Serving the Body of Christ as a Pro-Life Home of Formation for Pregnant Women and their Children  Fall ~ 2013  10th Anniversary Year

On Saturday, August 17th, we “Saint Gianna was a modern began our 10 year anniversary woman. She was intelligent and celebrations here in Warsaw active; a physician. But far more with a Mass at Saint important than her professional Stanislaus. It truly was a great status was her state in life as a celebration of life and a day of wife and mother. She was a gratitude to God for all He has woman who knowingly risked done at Saint Gianna’s in these her life to protect the life of her past 10 years. We had many unborn child. She made a guests and visitors join us this choice to put her daughter’s life special day. We were espe- at least risk and hers at most cially blessed by the presence risk. She gave her life for her of our new , Most Rever- daughter,” he said. end John Folda. Another hon- A Mission of Love ored guest was Janie Solarski, “All mothers are heroines,” said one of our initial board mem- Father Damian Hils, founder of bers who helped us start this the home, who returned from newsletter. Janie has since Kentucky to celebrate a Mass of moved to the Twin Cities, but Thanksgiving in Our Lady of the came back to be with us for Visitation Chapel August 16. this wonderful day. She wrote “There is always risk in preg- the following article for us. nancy and risk in giving birth. “Saint Gianna’s Maternity Mothers are heroines, they Home is truly a miracle of life are selfless and loving. We right here on the plains of Clergy, altar servers & staff gathered on Saint Gianna’s front steps after the opening celebration Mass at Saint Stanislaus on August 17th, 2013. (Photo by Haney’s Photography, Fargo.) must always protect their ,” said Fargo dignity and the sanctity of Bishop John T. Folda following his first visit to the home August 17. all human life.” “Words almost fail me. I was overwhelmed by its beauty.” When his vision for a maternity home in the nearly century-old Saint Bishop Folda came to celebrate the home’s 10-year anniversary Mass of Anthony Convent and boarding school aligned with co-founder and Thanksgiving. “It is a milestone that demonstrates the hand of God director Mary Pat Jahner’s desire to help pregnant women in need, the is truly with this life work and with the founders’ farsighted wisdom - a home came to life. It became a labor of love for them and countless wisdom that recognizes the value of every human life.” volunteers who donated time and talent to bring it to fruition. “The Pope John Paul II spoke of “the Gospel of Life” in a time when we live in home has been a wonderful journey of building the culture of life,” a “culture of death,” he reminded the congregation at St. Stanislaus Cath- he said. olic Church. “The brilliant light of Christ shines through Jesus who offers As visitors toured the chapel, Father Hils recalled stories of its many life and light to any who will turn to him, no matter their state in life. And features, including the Shrine to Saint Gerard in the rear of the chapel. It there’s no better place to look for the Gospel of Life than at Saint houses a first-class relic of the saint and serves mothers who seek his Gianna’s Home. Through its mission, it lives the Gospel. You can feel it intercession. in the very air you breathe as you enter this life-giving home, a “Many infertile couples who were told they could not have children have home not only for mothers and children, but also families who wish conceived through the intercession of Saint Gerard,” he said. “Miracles to give love and welcome children into their home.” have happened.” Gianna Beretta Molla, the Italian pediatrician who was canonized a saint About 650 people gathered on the warm August day to celebrate the in 2004, is the perfect patron for the home, Bishop Folda said. Continued on next page...... continued from front page home’s success and its presence in the Warsaw communi- ty. Many recalled the words of the late Bryan Grabanski, a board member and volunteer who had given tirelessly to help renovate the home and assist in its early years. “He always said, ‘If one baby is born—if one baby is saved from abortion—it’s all worth it,’” Mary Pat Jahner told those gathered for an afternoon anniversary program in the church. Saint Gianna’s Bryan would go on to hold the first child born to a resident of the home at her baptism. Geianna, now 9, is one of 84 Maternity Home children born to women living there the past 10 years. Serving the Body of Christ as a Pro-Life Home of Formation “Saint Gianna’s is a good place for moms and for babies,” for Pregnant Women and their Children Geianna told the audience. She spent her first year of life Geianna Meade Volume 12, Number 4 there and now lives close by, visiting often to help with the Fall - 2013 younger children. “Lots of people helped to make the Gianna Home. I want Spiritual Director/Chaplain to thank you all for giving a home to a lot of children. And Father Joseph Christensen, FMI one of those children is me,” she said proudly. Director Grateful Hearts Mary Pat Jahner Expressions of gratitude came from all who followed Board of Directors Geianna to the podium to speak, including some of the Colleen Samson ~ President young heroines who found love and support in the home’s Eleri Kerian ~ Vice President Jourdan and daughter Nora Joan Schanilec ~ Secretary safe and secure environment. Dolores Grabanski Jourdan had arrived at the home shortly after reconsider- Robbyne Sands ing her choice to have an abortion. “I was scared and Jackie Shaft confused. I didn’t know what to do,” Jourdan said. Advisory Board With the support of Mary Pat, the housemothers, and Bishop John T. Folda many benefactors, it became clear. The following spring Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila she gave birth to her daughter Lenora (Nora), and now she Gregory Schlesselmann wished to share her story in the hopes it would help to Todd Burianek save another child like Nora. Jed Carlson Julia came to Saint Gianna’s after finding herself in a Jan George similar situation. “If not for the home, I would not have David Hauff my son (Joseph) today,” Julia said. “It’s because of Julia with son Joseph Scott Hennen you and what you offer—a safe place to start a new Mike Hofer Terry McKenna chapter in our lives.” Grant Shaft The tears of joy that flowed for these young women and Founder children continued when a grateful grandmother shared

