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Mission Statement Called like Francis of Assisi to live the Gospel in joyful servanthood among all people, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, as messengers of peace, commit themselves to works that reverence human dignity, embrace the poor and marginalized, and respect the gift of all creation. Sylvania Franciscan SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS OF SYLVANIA, OHIO DEVELOPMENT REPORT VOL.16, ISSUE 1 THE Advancing our ministries Staying true to their mission of embracing the poor and marginalized and committed to works that reverence human dignity, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio have refocused their priorities over the years to meet the needs of an ever-changing world. Recently, they took another step in that direction and incorporated five ministries into a new organization called Sylvania Franciscan Ministries. Missions of the Sylvania Franciscan Ministries: Bethany House, a long-term shelter for victims of domestic violence, Sophia Center, a full-service counseling center for children, adolescents and adults, Rosary Care Center, a skilled nursing facility for Sylvania Franciscan Sisters, Priests and Sisters from Toledo-area communities, Associates and laity. Our Lady of Grace Hall, an assisted living facility for Sylvania Franciscan Sisters, Convent Park apartments, a senior living complex for Sisters and adults 55 and older. Answering a call to meet a need is something the Sisters of St. Francis have been doing since they came to Sylvania almost 100 years ago. The first request was from the Bishop of Toledo to teach Polish immigrants in two local Catholic schools. When the influenza pandemic of 1918 hit northwest Ohio, a handful of the Sisters put down their textbooks and took care of sick workers and their families in Gypsum, a small mining town west of Port Clinton near the shores of Lake Erie. Those two events led the Sylvania Franciscans to focus on education and healthcare for the first 50 years of their existence. But, with the declining population in Catholic schools and the ever increasing complexity of providing healthcare services, the Sisters started transitioning into other ministries in the 1970s. Their efforts expanded to justice and peace issues—serving those who live on the edge of society—and support for an aging population with a variety of elder-care needs. This latest move is a continuation of that focus. (continued on page 2) Modeling God’s Love Pope Francis has declared 2015 as the Year of Consecrated Life in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. The sixth chapter of Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations), one of the main documents produced during the 1963-65 council, addressed those called to religious life. Throughout this special year, the Pope wants to emphasize the glorious past of religious orders as well as the great things they have yet to accomplish. Goals for the Year of Consecrated Life are: Shine a bright light on the rich history of those who “follow Christ closely and respond creatively to the needs of the Church”. Live in the present with passion and “listen attentively to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church today”. Embrace the future with hope because vowed religious are “called to practice the virtue of hope, the fruit of our faith in the Lord who tell us to ‘Be not afraid…for I am with you’” (Jer 1:8). (continued on page 4)
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Newsletter March 2015

Jul 22, 2016

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Page 1: Newsletter March 2015

Mission Statement

Called like Francis of Assisi to live the Gospel in joyful servanthood among all people, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, as messengers of peace, commit themselves to works that reverence human dignity, embrace the poor and marginalized, and respect the gift of all creation.

Sylvania FranciscanSiSterS OF St. FranciS OF Sylvania, OhiO DevelOpment repOrt

VOL.16, ISSUE 1

THE

Advancing our ministriesStaying true to their mission of embracing the poor and marginalized and committed to works that reverence human dignity, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio have refocused their priorities over the years to meet the needs of an ever-changing world. Recently, they took another step in that direction and incorporated five ministries into a new organization called Sylvania Franciscan Ministries.

Missions of the Sylvania Franciscan Ministries:• Bethany House, a long-term shelter for victims of domestic violence,• Sophia Center, a full-service counseling center for children, adolescents and adults,• Rosary Care Center, a skilled nursing facility for Sylvania Franciscan Sisters,

Priests and Sisters from Toledo-area communities, Associates and laity. • Our Lady of Grace Hall, an assisted living facility for Sylvania Franciscan Sisters,• Convent Park apartments, a senior living complex for Sisters and adults 55 and older.

