As we kick off Catholic Sisters Week, we are excited to launch the #LikeaCatholicSister campaign that highlights the incredible work of Catholic Sisters across the country. This campaign is more than just a celebration; it is a movement to challenge outdated stereotypes and shift perceptions of religious life by showcasing the diverse, dynamic, and impactful ways Sisters serve today.
For generations, Catholic Sisters have been breaking barriers, advocating for justice, leading in education and healthcare, and fostering spiritual growth. Their presence in communities—both past and present—has been a source of strength, hope, and transformation. Through storytelling, social media engagement, and historical connections, the #LikeaSister campaign will bring these powerful stories to light, showing how Sisters continue to be forces of change in a world that deeply needs their compassion and leadership.
At a time when many find it difficult to see the light ahead, this campaign serves as a reminder that hope is alive. Ultimately, #LikeaCatholicSister aims to redefine what it means to live as a Catholic Sister—not as a relic of the past, but as a vibrant, purpose-driven calling that continues to shape communities and inspire faith.
𝐖𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐭𝐨𝐨, 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡, 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐮𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬. 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞—𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 #𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫.
Visit the Catholic Sisters Week website and explore powerful narratives at: https://catholicsistersweek.org/
For generations, Catholic Sisters have been breaking barriers, advocating for justice, leading in education and healthcare, and fostering spiritual growth. Their presence in communities—both past and present—has been a source of strength, hope, and transformation. Through storytelling, social media engagement, and historical connections, the #LikeaSister campaign will bring these powerful stories to light, showing how Sisters continue to be forces of change in a world that deeply needs their compassion and leadership.
At a time when many find it difficult to see the light ahead, this campaign serves as a reminder that hope is alive. Ultimately, #LikeaCatholicSister aims to redefine what it means to live as a Catholic Sister—not as a relic of the past, but as a vibrant, purpose-driven calling that continues to shape communities and inspire faith.
𝐖𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐭𝐨𝐨, 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡, 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐮𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬. 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞—𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 #𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫.
Visit the Catholic Sisters Week website and explore powerful narratives at: https://catholicsistersweek.org/
The Courage to Venture: Oldenburg Franciscans
BEGINNINGS:
Demonstrating her courage to venture, 24-year-old Sister Theresa (Genevieve) Hackelmeier made the “arduous journey” by sea, canal, river, and overland to a log cabin in the small Indiana village of Oldenburg, arriving alone on January 6, 1851, the Feast of the Epiphany. By the time of her arrival, three women from the Oldenburg area had volunteered to join her in establishing the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, IN. This new congregation of Sisters would assist in the education of German immigrant children residing in Southeastern Indiana.
Late in the fall of 1851, due to inclement weather and difficulty of travel, students began staying with the Sisters and became the first boarders. By 1852, the number of teen boarders increased. Thus began the Academy of the Immaculate Conception which was incorporated in 1994. The Academy is recognized by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis as an independent, private co-educational high school. The Sisters continue their service on the board of the Academy, ensuring it retains its Catholic and Franciscan identity.
Marian College, founded in Oldenburg in 1936 as a four-year liberal arts and teacher education college, moved to Indianapolis in 1937. This venture was undertaken to provide a college education for lay women, as well as for the Sisters themselves. Marian became the state’s first Catholic co-educational college in 1954 and continues today as Marian University with strong professional programs.
The Sisters of St. Francis maintained a responsive engagement with the social conditions of the time throughout its mission of education. In 1892, the Sisters opened St. Ann’s, the only school for African American children in the segregated city of Indianapolis, Indiana. This was the first of many African American schools the Sisters staffed in other cities-notably Kansas City, MO, and Cincinnati, OH. In 1935, the Sisters responded to missionary work among Native Americans, beginning with the Crow Indians in Montana. In the 1970s this ministry with Native Americans extended to the Northern Cheyenne, and in the 1990s with the Navajo in New Mexico and Arizona. Most prominent among the Congregation’s foreign missions were China, from 1939 to 1945, and Papua New Guinea (PNG), from 1960-2011. This later mission included the founding of an independent religious congregation, the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.
In 1981 the Sisters welcomed lay women and men to join with them as Associates, sharing Franciscan spirituality, prayer, and ministry. Over 40 years later, there are over two hundred Associates.
The Sisters continue to venture courageously in the vital mission of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through prayer and service to others.
BEGINNINGS:
Demonstrating her courage to venture, 24-year-old Sister Theresa (Genevieve) Hackelmeier made the “arduous journey” by sea, canal, river, and overland to a log cabin in the small Indiana village of Oldenburg, arriving alone on January 6, 1851, the Feast of the Epiphany. By the time of her arrival, three women from the Oldenburg area had volunteered to join her in establishing the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, IN. This new congregation of Sisters would assist in the education of German immigrant children residing in Southeastern Indiana.
