Please join us for the livestream of
Jubilee Mass
Sunday, June 22, 2025
3:00-4:00 p.m. CDT
Celebrating our 2025 Jubilarians
Mass will be livestreamed on the Holy Family Catholic Community Facebook page. You do not need a Facebook account to view the livestream.
75 Year Sister Jubilarians
Helen Sander
Professed in 1950
(Sister Antonella)
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Walker, Kansas
EDUCATION
1959-61 Fontbonne College, St. Louis, Missouri
1961 Institute for Hospital Food Services Supervision – Certificate
MINISTRIES
1950-53 St. Luke’s, Two Rivers, WI - Homemaker
1953-66 St. Agnes Convent, Fond du Lac, WI - Homemaker
1966-72 Immaculate Conception, Elmhurst, IL - Homemaker
1972-77 Nazareth Heights, Fond du Lac, WI - Homemaker
1977-83 St. Agnes Convent, Fond du Lac, WI - Homemaker
1983-94 St. Joseph’s, Hays, KS - Homemaker
1994-2000 Boyle Home, Fond du Lac, WI - Homemaker
2000-05 Sacred Heart, Fond du Lac, WI - Homemaker
2005-present Nazareth Court, Fond du Lac, WI
An experience that affirms her lifelong commitment as a vowed woman religious
When I first made my profession, I recall the words of relying on the help of God. I promise to serve you faithfully all the days of my life. And this has been my promise for 70 years as I shared my gifts as a homemaker in my service to the community. In my places of ministry, it was a joy to serve everyone, preparing meals to keep them healthy and hopefully happy. But in doing this menial work that never bothered me, 'cause I. .. the sisters always accepted and supported me in all the work that I did. And I always counted all my blessings from the community. So, I always said that no matter what work there is, the work is always God's work. Share words of advice for others working to advance CSA’s Mission.
And I always like that little thing that I copied a long time ago where it says, "Position isn't the only thing in life that counts. It also includes your disposition."
But when I think now of, you know, the whole world is in such chaos but when I look at the future I always said, who knows what tomorrow will bring. And I don't want to live in fear for the rest of my life not knowing what might or could happen. But rather live in the now with hope and bust that God cares for me and provides for me for all that I need.
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In Memoriam
70 Year Sister Jubilarians
Helen Gallitz
Professed in 1955
(Sister Ignatius)
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Fond du Lac, WI
EDUCATION
BS in Elementary Education, Marian College, Fond du Lac, WI
MS in Elementary Education, St. Francis College, Fort Wayne, IN
Masters in Pastoral Studies, Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Certified Massage Therapist, Blue Sky Education Foundation, Inc., Grafton, WI
Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, Colorado Center for Healing Touch, Inc.
MINISTRIES
1955-63 St. Peter Claver School, Sheboygan, WI – 1st, 2nd, 4th Grades
1963-67 St. Bernard School, Watertown, WI – 1st Grade
1967-73 St. Joseph School, Fort Wayne, IN – 1st, 3rd, 4th Grades
1977-80 Consolidated Parochial School, Marytown, WI – 2nd Grade & Principal
1980-81 Precious Blood Parish, New London, WI – Coordinator Elementary Religious Education
1981-89 St. Mary Parish, Omro, WI – Director of Religious Education
1989-90 St. Veronica Parish, Milwaukee, WI – Director of Elementary Religious Education
1990-92 Holy Spirit Parish, Milwaukee, WI – Director of Religious Education
1992-94 Milwaukee Achiever Program, Milwaukee, WI – Coordinator of English as a Second Language
1996-2012 Private Practice, Fond du Lac, WI – Massage Therapy & Healing Touch
2006-2019 Facilitator of women’s spirituality groups and various volunteer activities
An experience that affirms her lifelong commitment as a vowed woman religious
As I look over these past years, there has been a repeated presence of the following prayer. This prayer has provided and is providing me with words which are inviting, challenging, encouraging, and supporting.
