Women, men religious celebrate anniversaries

With this issue, Chicago Catholic thanks the religious women and men who have devoted their lives to serving the people of God.  In the following pages, we honor over 200 teachers, nurses, chaplains and parish priests who have given anywhere from 25 to 90 years in service of the Lord.

Women religious 

Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes

75 years

Sister Collean Walsh was an elementary school teacher and principal, tutored in a foster grandparents program and volunteered at the Salvation Army, the St. Vincent de Paul society and St. Agnes Hospital. She served at St. Zachary, Des Plaines, and at many schools in Wisconsin. She is retired at Nazareth Court, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

70 years

Sister Mary Ellen Johnston, from St. Viator Parish, worked in elementary education and in business doing secretarial and office work. She was a volunteer at St. Nicholas School and St. Francis Hospital, Evanston; in Wisconsin; and in Arizona. She is retired at St. Francis Home, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Sister Loraine Pfannenstiel was an elementary school teacher and principal, did social care ministry and worked in the school office. She served at St. Ambrose School and St. James Parish and in Wisconsin and Indiana. She is retired at Nazareth Court, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Sister Jane Remondino was a homemaker, religious education center assistant and mailroom manager and worked in her community’s printing office. She served at St. Nicholas Convent, Evanston, and in Indiana, New York and Wisconsin. She is retired at Nazareth Center, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Sister Dolores Lytle was a teacher and administrator and worked in religious education, social justice and House of Prayer ministry. She served at St. Ambrose, Pritzker-Grinker Therapeutic Day School; 8th Day Center for Justice; and in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Kansas. She lives in retirement at her congregation’s motherhouse, St. Agnes Convent, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

50 years

Sister Denise Hermann worked in elementary education and vocation/initial religious formation ministry and now is a pastoral associate and works in liturgy and RCIA. She served at St. Nicholas school and parish, Evanston, and worked in Wisconsin. She now is the director of liturgy and RCIA at St. Maria Goretti Parish, Madison, Wisconsin.

Benedictine Sisters of Chicago

70 years

Sister Benita Coffey, from St. Gertrude Parish, worked in education, school administration and campus ministry. She served at Queen of All Saints; St. George; St. Hilary; St. Symphorosa; Mother of God, Waukegan; and in Colorado. She is the director of Benedictine Oblates and a social justice promoter in Chicago.

Sister Mary Frances Schermerhorn, a Chicago native from St. Francis Xavier Parish, Wilmette, worked in teaching and school administration and as treasurer of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago. She served at Queen of All Saints; Mother of God, Waukegan; St. Hilary; St. John Nepomucene; St. Scholastica High School; St. Lambert, Skokie; and in Colorado. She works at the British Infant School, Skokie, as a teacher and finance officer.

Sisters of St. Casimir

75 years

Sister M. Lourdine Ramoska taught primary grades and religious education and was a school administrator. She served at Our Lady of Vilna; Nativity BVM; St. Norbert, Northbrook; and in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Minnesota and Florida. She also tutored and served as receptionist and was an assistant in the treasurer’s office at her community’s motherhouse. She does ministry of prayer and presence at Franciscan Village, Lemont.

60 years

Sister M. Juline Revas, from St. George Parish (32nd Street), ministered in primary education and health care. She served at St. Anthony, Cicero; All Saints; Our Lady of Vilna; and Providence of God. She received her nursing degree and ministered as a nurse/nursing supervisor at Holy Cross Hospital and in her community’s motherhouse infirmary. She also served as vice president for Mission at Holy Cross Hospital. She does ministry of prayer and presence at Franciscan Village, Lemont.

Cenacle Sisters

70 years

Sister Mary B. Westhues did spiritual direction and retreat work. In Chicago, she was the executive assistant to the provincial and a retreat and spiritual director. She is retired in Chicago.

Daughters of Charity

70 years

Sister Marillac Grabinski, from St. James Parish, was an elementary teacher for 27 years and did parish and social ministry as a parish visitor and outreach worker. She served at St. Joseph Health Centers and Hospital; Marillac Social Center; in LaSalle and Effingham and other Illinois locations; and in Missouri, Alabama, Utah and Michigan. She now does ministry of prayer at the Sarah Community, Bridgeton, Missouri.

60 years

Sister Mary Kay Schreier, from Christ the King Parish, worked in elementary and secondary education and as a parish minister, coordinator and associate. She served at St. Louise de Marillac High School, Northfield; in LaSalle; and in Mississippi, Wisconsin, Arizona and Missouri. She is a pastoral assistant at St. Peter Claver Mission, Robbins.           

Sisters of Christian Charity

90 years

Sister Agnette Bengal ministered in provincial and local leadership; administration; social work; elementary, secondary and college education; as community treasurer and maintenance supervisor at the motherhouse; and as a seamstress and correspondent. She served at St. Gregory; St. Alphonsus, Prospect Heights; at the Sacred Heart Covent and Motherhouse, Wilmette; and at the St. Vincent Home for Children, St. Louis. She does ministry of prayer and presence at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette.

80 years

Sister Therese Fields was a primary, elementary and junior high teacher; school administrator; and a local leader in her religious community and at a parish prayer center. She served at St. Aloysius; St. Martha, Morton Grove; St. Theresa, Palatine; House of Prayer, Steger; St. Joseph and Sacred Heart Convent and Motherhouse, Wilmette; St. Mary of Celle, Berwyn; and in Louisiana and Missouri. She does ministry of prayer and presence at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette.

70 years

Sister Elizabeth Ann Buscher taught at the elementary, secondary and college levels; was an administrative assistant and coordinator for child safety at Cardinal Glennon College Seminary; and was a board member at St. Vincent Home for Children, St. Louis. She served at St. Isaac Jogues, Niles; Mallinckrodt College and Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette; and in Missouri, Minnesota and Michigan. She is the assistant coordinator of food donations for the poor and local community receptionist and holds sewing room responsibilities at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette.

Sister Mary Ann Poppler was a elementary and middle school teacher, local community leader and hospital pastoral minister. She served at Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart; St. Teresa of Avila; St. Theresa, Palatine; St. Joseph and Sacred Heart Covent and Motherhouse, Wilmette; in Westmont and Chillicothe, Illinois; and in Missouri, Michigan and Minnesota. She does ministry of prayer and presence at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette.

60 years

Sister Dolores Bozif was a teacher and worked in special education, pastoral ministry, local leadership and religious education. She served at St. Teresa of Avila; Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart; and Sacred Heart Convent and Motherhouse, Wilmette; and in Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota and Louisiana. She is the sacristan at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette, and director of the Companions of Pauline.

Sister Bernadette Voss, an Evanston native from St. Margaret Mary Parish, was a portress, homemaker and cook; pastoral minister, religious educator; director of food services for a residential facility for children; and a minister to the poor and minister of care. She served at Sacred Heart Convent and Motherhouse, Wilmette; St. Raphael Convent, Josephinum Convent, St. Aloysius Parish and in Arkansas, Missouri, Arizona, Louisiana and Minnesota. She does ministry of prayer and presence at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette.

Adrian Dominicans

75 years

Sister Jean (George Agnes) Fitzgerald worked in education, health care, administration and as a social studies consultant. She served at St. Nicholas of Tolentine; Our Lady of Loretto, Hometown; and Regina Dominican High School, Wilmette; and in New York, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia and California. She lives in retirement and does volunteer work at the motherhouse in Adrian, Michigan.

Sister Margaret Mary (Richard Mary) Heinz, from St. Felicitas Parish, worked in education, religious education, administration and pastoral care. She served at Regina Dominican High School, Wilmette; Aquinas High School; Swedish Covenant Hospital; Ravenswood Hospital; and in Michigan. She is retired and lives at the motherhouse in Adrian, Michigan.

Sister Jane (Jane Martin) Quirk, a Harvey native who is from Ascension Parish, worked in education and special education. She served at the Bartlett Learning Center, Bartlett, and in Michigan, Ohio, Florida and Tennessee. She is retired and lives at the motherhouse in Adrian, Michigan. 

Sister Ann Patrice Remkus devoted her religious life to education, administration, development and business and as a pastoral associate, service person and archives staff member. She served at St. Laurence, Burbank; Aquinas High School; Regina Dominican High School, Wilmette; St. Mary, Star of the Sea; Our Lady of Charity, Cicero; St. Victor Religious Education Center, Calumet City; in Elgin; and in Michigan, Iowa, California and Arizona. She is retired and lives at the motherhouse in Adrian, Michigan.

