Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks And serve Him...

Spring 2007 • VOL. 25 nO. 2

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanksAnd serve Him with great humility.

� Our JOurney • Spring 2007 FranciScan SiSterS OF LittLe FaLLS, MinneSOta

Peace and all goodness to you this year of 2007! Since I last wrote to you I’ve had the privilege of reading the many cards and messages sent to us at Christmas time. I am

deeply touched by you, our friends, who have sent us greetings and gifts. Thank you for who you are to us and for your generosity in sharing your resources with us. As I read your notes, asking for us to remember you in prayer, I went through a wide range of emotions—sadness to joy! I assure you that each of your letters was read. You asked us to pray for those who were ill with all kinds of physical diseases, notably cancer and heart disease. We pray for you. You asked us to pray for those with mental disorders—depression and anxiety and relationship problems. We pray for you. You asked us to pray for spiritual awakening and conversion to a deeper life with God and openness to receiving God’s tender love and care. We pray for you. You asked us to rejoice with you for favors granted and health restored. We pray for you and rejoice with you. It is with deep pain that I read of family members who were killed or wounded while serving in the military. We pray for you. We live in a time when violence is ever present in our neighborhoods, in our country and in our world. Unless we are hardened by the constant news coverage of killings, we experience fear and terror in our own hearts for those who are daily in the face of violent behavior and bloodshed. We pray and we also work for health and for peace. Throughout this issue of Our Journey, you will find many ways that the Franciscan Sisters, Associates and those working with us are challenged by the cries for justice and peace in our world. Thank you, again, for you, our dear friends, who journey with us in 2007 as we work together to make our world a world where all can live healthy and peace-filled lives.

Blessings be to you,


Our Journey is published three times a year by the Community Relations Department of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, for donors, friends, relatives and employees. This publication shares the journeys of our sisters and associates as they work in joyful service in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare.

Editorial Team:Deanna V. Boone, director of Community RelationsElizabeth Mahoney Rydeen, editorJan Roering, editorial assistant Maria Traut, publications specialistSister Mary C. ObowaSister Bernice EbnerSister Elise SaggauSister Grace SkwiraJudy Virnig

Proofreader: Sister Mary Goretti Lampert

Cover Illustration: Giustina De Toni Artwork

Printed by:Spectrum Printing, Little Falls, MNwww.spectrumprt.com

To receive this publication, please contact:

Community Relations Dept. Franciscan Sisters

of Little Falls, Minnesota116 8th Avenue SE

Little Falls, MN 56345 Phone: 320-632-2981

[email protected] • www.fslf.org

Our Mission: We, Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, are a community of women religious whose members are called to a life of prayer, simple living and service to those in need in the spirit of Saints Clare and Francis of Assisi. We are committed to nonviolence as we work to heal and serve the poor, the oppressed, the abandoned and the most vulnerable in our society. We seek to build communities of peace and justice wherever we are called to serve.

Dear Friends of the Franciscans,

Sister Mary Cassilda ObowaCommunity Minister

FranciScan SiSterS OF LittLe FaLLS, MinneSOta Our JOurney • Spring 2007 3

The Rule of the Franciscan Third Order Regular: Twenty-fi fth Anniversary

In 1982, sisters and brothers of the Franciscan Third Order Regular throughout the world

saw a decade-long process of study and self-examination come to fruition. They rearticulated their 800-year-old “Form of Life” to give expression to a renewed understanding of their heritage and to infuse a new spirit into their living. For 800 years, this “Rule” has had a number of different expressions, usually articulated by clerics who did not actually live it. In a post-Vatican II environment, however, Third Order Regular members themselves came together from many parts of the world to re-examine their life form. Together, they composed a new expression, more authentically grounded in the original spirit of the tradition. Contributing to this effort was greater access to reliable translations of the writings of Saints Francis and Clare and to the documents that record the early development of the Order. During 2007, Our Journey will offer some history and interpretation of what it means to live by a Rule of Life in the Church and examine how the Rule of 1982 guides Third Order Regular Franciscans in living authentically their spiritual heritage. A religious rule is a guide. It makes a way of living recognizable. In and of itself it is lifeless—simply words on a page.