Late in the fall of 1851, due to inclement weather and difficulty of travel, students began staying with the Sisters and became the first boarders. By 1852, the number of teen boarders increased. Thus began the Academy of the Immaculate Conception which was incorporated in 1994. The Academy is recognized by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis as an independent, private co-educational high school. The Sisters continue their service on the board of the Academy, ensuring it retains its Catholic and Franciscan identity.
Marian College, founded in Oldenburg in 1936 as a four-year liberal arts and teacher education college, moved to Indianapolis in 1937. This venture was undertaken to provide a college education for lay women, as well as for the Sisters themselves. Marian became the state’s first Catholic co-educational college in 1954 and continues today as Marian University with strong professional programs.
The Sisters of St. Francis maintained a responsive engagement with the social conditions of the time throughout its mission of education. In 1892, the Sisters opened St. Ann’s, the only school for African American children in the segregated city of Indianapolis, Indiana. This was the first of many African American schools the Sisters staffed in other cities-notably Kansas City, MO, and Cincinnati, OH. In 1935, the Sisters responded to missionary work among Native Americans, beginning with the Crow Indians in Montana. In the 1970s this ministry with Native Americans extended to the Northern Cheyenne, and in the 1990s with the Navajo in New Mexico and Arizona. Most prominent among the Congregation’s foreign missions were China, from 1939 to 1945, and Papua New Guinea (PNG), from 1960-2011. This later mission included the founding of an independent religious congregation, the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.
In 1981 the Sisters welcomed lay women and men to join with them as Associates, sharing Franciscan spirituality, prayer, and ministry. Over 40 years later, there are over two hundred Associates.
The Sisters continue to venture courageously in the vital mission of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through prayer and service to others.
Ministry to Orphans
In 1851, Fr. Francis Joseph Rudolf knew of 11 children scattered throughout his parish district who needed mothers to care for them. He approached Mother Theresa Hackelmeier asking if the Sisters could care for these orphans. After questioning how the Community would provide food and clothing for the orphans, Fr. Rudolf purchased 40 acres of land for the Sisters to farm and use for livestock and poultry. Since God had been good to the Sisters, they in turn showed gratitude by providing for these little ones.
A fire in 1857 destroyed the convent, chapel and school which were all connected. The Sisters helped to rescue the children from the flames. With no other shelter available, the townspeople took in the children until a new convent could be built. In 1866, at the request of the Bishop, the acceptance of orphans was discontinued. Those who had been under the care of the Sisters remained until they were able to provide for themselves.
In 1898, the pastor of Holy Family Church in Oldenburg announced to his parishioners that the New York Foundling Hospital was overcrowded and the Sisters of Charity in charge
were sending appeals to parishes in the central and western states to obtain adoptive homes for some of the children.
The Sisters agreed to take three orphan girls. Irene West, Louise Raymond, and Mary Kelly were three years old when they arrived. After attending Holy Family School, Louise and Mary entered the Academy of the Immaculate Conception and Irene West was sent for study to the Cincinnati Art Academy since she showed a talent and interest in art.
In August 1922, the Sisters of St. Francis replaced the Sisters of Providence at St. Vincent School. At that time the school had 140 boys. In 1926, a philanthropist from Evansville agreed to renovate the old structure and erect new buildings needed, allowing the 103 girls from Good Shepherd Home in Indianapolis to be taken care of at St. Vincent’s. (1929)
The physical plant served well for all the children, as did the spacious grounds of 400 acres, which offered ample space for recreation and extensive farming. Because of the farm, the school was almost self-sufficient in provisions.
There was adequate personnel to care for the needs of all the children to meet the accreditation for a license by the State Department of Public Welfare. The Catholic Charities Bureau supervised the administration of St. Vincent School. All admissions and releases, as well as all civil and court matters, were under its jurisdiction.
The atmosphere of the school was one of ease, freedom and self-expression in semblance of normal family life. The relation between the staff and children fostered a sense of responsibility, pride and loving care.
Throughout the 50 years of the Franciscan Sisters’ presence at St. Vincent’s, there were always Sisters willing to give their love and energies for the more than 100 children. St. Vincent School was an institution equal with any of its kind, and the only place that the children could call HOME.
In the Fall of 1971, Bishop Francis Shea of Evansville, gave approval to a new program of childcare at St. Vincent’s. A lay director was appointed; the children were to attend the local parochial school in Vincennes, and the five Sisters missioned at St. Vincent School were to teach half-days and take care of the physical needs of the children.
In late May 1972, the Evansville Diocesan Financial Committee decided to close St. Vincent’s. Primary among the reasons for this step were financial conditions and the desire to implement a program of social welfare for the diocese that could help the family, while keeping the children at home.