Answering a call to meet a need is something the Sisters of St. Francis have been doing since they came to Sylvania almost 100 years ago. The first request was from the Bishop of Toledo to teach Polish immigrants in two local Catholic schools. When the influenza pandemic of 1918 hit northwest Ohio, a handful of the Sisters put down their textbooks and took care of sick workers and their families in Gypsum, a small mining town west of Port Clinton near the shores of Lake Erie. Those two events led the Sylvania Franciscans to focus on education and healthcare for the first 50 years of their existence. But, with the declining population in Catholic schools and the ever increasing complexity of providing healthcare services, the Sisters started transitioning into other ministries in the 1970s. Their efforts expanded to justice and peace issues—serving those who live on the edge of society—and support for an aging population with a variety of elder-care needs. This latest move is a continuation of that focus.

(continued on page 2)

Modeling God’s Love Pope Francis has declared 2015 as the Year of Consecrated Life in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. The sixth chapter of Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations), one of the main documents produced during the 1963-65 council, addressed those called to religious life. Throughout this special year, the Pope wants to emphasize the glorious past of religious orders as well as the great things they have yet to accomplish.

Goals for the Year of Consecrated Life are:• Shine a bright light on the rich history of those

who “follow Christ closely and respond creatively to the needs of the Church”.

• Live in the present with passion and “listen attentively to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church today”.

• Embrace the future with hope because vowed religious are “called to practice the virtue of hope, the fruit of our faith in the Lord who tell us to ‘Be not afraid…for I am with you’” (Jer 1:8). (continued on page 4)

Page 2: Newsletter March 2015

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“Staying true to their mission of embracing the poor and marginalized, the Sisters of St. Francis have refocused their priorities over the years to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.”

(continued from cover)

“The Franciscan values and our Mission Statement call us to be women of the Gospel,” said Sister Mary Jon Wagner, Congregational Minister of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. “We respond to this through prayers and our commitment to ministry. The ministries under Sylvania Franciscan Ministries will present stronger opportunities for each of us to respond to, and live out more directly, our call to ‘Life, Mission and Ministry’ for our Sisters, and with our Sisters, as we respond to all God’s people.”

Bethany HouseFounded in 1984 by Sylvania Franciscan Sister Rose Therese Lange, Bethany House is one of only a handful of facilities in the country (the only one in northwest Ohio) that provides long-term transitional housing for victims of domestic abuse. Residents can stay for up to two years and receive housing, counseling, education and support services. They learn parenting and job skills and their children learn how to identify with their feelings and minimize any sense of shame, isolation, guilt or victimization. “Bethany House provides victims of abuse a safe haven to get back on their feet,” said Deidra Lashley, executive director. “We honor every individual’s right to live a life free from violence. The values of the Sisters guide us in reverencing each adult and child, in providing services according to best practices, and in being good stewards of our resources.”In addition to serving their own residents, staff provides education and training on domestic violence for community groups and homeless shelters and serves as a public advocate for the safety of women and children across northwest Ohio.

Sophia CenterNamed after a Greek word that means “wisdom of God”, the Sophia Center was started by Sylvania Franciscan Sister Rachel Nijakowski in 1993, with a staff of two – herself and one counselor. It has since grown into a full spectrum of therapeutic services that provide an integrated and holistic approach to inner health and well-being.When Sister Rachel completed her PhD in psychology, she came to the realization that the ability to integrate one’s faith was, for some, an important dimension of inner healing. The Sophia Staff have focused on using their own areas of expertise to assist those who seek counseling. The focus has always been on empowering women and children; however all are offered comprehensive services -children, adolescents, college students and adults. The counselors also work with Bethany House residents to help them learn the life skills necessary to have healthy boundaries in relationships. “Everyone on our staff, from the counselors and social workers to those conducting evaluations and providing clerical support, wholeheartedly believes in our Sylvania Franciscan mission of helping the marginalized.”

