Communigram Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Volume 51 Issue 1 January 2017

4 Receive Franciscan Insignia Toboggan Fun Those in formation enjoyed On Sunday, December 11, 2016, four Postulants—Shari Heisdorffer, Tricia Os- the beautiful snow before the wald, Colleen Demro, and Megan Kugel— received the Insignia of St. Francis. Insignia Ceremony. Community Director Sister Natalie Binversie presented the insignia, a Tau cross Photo by Benjamin Wideman with the hand of covering that of St. Francis, to remind the postulants of their own call to follow Christ with us. Worn on a chain, it becomes the formal witness to all of being a in our Community.

Why the Tau cross? In Thomas Celano’s first book on St. Francis it reads that “Francis made for himself a tunic showing the image of the Tau cross so as to remind himself of his call to imitate Christ.”

Motherhouse—St. Mary chapel decorated for Christmas.

Postulants Review Sheboygan’s Reboot Live Postulant Megan Kugel reviews Sheboygan, Wisconsin Catholic Parishes recent Reboot Live Event. Reboot Live was an amazing and Spirit-filled way to end the semester. The evening began with a visit to Sis- Sisters Lead Music at ter Mary Teresa Bettag’s home. Her parents and siblings were extremely Holy Angels School Mass warm and generous in their hospitali- ty. It was a blessing to be able to eat Here’s a sweet 2016 Advent dinner together. Afterwards, we memory! Franciscan Sisters of headed to Holy Name of Jesus Parish Christian Charity were invited in Sheboygan where we met up with by a very dedicated, persistent Sister Regina Rose Pearson. This tru- teacher-friend, Sheila Tranel, ly was a wonderful surprise. We to lead the music at the De- heard music from Jon Niven and had excellent and said it was difficult to cember 1 st Mass with the chil- an opening prayer with Archbishop pick a favorite part since the entire dren at Holy Angels School, Listecki before Chris Stefanick made evening was so good. I definitely West Bend, Wisconsin. his appearance. Chris Stefanick’s echo her sentiments, but admit I Sister Myra Jean Sweigart, ex- presentation was divided into two found joy in writing down some of perienced in being a principal, parts. The first session was an engag- his witty faith-filled quotes. Examples ing explanation of the love story be- include “Your head is like a bad felt at home in front of the tween God and man. The second neighborhood – don’t go in it alone” congregation teaching the chil- centered on living out this love story and “2/3 of God’s name is Go!” dren a song that was new to in our daily lives through the Five them. It seems Advent is never Habits of Holy People. We are all extremely grateful for this long enough to sing some of evening, and will definitely take this our favorites. It was great to We all enjoyed and learned from inspiration with us as we journey for- hear a full choir. these Five Habits which included ward in formation. During Mass Pastor Father Pat Love Yourself, Pray, Share the Faith, Friendship, and Reboot. One of Col- Heppe encouraged all of us in leen Demrow’s favorite parts was the congregation to ‘build’ our hearing about Chris Stefanick’s fami- houses (souls) through virtues ly through his pictures and examples. like love and kindness. It cer- Shari Heisdorffer was particularly tainly mirrored St. Francis of drawn by the comedy involved Assisi’s call from God to throughout the presentation. She also “rebuild My Church.” liked how he shared the inspiring sto- Another sweet memory was ry of Blessed Chiara Luce Badano. enjoying donuts with Advent- She is the first person of generation Kekaha Hawaii—Sisters Michael Ann colored sprinkles in the second X to be beatified which definitely O’Donnell, Janet Rose, and Mary Ann grade classroom before head- provides hope for young people Tupy send Christmas Blessings from St. ing home to Manitowoc. walking in holiness. Tricia Oswald Theresa Parish. believed the entire presentation was By Sister Julie Ann Sheahan Page 2 COMMUNIGRAM

