Servite Sisters Today Newsletter is a biannual newsletter published by the Sisters, Servants of Mary (Servite Sisters) of Ladysmith, Wisconsin to connect with family, friends, and supporters. It shares updates on the congregation’s ministries, leadership, jubilees, international gatherings, justice initiatives, and community life. Each issue typically includes a President’s Message, feature articles on Sisters’ service work (local and global), reflections on faith and spirituality, and highlights of outreach efforts such as grant-making or social justice advocacy. The newsletter documents both the historical legacy and the ongoing mission of the congregation. Overall, it serves as a record of compassionate service rooted in the Servite charism and commitment to Mary’s example.
This issue contains the installation of the new leadership team via Zoom on September 15, 2020. It includes Sr. Cecilia Fandel's interview with nursing students about 'Nun Culture.' The President's Message features a Covid-19 prayer by Alden Solovy mourning pandemic deaths. Celebrating jubilees, ten sisters share a total of 620 years of service. Obituaries for four sisters who passed away in 2020 are included: Sr. Mary John VanderLoop, Sr. Mary Lucy Daniels, Sr. Mary Damian Powers, and Sr. Marie Rubbelke. Inspiring stories such as Sr. Kateri Guske's influence on a Texas high school student are documented. The folder also contains the sisters' participation in a peaceful protest after the Kenosha shooting and a donation of a car for Hispanic ministry.
This issue contains articles and reports from the Fall 2019 issue of Servite Sisters Today, including Sr. Barbara Thomalla's account of volunteering at Casa Alitas, a migrant hospitality center at the U.S.-Mexico border; the President's Message by Sr. Theresa Sandok highlighting Sister Norma Pimentel's work with migrants and her LCWR Outstanding Leadership Award; a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Mary Alphonse Bradley Fund, which has distributed over 350 grants to 40 countries; commemorations of three sisters' jubilees totaling 200 years of service; updates from Servite lay groups welcoming new members to the Confraternity and Secular Servites; obituaries honoring Sr. Anne Patrice McEntegart and Sr. Bridie Kelly; news about the Wisconsin Religious Collaborative hiring its first executive director; and Sr. Theresa Sandok's election to the LCWR national board and the Thomas Merton Society board.
This issue contains information about the VIII International UNIFAS Conference in the Philippines, where Servite representatives from 22 nations discussed solidarity with marginalized communities. It includes details about the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Servite Center, which has gifted over 400 shawls. There are records of three sisters celebrating jubilees totaling 175 years of service. The folder features the formation of the Wisconsin Religious Collaborative by nine religious communities to address declining membership and future governance needs. It also covers the Mary Alphonse Bradley Fund supporting women in Tanzania with a sunflower oil press project. Additionally, it contains obituaries for Sr. Alice Henke and Sr. Sandra DeGidio, and celebrates Sr. Mary John VanderLoop's 100th birthday. The folder reports on the hospital centennial at St. Mary's Hospital in Ladysmith.
This issue contains the Fall 2017 newsletter titled "Servite Sisters Today 2017," featuring celebratory diamond jubilees (75 years) for Sisters Mary Lucy Daniels, Geraldine Schulte, and Mary John VanderLoop, commemorated on Easter Monday, April 17, 2017. It also includes a tribute to Sister Mary McDermott's 40 years of service. The newsletter encompasses a President's Message addressing gun violence and social justice issues, articles about Servite Sisters departing Florida after nearly 50 years, highlights of Sisters singing in various choirs, the presentation of the Legacy Award by the Greater Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, Sister Sean Fox's presentation at the Czech/Slovak Legal Institute, and memorial tributes honoring Sisters Mary Catherine Izral, Bonnie Alho, Teresa Schueller, and Rosemary Mayer.
This issue contains the Fall 2015 newsletter highlighting the Servite Sisters' diverse activities and achievements. It includes a feature on Sister Lucy Daniels sharing nursing history with UW-Madison students, details about Wisconsin Sisters confronting human trafficking through a bus advertising campaign, and information on the Servite Sisters assisting in training Burmese teachers at Carleton College. Additionally, it covers the Maplewood Confraternity's new member additions, the receipt of washing machines by Amukura Orphanage, celebrations of Mother Alphonse Day, and jubilee celebrations honoring Sisters Alice Henke (70 years) and Theresa Sandok (50 years).
This issue contains an interview with Sister Sandra DeGidio discussing her new book "In God's Embrace: Prayers for Health and Healing." It also includes reports on the General Chapter gathering held from June 27-30, 2014, at Siena Retreat Center, themed "Prophets of a Future Not Our Own." Additionally, there are documents celebrating 15 years of the Mary Alphonse Bradley Fund, highlighting over $3.8 million in grants across 31 countries. The folder features a tribute to Sister Mary Eugenia Tremblay’s 75th jubilee, details about a conference on the Servite schools network, and articles on the growth of Servite lay groups such as Confraternity, Diakonia, and Secular Servites. It also contains reports on Sister Virginia Schwartz’s Lions Club mission to Nicaragua, memorials for Sisters Rosemary Mayer, Mary Veronica Davison, Mary Christina Gelting, and Helen Frances Doremus, as well as extensive donor listings.