But when it is accepted as a vehicle of the Spirit, it is an instrument of grace and life for those who follow it. Such rules articulate “wisdom traditions” in the Church—different yet authentic ways of living the Gospel life together. A rule results when a group of persons experience a valuable and effective way of living the Gospel and desire to pass this on to future generations. One of the ways most familiar to us is the “monastic” life form. Its best-known expression is the Rule of Saint Benedict (6th century). “It is astonishing to realize that a rule written in the early years of the sixth century is still used today and all over the world. The secret of the survival of the rule in living communities down the centuries lies . . . in the simple fact that it is founded on a true understanding of the nature and ultimate purpose of human life. It is one way in which individuals are called to become more fully human.” (Cardinal Hume, “St. Benedict: Ideas on Leadership,” Origins, Sept., 1996, p. 137.) Francis, 700 years after Benedict, did not start out to create a new religious order; nor could he have ever envisioned a worldwide organization that would bear his name. Yet, in his lifetime, his little band of “brothers” developed into a recognizable religious movement

that differed from traditional orders. Eventually it expanded to incorporate contemplative women (Poor Clares) and lay penitents. Francis understood his way to be a Gospel way and those who followed it to be genuine Christians. He experienced it as a fully human expression of life. Eventually, he helped compose “Rules” for the different branches that were developing. His “renewal movement” endures today simply because people still live a Franciscan “Rule of Life.” In future articles we will examine the character of the Third Order way of living, looking at what Francis envisioned and how the contemporary expression of it is epitomized in the Rule of 1982.

Sister Elise Saggau

UmilitateArtist Giustina De ToniUsed with permission.


A gentle, Franciscan way makes for a good friendship

Amid the crepe myrtle trees and night-blooming jasmine, the Stetson hats

and the traditions of the Old South in San Antonio, Tex., Sister Mary Dumonceaux lends a Franciscan presence as she gently swings on a friend’s front porch. Sister Mary and Rachel King met through a spiritual direction program. Rachel was aware of Sister Mary’s gentleness, intelligence, sensitivity and intuition and said to herself, “I’d like to be around her and catch some more of that good stuff. I want Sister Mary as a friend.” And so it was that Rachel found a sister friend with whom she could be herself and be fully accepted. As they swing on the front porch, they talk about missions, their personal lives, mystics, prayer styles and often about the heat and weather of Texas. Sipping on sweet tea, they speak as Franciscans and as fellow travelers along a journey. Sister Mary has worked for the past 10 years in San Antonio. She started as an instructor of theology at the University of the Incarnate Word. Now she is an associate director with the Archdiocesan Catechetical Center. She serves as a religious education consultant for four deaneries and 40 parishes, organizes courses for Level II certification of religion teachers, teaches some classes and oversees other instructors. Beyond her employment with the Archdiocese she is also a spiritual director in

San Antonio. Having earned a Ph.D. in historical theology, Sister Mary continues her love of learning. She is also nurturing her growth in contemplation by participating in Carmel community, a group which values the virtues of simplicity, solitude, service and time with God as gifts for the world, not only for self. “As I release those energies, my relationships reflect the gift of contemplation,” she said. “Saint Francis spent long periods of time in contemplation; it’s a natural living, growing part of being Franciscan.” San Antonio was an evacuee site following the devastation of

Hurricane Katrina. At that time Sister Mary served as a chaplain, a natural evolution of her education and service ministries. Whether she sits on the porch swing or serves those in need, Sister Mary’s talents lead her to a prayerful, gentle encounter with others.

Sister Mary Dumonceaux with Rachel and Charles King who became Franciscan Associates last fall.

Please remember the Franciscan Sisters in your will and

estate plans. Contact Sister Bernice Ebner, director of Gift Planning, at (320) 632-0699. Thank you!


‘I live my life in gratitude’

Sister Cordy Korkowski is the pastoral minister for the young and vibrant parish St. Francis Xavier Church