Lord, make me an instrument of Your Peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
-St. Francis Assisi
A blessing she would like to share
A blessing I have had is being in contact with CSA associates. Their “God presence” speaks loudly of peace, justice, love, compassion, caring, courage and a contemplative spirit.
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Jean Braun
Professed in 1955
(Sister Paul Marie)
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Fond du Lac, WI – St. Joseph Parish
EDUCATION
1965 B.S. in Elementary Education, Marian College, Fond du Lac, WI
1973 Masters in Education, Marygrove College, Detroit, MI
MINISTRIES
Teaching
1955-58 St. Peter Claver School, Sheboygan, WI – 5th Grade
1958-59 St. Mary Help of Christians School, West Allis, WI – 5th-6th Grades
1959-62 St. John the Baptist School, New Haven, IN – 3rd Grade
1962-66 St. Luke School, Two Rivers, WI – 5th Grade
1966-67 St. Mary Help of Christians School, West Allis, WI – 5th Grade
1967-71 St. John the Baptist School, Waunakee, WI –2nd & 5th Grade
1971-72 Sacred Heart School, Fond du Lac, WI – 4th Grade
1972-76 Immaculate Conception School, Elmhurst, IL – 5th Grade
Directing Religious Education
1976-77 St. Joseph Parish, Hays, KS
1977-84 St. Mary Parish, Oshkosh, WI
1984-86 St. John the Baptist Parish, New Haven, IN
Pastoral Ministry
1986-92 St. John Baptist Parish, New Haven, IN
Hospital Chaplaincy
1993-97 Holy Redeemer Hospital, Meadowbrook, PA
1997-2008 St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, WI
2008-2024 Volunteer work at Hospice, St. Agnes Hospital, St. Vincent de Paul
An experience that affirms her lifelong commitment as a vowed woman religious
As I was praying with my family for my brother who was contemplating a change of ministry for himself, I faced a strong urge to change my own ministry. With time and prayer, I understood and believed that was not God’s call for me.
Advice for others working to advance CSA’s Mission
Be faithful and flexible! The call to help God’s/the world’s needy continues forever.
A blessing she would like to share
May the blessing of love and compassion be your gift forever!
How the CSA charism continues to inspire her
It gives me courage and strength to continue doing all that I can. It helps me be ok with letting go of all that I can no longer do.
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Jean Perry
Professed in 1955
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Muncie, Indiana
EDUCATION
St. Lawrence School, Muncie, IN—Grades 1-9
Center High School, Perry Twp., IN—Grade 10
St. Agnes High School, Fond du Lac, WI—Grades 11-12, Diploma
Marian College, Fond du Lac, WI—B.S. Ed.
Creighton Univ., Omaha, NE—M.S. Ed.
MINISTRIES
1955-60 Brother Dutton School, Beloit, WI – Teacher - Grades 6-8
1960-64 St. Louis School, Fond du Lac, WI – Teacher - Grades 6-7
1964-66 Jefferson West School, Hays, KS – Teacher - Grades 7-8
1966-68 St. Luke School, Two Rivers, WI – Teacher – Grade 8
1968-75 St. Joseph School, Rosemount, MN – Principal & Teacher – Grade 8
1975-77 SS. Mary & Joseph School, Fond du Lac, WI – Principal for Grades 5-8
1977-81 Motherhouse, Fond du Lac, WI – CSA General Council Member
1981-90 Precious Blood School, Ft. Wayne, IN – Principal
1990-91 Spiritual Ministry/Sabbatical, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
1991-2001 St. Louis the King School, Glendale, AZ – Principal
2001-2013 St. Louis the King Parish, Glendale, AZ – Pastoral Associate/Parish Admin
2013-14 St. Louis the King Parish, Glendale, AZ – Volunteer
2014-2024 St. Agnes Convent, Fond du Lac, WI – Retirement/Community Volunteer
2024-present Nazareth Court/Center, Fond du Lac, WI
An experience that affirms her lifelong commitment as a vowed woman religious
I can trace my call and desire to become a sister from both family and elementary school experiences. My two aunts became Sisters of St. Agnes long before I was born. My mother and all of my siblings were taught by the Sisters of St. Agnes at St. Lawrence School in Muncie, Indiana. Year after year I raised my hand when the priests came to the classroom and asked who would like to become a sister. I also remember clearly a prayer I prayed when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. I asked God to not let the world end until I could be a sister!! In 1951, I entered St. Agnes Convent, professed my first vows in 1955 and never looked back!