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Message from the Congregational Minister

Partners in Support of the Sisters of St. FrancisDear Partners,

Peace and all Good be upon you.The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania have historically been identified with our major ministries in education and health care, while deeply reflecting a Franciscan Spirituality, which is also expressed through the arts and our beautiful campus. Then the call of the Church for religious broadened – the needs of the people of God became greater and our lay partners began sharing in our ministries. As a result, our congregation moved outside the perimeters of traditional ministries. While never leaving education and health care completely, we began ministering in parishes, dioceses, mission integration, public service in care for the poor and marginalized, and supporting movements in care of all creation. Through reflection, prayer and strategic planning, we began to re-form our model of sponsorship, and re-design parts of our mission outreach. We made some very difficult decisions in our ministry in order to strengthen future ministries. We are forming a new sponsorship model for the future of our Sisters in retirement, and participation in many volunteer ministries, and ministries which address our outreach priorities, care of the vulnerable and those who need temporary and long term support. One purpose of our new sponsorship is to bring dignity and confidence to the lives we touch.We are expanding our relationships with our lay partners as we invite them to share their expertise in this new effort. We have a deep and strong history in Catholic Franciscan Education and we intend to continue this ministry through our sponsorship of Lourdes University.Moving into our future creates a need for continuing and building new structures and new relationships with partners in ministry – friends who share and are willing to support our congregation in answering the call to respond to the needs of God’s people, today and in the future.The result of our restructuring and our continued response to our ministries flows from our congregational mission which has not changed. We commit ourselves:• To live the Gospel in joyful servanthood, as• Messengers of peace,• Committed to works that reverence human dignity,• Embrace the poor and marginalized,• Respect the gift of creationIn the Peace of Francis and Clare,

Sister Mary Jon Wagner, OSF

Rosary Care CenterBuilt in 1975, Rosary Care Center was originally designed as an infirmary for the elderly Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania. Located on the Motherhouse grounds, the four-story, 76-bed facility is a licensed nursing home with Medicare and Medicaid certification, as well as accreditation by The Joint Commission, a non-profit organization that certifies healthcare organization and programs in the United States. Rosary Care has expanded and now offers skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services to not only the Sisters of St. Francis, but also vowed religious women and men, Associates of the Sisters of St. Francis, family members and lay people from the greater community.Rosary Care provides services in a vibrant setting where residents continue to be involved and contribute to their community. Many social and recreational programs provide opportunities to volunteer and be active – helping ensure their continual spiritual, physical and social well-being.

Our Lady of Grace HallOpened in 2012, Our Lady of Grace is a 17-room assisted living facility for Sylvania Franciscan Sisters who need this level of care. The single-story building includes homelike suites, its own dining area, a common space for gatherings and an outside patio. It is connected to Rosary Care Center so Sisters have access to rehabili-tation services and other amenities of the skilled nursing center. The facility is named for the statue of Our Lady of Grace that is located just beyond the assisted living facility. The statue was originally atop St. Mary’s Hospital in North Platt, Nebraska, which was operated by the Sisters of St. Francis until 1973.Our Lady of Grace Hall provides the Franciscan values of spiritu-ality, common life, stewardship and hospitality. The possibilities of growth and new life abound for all the Sisters who live there.

Convent Park ApartmentsThe Convent Park apartment complex, located adjacent to the Motherhouse grounds, is comprised of 97 units; 14 efficiency, 46 one-bedroom and 37 two-bedroom apartments. Its convenient location makes it ideal for Sisters returning to Sylvania, and is an attractive living option for lay senior citizens. A resident manager, maintenance staff and housekeeping personnel provide ongoing support for apartment residents and maintain the beauty and safety of the complex.

Ways to Help• Support the Sisters of St. Francis Retirement Fund.• Volunteer at Rosary Care Center and visit the residents.• Financially support the ministries for the marginalized

– Bethany House and Sophia Center – to help them change the lives of those living on the edges of society.

• Give a planned gift to the Sisters of St. Francis.• Consider an estate gift to the Sisters. • Pray with the Sisters in Queen of Peace Chapel.