in Sartell, Minn. She joined the staff there in August 2002 after serving her community as vice president from 1996-2001. Sister Cordy says St. Francis Xavier is a dynamic and growing parish filled with activities designed to nurture the Catholic faith for longtime members and welcome and support newcomers in their faith journey. Sister Cordy appreciates the weekends in particular where people of all ages assemble to worship, pray, visit and draw strength for the week ahead. As pastoral minister, Sister Cordy works to nurture the spiritual lives of parishioners and provide pastoral care. Much of her work is focused on hard passages of life, be it illness, death or loss. Many of the programs she coordinates call forth lay participation, a strong dimension of parish life. With her experience as volunteer coordinator of St. Stephen’s in Anoka, a parish of 14,000, working with volunteers and laity is a natural for her. Sister Cordy’s strength is training and preparing lay people to reach out to others in their Christian faith. For people in need of a listening presence, Sister Cordy coordinates the BeFriender program. There are presently 19 trained BeFrienders in the parish and more on the way. BeFrienders offer their time and listening skills to nurture and care for those who have experienced loss, death, inner pain and transitions. The program’s goal is to minister to the heart and to the spirit, providing care, not cure. Sister Cordy is also involved in the parish’s grief training program which supports members who are dealing with the death of a loved one. Sharing a common experience of loss enables those in need to draw on the support of others to move forward with their lives. Anyone in need of spiritual support is given a prayer blanket handmade by women of the parish. This ministry brings comfort and warmth to others as individuals

treasure the gift of the prayer blanket from their parish family. “You are covered in

prayer” is sewn on each blanket. In addition, two parishioners were

commissioned as parish nurses in fall 2005, supported by a newly formed Health and Wellness Committee that integrates body, mind and spirit dimensions in the parish. We are extremely pleased with this new initiative, Sister Cordy stated. Known for her compassion and her deep, personal faith,

Sister Cordy accompanies people as they approach death, their final

home. She’s a comforting presence in the lives of the parish’s terminally

ill and their families. As she helps people prepare for the end of life, she

often speaks to them of their final journey. She finds some apprehensive but most are ready

to be called home. She thinks of her presence and time spent as prayer and grace. In the broader diocesan community, Sister Cordy is co-chair of Pastoral Associates and Ministers, which focuses on professional support, ongoing education and reflection for key parish leaders. She was part of St. Cloud Metro Revisioning, a focus group dealing with reorganization of the St. Cloud metro area in light of clergy shortages. And in September 2005, Bishop John Kinney appointed her to the Advisory Board of the Diaconate Program of the Diocese of St. Cloud. As she ministers, Sister Cordy finds that many people seek a stronger faith life; in fact, they yearn for it. In response to that need, the parish will introduce the adult formation program, “Why Catholic?” This program is an excellent formation tool for small communities of faith leadership. Sister Cordy shares her Franciscan values throughout her ministry. Her own life with the sisters at the Franciscan Welcoming House in St. Cloud and the outreach programs there complement her ministries with prayer, fun, community living and appreciation that all is gift. “I hope always to live my life in gratitude,” she said.


The answer to the question “How much?”: 100% Deanna Boone, director of Community Relations

The level of confidence donors have in charities has been cautiously rising, according to the National Catholic Development Conference.

A survey that appeared in The Advantage, a publication of Ekstrom & Associates, found that 69 percent of Americans report having a great deal or fair amount of confidence in charities, compared to 64 percent in 2005; 71 percent said that charities waste a great deal or fair amount of money, which is up from 66 percent a year earlier. Donors deserve to know the facts and charities must be accountable. We who conduct development activities for the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, assure you, our donors, that your trust and confidence is of utmost importance. As stewards, we ensure that the people whom the sisters serve in ministries and missions can reap the most benefit from the gifts you, as donors, sow. What percentage of your gifts goes to the sisters’ designated ministries? The answer: 100%. Every penny of every dollar that is given to the Franciscan Sisters is applied as each donor asks. Instead of supporting vocations or retirement care, some donors check the giving envelope for Greatest Current Need. The need changes based, obviously, on need. Presently, the greatest current need is replacing the hot tub at St. Francis

Health & Recreation Center. It’s a $90,000 expense that doubles the capacity from three to six persons and upgrades the tub from fiberglass and concrete to stainless steel. Members use the hot tub for relief from arthritis and back pain and for general well-being. The Health & Recreation Center is a sponsored ministry of the Franciscan Sisters. Health and well-being are gifts that must be nurtured. If you would like to contribute to replacing the hot tub or if you would like to enjoy its benefits, both are acts of stewardship.

3

Sister Marguerite Ostendorf sews double-sided, colorful cotton aprons with pockets, cloth gift bags and receiving blankets. She is a former

teacher who works as a receptionist for St. Francis Health & Recreation Center. Sister Latona Kalis, a health care consultant, makes Hardanger bookmarks, Christmas decorations and window hangings. The cut-work embroidery, dat-ing to 1700, is named for Hardanger, Norway. The aprons, Hardanger bookmarks and window hangings may be purchased at the Franciscan Gift Shop in Little Falls. Aprons are $17; bookmarks and window hangings range from $7-$9.

