fund- persons of varying races, religions, nationalities, raising, finding a site for sessions, keeping accurate cultures, and backgrounds, we stay ‘rooted in the financial records, and collaborating with local agencies Gospel’ and embrace all of humanity. By inviting so that we do not duplicate resources or programs Franciscan Associates and Secular Franciscans to join already available, In our program we provide a free in our efforts, I am able to continue expanding those meal and childcare at each session; I coordinate the sharing the Franciscan spirit and values with others. donation of food by involving numerous groups to I am deeply enriched by my experiences in my new provide/serve the meal for our participants. social work ministry after previously ministering in We Dubuque Franciscans have been ministering in education, vocation/Associate work, faith formation, Waterloo since 1898 in numerous ways. It’s a privilege pastoral work, and parish administration. I feel as if I to help carry on our community’s tradition and mission, am in graduate school for this next chapter of my life! especially now as fewer sisters live here. How do I feel Our God of Surprises continues to expand my horizons I do this? I try to respond to the opportunities that and stretch me in new ways. Each day proves that present themselves many times each day. ‘God is with us still.’ n

Footprints 5 Sister Rita Goedken teaches ESL to a group of students at EXCEL Learning Center in Morton, Miss., in November. Photo by Sister Michelle Balek. Missioning in Mississippi by Sister Rita Goedken serve as program coordinator at the EXCEL • Adult Enrichment classes, such as pottery, copper Learning Center in Morton, Mississippi. In that enameling, and crocheting, which provide locally Icapacity, I have the opportunity to plan and affordably what many area residents would educational opportunities for children and adults, to otherwise have to travel farther for; teach, and to do outreach in this spirited, multi- • Outreach to people who come to Excel’s door, e.g., culturally diverse, low-income community. finding information on-line; helping people connect Sisters Eileen Hauswald and Pat Clemen and with professional services; and making referrals. all the staff and volunteers of EXCEL are a The mission of the Excel Learning Center is to wonderful group of people. Because of them, we are further education, build community, encourage able to provide a variety of important programs to community service, and foster healthy lives. We people in a 20-mile radius of Morton. Among these plan our programs and activities to fulfill this programs are the following: important mission, and in so doing we intend to • An after school tutoring program for empower people and develop leadership skills. elementary age children which helps build a solid The mission and values of the Sisters of St. educational foundation and increases likelihood of Francis includes standing with those who are poor success in school; or marginalized. We work with low income and poor • A summer learning program for children to people on a daily basis. Most of our school children build on and retain important skills; come from low income families, and many of the • An ESL program which addresses basic English people who stop at Excel with requests for competence for persons from other countries, information or help of some kind are at the margins providing an important avenue of communication of American society. It is common at Excel to see and empowerment for them in our society; African Americans, Hispanics, and whites studying, • Spanish classes for adults and teens to build volunteering, and conversing together. bridges of communication in this area; “This is such a place of peace!” a woman • Computer classes to provide adults with an remarked one day when she came to Excel. The opportunity to improve their employment sisters and all the staff and volunteers here aim to opportunities and to enrich their lives; make that Franciscan gift of peace a reality each • CPR and First Aid classes which help local day and every day as we go about our ordinary ministry care providers, city workers, foster parents and here in Morton, Mississippi. n others to obtain needed training and certification; 6 Footprints Sister Kay Forkenbrock gives a massage to a client. Sister Rita Goedken teaches ESLHealing to a group of students at EXCEL Through Learning Center in Morton, Touch Miss., in November. Photo by Sister Michelle Balek. by Sister Kay Forkenbrock provide therapy for those individuals who are lives. I don’t see my role as directed toward stressed and/or suffering the effects of low that effort but when they experience healing on Iincome or manual labor employment, as well some level, their feelings of well-being make it as other challenges including immigrant status, possible for them to be more empowered. I feel domestic abuse, language barriers, and physical that my role is more of support as they deal and emotional pain. Most do not have with the challenges of their immigration status. insurance coverage for a massage. Providing One young man I saw had intense pain that he some relief of their symptoms with massage is identified as a 10 on a scale of one to 10. After to give them an overall feeling of well-being the session he has said to me, “I feel so light. which makes their lives more bearable. You have taken a heavy load away from me.” The corporate world in which immigrants Direct service to people in need is my find their employment such as meat packing preferred way of doing ministry. It is not that I plants, where the work causes injuries and do things for them as much as it is to find ways disabling effects as a result of repetitious for them to meet their own needs. This movements creates needs for medical treatment. ministry, however, is a direct service of doing Companies send employees to doctors, who will something for them that they cannot find any routinely tell them they find nothing wrong. place else at this time that they can afford. Body therapies are not included in health Jesus’ main ministry was healing and that is professional referrals other than physical what I think of in this work. The people teach therapy and employees are not able to afford to me on a daily basis. It is not about what I do. receive the kind of bodywork that can be It is about who they are and how they honor helpful. me, which is very humbling. I have been Immigrants and refugees are often poor and practicing to become more like they are rather struggle to survive. As Sisters of St. Francis, our than trying to get them to be more like I am. values are countercultural in that we respect They have a great gift of counter-culture that we and reverence life in every created being which need to emulate rather than try so hard to make is the message of the Gospel. Our mission of them fit into our culture. This is the constant inclusiveness, compassion, and acceptance of call to conversion I experience and the only all people gives expression to our Chapter way for me to continue to respond to that call is commitments. to be in the presence of these wonderful human The immigrants I see are hardworking people beings and take in all that they are. n who already are taking responsibility for their