Page 4: Newsletter March 2015

“It is worthwhile to reflect on a deep faith, a rich tradition, and spirituality that brought us to where we are and who we are today. It is this worth that gives us hope. The Year of Consecrated Life is a great blessing. It makes our hearts firm and generous as we are called to break open the beauty of the Gospels, live in the footsteps of Christ and proclaim His Kingdom.” Sr. Magdala Davlin, Trinity Health System, Steubenville, Ohio

“What struck me the most was Pope Francis’ call to live in the present with passion, to bring the Gospel to life, and to live in loving communion with all of God’s creation. All of this must be infused with a spirit of joy and hope. This is a tremendous challenge and will require constant prayer, constant dialogue and constant stepping outside of myself to remain engaged with God’s great work in us and all of creation.” Sr. Barbara Stallman, Lourdes University, Sylvania, Ohio

“Consecrated life is an ‘ancient’ path of life. Countless men and women have embraced this life over the years. I am privileged to stand in their footsteps. Like them, we live in ‘contemporary time’ deeply committed to Christ who is revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. It is truly a divine gift of grace to receive this call. Each day the Holy Spirit provides ample opportunity to listen attentively, respond creatively, and be the witness of hope in a world filled with darkness and chaos. Consecrated life allows us one avenue to connect to the true Source of All Wisdom.” Sr. Jordan Schaefer, Franciscan Care Center, Sylvania, Ohio

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Modeling God’s Love “Together let us thank the Father, who called us to follow Jesus by fully embracing the Gospel and serving the Church, and poured into our hearts the Holy Spirit, the source of our joy and our witness to God’s love and mercy before the world.” Pope Francis

A few Sylvania Franciscan Sisters share their thoughts on the Year of Consecrated Life...

“The Year of Consecrated Life is such a blessing to all religious throughout the world. The special prayer that Pope Francis has called us to pray each day brings about a sense of unity in purpose and effort for all the consecrated religious wherever they are. When we say that prayer after morning praise, I feel united

with religious I know from my days in Africa. When the daily news presents faces and places of war, hardship and violence, I am confident that, though I may not be there, there are faithful religious men and women in all parts of the world called to be the hands and heart of a compassionate God.” Sr. Julitta M. Campbell, Providence Care Center, Sandusky, Ohio

“In 1916, our Foundress, Mother Mary Adelaide built a new province with strength, fortitude and an abundance of supreme optimism and trust in God. With gentleness and love, she implanted in the hearts and minds of the young women who entered the community a

fervent spirit of charity. As we continue to develop our Franciscan Village, we are making a significant impact in the ‘field hospitals’ where we are the hands and feet of Christ. For God‘s love is expressed wherever we are, and anywhere we come together in a spirit of partnership and unity to respond to the needs of others in our fragile and broken world.” Sr. Penny Dunn, St. Joseph Health System, Bryan, Texas

“With all my Sisters I celebrate with deep gratitude the gift of our vowed life in community. Each new day is an opportunity to find meaning in life by giving it away for the good of others, and to be changed in the giving. As Sylvania Franciscans, we center our lives on Jesus,

who is the bond of our life together, and the light empowering us to radical Gospel living among all our brothers and sisters. We embrace the future with the hope that is Jesus!” Sr. Brenda Rose Szegedy, Christ the King Retreat Center, Buffalo, Minnesota

(continued from cover)

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A Time of Transition for All of Us!Dear Friend of the Sisters of St. Francis,