70 years

Sister Catherine “Kay” (Jane Patrice) Ahern, from St. Justin Martyr Parish, worked as a counselor. She served at St. Joseph, Homewood; Regina Dominican High School, Wilmette; the Juvenile Detention Center; in other Illinois locations; and in Michigan and California. She is retired in La Grange.

Sister Anne Beauvais, a Libertyville native from Santa Maria del Popolo Parish, Mundelein, worked in education, school administration, business, pastoral care and chaplaincy. She served at St. Joseph, Homewood; St. Nicholas of Tolentine; Ascension, Harvey; St. Clare Montefalco; Our Lady of the Westside; St. Cyprian, River Grove; Mercy Hospital; in Loves Park; and in Michigan and Nevada. She is retired at the motherhouse in Adrian, Michigan.

Sister Mary Alice (Francis Aline) Naour ministered in music education, music, liturgy and pastoral care and worked as an activities assistant and assistant director of worship. She served at St. Mary, Mount Carmel and St. Carthage and in Michigan and Nevada. She is retired at the motherhouse in Adrian, Michigan, and continues to be involved in music and liturgy as cantor and choir member.

Sister Mary Catherine (John David) Nolan, from St. Felicitas Parish, worked in education, school administration, music and as a campus minister, preacher, writer, lecturer, rural life director, spiritual director and retreat director. She served at Aquinas High School and St. Carthage and in Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and New Mexico. She is retired at the motherhouse in Adrian, Michigan.

Sister June (Ann Michelle) Racicot ministered in education, social work, school administration, spiritual direction and retreat work. She served at St. Philip Neri and in Michigan, Florida, Alabama and Georgia. She is retired in Woodstock, Vermont.

Sister Mary Alan (Rita Jean) Stuart worked in education, health care, clinical research and as a dietician. She served at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, and in Florida, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Indiana, North Dakota and Kentucky. She is retired in Troy, Michigan.

Sister Angela (David Mary) Susalla was an elementary and high school teacher, parish worker, catechist and pastoral minister. She served at St. Kilian, with Catholic Social Services and in Michigan, South Carolina, Florida, West Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi and the Bahamas. She is retired at the motherhouse in Adrian, Michigan.

60 years

Sister Rosemary (Maura Catherine) Abramovich was a teacher, hospital chaplain, pastoral minister, administrator, councilor and director of mission services. She served at St. Albert the Great, Burbank; Our Lady of Loretto, Hometown; St. Clare of Montefalco; Little Company of Mary Hospital, Evergreen Park; in Rockford; and in Ohio and Michigan. She is retired in Adrian, Michigan, but still is active with community boards.

Sister Mary Jane (Ann Henry) Clark worked in education and school administration and has been a retirement center resident assistant. She served at St. Clare of Montefalco; St. James, Maywood; in Rockford and Joliet; and in California. She is a senior caregiver and nurse’s aide doing home health care in Marina, California.

Sister Lois (Pauline Joseph) Paha, a Chicago native who graduated from Academy of Our Lady, has worked in education and lay ministry formation. She served in Michigan, Texas and Arizona, where she is the director of formation and pastoral services for the Diocese of Tucson.

Sister Jean (Mary Vernon) Williams worked in education and school administration and was director of mission integration and assistant superintendent of schools. She served at Our Lady of Loretto, Hometown; Regina Dominican High School, Wilmette; and St. Mary Mount Carmel; in St. Charles; and in Michigan and California. She is a hospital volunteer in Henderson, Nevada.

Dominican Sisters of Peace

70 years

Sister Mauryeen O’Brien served in education, school administration, counseling, family life and bereavement ministry. She served at St. Jane de Chantal and in the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut, and is the author of many books on grief. She ministers in prayer and service.

60 years

Sister Narcisa Nadina Barreto-Pérez ministered in education and as a Hispanic leader, bilingual secretary, religious education leader and hospital aide. She served at St. John Berchmans for 10 years and in Puerto Rico, where she now ministers.

Dominican Sisters of Springfield

60 years

Sister Marcelline Koch was a teacher, school administrator, pastoral associate, social justice advocate and congregational leader. She ministered at Our Lady of Grace and in Springfield, Carlinville, East Moline, Hardin and Bradley. She is the founding director of Project IRENE, a project of the Illinois region of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious advocating in the Illinois General Assembly for the needs of women and children, a member of the General Council of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield; a volunteer with the Dominican Leadership Conference office at the United Nations and Dominican National Co-Promoter of Justice for North America. She is the director of the Springfield Dominicans’ Office for Justice, Peace and Care of Creation.

Sister Janet Marie Pfile worked in education, school administration and pastoral ministry. She served at St. Walter School; in Cary, Aurora, East Moline, New Berlin, Quincy, Hampshire, Rockford and Decatur; and in Minnesota. She is a pastoral associate at Holy Family Parish, Decatur.

25 years

Sister Mary Jo Sobieck served at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights; in Aurora and Springfield; and in Minnesota. She is studying Spanish language and culture in Tucson, Arizona.

Sinsinawa Dominicans

70 years

Sister Richelle Schmitz, from St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, was a teacher and educational administrator. She served at St. Giles, Oak Park; at St. Mary of the Woods; and in New York, Minnesota and Wisconsin. She lives in community in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

Sister Barbara (Rosellen) Sheehy, from St. Ethelreda Parish, was a teacher and educational administrator. She served at Queen of Peace High School, Burbank, and in Minnesota; Massachusetts; Washington, D.C.; Wisconsin; and Montana. She lives in community in Milwaukee.

60 years

Sister Catherine (Anne Mary) Cox was a teacher and school administrator. She served at St. Thomas More, where she also organized and ran the Learning Center; St. Barnabas; St. Zachary, Des Plaines; St. Hugh, Lyons; St. Luke and Dominican University, both in River Forest; in Hinsdale; and was the assistant superintendent of teacher personnel for the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Joliet. She also worked in Nebraska and Wisconsin, where she is living in retirement in Madison.

Sister Beverly (Marie Judine) DiStefano, from St. Brendan Parish, taught and worked with migrant families. She served in Nebraska, Missouri, Wisconsin, Alabama, Illinois, Florida and Bolivia. She lives in community in Jacksonville, Florida.

Sister Mary (Mary Goretti) Hopkins has been a teacher, counselor, pastoral associate, spiritual director and retreat preacher. She served at St. Basil, Immaculate Conception (North Park Avenue); St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest; St. William; and in Montana, Wisconsin and Colorado. Since 2001, she has ministered as a retirement planning consultant and retreat preacher for congregations of religious women and men and for dioceses.

Sister Karen (John Ribera) Krall worked in teaching, school administration and the financial administration of religious congregations. She served at St. Thomas More; St. Louis de Montfort, Oak Lawn; St. Alphonsus/St. Patrick, Lemont; was on the congregation Investment Advisory Committee for 26 years; ministered with the Sisters of St. Francis of Joliet; and worked in New Jersey, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, where she now lives in community at the motherhouse and enjoys reading, praying and following the stock market.

Sister Denise Landers, from Visitation Parish, taught English to adults, worked in religious education and pastoral ministry and is the founder and lead teacher of the Intensive Pastoral English program. She served at St. Barnabas, was the director of the Office of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and ministered in Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa and Texas. She retired to her community’s motherhouse in Sinsinawa and has taught English to Vietnamese Dominican sisters and others.

Sister Elizabeth (Marie Caelan) Meegan, from Little Flower Parish, worked in education and school administration. She served at St. Richard and in New York, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Nebraska. She lives in community in Chicago.

Sister Ann Marie (Mary Carita) Palmisano worked in teaching and educational administration. She served at Queen of Peace High School, Burbank; St. Thomas the Apostle High School; and in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where she lives in community in Milwaukee.

25 years

Sister Laurine Brink works in graduate-level teaching and in university ministry. She taught at Dominican University, River Forest, was a professor of New Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union; was the assistant registrar on the Combined Caesarea Expeditions archeological excavation in Israel; and promotes biblical literacy through books, articles and audio and DVD series. She also has given short-term courses in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands.