Footprints 7 Sister Marilyn Freking (right) with members of Corpus Christi Parish in Chicago in the parish’s soup kitchen. Embodying the Vision of Francis by Sister Marilyn Freking

serve as a Pastoral Associate and Social Service Coordinator at Corpus Christi Church in “I try to embody the IChicago. vision of Francis by As I meet with clients I encounter many needs: food, transportation assistance, and social service being a pleasant and needs. The social service needs are many, varied and unpredictable, especially in our current giving person as I economy and in our part of the city. respond to the basic The goal of social service needs at Corpus Christi is to provide emergency necessities to needs of economically supplement what I receive from other services: poor persons.” food, transporation assistance; assisting a family whose apartment was destroyed by a fire; assisting Sister Marilyn Freking when employment is lost; assisting when there is a death in the family; assisting homeless persons; Rooted in the Gospel and in the spirit of Francis assisting in procuring appropriate clothing for a job, and Clare, I strive to be in right relationship with etc. It is common for my clients to have almost no the people I serve. Daily, I serve and support cash income. Many people do not have full-time people who live in poverty. I try to be helpful jobs or even 25-hour per week jobs. Jobs tend to wherever and however I can. I try to embody the net $10 or less an hour. Responding to people’s vision of Francis by being a pleasant and giving requests for assistance delivers services directly to person as I respond to the basic needs of the people who live in poverty. Providing basic economically poor persons. necessities for clients affirms their human dignity It has been encouraging recently when two and encourages them to strive for self-sufficiency. former clients visited me individually. I The number of clients to be served ranges from commented to them on how good each looked and 150-200 people who live in dire poverty. that I had not seen them for a while. Each both Measurable outcomes are giving emergency responded, “That's because I've been doing what necessities to people who live in poverty when you taught me to do.” Their responses meant a lot special situations arise. A recent day found me to me because that has always been my goal. n giving soap, toothpaste, and toilet tissue to a client.

8 Footprints An attendant at the “Journey to Freedom” exhibit on September 25 at the Roshek Building in Dubuque. Contributed photo. Exhibit Highlights Human Trafficking in Iowa hen the “Journey to Freedom” exhibit was “We have 10,030 youth who experience some in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Sister Mary form of homelessness every single year in our state. WHauber walked through it and her heart Research suggests that up to one in three of those went out to those who are trafficked. As a member youth will be approached for a commercial sexual of the Coalition of Women Religious and Associates transaction within the first two days of hitting the against Human Trafficking in the Tri-State Area, street,” said Teresa. “That statistic really grabs me Sister Mary suggested to the group that the exhibit because I know we have a housing shortage for come to Dubuque to help educate others on the homeless and runaway youth and I know the topic. traffickers are on the streets looking for these kids “Human trafficking is not just out there; it’s right attempting to exploit them, and my guess is that here in our own state,” said Sister Mary. right now we have more traffickers on the streets The walk-through exhibit, which was open in looking for these kids than people like us on the Dubuque from September 25 through October 5, streets trying to help them.” featured photos, written words, and displays of Lisa Schmidt, a member of the Coalition and those trafficked to show visitors what trafficked also the Dubuque Franciscans’ Charism Team, said victims experience. she hoped the exhibit would shine a light on human The exhibit opened with a keynote address by trafficking and help people understand the issue Teresa Downing-Matibag, executive director of better. Network against Human Trafficking. She has given “It’s been going on forever, but we’ve just really presentations on sex trafficking in the Philippines, become aware of it in the last few years,” said Lisa. Ecuador, Jamaica and United States and has been "It’s probably going on in our community and we instrumental in the advancement of anti-trafficking don’t even know it." legislation in Iowa. Teresa has extensive knowledge “I hope their hearts were moved so they can of human trafficking, intimate relationships in reach out to those young people who are caught young adulthood, and the commercial sexual and abused,” remarked Sister Mary of those exploitation of women and youth. attending the exhibit. n