Father Damian J. Hils her story of the wonderful gift bestowed upon her son

and daughter-in-law. Joe and Tiffany had struggled with Staff Rebecca Hartman - Housemother infertility and finally turned to adoption, praying to Saint Lori Seiwert - Housemother Gianna for her intercession. Briana Wilhelmi - Housemother “Mary Pat assured us that Saint Gianna always answers Susan Barclay - Office Manager Renee and Leslie Wayne Gudajtes - Property Manager prayers,” said Renee Johnson, Joe’s mother. She fought back tears as she recalled many unusual and eventful “miracles” that ensued while they waited to Saint Gianna’s Maternity Home adopt. As she struggled to keep her composure, a young woman arose from the audience, 15605 County Road 15, Minto, ND 58261-9476 walked to her side, and placed her arm around her for support. (701) 248-3077 toll free 1-877-701-3077 It was Leslie, who had recently given her son (Isaac) to Joe and Tiffany to adopt. www.saintgiannahome.com [email protected] “Leslie gave him life and love,” said Isaac’s grandmother, “and a father and a mother.” An IRS 501© 3 nonprofit organization

2 Saint Gianna’s Maternity Home Selfless Gifts That selfless gift is among many beautiful memories Jessica Wasko will carry in her heart when she returns back home to Florida after serving 3 years as a housemother. (See Jessica’s complete speech on page 4.) Humility, said board president Colleen Samson, “is one of the greatest things I’ve learned. When we hear the difficult stories of the women who come through the door and what they have to face, it is truly humbling,” said Colleen, who works closely with residents. “Many residents consider their stay the happiest time in their life.” Father Joseph Christensen, spiritual director of the home, says he has been a witness to a “pouring out of love and sacrifice.” Mary Pat, the staff, board members, and the many volunteers “are prayerful, loving, Colleen Samson sacrificial, joyful, and very normal—they bring humor, joy, love, and the love of Christ to the home and its residents.” “But all of you are the home,” he told the many supporters gathered in the church. “You make it happen through your prayers and donations. We are a culture of life, a people of life. Thanks to you and all you have done, we are saving one mother, one baby, one family at a time.” ~Janie Solarski

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7 1. Polish National Alliance Dancers perform in the afternoon. 2. Guests (including Bishop Folda and Father Joseph) enjoy the perfor- mance of the PNA dancers. 3. The clergy and altar servers process to Saint Gianna’s Home after the Mass at Saint Stanislaus (photo by Greg Haney). 4. Bishop Folda preaches the homily of the opening celebra- tion Mass. (Photo by Kelly Schanilec) 5. Travis and Rachel Bushaw family carry up one of the 10 roses during the offertory procession. The roses represented the 10 years of service and were carried by people who had been involved or a part of Saint Gianna’s during the last dec- ade. Gianna Bushaw, front, was born healthy, despite serious medical complications before she was born, through the intercession of Saint Gianna. 6. Kassity and Geianna Meade carry up one of the roses as well. Kassity came with her mother to Saint Gianna’s when she was 1, she was the first child baptized at our home. Geianna was the first baby born. 7. Father Damian Hils, founder of Saint Gianna’s returned from Kentucky to celebrate the opening of the 10 year anniversary celebrations.