Spring is the ultimate time of transition from long, cold snowy nights to warm, sunny days filled with budding flowers and chirping birds. One of the few benefits of winter, with its short days and long nights, was the time it gave me to think. Using those long, cold nights to plan my transition into the colorful rebirth of spring helped me get through the sting of a bitter winter. Transitions are always challenging, but they can give us a new perspective on time. As we pause to reflect, we can add to the thought process, “how can I use my time, talent or treasure to impact others through sharing the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis?”The “others” are introduced to the Sisters every day through their ministries and rich history of responding to new needs and being ready for new transitions. The Sisters have impacted many along the way from Haiti to the dozens of states where they serve and continue to passionately execute the vision of the Venerable Mother M. Adelaide, forged almost 100 years ago. The financial support of donors to the Sisters’ ministries has cultivated a history of caring for others who are marginal-ized, and potentially unable to make positive life decisions for themselves. The Sisters have always been there to provide a foundation for the underserved so they have the time to plan for their future. For others, the Sisters have provided immediate needs like shelter, medical support or counseling, so they have the time to better navigate their personal paths of transition.I invite you to take the time, to prayerfully consider a gift in 2015 of support for the Sisters of St. Francis. Like your time and talent, it will be sincerely appreciated.

In the Spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare,

Eileen M. Kerner Director of Congregational Advancement [email protected] 419.824.3625An envelope is attached for your convenience. Thank you in advance for prayerful consideration.

Lifetime GuaranteeA Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) is a gifting option that can provide you with fixed payments for life, while at the same time, offering financial sustainability for the Sylvania Franciscans. Simply transfer cash or securities to the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio.The CGA is an irrevocable transfer which entitles you to:

• Lifelong payments with a generous return rate for yourself;

• A substantial income-tax deduction in the year the donation is made;

• Significant tax-free income;• Reduction in capital gain taxes on transfers of

appreciated securities.For information about making a planned gift to the Sisters of St. Francis, contact Eileen M. Kerner at the Congregational Advancement office 419.824.3625 or [email protected].

Thank YouWe would like to thank all those who generously supported the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio in 2014. To see the complete list of donors, go to our website, www.sistersosf.org. Donation Income 2014Through the generous support of friends, family and benefactors, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio raised the following money in 2014 to support their mission and ministries.

Operating Fund $173,627Franciscan Gala $124,951Gifts-In-Kind $22,473Retirement Fund* $113,824Facilities and Grounds $79,369Haiti Ministry $64,520TOTAL $578,764

*Includes National Religious Retirement Office Grant.

Your participation is our ticket to success:2015 Sylvania Franciscan RaffleSupport the Sylvania Franciscan ministries in human services, education, social work, religious education, parish, retreats and spiritual direction.Each $25 ticket you purchase will give you a chance to win one of three prizes each month – $250, $100 or $50 – from May to December, 2015. 24 chances!Winners will be drawn on the last Friday of each month. Tickets are included in this newsletter or call 419-824-3625 or email [email protected] for them. Help support the Sylvania Franciscan ministries today and into the future.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Annual Sylvania Franciscan Gala

Saturday, September 26thPlan to join the celebration and

help support the Sisters and their missions!

