Women and men religious celebrate jubilees

With this issue, Chicago Catholic salutes the religious men and women who have devoted their lives to serving the people of God. In the following pages, we honor hundreds of teachers, nurses, chaplains and parish priests who have given many years in service of the Lord. Join us in offering them our congratulations.

Women religious

Sisters of St. Agnes

60 Years

Sister Barbara De Boo is retired. Born in Brookfield, the former elementary school teacher taught in Des Plaines, ministered to the homebound and bereaved and was a campus minister, guidance counselor and religion teacher.

Sister Susan Stucki is currently in volunteer ministry. A registered nurse, she spent more than 30 years in Chicago as a registered nurse working with children with HIV. She is a board member for Unity House in Chicago.

Albertine Sisters

20 Years

Sister Anna Domian ministered at Catholic Charities’ St. Blase Food Pantry in Summit.

Sister Helena Gronka served with Catholic Charities at the Lake County Food Pantry in Round Lake.

Sister Jolanta Jarosinka ministered at Catholic Charities’ St. Blase Food Pantry in Summit. 

Sister Edyta Ksiazczak served with Catholic Charities at the Lake County Food Pantry in Round Lake.

Sister Kataryna Radczuk served with Catholic Charities at the Lake County Food Pantry in Round Lake.

Benedictine Sisters of Chicago

70 Years

Sister Jane Smith was a schoolteacher and principal, having served at multiple schools. She resides at St. Scholastic Monastery in Chicago.

Sister Rita Nowak taught at several elementary schools and resides at St. Scholastic Monastery in Chicago.

Sisters of St. Casimir

75 Years

Sister Elenisa Buzas resides at Franciscan Village, Lemont, where she is involved in crochet ministry. She served in education, catechism and pastoral care, primarily in her native Argentina.

60 Years

Sister Theresa Dabulis serves at Franciscan Village, Lemont, as an advocate for sisters in skilled care and independent living. She served in education and social work at parishes in Northbrook, Pilsen and Chicago.

Cenacle Sisters

70 Years

Sister Barbara Ehrler served in retreat and spirituality ministries in a variety of Cenacle spirituality centers around the United States. She was superior general of the congregation from 1986 to 1998 and resides in Chicago.

60 Years

Sister Joyce Kemp served in retreat and spirituality ministries at various Cenacle spirituality centers around the U.S., including ministry to Spanish-speaking persons. She lives in Chicago.

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul

70 Years

Sister Judith Ann Briselden taught at schools in Louisiana, Missouri and Mississippi before teaching and serving as a principal in the Archdiocese of Chicago. She later worked in adult education and currently serves in the ministry of prayer in Evansville, Indiana.

60 Years

Sister Sheila Marie Hart was an elementary school teacher and regional vocation coordinator before returning to the classroom to teach for 16 years. She later served as a school librarian, reading specialist, computer teacher and local community superior.

50 Years

Sister Mary Beth Kubera was born in the Chicago area and has served in education, governance and administration, vocation and formation ministry, counseling and provincial leadership. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Louise de Marillac High School in Northfield and as a campus and young adult minister at DePaul University. She has also served in Mississippi, Alabama, Indiana, Missouri and South Carolina, where she is a high school counselor. (Sister Mary Beth Kubera added Nov. 1, 2023)

Sister Cecilia Ann West serves as a hospital counselor in Maryland. She served in the archdiocese as a kindergarten teacher and curriculum coordinator. She later worked in mental health counseling in Indiana and Washington, D.C., before her present assignment.

Sisters of Christian Charity

70 Years

Sister Phyllis Zierden has been an elementary school teacher, librarian and office worker. Her other ministries have included serving as a cook, laundress and sacristan and senior center ministry.

60 Years

Sister M. Joanna Ladwig instructs teachers in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and is assistant to the local leader at Sacred Heart Convent in Wilmette. She has also worked in child care and with peace and justice issues.

40 Years

Sister Theresa Marie Tran is an instructor and counselor and works in seminary formation in Quezon City, Philippines. There she also ministers at a home for the blind. She has also served in Chicago, Palatine and Wilmette.

25 Years

Sister Maria Martin Nguyen is involved in the ministry of care at parishes and hospitals at sites including Evanston, Wilmette and Berwyn.

Adrian Dominicans

75 Years

Sister Marion O’Connor was born in Chicago and ministered in education. She taught at schools in Chicago, Hometown and Wilmette.

70 Years

Sister Mary Cullen ministered in education and as a librarian, teaching at schools in Chicago, Elmwood Park, South Holland and Oak Lawn.

Sister Mary Rose Bauer served as an educator, teaching at schools in Chicago and Port Huron.

Sister Patricia McKee was born in Chicago and served in education and library science. She was also a fundraiser and volunteer with tutors. She served in Orland Park, LaGrange and Chicago.

60 Years

Sister Joyce Caulfield was born in Chicago. She worked in education, pastoral ministry, prison ministry and chaplaincy. She ministered in Puerto Rico and California.