Sewing and embroidery keep these sisters busy

Sisters Marguerite Ostendorf (standing) and Latona Kalis.


“We committed ourselves to…” Those are strong words. Commitment is something that is not to be taken

lightly. At our Delegate Assembly in October 2005, we, as a Franciscan community committed to:

1. Engage deeply with our Franciscan charism

2. Dedicate ourselves to rebuilding the church

3. Address the sources of Mother Earth’s wounds

4. Embrace those whom we as society and church marginalize.

We said that these four statements would be our focus for the years 2006-2011. The “we” are Franciscan Sisters and Franciscan Associates living and working in the Americas. Wherever there is a Franciscan Sister or a Franciscan Associate, there the Franciscan community is living and working. These commitment statements flow from how we understand ourselves as Franciscan women and men living the Gospel in 2007. Our first statement nudges us to go deeper into how we understand ourselves as Franciscans. Since this is the year that we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the revised Rule and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, reading and studying this important document is a way to begin. How we understand ourselves as Franciscans is the lens through which we see the ministry that we do. For Saint Francis and for us, the foundation of our rule is contained in this statement: “To observe the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…” To live the gospel is the work of a lifetime. As Franciscans, we live it in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. Francis began his work of following Jesus Christ by rebuilding the church of San Damiano. He first worked with stones and earth, with bricks and physical labor in repairing the building. As he went

about his work, he became aware that the church structure and the people of the church needed attention. As was true in his time, so it is true today, the church needs significant attention. As people of the community of faith, we can ask questions and begin rebuilding by entering into dialog with other people of faith. Can we talk about those elements in our church that are risky and painful to talk about? Global warming, extinction of species, destroying the health of our planet—these are significant wounds that our Mother Earth endures. In his Canticle of Creatures Francis prayed, “Praised be you, My Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.” We have a relationship with Mother Earth who, as Francis says, sustains and governs us. We in turn have a responsibility to honor and respect her. How can we help heal the wounds of Mother Earth? Hurricane Katrina brought to our immediate attention the treatment of the poor and marginalized in times of disaster. Those whom we marginalize are treated poorly every day. We can walk by the suffering blindly, holding our attention on taking care of ourselves, or we can allow ourselves to see our role in keeping others caught in the poverty cycle. As Franciscans, we are committed to embrace those whom we as church and society marginalize. How do we do this? How will we change our behavior so all humans and all of creation are treated respectfully and with dignity? During 2007, Franciscan Sisters and Associates will join together to delve deeper into the hard questions that will help move us to action. If you were to choose one statement, which one would you focus on?

Franciscan community carries out commitment statementsSister Mary Cassilda Obowa

“Led by God, let them begin a life of penance, conscious that all of us must be continuously and totally converted.”

Franciscan Third Order Regular Rule, Chapter II #6


Sisters Alice Nyangasi Mugehera and Beatrice Magoka have arrived—finally! These two Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph from the Homa

Bay Diocese in Kenya arrived in mid-October when the weather here in Minnesota was not exactly kind to us. The unusually cool autumn meant getting gloves, scarves, sweaters and jackets for the two sisters. They’ve endured the cold and, by the New Year, they

Welcome, Sisters Alice and Beatrice!

Sisters Beatrice and Alice from the Homa Bay Diocese of Kenya.

were blessed with their first experience of snow. These visiting missionary sisters are living at 609 SE Third Street with Sisters Jean Schwieters, Maureen Blenkush and Mary Lou Eltgroth, who say Sisters Alice and Beatrice are adapting quickly and learning to use many of our electrical devices such as microwaves and vacuum cleaners. They are learning to cook and play card games at 609 and, with Elsie Miller, they are learning to type and use the computer. As they adapt to their home away from home, they have made several observations: most Americans have cars; roads are well maintained; many American sisters know how to play the piano and read music; food is available every day of the week, not just certain days in the open market; and more elderly people to go church in America while more younger people attend in Kenya where energy and participation are high. In addition to sharing their Franciscan charism, both sisters minister in Clare Residence where they’ve learned, “When meeting a sister who is in pain, she still smiles at us.” The sisters spend a half day each week in the Clothes Review and Housekeeping. Sister Alice also spends a half day in Archives.

Sister Mary Dulski chooses a prayer request.