Sister Elizabeth Pawlicki has ministered in pastoral and administrative services and civil law. A Chicago-Kent College of Law graduate, she was a law clerk and associate attorney at Katz Friedman Law Office and was an associate general counsel for the labor union representing Illinois education professions. She is a member of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago and currently serves on the Board of Governors. She has been a councilor on the leadership team for her congregation and is the Region 8 chair for the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and she trains people on human resources and education law as a Toolbox for Pastoral Management instructor with Leadership Roundtable, Washington, D.C. She lives in Chicago.

Felicians

80 years

Sister Mary Alodia Stozek, from St. John of God Parish, was a teacher, psychologist, archivist and general councilor. She served at Holy Innocents; St. Mary Magdalen, South Chicago; St. Hedwig, Niles; St. Stanislaus, Posen; Sts. Peter & Paul; St. James; Felician College; Good Counsel High School; Mother of Good Counsel Convent and in Centralia. She does prayer ministry at Our Lady of the Angels Convent.

75 years

Sister Mary Lucia Skalka entered religious life from St. Hedwig Orphanage, Niles. She was a teacher, occupational therapist, portress, culinarian, chauffeur and homemaker. She served at Sts. Peter & Paul; Holy Innocents; St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr, Posen; Our Lady of Good Counsel Infirmary; at her community’s Provincialate; Mother of Good Counsel Convent; in Peru, Illinois; and in Wisconsin and France. She now does homemaking and prayer ministry.

Sister Mary Carolita Turzinski was a teacher, principal, archdiocesan supervisor, provincial councilor and day care administrator and did outreach ministry. She served at St. Wenceslaus; Good Shepherd; Good Counsel High School; St. Joseph High School; Felician College; at the Provincialate; in Lombard and in Wisconsin. She does hospitality at Mother of Good Counsel Convent.

70 years

Sister Mary Francis Hopeus was a teacher, religious educator and receptionist. She served in California, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico and now is a receptionist at Mother of Good Counsel’s Information Office and does Catholic Charities phone ministry.

Sister Mary Lucy Korzekwa was a teacher, principal, religious educator and provincial administrator and she worked in the International Cord Rosary ministry. She was a local aide and ministered in the care of sisters at Our Lady of the Angels and worked in Texas, California, New Mexico and Missouri. She serves at the International Cord Rosary Center.

Sister Mary Beatrice Knipple was a teacher, school administrator, Spanish instructor and interpreter. She taught at Good Counsel High School. She is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion at St. Francis Hospital, Milwaukee.

Sister Mary Francine Lagocki, from St. Joseph Parish, was a teacher, principal and pastoral minister. She served at Holy Innocents, Good Shepherd, St. Wenceslaus, Good Counsel High School and St. Richard, where she now is a pastoral minister.

Sister Mary Theophilia Tworzydlo, from St. John of God Parish, was a teacher, manager, receptionist and local councilor. She served at St. Mary Magdalen; St. Bruno; Holy Innocents; Good Shepherd; St. Stanislaus, Posen; St. Andrew Home, Niles; in Oglesby, Illinois; and in Wisconsin and Minnesota. She now is a local councilor at Our Lady of the Angels Convent.

60 years

Sister Mary Rosalie Disterhaft taught at Our Lady of Ransom, Niles; St. Linus, Oak Lawn; and in Wisconsin. She is a tutor at St. Joseph Academy, Milwaukee.

Sister Mary Jeanine Heath was an elementary school teacher and a high school counselor. She served at St. Stanislaus, Posen; St. Bruno; St. Linus, Oak Lawn; St. Wenceslaus; Good Counsel High School; St. Joseph High School; Our Lady of Tepeyac High School; at the Provincial House and in Wisconsin. She is a spiritual enrichment facilitator and archives assistant at Mother of Good Counsel Central Convent.

Sister Mary Lea Malak taught in elementary schools, was a library and teacher aide, provided supportive services and worked in the Mercy Home phone ministry. She served at the Provincial House; St. Linus, Oak Lawn; Incarnation, Palos Heights; Mother of Good Counsel; and in Wisconsin. She now is a medical driver and medical companion at Mother of Good Counsel Central Convent.

Sister Mary Inez Moch, from St. John of God Parish, was an elementary school teacher, librarian, provincial councilor and archives assistant. She served at St. Turibius; St. Damian, Oak Forest; Felician College; Montay College; Archbishop Quigley Seminary High School; in Lombard and New Lenox; and in Wisconsin. She is an archives assistant and local communicator at Mother of Good Counsel Central Convent.

Sister Mary Jeannette Skornia was a teacher and principal in elementary schools; a member of the supportive staff at a day care center, plant manager assistant, clerical assistant to building supervisor and medical driver. She served at St. Helen; Holy Rosary, North Chicago; St. John of God; St. Linus, Oak Lawn; St. Wenceslaus; Our Lady of the Angels; in La Salle and in Wisconsin. She is the facility purchaser, works in the information office and as a medical driver at Mother of Good Counsel Central Convent.

Franciscan Sisters of Chicago

70 years

Sister Anne Marie Knawa, from Five Holy Martyrs Parish, was an educator, catechist, community historian, author and caregiver. She served at St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr; St. Louise de Marillac, La Grange Park; Madonna High School; and St. Alphonsus, Lemont. She also planned and executed exhibits for the Archdiocese of Chicago at Navy Pier and the Rosemont Convention Center; contributed five essays for “Caritas Christi Urget Nos: The History of the Centenary of the Archdiocese of Chicago” and wrote “As God Shall Ordain,” a history of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago. She is retired.

Sister Mary Colette Kwieczka, a Chicago native, worked in education, school administration and as a local minister. She served at St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr, Five Holy Martyrs, St. Pancratius, and Our Lady of Victory Convent, Lemont, and in Indiana. She now is a local minister.

60 years

Sister Emilie Marie Lesniak, from Five Holy Martyrs Parish, was an educator, school administrator, music minister, organist, choir director, formation director, general councilor, general secretary and congregational leader. She served at Madonna High School; St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr; Five Holy Martyrs; St. Patricia Parish, Hickory Hills; Our Lady of Victory Convent, Lemont; was secretary of archdiocesan principals; and director of Franciscan Sisters of Chicago Associates. She is community music minister and board member, St. Jude House, Crown Point, Indiana.

Sister M. Francis Clare Radke, from St. Pancratius Parish, worked in education, religious formation, congregational leadership and ministerial leadership. She served at Five Holy Martyrs and was chairman of the board of the Catholic Health Association. She now is general treasurer of her congregation and is a member of many other boards.

Sisters of St. Francis of Clinton, Iowa

75 years

Sister Beatrice (Mary Carita) Griffin, from St. Viator Parish, was a teacher and principal. She served at St. Gerald School, Oak Lawn. She now does ministry of prayer and presence at her community’s motherhouse in Clinton, Iowa.

70 years

Sister Donna Burke was a teacher, principal, director of formation, vocations and associates and served as a pastoral associate. She served at St. Kieran, Chicago Heights, and in Iowa. She does volunteer ministry at her community’s motherhouse in Clinton, Iowa, involving visits and calls to people who live alone or in nursing homes.

Sister Maria Zeimen worked in education, pastoral care, ministering to people with intellectual disabilities and congregational leadership. She served as president of the Franciscan Federation and was L’Arche Chicago community leader and assistant regional coordinator. She does volunteer ministry in Chicago at the Inter-Faith Committee for Detained Immigrants and at Garden Center Services for people with intellectual disabilities.

60 years

Sister Carmel Jacobs was an elementary school teacher and college art instructor and ministered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society involving homelessness prevention and family assistance. She served at St. Gerald, Oak Lawn, and in Iowa and Arizona. She now ministers in prayer and presence at the community’s motherhouse.

Sister Barbara Rosener was an elementary school teacher and has provided personal care and companionship in a nursing home and private residences. She served at St. Francis de Paula and St. Gerald, Oak Lawn, and in Catholic schools in Kentucky, California and Iowa. She is a caregiver-housekeeper for those who live alone in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

50 years

Sister Patricia Weldon, from St. Angela Parish, has worked in education, school administration, as a director of religious education and in social outreach. She served at St. Kieran, Chicago Heights, and in California. She is an associate partnership coordinator for the western region in Spring Valley, California.

Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, Iowa

70 years

Sister Gwen Hennessey taught and advocated for justice. She served at St. John Brebeuf, Niles, and Corpus Christi. She is retired in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Ruth Kleitsch was a teacher and social worker. She served at Corpus Christi and Good Counsel, Loyola University Medical Center, and in Melrose Park and Oak Park. She is retired in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Eleanor Lambert was a teacher and a licensed practical nurse. She served at Mater Christi, North Riverside. She is retired in Dubuque, Iowa.