Advice for others working to advance CSA’s Mission
As stated in the CSA Mission Statement, “… we, (Sisters of St. Agnes), participate in the mission of Jesus by joyful service in the Church, always aware that we, too, are among the needy and are enriched by those we serve”. We invite those who wish to advance CSA's mission in a more formal way, to recall their own baptismal call as disciples of Jesus. If, after prayer and discernment and a desire to participate with CSA in a more formal way, we invite these individuals to join with us in mutual activities that promote the mission of Jesus.
A blessing she would like to share
As I reflect on God's unconditional love throughout my entire life, I realize how blessed I have been. I repeat for this 70th anniversary part of what I wrote for my 60th: "...I celebrate in gratitude for my family who were the first to love and support me; ... for my sisters in community with whom I have lived, worked and loved, and who have been an inspiration to me to remain faithful to my call; ... for all the children, parents, teachers, priests, co-workers and friends with whom I shared ministry in so many places; Above all, I pray that ... I may continue to strive 'to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with my God' (Micah:6.8) for the remainder of my life.
How the CSA charism continues to inspire her
I am inspired by the fidelity of all the Sisters with whom I have shared community and ministry for the past seventy years, as together we strive to continue the mission of Jesus and "reveal God's love" as "joyful witnesses of the risen Christ." This mission and charism of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes give me daily purpose and trust in God's grace to help me live out my call to apostolic religious life as a Sister of St. Agnes in our world today.
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Jeannine Funk
Professed in 1955
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Fond du Lac, WI
EDUCATION
St. Mary’s, Fond du Lac, WI – Grade School
St. Agnes High (Convent) , Fond du Lac, WI – High School
Marian College, Fond du Lac, WI Master of Science in Education
St. Francis College, Fort Wayne, IN
MINISTRIES
(grade levels taught – 1st – 6th)
1955-60 Mary Help of Christians, West Allis, WI
1960-68 St. Lawrence, Muncie, IN
1968-74 St. Mary, Eden, WI
1974-79 St. Margaret Mary, Milwaukee, WI
1980-82 Holy Family, Bronx, NY
1983-85 Service Center, Mobile, AL
1985-88 St. Catherine, Mobile, AL
1988-99 St. Catherine, Mobile, AL – Parish Ministry
2001-2011 Fond du Lac Schools, Fond du Lac, WI – Grandparent Program
2011-Present St. Vincent de Paul, Fond du Lac, WI - Volunteer
2011-Present Hospice Home, Fond du Lac, WI - Volunteer
An experience that affirms her lifelong commitment as a vowed woman religious
I have been a happy Sister of St. Agnes for 70 years. Obviously, I entered the Congregation at a young age and never regretted it. I came from a happy family, had a happy up bringing and Catholic parents who taught me what it important in life. Most of my years have been as an elementary teacher and I enjoyed the little ones I taught. I considered it a privilege to teach the importance of knowing God and serving Him as they grew older. Though I have seen many changes in religious life during my lifetime, I am a grateful Sister of St. Agnes for all that has taken place in my life. My prayer is “Thank You God!”
Advice for others working to advance CSA’s Mission
It takes all of us to keep CSA Mission in mind and do all we can to promote it.
A blessing she would like to share
I consider it a blessing to be a happy Sister of St. Agnes for so many years. Only God has supplied the grace and given me the will to accomplish it.
How the CSA charism continues to inspire her
Knowing all Sisters of St. Agnes are conscious of living our charism, I have to say it is an inspiration to all of us, and we are grateful to our Sisters who formulated it for us to live by.
