Photos / Events

Each year sisters and associates are invited to bring a guest to join us in prayer, discussion, activities, and a meal. The Share and Connect Prayer Day on Sunday, May 21, 2023 began with mass in the Chapel and then 30 participants gathered in ICA Hall to explore what it means to participate in daily life with intention, gratitude, and mindfulness. Maureen Pisani shared ways to help us be fully attentive to the people and experiences that grace our lives. She explained how our mind evolves as it develops consciously and subconsciously. Through a mindful activity of painting a birdhouse we had the opportunity to focus on what was in front of us as we quieted our thoughts.

Becca Harlermert and Sr. Cleo Werner

Constance Ferrari and Carol Vaughn

Mary Kondrath and Betsy Savare

Ruth Beeler and Linda Carneal

Maureen Pisani with powerpoint

Evelyn Miller

Sr. Teresa Trick

The Brat Fry on April 29, 2023 at IGA was a successful fundraiser, and FUN raiser!
Associates enjoyed cooking and serving brats, hamburgers, metts, and hot dogs from 11:00 until 6:00. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet our neighbors and to get to know each other a little better. The Mystery Cup game provided fun for young and old, with over 30 gift card winners. We are looking forward to repeating the fry next year.

A special thank you to the sisters for sharing their grills, all who donated gift cards, and an anonymous donor whose generosity allowed us to purchase the large canopy, keeping us dry and shaded.

LaTonya Turner, Connie Deardorff and Linda Hilsinger

Marilyn Crain, Jane Schaefer, Carolyn Meyer and Teresa Law

Carla Castano and Joyce Horton

A Pre-Lenten Prayer Day was offered on Saturday, February 18th, 2023 for Sisters and Associates. Jane and Carolyn presented several ideas that could be used to observe Lent and provided the materials and resources for them. Participants shared their Lenten memories from over the years.

S. Laurina Schneider, S. Lorriane Geis,
Gerry Deller, S. Rosie Miller

Judy Hillman and S. Mary Schmidlin

Kathy Born and Myrna Hoeing

S. Dianne Kaimann, April Boyle, Judy Hillman, S. Jean Michael Sauntry, Patty Zartman, S. Marj English

Seeds of God’s Love was the theme for a day of prayer on May 21st (2022). Sisters, Associates, and their guests gathered in Oldenburg for prayer and discussions that focused on how we live our lives as soil for God to plant and ways we help others grow spiritually.
Meditations, stories, and journaling provided methods to consider how we nurture ourselves as vessels of God’s seeds for our personal growth. Participants planted flower seeds to take home and have already shared their excitement over the newly sprouted seedlings!

Sr. Jannette Pruitt, April Boyle, Karla Kinkade, Sarah Barringer

Sr. Lorraine Geis, Sr. Olga Wittekind

Sr. Olga Wittekind

Carol Vaughn, Sr. Jannette Pruitt, Karla Kinkade

Sr. Amy Kistner, Flo Wagner, Sr. Teresa Trick

Seated: Dot Lindsey, Judy Hillman, April Boyle
Standing: Gerry Deller, Sally Hunter, Manette Callahan

PRAYING THE MOMENT...

On April 23rd, Associates gathered at the Franciscan Monastery of St. Clare in Cincinnati. It was a beautiful sunny day to enjoy readings, prayers, and discussion that centered on the theme, “Praying the Moment.”

There was time to spend in the chapel or outdoors to just BE in the moment or reflect on the story, “A Perfect heart,” or a timely reflection by Marcia Gaddis. The group agreed that it was spiritually uplifting to finally be able to gather in person as well as to have an opportunity for personal reflection and growth.

Drive-by, Honk, and Wave Parade

A “Drive-by, Honk, and Wave” parade, conducted by the Associates of the Sisters of St. Francis, took place on Saturday, June 20, to honor and cheer the Sisters at their Motherhouse in Oldenburg. With cars and trucks decked out in colorful decorations including balloons, flowers, flags, streamers, and signs, the parade wound its way around the convent grounds greeting all the Sisters who came outside to see it. The Sisters were seen smiling ear to ear, waving, and holding signs expressing their love and gratitude. The nuns have been on lock-down since the middle of March due to COVID-19, so it was a joyous occasion for them to see their Associates and off-campus Sisters and vice-versa.

Associates Alice Beresford, Betsy Savare, Linda Hilsinger, and Sister Patti Zureick were instrumental in planning and organizing this successful event. Associates are affiliated with the Sisters of St Francis in their mission and prayer, and share their spiritual, social, and service opportunities. The Associate relationship is rooted in the Gospel and in Franciscan values, mindful of the call to be the presence of Jesus to all, especially to the powerless, the poor, and the oppressed.
Written by April J. Boyle, Associate

Annual Pancake Breakfast

The 6th annual pancake breakfast for the Sisters and their Associates was held on February 15, at the Motherhouse in Oldenburg. Associates served pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, cherry “thing-a-lings” from Schmidt’s Bakery in Batesville, IN. The morning provided an opportunity for Sisters and Associates to develop closer relationships through face-to-face communication and the sharing of stories and current events. Fifty-seven Sisters and Associates were in attendance this year.