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2015 Jubilarians

Sr. M. Alicia Eagles Sr. M. Lenore Eagles Sr. M. Ann Francis Klimkowski

Sr. Margaret Metro Sr. M. Marguerite Polcyn Sr. Nancy Ann Johnson

Celebrating 75 Years

60 Years

Sr. M. Ann Lorette Piekarz Sr. Claudia M. Bronsing Sr. Diana Lynn Eckel

Sr. Martha Herkness Sr. Mary Frances Reichenberger Sr. M. Rosine Sobczak

50 Years

60 Years

Sr. Valerie Grondin

Motherhouse Road Trip Stops in SylvaniaThe A Nun’s Life Ministry Motherhouse Road Trip made a stop in Sylvania in February, and the Sisters of St. Francis met them with open arms. Sister Ann Carmen Barone, vice president for mission and ministry of Lourdes University, and Sister Sharon Derivan, a lawyer with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and a member of the Sylvania Franciscan Leadership Team, were the guests on the internet-based TV program. The podcast was conducted in front of a room full of fellow Sisters, Lourdes University students and area residents, but the online audience drew from as far away as Germany and Sweden. Two of our own Sylvania Franciscans participated in the podcast long distance. Sister Nancy Linenkugel, logged in from Cincinnati and Sister Judy Zielinski, from South Bend. “It’s not every day that one gets a chance to do voca-tion work on a global scale,” said Sister Sharon. “I was honored to have the opportunity to talk about Sylvania Franciscans—a really great group of women! For me, personally, it was challenging to put into words the beliefs and sentiments that I pretty much take for granted.” “I was fine until we put on the headphones,” said Sister Ann Carmen. “But then I looked up and saw all the smiles and felt the energy from those who had joined us, and figured that it was all about the lives, call, and dreams we share. And could I not want to share the REAL story?” A Nun’s Life Ministry was founded in 2006 by two Monroe IHM Sisters. It is conducting a series of Motherhouse Road Trips that connect local congregations of Sisters with an international online audience that is supportive of vocations and interested in the lives and works of women religious. It can be found at www.anunslife.org.

Photo: Sylvania Franciscan Sister Ann Carmen Barone, co-host IHM Sister Maxine Kollasch, and Sylvania Franciscan Sister Sharon Derivan, during their one-hour online program conducted from the Sylvania Franciscan Motherhouse.

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Sister Gretchen Kunz, OSFSister Gretchen Kunz, 75, died on All Souls Day, November 2, 2014 at the Motherhouse, after spend-ing 31 years in hospital administration in central Texas. Born in 1939 in Toledo, Ohio, Sister entered the convent in 1957 and took her final vows in 1963.Sister Gretchen was a teacher, nurse, administrator, leader and visionary in health care for 52 years. She worked as a nurse and nurse supervisor at the former Providence Hospital in Sandusky, Ohio for 16 years and then moved to Bryan, Texas, where she helped change a small hospital into a network of health care services covering a 12-county area of central Texas, known today as St. Joseph Health System. She served as President and CEO for 24 years and an additional seven in the foundation. Those who knew and worked with Sister Gretchen saw her as a visionary in health care. She truly cared about the poor and the sick. Sister was a woman of many talents who put them to work in the service of others. She was someone who influenced people with her good and positive effort to always do better.

Sister Emily Lechlak, OSFSister Emily Lechlak, 84, died at Rosary Care Center on the Motherhouse grounds on December 22, 2014. Formerly known as Sister Macaria, she was born in 1930, entered the convent in 1949 and professed her final vows in 1955. Sister Emily was a woman of many talents and interests. For more than 60 years she served in a variety of ministries. Sister taught in elementary schools in Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio for eight years; taught math in high schools in Ohio for 13 years; served as a high school principal in Michigan for five years; and was principal at two elementary schools at the same time in Crestline and Galion, Ohio for four years. Sister Emily was the first women’s basketball coach at Cardinal Stritch High School in Oregon, Ohio. She had eclectic interests and talents ranging from cooking and jigsaw puzzles to fishing, hunting for nuts and mushrooms, and camping. Sister enjoyed life, especially celebrating birthdays and holidays with family and friends.

Sister M. Laura Poplaw, OSFSister M. Laura Poplaw, 90, died February 11, 2015. Born in 1924 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and came to Sylvania, Ohio to become a Sister of St. Francis in 1938 with her twin sister, who became Sister M. Laurene.Sister Laura spent more than 70 years in a variety of ministries. She taught in elementary schools in Michigan and Ohio for 18 years. After going back to school for a degree in Medical Records, Sister worked in and directed medical records departments in hospitals in Ohio and Nebraska for almost 30 years. Ill health brought Sister Laura back to the Mother-house where she worked in volunteer ministries for the next 17 years as a switchboard operator, receptionist, sacristan helper, ward clerk, medical records clerk and finally, her Third Age Ministry of prayer. Sister Laura and her twin sister, Sister Laurene, had the privilege of living at Rosary Care Center together for the last 11 years of their lives, something they were unable to do in their earlier years, as Sister Laurene worked in schools and Sister Laura worked in hospitals.