60 years

Sister Carol Ann Berte was a registered nurse and pastoral minister who served at Our Lady of Tepeyac.

Sister Charlotte Enright worked in parish ministry, in sales and as a sales consultant. She served at St. Anne, Hazel Crest, and at Loyola Press. She is retired in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Kathleen Grace taught and did Hispanic ministry and pastoral and social outreach. She served at St. John Brebeuf, Niles. She is retired in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Mary Hauber was a music teacher who served at Mater Christi, North Riverside. She is retired in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Theresa Jungers dedicated her religious life to teaching. She served at Mater Christi, North Riverside and St. John Brebeuf, Niles. She is retired in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Jane McGrain was a teacher, secretary and bookkeeper. She served at St. Mary of the Woods, Our Lady of Mercy Mission, Mercy Home and St. John Brebeuf, Niles. She is retired in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Judy Sinnwell was a teacher and a massage therapist. She served at Sacred Heart, Melrose Park. She is retired in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, Indiana

70 years

Sister Ruth Mary (Lydia) Forthofer was a teacher, school administrator and receptionist and she ministered to retired sisters. She served at Casa Franciscana School, in other Illinois locations and in Indiana, Missouri and Ohio. She now is a volunteer at her community’s Oldenburg, Indiana, motherhouse.

Sisters of St. Francis of Rochester, Minnesota

60 years

Sister Mary Beth Burns, from St. Juliana Parish, worked in teaching, Montessori education, gerontology and administration. She worked with people with developmental disabilities as a teacher, care manager, activity director and therapist. She served at Search Development Center, St. John Berchmans School, Misericordia Home, the Japanese American Service Committee and Great Opportunities Adult Day Care Center, Skokie; and in South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. She is retired in Park Ridge and is a member of a Chicago Franciscan Life Group.

Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart

60 years

Sister Elaine Teders worked in elementary education, administration and congregational leadership. She served at St. Mary, Mundelein; Portiuncula Center for Prayer, Frankfort; and was a member of the leadership team and general secretary for her congregation. She also worked in Indiana. She now works in the accounts payable department, Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Frankfort.

50 years

Sister Kathleen Anne Copp worked in education and retreat ministry. She served at St. Mary, Mundelein; Portiuncula Center for Prayer, Frankfort; and in Indiana. She does prayer and presence ministry, Frankfort.

School Sisters of St. Francis

75 years

Sister Irene (Davidia) Daniels worked in teaching, school administration and business. She served at St. Matthias, in Winfield and in several Wisconsin locations including her congregation’s development office and for the U.S. province. In her retirement, she was a volunteer at the St. Joseph Convent Motherhouse, Milwaukee, and she now does prayer and presence at Our Lady of the Angels Convent, Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Sister Gwen (de Maria) Floryance taught at St. Joseph, Wilmette; Blessed Agnes; and at several Wisconsin locations. In retirement, she serves in ministry of prayer and presence at Sacred Heart, Milwaukee.

Sister Therese Marie (Ancille) Frey worked in teaching and school administration, as a pastoral assistant and in business. She served at St. William; Our Lady of Hope, Rosemont; in McHenry, Steger, Glen Ellyn, Johnsburg, Lombard and Peoria; and in Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin, where she also worked in her congregation’s development office and for the U.S. province. In retirement, she resides at Linden Senior Apartments, Milwaukee.

Sister Joan (Laurette) Koehler, from St. Margaret Mary Parish, taught from elementary school through college and did pastoral formation. She served at St. Martin Commercial High School, in Aurora and in several Wisconsin locations. In retirement, she does ministry of prayer and presence at Our Lady of Angels Convent, Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Sister Theresa (Edmundine) Lesnak, ministered in teaching and business. She served at St. Mary, Buffalo Grove; Madonna High School; Wright College; Smoler Brothers Company; Food Service Data Base; St. Benedict High School; St. Priscilla Convent; in Warrenville, Princeton and Peoria; and in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. In retirement, she does ministry of prayer and presence at Our Lady of the Angels, Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Sister Claire Pink was a teacher and musician. She served at St. Philomena, St. Benedict, St. Clara and St. Matthias. In retirement, she volunteers in personal services at St. Joseph Convent, Milwaukee, where she resides at Maria Linden Senior Apartments.

70 years

Sister Eleanor (Charles Marie) Blake was a homemaker at St. Martin Convent and in Kankakee, Glendale Heights and Bloomingdale. She serves in the ministry of prayer and presence at Our Lady of the Angels Convent, Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Sister Gloria (Mary Gregoria) Fews was a teacher and school administrator. She served at Holy Angels and in Colorado, Tennessee and Wisconsin, where she does ministry of prayer and presence at Our Lady of the Angels in Greenfield.

Sister Nancy (Emilia) Hansen, from Our Lady of Grace Parish, was a teacher, bookkeeper, registered nurse and criminal justice coordinator. She served at St. Benedict High School and in Texas, Florida and Wisconsin, where she now resides at Maria Linden Senior Apartments.

Sister Mary Beth (Doloretta) Minkel, a Chicago native, was a teacher and school administrator. She served at St. Joseph, Wilmette; Holy Angels; Santa Maria Addolorata; St. Helen; St. Genevieve; St. Sylvester; St. Matthias; Queen of Angels; and St. Edward. In retirement, she serves in the ministry of prayer and presence at Maria Linden Senior Apartments, Milwaukee.

Sister Julia A. (Pio Maria) Rice was a teacher, religious educator, pastoral minister, campus minister, administrator and attorney. She served at St. Benedict High School; Swidler, Patt & Swidler; Travelers & Immigrants Aid; as a sole practitioner; and for students at the University of Illinois at Chicago; in Glen Ellyn, Aurora and Rockford; and in Nebraska and Ohio. She also served in her congregation’s International Office of Mission Advancement and since 2011 has been a volunteer driver in Milwaukee.

60 years

Sister Beth Ann (Edlynn) Baricevich, from St. Joseph Parish, Summit, worked in teaching and business. She served at St. Peter, Skokie; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview; St. Joseph, Wilmette; St. Mary, Buffalo Grove; Nazareth Academy, La Grange Park; St. Joseph, Westchester; and Northwestern University, Evanston; and in Florida. She also served in public relations for her congregation’s Holy Name Province and as a vocation minister for its U.S. province. She resides in Western Springs.

Sister Carole (Jean Paul) Cierniak, from St. Ferdinand Parish, worked in teaching and school administration. She served at St. Joseph, Summit; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview; John V. Leigh School, Norridge; Notre Dame High School, Niles; and St. Joseph High School, Westchester; and was a tutor and substitute teacher in Niles, where she now lives.

Sister Donna Marie Cirone, from St. Philomena Parish, has worked in teaching and special education. She served at Holy Angels, Holy Cross, St. Gelasius, and San Miguel School-Gary Comer Campus. Since 2012, she has taught at Catalyst-Circle Rock Charter School. She lives in Chicago.

Sister Mary Catherine (John Ann) Schneider has worked in music education and liturgical music, as a curriculum director, in business and congregational leadership and as a psychologist. She served at Aquinas Dominican High School, Alvernia High School, at the Institute of Women Today, as a clinical psychologist in private practice and in Aurora, Steger, Naperville and Addison. She also served her congregation’s U.S. province as a part-time associate treasurer and since 2019 as its treasurer in Milwaukee.

50 years

Sister Carol (Carola) Rigali, from Our lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Glenview, was a teacher, school administrator, director of religious education and business manager. She served at St. Peter, Skokie; St. Joseph, Waukegan; in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Maryland; and was the provincial coordinator for her congregation’s U.S. province in Wisconsin, where she now resides in Oak Creek.

25 years

Sister Katherine Chuston, from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, has worked in business, congregational leadership, as a conflict analyst and as an attorney. She served at the Chicago Rehab Network; Catholic Theological Union; the Legal Assistant Foundation, Mount Prospect; Winston and Strawn; and Synergy Legal Professionals; and in Nebraska and in Wisconsin, where she was secretary for her congregation’s international leadership team and director of sponsorship services for its U.S. province. Since 2019, she has served as special appeals administrator for the international office of mission advancement, Milwaukee.

School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King

60 years

Sister M. David Markuz worked as a cook, in food service and as a member of the farm and grounds team. She served at Mount Assisi Convent and Mount Assisi Academy in Lemont and in Indiana. She is assistant superior at St. Joseph Convent Infirmary, Lemont, and maintains a small garden there.