Sunset Sharing

On November 7, 2019 the Associates, Sisters and Prospective Associates gathered for an evening to celebrate fellowship, prayer and the coming of Autumn. “Sunsets with all their various colors provide an opportunity to reflect on the day and spend some time in quiet gratitude.” This quote set the tone for sisters and Associates as they enjoyed photos of sunsets from all over the world and discussed other sunset related quotes. After a break of hot chocolate and a s’mores dessert the theme moved to reflecting on the month of November as a time of thanksgiving and gratitude.

Day of Remembrance

The Associates provided, “ A Day to Remember, A Day to Celebrate,” on Saturday, November 2, 2019. During a prayer service in the Motherhouse Chapel over 230 friends and family were honored and remembered. As names were read, a quilt was composed representing the fabric of our lives and the precious memories we all share were honored with song and prayers. Participants were able to take a luminary home with them as a keepsake of the person they remembered.

Advisory Board Meeting

On October 5, 2019, the Associate Advisory Board gathered in Peppertown, IN for a retreat day led by Andy Meyer. Andy serves the Sisters of Charity in Nazareth, KY as their Associate Director. He summarized team assessments completed by each Board member and gave insight into the personalities of each member using a color spectrum.
Everyone shared what they needed from the Board and what they hoped to bring to the Board to guide the Associate relationship into the future. The day was enhanced by the beautiful fall weather, a chance to enjoy each other’s company through prayer and a meal.

Active Hope

Associates and Sisters gathered at Marian University on June 1, 2019 for a prayer day to celebrate Active Hope. Each person shared stories about finding hope in their lives and explored ways to live with a hopeful attitude. Through prayers, music and drawing we brought hope to the forefront of the day and discussed how we will continue to be an inspiration of hope to others.

Welcome to Matthew Landry

Congratulations to Reverend Matthew Landry who made his Associate commitment on May 9th, 2019 at Oldenburg. Matt’s wife Candace and their three year old son, Zechariah enjoyed a visit through the town of Oldenburg followed by dinner and the signing prayer service at 7:00 pm. Associates and Sisters gathered in the Community Room to celebrate with him. His contact person, S. Norma Rocklage witnessed his signing and presented him with his Associate pin. S. Norma journeyed with Matt over the past year as they explored the Franciscan charism and the mission of the Sisters. Welcome!

Looking versus Seeing

The Associate Office sponsored a prayer day for Associates and Sisters on May 4, 2019 in Oldenburg. The theme, “Looking versus Seeing” was carried out through the day with prayers and activities that helped us realize how often we look at people and things without seeing details or specifics. We had the chance to identify “hidden” objects within photos, describe photos that was saw using Viewmasters, and were nourished through meditations and reflections.

An Early Nod to St. Patrick

The Damiano Associate Group had an early surprise for the Sisters at the Motherhouse on March 3, 2019. They held a St. Patrick’s Day sing-a-long in the Sisters’ dining room. The party was early because of all the meetings and a retreat crowding around the holiday. Sisters gathered and sang songs of a wide variety including those old Irish favorites. In addition to singing there was the now infamous “potato chip game.” A variety of local brands of potato chips were served and the Sisters had to determine if they actually tasted different from one another. Some were even brave and guessed the brands. Potato chip aficionados abounded. Not to be outdone by the potato chip sharing, the Damianos served cookies to both the Sisters in the dining room and the Sisters in St. Clare Hall who were unable to attend. Thanks to the Associates’ enthusiasm, it was indeed a celebration of green and a fond tradition!

A Day to Remember

“A Day to Remember, A Day to Celebrate”
Associates and Sisters led a prayer service on Saturday, November 3, 2018 to remember and honor friends and family members. The Motherhouse Chapel was radiant with light from sconces, luminaries and candles as scripture readings were proclaimed and singing gave thanks and praise for all of our blessings.
The Associate’s fundraising committee prepared and organized the service and the reception that followed. Donations made to honor or remember went to the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg. We thank everyone for their generosity and support.

Prospective Associates Meet for Retreat

Prospective Associates gathered in Oldenburg on August 25th to continue their formation and get to know one another. The two Associate co-directors, Carolyn Meyer and Jane Schaefer led morning prayer and facilitated discussions and reflections about the Franciscan teaching, “Care of Creation,” Ministry and Call and Franciscan symbols. The group toured the Motherhouse, including the gift shop filled with homemade crafts, cards, baby items and candy. Lunch was shared with the sisters in the main dining room and the afternoon brought the group back together for final commitment preparations.

Associate Brother Joe Bach Makes Final Profession

We celebrate with Associate, Brother Joe Bach, O.S.F. as he made his perpetual religious profession on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Brother Joe is a member of the Congregation of the Religious Brothers of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis in Brooklyn, N.Y. May the Lord bless him, keep him and fill his life with joy and peace. A quote chosen by Br. Joe that expresses his thoughts about this cherished event in his life is: “You didn’t choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, He may give it to you.” ~John 15:16

Congratulations to Chris Wesselman

Congratulations to Associate Chris Wesselman for graduating from the Beech Grove Spiritual Direction Training Program and is now a Spiritual Director. Chris, although a new Associate, is very active during community events at the Motherhouse, participates in several Associate small groups and has recently been elected to the Associate Board.