Prayer requests honored

One of the sisters’ traditions is to include two ornaments with the annual Christmas Appeal. As we celebrate the wonder of our

God who is among us, one ornament is intended for your tree and the other is to be returned to the Motherhouse … with your prayer requests. During the holiday season, the ornaments adorn two trees in the chapel gathering space. Once Epiphany arrives, the trees come down and the ornaments are dispersed among the sisters. Sisters honor the prayer requests in ways as varied as the sisters themselves. Some pray for the donors by name each morning, others write a personal note of thanks, still others find ways of remembering each person and each need throughout the year. The ornaments are kept inside a prayer book or placed

on an altar or gently touched as each request is tenderly honored. From those paper ornaments come the real blessings of the holiday: relationships founded in the love of God our Savior.

FranciScan SiSterS OF LittLe FaLLS, MinneSOta Our JOurney • Spring 2007 �

As Alondra was chomping on a cookie, she said to me, “Sister, I just fell in love

with these ginger cookies!” Indeed, the cookies baked by Sister Kay Watts were scrumptious! Enjoying food together was just one of the ways in which the sisters shared their lives with a lively group of Hispanic girls and teens during a “Come and See” weekend at St. Francis Convent. The girls especially delighted in visiting with the sisters. On Saturday evening they spent time with the elderly sisters in Clare Residence. It was a happy time of singing, dancing and laughter. After the Sunday liturgy and before ending our weekend

of prayer, sharing and learning together, we talked about the highlights of the weekend. Our time together could best be summed up in one word: relationships. The sisters and the girls listened to one another and cherished each others’ stories; it was a mutual circle. Saint Francis was a relational person. He was giver as well as receiver and knew that everything was a gift of God. The beauty and goodness of God was certainly evident in each one throughout the weekend, even through the simple enjoyment of a ginger cookie!

“Come and See” weekend welcomes 11 girls to St. Francis Convent

Sisters Grace Skwira (far left) and Carol Virnig (far right) coordinated the Come and See weekend.

Good FridayApril 6, 2007

Silent Walk for Peace9:30 am

Stations of the Cross11 am

(inside & outside)

Be quiet before God, and wait patiently...

Psalm 37:7

For more information contact Sister Bernice Rieland,

320-632-0668 or [email protected]

10 Our JOurney • Spring 2007 FranciScan SiSterS OF LittLe FaLLS, MinneSOta

Associate Paul J. (PJ) Park of Mt. Rainier, Md., son of Associates MJ and Jerry Park, is biking

from his home to Brazil—that’s 9,000 miles! The purpose of this 25-year-old’s adventure is to bring awareness to global warming and to collect signatures and donations to support the Climate Stewardship Act, co-sponsored by Senators John McCain and Joseph Lieberman. This bill aims to curb global warming without adverse economic effects. PJ believes our country is close to taking action on global warming. He studied environmental science in college. In his own

Associate bikes to BrazilJudy Virnig

Associate Karen Schellinger and husband Francis from Avon, Minn., recently sold 102 wooded acres to the Minnesota Department

of Natural Resources (DNR). It was their way to avoid the growing land development happening around them. The land, which the Schellingers had owned for more than 30 years, includes lake shore frontage, hilly terrain and many hardwood trees. Several rare species of birds also make their home there. The public will have limited recreational use of the land, which was posted by the DNR and designated as a scientific and natural area. Now this beautiful acreage will be preserved indefinitely, thereby saving it from development. What an awesome living out of our Commitment Statement to “address the sources of Mother Earth’s wounds!”

words: “I am passionate about creating a society that is sustainable over the

long haul, one that lives in harmony with itself and the natural world.

A society where people support each other and do not take more than they need. A society where the environment, the human race and existence are treasured and revered.” PJ usually travels 60-80

miles per day. He stays with people whenever he can and

otherwise camps in public parks. He hopes to reach his destination

sometime in March 2007. Check out his blog at www.biketobrazil.blogspot.com. Go, PJ!