50 years

Sister Jimene Alviani, from St. George Parish (Ewing  Avenue), devoted her religious life to teaching, work as a minister of care, administration and religious education. She served at St. George; Our Lady of the Angels House of Prayer, Alvernia Manor, St. Alphonsus Parish, Everest Academy and Mount Assisi Convent, all in Lemont; in Joliet, Itasca and Bolingbrook; and in Indiana, Wisconsin, California and Kansas. She is the American member of her community’s general council in Grottaferrata, Italy.

Sister Cynthia Ann Drozd, from St. George Parish (Ewing Avenue), was a teacher, school administrator, musician and parish minister, and provided care for the elderly. She served at Holy Trinity (Throop Street), St. Stephen (Cermak Road), in Joliet and in Ohio. She is the administrator at Alvernia Manor Senior Living, Lemont.

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis

70 years

Sister Rita Marie Malachinski, from Immaculate Conception Parish (South Exchange Avenue), was an elementary school teacher and principal, special education teacher and administrator. She served at St. Mary of Perpetual Help; St. Simeon, Bellwood; and Transfiguration; was a leader in the development of the Bartlett Learning Center, Bartlett, and was administrator there; and worked in Indiana. She is retired at Clare Oaks, Bartlett.

Sister Cecilia Zielen, from St. Fidelis Parish, taught biology, earth science and religious education. She served in elementary and high schools in Illinois, helping her students participate in statewide science fairs. She is retired and participates in a ministry of prayer and fostering resident relationships at Clare Oaks, Bartlett.

60 years

Sister Dorothy Monikowski, from St. Hedwig Parish, facilitated the closings and consolidation of more than 40 parishes in Cook and Lake counties in the Archdiocese of Chicago. She also serves as a consultant and facilitator to congregations and organizations in more than 20 states and Brazil. She served on the Clare Oaks Advisory Council for independent living residents and does outreach to residents at Clare Oaks, Bartlett.

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

70 years

Sister Bernadine Wachowiak was an educator and director of religious education. She served at St. Ladislaus; St. Blase, Argo; St. Michael the Archangel; St. Josaphat; St. Emily, Mount Prospect; Immaculate Heart of Mary; and St. Hedwig. She is retired and lives in Des Plaines.

Sister Elizabeth Trembczynski worked in education, health care and administration. She served at Casa San Carlos Retirement Community, Northlake; St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital; and Holy Family Hospital and Holy Family Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, both in Des Plaines, where she is retired.

Sister RoseMarie Machalski was an educator and provincial treasurer. She served at St. Hyacinth; St. Joseph Mission School; St. Camilius; St. Ladislaus; St. Michael the Archangel; St. Andrew the Apostle, Calumet City; Our Lady of Hope, Rosemont; and Nazarethville, Des Plaines. She is the business manager at the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth’s Provincialate, Des Plaines.

Sister Patricia Ann Koschalke worked in health care and education. She serves as a board member for Presence Health.

Sister Phyllis Siedlecka worked in education. She served at St. Camilius; Holy Trinity; Holy Rosary; St. Hedwig; Immaculate Heart of Mary; Assumption BVM; St. Michael the Archangel; St. Ladislaus; St. Susanna, Harvey; St. Emily, Mount Prospect; St. Andrew the Apostle, Calumet City; St. Blase, Argo; and in Indiana and Texas. She is retired and lives in Des Plaines.

60 years

Sister Karen Kellereski worked in education, pastoral care and administration. She served as a pastoral care manager and in Pennsylvania. She is a sacristan and does spiritual care at Nazarethville Place Nursing Home, Des Plaines.

Sister Catherine Fedewa has worked on immigration issues. She is a member of the Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants and the Chicago Archdiocesan Immigration Advocacy Committee; is a board member of Bethany House of Hospitality for Women and Viator House of Hospitality for Men; has ministered to detained immigrants at McHenry Detention Center, Woodstock; and currently does telephone ministry to immigrants in Kankakee Detention Center, Kankakee; has been an ESL tutor at Aquinas Literacy Center and was assistant provincial superior for her community. She now is coordinator of immigration outreach and advocacy at Cabrini Retreat Center, Des Plaines.

25 years

Sister Marta Gadzinowska has worked in health care and administration. She served in Texas and now is a medical interpreter at Presence Holy Family Medical Center, Des Plaines.

Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit

70 years

Sister Marie Angela Risi taught and did missionary work abroad and community leadership at the Convent of the Holy Spirit in Techny. She served in Mississippi and later volunteered at the Holy Spirit Life Learning Center in Rogers Park until the COVID-19 pandemic started. She is retired at the Convent of the Holy Spirit and does prayer and presence.

65 years

Sister Leonette Kaluzny worked in education, as an ESL teacher, in pastoral ministry and in administration. She served at St. David, St. Fidelis, the Holy Spirit Life Learning Centers in both Chicago and Wheeling and now is the contemplative prayer facilitator at the Convent of the Holy Spirit.

Sister Dolores Marie Kuhl ministered in education, missionary work, provincial leadership and as a volunteer. She served in missions abroad and in the southern U.S., was a provincial leader at the Convent of the Holy Spirit in Techny and did pastoral volunteer work in local nursing homes. She is retired at the Convent of the Holy Spirit.

60 years

Sister Rose Martin Glenn worked in health care ministry and administration. She served at St. Therese Hospital, Waukegan, as a pediatric nurse and Lake County Head Start where she was a health and mental health disabilities group director. She also was at St. David Parish and worked as a disabilities coordinator. She is retired and does prayer and presence at the Convent of the Holy Spirit, Techny.

25 years

Sister Julita Bele Bau worked in education and pastoral work. She does pastoral ministry at St. Anselm.

Congregation of St. Joseph

70 years

Sister Patricia Borchardt spent 26 years teaching at several Chicago archdiocesan schools. She is retired but shares her love of cooking, banking and sewing with others. She also creates animal pillows that are given to children who are in hospice or who have lost a parent to cancer or other diseases.

Sister Barbara Lord ministered in teaching, administration and with young people. She served as the prefect for primary grade boys at St. Joseph Military Academy and taught for more than 38 years at Chicago archdiocesan schools. She served as a seamstress for her LaGrange Park founding community during her retirement years.

Sister Marybeth McDermott taught primary grades for 40 years in Chicago archdiocesan schools. She was a member of the Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants for the Archdiocese of Chicago and was a team leader at the McHenry County Jail, where she provided support for detained immigrants. She attended weekly Friday morning prayer vigils in Broadview to support detainees who were being transported to area airports for deportation. She also directed her congregation’s School on Wheels program, providing opportunities for people to learn English and work toward citizenship. She is retired and remains active in prayer ministry.

60 years

Sister Therese Middendorf taught junior high math for seven years then moved into school administration at Nazareth Academy, La Grange Park, where she has served as academic dean for the past 49 years.

Sister Mary Lou Pleitner taught junior high for 25 years in Chicago archdiocesan schools. She then served as office administrator at St. Nicholas and St. Barbara parishes for 28 years. She is now the local historian at the La Grange Park Center.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

80 years

Sister Laurita Joseph Nemec taught for nearly 50 years in grade schools across the country, including Nativity of Our Lord and in Peoria and in Colorado, Georgia and Missouri. She served for 10 years as a hospital volunteer and as an aide for her province’s archives. She is retired at Nazareth Living Center, St. Louis, where she does ministry of prayer and presence.

75 years

Sister Ruth Baudhuin was a teacher and school administer for more than 30 years. She served at St. Bede the Venerable and in Missouri, Michigan, Hawaii and Japan. She worked in health care as a pastoral associate and later as a volunteer. She now lives in retirement in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where she does prayer and presence ministry.

Sister Ruth LaVar was a teacher, administrator and consultant for more than 40 years. She served at St. Viator and in Alabama, Missouri and Colorado and later was the director of personnel for her St. Joseph Provincial House and executive director of residence at DuBoung House for senior care. She lives in St. Louis, where she does ministry of prayer and presence.

Sister Christine Massman was an educator, religious education coordinator and spiritual director and worked in business. She served at St. Bede the Venerable, in Peoria and in Missouri. She was a secretary for the Salvation Army’s development office and was a spiritual director in the Bridges Retreat Program of the Spiritual Exercise of St. Ignatius of Loyola. She now lives at the Nazareth Living Center, St. Louis, where she does prayer and presence.