Fall - 2013 3 It is with heavy hearts that we said goodbye to our faithful friend and housemother, Jessica Wasko at the end of August. Jess served us tirelessly and with so much grace and virtue these past 3 years and now returns to sunny Florida to be closer to her family. She is more than missed here by the staff and residents as she was so good to all of us here; indeed Saint Gianna’s was so blessed by the selfless and generous service of Jess. Please keep her in your prayers as she begins her new job as director of Providence House in Naples Florida - home for mothers and their children. Thank you Jess for your friendship to us at Saint Gianna’s!

During her last days with us, Jess wrote a short reflection that she gave at our celebration on August 17th. We have included below.

Jessica Wasko “Hello, my name is Jessica and I have been blessed to be a part of the work at Saint Gianna’s as a housemother for almost 3 years. My time here is coming to a close and as I prepare to leave, I have been reflecting a lot on my time here and what I will take with me. I thought I would give you a little glimpse into my life as a housemother at Saint Gianna’s. When I tell people that I am housemother at a maternity home, it is always followed by the question ‘what does that mean?’ An easy answer to that question is that I supervise the home, provide support to the residents, drive our residents to appointments, teach classes, cook, and clean. If I was to get technical, I could also say I am a landscaper, a photographer, an editor, a teacher, a window washer, a cook for up to 50, a master Sam’s Club shopper, and the official food critic. I’m sure my fellow housemothers could add dozens of other guises we have had to take on and while all of these tasks have made it a busy 3 years, I would not say that those are the things I will necessarily recall. More so, I believe I will remember a truly unique gift in which I was able to witness and experience the things that make Saint Gianna’s special. I witnessed women that walked into our home afraid and alone, but set aside their own fears and heroically chose life for their baby. I witnessed the bravery and selfless love of the mothers who chose to share this gift of life and exemplified the true meaning of sacrifice as they placed their newborn into the hands of their adoptive parents. I witnessed the tears of joy and gratitude of adoptive parents as a child is entrusted to their care and years of prayers are finally answered. I witnessed a mother’s wonder as she saw the baby within her for first time at her ultrasound and listened to a perfect beating heart. I witnessed the very first moment of a life. I witnessed a precious baby’s first smiles, first laughs, first tooth, and first steps. And I’ve shared in the joy of mothers as they watch their babies grow. I witnessed the tears of despair, the pain from a lifetime of hurts, confusion, and anger, but I have also witnessed healing and conversion. And I witnessed that despair, pain, confusion, and anger turn into hope, joy, self-confidence, and trust. I witnessed and was called on by the example of my coworkers as they constantly put themselves aside in order to serve day after day. I have never witnessed them asking for anything in return. I witnessed the kindness and generosity of friends, neighbors, and strangers, whose support has inspired and uplifted us in times of need. This is how I spent the last three years of my life. Saint Gianna’s will always have a special place in my heart. I am truly honored to be a member of this family and I would like to wholeheartedly thank all of you who have contributed to our work. We would be at a loss without the generosity, prayers, and sacrifice of many of you here today.” ~Jessica Wasko

Jess. you are dearly missed.

4 Saint Gianna’s Maternity Home

The love and sacrifice of Saint Gianna is an ever-present witness to the mothers who come to Saint Gianna’s. She is an example we all try to emulate. Each child born here at Saint Gianna’s is celebrated and loved as a tremendous blessing from God. There is no part of our work that gives greater joy than seeing the miracle of life – what God has been knitting together in a moth- er’s womb is all of a sudden made visible and embraced. I must say that one of the privileged moments I have had in witnessing the love of our Lord and the love Saint Gianna demonstrated in the selfless sacrifice she made of her life has been in seeing the birthmothers who, because of their difficult circumstances, choose adoption for their babies. They do so, not because they lack love or concern or the desire to keep their child, but because of their self-sacrificing love for that child. There truly is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend.