Footprints 9 Fr. Michael Crosby, OFM, speaks at Clare House on October 3, 2015. Photo by Franciscan Associate Jane Shey. Mysticism and Mission by Sister Michelle Balek, OSF hat does mysticism have to do with relationship with Mother Earth/Sister Water and mission? Plenty, as it turns out! On Standing with person who are poor) demonstrate living WSaturday, October 3, sisters and associates in right relationship, and we do that peacefully, attending the fall Gathering, were deeply enriched by nonviolently – through our third commitment.” the presentation given by Father Michael Crosby, Father Crosby went on to say that this is a critical OFM Cap., titled “Reclaiming the Mystical Basis of but exciting topic and we are at a huge juncture at this Our Prophetic Life.” time. Each day we are learning more from science Our Mission Statement appeared on the screen as which shows us how the world really works and that Fr. Crosby asked, “Do you really know what you have everything is in relationship. This doesn’t match the said?” He went on to explain that our statement and mechanistic worldview that religion is currently based its three commitment areas are grounded in the in. The number of “nones” -those who do not identify mystical: the experience of universal connectedness, of with any religion- is on the rise as religion doesn’t the “kindom” of God. Our mission is about creating “mean” anything to them. Yet God is a community of this new kindom. right relationship, the Trinity, which gives witness to “I loved the movement of it,” Sister Kathy Lentsch “We are ONE.” God is a community of equals. The said excitedly. She went on to explain that we reality we experience at those moments when we are somehow knew interiorly, as we had debated in aware of total connectedness, we name God. The previous Chapters whether to have one single focus, mystical experience is the experience of this oneness that our three commitment areas were connected and of all, which we need to reclaim and enhance so we we could not let go of any of them. “He showed us can contemplatively and prophetically bring it about how the first two commitments (deepening our for others. It is through mystical experience that meaning is found. (continued on the next page) 10 Footprints The call St. Francis Just as important as the heard to, “Go repair my “The mystical experience is experience is, the results house,” is equally valid in the experience of this are even more crucial, as today’s world. Fr. Crosby such experiences are not advocated that today’s oneness of all, which we for us alone. Through Franciscans are called to such mystical repair the cosmic, need to reclaim and experiences, God brings planetary, and ecclesial enhance so we can us into God’s household of our day. He unconditional love. outlined the seven “C’s” for contemplatively and When we experience this this to happen: Cosmic, prophetically bring it about divine love, our Christic, Conscious, consciousness of what is Connected, Contemplative, for others. It is through real changes. Everything Compassionate and mystical experience that is “real” to the extent it Community. These create a reflects that mystical new vision, and from that meaning is found.” experience. From this new vision, a new community is created that reflects flows the ongoing conversion toward greater and more the kindom of God. He also outlined the elements of a inclusive love. This in turn produces a demand for contemplative-mystical experience: justice, or right relationships, which leads mystics to • It comes unannounced – there is an in-breaking; be prophets. Here lies our mission – to live in right • An overpowering reality pervades our being; relationship with all God’s creation. Lest we think we • This gives a sense of our connectedness to all; might not have enough energy for this mission, Fr. •This results in a conviction of “what is real,” rejecting Crosby lightheartedly reminded us: “There may be the way of the world; snow on the roof, but there’s a fire in the furnace!” n • Believers call this an experience of God.