PJ Park

One couple’s way to care for the earthJudy Virnig


Sister Mary Obowa and I, new to the Franciscan Sisters Leadership team, arrived in Monterrey, Mexico, on a bright sunny day

in November 2006. We were beginning a six-day immersion to learn about our Franciscan mission located in the state of Nuevo Leon and the Diocese of Linares. Rugged mountains surrounded us on our way to the town of San Rafael where Sisters Pat Forster, Anita Jennissen, Rose Mae Rausch, Colette Toenies, Janice Wiechman and lay missioner Aurora Tovar live. Since July 2003 the sisters have been training lay leaders in the parish of San Rafael. Their ministries have evolved and have grown in partnership with the local people. Last fall a new addition to the convent provided space for four young women to live in community with the sisters while they attend high school. For Cruz Diaz, Fabiola Basaldua, Alejandra Perez, and Sarahi Villanueva, the opportunity for a high school education is a dream come true. They are committed students who bring joy and vitality to the shared community life with the sisters and missioners. The parish of San Rafael includes over 50 small villages. Half of these pueblos are located on the plains at 6,500 feet above sea level. We traveled by truck through the dusty roads to towns such as El Ereal, La Casita, La Besera, and El Cuje. We met with some of the local leaders of these faith communities, saw their small, well-kept chapels and heard stories about their struggle for survival in these remote desert areas where agriculture, especially working in the potato fields, is a main source of livelihood. Another day we navigated unpredictable mountain roads to journey up to the sierra where

Sisters find joy, vitality in people of San RafaelSister Michelle L’Allier

the pueblos are located in three beautiful canyons. Visiting San Pablo, Il Defenso, San Jose de la Martha, Santa Clara and El Mezquite, we were blessed by more conversations with catechists and some of the family members of Aurora, Sarahi and Cruz. Wherever we went, we were deeply touched by the generosity and hospitality of the people. Twice during our days in San Rafael, Bishop Ramon Calderon Batres came to visit. He strongly supports our sisters and their ministry in the San Rafael parish and is grateful for the leadership and faith development that is fostered through their work. The bishop has a great love for the people of his diocese, stating that their greatest need is education. It is in keeping with this need that the sisters have invited the four young women currently living with them to continue their studies by attending high school in town. Sister Mary and I returned to Minnesota filled with gratitude for the presence and contribution of our sisters and the commitment of the lay people to live the gospel and serve their communities in San Rafael.

Sisters Colette Toenies, Michelle L’Allier, Rose Mae Rausch visit with Tonya, a woman from the plains, as she makes tortillas.

1� Our JOurney • Spring 2007 FranciScan SiSterS OF LittLe FaLLS, MinneSOta

Clare’s Well cares gently for Mother Earth

Each year, some 1,000 guests visit Clare’s Well, a spirituality farm near Annandale, Minn. Many visitors find joy in nature and

being aware of the earth they walk upon. Clare’s Well is a dream come true for Sisters Carol Schmit and Aggie Soenneker. In 1988, with the support of the Franciscan community, they established this ministry for serving spiritual hungers and modeling meaningful ways of caring for the earth. The congregation purchased the land, and the sisters committed themselves to a vision of a sacred place where people could come for retreat, healing and respite. Since then, nearly every year has seen a major addition or renovation. Two hermitages, called House of Clare and House of Francis, were built for overnight guests. The kitchen of the main house was completely remodeled and a chapel, deck and ramp for accessibility were added. The Wellness Center was built in 1997. Passive solar and in-floor heat make the building energy efficient. The sisters and their helpers planted trees, expanded the gardens, and acquired animals. Today, all 40 acres are used intentionally. One area is dedicated to prairie restoration, another to the labyrinth and the pond. In 2000, a bridge was built to connect the Sacred Path to the rest of the farm. This path along the woods leads to a space

of special energy. Walking along the pathway, the visitor can feel the spirit and healing properties of the wilderness. Such a pathway was holy for our ancestors, and guests are encouraged to feel the presence of all who have gone before and to drink in their enlivening spirits. In a time when global warming, diminishing water supplies, and vanishing farmland give us much to worry about, Clare’s Well makes a place of hope and honor. Much of what happens there on a day-to-day basis is all about the gentle use of the earth and its resources. The recent installation of a geothermal system is expected to lower natural gas costs. This is a clean, energy-efficient way to heat and cool the house. Water runs through coils deep in the ground where the earth warms the water during the winter months and cools it in the summer, not your typical air conditioner. Sisters Carol and Aggie, along with Sisters Jan Kilian and Elizabeth Roberts, demonstrate that in the long run it is the little things that make a difference. Guests are given cloth napkins to use throughout their stay. In the winter a wood stove warms part of the basement where hanging laundry provides much needed moisture. Fresh vegetables are preserved in a traditional root cellar, as well as jars of garden produce that are canned each year. The meals

Clare’s Well, Annandale, Minn.