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Leanne Sitter
Professed 1955
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Oshkosh, WI
EDUCATION
St. Agnes High School, Fond du Lac, WI
Marian College, Fond du Lac, WI - BA
1970 Mary Manse College, Toledo, OH - MA Elementary School Administration
MINISTRIES
1955-61 St. Joseph, Berlin, WI – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Grades
1961-63 Visitation School, New Holstein, WI – 5th & 6th Grades
1963-66 Presentation School, North Fond du Lac, WI – 6th Grade
1966-70 St. John the Baptist School, New Holstein, WI – 6th, 7th, 8th Grades, Principal
1970-77 St. Louis & St. Patrick, Fond du Lac, WI – Principal
1977-81 Immaculate Conception, Elmhurst, IL – Principal
1981-85 Ss. Peter & Paul, Hortonville, WI – Principal, English Teacher
1985-87 Ss. Peter & Paul, Most Precious Blood, New London, WI – Principal
1987-94 St. Agnes Convent, Fond du Lac, WI – General Secretary
1995-2012 Central Alabama Laubach Literacy Council, Montgomery, AL – Executive Director
2013-Present St. Clare of Assisi, Monroe, WI – Faith Formation St. Victor, Monroe, WI – Tutor
Monroe Literacy Program, Monroe, WI – Tutor Monroe Clinic Hospital, Monroe, WI – Archivist
Advice for others working to advance CSA’s Mission
Cultivate a deep faith in and appreciation for the Holy Eucharist. Jesus told us the greatest love one can express is to lay down one’s life for another. That is what Jesus did for every single person ever created. To advance CSA’s mission, one must be willing to sacrifice his or her own life for every other person who comes into his or her life, “love your neighbor as yourself.” Reflect upon the love you would express to every man, woman, and child for whom you would be willing to sacrifice YOUR life.
A blessing she would like to share
I have been blessed with a generous share of intelligence the extent that I have managed to maintain an A average achievement throughout my years in primary, secondary, college, and post-college education.
How the CSA charism continues to inspire her
Throughout all my years as a student in grade school, high school, and college with CSA instructors I have experienced the power and wisdom imparted through the CSA charism, and I realize the extent of those gifts with which I have been blessed or an instructor blessed by that charism.
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In Memoriam
60 Year Sister Jubilarians
Barbara Gause
Professed in 1965
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Born in Chicago, IL/Raised in Elmhurst, IL
EDUCATION
1966 Marian University, Fond du Lac, WI - BS in Education
1975 St. Francis University, Fort Wayne, IN - MS in Education
1985 St. Michael’s, Winooski, VT - MA in Theology
Studied Spanish in Dominican Republic and Bolivia
MINISTRIES
1965-66 St. Louis Catholic Grade School – 1st grade (while finishing BS)
1966-67 St. Mary’s, Hays, KS – 2nd Grade
1967-69 Jefferson East, Hays, KS – 4th grade
1969-70 Most Precious Blood School, New London, WI – 5th-8th Grades
1970-73 St. Jude the Apostle, Wauwatosa, WI – split 2nd/3rd Grades and 5th Grade
1973-74 Mary Help of Christians, West Allis, WI – 6th-8th Grades
1974-78 St. Florian, West Milwaukee, WI –5th-8th Grades
1978-79 Holy Family, Bronx, NY – 8th Grade
1979-83 St. Louis & Patrick, Fond du Lac, WI –7th-8th Grades
1983-89 Sacred Heart, Yonkers, NY – taught Theology, remedial reading, and remedial math
1989-91 St. Nicholas of Tolentine HS, Bronx, NY – taught Theology
1991-94 St. Catherine Academy, Bronx, NY – taught Theology
1995-98 Colegio Niño Jesus Primary and Secondary, Escuela Maureen Courtney, Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua – oversaw English and Theology programs and tutored special education students
2000-10 St. Joseph Catholic Academy, Kenosha, WI – taught Theology and worked as a resource teacher
2010-11 Providence Catholic Grade School, Union Grove, WI - Part-time School Secretary
2011-18 Peoples Resource Center, Wheaton, IL & Northwestern Home Health Care & Hospice, Carol Stream, IL—Volunteer
2018-Present Nazareth Court & Center, Fond du Lac, WI—Volunteer
An experience that affirms her lifelong commitment as a vowed woman religious
As a Sister of St. Agnes, I’ve had a wide variety of experiences that exposed me to many cultures. In between my summers of graduate school, I volunteered at the Dumas Weasley Methodist Center in Mobile, Alabama. I also spent time volunteering at the Marillac House in Chicago while attending workshops at the 8th Day Center for Justice in Chicago.