In the dismantling of the building, the Sisters brought to Oldenburg a reminder of the 50 years during which the congregation ministered to the children at St. Vincent’s. This reminder is the mosaic on the wall near the Oldenburg Franciscan Center. The mosaic was made in the summer of 1968 by 22 sixth to ninth grade boys, under the direction of the art teacher that summer, S. Sandra Schweitzer, then known as S. Vincent de Paul.
The mosaic depicts St. Vincent de Paul, the patron of the school. His loving concern for homeless children was always an inspiration to the Sisters of St. Francis. The St. Francis panel of the mosaic symbolizes the services of the Sisters of St. Francis, rendered for 50 years. The animal at the feet of St. Francis is the wolf he tamed, however, at the time of making the mosaic, the children considered the animal to be “Lady” their much loved pet Collie. The horizontal panel of the mosaic depicts the St. Vincent School structure.
It is estimated that the Orphanage served over 4,000 children during its more than 130 years of existence.
The Sisters continue to serve those in need.
In 1851, Fr. Francis Joseph Rudolf knew of 11 children scattered throughout his parish district who needed mothers to care for them. He approached Mother Theresa Hackelmeier asking if the Sisters could care for these orphans. After questioning how the Community would provide food and clothing for the orphans, Fr. Rudolf purchased 40 acres of land for the Sisters to farm and use for livestock and poultry. Since God had been good to the Sisters, they in turn showed gratitude by providing for these little ones.
A fire in 1857 destroyed the convent, chapel and school which were all connected. The Sisters helped to rescue the children from the flames. With no other shelter available, the townspeople took in the children until a new convent could be built. In 1866, at the request of the Bishop, the acceptance of orphans was discontinued. Those who had been under the care of the Sisters remained until they were able to provide for themselves.
In 1898, the pastor of Holy Family Church in Oldenburg announced to his parishioners that the New York Foundling Hospital was overcrowded and the Sisters of Charity in charge
were sending appeals to parishes in the central and western states to obtain adoptive homes for some of the children.
The Sisters agreed to take three orphan girls. Irene West, Louise Raymond, and Mary Kelly were three years old when they arrived. After attending Holy Family School, Louise and Mary entered the Academy of the Immaculate Conception and Irene West was sent for study to the Cincinnati Art Academy since she showed a talent and interest in art.
In August 1922, the Sisters of St. Francis replaced the Sisters of Providence at St. Vincent School. At that time the school had 140 boys. In 1926, a philanthropist from Evansville agreed to renovate the old structure and erect new buildings needed, allowing the 103 girls from Good Shepherd Home in Indianapolis to be taken care of at St. Vincent’s. (1929)
The physical plant served well for all the children, as did the spacious grounds of 400 acres, which offered ample space for recreation and extensive farming. Because of the farm, the school was almost self-sufficient in provisions.
There was adequate personnel to care for the needs of all the children to meet the accreditation for a license by the State Department of Public Welfare. The Catholic Charities Bureau supervised the administration of St. Vincent School. All admissions and releases, as well as all civil and court matters, were under its jurisdiction.
The atmosphere of the school was one of ease, freedom and self-expression in semblance of normal family life. The relation between the staff and children fostered a sense of responsibility, pride and loving care.
Throughout the 50 years of the Franciscan Sisters’ presence at St. Vincent’s, there were always Sisters willing to give their love and energies for the more than 100 children. St. Vincent School was an institution equal with any of its kind, and the only place that the children could call HOME.
In the Fall of 1971, Bishop Francis Shea of Evansville, gave approval to a new program of childcare at St. Vincent’s. A lay director was appointed; the children were to attend the local parochial school in Vincennes, and the five Sisters missioned at St. Vincent School were to teach half-days and take care of the physical needs of the children.
In late May 1972, the Evansville Diocesan Financial Committee decided to close St. Vincent’s. Primary among the reasons for this step were financial conditions and the desire to implement a program of social welfare for the diocese that could help the family, while keeping the children at home.
In the dismantling of the building, the Sisters brought to Oldenburg a reminder of the 50 years during which the congregation ministered to the children at St. Vincent’s. This reminder is the mosaic on the wall near the Oldenburg Franciscan Center. The mosaic was made in the summer of 1968 by 22 sixth to ninth grade boys, under the direction of the art teacher that summer, S. Sandra Schweitzer, then known as S. Vincent de Paul.
The mosaic depicts St. Vincent de Paul, the patron of the school. His loving concern for homeless children was always an inspiration to the Sisters of St. Francis. The St. Francis panel of the mosaic symbolizes the services of the Sisters of St. Francis, rendered for 50 years. The animal at the feet of St. Francis is the wolf he tamed, however, at the time of making the mosaic, the children considered the animal to be “Lady” their much loved pet Collie. The horizontal panel of the mosaic depicts the St. Vincent School structure.