ASSOCIATES IN THE NEWS Franciscan Associate Receives Award from ACLU of Iowa ranciscan Associate Jean Basinger, a long-time Fadvocate of prison reform, was named the 2015 recipient of the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa Louise Noun Award in October. Jean, of Des Moines, has been a leader in Friends of Iowa Women Prisoners and in Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE). In 1991, she helped form the Justice Reform Consortium, 17 organizations working for reform through legislation—which has worked with the ACLU on changing laws that sentence juveniles to life without the possibility of parole. She was chair of the Restorative Justice Taskforce of the Iowa Board of Church and Society. She’s also served for 20 years on the board of Jean Basinger received a standing ovation when she accepted the Louise Hansen House of Hospitality for Men, which assists Noun award from Erica Johnson on October 2 in Des Moines. Contributed those leaving prison. The Louise Noun Award is photo. given annually by the ACLU of Iowa to honor who has worked for years with Basinger, said, “One people who have contributed significantly to the of Jean’s great strengths is how she personally defense of civil liberties. It is named after the former, connects to those who are not being treated fairly by highly influential ACLU of Iowa board president and the system. She meets with prisoners and talks with community leader. them to ask ‘What are you struggling with? How can Erica Johnson, ACLU of Iowa advocacy director we help?’” n Footprints 11 Villagers in San José Curunate in Honduras set up for a ceremony at the site of their new water tank that the Sister Water Project helped fund. Sister Water Project Helps Honduran Villagers or 14 years the community of San José the site. The villagers were so ready to finish Curunate in Honduras has been working the job that they were waiting with flashlights Ftogether to raise enough money to bring a in hand to unload the materials. Ten days later, water line into their village. The mountainous construction was completed and the villagers geography of the area had made it difficult to had water flowing into holding tanks at their access and the 370 people living in the village homes. had no water or electricity. Villagers would “They have been very grateful,” said Sister wake up at 3 a.m. to walk three miles to gather Nancy Meyerhofer, who ministers in nearby water by hand in order to have what they Gracias, Lempiras, Honduras. “Every time I run needed to prepare breakfast and be ready for into someone from the village they say, ‘Thank the day’s activities. you for helping us.’” When the villagers were able to raise “The people of Curunate were thrilled with enough funds for the installation of pipes from the financial support to buy the materials a water source three miles away, they hadn’t needed to finish building the holding tank for prepared for some unforeseen costs. Due to the water and the pipes to get the water from the high altitude of the water source and tank down to the houses below,” said Sister descending force of the water, expensive metal Pat Farrell, who ministers in Gracias. This past pipes, as well as the construction of a holding summer, Sister Pat attended a special ceremony tank, would be required to finish the project. the villagers held in honor of the water project’s There were no additional funds available. completion. The Sisters of St. Francis Sister Water “Thanks to the Sister Water Committee for Project was approached earlier this year about helping this community have a much easier life the difficulties the villagers were having. The and for supporting the admirable effort this committee agreed to help fund the project. community has been putting forth for years to It was nighttime in San José Curunate when bring water to their homes,” added Sister Pat. n the materials needed for the project arrived at

12 Footprints Sister Mary Clare O’Toole (left) shows Michelle Wilcox, Project Coordinator at the Riverview Center, one of the comfort bags the sisters donated to the non-profit. Sisters Provide Comfort Bags to Local Non-Profit by Jessi Russo isters Char Enright and Mary Clare O’Toole “When I heard Captain Curt Henderson talk walk into Mount St. Francis with their hands about the need for comfort bags at our Gathering, I Sfull of shopping bags. However, the two have thought this project was doable,” said Sister Mary not spent the past few hours searching for Clare. Together the group decided to implement his Christmas gifts but rather for clothes and toiletries idea here in Dubuque. to create “comfort bags” for a local nonprofit After much research, the sisters approached local working with sexual assault victims. law enforcement, who directed them to the The idea for comfort bags began in March of Riverview Center in Dubuque. The Riverview 2015 after Iowa State Patrol Captain Curt Center is a nonprofit agency, which provides Henderson spoke to the sisters about his therapy/counseling, legal, and medical advocacy to experiences in the state with human trafficking in sexual and domestic abuse victims and also offers the Des Moines area. educational outreach in the community and “Captain Henderson explained to us that when a maintains a 24-hour crisis line. They serve 16 trafficked individual is taken to the emergency room counties with multiple offices in Iowa and Illinois. or police station and a rape kit is used, the victim’s The sisters asked to meet with staff from the clothes are taken as evidence,” said Sister Char. Riverview Center to educate themselves more about “The victim leaves the hospital in a gown and the organization and their work with assault victims. Captain Henderson had the idea to provide the “We learned that they have had little contact victim with a clean change of clothes and some with women who are trafficked here in Dubuque,” basic toiletries to help give them some dignity.” explained Sister Char. “But they meet with many Captain Henderson’s talk led a subcommittee of sexual assault victims at the hospital throughout the the Peace/Non-Violence Group of the congregation-- year and also give them comfort bags.” Sisters Char, Mary Clare, Marci Blum, Marlys Michelle Wilcox, Project Coordinator for the Becker, and Marian Klostermann--into a Riverview Center, said that the staff is on a rotating discussion. “We asked one another, ‘What are we on-call schedule to be available for sexual abuse going to do? What practical thing can we do to victims at the hospital when notified by the local respond?’” said Sister Char. police. (continued on the next page) Footprints 13 and they were currently unable to replenish their stash of comfort bags. The sisters asked if they could make it their project to collect donations, assemble the bags, and donate them on a continual basis. The nonprofit emphatically agreed. “They helped us make a decision on what would be included in the comfort bag,” said Sister Char. “We decided on a shirt, pants, underwear, socks, basic toiletries, a hand towel, and wash cloth.” The group assembled a few comfort bag samples to show the community at their annual Gathering in October and asked sisters and associates to consider donating to the project. Their support, as well as other congregations who have donated to the project, is overwhelming, said Sister Char. “We were able to Included in each comfort bag is a shirt, pants, underwear, socks, basic purchase enough clothing and toiletries to donate 30 toiletries, a hand towel, and a wash cloth. comfort bags for women and 10 sets for men to the “We are there to be their advocate so they know their Riverview Center.” rights,” said Michelle. She said she, as well as other “Working with the Riverview Center has been a staff members, keeps a simple comfort bag from the blessing,” said Sister Mary Clare. She hopes the Riverview Center in her car. When she is called to the group can continue the project indefinitely. hospital, she has it with her. “When someone has to “There’s the satisfaction knowing that in some leave the hospital in a gown, it re-victimizes them,” small way we can bring a little comfort to a woman or said Michelle. man in an unpleasant situation,” said Sister Char. After meeting with staff from the Riverview Center, “We hope they feel that someone some place cares the sisters learned that the nonprofit’s funding from about them.” n grants and donations was needed for other resources