25 Years

Sister Lorraine Rèaume is the current vicaress and general councilor for her community. Having studied in Chicago, she is co-director of the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate, which moved from St. Louis to Chicago.

Sinsinawa Dominicans

70 Years

Sister Marjorie Buttner taught at Visitation High School. She lives in community with her Dominican sisters.

Sister Marian DeGrood taught at Visitation Grade School; St. Giles, Oak Park; and St. Thomas the Apostle. She lives in community with her congregation.

Sister Jo Ann Dold taught music and piano at St. Cajetan and St. Brendan. She lives in community with her Dominican sisters.

Sister Marian Gibbons taught at St. Basil and Epiphany. She ministered as liturgist and with music at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Wheeling. She lives in community with her Dominican sisters.

Sister Sheila Griffin taught at St. Giles, Oak Park, and Sts. Faith, Hope and Charity, Winnetka. She also served as provincial councilor for the Southeast Province of her congregation while living in Chicago.

Sister Ann Halloran taught at St. Basil, St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest; Visitation High School; and St. Thomas the Apostle High School. She lives in community with her congregation.

Sister Dorothy Kennedy taught at St. Brendan, St. Cajetan and Visitation Grade School. She lives in community with her Dominican sisters.

Sister Susanne Klein taught at Visitation; St. Thomas of Villanova, Palatine; and St. Jarlath. She lives in community with her congregation.

Sister Duchesne Maxwell taught at St. Thomas More and served as assistant administrator at Queen of Peace High School, Burbank. Having also served in the Diocese of Rockford, she currently lives in community with her religious order.

Sister Mary Schlehuber taught at St. Jarlath; St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest; St. Sabina; and St. Louis de Montfort, Oak Lawn. She is lives in community with her congregation.

60 Years

Sister Mary Ellen Gevelinger taught at Queen of Peace High School, Burbank, and Trinity High School, River Forest. She ministered as dean of students at St. Thomas the Apostle and Unity Catholic and also served at Rosary College (now Dominican University) in River Forest.

Sister Charlotte Gould taught at Immaculate Conception, Epiphany and Most Holy Redeemer, Evergreen Park. A pastoral associate, she now ministers as a volunteer ESL teacher and extraordinary minister of Communion to the homebound in the Park Ridge area.

Sister Mary Margaret Murphy taught at Queen of Peace High School, Burbank, and served as principal of Trinity High School, River Forest. She lives in community with her congregation.

Sister Margaret O’Brien taught at St. Sabina. She lives in community with her Dominican sisters.

Sister Cecilia Sehr, from St. Giles Parish, Oak Park, has devoted her ministry to teaching. She has served at schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Texas.

50 Years

Sister Patricia Davis taught at St. Thomas the Apostle and served at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois in its prison ministry and family ministry for women. She also served as the organization’s associate executive director.

40 Years

Sister Roberta Popara has served as a pastoral associate and parish administrator, director of ministry care and bereavement ministry, and hospital chaplain in the student and resident programs. She is currently doing spiritual direction and volunteering in the Chicago area.

Sister Peggy Ryan has ministered in social work and theology. She is a faculty member in the School of Social Work at Dominican University in River Forest. She has also ministered in Texas, Alabama, California and Bolivia.

25 Years

Sister Lois Hoh served as a counselor at Lourdes High School and Holy Trinity High School. She is lives in community with her Dominican sisters.

Dominican Sisters of Springfield

75 Years

Sister M. Edwina Finnegan was a teacher and reading tutor at sites across Illinois.

Sister M. Alberta Lawless taught at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights; St. John Bosco; and St. Bernadette, in Evergreen Park.

60 Years

Sister Karen Freund taught at St. Bernadette, Evergreen Park. She also studied at Catholic Theological Union and DePaul University.

Sister Judine Hilbring served at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, and multiple elementary schools, including St. Irenaeus, Park Forest; Immaculate Conception; St. Michael; and St. Walter.

Sister Kathleen Kenny tutored at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, and served at other schools.

Sister Mary Lou Owens was a pastoral administrator, director of religious education, and served as St. Edward, Our Lady of Grace and St. Walter.

Sister Judith Pfile was a music teacher at St. Walter and Our Lady of Grace schools, in addition to serving at other schools. 

Sister Theodora Stremlau taught theology at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, in addition to serving at other schools.

50 Years

Sister Sharon Zayac ministered in earth literacy education and as a farm director, hospital administrator and junior high and high school teacher.

25 Years

Sister Mila Díaz Solano, a native Peruvian, has been a visiting professor at Mundelein Seminary and has studied at Catholic Theological Union.

Felicians

80 Years

Sister Agnes Marie Lewandowski was a teacher, organist and librarian. She served in several states and the Archdiocese of Chicago. She currently serves in the ministry of prayer and presence at Mother of Good Counsel Convent.