Spending a summer working with S. Jean Brenner at Contera in Nicaragua was a total delight.
Over the years I’ve worked with rich and poor alike. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. It has been a great life.
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Eileen Mahony
Professed in 1965
(Sister Norella)
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
New York City, New York
EDUCATION
1967 Marian College, Fond du Lac, WI - BSN
UW Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI - MSN
MINISTRIES
1965-1971 St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, WI
1971-1982 Waspam, Río Coco, Nicaragua
1982-1985 Hospice St. Agnes Hospital & MSN studies
1985-2020 St. Elizabeth Health Center, Tucson, AZ - Family nurse practitioner
2020-2025 Casa Alitas, Tucson, AZ - Volunteer with Asylum Seekers
An experience that affirms her lifelong commitment as a vowed woman religious
Having been born into an immigrant family and community where welcome, love and support were the norm, my three major areas of ministry have been challenging but heartfelt responses: health care and leadership training among Miskito people in Nicaragua; health care for uninsured persons from many countries in Tucson, Arizona; health screening of asylum seekers from many countries in Tucson, Arizona.
Advice for others working to advance CSA’s Mission
Be open to be challenged and blessed by those served.
A blessing she would like to share
I have been gifted by the strength, courage and wisdom of those willing to give all in service.
How the CSA charism continues to inspire her
I desire to continue to support those whose faith life or human dignity is threatened.
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Jean Salchert
Professed in 1965
(Sister Martina)
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Fond du Lac, WI
EDUCATION
Marian College, Fond du Lac, WI - BS in Education
Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI - BA Art Therapy
Springhill College, Mobile, AL - Spiritual Direction Certification
MINISTRIES
1966-67 St. Cloud, St. Cloud, WI – 1st & 2nd Grades
1967-69 St. Mary, Nanty Glo, PA – 2nd Grade
1969-74 Sacred Heart, Yonkers, NY – 1st Grade
1974-81 St. Florian, West Milwaukee, WI – 2nd Grade
1982-83 St. Ann’s Home, Milwaukee, WI – art/activities
1983-84 St. Francis Home, Fond du Lac, WI – art/activities
1984-2011 Service Center of Catholic Social Services, Mobile, AL – intake worker, administrative assistant, clothing & food department head
2011-2020 Nazareth Court & Center, Fond du Lac, WI – Local Coordinator
2020-Present Nazareth Court & Center & St. Francis Home, Fond du Lac, WI – Volunteer in Chapel
2020-Present Women’s Empowerment, Fond du Lac, WI – Volunteer
An experience that affirms her lifelong commitment as a vowed woman religious
There have been many downs in my life when I wonder: What is the purpose for which God has made me? Each down time, o time in the darkness, brings out a new light. God is with me, no matter my limitations and faults, fears and doubts. God just keeps saying: 'I am with you'. The more mature I become in age and wisdom, my outlook on life, on religious life grows deeper. It all becomes one loving relationship with the God of love. God is writing a love story with each of us, as we can see in the Scriptures, both Old Testament and New Testament. God continues to write a love story in our world today. Are we listening? Are we letting ourselves be a part of that love story?
Advice for others working to advance CSA’s Mission
transformation of self, Church, and world
Be yourself - your God given gifts are unique to you. God desires you to use them for the purpose for which God made you. No one else can do what God desires you to do. There is no need to compare, for that will get you no where. There is no need to judge because we do not know what God has in mind for the other. Anyhow, judging someone is also judging yourself. Do you notice the 'beam'? We always need to act in some way. That way will differ for each person.
Reflect - What is the gift God has given you?