SISTERS IN THE NEWS Sister Terri Rodela Speaks at International Tribunal of Conscience and Attends Pope Francis’ NY Mass ister Terri Rodela spoke at the International STribunal of Conscience, which took place in New York September 25-26. Sister Terri, who ministers at Nazareth Center, a hospitality house for immigrants in El Paso, Texas, was asked to attend the two-day conference to share her experiences of living along the border. The International Tribunal of Conscience focused on issues affecting migrants, refugees, and the displaced. Its main objective was to document, judge and denunciate rights violations committed by states, governments, businesses, institutions, organizations and people. “The tribunal showed me what’s not being reported and reminded me how complex and interwoven the immigration issue is,” said Sister Terri. Sister Terri Rodela (left) with Franciscan Handmaid Sister Chala Hill at the While attending the Tribunal, Sister Terri stayed Pope’s Mass at Madison Square Garden on September 25. Contributed with the Franciscan Handmaid Sisters in New photo. York. The Handmaids had tickets to attend Pope Francis’ Mass at Madison Square Garden. One of “I felt like I won the lottery,” said Sister Terri. “It the Handmaids was unable to attend the Mass so was exciting to be able to see the Pope. A highlight Sister Terri was asked if she’d like to go in her for me was his homily: how we’re called to serve place. the people in the margins and be with them.” n 14 Footprints Prayer service attendees lit candles from one another symbolizing their light to the world. Prayer Service Held in Honor of Martyred Women by Jessi Russo t’s been 35 years since Sisters Dorothy Kazel, Ita sponsored by SHARE El Salvador and the Ford and Maura Clarke, and their associate Jean Leadership Conference of Women Religious IDonovan, were brutally murdered by Salvadoran (LCWR). National Guard members. The women had “I have always admired their courage,” said Sister committed their lives to accompanying the children Char of the four martyred women. “They so wanted and families who had fallen victim to the escalating to make a difference in the lives of others.” violence and oppression that eventually led to the While in El Salvador, there was a pilgrimage to the civil war in El Salvador. martyrdom site of the four churchwomen to hear To honor their lives and work, Catholic Sisters of first-hand testimonies by people who knew them as the Tri-State Area held a prayer service at the well as meetings with grassroots movement leaders, Cathedral of St. Raphael on December 2 in human rights defenders, and mothers of the Dubuque. disappeared. The delegation also explored root “If [Jean and Sisters Ita, Maura, Dorothy] were causes of migration to the U.S. and the current with us tonight, they might be surprised about the challenges impoverished communities face, attention they are still receiving,” said Sister Carol including increasing violence. Besch in her reflection at the prayer service. “Likely “I participated in the 1998 delegation, visiting with they considered themselves ordinary women living women and men working for justice, and visiting alongside the Salvadoran people in the midst of some of the now sacred sites in that struggle,” said poverty and violence. They were called to be faithful Sister Judy Sinnwell. “Having the opportunity to to the most vulnerable around them, just as many revisit at this time is significant for me, allowing me catechists and lay leaders risked their lives and faced to educate myself and others about the reality there, martyrdom as they protected those in need.” a violent reality, which is one reason for emigration From November 28 to December 5, 2015, six from that country today.” sisters from area congregations, including Dubuque Sisters Judy Sinnwell and Char Enright are Franciscan Sisters Char Enright and Judy available to speak to groups in the Dubuque area Sinnwell, were part of a delegation of 100 women about their experiences in El Salvador. To schedule religious and community leaders who traveled to El a presentation, please call Sisters Judy or Char at Salvador to mark the 35th anniversary of the (563) 583-9786. n martyrdom of the missionaries. The delegation was Footprints 15 T H O U G H T S and INFORMATION from the DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