75 Years             

Sister Mary Cecilia Maczko was a music minister at Mother of Good Counsel Convent; principal at schools in Illinois; and a teacher in several Chicago archdiocesan schools. She currently serves in the ministry of prayer and presence at Mother of Good Counsel Convent. 

70 Years             

Sister Marilyn Mason served as a teacher at several Chicago archdiocesan schools and was a principal and pastoral minister in Illinois. She serves as administrative director of United Stand Counseling Center.

Sister Mary Clementia Zigmond was a teacher in multiple states and had an outreach to the elderly. She currently serves in the ministry of prayer and presence at Mother of Good Counsel Convent.   

60 Years

Sister Mary Andréa Chudzik was a teacher and principal at Chicago archdiocesan schools. She also served in several roles in provincial administration. She currently serves as mission assistant at Good Samaritan Hospital, Mount Vernon.          

Sister Mary Christopher Moore was a teacher and principal. She also served in several roles in provincial administration, including provincial minister at two sites. She currently serves in the ministry of presence at Mother of Good Counsel Convent.            

Sister Mary Lenore Omernik was an activity director, hospitality assistant, receptionist, floor supervisor and teacher in several Chicago archdiocesan schools. She currently serves as an aide at Mother of Good Counsel Convent. 

Franciscan Sisters of Chicago

75 Years

Sister Mary Joella Bielinski taught at several schools in the archdiocese. She worked in pastoral care in Indiana and served at Mount Alverna Village in Parma, Ohio.

60 Years

Sister Mary Helene Galuszka is her congregation’s general councilor and secretary. Her ministries have included education and finance and she is a licensed nursing home administrator. She also served her community in Lemont.

Sisters of St. Francis of Clinton, Iowa

70 Years

Sister Ann Martinek ministered as a teacher and administrator at schools in Missouri and Illinois and was pastoral associate and director of religious education in Missouri. She has been on the congregation’s general council and she served as associate partnership coordinator and assistant finance director.

Sister Jane McCarthy ministered as a teacher and administrator at schools in several states. She was a pastoral associate and coordinator of Hispanic ministry at parishes in Iowa and Illinois. She served her community as the general secretary, canonical treasurer and on the general council.

25 Years

Sister Kathleen Sadler ministered as activity director in the dementia units of several care facilities in Illinois and Iowa. She currently offers spiritual direction and spiritual-themed programs at nursing homes and senior living facilities. She also leads retreats in Iowa and Illinois.

Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, Iowa

70 Years

Sister Elizabeth Donahue taught at St. Mary of the Woods.

Sister Teresine Glaser taught at Sacred Heart, Melrose Park. She was also a social worker and counselor.

Sister Ella Groetken taught at Sacred Heart, Melrose Park, and St. Christopher, Midlothian.

Sister Jane Hosch taught at St. John Brebeuf, Niles.

Sister Nila Meyerhofer serves at the Franciscan Resource Center, Melrose Park. She was also a teacher and principal. She was an educator at St. Mary of the Woods; St. Christopher, Midlothian; and Sacred Heart, Melrose Park. 

Sister Nona Meyerhofer was a teacher and principal, having served at Sacred Heart, Melrose Park, and St. Anne, Hazel Crest.

Sister Janice Rosman taught at St. John Brebeuf, Niles.

Sister Selma Timp taught at St. Christopher, Midlothian.

Sister Mary Ann Wagner taught at Corpus Christi and St. Elizabeth and served at SOS Children’s Village in Lockport. 

60 Years

Sister Shirley Fineran was a teacher, social worker and director of regionalization for Catholic Charities of Chicago. She served at Sacred Heart, Melrose Park, and Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Sister Kay Forkenbrock was a teacher, advocate and massage therapist. She ministered at St. Mary of the Woods and Mater Christi, North Riverside.

Sister Sally Frommell taught at Sacred Heart, Melrose Park; St. Christopher, Midlothian; and St. John Brebeuf, Niles.

Sister Laurinda Hefel taught at St. Christopher, Midlothian.

Sister Janice Hoffman was a teacher and ministered in music and liturgy. She served at St. Anne, Hazel Crest.

Sister Virginia Jennings was a teacher and principal and worked in formation and pastoral ministry. She served at St. John Brebeuf, Niles.

Sister Melita Meyers taught at Sacred Heart, Melrose Park.

Sister Helen Nelson taught at St. Anne, Hazel Crest.

Sister Inez Turnmeyer taught at St. Christopher, Midlothian. She was also a social worker and served in office ministries.

Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

60 Years

Sister Gloria Clapperton taught at St. Gerard Majella, Markham, and at other schools in Illinois.

50 Years

Sister Lorraine T. DeFebbo taught at St. Gerard Majella, Markham, and was a pastoral associate at St. Irenaeus, Park Forest.

Sister Stephanie M. Kondik was principal of Our Lady of the Ridge, Chicago Ridge; and taught at St. Patricia, Hickory Hills; and St. Alexander, Palos Hills.

