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Franciscans for Earth
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Pace e Bene! 2008
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Deceased Sisters
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Nine Sisters to celebrate Jubilee on June 21
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Sister Stephanie Marie
Sr. Stephanie Marie Kondik
Elementary School Principal Chicago, Illinois "All of the Sisters who taught at Sacred Heart of Mary in Weirton, West Virginia, had an impact on my decision to become a Franciscan. Sister Marlene Geppert, my fourth grade teacher, embodied my idea of a Sister. She was fun and alive and human," says Sister Stephanie, a Franciscan Sister for 34 years. "I am awed and humbled to be a follower of Francis and Clare in the 21st century. My Sisters and I make efforts to live out the same gospel values of Francis and Clare. My ministry as an elementary school principal is a blessing that has brought marvelous faith-filled adults into my life. Working with children of all ages is a true delight. I strive to create a nurturing, spiritual, safe environment in which my students can learn and experience God."Sister Julia Marie
Sr. Julia Marie Bathon
Spiritual Director/Retreat Director Stockton, Illinois "I love being at Christ in the Wilderness because I stand in awe of the spiritual journey of those who come here to renew, refresh and rejoice in God in their life. It is a sacred space that is open to God in all people and in all creation. Because I love gardening, I grow lots of flowers and vegetables. I live on 80 acres that has lots of wild fruits which I pick and make jams and jellies to sell for the retreat center. As a Franciscan Sister of our Lady of Perpetual Help (for 34 years), I am able to journey with those around me and all creation as brother and sister. I look for God in all the events of my life as Francis and Clare did."Sister Patricia
Sr. Patricia Paczosa
Elementary Teacher Imperial, Missouri A native of Silver Creek, Nebraska, Sister Pat has been a Franciscan Sister and a teacher for 30 years. “Being a teacher is a grace that is given by God to help the children know God and God’s love for them.” Sister Pat said that Sister Rita Schodzinski influenced her life by her example of service to her sisters and the people she served. In her free time, Sister Pat loves to fish and she swims for exercise. One of her hobbies is astronomy, or, as she states simply, “watching the stars in the sky.” Her favorite animal is a horse—not surprising for a farmer’s daughter!