The Sister Water Project by Sister Cathy Katoski, OSF, ou’ve probably noticed a designation on the Yenclosed envelope for “Sister Water Project.” We thought you might like more information on what this is about! St. Francis spoke of “Sister Water” in his “Canticle of the Creatures.” In 2004, our congregation mentioned as part of our Mission to live in right relationship with all creation, our commitment to “deepen our relationship with Mother Earth and Sister Water.” At our Gathering in 2006 Sisters asked, “what are we doing about Sister Water? Is there something specific we can do?” A small group was formed to study global water issues and see what could be Villagers in the Ngo’ngoandu village in Tanzania celebrate after the done. From their work came plans for The Sister installation of a Sister Water Project well in November 2015. Water Project. Thanks to the support of Safe Water for Life and Individual sisters and Associates throughout the Dignity (SWLD), the Congregation of the Humility of community asked friends and family to donate to this Mary, Holy Spirit Sisters, Salvatorian Missions, and effort. The initial goal for the Sister Water Project was Dubuque Rotary Club and many, many donors, the to raise $40,000 to help the people of Tanzania, Sister Water Project has since raised more than where some women walk miles to find water and $700,000. We have completed or restored almost 100 where waterborne malaria kills many children. Efforts well projects in Tanzania and several rural water were also needed in Honduras, where 50,000 young systems in Honduras. children die every year from water-related illness. And the work continues. “This is not the time to The impact on the lives of people is very abandon our commitment to those who still live significant, especially the dramatic improvements in without clean water,” said Sister Water Project health. In Tanzania, girls relieved of walking for Committee Member Sister Carol Besch. “We are not hours to carry water from distant sources are able to going to rest on past successes. We are confident attend school. Women doing the same chore have that God is still doing something new in us.” time for small income-producing projects. For more information on the Sister Water Project, Community cohesiveness develops as people work visit www.osfdbq.org/sister-water-project. n together to build wells.