Sister Dolores M. Sanchez taught at St. Francis of Assisi and was pastoral associate at St. Procopius and Our Lady of the Angels.

School Sisters of St. Francis

85 Years

Sister Corina Stifter served in the archdiocese as a homemaker at two convents and taught at Holy Angels School. She also served in Costa Rica and Peru. She is retired and serves in the ministry of prayer and presence.

80 Years

Sister Lorraine Aspenleiter taught at St. Benedict High School. She is retired and serves in the ministry of prayer and presence at Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee.

75 Years

Sister Gerda Moehler served in Chicago as a psychotherapist at Catholic Family Counseling Service, where she also served as a clinical psychologist. She also ministered as a clinical psychologist in private practice in Chicago and Mount Prospect.

Sister Theresa Panther taught at St. Beatrice, Schiller Park. She is retired and ministers in prayer and presence in Madison, Wisconsin.

Sister Rose Marie Peters taught at Wright College. She is retired and serves in the ministry of prayer and presence at Our Lady of the Angels Convent in Greenfield, Wisconsin. 

Sister Elaine Weber taught at St. Benedict Grade School and served as a principal and teacher at St. Matthias School. She is retired and ministers as a volunteer in Milwaukee.

70 Years

Sister Joan Cecile Bonvouloir taught at St. James, Arlington Heights; St. Joseph, Summit; and St. Benedict Grade School. She volunteers for her order’s international finance office in Milwaukee.

Sister Dorothy McKeague taught at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview, and served as homemaker at St. Matthias Convent. She is retired and serves in the ministry of prayer and presence in Milwaukee.

Sister Dorothy Sinibaldi taught at St. Joseph, Waukegan, and St. Peter, Skokie. She serves in the ministry of prayer and presence in Milwaukee.

Sister Agnesetta Steffensmeier served as homemaker at St. Philomena Convent and Alvernia High School Convent. She also was assistant administrator at Cortland Manor and ministered to the elderly at Alvernia Center. 

Sister Agnes Marie Steiner taught at St. William. She is a volunteer tutor with Literacy Services of Wisconsin and resides in Greenfield.

60 Years

Sister Kathleen O’Brien served as vice president of academic affairs at American Islamic College in Chicago. She is provincial coordinator for her congregation’s U.S. province in Milwaukee.

Sister Felicia Wolf taught at several archdiocesan schools. She also served as director of religious education at several parishes. Sister Felicia was director of Loyola University’s Educare program. She is a professor at Dominican University in River Forest.

School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King

50 Years

Sister Therese Ann Quigney has been a teacher at Mount Assisi Academy in Lemont, St. Stephen Grade School and Sacred Heart in Chicago. She also worked in vocation and formation ministry and served in provincial administration. She now serves as provincial superior.

Sister Mary Francis Werner has ministered in administration, education and religious education. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Mount Assisi Academy in Lemont for 13 years and was principal there for 16 years. She also taught at St. Stephen Grade School. She now is a director of religious education in the Diocese of Joliet.

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

70 Years

Sister Theresa Marie Czarny is retired and living in Des Plaines. She taught in schools in the archdiocese from 1977 to 2013.

Sister Sally Marie Kiepura is living in Des Plaines, where she does volunteer work for the provincialate and assists in province archives. She was previously an educator, health care administrator and served in leadership roles for her order’s U.S. province. 

50 Years

Sister Kathleen Maciej is provincial superior for her community, living in Des Plaines. She was a longtime school principal and was active in congregational leadership.

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

70 Years

Sister Janice Rosinke ministered in education. She served at several archdiocesan schools and at Northern Illinois University.

Congregation of St. Joseph

75 Years

Sister Michele Elfering taught for 20 years, then served as principal another 20 years. An extraordinary minister of Communion and lector, she served her congregation and was a teaching aide. She also tutored English to those pursuing citizenship.

60 Years

Sister Jean McGue taught at the elementary and secondary levels. Currently a volunteer, she was an administrator at three schools and was a community councilor for her congregation.

Sister Sue Torgensen taught at archdiocesan schools for 10 years and worked the next 10 years in the archdiocesan religious education office. She also directed youth ministry and faith formation, and also advocated for social justice for Native American children.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

75 years

Sister Bernadette Eaton taught in Chicago and Kansas City, Missouri, before serving 52 years at St. Joseph Carondelet Child Center until it closed in 2005. She later served with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago before retiring in 2021.

Sister Jane Elizabeth Gerard taught music in elementary schools and high schools, with classes and private lessons at Fontbonne College (now University). She served at other educational institutions before starting 25 years of service in multiple capacities at DePaul University in 1987. She retired in 2012.

Sisters of the Living Word

70 Years

Sister Veronica Hoffman has served at the university level and with Catholic Charities. She has volunteered with women’s groups and parish pastoral care programs.

Sister Rita Ramos served in Hispanic parishes in the archdiocese and was bilingual coordinator of religious education at parishes in Elgin.