This past August we were again able to witness this love, as one of our residents, Amanda, placed her precious newborn daughter, Everlee Pauline, into the loving arms of her adoptive parents, Steve and Jen, in our chapel. We are happy to share some pictures from this beautiful adoption service. Let us pray that God instills in all of us this same spirit of love and of sacrifice.

In September, Amanda and her son Shawn, left us to move closer to family. We miss them both very much and ask all of you to keep this young family in your prayers. Amanda left the following note before she left.

Mary Pat, Well, I don’t know where to begin, but let me start off by saying thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. I don’t know what my life or what Everlee’s or Shawn’s life would have made out to be if it were not for you and the Saint Gianna Home. I am so thankful for all that you have done and all you have given me. You all have saved my life tremendously and for that I am and will be forever thankful. This place has changed me in so many ways. All in good ways of course. You made it possible for me to be happy again. My life before coming to the Gianna Home was so complicated and lost and so lonely and I was homeless. And you provided me with the confidence that I will have a good life and that is the greatest gift of all. You helped me cope with the loss of my mom while being here and while it has not been easy by no means but you made it possible for me to be happy instead of depressed and unhappy all the time like I was before. Thank you so much Mary Pat! You truly are an angel I hope you know that. Shawn and I will miss you so much and don’t worry we will definitely come back and visit when we can. Love Always, Amanda & Shawn