Motherhouse Christmas Day Variety Show

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Sister Michaela Melko Named Professor Emeritus Manitowoc, Wisconsin — Sister chair, and Michaela Melko, OSF, was named memberships professor emeritus during Silver in the presi- Lake College of the Holy Family’s dent’s council Winter Commencement Ceremony and dean’s on December 17. The honor is giv- council. She en to retired faculty members who was a member have made substantial contributions of the commit- to Silver Lake College and to their tee that estab- professions. The status allows Sister lished the first Melko to retain all the rights of a graduate pro- faculty member. gram in educa- tion, specifical- Sister Melko retired from full-time ly teacher lead- teaching in August 2015, after 35 ership, and was years of dedicated service to Silver Eric B. Volcheff, chair of the Silver Lake College of the Holy Family instrumental in Board of Trustees, left, and Dr. Chris E. Domes, president of Silver Lake Lake College. She continues to vol- establishing the College of the Holy Family, right, present Sister Michaela Melko with her unteer in the School of Education, first learning professor emeritus medallion during the Winter Commencement Ceremony on December 17. Photo by Benjamin Wideman promoting the mission of Silver communities Lake College through her participa- for administra- tion. tor leadership. She also helped char- Family College with a major in From 2011 until her retirement, Sis- ter Silver Lake College’s Upsilon Mu math, Sister Michaela attained a ter Michaela was director of gradu- Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi honor Bachelor of Science degree from ate education and director of the society in education. Marquette University in Milwaukee with a major in physics and minors master’s program for administrator While at Silver Lake College, she leadership. From 1992 to 2014, she in math and chemistry. In 1968, she received: the Outstanding Achieve- earned a Master of Science degree served as director of graduate stud- ment Award as professor of science; ies. From 1974 to 1981, and again from Catholic University of Ameri- a certificate of recognition from the ca, Washington, D.C., with a major from 1987 to 1994, she taught in the science committee of the Green Bay science and education departments. in physics and a minor in chemistry. Diocese; the Sears-Roebuck Foun- In 1974, she received a Ph.D. from “It is evident Sister Michaela is a dation Teaching Excellence and the University of Wisconsin- faculty role model for teaching ex- Campus Leadership Award; and the Madison in curriculum and instruc- cellence and scholarship,” said Nan- Sister Anne Kennedy Presidential tion-science education. cy Sim, chair of the department of Award, among other honors. Sister Michaela also served at Catho- graduate education, who also praised Sister Michaela entered Holy Family Sister Michaela’s many contributions lic Memorial High School in Convent in 1952, was received into Waukesha for 16 years, first as a to the college in the area of active the novitiate on June 13, 1956, and service. physics, chemistry and math teacher, professed her first vows on Aug. 15, and later as acting principal. Sister Michaela’s professional in- 1957. Sister Michaela made her final volvement at Silver Lake College has profession on Aug. 15, 1962. Press Release from Silver Lake College by Suzanne Weiss, director of public relations. included leadership as faculty chair After entering Holy Family Convent and faculty development committee and completing two years at Holy

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By Sister Kathleen Murphy Social Justice Commission

This month has, for many decades, on January 25. (The Feast of the signaled the need for prayer for Chair of Peter has since been Christian unity. Thus Francis moved.) When Fr. Paul and Sr. Lu- asks us to pray that all rana became Roman Catholics, may be faithful to the Lord’s teach- Pope Pius X gave his blessing to the

ing by striving with prayer and fra- Church Unity Octave and in 1916, http://catholicism.org/father-paul-of-graymoor-founder-of-the- ternal charity to restore ecclesial Pope Benedict XV extended its ob- society-of-the -atonement-and-father-of-the-church-unity-octave.html communion and by collaborating to servance to the universal church. So Father Paul James Wattson and Sister meet the challenges facing humani- we see that the root of this week of Lurana White, co-founders of the Francis- can Friars and Sisters of the Atonement, ty. prayer is truly Franciscan. began the tradition of prayer for .