It is estimated that the Orphanage served over 4,000 children during its more than 130 years of existence.
The Sisters continue to serve those in need.
Papua, New Guinea, 1960 - 2011
The Sisters of St. Francis mission to Papua New Guinea (PNG), 1960-2011, began with an urgent request by Capuchin Franciscan Fathers and Brothers from Pittsburgh, PA, for Sisters to serve alongside their missionaries in the Southern Highlands of what was then simply called New Guinea. They would, as the Capuchins explained to Mother Mary Cephas Keller, assist their own priests and brothers in educating and catechizing the people, especially the women, of the Southern Highlands at a time when they were just emerging from a Stone Age culture (Australia then administered PNG under the terms of a United Nations Trusteeship; PNG became an independent state in 1975, and is today a member of the United Nations and the British Commonwealth).
The first four missionaries selected -- Sisters Kate (Annata) Holohan, Mary Claver Ehren, Noreen McLaughlin, and Martine Mayborg -- received mission crosses at a departure ceremony, September 27, 1960, and departed for New Guinea immediately. They arrived at their first mission site, Mendi, on October 14, 1960. Beginning with these first four Sisters, 26 Sisters served the PNG missions over the 51-year period. The last two, Sister Martine, and Sister Doris Holohan (who had arrived in 1965) returned in 2011, one year after celebrating 50 years of mission and ministry in PNG.
Missionary life and ministries during the years in PNG straddled first the changes in the Church following Vatican II (1962 - 1965), and second, changes in governance and educational policy immediately preceding and following national independence (1975). The Sisters became increasingly involved in building a “new” Church from its beginnings during the period of traditional mission activity (primarily teaching, operating boarding schools, catechizing) to a Church which incorporated the culture, customs, and life of the native people and was led by the people themselves. More and more of this involved adult education and the formation of leaders in seminaries, a teachers’ college, and catechist training. After independence, ministries included work for the Archdiocese in various positions.
Collaboration, with the Capuchin priests and brothers, with the people with whom they worked, with the diocese, with government officials (first from Australia, then from PNG) and with women and men religious, both nationally and internationally, was a striking feature of these ministries. Crowning these collaborative efforts was the key role played by Oldenburg Franciscan PNG missionaries in the formation, in 1976, of a new religious congregation, the Franciscan Sisters of Mary (FSMs), made up solely of women of PNG. The FSMs are currently 30+ in number and are a diocesan congregation.
The Sisters ministered to the needs of the people in the bush, in the villages, and in the small towns, and negotiated tribal differences. The people of the villages and towns were moved to a stance of independence and interdependence through their influence. While doing all of this and more, our Sisters lives were enriched by the simplicity of the people, by their sincerity and ingenuity, and by their connection to God.
Tohatchi: A Long-Standing Mission
Tohatchi is a small town about 25 miles north of Gallup, New Mexico, on highway 491 heading toward Shiprock. As part of the Navajo reservation, it has a population of about 740 people, over 90% being Native American. There is one commercial business in the town, a gas station.
Families are scattered throughout the 3000 square mile parish boundaries, across “flats” and mountains. About half the people do not have running water and/or electricity. At 6400 feet elevation, the land has been in drought for over 30 years, so the once fertile areas are now sand, dust and rocks.
St. Mary parish was founded in 1920 by the Franciscan Friars from Cincinnati. Over the years, several communities of religious Sisters and mission volunteers have worked to spread the Gospel among the Navajo. The Navajo do not have a word for religion or faith, but they are very spiritual people. Their culture is filled with customs and rituals that honor the Creator, and values relationships and the Earth. Many customs, like cleansing and blessing themselves with cedar smoke, are very similar to using holy water.
In 1990, three Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, came to serve in Tohatchi, Sisters Barbara Hileman, Jean Gabriel Jones, and Dolores Wright. Their responsibilities included coordinating the religious education programs, sacramental preparations, visiting the elders, and providing food and clothing through Sister Jean’s Clothes Closet and the food pantry. These ministries still serve the entire area, not just the parish.
During the 90’s and early 2000’s, many volunteer groups came from schools and parishes around the country to experience mission life and to help with the work of evangelizing and maintaining the parish buildings and programs. The parish purchased vans to transport students to Catholic schools, to religion classes and summer programs, and more. Navajo children came from the nearby community schools for after-school programs. Today, the public after-school programs have been discontinued, and the vans sold dur=e to additional expenses in maintaining them.
The younger generations are losing both their traditions and their language, and the population on the reservation is aging. As young Navajos go off to college and the workforce, most must leave the reservation to find employment. There are fewer children, but the elderly continue to live on their native land.