60 Years

Sister Jeannette Daniel has taught at several schools, including in Morton Grove. The former teacher designed 3D religious projects for Catholic school teachers. 

Sister Marilita Roy has been a primary grade teacher in Illinois, Louisiana and Iowa. She has also worked in religious education and as a Title 1 reading teacher and as a coordinator for Sisters of the Living Word associates.

Sister Luanne Wilhelm served more than 50 years as a director of religious education at parishes in Chicago and Detroit. She resides at Resurrection Retirement Community.

50 Years

Sister Elizabeth Hebert served in education as a middle school teacher and building principal.

Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

70 Years

Sister Elaine Campbell volunteers as a minister of care in Mount Prospect. She also worked as a teacher and principal.

Sister Gwen (Leontia) Farry (corrected) serves on the BVM Hunger Fund committee, Loretto NGO and Shareholder Education and Advocacy Group. She was a teacher, principal, chaplain and minister of care, and in the Archdiocese of Chicago, she ministered with the 8th Day Center for Justice and the Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants and at St. Thomas the Apostle.

Sister Margaret McGinn is retired. She served as a teacher and librarian.

Sister Patricia McNamara was a teacher and pastoral associate. She is retired.

Sister Mary Ellen Meckley volunteers with the Jane Addams Senior Caucus. She was a teacher, Chicago Upward Bound liaison worker, administrative assistant and social worker.

Sister Margaret Sannasardo volunteers as a sacristan, with the sisters’ council, as a reader and with the Sisters Development Network. She is a former teacher, principal and regional representative.

Sister Eugena Sullivan is retired. She was a teacher, served on computer staff and was a registrar.

Sister Mary Alma Sullivan served as a teacher, professor and communications commissioner. She is retired.

Sisters of Mercy

80 Years

Sister Renee Humble served in nursing, nursing administration and nursing education in Chicago and Homewood, as well as Aurora.

Sister Maura Lowrey served as an X-ray technician and elementary school teacher. She ministered in Chicago and Davenport, Iowa.

70 Years

Sister Nancy Cahill worked in education, having taught in Chicago and Wisconsin and at Saint Xavier University.

Sister Mary Hannon worked in art and art education. She taught at schools in Chicago and was a parish minister in Tennessee.

Sister Marise Kessler worked in maintenance, housekeeping, teaching and as a X-ray technician. She served in Chicago.

Sister Lenore Mulvihill ministered in education and healthcare. The former hospital vice president also taught in Chicago.

Sister Mary Sheehan worked in psychology and education. She practiced psychology in hospitals and in private practice. She served on her order’s community leadership team, was a school finance manager and was a faculty member at Saint Xavier University.

60 Years

Sister Marion Cypser is a consultant to the Big Shoulders Fund and a food basket volunteer. She is a former teacher and principal.

Sister Carlotta Oberzut has been a counselor, parish minister and educator. She has been on her order’s community leadership team and has been a social care coordinator in Chicago and Wisconsin.

Sister Paulita Walters was an educator. Now retired, she is a community volunteer. She was a teacher and administrator at schools in Michigan.  

Sister Rose Wiorek has served in education, counseling and sister formation. She has served in multiple positions at Mother McAuley High School, including president and principal, in addition to serving at other Chicago schools.

Sister Dolores Zurek has ministered in education and health care. A former teacher, she worked in respiratory and patient care and as health benefits coordinator.

50 Years

Sister Susan Sanders has served in education, leadership and administration and public policy. Having served in multiple positions at Saint Xavier University, the former Mother McAuley High School faculty member also taught at DePaul University and the University of Chicago.

School Sisters of Notre Dame

80 Years

Sister Jeanne McGue served as an elementary school teacher, director of religious education, music teacher and organist.

70 Years

Sister Lucy Giacchetti tutors and volunteers. She was an elementary school teacher and administrator. She served her congregation in Rome and at provincial offices in Berwyn.

Sister Joan O’Connell was an elementary and high school teacher. She was also in business management and as treasurer for schools and her order’s generalate in Rome.

60 Years

Sister Lupita Marie Cordero was an elementary school teacher and administrator. She is the former director of and volunteers at Corazón a Corazón, providing educational assistance to Hispanics.

Sister Catherine Sarther currently supports international students at Catholic Theological Union. She served as a teacher, adviser, assistant dean, researcher and has served her congregation’s generalate in Rome and Berwyn.

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

(added July 19, 2023)

75 Years

Sister Jeanne Marie Suerth, a Chicago native, ministered in education at St. Robert Bellarmine School and did home repairs for the elderly. She is retired.

70 Years

Sister Mary Lou Stoffel, a Chicago native, ministered in education at St. Ferdinand School and St. Robert Bellarmine School, where she was principal. She is retired.

Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ

65 Years

Sister Carleen Wrasman is involved in community service. She is a former principal at St. Henry School.

Sister Mary Josef Shingler taught at Angel Guardian Orphanage and was principal at St. Henry School.