SISTERS IN THE NEWS Sister Teresine Glaser Publishes Essay in Franciscan Journal ister Teresine Glaser’s “The Canticle of Brother SSun: Reflections on Its Composition,” was published in the September issue of “Franciscan Connections: The Cord - A Spiritual Review” journal. Franciscan Connections is a quarterly review which deals with topics having to do with the Franciscan spiritual tradition. “When I retired from my professional responsibilities and was offered an opportunity to study our Franciscan heritage, my mentors challenged me to delve into the writings of Francis, Clare and the great early as well as contemporary scholars of our Franciscan Tradition,” said Sister Teresine. “Volumes have been and likely will Sister Teresine Glaser’s article as it appears in “Franciscan Connections: continue to be written about the simple and The Cord - A Spiritual Review.” forthright “Canticle” that burst forth from Francis’ of St. Bonaventure University. For more information heart shortly before he died. My article is simply my about “Franciscan Connections: The Cord - A effort to reflect upon some elements of its Spiritual Review,”check out composition.” http://www.franciscanpublications.com. n The Cord is published by the Franciscan Institute 16 Footprints In Remembrance Sister Gracia Schmitt April 21, 1930 - September 14, 2015 velyn Schmitt she entered Mount St. Francis on parents provided for her. In 1969 Ewas born on August 25. when foster care replaced a farm near St. At her reception a year later she orphanages, she was sent to St. Lucas, Iowa to was given the name Sister Mary Timothy’s in Minneapolis to be a Mat and Celia Gracia. After profession on August parish worker with families who had (Blong) Schmitt 10, 1955, she was sent to teach first special needs. She credits her work on April 21, grade at Remsen for five years. at home and on the farm with 1930, and People described her as a smiling, preparing her well for the various baptized on that patient, practical, sensible, and kinds of work she was involved in. same day. She humorous person who was gifted Sister Gracia gave service at Holy was the second of five children, with common sense. She went to St. Family Hall until her retirement to preceded by a brother and followed Louis University to study child care Mount Saint Francis in 1990. She by two brothers and a sister. She and become a certified house mother. moved to Holy Family Hall in 2011. attended St. Luke’s Grade and High Her first assignment in this work was Sister is survived by her brothers School in St. Lucas. After high school to be assistant director and house — Del (Shirley) Schmitt and Dan she remained at home, helping out mother to a group of emotionally (Inez) Schmitt, a sister – Frances on the farm. She didn’t tell anyone disturbed teenaged boys at St. (Fred) Hemesath, a sister-in-law – except her confessor that she was Mary’s Home in Dubuque. She also Victoria Schmitt, nieces, nephews planning to enter the convent until served at St. Anthony’s Home in and her Franciscan Sisters with early August 1952. This was followed Sioux City. Her time with the whom she shared 63 years of her life. by three weeks of tears and joy until orphans gave her a deeper n appreciation for the home life her Sister Lois Wagner December 26, 1922 - October 27, 2015 ister Lois’ Academy. Living with conservative colleagues, she wrote a biology text Sgrandparents aunts in their 40s and 50s, being in which she used for her last nine had immigrated a class of 17, and attending daily years there. She was an excellent from Germany Mass was quite a change from life teacher and received both state and and Luxemburg on the ranch. Her last two years of national awards from the National and settled in high school she boarded with the Association of Biology Teachers. Eastern Iowa. Franciscans at Alton. In retirement, she headed the Her father, She entered the convent in sewing department at MSF and Andrew Wagner, January 1941. She was received initiated a clothing recycling process met and married and given the name Sister Mary known today as “New To Me.” She her mother, Mathilda Kurtenacher, Placid. She was professed also classified and labeled all the near Alton, Iowa. They, along with September 10, 1945. trees at MSF. She moved to Holy his two sisters and their husbands, Lois taught middle grades and Family Hall in 2006. homesteaded on ranches near was in charge of the music at rural Sister is survived by her sister-in- Ralph, South Dakota. It was here schools in Temple Hill and Keota law, Rose Wagner; her nieces and that Andrew and Mathilda raised before being sent to Midlothian, Ill. nephews; and her Franciscan Sisters their family of five boys and two She then taught at the rural schools with whom she shared 72 years of girls, of whom Lois is the fourth. Sugar Creek and Holy Rosary, her life. n Lois’ mother had been a teacher LaMotte, where she began her high before her marriage, and was firm in school teaching in biology. Her seeing that her children valued bachelor’s degree was from Loras Rest in Peace education. All of them attended a College, and with the help of grants Raymond Klein one-room school – Lois was alone in from the National Science Brother of Sr. Imogene Klein Foundation she was able to obtain a Robert Linden her class. When she was 12, her Brother-in-law of Sr. Mildred Nachtman mother died of cancer. master’s degree from St. Mary’s in Elinor “Ellie” Crawford High school could only be Winona, Minn. Sister of Sr. Verna Gaul obtained by “boarding out.” When Lois was sent to Wahlert Gertrude Weis Daehler Although her father was reluctant to High School, she was assigned to Sister of Sr. Dolores Banowetz send her so far away, he finally teach the slow track biology Ray Hemann agreed to let her live with her students because of her work in the Brother of Sr. Mary Kenneth Hemann mother’s two sisters in Alton, Iowa, intermediate grades. This became a Mary Kleitsch where she attended St. Mary’s passion for her, and along with two Sister-in-law of Sr. Ruth Kleitsch Footprints 17 Along the way...