How did this tradition of prayer for In our own day, Pope Francis has How about doing some reading ecumenism begin? Two American spoken about this practice of pray- about world religions? We cannot Episcopalians, Father Paul James ing for unity. He explained that this hope for the peace that unity brings Wattson and Sister Lurana White, Week of Prayer invites us to “reflect if we are without understanding. Do co-founders of the Franciscan Friars on, and bear witness to, our unity in some reading about St. Francis’ time and Sisters of the Atonement, were Christ as God’s People.” He went with the Sultan and the practices he totally committed to the reunion of on to say, that all those baptized, brought back to his community. the with the reborn to new life in Christ, are Roman . As such, brothers and sisters, despite, “our Concluding his thoughts, the Holy they started a prayer movement that divisions.” Father prayed that during this Week explicitly prayed for the return of of Prayer, the Lord would help all non-Catholic Christians to the Holy Continuing on the theme of bap- Christians to grow in that unity See. Needless to say, such an ob- tism, he said that it meant rediscov- “which is greater than what divides servance would attract few of our ering the source of mercy, which is a us,” adding, “together, may we re- separated brothers and sisters. This source of hope for all, and he under- spond to his call to share with oth- idea of a period of prayer for Chris- lined, “no one is excluded from ers, especially with the poor and for- tian unity grew from the suggestion God's mercy.” gotten of our world, the gift of di- of one day of prayer into an octave Is there someone of another faith vine mercy which we ourselves have of prayer between the Feast of St. whom you could join in prayer and/ received.” Peter's Chair on January 18 and the or worship this month? Can you Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul invite someone to join you at Mass?

Celebrating Birthdays in Bapchule, Arizona

Happy Birthday to Sister Martha Mary Carpenter (December 9) and to Sister Natalie Binversie (December 17)!! Sister Natalie is visiting from Wisconsin for the week!! Happy early BIRTHDAY to you BOTH!! Thank you for coming to visit, Sister Natalie!! Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity – St. Peters Indian Mission at https://www.facebook.com/BecomingFranciscanJoy/?fref=ts

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Sister Marella Wagner Honored for 50 years Parish Welcomes Postulant of Service and Volunteer Work Home for Christmas Break In addition to her teaching responsi- bilities, Sister Marella chaired the music department for 10 years, initi- ated and directed the popular Artist Music Series, and managed Kodály - related publications, which provided substantia l funding for graduate mu- sic scholarships. Sister Marella fre- Fr. Paul Hrezo, Pastor of Christ Our quently volunteered for multiple Light Parish, Cambridge, Ohio with events and projects, both in the mu- Tricia Oswald and on the left, Fr. Bob sic department and throughout the Borer and Bill Ditto. Dr. Chris E. Domes, president of Silver Lake college, including serving as chapel Cambridge, Ohio —The priests and College, presents Sister Marella Wagner with organist. her award for 50 years of service and volunteer- parishioners of Christ Our Light ism. Photo by Suzanne Weiss She received her Bachelor of Music Parish welcomed Postulant Tri- cia Oswald from Holy Family Manitowoc, Wisconsin — Sister Marella from Silver Lake College and her Convent, Manitowoc, Wisconsin Wagner, professor emeritus at Silver Master of Music degree in music the- Lake College, was recently honored ory and composition from the Uni- back for her vacation. Tricia for 50 years of service and volunteer versity of Wisconsin-Madison. helped out as Eucharistic Minis- ter and sang in the choir. She work. She holds the record for the Sister Marella has been an active also helped in Pastoral Ministry. most years of continuous service as a member of the international, national faculty member in the department of and Midwest Kodály associations. In It was a blessing to see and visit music at the college. addition, she has written about music with Tricia! We continue to pray for vocations! Sister Marella has been praised for for numerous publications, and has her creativity, dedication and inspira- studied and given presentations about Submitted by Sister Sharon Paul tiona l personality. music in various places, both in the and other countries. During her tenure she served in many capacities, notably as a distin- Other Sisters honored: Sister Marie guished professor of music theory. Kolbe Zamora, assistant professor of She excelled at designing and im- theology and ministry, five years of plementing a comprehensive musi- service and Sister Lorna Zemke, pro- cianship curriculum for all music ma- fessor emeritus, 45 years of service. jors, which encompassed principal Press Release from Silver Lake College by Su- aspects of music theory instruction. zanne Weiss, director of public relations. The Sisters at the Motherhouse prayed the Blessing of St. Francis over Sister Emiliana Students from St. Gregory Kayaga as she prepared to leave us Decem- School in St. Nazianz, Wis- ber 15 to spend Christmas with Sisters consin visited the Motherhouse from her Community studying in New Jer- on December 22 and sang for sey before she would return to Tanzania on the Sisters in the cafeteria. December 29 to start her work in their Community hospital.