70 years

Sister Carolyn Strack was a teacher and pastoral minister, created religious education programs and worked as a chaplain and in business. She served at St. Viator and in Missouri, Wisconsin and Indiana. She also worked in her province’s development office. She now lives at the Nazareth Living Center, St. Louis.

60 years

Sister Helen Flemington was a teacher, principal, pastoral minister, director of religious education and is a member of her province’s leadership team. She served at Nativity of Our Lord and in Missouri. Since 2018, she has served her community as mission adviser and is on the boards of directors at St. Joseph Medical Center and Avila University.

Sister Marion Renkens was a teacher, administrator, parish transition coordinator and congregational leader. She served at St. Viator, St. Bede the Venerable and in Alabama and Georgia. She is retired and volunteers at the many organizations that support the Carondelet neighborhood.

Sister Ann L. Strizek was a medical librarian, administrator, social worker, counselor and pastoral minister. She served at St. Joseph Carondelet Child Center and in Georgia, Arizona, Oklahoma and Missouri. She lives at the Nazareth Living Center, St. Louis, where she does ministry of prayer and presence.

Sisters of the Living Word

75 years

Sister Mary Ann Zrust has been a teacher, administrator and congregational leader. She served as an associate director of the Vicar for Priests Office for the Archdiocese of Chicago, wrote Sisters of the Living Word’s congregational history and compiled its foundress’ writing. She also taught and did administrative duties in Missouri and Minnesota. She is retired and lives in Chicago, where she is an active advocate for immigration reform and justice.

70 years

Sister Colette Fahrner, from St. Raphael Parish, was a teacher, school administrator, religious educator, missionary and held leadership roles in schools, parishes and religious communities. She served at St. Martha, Morton Grove; St. Peter, Antioch; St. Gregory; and St. Ita; and in Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. She lives in Chicago and is an active advocate and presenter in the area of justice and the sustainability of the earth.

Sister Jean Krieter, from St. Henry Parish, worked with the poor and disadvantaged and served in leadership roles for her congregation. She led the community when it was founded in 1975 and worked on important foundational documents. She ministered for many years in Chicago’s inner city, in schools with deaf students, at a crisis center for teen mothers and their babies, at a domestic violence shelter and teaching future teachers. She also served in Michigan and Iowa. She now lives in Chicago.

60 years

Sister Barbara Mass, from St. Martha Parish, Morton Grove, was a teacher and congregational leader. She served at St. Martha, Morton Grove; Notre Dame High School, Niles; St. Gregory High School; and Resurrection High School; and she is actively involved in her religious community and with the formation of new members. She is retired but continues to lead Scripture studies and facilitates days of prayer at St. James Parish in Arlington Heights. She remains involved in her community’s mission as an advocate for racial justice, immigration reform and the sustainability of the earth.

Sisters of Charity BVM

70 years

Sister Helen (Clare Ann) Emerson, from Ascension Parish, Oak Park, ministered in teaching and pastoral care. She served at Holy Cross; St. Tarcissus; St. James, Maywood; Our Lady of the Mount, Cicero; in Pontiac and Bloomington; and in Iowa and Tennessee. She lives in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Patricia (St. Julianna) Kerz, from St. Hilary Parish, was a teacher and parish minister She served at St. Gertrude; Holy Name Elementary School; Blessed Sacrament; St. Agatha; St. Peter, Antioch; in Rock Island and East Moline; and in Iowa and Nebraska. She lives in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Marie (David Therese) Greaney, from St. Ferdinand Parish, was a teacher and a hospital chaplain. She served at Our Lady of Lourdes; St. Eulalia, Maywood; Holy Family Hospital, Des Plaines; Palos Community Hospital, Palos Heights; and in Iowa, Colorado and Montana. She lives in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Jacquelyn (Vianney) Rice was a teacher and pastoral associate. She served at St. Dorothy; Holy Trinity; St. Clement; St. Ita; St. Eulalia, Maywood; St. Edmund, Oak Park; and Our Lady of Loretto, Hometown. She lives in Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Mary Ellen (Ellenmae) Zimmerman taught and did parish ministry. She served at Annunciation School; St. James Parish; Lake Shore Catholic Academy; St. Mary of Vernon, Mundelein; and St. Peter, Antioch; and in California, Missouri and Iowa. She lives in Dubuque, Iowa.

Servants of Mary

60 years

Sister Ann Marie Caporale, from Annunciata Parish, taught elementary school, did pastoral ministry and was a hospice chaplain. She served at St. Domitilla, Hillside; Our Lady of Sorrows; Holy Family; St. Francis Hospital, Blue Island; in McHenry; and in New Jersey, West Virginia and Wisconsin. She is a minister of compassion, at Our Lady of Nazareth Parish.

Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

80 years

Sister Marie Gatza worked in education and school administration. She served at Immaculate Heart of Mary High School, Westchester. She ministers in prayer and presence at the congregation’s senior living community, Monroe, Michigan.

75 years

Sister Patricia Aseltyne worked in education and sociology. She served at St. Felicitas and ministers in prayer and presence at the congregation’s senior living community, Monroe, Michigan.

Sister Donna Kerr worked in music education and library science. She served at St. Felicitas and Immaculate Heart of Mary High School, Westchester. She ministers in prayer and presence at the congregation’s senior living community, Monroe, Michigan.

Sister Madonna Oswald taught religion, English and biology. She served at Immaculate Heart of Mary High School, Westchester. She ministers in prayer and presence at the congregation’s senior living community, Monroe, Michigan.

Sister Patrice Selby taught biology and history and was a school administrator. She served at St. Felicitas and Our Lady Gate of Heaven. She ministers in prayer and presence at the congregation’s senior living community, Monroe, Michigan.

70 years

Sister Margaret Babcock taught Latin and religious education. She served at Immaculate Heart of Mary High School, Westchester, and ministers in prayer and presence at the congregation’s senior living community, Monroe, Michigan.

Sisters of Mercy

80 years

Sister Mary Rosalie Fitzpatrick taught in Chicago archdiocesan elementary schools and at Saint Xavier College (now Saint Xavier University) and in Rhode Island. She volunteered visiting the sick and does ministry of prayer at Mercy Circle.

70 years

Sister Lois Graver was a teacher, computer programmer and treasurer for the Chicago Province of the Sisters of Mercy. She served at Siena High School, Saint Xavier University and Continental Bank.  

Sister Colette Jolie was a teacher and administrator. She served at Mother McAuley High School; St. Patrick McKenna, Des Plaines; Siena High School; and for nearly 40 years was executive director of the Austin Career Education Center. She is retired and does ministry of prayer at Mercy Circle.

Sister Mary Paulette O’Connell was a nurse and administrator. She served at five Mercy hospitals in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa. She became director of nursing at Misericordia in 1991, lives on-site and resides in an apartment building there that is home for 60 residents.

Sister Jean Schulte was a teacher, school administrator, director of religious education and pastoral associate. She served at St. Joseph the Worker, Wheeling; St. Raymond, Mount Prospect; St. Celestine, Elmwood Park; and in Iowa.

60 years

Sister Peg Barrett was a teacher, religious educator and chaplain. She served at Precious Blood, St. Charles Lwanga, and St. Bernardine, Forest Park; and was a religion consultant in Aurora.

Sister Joy Clough worked in education at the high school and college levels and was an administrator, leader of her congregation, writer and volunteer. She served as president of the Sisters of Mercy Regional Community of Chicago, director of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Public Information, director of Saint Xavier University’s Office of Mission and Heritage, headed many communications positions and projects for her congregation, volunteered as a naturalist with Cook County Forest Preserves and the University of Illinois Extension program and wrote of four books and many articles.

Sister Ann Flanagan worked in health care and leadership for her community. She served at Mercy Hospital for 26 years, was elected to leadership for three terms, and worked in advancement at Saint Xavier University, where she now volunteers.

Sister Karen Donahue worked in teaching, congregational work and the ministry of justice. She served at St. Cecilia, Mount Prospect; St. Catherine; Mother McAuley High School; and the 8th Day Center for Justice; was director of communications for Sisters of Mercy regional center; was advocacy coordinator, Hessed House; and now is a member of the Sisters of Mercy Institute Justice Team.

Sister Mary Shawn Grassberger was a teacher and liturgical minister. She served at Precious Blood, St. Catherine, Resurrection and St. John Berchmans and now is library manager at St. Angela and liturgy minister at St. Giles, Oak Park.