Meal Served in Dubuque in Honor of Year of Consecrated Life In celebration of the Year of Consecrated Life (YOCL), sisters, associates, and employees prepared and served a meal to the attendees of the Circles Initiative on October 13 at Prescott Elementary School in Dubuque. The Circles Initiative connects volunteers and community leaders to families wanting to make the journey out of poverty. Meals and childcare are provided during Circles’ weekly meetings to help break down any barriers that keep families from attending. From left to right: Franciscan Associate Virgina Busch, Sister Peg Coleman, and Franciscan Associate Deb Albert help load the food to be taken to Prescott Elementary School in Dubuque to be served at the Circles Meeting on October 13. Dubuque Franciscans Welcome 2 New Associates On Sunday, November 15, Dick and Joyce Smith of Dubuque were commissioned as Franciscan Associates. The couple completed the Franciscan Way of Life sessions offered by the Dubuque Franciscan Charism Team. “Continuing our Christian journey is what we do to promote Franciscan values,” said Dick and Joyce. “The Franciscan Way of Life program reinforced our values that we have held before attending the program. It was great to meet with people who could be serious and also laugh because of their love of life and God’s people.” n From left to right: Charism Team Member Lisa Schmidt with Dick and Joyce at Mount St. Francis. Sisters Meet with DBQ Sisters Support Pope Francis’ Mayor before International Environmental Call in National Ad Climate Conference Dubuque members of Dubuque the Catholic Sisters area for a Healthy Earth Catholic (CSHE), Sisters Meg Sisters Gemar, OSF, Joy shared Peterson, PBVM, and Michelle Balek, their OSF, met with support for From left to right: Sisters Meg Gemar, Dubuque Mayor Roy Pope OSF, Joy Peterson, PBVM, Dubuque D. Buol on November Francis’ Mayor Roy D. Buol, and Sister 17 at Mount St. Michelle Balek. Francis to discuss his environmental message through a national participation in the U.N. Climate Change commemorative edition of USA Today during Pope conference in Paris in November. Mayor Buol is Francis’ visit to the United States in September. part of the Mississippi River Mayors’ delegation to The Sisters who signed the ad included 12 the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate communities from the Upper Mississippi River Valley Change (COP21). CSHE wanted to support these region, including the Dubuque Franciscans. The ad’s efforts and highlight points from Laudato Si’ and message is a reminder of our precious common home the statement by bishops of the world, to keep in and our moral obligation to take a stronger stance mind during the talks and negotiations, most toward Earth’s protection. The special section was importantly that a fair, legally binding and transformational climate agreement is reached. n released two weeks prior to the Pope’s historic U.S. visit. 18 Footprints Fun with Francis! uch fun was had at Mount St. Francis in September few photos of our sisters with Francis! To see more sisters Mduring Pope Francis’ visit to the USA! Here are a with Francis, visit http://www.osfdbq.org/news/photo- galleries/. n

First row: Sisters Prisicilla Stork and Myra Weitl; second row: Sisters Dorothy Stoll, Donalda Kehoe and Amelia Thole; third row: Sisters Monica McMahon, Clara and Denise Streng. Thanks to Sister Phyllis Manternach, OSF, and Jennifer Hammerand for the photos! Footprints 19 Non-Profit Organ. U.S. Postage PAID Footprints Dubuque, IA 52001-1311 Permit No. 88

Sisters of St. Francis 3390 Windsor Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001-1311

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Statement of the Dubuque Franciscans in Response Calendar of to the Resettlement of Syrian Refugees in the US Events We, the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, Iowa, express our grief JANUARY 7 because violence has once again taken the lives of our sisters and Taize Prayer: “Peace on Earth,” brothers in Paris, Beirut, Mali, California, and in so many other 7 p.m., Shalom Spirituality places in the world. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all those Center, 1001 Davis St., who directly suffer the pain of these senseless crimes. We stand in Dubuque. solidarity with those who denounce violence. Such events teach us, once again, that our efforts for peace and justice must go forward FEBRUARY 10-12 Retreat: Dying with Christ, with renewed vigor. Rising with Christ, Fr. Don Goergen, OP, Shalom Spirituality Our Franciscan values (which are the values of the Gospel of Jesus) Center. For more information, compel us to stand in solidarity with all those who believe that fear contact Shalom at (563) 582- must not drive us to further violence. Unfortunately there are some 3592. who would use these tragic events to wage a propaganda war against the very people who are fleeing violence and are most intimately its MARCH 8-14 victims. We are a nation of immigrants, and were once “strangers National Catholic Sisters Week and immigrants.” Yet, we paradoxically, find ourselves struggling to support the basic human rights of refugees. APRIL 1-3 Gathering: Commitment Area: Pope Francis recently admonished the people of the Central Peace and Non-Violence Republic of Africa: “I strongly urge you make your country a welcoming home for all children regardless of their ethnic origin, APRIL 8-10 political affiliation, and religious confession.” Gathering: Commitment Area: Standing with Persons Who are Surely the United States has an abundance to share with those who Poor bring only their hopes for a better life. We do not wish to be governed by bigotry and backlash. We have in place vetting APRIL 15-17 processes for immigrants which allow us to be cautious but not Gathering: Commitment Area: walled off from the rest of the world. Mother Earth and Sister Water

In our Mission Statement we state our desire to “live in right APRIL 22-23 relationship with all of creation.” If we are to be faithful to that Dubuque’s Got Sisters, a 24- Mission we must speak out for all in the Beloved Community. Our hour tour of four area Mission does not allow us to close our hearts to the Syrian refugees. congregations. Tour begins Wherever we serve and work, we pledge to reach out to all Friday, April 22 at 5 p.m. and ends on Saturday, April 23 at 6 immigrants who seek a home, to work for immigration policies which p.m. To register or for more are fair and just, and to contribute our resources to the efforts which details, e-mail Sister Ginny support justice and non-violence. Heldorfer, at [email protected].