Continued on pg. 13


Claudia Barnier shares many gifts

While Claudia and Chris Barnier were at St. Mary’s Church in

Little Falls, a parishioner showed Claudia a scripture calendar published by the Franciscan Sisters. That led Claudia to become interested in the sisters. A few years later Claudia saw an advertisement in the Morrison County Record seeking volunteers to work with the sisters. Claudia called the volunteer coordinator and became one of the first lay women to offer her welcoming spirit in hospitality and in the former gift shop. For four years Claudia delighted in visiting the elderly sisters in Clare Residence. She also reads various papers, articles and letters to Sister Joyce Brandl who, because

of macular degeneration, can’t read on her own anymore. For the last year and a half Claudia has been a cashier in the new Franciscan Gift Shop. “Not only does she lovingly offer her skill in pricing the items, but she also treats each customer as a friend,” says manager Sister Janice Welle. Because of her experience as owner and manager of a retail store, Claudia—also a Franciscan Associate—offers her suggestions on the gift shop’s Advisory Committee. She has volunteered her services to the Franciscan Sisters for six years and plans to do so for many more. “I enjoy being around the sisters. They help me to grow personally and spiritually. The sisters are wonderful.”

they prepare feature their own home grown food. The sisters choose cleaning supplies that are least harmful to the environment and paper products that are made with recycled materials. They use household compost together with animal waste to fertilize the gardens, which continue to be planted in meter-wide circles. Each flat basin is bordered by a rim that keeps moisture concentrated in the plant area. The technique is an efficient use of water and other resources, allowing more cooperation with nature. Clare’s Well has flourished and become known and respected as a place of spiritual and physical renewal. While ministering to the bodies and spirits of their guests, the sisters are also leading a way into the future, teaching important lessons in reverence for and conservation, preservation and healing of our Mother Earth.

Clare’s Well, continued

Volunteer Claudia Barnier and Sister Joyce Brandl.

The online auction service for nonprofits.

To view inventory online, visit www.missionfish.org. Keyword: Franciscan.

The Franciscan Sisters accept donations of items for MissionFish. Please call St. Francis Convent, (320)632-2981.

1� Our JOurney • Spring 2007 FranciScan SiSterS OF LittLe FaLLS, MinneSOta

Our nation’s tax system has long encouraged charitable giving. Gifts to qualified charities may be deducted from income that could otherwise be subject to tax under federal law and the laws of many states. Some taxpayers may encounter

limits on the amount of charitable gifts that they can deduct and see other benefits phased out as their incomes increase. Retired persons may also find that increases in income can cause more of their Social Security benefits to be taxed. Others may not be in a position to fully benefit from their charitable deductions. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 offers individuals who are 70½ years of age and have IRAs a new opportunity to support qualified charitable organizations. If you meet the criteria, you can make a direct transfer from your IRA to the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, without having to report the transferred amount as taxable income.

The criteria include: --The gift must be transferred directly from the IRA manager to the charitable organization. Only the IRA

trustee can transfer gift amounts to the organization. --The donor must be at least 70½ years of age and own a traditional or Roth IRA. --The contribution must be an outright gift. --There is a $100,000 limit on the IRA transfer. --Distributions from 401(k) and 403(b) accounts or other employer-sponsored retirement plans do not qualify. --Transfers are not permitted to donor-advised funds or supporting organizations. --IRA gifts cannot be made to charitable remainder trusts or other split interest gift arrangements. --The provision in the law expires December 31, 2007. --To make an IRA gift, donors should contact the trustee of their accounts.

If you are over the age of 59½, funds may not be distributed directly to a charity but can be withdrawn from IRAs and other retirement accounts and then donated to a charity without payment of a 10% penalty for early withdrawal. While amounts withdrawn and donated in this way are reported as part of your income, they can then be deductible as charitable contributions, which generally results in a wash for federal income tax purposes. Check with your advisors for your individual intent and needs.

Partnering into the FutureSister Bernice Ebner, director of Planned Giving

In loving memorySister Mary Thomas (Mary Ann) Weyandt Sister Mary Thomas (Mary Ann) Weyandt, 84, died January 24, 2007, at St. Gabriel’s Hospital, Little Falls, Minn. She was born December 5, 1922, in St. Paul, Minn., the sixth of 10 children born to the late John and Josephine (Huss) Weyandt. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on August 12, 1941. She made first profession on August 12, 1943, and final vows on August 12, 1946. Sister Mary Thomas became a registered nurse at St. Gabriel’s School of Nursing, a public health nurse at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis., and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis. She ministered as a nursing instructor, supervisor and human resources director. She served in Little Falls, Breckenridge, Onamia, St. Paul and St. Cloud, Minn.; Milwaukee and South Milwaukee, Wis.