Sister Mary Baird is a Moontree Ministry mentor and planner. She taught at St. Augustine School.

Sister Michelle Dermody is involved in community service. She taught at schools in Chicago, Hanover Park, Harwood Heights and Winnetka.

60 Years

Sister Annemarie Kampwerth lives in Breese, Indiana, and currently volunteers at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana.

Sister Coletta Wrasman is the Avita Library coordinator, an organist and spiritual guide. She was a core member of prayer ministry at the Christian Meditation Center in Chicago.

Sister Roberta Christianson is a sacristan. She served as a cottage reliever, teacher, and cottage mother at Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago.

55 Years

Sister Esther Dolezal is retired. She was a nurse’s aide at St. Elizabeth Hospital and served in administration at St. Anne Hospital.

Sister Marie Heppeler was born in Chicago. She served in several positions at Misericordia Home in Chicago and worked in teacher development and special education at St. Henry School.

Sisters of Providence

75 Years

Sister Laurette Bellamy, a Chicago native, is a parish volunteer at Sts. Francis and Clare Parish in Greenwood, Indiana. She has ministered at many locations in Indiana.

Sister Eileen Dede ministers in prayer and as a visitor for patients at Providence Health Care in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. She was a teacher at St. Mark and at St. Genevieve. She also served in Massachusetts, Indiana, Ohio, California and Florida.

Sister Jane Michael Dwyer ministers in residential services and visits patients at Providence Health Care in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. She taught at St. Leo School and St. Sylvester. She has served in Indiana and at sites along the East Coast.

Sister Dorothy Gartland ministers in residential services in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. Her ministries in Chicago included teaching, social concerns, youth service, youth services and serving as an after-school volunteer. She has also served in Indiana and Washington, D.C.

Sister James Michael Kesterson ministers in the archives department of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and Anna’s House, also in Indianapolis. She taught in the Archdiocese of Chicago at St. Athanasius, Evanston. Other ministries were in Indiana and Massachusetts. 

Sister Grace Marie Meehan was a registered nurse/charge nurse at St. Francis Hospital, Evanston; area assistant, holistic health care, coordinator of volunteers at St. Francis Hospital; and volunteer at Alexian Brothers Hospital in Elk Grove Village.

Sister Joan Mary Schaefer ministers in residential services in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. While in the Archdiocese of Chicago, she was a teacher, principal and substitute teacher. She has also served in Massachusetts, Indiana and Missouri.

70 Years

Sister Teresa Costello taught at St. Genevieve. She has also ministered in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Indiana and Florida. While in the archdiocese she taught at three schools.

Sister Mary Catherine Duffy, a Chicago native, is a document translator for the immigration office for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Center in Indianapolis. She has also served elsewhere in Indiana and in Peru.

Sister Jane Gibson ministers in prayer in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. She taught at St. Agnes and St. Mark. She also ministered in Indiana, Ohio and California.

Sister Carolyn Glynn is a driver in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. Her roles in the Archdiocese of Chicago included teacher, religious education coordinator and consultant. She also served in Indiana, California, Massachusetts and Florida.

Sister Marilyn Ann Kofler ministers as a social justice advocate for the Archdiocese of Chicago. She has also been a teacher, principal, elementary consultant and pastoral associate, and worked in the areas of in evangelization, research and planning and immigration affairs.

Sister Jeanette Marie Lucinio ministers in residential services and health care ministries in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she was a teacher, sacramental consultant, director of religious education and assistant and associate professor.

Sister Ann Paula Pohlman ministers in residential services at St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. She taught at Maternity BVM and St. Mel-Holy Ghost. She also served in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Indiana and Florida.

60 Years

Sister Jeremy Gallet was director of liturgy at St. Martha Parish, Morton Grove. She has also ministered at other locations in Illinois and in California, Indiana, Texas and Oregon.

Sister Elizabeth Koressel taught at St. Alexander, Palos Heights, and served in the personal growth program at Wellsprings in Westmont. She has also ministered in Indiana.

Sister Patricia McGlynn has served in the archdiocese as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, receptionist, director of records, scheduler, educational records clerk and academic assistant. She has also served in Indiana.

Sister Janice Ostrowski is a volunteer at Loyola Medicine’s Gottleib Hospital, Melrose Park. Her ministries in the archdiocese have included teaching, data processing, academic attendance, library supervision and technology support. She has also served in Indiana.

Sister Denise Wilkinson has served in the archdiocese as director of Pilot House at two parishes and director of formation. The former general superior for her order, she also served in Missouri, Indiana and Massachusetts.

25 Years

Sister Anji Fan taught at Guerin College Preparatory High School in River Grove and was a mission program coordinator at St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church. She has also ministered in China and Indiana.

Sister Susan Paweski taught at St. Alexander School, Palos Heights; was director of advancement and communications at Charis Ministries; and taught at St. Genevieve School. She has also ministered in Indiana.