A blessing she would like to share
I believe the blessing I received from God is the ability to write about justice and nature - life in general. So I give you:
No room in the Inn Outside in the stable
God in human form, Jesus was born Wrapped in a cloth
No trumpet blasts, only angel choirs in the shepherd lands No big parades, only lowly shepherds with their sheep
No paparazzi, only foreigners bearing gifts God has come to live among us!
Do we see God in those who have no place to stay? Do we see God in babies born in struggling situations?
Do we see God in the outsider, the one who is different? Or is there, no room in our hearts and so we turn away But God is still present and living among us. 2018
The small tree among the tall pines
Stands as a powerful message for our times
Though it seems insignificant to the powers around it It flourishes and gives birth
Birds rest in its branches Squirrels scamper up its trunk
God's creation is speaking to us by its very existence Do we not see or hear the message?
All of creation has a purpose
No matter how small or how tall How weak or how powerful
It uses the gifts it has to praise the Lord
By giving of itself for others. We are to do the same.
Not lord it over or despair of meaning But share what we have willingly
To the glory of the God who made us. So whether I feel like the small tree Or the powerful pines,
All I have I give as God's la of love commands. This inner attitude of love and generosity
Is the source of peace and joy that only God can give. The small tree among the tall pines
Stands as a poweful message for our times. 2003
How the CSA charism continues to inspire her
We are ordinary people who at times do extraordinary things because we trust that God is our source of inspiration and is working through us. It is God's Spirit that encourages me to write, to draw, to speak, to take the risk in trusting God.
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Leona Armstrong
Professed in 1965
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Altoona, PA
EDUCATION/MINISTRIES
1965-67 St. Agnes Convent, Fond du Lac, WI – Finance Department
1967-71 Sacred Heart School, Fond du Lac, WI – 1st & 2nd Grades
1971-72 Sacred Heart School, Yonkers, NY – 5th & 6th Grades
1972-91 St. Agnes Convent, Fond du Lac, WI – Finance Department
1991-2010 St. Joseph’s School-Yorkville, New York, NY – Financial Secretary
2010-2021 St. Agnes Convent, Fond du Lac, WI – Finance Department
2021-present Nazareth Court & Center, Fond du Lac, WI
An experience that affirms her lifelong commitment as a vowed woman religious
I supported vowed religious communities by helping CSA General Treasurer as she helped other religious community in their planning to meet ongoing needs for healthcare and other resources for their elderly members.
Advice for others working to advance CSA’s Mission
Always keep reminding ourselves of our mission: living the Gospel.
A blessing she would like to share
I was blessed to serve with other CSA members who were models of religious life and selfless in their services.
How the CSA charism continues to inspire her
The CSA call to respond to those who faith life or human dignity is threatened has always been a vision I hold for us. It continues to motivate me to pray with and for the many who are in need and suffer.
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Michaeleen Frahm
Professed in 1965
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
EDUCATION
MINISTRIES
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Patricia Weidman
Professed in 1965
(Sister Antoine)
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Meridian, MS (army base)
Entered CSA from Altoona, PA
EDUCATION
1966 Marian College, Fond du Lac, WI - BS in Education
1969-1972 L’Universite Laval, Quebec, and L’Unversite Catolique, France - French study
1978 Millersville State College, PA - Masters in French
1981 Puebla, Mexico - Spanish study
Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and Spain - Spanish study/practice
1985 St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee - 7 units of Clinical Pastoral Education,
1986 National Association of Catholic Chaplains - Board Certification
1990 Loyola University of Chicago - Masters in Pastoral Studies
1995 Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL - WI Residency, Advanced Clinical Pastoral Education
MINISTRIES
1966-69 St. Peter Claver School, Sheboygan, WI – 6th Grade
1969-70 Holy Family School, Bronx, NY – 7th Grade
1970-80 St. Mary’s Springs High School & Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac, WI – taught French
1980-84 Immaculate Conception High School, Elmhurst, IL – taught French & Spanish
1984-85 St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee, WI – Clinical Pastoral Education Residency
1985-94 St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, WI – Chaplain; Editor CSA newsletter
1994-95 Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL – Clinical Pastoral Education Residency
1995-96 Hospice Spiritual Caregiver
1996-97 Berks County Prison and Allentown State Hospital, PA – Chaplain
1997-2017 U.S. Penitentiary, Lewisburg, PA; – Chaplain
1997-2017 Federal Correctional Institution, Gilmer, WV – Chaplain
1997-2017 Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, PA – Chaplain
2016-22 Dismas Ministry – Board Member/President
2017-20 State Correctional Institution, Mahanoy, PA – Volunteer
2021-Present CSA Motherhouse, Fond du Lac, WI - Laudato Si' Animator, Care for Earth article author
2021-Present Nazareth Court & Center, Fond du Lac, WI - Volunteer
An experience that affirms her lifelong commitment as a vowed woman religious
Inmates, who valued self-improvement, participated in my program of nonviolence. When each cohort began, I introduced myself by saying that my friend was killed in an ambush in Nicaragua. My self-disclosure gave me credibility in teaching nonviolent communication skills and to coordinate all the faith groups.