Sister Mary Caroline Torborg Sister Mary Caroline Torborg was born September 9, 1913, near Richmond, Minn. She was the tenth of 13 children born to the late Herman and Anna (Kemper) Torborg. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on August 12, 1929. She made first profession of vows on August 12, 1931, and final vows on August 12, 1934. Sister Caroline became a registered nurse at St. Francis School of Nursing, Breckenridge, Minn., and then earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, Minn. She received a master’s degree in nursing education from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, and was trained in clinical pastoral education at Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis. Sister Caroline ministered as operating room supervisor, teacher and director of St. Francis School of Nursing, Breckenridge; teacher and director of St. Gabriel’s School of Nursing, Little Falls; core member of the Franciscan House of Prayer, Random Lake, Wis., and Prior Lake; director of Retirement and Rehabilitation and Pastoral Care and coordinator of Patient Visiting, Little Falls; retreat and pastoral ministry, Dwelling Place, Sauk Rapids; Little Falls and Onamia.

Sister Mary Josine (Veronica) Schneider Sister Mary Josine (Veronica) Schneider, 95, died October 8, 2006, at St. Francis

Convent, Little Falls, Minn. Sister Josine was born March 17, 1911, in Superior, Wis. She was the seventh of nine children born to the late Joseph and Gertrude

(Keppers) Schneider. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on August 12, 1930. She made first profession of vows on August 12, 1932, and final vows on August 12, 1935. Sister Josine earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minn.; a master’s degree in counseling/guidance from the College of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn., and a certificate in pastoral and religious counseling from Albert Cardinal Meyer Institute,

Milwaukee, Wis. Sister Josine taught at St. Francis High School, 1935-1942, and ministered

elsewhere as an office manager, religious teacher, assistant administrator, counselor, switchboard operator and chaplain. She ministered in Little Falls, Flensburg, Sauk

Centre and Prior Lake, Minn.; Milwaukee and Cudahy, Wis. In 1980 she semi-retired to St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, where she continued to minister to her sisters as a local superior and volunteered in the Development Office. In 1989 she retired due to ill health.

In loving memory, continued

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Drinking the cup of justiceJeff Odendahl

I am one of the 108 million people who drink coffee every day in the United States. As a two-cup-a-day drinker, my coffee consumption requires the annual harvest of 18 coffee trees. My fellow coffee-drinking citizens and I have the

ability to help heal the earth as well as improve the working and living conditions of coffee growers. We can do this by our choices when we purchase coffee—choices that may cost us a few extra pennies per cup, but that are critical to the lives of those growing the coffee as well as to the health of the earth itself. These critical choices are best expressed in the words, “organic,” “shade-grown,” and “Fair Trade Certified.” First, the term “Fair Trade Certified.” This just means that the coffee in question has been certified by an international organization responsible for verifying that fair trade standards have been met in its production. These standards include: • Fair price: Participating growers are guaranteed a fair minimum price for their

coffee, including a premium price if their product is organically grown.

• Better conditions for workers: Safer working conditions, better wages and protection against forced child labor.

• Fewer middlemen: Coffee purchasers are encouraged to deal as directly as possible with fair trade producers. This means fewer people taking a “cut” of the profits.

• Care of the earth: Dangerous chemicals are prohibited and environmentally sustainable growing methods are encouraged. In fact, 85% of the Fair Trade coffee sold in the United States is organically grown.

“Organic” and “shade grown” are related, but not identical terms used in describing how coffee is grown. “Organic” describes a growing process that eliminates the use of dangerous pesticides and chemical fertilizers, relying, instead, on natural conditions to protect and stimulate crop growth. “Shade grown” coffee is grown under an existing or restored canopy of tropical trees, which also provide an ecologically diverse environment beneficial to many species, most especially birds. Serendipitously, the methods that benefit workers and protect the environment also produce exceptionally good coffee. Getting a fair price for their coffee gives growers the resources and incentive to invest in improving the quality of their coffee beans. All this means we can get our required “java jolt” and feel just a little sanctimonious about the contribution we are making to the earth and her people.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks And serve Him...

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