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Sister M. Pierre Ostroski, OSFSister Pierre Ostroski, 92, died Sept. 10, 2014. Born in 1922 in Port Clinton, Ohio, Sister entered the convent in Sylvania in 1936 and professed her final vows in 1946. Sister Pierre worked in a variety of ministries, teaching for 25 years in Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio, principal for 14 years in Minnesota and Ohio, parish ministry for 20 years in Toledo, and administrative support for the Sylvania Franciscan Guild at the motherhouse for 10 years.Sister Pierre will be remembered for her love of beauty, whether it was a beautiful child, a gorgeous garden, a stunning sunrise or sunset or a matching outfit of clothes. She loved teaching and as principal, she was kind and loving to the children. Sister always had a good rapport with the parents. A unique aspect of Sister Pierre’s life was that her widowed mother entered the Sisters of the Holy Spirit in Garfield Heights, Ohio and was a member for 33 years before her death in 1975 at the age of 72.

Sister M. Laurene Poplaw, OSFSister Laurene Poplaw, 90, died Sept. 29, 2014. Born in 1924 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she came to the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio in 1938 with her twin sister, who became Sister Laura, and professed her final vows in 1947.Sister Laurene served the People of God for 70 years in a variety of ministries. She was a kindergarten and elementary school teacher for over 48 years, teaching in schools in Ohio, Minnesota, Maryland and Michigan. After spending so many years in fulltime teaching, Sister continued for another eight years as a part time tutor, librarian and office assistant. When Sister Laurene came to the Motherhouse in Sylvania, she worked as an office aide in the Sisters’ administration building and was also on the sacristan team for the Motherhouse Chapel. Sister Laurene and her twin sister, Sister Laura, had the privilege of living at Rosary Care Center, the congregation’s nursing home, for 11 years together. They could visit, pray and share meals on a daily basis, something they were unable to do in their earlier years as they were usually assigned to different convents.

Sister M. Juliana Sienko, OSFSister M. Juliana Sienko was born on November 7, 1913 and died on October 29, 2014, one week shy of her 101st birthday. Sister Juliana was the fourth sister from the Sienko family in Minneapolis, Minnesota to enter the Sylvania Franciscans. Sister Juliana served the People of God in a variety of ministries, teaching being her longest and most favorite. She taught for 23 years in elementary schools in Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota, and 30 years at high schools in Ohio and Michigan. She taught French, speech and Polish at Gabriel Richard High School in Riverview, Michigan while living in an experimental, intercommunity convent. Sister Juliana was fluent in French and Polish, and besides teaching these languages, was often called upon to translate letters and docu-ments for the Sisters. To those who knew her, Sister Juliana, was a gracious lady. Holy Cross Brother Remigius Bullinger described Sister Juliana as “gentle Sister, quietly working in peace, untouched, unscathed by worldly caprice, always doing her share, easing the burdens of others with no fanfare…your uncluttered, neat, quiet way, Franciscan serendipity infusing with love transfusing all of us.”

In Memoriam

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Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio 6832 Convent Boulevard Sylvania, Ohio 43560Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sylvaniafranciscans

The Sylvania Franciscan newsletter is a publication of the Congregational Advancement office of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio.Sr. Mary Jon Wagner, OSF Congregational MinisterSr. Theresa Darga, OSF Asst. Congregational MinisterSr. Sharon Derivan, OSF Councilor/ Congregational SecretarySr. Patricia Gardner, OSFCouncilor/ Congregational TreasurerSr. Rachel Marie Nijakowski, OSFCouncilorEileen Kerner Director of Congregational Advancement 419-824-3625 [email protected]

Shop All Good ThingsDiscover an eclectic collection of items hand-made by the Sisters of St. Francis:Artwork and printsCeramic tiles from Alverno StudioHoly Aromas soaps and lotionsLovely JewelryFair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate and gifts – and more!

ALL GOOD THINGS Sisters of St Francis of Sylvania, Ohio

6832 Convent BoulevardSylvania, Ohio 43560

419-824-3749www.allgoodthingsosf.org

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday