Today, June 29, 2025, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sister Carla Riach, Sister Ellen Pachmayer, Sister Marlita Henseler, Sister Martinella Janz and Sister Patricia Sevcik celebrate proclaiming the Gospel for sixty years of Consecrated Life. The day began with Community Director Sister Natalie Binversie offering comments at breakfast in the Holy Family Convent Motherhouse cafeteria. Later, Father Willard Vande Loo presides at the afternoon Eucharistic liturgy. After the Mass, family and friends of the jubilarians continue the celebration with a meal and precious visiting time together.
In the coming months, we will spotlight each of the jubilarians and share more about their unique, blessed lives. Now, we invite you to read Sister Natalie’s words of congratulations to the Wheat of the Field, the title the Sisters chose for themselves on their Reception to the Novitiate.
Good morning! Thank you for being present for this special breakfast to honor our Sisters celebrating their 60th Anniversary of living the Consecrated Life as Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Congratulations to the members of the Wheat of the Field Jubilarian Group: Sister Carla Riach, Sister Ellen Pachmayer, Sister Marlita Henseler, Sister Martinella Janz and Sister Patricia Sevcik. Members who have completed their earthly journey, and are now rejoicing with you from their eternal resting place are Sister Mary Loehlein (1998), Sister Joyce Rose (2002) and Sister Jacqueline Koenig (2006)
The Scripture Readings for Mass, this afternoon, will be from the Feast of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles (12:1-11) will recall Peter being chained in a prison, awaiting trial, and being rescued by an Angel the day before Herod would bring him to trial. In the second reading from 2 Timothy (4:6-8; 17-18), Paul will tell us that he had competed well and finished well, the task the Lord had given to him. Paul’s task was to make the Lord known.
We will hear in the Gospel Reading from St. Matthew (16:13-19) Jesus asking the Disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Jesus got various responses. Then He asked them again, “But who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Sixty years ago, you were asked what you wanted. Your response was to live the Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, as a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity, after the example of Jesus and St. Francis. Throughout your life, you have been a witness of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, as He worked in and through you. You have made Him known to every person who came into your life. As He did for Peter and Paul, the Lord stood by you and gave you strength, so that through you, the lived proclamation of the Gospel might be complete.
Psalm 34 (2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9) is a fitting prayer, as we celebrate your 60 years of dedication and commitment! We give glory to God for all He has done for us, along with Saint Peter and Saint Paul:
I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise will ever be in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the Lord, the lowly will hear me and be glad.
Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol His name.
I sought the Lord and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy
When the poor one called out, the Lord heard.
Taste and see how good the Lord is!
We rejoice with you and celebrate you, our Sisters in Community. Thank you for your faithful witness. Enjoy this day with your Sisters, your family and your friends. God bless you!
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