Fall - 2013 5

You and your intentions will be remembered in +STEVE ADAMSKI by Keith & Gina Mykleseth, Rose Przbyzlski +DONALD ARCH by Ramona Arch the Holy Sacrifice of the +JENNIE BEATON by Brian Beaton +MARCELLA BRAUN by Barbara Carew Mass offered each First +LAVERNE BURKHOLDER by Irene Duray, Susan Heenk +MARCENE BURTT by Warsaw Sacred Heart Society Saturday of the month. +HYLAN (DUTCH) COLEMAN, JULIE KARSKY-HERZ, PAULETTE MEDUNA by Angie Marsh +WILSON COX by Gayle Clifford +DR. R. DECKERT, MR. TERNES by Mary Ann Nelson +DAN DUNNIGAN by Ronald & Carol Clark, Kurt & Jennifer Kelley, th Rick & Elaine Kilichowski Saint Gianna’s Maternity Home’s 10 Anniversary by David & Linda +KAREN FARDER by Michael Farder, Rod & Joan Schanilec Blumkin, Father Gary Luiten, Chuck & Kay Morehead, Shirley Suda, +ROSEMARY FELTIS by Terri Kelly Barta Dr. Radomysl Twardowski, Fr. Troy Simonsen, Fr. Bert Miller & +HILARY & EVELYN FELTMAN by family Blessed Sacrament Church +BILL FENTON by Rod & Joan Schanilec Father Loegering’s 40th anniversary of priestly ordination by Paul & +GAIL GABEL by Al & Connie Brandt Marlys Dotzenrod +BRYAN GRABANSKI by David & Karen Kamrowski, Arnie & Barb Liza- th kowski, Shannon & Dena O’Connor 25 Jubilee Anniversary of Diocese of Knoxville, TN by Jason & Teresa +PAUL HANKEY, DOUGLAS JOHANSEN by Veronica Johansen Fewell th +CLAUDIA HASTINGS by Kurt & Jennifer Kelley Dale & Loretta Courter’s 50 wedding anniversary by Kenny & Evelyn +CARMEN HAY by Duane & Doris Liffrig Kilichowski +MARY LOU HERDING by the Family, Tom & Mary Dusek Katie Kohoutek’s birthday by Kenny & Evelyn Kilichowski +DORIS HOFF by Shari Labine Joan Schanilce’s birthday by Jim & Loretta Olson +DOUGLAS JOHANSEN by Jeff & Jeanne Pederson Jonathan Rieke’s birthday by Larry & Terri Reike +PHIL HUCK, TROY HUCK, VALIRE HUCK, VIRGINIA QUIGGLE Father Sean Mulligan’s priestly ordination by Grant & Jackie Shaft by Dorothy Huck th +LEROY & KEVIN KAMROWSKI, AMELIA KAMROWSKI Mitch & Lee Walski’s 25 wedding anniversary by Grant & Jackie Shaft FINAMORE by Judy Kamrowski Isabel Niswonger’s 85 ½ birthday by Jim & LaVerne Costello th +STELLA KATHMAN, VICTOR ROGALLA by Rose Przbyzlski Our 50 wedding anniversary by Bernard & Bernie Zastoupil +HARRY KIEFER by Don & Paula Kiefer Colleen Samson’s birthday by David Samson +JO ANN KING by Charles King Mary Catherine Fewell’s 5th birthday by Jason & Teresa Fewell +SHARON KINZLER, DORIS LILMER, VAL WEBSTER by Alan & Nora Baumann’s 1st birthday by Jason & Teresa Fewell Ruby Gramlow Greg Stoltman’s 70th birthday by Kurt & Jennifer Kelley +RICHARD KLAVA, JESUS VEGA, HARRY WADNIZIAK by Randy & Julie & Chris Cabinaw, Rodger & Bonnie Sims, Deacon Allen & Patricia Lori Zimprich +JEAN KNAUS by Mike & Cecilia Grembowski, Robert & Dorothy Kukert by John & Jan Klocke Plutowski Laverne Stoltman by Susan Heenk +MELANY KUZNIA by Veronica Johansen, Mary Kertz, Keith & Gina Blessed Mother’s birthday by Susan Heenk Mykleseth, Jeff & Jeanne Pederson, Rosalia Stusynski Merlon Collette by Mick & Jane Myers +WALLY LABERGE by Dan & Delores Burianek Adrian Kiedrowski, Colleen Samson, Irene Schanilec by Yvonne Steen +LARRY LINDGREN by Dolores Hackenberg, Phil & Laurie Kraemer, Terry Sophia Modeen’s 5th birthday, James/John Fontaine 12th birthday, Mary & Mary Ann McKenna, Immaculate Rosary & Study Group Fontaine’s birthday by Robert & Cheri Hellem +DARLENE LIZAKOWSKI by Arnie & Barb Lizakowski, Father Neil Pfeifer Charli Belle Stenberg by April Eide +RAE ANN & BRIDGET MCGURRAN by Mike McGurran +GUY MILLER by Don & Susan Barclay, Wayne & Robin Feltman, Hody & Father Sean Mulligan by Robert & Karen Dosch Mary Mach, Lee & Linda Lessard, Dale & Judy Plutowski, Rod & Joan Father Dudzinski & Father Pfeifer by James & Mary Beth Sexton Schanilec Angie Halverson’s birthday by Paul & Colleen Samson +DECEASED NARLOCK & RUSTAN FAMILIES by Sylvester & Lavonne Father Kevin Beaton’s 63rd birthday by Brian Beaton Narlock Luella Campen’s 90th birthday by Ralph Tucker +MARGARET OLSON by Laurence & Jean Charbonneau +PARENTS by Jerry & Maureen Munch +TIM OSOWSKI by Lee & Linda Lessard, John & Alice Sevigny +BOB OVSAK by Mike McGurran Bob & Pat Nordine, for all they have done for Our Lady of Perpetual +MARK RITTEN by Bob & Pat Sanden +DOROTHY RIVARD by Iretta Marynik, Sylvester & Lavonne Narlock, Help , Reynolds by Frank & Susanne Argenziano Robert & Dorothy Plutowski, Rose Przbyzlski Bishop John T. Folda by Chuck & Kay Morehead +LINDSEY SAUER by Wayne & Carol Denault Blessings by Daniel & Mickie Thomas +GRACE SCANSON by Brenda Rohrich My children, stepchildren & grandchildren by Ramona Arch +PHYLLIS SCHILLER by Rod & Joan Schanilec Bishop John T. Folda & by Alan & Ruby Gramlow +MARY KAY SCHUMACHER by Bernard Schumacher, Dr. & Mrs. Charles My nieces: Deb Slominski, Barbara Munro & Janet LaBonte & their Allen, Mary Beauclair, Kevin & Renee Christ, Fred & Karen Dawson, Scott families by Johanna Walski & Mary Eide, Kent & Jacquie Ellis, Mike & Joanne Fisher, Michael & Coralie Fix, Beverly Kasper, Steve & Karen McCormick, Cyril & Margaret Puetz, Mary Ranberg, James & Louise Ryberg, James & Theresa Striefel, Tom & Kari Stromme, Mary Winbauer +JAMES SCHIWAL by Fred & Pat Jahner +MARIE SJOSTROM by David & Barb Hogan By Phyllis Schiller +SR. LOIS SPARS by Michael & Julie Marek By Brian Beaton +KEVIN STANISLAWSKI by Iretta Marynik By Roger & Mary Sayler +NATALIE WAVRA by Carol Mack, Kurt & DeeAnn Parker Marian Weigel by Angie Marsh Keith Anderson by Chuck & Kay Morehead

