MINISTRIES

Living Our Vocation

S. Ellen Miller, OSF

Sister Ellen Miller serves as a counselor for Catholic Charities in Quincy, Illinois, where she companions and walks with individuals facing challenges such as domestic violence, anger management, grief and loss, and relationship struggles. Through her counseling ministry, Sister Ellen supports clients who are carrying burdens that disrupt their lives and are searching for healing, hope, and new direction. In addition to her counseling work, Sister Ellen serves as a spiritual director and companion for individuals seeking to deepen their relationship with God. Through both ministries, she has the sacred opportunity to be a compassionate listener and guide as others begin to experience healing, renewal, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Sister Janet Linz

Sister Janet Linz initiated and co-directs the Lavatus Powell Program at Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. The program serves students needing additional support and resources to be successful throughout their high school academic program. The program provides assistance and guidance for the academic demands of the high school curriculum, self awareness and self advocacy, study skills, social skills, communication skills, school involvement, and post high school planning. As co-director of the program, Sister Janet’s responsibilities include identifying eligible students for the program, recruiting and developing appropriate volunteers, fundraising, and also serving as the primary mentor and tutor. Sister Janet collaborates with classroom teachers, parents/guardians, administrators, school counselors, and outside resources to ensure the most successful outcome for these students. Sister Janet has a rich history of serving in this ministry at Purcell Marian High School since 1999.

Sister Kathleen Branham, OSF

Sister Kathleen Branham, OSF, serves as part of the Leadership Team for the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC), where she is Director of Data and Donor Relations. In this role, she supports the organization’s membership, workshops, events, and access to member resources and benefits. She also maintains membership and donor databases, develops protocols to ensure data integrity and security, and serves as a liaison to website services and the Governance Committee.

As Director of Donor Relations, Sister Kathleen also works closely with benefactors, donors, and larger institutions to strengthen philanthropic support for NRVC, including gifts, grants, donations, and endowment opportunities. She began her congregational vocation ministry in 2019 and has also served as an NRVC Midwest Member Area Coordinator.

Sister Mary Beth Gianoli

Sister Mary Beth Gianoli currently serves as Vice President of Mission Integration at Marian University. In this role, she works to integrate the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis and promotes Marian University’s Catholic Franciscan identity and heritage.

“I believe that we are invited to Celebrate – every day! We have the opportunity (and challenge) to embrace and appreciate the many gifts we are given. We are called to witness joy, wonder and gratitude as we give thanks to our God. Amen, Alleluiah!”

Sister Jackie McCracken

From 2014-2022, Sister Jackie McCracken worked with adults with disabilities at the Village of Merici in the Fort Benjamin Harrison area in Indianapolis. Her ministry there was to provide support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jacki continues to work with persons with I/D disabilities as a Behavior Consultant with Support Behavior Services.

Sister Ellen Michl

While Sister Ellen Michl began as a teacher, her path turned to serving as a Chemist. She worked at D-A Lubricant in Indianapolis, Indiana where she worked in quality control. She was the only woman in the lab when she started, opening doors for the many women that followed. While no longer in chemistry, she now serves as an assistant at Still Waters Adult Daycare.

Sister Irma Arnold

Sister Irma Arnold, who was born in Evansville, Indiana serves at St. James School in Haubstadt, a part of the Evansville metropolitan area. She has been teaching since 1966 and has been with St. James School since 2004. Her sister, Sister Bridget, is an aide at St. Joseph School in Evansville. Both have been in teaching ministry in the Evansville Diocese since 1972.