Advice for others working to advance CSA’s Mission
When I began my ministry as a prison chaplain, my mentor said, “Remember, inmates are people too.” They are people whose humanity, faith life, and human dignity are threatened.
A blessing she would like to share
Teaching in Bronx, NY, introduced me to racial diversity. My future ministries combined my gifts as teacher, hospital chaplain, and prison chaplain, which were a challenge and a grace for myself and the lives I touched! As a prison chaplain, my programs prepared inmates to return to family and society, and to live a productive, nonviolent life.
How the CSA charism continues to inspire her
The CSA charism inspires me to live the beatitudes by respecting the dignity of all people, races, and creeds. Volunteering with asylum seekers at the Texas border used my language skills of French and Spanish and commitment to diversity of race, language, and culture.
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In Memoriam
50 Year Sister Jubilarians
Alice Ann Pfeifer
Professed in 1975
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Hays, KS
EDUCATION
Marian College, Fond du Lac, WI - BA English
Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI - MA English
St. Joseph’s College of Maine - MA Pastoral Studies
MINISTRIES
1977-82 IC High School, Elmhurst, IL – Teacher
1982-85 TMP Marian High School, Hays, KS – Teacher
1985-87 Sacred Heart High School, Yonkers, NY – Teacher
1988-95 Hi-Time Publishing, Milwaukee, WI – Editor
1995-2000 IC Catholic Church, Chelyabinsk, Russia – Teacher
2000-15 Peter Li Publishing, Dayton, OH – Writer (at home in Kansas then in Wisconsin)
2013-Present ASTOP, Fond du Lac, WI - Volunteer
2018-Present CSA Chronicles, Fond du Lac, WI - Writer
2018-Present CSA Chapel, Fond du Lac, WI - Guitarist for Mass
An experience that affirms her lifelong commitment as a vowed woman religious
When one of my Yonkers students approached graduation, he gave me a photo of himself with this note on the back: “Sister Alice, thanks for listening to all the boring and stupid thinks I have told you. I’ll never forget all the things you have done for me. Keep me in your prayers and I am keeping you in mine. Your favorite student, Alex.” He used to hang out in my classroom after school just to talk. But there was nothing boring or stupid about him, and he had a great sense of humor.
Advice for others working to advance CSA’s Mission
Keep alive the spirit and teachings of Vatican II.
Hold the four Gospels close to your heart and walk in the footsteps of Christ.
Take care of yourself so that you can care for others.
A blessing she would like to share
The greatest blessing of my life was serving the people of Chelyabinsk, Russia, from 1995—2000. I went there with the hope of spending the rest of my life there, but that was not to be. Siberia was almost like a separate country from European Russia. People were friendly, curious, open-minded, and hospitable. Most were poor but much comforted by the restoration of their freedom of religion.
How the CSA charism continues to inspire her
I relate most to our commitment to care for the Earth. I have so many happy memories of growing up in the country outside of Hays, Kansas. We had a big garden in our yard and were surrounded by wheat fields, cattle pastures, and elm trees Dad had planted for us. A nearby creek was always a fun place to play and go fishing. I am in my bliss living at the motherhouse now and appreciating daily the joys of nature. We must preserve this good Earth for future generations.