Sister Nancy Ponzi taught primary grades for 44 years. She served at St. Ita; in Streator, Illinois, and in Iowa. She especially enjoyed working with children who had difficulty learning.

Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal

50 years

Sister Regina De Vitto worked in music, liturgy, religious education, campus ministry, spiritual direction and vocation/formation ministry for her community. She served at St. Jude the Apostle, South Holland; St. Jane de Chantal; St. Gregory the Great; and in New York. She now ministers at Our Lady at St. Germaine, Oak Lawn, where she is a cantor and does liturgy planning.

School Sisters of Notre Dame

80 years

Sister Cabrini Ganz, from St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, was a teacher, artist and staff member at her community’s Generalate in Rome. She served at St. Alphonsus, St. Michael, Santa Maria, St. Paul and Academy of Our Lady Convent. She is retired in Chicago.

70 years

Sister Julice Bots, from Holy Rosary Parish, worked in education and school administration and as an assistant treasurer and as a missionary. She served at St. Constance; St. Alphonsus; St. Stanislaus Kostka; Santa Lucia; San Miguel, North Riverside; Catalyst Charter Circle Rock School; and the SSND Provincialate, Berwyn; in Rockford and Belvidere; and in Japan and Nepal. She lives in North Riverside.

Daughters of St. Paul

25 years

Sister Tracey Matthia Dugas has been director of Pauline Mission Advancement. She is a regional vocational director doing outreach in Chicago and other areas, is a public speaker about theology and spirituality and works with her community, the publisher of Pauline Books and Media and at its Michigan Avenue location.

Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ

70 years

Sister Antoinette Volk ministered in education, hospitality, hospitality management, senior care, community service and prayer. She served at Angel Guardian Orphanage, St. Augustine, United Stand Family Center and Sts. Peter & Paul Convent; in Belleville; and in Indiana. She is retired at the Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson, Indiana, and does ministry of prayer.

Sister Joan Fisher worked in education, advocacy, administration, parish ministry and community service. She served at Angel Guardian Orphanage and St. Cornelius Parish; in Belleville; and in Indiana and Iowa. She is retired at Catherine’s Cottage, Donaldson, Indiana, and does ministry of prayer.

50 years

Sister Kathryn Hass has worked in education, vocations, pastoral ministry, provincial leadership and community service. She served at St. Augustine; the Community Growth program, Cicero; and in Indiana and Minnesota. She does community service at the Convent Ancilla Domini, Donaldson, Indiana.

Sisters of Providence

80 years

Sister Agnes Eugene Cordak, from Maternity BVM Parish, was a teacher, administrator, bookstore supervisor/manager and director of maintenance. She served at St. Angela; St. Leo; St. Andrew; St. Francis Xavier, Wilmette; Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove; Cathedral High School; at other Illinois locations; and in Washington, D.C.; Massachusetts and Indiana, where she ministers in prayer in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

75 years

Sister Adele (Joseph Therese) Beacham taught at St. Andrew and St. Sylvester. She also worked in Indiana and now ministers in prayer at St. Mary of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Sister Mary Mark Dede was a teacher and chaplain who served at St. Leo, St. Angela and St. James Hospital, Chicago Heights, and in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Maryland, California, Florida and Indiana, where she now is a volunteer in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Sister Mary Lois Hennel was a teacher and secretary at Our Lady of Sorrows and Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove, and in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, California and Indiana, where she volunteers in residential services in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Sister Lois Ann Stoiber was a teacher, tutor and greeter and worked in convent services. She served at St. Athanasius, Evanston, throughout the Chicago area, in other Illinois locations and Indiana, where she now ministers in prayer in St. Mary-of-the-Woods.

70 years

Sister Noralee (Joseph Edward) Keefe, from St. Mel Parish, was a teacher and receptionist and she worked in business and convent service. She served at Maternity BVM; Mother Theodore Guerin High School and Guerin College Prep, River Grove; and in North Carolina, California and Indiana, where she works in residential services and as the treasurer for Providence Hall in St. Mary of-the-Woods.

Sister Joseph Ellen Keitzer was a teacher, director of religious education, pastoral associate and pastoral minister. She served at St. David and St. Angela; did pastoral ministry on the West Side of Chicago; and ministered in Indiana, California, Texas and New Hampshire. She now is a pastoral minister of presence for the Northwest Austin African American Community in Chicago.

Sister Kathleen (Edward Marie) Kelly, from Resurrection Parish, was a teacher, pastoral associate, minister of care and spiritual director and she did Kairos prison retreat ministry. She served at St. David; St. Andrew; Mother Theodore Guerin High School; River Grove; Queen of Apostles, Riverdale; St. Thomas of Villanova, Palatine; the Living Word Center, Arlington Heights; Dwight Correctional Center, Dwight; and in Indiana and California. She ministers as a spiritual director and volunteer in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Sister Lucille (Edward Marie) Lechner was a teacher, administrator and volunteer. She served at St. Mark and St. Leo; and in Indiana and Oklahoma. She is a volunteer and assistant administrator of Providence Hall in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Sister Marie Grace Molloy was a teacher, archivist and alumnae coordinator. She served at St. Genevieve and in Indiana. She now works in the archives department of St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, and also is the coordinator for the Indianapolis St. John Academy Alumnae.

Sister Carol Nolan taught at St. Francis Borgia, Maternity BVM and Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove, and in Indiana, California, Taiwan and Austria. She now ministers in outreach and residential services in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Sister Rosemary (Rose Clare) Rafter was a teacher and administrator at St. Andrew and Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove. She volunteers at St. Thomas Hospice, Hinsdale.

Sister Mary Lou (Mary Lucian) Ruck, an Evanston native from St. Francis Xavier Parish, Wilmette, taught at St. Leo and St. Columbkille and in Indiana, Oklahoma, Ohio and Kentucky. She ministers as a volunteer and a healing energy practitioner in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

60 years

Sister Lawrence Ann Liston taught at St. Angela and in Indiana. She is a driver in the Office of Transportation in St. Mary of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Sister Margaret (James Patrick) Lynch, from St. Mark Parish, taught at St. Alexander, Palos Heights; Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove; in other Illinois locations; and in Indiana. She ministers in prayer in St. Mary of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Sister Diane (Ann Vianney) Mason was a teacher, principal, chaplain, spiritual director and administrator. She served at St. Thaddeus; St. Leo; St. Francis Borgia; St. Alexander, Palos Heights; Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn; Institute of Religious Formation; Providence Associates as a spiritual director, Orland Park; and in other Illinois locations. She ministers as a volunteer and in the ministry of care at St. Michael Parish, Orland Park.

Sister Mary Jeanine Schubert, from St. Mel Parish, was a teacher and substitute teacher in the Chicago area, a survey operations assistant and a volunteer. She served at St. Agnes, St. Francis Borgia, Maternity BVM, with the American Medical Association and in Indiana. She ministers as a volunteer in the greater Chicago area.

Sister Maria (Maria Immaculata) Saracco, from St. Mel Parish, was a teacher, an ESL instructor and substitute teacher. She served at St. Sylvester; St. David; Maternity BVM; Chicago City Colleges; St. Benedict; St. Isaac Jogues, Niles; Wildwood School; Haugan Elementary and in other Illinois locations. She is a volunteer in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Resurrection Sisters

75 years

Sister Mary Julianne Maciuszek, from St. Anne Parish, worked in education, health care and administration. She served at St. Casimir (now Our Lady of Tepeyac); St. Mary of the Angels; St. Thecla; St. Bede, Ingleside; and at Resurrection Medical Center as an admitting supervisor, patient visitor, data processor and medical staff secretary. She now ministers in prayer at the Resurrection Life Center.

70 years

Sister Rosemary Gira, from St. Hyacinth and St. Stanislaus Kostka Parishes, was an educator at St. Casimir (now Our Lady of Tepeyac); St. Mary of the Angels; and Queen of the Rosary, Elk Grove Village; and in Indiana, Nebraska and Florida. She ministers in prayer in Chicago.

Men religious

Comboni Missionaries

55 years

Father Aldo Pozza ministered in missionary work, catechist formation and pastoral care. He served at Seven Holy Founders, Calumet Park; in California; and in Uganda. He is retired at the Comboni Mission Center, Covina, California, and helps with catechist formation.