Instead of a staff of 12 or more, St. Mary’s and its two mission parishes are now served by S. Marlene Kochert and S. Miriam Kaeser. They continue to operate the thrift shop and food pantry. They help plan the liturgies and music for Sunday services, funerals, and burial services at family cemeteries. They encourage and support the local Legion of Mary and Kateri Circle. They are also involved in community events at local senior centers and elementary schools. They are valued for their listening presence and the services they can provide.
And bingo. While not a religious activity, it provides some financial support to the parish, and a welcome opportunity for socializing. With few available activities and high unemployment, New Mexico has the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the United States, with McKinley County, where Tohatchi is located, being the highest in the state.
Tohatchi and the Church in New Mexico are experiencing the same problems that beset the rest of the nation – fewer and fewer religious and priests to serve the parishes. Over the next several years, the Diocese of Gallup will be taking over the Franciscan parishes such as St. Mary’s, since the Friars are no longer able to staff them.
While this seems a little glum, there is still much to be grateful for. We can celebrate the impact our ministries have made and continue to care for and be available to our Navajo brothers and sisters who have come to love and trust us.
The Sisters of St. Francis mission to Papua New Guinea (PNG), 1960-2011, began with an urgent request by Capuchin Franciscan Fathers and Brothers from Pittsburgh, PA, for Sisters to serve alongside their missionaries in the Southern Highlands of what was then simply called New Guinea. They would, as the Capuchins explained to Mother Mary Cephas Keller, assist their own priests and brothers in educating and catechizing the people, especially the women, of the Southern Highlands at a time when they were just emerging from a Stone Age culture (Australia then administered PNG under the terms of a United Nations Trusteeship; PNG became an independent state in 1975, and is today a member of the United Nations and the British Commonwealth).
The first four missionaries selected -- Sisters Kate (Annata) Holohan, Mary Claver Ehren, Noreen McLaughlin, and Martine Mayborg -- received mission crosses at a departure ceremony, September 27, 1960, and departed for New Guinea immediately. They arrived at their first mission site, Mendi, on October 14, 1960. Beginning with these first four Sisters, 26 Sisters served the PNG missions over the 51-year period. The last two, Sister Martine, and Sister Doris Holohan (who had arrived in 1965) returned in 2011, one year after celebrating 50 years of mission and ministry in PNG.
Missionary life and ministries during the years in PNG straddled first the changes in the Church following Vatican II (1962 - 1965), and second, changes in governance and educational policy immediately preceding and following national independence (1975). The Sisters became increasingly involved in building a “new” Church from its beginnings during the period of traditional mission activity (primarily teaching, operating boarding schools, catechizing) to a Church which incorporated the culture, customs, and life of the native people and was led by the people themselves. More and more of this involved adult education and the formation of leaders in seminaries, a teachers’ college, and catechist training. After independence, ministries included work for the Archdiocese in various positions.
Collaboration, with the Capuchin priests and brothers, with the people with whom they worked, with the diocese, with government officials (first from Australia, then from PNG) and with women and men religious, both nationally and internationally, was a striking feature of these ministries. Crowning these collaborative efforts was the key role played by Oldenburg Franciscan PNG missionaries in the formation, in 1976, of a new religious congregation, the Franciscan Sisters of Mary (FSMs), made up solely of women of PNG. The FSMs are currently 30+ in number and are a diocesan congregation.
The Sisters ministered to the needs of the people in the bush, in the villages, and in the small towns, and negotiated tribal differences. The people of the villages and towns were moved to a stance of independence and interdependence through their influence. While doing all of this and more, our Sisters lives were enriched by the simplicity of the people, by their sincerity and ingenuity, and by their connection to God.
Tohatchi: A Long-Standing Mission
Tohatchi is a small town about 25 miles north of Gallup, New Mexico, on highway 491 heading toward Shiprock. As part of the Navajo reservation, it has a population of about 740 people, over 90% being Native American. There is one commercial business in the town, a gas station.
Families are scattered throughout the 3000 square mile parish boundaries, across “flats” and mountains. About half the people do not have running water and/or electricity. At 6400 feet elevation, the land has been in drought for over 30 years, so the once fertile areas are now sand, dust and rocks.
St. Mary parish was founded in 1920 by the Franciscan Friars from Cincinnati. Over the years, several communities of religious Sisters and mission volunteers have worked to spread the Gospel among the Navajo. The Navajo do not have a word for religion or faith, but they are very spiritual people. Their culture is filled with customs and rituals that honor the Creator, and values relationships and the Earth. Many customs, like cleansing and blessing themselves with cedar smoke, are very similar to using holy water.
In 1990, three Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, came to serve in Tohatchi, Sisters Barbara Hileman, Jean Gabriel Jones, and Dolores Wright. Their responsibilities included coordinating the religious education programs, sacramental preparations, visiting the elders, and providing food and clothing through Sister Jean’s Clothes Closet and the food pantry. These ministries still serve the entire area, not just the parish.