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Franciscan Tree Calls for Prayer for Our Nation

Manitowoc, Wisconsin - There is a unique ‘prayer tree’ in our Motherhouse. Sisters and our employees are offering prayers for our nation this Christmas Season.

Photo: Omar from the Catholic Vision Sisters Honored at Yuma Parish 150th Anniversary

Sister Charleen Acker shares on the recent 150th anniversary of Immaculate Conception Parish in Yuma, Arizona. We are remembering the many needs of the common good, but The culmination of the 150th anni- more so, the unique individuals versary of Immaculate Conception who live in each state and his or Parish in Yuma was celebrated with her concerns. Mass on our feast day December 8th. Bishop Gerald Kicanas, the bishop of the Tucson diocese, concelebrated with about 20 priests from the area Sacred vessels given to the Community. along with the four priests of the par- The inscription reads: ish. The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Through Christ you came to be part our community. In the name of the parish our pastor, In Him, we celebrate it. Father Manuel Fragoso, presented Immaculate Conception Parish our Community of Franciscan Sisters Yuma, AZ of Christian Charity with a chalice, 150th Jubilee Year paten and ciborium from in grat- December 8, 2016.” Kekaha, Hawaii — Saint Theresa itude for our service here in the par- After the Mass we processed to St. School hosted the annual School ish and school for the last 86 years. Anne’s Hall where a magnificent mu- Spelling Bee December 12. Sis- Sister Natalie Binversie, our Commu- ral depicting the history of the parish, ter Mary Ann Tupy was delight- nity Director, accepted it along with its priests, diocesan bishops as well as ed to have two of her students 12 Sisters from the various Arizona Yuma history was unveiled. It con- place first and second. Hannah missions who joined the Sisters in tains about 48 pieces and was de- Brun on the left took first place Yuma for the celebration. signed by artist Audry Rocio from and Kanoe Dusenberry on the Guadalajara, Mexico. right took second place. VOLUME 51 I SSUE 1 Page 7

Sisters & Hispanic Community Honor Our Lady of Guadalupe

Greenwood, Mississippi —Balloons, beat of feet following the image in procession, the lilt of streamers, costumes and flowers voices raised in praise, the rhythms of the rosary prayed in surely signal a celebration! All these faith, the reverent faces of children honoring their heav- elements lent themselves to the cele- enly Mother, and the vibrant colors of blooms opening at bration of the Feast of Our Lady of the feet of the Virgin. By Sister Annette Kurey Guadalupe here at St. Francis Parish in Greenwood. Families bedecked a trailer with bal- loons, drapery and ribbon in the colors of Mexico where Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego. The procession ended in front of St. Francis Church where many more members of the Hispanic Communi- Bishop Larry Silva visited ty waited. Some of the families spent most of Saturday St. Theresa parish , Kekaha, preparing the church for the litur- Hawaii on December 3 & 4. He gy. The beautiful statue of the Vir- said the 5:00 p.m. Mass Saturday gin of Guadalupe was banked in December 3 and then joined the roses of every hue. Those coming leaders of the parish for a pot luck supper and discussion to celebrate brought countless in the parish hall. The next day Sunday, December 4, he more bouquets and plants so that said the 8:30 Mass and then enjoyed a pot luck dinner Mary was surrounded with the with all the members of the parish and enjoyed a lively beauties of God’s creation. Beauty discussion with the members of the parish. abounded in so many forms–the Submitted by Sister Mary Ann Tupy

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