Sister Joan Miller

Sister Joan Miller’s early ministry was teaching in schools in Evansville, Indianapolis and Wadesville, Indiana. In 1973 Sister Joan embarked on a new career in pastoral and youth ministry and as a director of religious education in Evansville parishes and also in nearby Dale. After ministering as vocation director for the congregation, Sister Joan served at the Parish Life Coordinator at St. Vincent de Paul in Shelbyville, Indiana, where she was able to begin a St. Vincent de Paul Society chapter. Since retiring from parish ministry,

Sister Joan now serves as a Certified Funeral Celebrant and Elder Caregiver.Joan has been described by those who know her as “down to earth, dynamic and inspiring”. She absolutely loves life and has received the biblical one-hundred fold in return.

Sister Jane Frey

Sister Jane Frey was gifted by nature, family background, education, and a wealth of life experiences. Imitating God as the world’s Creator, she brought into existence various creations. She gave her family a life-time treasure, a Frey Family Tree of ten generations.

At Oldenburg, Sister Jane was involved in Formation work with the Aspirants. She also instructed the postulants and novices with the sewing of their religious habit.

Sister Jane taught in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for 24 years. She taught religion and home economics. A second career for her was in the Pastoral Counseling field for 35 years in Virginia, Maryland, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. She began a private practice, the Pastoral Counseling Service program, ministering through a retreat house and parishes as Director, Therapist, and Pastoral Counselor. Her belief is “the Spirit of God is upon me; He has anointed me, He sent me to bring Good News to the poor, and to heal the broken hearted,” Luke, 4:18.

Sister Jeri Fuhrmann

Sister Jeri Fuhrmann began her missioning as a music teacher. Music still plays an important part of her life today and continues to be her mission. She is currently ministering as the Director of Liturgy & Music and Sacristan at Mt. Notre Dame Health Center (MNDHC) with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, where she is in her 20th year.

Sister Therese Gillman

Sister Therese Gillman served in numerous ministry positions throughout her 50+ years as an Oldenburg Franciscan. Her impacted touched lives as a teacher, administrator, consultant, President of Oldenburg Academy and she served as the first woman executive director of the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford, Ohio. Currently, she is sharing her gifts with the community by serving as Major Gifts Officer in the Sisters Advancement Office. You will often hear her say, “It is such a gift and blessing to get to know and hear the stories from those who support our Franciscan mission and way of life.”

Sister Delouise Menges

Sister Delouise Menges taught as a full-time classroom instructor for 47 years. She spent 13 years at Our Lady of Victory School and 34 years at St. Veronica School, both in Cincinnati. She currently serves as Campus Minister at St. Veronica School. This role allows her to be of service in a variety of ways to students and staff, including team-teaching with some faculty members. As she reflects on her past teaching experiences, she has many great memories of the students’ efforts and successes. She especially remembers serving as Mission Moderator for both schools and encouraging students to assist mission territories with all kids of creative activities. During 2018-2024, Sister Delouise was a member of the Leadership Team for the Sisters of St. Francis.

Sister Marjorie Niemer

Sister Marjorie Niemer was Parish Life Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. She held the position for twelve years at St. Peter and St. Mary of the Rock parishes. She currently is Parish Administrator as St. Bernard and Mother of Christ Parishes in Cincinnati, OH. In 2012, Sister Marjorie was part of the Community Leadership Team. After her graduation from Marian and Butler Universities, she embarked on a 25-year ministry of teaching music, drama and religion.

Sister Donna Prickel

Sister Donna Prickel is currently IN/OH Regional Coordinator of Aging, Health and Wellness for the Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Nursing was her first ministry: hospice, oncology, medical/psychiatric, and geriatric. Teaching, coordinating, managing in the field of nursing seem to be her niche. When nursing took a physical toll, she was able to transition into pastoral care in a nursing facility and later as the Parish Life Coordinator of Immaculate Conception Parish in Millhousen, Indiana.

Sister Patty Zureick

Sister Patty Zureick serves as the Clinical Counselor serving students at St. Boniface School. She has been there since 2019. Prior to that, she taught Kindergarten and First Grade for 25 years, then moved into counseling. Her days are filled with listening to others and helping them to see possible solutions, resolutions and ways of healing.