During the 90’s and early 2000’s, many volunteer groups came from schools and parishes around the country to experience mission life and to help with the work of evangelizing and maintaining the parish buildings and programs. The parish purchased vans to transport students to Catholic schools, to religion classes and summer programs, and more. Navajo children came from the nearby community schools for after-school programs. Today, the public after-school programs have been discontinued, and the vans sold dur=e to additional expenses in maintaining them.
The younger generations are losing both their traditions and their language, and the population on the reservation is aging. As young Navajos go off to college and the workforce, most must leave the reservation to find employment. There are fewer children, but the elderly continue to live on their native land.
Instead of a staff of 12 or more, St. Mary’s and its two mission parishes are now served by S. Marlene Kochert and S. Miriam Kaeser. They continue to operate the thrift shop and food pantry. They help plan the liturgies and music for Sunday services, funerals, and burial services at family cemeteries. They encourage and support the local Legion of Mary and Kateri Circle. They are also involved in community events at local senior centers and elementary schools. They are valued for their listening presence and the services they can provide.
And bingo. While not a religious activity, it provides some financial support to the parish, and a welcome opportunity for socializing. With few available activities and high unemployment, New Mexico has the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the United States, with McKinley County, where Tohatchi is located, being the highest in the state.
Tohatchi and the Church in New Mexico are experiencing the same problems that beset the rest of the nation – fewer and fewer religious and priests to serve the parishes. Over the next several years, the Diocese of Gallup will be taking over the Franciscan parishes such as St. Mary’s, since the Friars are no longer able to staff them.
While this seems a little glum, there is still much to be grateful for. We can celebrate the impact our ministries have made and continue to care for and be available to our Navajo brothers and sisters who have come to love and trust us.
Doing Justice through Education
Lavatus Powell Program is a small learning community within Purcell Marian High School. It identifies students whose needs outweigh their resources. The program acknowledges and addresses systemic injustice as expressed in Catholic Social Teaching. In keeping with the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, the program allows students to access resources necessary for them to thrive in an educational environment.
The quality of the educational system in our society is determined by economics. At Purcell Marian we want to make sure the most vulnerable of students have access to support, that helps level the playing field and allows them to progress along with their peers. We build relationships with families in order to enable them to connect with the school and each other and to feel empowered to advocate for their children. We know the importance of parents being part of the education system.
We recognize every student comes to the learning environment with knowledge and a unique perspective to share with one another. We encourage students to value diversity and to respect different perspectives. One goal is to enable students to move away from competition and independence and to embrace mutuality and community.
We acknowledge economic disparity and how it impacts a student’s learning. Providing financial and academic support, school supplies, uniforms, nutritional food, etc., helps students participate more fully in the school and progress toward their goals
In accessing community resources, we meet people who have a wealth of resources and through their interaction, they and the students are mutually transformed. The people have access to resources, but when they begin to work with students, they see and experience classicism, racism, etc., in a new way. Students also come to know people from other walks of life in a new way, as friends and mentors.
From its inception, the program has been organic and ever evolving. - S. Janet Linz, Co-Director
Lavatus Powell Program is a small learning community within Purcell Marian High School. It identifies students whose needs outweigh their resources. The program acknowledges and addresses systemic injustice as expressed in Catholic Social Teaching. In keeping with the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, the program allows students to access resources necessary for them to thrive in an educational environment.
The quality of the educational system in our society is determined by economics. At Purcell Marian we want to make sure the most vulnerable of students have access to support, that helps level the playing field and allows them to progress along with their peers. We build relationships with families in order to enable them to connect with the school and each other and to feel empowered to advocate for their children. We know the importance of parents being part of the education system.
We recognize every student comes to the learning environment with knowledge and a unique perspective to share with one another. We encourage students to value diversity and to respect different perspectives. One goal is to enable students to move away from competition and independence and to embrace mutuality and community.
We acknowledge economic disparity and how it impacts a student’s learning. Providing financial and academic support, school supplies, uniforms, nutritional food, etc., helps students participate more fully in the school and progress toward their goals
In accessing community resources, we meet people who have a wealth of resources and through their interaction, they and the students are mutually transformed. The people have access to resources, but when they begin to work with students, they see and experience classicism, racism, etc., in a new way. Students also come to know people from other walks of life in a new way, as friends and mentors.