Sisters of the Resurrection

60 Years

Sister Gloria Marie Fox was a kindergarten and primary grade teacher in three states. She also worked in preschool and day care. Her service to the poor included an orphanage in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Sister Mary Leonette Klafeta is a former elementary school teacher, nurse assistant and licensed practical nurse. Having served in hospital spiritual services, she was a local superior in her congregation.

Sister Carolyn Sniegowski has been an elementary school teacher and principal, having also taught English to young Hispanic men. She worked at nursing homes and is a former superior and councilor to her congregation.

Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo (Scalabrinians)

60 Years

Sister Maria Cigolini, whose home parish is St. Charles Borromeo in Melrose Park, was born in Brazil and ministered as a chaplain.

Sister Aurelia Koakoski is a social worker. Born in Brazil, she has also served at Villa Scalabrini in Northlake.

Sister Gloria Rossetto has ministered in nursing. Born in Brazil, she has served at St. Charles Borromeo in Melrose Park and at Villa Scalabrini in Northlake.

Men religious

Augustinians

50 Years

Father Bernard R. Danber worked in education, serving schools as a principal, teacher, and campus minister. He was also a hospital chaplain.

40 Years

Father William E. Lego has served in parish life, mission work and as a provincial. A former missionary to Peru, he was a pastor, associate pastor, and administrator. He also served as provincial to his order’s Midwest Province.

Brothers of the Christian Schools

70 Years

Brother George Fowley, a Chicago native, is retired.

Brother Richard Geimer, a Chicago native, is retired.

Brother Richard Roller, a Chicago native, is retired.

60 Years

Brother Michael French serves as sub-director of novices.

Brother Gustavo (Gus) Sinco is involved in the Environmental Sustainability Education Initiative.

Claretian Missionaries

40 Years

Bishop Emeritus Placido Rodriguez was ordained a bishop in 1983 in Chicago. He has served in Illinois and New Jersey. He has been involved in Hispanic affairs, Encuentro, as a consultor to the Provincial Council and with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Dominican Friars

70 Years

Father Richard LaPata was president of Fenwick High School and pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in River Forest, along with many other assignments. He is retired and resides at St. Vincent Ferrer Priory.

Father John O’Malley was a chaplain in the Air Force for many years and also preached for Unbound, formerly the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. He resides at Ascension Living Resurrection Village.

60 Years

Father David Delich was a hospital chaplain in Madison, Wisconsin, and at Rush Presbyterian Medical Center. For more than 25 years, he preached for Food for the Poor. He resides at St. Pius V Priory.

Father Francis Dyer served his Dominican Province as its chief financial officer and for many years worked for Christian Brothers Services in Romeoville. He is retired and resides at St. Pius V Priory.

50 Years 

Father James V. Marchionda is a composer, musician and full-time preacher. Most recently, he served his Dominican brothers in the Province of St. Albert the Great as its provincial.

40 Years

Father Mark Paraday’s primary ministry was as a missionary in Bolivia. He resides at St. Pius V Priory.

Father Michael Ruthenberg resides at St. Pius V Priory. For many years, he was a chaplain to the Little Sisters of the Poor and earlier to Dominican sisters in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

25 years

Father Scott Steinkerchner taught at several Catholic colleges and is currently the promoter of media for the province. He also administers several preaching websites and resides with the St. Martin de Porres Dominican community in Oak Park.

Conventual Franciscans

65 Years

Brother Joseph Graff began his religious life working in the printing press of the friars’ magazine Immaculata, but served the vast majority of his religious life as cook in a number of friaries, mostly at the friars’ house of studies in Edgewater. He is now retired.

40 Years

Brother Joseph Wood has served in vocation promotion and initial formation, including for several years as director of postulants and director of post-novitiate formation in Edgewater. He is currently director of novices in Arroyo Grande, California.

Congregation of the Holy Cross

(added July 19, 2023)

60 Years

Father James N. Watzke was born in Chicago and attended St. Leo Parish. He ministered in Chile before beginning doctoral work at Harvard University. He served in the psychiatric unit of Westside Veterans Hospital before working in private practice as clinical and consulting psychologist in Chicago and its suburbs, as well as preaching in Chicago and Joliet parishes. He is retired and resides at Holy Cross House on the Notre Dame campus.

Society of Jesus

70 years

Father Robert S. Sears was born in Evanston and currently resides at Columbiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan.

60 years

Father Eugene J. Carmichael, who was born in Chicago, is also marking the 50th jubilee of his priestly ordination. He currently resides at Columbiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan.

Father William J. Creed was born in and resides in Chicago. He is a teacher of Ignatian spirituality at Loyola University Chicago.

50 years

Father Gail G. Bohr resides at Ignatius House Jesuit Community in Chicago. He has served as director of mission and identity for Loyola Press.

Father James M. Dixon was born in Chicago and serves with the St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He serves in prayer and pastoral ministry.

Father Robert J. Dufford was born in Chicago. He serves with the Creighton University Jesuit Community. He is a chaplain, spiritual director and music composer.