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25 Year Associate Jubilarians
Nancy Schmitz
First Commitment in 2000
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Harrisburg, PA
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, MINISTRIES, OR VOLUNTEER WORK
1971 Maryland General Hospital School of Nursing - Diploma
1978 UW Madison School of Nursing, Madison, WI - BSN
1994 UW Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI – MS Educational Leadership
A blessing she would like to share
My experiences and opportunities over the last 45 years of working at St. Agnes Hospital (for 35 years) and interactions with sisters and associates have truly been a blessing. I have been inspired to think and act more deeply about social justice issues.
What drew her to enter in relationship with CSA as an associate
Meeting and working with CSA sisters and associates at St. Agnes Hospital moved me to learn more about these inspiring women and their mission and activities. The opportunity to expand my prayer life and social actions led me to make my first commitment in 2000 and renew it annually.
I am truly blessed to be a CSA associate and have opportunities to know the sisters and other associates, work with them to impact the lives of those we meet
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15 Year Associate Jubilarians
Alice Negratti
First Commitment in 2010
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Rochester, NY
What drew her to enter in relationship with CSA as an associate
As a newcomer to Fond du Lac, I was drawn by the warmth, hospitality and joy I saw in the Sisters and Associates of CSA. Studying the history, mission and values of CSA, I found the commitment to those whose faith life or human dignity are threatened compelling. I admire the willingness of Sisters and Associates to not only take principled stances on important issues of our time but to back up those words with action.
What it means to be celebrating her Jubilee as an associate of CSA
It is a privilege to be sharing this special time with amazing people who have devoted as many as 70 years to CSA. Their joyful commitment never fails to inspire me! I am honored to be part of the 150 tradition of service of the Sisters of St. Agnes.
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Kerry Strupp
First Commitment in 2010
NAME OF BIRTHPLACE/HOMETOWN
Monon, IN
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, MINISTRIES, OR VOLUNTEER WORK
1983 - Ball State University; Muncie, IN;
BS in Social Work 2003 - Marian University; Fond du Lac, WI;
MA in Education - Emphasis: Curriculum & Instruction
1988-Present - Marian University staff
A blessing she would like to share
One of the many blessings in my life… Sr. Deborah Walter meant so much to me long before I began working with the Working Families Grant Program at Marian University. In fact, Sr. Deb and I started at Marian College on the same day in 1988. From the start, Sr. Deb became a mentor and confidant, taking me—a young woman beginning her professional career—under her wing. She was a role model who gave me the strength and courage to find my voice and stand up for myself when needed, and, in turn, for others. Over the years at Marian, I’ve always felt blessed to know and work alongside Sr. Deborah. She influenced and inspired me in countless ways, especially over the last twelve-plus years. I truly feel blessed and called to work in the Working Families Grant Program, where I continue Sr. Deborah's legacy of helping single parents—primarily women, but also a few men—earn their Bachelor's degrees. This enables them to provide for themselves and their families, helping to break the cycle of poverty that so many face. Words can’t fully capture how humble, special, and lucky I feel to be part of this journey with such amazing, hard-working, beautifully broken, and tenacious individuals. Working at Marian University and carrying on the legacy of the Sisters of Saint Agnes is an incredible blessing to me.
What it means to be celebrating her Jubilee as an associate of CSA
I am incredibly thankful to be celebrating 15 years as an associate of CSA. It feels like just a few years ago that I made my first commitment! These years in the associate community have been such a precious gift. I've met amazing, like-minded individuals, formed lasting friendships, and had countless opportunities to explore, question, and deepen my faith in a supportive, nurturing space. Being part of this community has filled me with so much joy, and I am extremely grateful to be a part of it.
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Pam McNulty
First Commitment in 2010
A blessing she would like to share
Associate Pat Belongie drove 1.5 hours to my home and stayed with me for five day stop help me care for my dog after I had surgery in 2023.
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