50 years

Father John Converset ministered in missionary work, pastoral care and catechist and priestly formation. He served at the Comboni Mission Center, La Grange Park; in California, New Jersey and Ohio; and in South Africa. He is retired at the Comboni Mission Center, Covina, California, and helps with catechist formation.

De La Salle Christian Brothers

60 years

Brother Kevin Convey, a Chicago native, was a high school teacher and administrator. He served in Peoria and in Missouri and Kansas. He is retired.

Brother David Galinski, a Chicago native, has been a high school teacher and counselor. He worked in Missouri and now is a counselor at St. Patrick High School.

Dominicans

70 years

Father Vincent Blake did missionary work in Bolivia. He returned home to Chicago’s St. Pius V Priory and now lives in retirement in Chicago.

Father Walter O’Connell was a teacher and pastoral minister. He served for many years at Fenwick High School, Oak Park, ministered outside the archdiocese and now is retired at St. Pius V Priory.

50 years

Father Donald Goergen has worked in congregational administration, written books and given retreats and lectures. He served as the provincial for the Chicago-based Dominicans for nine years and has been vicar provincial since 2019.

Father Herbert Hayes has been a pastoral minister and administrator. He served as pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, River Forest, and now is a part-time vicar at St. Katharine Drexel Parish.

25 years

Father Matthew Strabala has worked in pastoral ministry, administration and teaching. He served as parochial vicar at St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest, and now teaches at Fenwick High School, Oak Park.

Holy Cross Brothers

70 years

Brother Donald James Allen, an Evanston native, taught science and was as a missionary in Ghana and Bangladesh. He served at Holy Trinity High School and Holy Cross High School, River Grove.

60 years

Brother James Edward Kozak worked in youth and pastoral ministry and as a missionary in Ghana and Liberia. He served at St. Martin, St. Felicitas and as a program associate at Life Directions.

Brother Joseph Patrick Le Bon taught English at Holy Cross High School, River Grove.

Brother Edward William Libbers taught chemistry and math. He served at Holy Cross High School, River Grove.

Brother Frederick Paul Raehsler was a nurse at Alexian Brothers Hospital, Hoffman Estates.

Passionists

60 years

Father Francis Keenan, a Chicago native, worked in congregational administration and as a chaplain. He served as director of formation for the Passionist students in Chicago, Michigan and Kentucky, and as a chaplain for 40 years at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge. He is retired at St. Benedict Home, Niles.

Redemptorists

25 years

Father John Patrick Fahey-Guerra has worked in provincial administration and leadership, formation and parish and Hispanic ministry. He is the provincial vicar, Redemptorists-Denver Province, and resides at St. Michael’s (Cleveland Avenue).

Servites

60 years

Father Conrad M. Borntrager, from Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica Parish, worked in pastoral ministry and as a provincial, historian, archivist and seminary teacher. He served at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, Catholic Theological Union and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish and in Ireland. He is retired at Our Lady of Sorrows Monastery.

50 years

Father Thomas M. Greaney was a high school teacher, director of Servite seminarians and a pastoral minister. He served at Holy Cross High School, River Grove; St. Domitilla, Hillside; and Marist High School; and in New Jersey and New Mexico. He is retired at Our Lady of Sorrows Monastery.

Father Michael M. Guimon was a chaplain, Servite vocation director, assistant provincial, Servite novitiate formator, assistant master of formation and hospital chaplain. He served at St. Gertrude, Franklin Park, and Marist High School and in various positions with his Servite community in Chicago, California and Rome. He is the prior of the Servite community and senior care minister at Our Lady of Sorrows Monastery.

Viatorians

70 years

Father Donald J. Fitzsimmons was a high school teacher and counselor and substance abuse counselor. He served at St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights; Lutheran General Recovery Center, Vernon Hills; and Keys to Recovery, Holy Family Hospital, Des Plaines; and in Peoria. He is retired.

Father Donald R. Wehnert worked in education and parish ministry. He served at St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights; St. Viator Parish; in Springfield, Peoria, Kankakee and Martinton; and in Nevada. He is retired.

50 years

Father John M. Palmer worked in education and parish ministry and as a director of music. He served at Christ the King; in Glen Ellyn and at Benedictine University, Lisle, where he is professor emeritus.

Father Erwin M. Savela, a Chicago native, was a teacher, school administrator and parish minister. He served in Kankakee, Springfield and Las Vegas. He is retired in Redlands, California.

25 years

Father Daniel R. Belanger has worked in education and parish ministry. He served at St. Viator Parish; Catholic Theological Union; St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights; in Kankakee; in Nevada; and in Belize. He is pastor of St. George Parish, Bourbonnais, and St. Mary Parish, Beaverville.

Father C. Gregory Jones worked in education, counseling, parish ministry and mission appeals. He served at St. Viator High School and the Clerics of St. Viator Province Center in Arlington Heights, St. Viator Parish; in Carbondale and in Nevada, Ohio and Florida. He is retired in Tucson, Arizona.

Vincentians

60 years

Father Hugh O’Donnell, from St. Vincent de Paul Parish, worked in education and provincial leadership. He served as provincial superior of the Vincentians in the Midwest Province and serves on DePaul University’s Board of Trustees. He is a priest in service at the DePaul Vincentian residence.

Father Robert R. Rohrich, from St. Gertrude Parish, worked in education, administration and counseling. He was a faculty member at DeAndreis Seminary, rector at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary and now is a marriage and family counselor at DePaul Center, Lemont.

50 years

Father Robert Gielow worked in education and parish missions. He was director of athletics at DePaul University, did vocation ministry at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary and is a parish missioner at the Vincentian Parish Mission Center at the DePaul Center, Lemont.

Society of the Divine Word

70 years

Father James Henry was a missionary priest in Papua New Guinea and a U.S. Navy chaplain. He also served in California. He is retired in Techny.

65 years

Father Raymond Lennon worked in education, administration and pastoral care and as a spiritual director. He served as provincial superior for the Chicago province and worked in New Jersey; Washington, D.C.; Mississippi; Canada and Taiwan. He is retired in Techny.

Father Elmer Nadicksbernd was a missionary in Appalachia and an educator, chaplain, rector, pastor and vocations director. He served in New York; New Jersey; Pennsylvania; West Virginia; Washington, D.C.; and Kentucky. He is retired in Techny.

60 years

Brother Lawrence Camilleri was a missionary in Papua New Guinea and was a pilot and mechanic for Divine Word Airways there and in Tanzania, Liberia, the Galapagos Islands, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. He also flew for Wings of Hope, a program that supports medical, humanitarian, missionary and education programs in isolated parts of the world, while ministering in St. Louis. He is retired in Techny.

Father Dennis Flynn ministered in pastoral care and vocations and was a missionary in the Philippines. He provided pastoral care to the indigenous Mangyan people in the Philippines, founded the Calamintao Project to train them in agricultural techniques and best practices and built a chapel and medical clinic in Calamintao. He is retired in Techny.

50 years

Father Stephen Bevans worked in higher education and as a missionary and author. He taught at Catholic Theological Union for nearly 30 years and now is the Louis J. Luzbetak SVD Professor of Mission and Culture Emeritus. He is a past board member of the Catholic Theological Society of America and a member of the SVD Chicago Province provincial council and a regular presider at St. Giles, Oak Park.

40 years

Father Robert Kelly, an Evergreen Park native from St. Sabina and St. Francis de Sales parishes, worked in pastoral care, higher education, vocations and philanthropy. He served as director of student activities, formation director and vocation director for the Chicago Province; was director of mission appeals for the Divine Word Mission Office, Techny; and worked in Wisconsin, Iowa and Mississippi. He is pastor of Our Lady of Africa Parish.

Father Robert Kisala, from St. Francis of Assisi Parish, was a missionary in Japan, worked in higher education and administration, is an author and was provincial superior in Japan and vice superior general at the Society of the Divine Word Generalate, Rome. He now is director of the cross-cultural training program for the SVD Japan Province, Divine Word Seminary, Nagoya, Japan.

Father Thomas Umbras worked in Hispanic ministry, retreat ministry, administration and as a missionary in Mexico for 13 years. He served at Blessed Agnes Parish; was associate producer of the Ethnic Communications Outlet; director of Techny Towers Conference and Retreat Center and also worked in California and Massachusetts. He is assigned to Techny.

Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier

25 years

Father Carlos Pereira served at St. Peter Parish, Skokie, and is the administrator at St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Niles.