This issue contains a variety of materials celebrating the Servite Sisters' achievements and milestones in 2013. It includes documentation of the centennial year closing event held at Techny Towers on October 12, featuring a keynote by Jamie Manson on the Catholic sacramental worldview. There are reports detailing Servite leaders' participation in the UISG Assembly in Rome, including their audience with Pope Francis. The collection also features articles about the Servites' return to St. Domitilla Convent in Hillside, IL, serving as a meeting space for Secular Servites. It honors Sister Mary Veronica Davison's 80 years of religious profession and her appointment to the Bishop's Advisory Council, along with highlights of sisters' involvement in socially responsible investing. Memorials for Sisters Casimira Benbenek, Mary Veronica Davison, Mary Christina Gelting, and Helen Frances Doremus are included, alongside extensive donor listings recognizing contributions.
This issue contains updates on the former Motherhouse one year after its sale to ICAA, including a tour description and Sister Katherine's key story. It features an interview with Sister Sean Fox discussing her 30+ years as an attorney, her legal career, and ministry through law, with mentions of Sister Theresa Sandok and Brett Gerber. The folder highlights the "Kateri's Kids Helping Kids" program, where first graders raised $650, and celebrates Sister Kateri Guske's retirement after 49 years of teaching. It includes information about Sister Alice Henke receiving the Founders' Award from the Rusk County Historical Society. There is an overview of the "Missionaries Without Ever Leaving Home" initiative, detailing the Mary Alphonse Bradley Fund's 177 grants totaling $2,720,640 since 1999, with references to Sister Sandra DeGidio and Sisters Rosalie Hennessey, Dolores Henke, and Sean Fox. The establishment of the first Servite Lay Diakonia in Wisconsin is documented, highlighting the formation process of Wisconsin families such as Alan & Loree Nauertz, Victor & Jacqueline Sacco, Curtis & Jacene Silvis, Ed & Mercedes Thrush, and Sister Mary Dominica Effertz. The folder also covers the appointment of three Servite Generals named Theresa at the UISG plenary assembly in Rome: Sister Marie Thérèse Connor, Sister Maria Teresa Ricci, and Sister Theresa Sandok. Additionally, it includes reports on LCWR activities, including the Leading from Within Retreat and Region 9 recognition, featuring Sister Mary Alice Willems and Sister Theresa Sandok. In memoriam sections honor Sisters Mary Camillus Cote, Mary Robert Semerau, Rosalie Hennessey, and Mary Bernice VanderLoop.
This issue contains a collection of articles and reports from the Fall 2010 issue, highlighting significant events and achievements within the Servite Sisters community. It includes details about the sale of the Motherhouse to the Indianhead Community Action Agency, reflecting mission alignment and transition. The President's Message by Sister Theresa Sandok offers reflections on grief and gratitude during this period, incorporating theological insights from Kevin O'Brien and Karl Rahner. A farewell Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Christensen marks the closing of the Motherhouse, with coverage of the celebration held on June 3. The folder features a nostalgic recount of Senator John F. Kennedy's 1960 visit to Ladysmith during the St. Patrick's Day campaign. It also celebrates the community's milestones, including jubilees of Sisters Mary Camillus Cote (75 years), Mary Dominica Effertz and Margaret Valois (60 years), and Sisters Sean Fox, Kateri Guske, Jeannine Percy, and Anita Swansen (50 years). Recognitions such as the Knight of Sight Fellowship Award, Spirit of Stewardship Award, and other honors are documented, highlighting the dedication of Sisters Virginia Schwartz, Ann Marie Caporale, Mary Damian Powers, and Rosemary Fandel. Additionally, the folder reports on the 6th International Conference of the Servite Family held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, featuring Sisters Mary Alice Willems, Theresa Sandok, Sandra DeGidio, and Doris Ann Samens. In memoriam sections honor Sisters Mary Eileen McGing, Mary Helen Conley, and Mary Roberta Prince.
This issue contains the Fall 2009 issue of Servite Sisters Today, featuring a comprehensive overview of Servite lay groups, including Secular Servites and Servite CoJourners affiliated with Ladysmith, with contributions from key individuals such as Father Vidal Martinez, Veronica St. Louis, Mary Jo Loftus, Carol Stewart, and Sister Bonnie Alho. It includes the President's Message by Sister Theresa Sandok discussing the thriving lay vocations and the impact of Vatican II on lay ministry, along with the 2010 directional statement. The folder highlights the Servite Sisters' efforts to combat human trafficking, detailing their stance and a $25,000 grant to Capacitar International, with insights from Sister Barbara Thomalla, Sister Sheila Novak, and others. It features a heartfelt tribute titled "Their Loss is Our Gain," describing the Weight Watchers "Nun Fund" fundraising activities involving Katie, Jenny, and Sister Geraldine. The folder also documents the inaugural May Crowning at Addolorata Villa, with photographs and remarks from Father Nicolas Husain and Sisters Mary Veronica Davison, Mary Eileen McGing, Mary Roberta Prince, and others. It includes a story about Casey Berg's internship stay at the convent during her physical therapy internship at Rusk County Memorial Hospital. Additionally, it showcases various awards received by the Sisters, including the Luminary Senior Citizens Award, Catechetical Ministries Award, and Pax Christi Award, with mentions of Sister Cecilia Fandel, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Archbishop Francis Cardinal George, Sister Mary Dominica Effertz, and Sister Casimira Benbenek. The folder also contains memorials, jubilees, and donor acknowledgments, celebrating Sister Mary Eugenia Tremblay’s 70 years, Sister Mary Bernice VanderLoop’s 60 years, Sister Cecilia Fandel’s 50 years, and honoring Sister Martha Kormendy.