Father Richard S. Salmi is a rector and assistant vice president for mission integration at Loyola University Chicago. He is also a university chaplain.

Father Edward Schmidt was born in Chicago and serves with the Cincinnati Jesuit Community. He is a Jesuit scholar at Xavier University and is involved in pastoral ministry.

Father Robert A. Ytsen was born in Chicago. He teaches British literature at the University of Chicago. He is also a retreat and spiritual director and is involved in parish ministry.

25 years

Father Glen Chun has been the provincial socius in Chicago since 2017. He resides at Gonzaga House Jesuit Community. He has served the province as a consultor and admonitor.

Father David A. Godleski is minister and treasurer of the Loyola University Chicago Jesuit Community. He resides at Ignatius House Jesuit Community in Chicago.

Father Timothy A. Howe was born in Chicago and lives at Residencia San Ignacio in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he is president of Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola.

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers

65 Years

Father John A. Rich, a Chicago native, is a member of his order’s senior missioner community. He had been assigned to the Philippines.

Passionists

50 Years

Father Don Webber is currently director of the office of mission effectiveness for Holy Cross Province. He served in many provincial positions, including formation at the provincial office in Park Ridge.

Missionaries of the Precious Blood

40 Years

Father William A. Nordenbrock is provincial secretary-treasurer. He has worked in administration and congregational leadership. The former moderator general for his province in Rome co-founded the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago.

Redemptorists

50 Years

Father Richard Boever is executive director of the National Shrine of Blessed Francis Seelos in New Orleans. A former pastor, retreat center director and mission team member, he served his first assignment at St. Michael Parish (Old Town).

25 Years

Father Gan Nguyen is local superior of the St. Clement Redemptorist Mission Community in Liguori, Missouri. He is a former member of the Redemptorist mission team at St. MichaelParish (Old Town).

Salesians

(added Nov. 1, 2023)

40 years

Father William Bucciferro served as the first Salesian pastor of St. John Bosco Parish from 1998 to 2007. A native of Joliet, he was ordained in Columbus, Ohio, in 1983. He entered the Salesians in 1974 and made his first religious profession in 1976. He has also ministered in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Massachusetts; and in Champaign.

Father Timothy Zak, served as pastor of St. John Bosco Parish and director of the Salesian community there from 2007 to 2013. Born in Massachusetts, he has been a professed Salesian for 40 years. He has also ministered in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, Massachusetts and Louisiana.

Servites

40 Years

Father Joseph Chamblain currently serves as pastor of Assumption Parish (Illinois Street). He has been involved in parish ministry, St. Peregrine ministry and provincial leadership.

Society of the Divine Word

65 Years

Father Thomas Krosnicki has worked in administration, including as director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy. He was also director of the SVD Mission Center in Techny, provincial of the Chicago Province for his order, and a missionary to Papua New Guinea and the Caribbean.

60 Years

Father Joseph Bugner served as a missionary to Papua New Guinea for 35 years. There he worked in pastoral care and bult the Kuli medical clinic.

Father David Streit served in administration, education and pastoral care. He is also a former pastor and assistant secretary general to his religious order.

40 Years

Father Lucien Gaudreault has served in chaplaincy, education, prison ministry, hospital ministry and as a missionary to Zaire and the Philippines.

Brother Daniel Holman has served in pastoral ministry, education, formation, philanthropy and as a graphic designer.

Father Dennis Logue served as a Divine Word brother for three decades before his priestly ordination. He has served in pastoral care, hospital ministry and prison ministry.

25 Years

Father Tan Viet Nguyen was born in Vietnam and has been a missionary in Austria and in the southern United States.

Father Adam Oleszczuk has been a missionary in the Caribbean, including Jamaica. He has also worked in pastoral ministry and youth ministry, and as provincial council to the Chicago Province of his community.

Clerics of St. Viator

75 Years

Father Arnold E. Perham currently serves as a remote volunteer for the Math Club at St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights. Over the years he has taught physics, math and religion at the high school and college levels in Springfield, Chicago and Arlington Heights.

60 Years

Father Charles G. Bolser leads a monthly women’s reflection group and celebrates Mass at local parishes. A priest for 50 years and in religious life for 60 years, he has served as a pastor, parochial vicar and provincial superior. He has been a school administrator, chaplain, teacher and social studies department chair.

Brother Patrick T. Drohan serves in retreat ministry at Villa Desiderata Retreat Center in McHenry. Since 1963, he has also helped with retreats and buildings and grounds.

Father Erwin M. Savela is retired from ministries in schools and parishes. A longtime teacher, assistant principal and principal at Bishop McNamara High School, he has also served as a parochial vicar and in residence at the parish level.

50 Years

Father Daniel T. Nolan is retired from working in schools, where he has been a director of student activities, teacher, dean of students, counselor, campus minister and college dorm rector. He has been a parish pastor, chaplain and parochial vicar.