Meet Our Sisters
If you are looking for information about a particular sister or places of ministry where our sisters have worked, click here and complete the form. Print the form and mail or fax it to us, or simply push the "Submit Request" button on the bottom of the form to send your request via e-mail.
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."
Sr. Renita Brummer
Program Director Springfield, Illinois "I shall always be a farmer’s daughter who loves the earth, the rhythm of the seasons and all things Franciscan," says Sister Renita Brummer, a Franciscan Sister for 37 years who was raised in Dieterich, Illinois, a small town near Effingham. "My vocation to be a Franciscan Sister is God’s greatest gift to me—it defines who I am; calls me to be more; fills me with hope; instills joy; sends me on mission; and is the source of all my loving." In her current ministry as program director at Chiara Center, Sister Renita says she feels blest and humbled to share in the spiritual journey of retreatants as she helps them see the face of Christ in their own lives.
Sr. Mary Anne Eckstein
Treasurer for the Congregation St. Louis, Missouri After a successful banking career in Chicago for a number of years, Sister Mary Anne Eckstein decided to listen to God calling her to a vowed, religious life as a Franciscan Sister. She has been a professed Sister now for ten years. "We often think of our home as a place or a building. Being a Franciscan Sister, I have come to know my home is being with this community and that doesn’t change, no matter where I live or minister," says Sister Mary Anne. "I always find it fascinating how God gives us varied experiences in our lives to prepare us for the next step. Becoming Treasurer for the Franciscan Sisters seemed to utilize both my banking and pastoral ministry background. While it makes perfect sense, I didn’t expect that."
Sr. Cheryl Kemner
High School Math Teacher St. Louis, Missouri "I love teaching high school math, especially upper level math like trigonometry, pre-calculus and calculus. I also enjoy my work with the Student Council—listening and working with them invigorates me because they are so enthusiastic about what they want to do for the students and the school." Sister Cheryl was Student Council advisor of the year in 2001, Southern Association Student Council advisor of the year in 2001 and one of eight finalists for the Warren E. Shull award for national advisor of the year. Sister Cheryl Kemner was taught by Sister Evangeline from 1st through 4th grade at Immaculate Conception Parish in Augusta, Missouri. "I believe she (Sister Evangeline) had the most influence on my becoming a sister in our community. It seems that I always wanted to be a teacher and sister like her."
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."
Sr. Georgette Lehmuth
President and CEO Hempstead, New York Born and raised in University City, a suburb of St. Louis, Sister Georgette has been a Sister for 39 years. "As President of National Catholic Development Conference, the largest association of religious organizations that raise funds for charitable purposes, I have the honor and privilege of representing groups whose missions are all gospel-centered," says Sister Georgette. "Our members transform the lives of those most in need. It is my joy to provide services to help them meet these needs while providing a network of support for each other. It provides me with so many opportunities to be about our Franciscan mission of proclaiming the gospel with hope and joy."
Sr. Joann Nowak
Program Director St. Louis, Missouri A Franciscan Sister for 46 years, Sister Joann Nowak is grateful to God for calling her to be a Franciscan. The ideals of St. Francis, a universal character of peace and a creature in love with the Creator, is one she finds needed in our times. "This community of Franciscans gives me pride for its work with those who struggle particularly in rural school and church communities, the aged, the segregated, the immigrant, the sick and injured. I am challenged by my ministry of sheltering the homeless. Society is challenged by this as well. I most enjoy the times that my staff and I help a family to become self-reliant once more. I am humbled when God works through me to renew someone’s courage and hope."
Sr. Colleen Olsen
Nurse, Brain Injury Unit St. Louis, Missouri Recalling the day she entered the convent in September, 1958, Sister Colleen said, "As my parents and I walked up to the front door of the Motherhouse, we were greeted by Sister Narcissa. She had just gotten off a tractor, having mowed the lawn. Her face was radiant and weathered by the sun. She was always so kind and gentle. Many years later, I was privileged to care for her on her death bed." Born and raised on the southwest side of Chicago, Sister Colleen Olsen, RN, sees the essential part of her call to Gospel conversion is care towards those who are sick. "Serving the sick for me is to ‘follow in the footsteps of Christ’ who embraced all the people of this world." Sister Colleen has made several mission trips to El Salvador where she worked with medical personnel, treating patients in remote areas of that country. She looks forward to going back again.
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!