6 Saint Gianna’s Maternity Home “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) This is the theme of our anniversary year, and this was also the theme of our banquet held in Grand Forks on September 9th. This evening of sharing and celebration was truly a canticle of praise to the Lord. We were so blessed to have Gloria Purvis from the Washington, D.C. area as our key note speaker. She gave an uplifting and encouraging talk to the crowd of more than 600 people, and delighted everyone when her daughter Lourdes Grace joined her on stage. This evening was blessed by those who participated: Scott Hennen as our Master of Ceremonies, Brent Hermans as our pianist and our Soloist, Mark McLaurin. Probably the most moving part of the evening were the testimonies of some of our former residents, Jourdan and Julia, as well as the beautiful story shared by Renee Johnson whose son and his wife adopted a child from Saint Gianna’s. Leslie, the birth mother of this child, also shared about her journey. The crowd was also treated to a “talk” by Saint Gianna Home’s firstborn, 9 year old Geianna Meade.

The staff, residents, and board of directors left this evening edified and truly honored by those in attendance who came to show their support, their generosity and encouragement this night and really throughout the past 10 years. We want to thank especially those who underwrote the evening so that all gifts extended that evening could go to continuing the pro-life mission of Saint Gianna’s Maternity Home. We also want to thank those who worked tirelessly to help make the evening such a success. In a special way we want to thank: Joan Schanilec, Jackie Shaft, Melissa Kuhlman, and Sarah Effhauser. May God richly bless you for your kindness to us.

Top row: Father Joseph giving a blessing, housemothers with Lourdes, Gloria and daughter Lourdes, pianist, Brent Hermans. Bottom row: Saint Gianna Maternity Home board members left to right: Joan Schanilec, Mary Pat (Director), Father Joseph (Chaplain), Gloria Purvis, Eleri Kerian, Jackie Shaft, Colleen Samson, Dolores Grabanski, guests enjoy- ing dinner at the banquet.

"Gianna Beretta Molla was a simple, but more than ever, significant messenger of divine love. In a letter to her future husband a few days before their marriage, she wrote: ‘Love is the most beautiful sentiment the Lord has put into the soul of men and women.’ Following the example of Christ, Who ‘having loved his own... loved them to the end’ (Jn 13:1), this holy mother of a family remained heroically faithful to the commitment she made on the day of her marriage. The extreme sacrifice she sealed with her life testifies that only those who have the courage to give of themselves totally to God and to others are able to fulfill themselves. Through the example of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, may our age rediscover the pure, chaste and fruitful beauty of conjugal love, lived as a response to the divine call!" -Blessed Pope John Paul II, from his homily at Saint Gianna's Canonization Mass on May 16, 2004.

Fall - 2013 7 Saint Gianna’s Maternity Home NONPROFIT ORG. 15605 County Road 15 U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Minto, ND 58261 - 9476 MINTO, ND 58261

701-248-3077 or 877-701-3077 PERMIT NO. 6 www.saintgiannahome.com [email protected] 10 Years Celebrating the Gospel of Life

“Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I give you thanks that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, wonderful are your works.” -Psalm 139:13,14 It is with great joy that we announce the birth of Everlee Pauline Everlee was born on August 4, 2013, at 9:59 am. She weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long. Everlee was lovingly placed for adoption by her mother, Amanda. She joins older brothers Brekkin & Reese in the home of her adoptive parents, Steve and Jen. (See page 5 for the story.)