From its inception, the program has been organic and ever evolving. - S. Janet Linz, Co-Director
New Opportunity School for Women (NOSW):
Fran came to the New Opportunity School for Women in a deep depression having lost her job at a nursing home where she had worked for 20 years and having lost her mother, with whom she lived, a few years earlier. Living in poverty was her norm, and while she was a diligent worker, Fran experienced barriers to employment. Fran had several teeth missing and others that needed pulling. She looked disheveled and even many of the other women in her cohort and among our session staff thought that she could not read. Along the journey from eastern Kentucky, Fran was alert to the surroundings and as they drove into Berea, Fran commented, “I think I could live here.” Barbara, one of our House Sisters and a NOSW graduate had driven nearly three hours to bring Fran and was somewhat startled by her comment. During her two weeks in our program Fran was so grateful for and taken back by the smallest of things. The most astonishing change, at least for the rest of the group, was when Fran went to the beauty salon. No longer was Fran looking down and standing outside of the group, but her head was held high, and she looked you in the eyes. Fran had goals, but they were not to amass a lot of wealth or try to climb the corporate ladder. Her confidence grew and everyone could see the difference.
Barbara, the graduate who went to pick up Fran and drive her to Berea, also arrived at our program with her head down, extremely anxious and struggling with depression. Her ability to trust others was so guarded that she questioned Sister Robbie during those two weeks, “Why do you like me or at least pretend to like me?” Sister Robbie’s response took her back because it was honest, “Because you are funny.” Barbara too had faced many barriers, growing up in a very abusive home and becoming pregnant at 15. Leaving an abusive marriage, and later a 10-year relationship, her ability to trust was almost non-existent. She had been homeless shortly before she came to our program. She was able to get on disability and was working part-time when she arrived at NOSW, but gave up her pay for two weeks believing her life would change for the good. Barbara has met many of her goals, but if she won the lottery, she tells people she would build tiny houses for the homeless and set up a program where they could “own” those houses.
During the second week of our two-week program, Fran applied for a job at a local nursing home in Berea. What folks were surprised about, but I was not after talking with Fran about all kinds of things, was that she had her Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA). On the Thursday before graduation on Saturday, Fran interviewed and was hired on the spot. Two weeks after graduating from NOSW Fran returned and continues to excel. She waited until her insurance kicked in to get her teeth fixed as she did not want to ask for funds from our dental fund. She now wants to serve on our Board and help us fundraise. At graduation Fran showed us pictures of her when she arrived and a picture on the Friday before graduation --- wow, what a transformation even for those of us who walked with her during those two weeks.
Barbara not only grew to know she was loved and began to trust some – she developed a special bond with Sister Robbie’s mother and was holding her hand as she breathed her last breath. In January 2022 Barbara paid off her mortgage (in only 6 years of scrimping and saving) and reached a goal far beyond her dreams.
It is with the spirit of prayer and hearts of compassion that the Sisters of St. Francis enter into ministry with people who live on the margins of society. As Franciscan Sisters we have the model of prayer and service – the Martha and Mary story through the example of St. Francis. We have come to believe that what we pray for will be heard and that we will receive an answer . . . not always the one we anticipate coming though and certainly not on our timeline. We have learned this from the people with whom we minister, like Fran and Barbara, whose reliance on God is beyond what most of here can imagine.
Fran came to the New Opportunity School for Women in a deep depression having lost her job at a nursing home where she had worked for 20 years and having lost her mother, with whom she lived, a few years earlier. Living in poverty was her norm, and while she was a diligent worker, Fran experienced barriers to employment. Fran had several teeth missing and others that needed pulling. She looked disheveled and even many of the other women in her cohort and among our session staff thought that she could not read. Along the journey from eastern Kentucky, Fran was alert to the surroundings and as they drove into Berea, Fran commented, “I think I could live here.” Barbara, one of our House Sisters and a NOSW graduate had driven nearly three hours to bring Fran and was somewhat startled by her comment. During her two weeks in our program Fran was so grateful for and taken back by the smallest of things. The most astonishing change, at least for the rest of the group, was when Fran went to the beauty salon. No longer was Fran looking down and standing outside of the group, but her head was held high, and she looked you in the eyes. Fran had goals, but they were not to amass a lot of wealth or try to climb the corporate ladder. Her confidence grew and everyone could see the difference.
Barbara, the graduate who went to pick up Fran and drive her to Berea, also arrived at our program with her head down, extremely anxious and struggling with depression. Her ability to trust others was so guarded that she questioned Sister Robbie during those two weeks, “Why do you like me or at least pretend to like me?” Sister Robbie’s response took her back because it was honest, “Because you are funny.” Barbara too had faced many barriers, growing up in a very abusive home and becoming pregnant at 15. Leaving an abusive marriage, and later a 10-year relationship, her ability to trust was almost non-existent. She had been homeless shortly before she came to our program. She was able to get on disability and was working part-time when she arrived at NOSW, but gave up her pay for two weeks believing her life would change for the good. Barbara has met many of her goals, but if she won the lottery, she tells people she would build tiny houses for the homeless and set up a program where they could “own” those houses.
During the second week of our two-week program, Fran applied for a job at a local nursing home in Berea. What folks were surprised about, but I was not after talking with Fran about all kinds of things, was that she had her Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA). On the Thursday before graduation on Saturday, Fran interviewed and was hired on the spot. Two weeks after graduating from NOSW Fran returned and continues to excel. She waited until her insurance kicked in to get her teeth fixed as she did not want to ask for funds from our dental fund. She now wants to serve on our Board and help us fundraise. At graduation Fran showed us pictures of her when she arrived and a picture on the Friday before graduation --- wow, what a transformation even for those of us who walked with her during those two weeks.
Barbara not only grew to know she was loved and began to trust some – she developed a special bond with Sister Robbie’s mother and was holding her hand as she breathed her last breath. In January 2022 Barbara paid off her mortgage (in only 6 years of scrimping and saving) and reached a goal far beyond her dreams.
It is with the spirit of prayer and hearts of compassion that the Sisters of St. Francis enter into ministry with people who live on the margins of society. As Franciscan Sisters we have the model of prayer and service – the Martha and Mary story through the example of St. Francis. We have come to believe that what we pray for will be heard and that we will receive an answer . . . not always the one we anticipate coming though and certainly not on our timeline. We have learned this from the people with whom we minister, like Fran and Barbara, whose reliance on God is beyond what most of here can imagine.
Supporting our Immigrants
The Sisters of St. Francis have a long history of compassion for immigrants. Sister Marge Wissman is the daughter of German immigrants who experienced discrimination during World War II. Because of this, she has always had a heart for immigrants. So, it is not surprising that she, along with Sister Amy Kistner, Sister Noella Poinsette and two lay women, volunteered two weeks of their time at a Catholic Charities shelter to give aid to people from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador that were seeking asylum in the U.S.
Sisters Amy Kistner and Noella Poinsette were privileged to participate in an action at the Nogales, AZ port of entry as the bishop of Tucson, AZ accompanied the first family as they requested asylum. Their goal was to encourage the end of the Title 42 policy and restore access to asylum for those fleeing great danger.
They were on the Mexican side of the border accompanying 25 families who told part of their stories as they requested to be allowed into the United States applying for asylum. This is an internationally recognized right that our country has been denying to thousands as we use Title 42, a public health policy, as an excuse. Besides the 25 families there were hundreds of others there marching with us in support and about another hundred on the US side of the border wall.
These sisters and brothers of ours have fled their homelands in an effort to protect their children. Husbands and other family members have been killed and many of these migrants know their fate will be the same if they remain at home.
On October 17, 2022 a group of Sisters gathered in the cold to pray at their new banner with the quote “Whatever you do to the least of these, you have done to me – Jesus” and pictures of immigrants. In quoting Scripture, the Sisters witness to their shared humanity with all who are immigrants or refugees, all who suffer the violence of poverty, homelessness, hunger, gun violence, etc.
Currently, Sister Noella Poinsette visits the immigrants being held at Clay County Detention Center every week. She prays with them, reads the bible with them, and offers communion. You can read more about this story in our Spring Celebrate, which comes out in late April.
The Sisters of St. Francis have a long history of compassion for immigrants. Sister Marge Wissman is the daughter of German immigrants who experienced discrimination during World War II. Because of this, she has always had a heart for immigrants. So, it is not surprising that she, along with Sister Amy Kistner, Sister Noella Poinsette and two lay women, volunteered two weeks of their time at a Catholic Charities shelter to give aid to people from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador that were seeking asylum in the U.S.
Sisters Amy Kistner and Noella Poinsette were privileged to participate in an action at the Nogales, AZ port of entry as the bishop of Tucson, AZ accompanied the first family as they requested asylum. Their goal was to encourage the end of the Title 42 policy and restore access to asylum for those fleeing great danger.
They were on the Mexican side of the border accompanying 25 families who told part of their stories as they requested to be allowed into the United States applying for asylum. This is an internationally recognized right that our country has been denying to thousands as we use Title 42, a public health policy, as an excuse. Besides the 25 families there were hundreds of others there marching with us in support and about another hundred on the US side of the border wall.
These sisters and brothers of ours have fled their homelands in an effort to protect their children. Husbands and other family members have been killed and many of these migrants know their fate will be the same if they remain at home.
On October 17, 2022 a group of Sisters gathered in the cold to pray at their new banner with the quote “Whatever you do to the least of these, you have done to me – Jesus” and pictures of immigrants. In quoting Scripture, the Sisters witness to their shared humanity with all who are immigrants or refugees, all who suffer the violence of poverty, homelessness, hunger, gun violence, etc.
Currently, Sister Noella Poinsette visits the immigrants being held at Clay County Detention Center every week. She prays with them, reads the bible with them, and offers communion. You can read more about this story in our Spring Celebrate, which comes out in late April.
