Lisle Benedictine Women - From Ashes and Death - Sacred Heart Monastery
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Vol. 44 No. 1
Lisle Benedictine Women
Sacred Heart Monastery June 2021
From Ashes and Death …
to New Life and Resurrection!
Message from the Prioress...
BLOOMING WHERE WE ARE PLANTED
Dear Friends,
Has the experience of the lockdown and the paschal mystery this
year led you to abide more firmly in God’s love?
While there remains a threat of variants of the virus returning, and
some parts of the world see the death toll of the virus accelerating,
we in America are experiencing lockdown conditions of the
pandemic being lessened, and life both economically and physically
are budding. Our sisters and employees have been vaccinated. We
encourage all to participate in this behavior to help reduce the
spread of possible further viruses, to protect our lives and the lives
of all people.
The cover page of this LBW shows the artwork of the Phoenix,
whose story tells of the mother phoenix ripping open her breast to give her body as
food for her young ones. Like Jesus, the phoenix gave her life that her offspring might
live. Those who come to our Chapel have this artwork placed onto the altar just below
our tabernacle to remind us to be Christ-like and to bloom with life-giving activities.
In the sacred readings of the Easter season, Jesus constantly invites us to abide, to
remain in his love, to love one another. Why? Jesus says, “I have told you this so that my
joy may be in you and your joy might be complete.” (John 15:10) Who does not want
complete joy?
Can this joy be complete if we experience our world troubled with much discord in
politics, religion, values, and human behaviors? Readings from the Acts of the
Apostles, proclaimed during the Easter season, inform us that serious struggles
existed among the leadership in the church as well as in politics, yet the community
of believers grew. How were struggles resolved? We learn in Acts Chapter 15 that
leadership gathered factions together, prayed and called upon the Holy Spirit, and
then came to a discerned decision and promulgated it. What can and what should we
put into practice as we continue to grow as a people and a nation?
Are we not a privileged people to have had the person, the
story, the mystery of Christ be planted in our world over
2,000 years ago? Has not our life been significantly
enhanced by God gifting us with His Son, who gave his life
so that we can have our sins expiated and attain heaven
where our joy will be complete?
Know that Jesus did not leave us orphans, rather, He
gifted us with the Holy Spirit; the many fruits and gifts
of the Holy Spirit are ours!
May this Holy Spirit continue to help us to love one
another and to blossom where we are planted!
2
May She Rest in the Peace of the Lord
After high school, she attended the
Alamo Beauty College in San Antonio and
then secured a hairdressing job at a
famous hotel in San Antonio. During her
working years there, she developed acute
pain in one of her legs for which she
needed surgery. While lying in bed
recuperating for twenty-one days, she felt
her recovery was not very promising. She
then prayed for Blessed Mother Mary to
intercede for a cure for her and promised
that if she would be able to get up again,
she would dedicate her life to the Lord’s
service. Through her earnest prayer, her
cure was granted and she began to pursue
a religious vocation as she had promised
to do.
Sister Josephine Kallus, OSB It so happened that she had two sisters,
December 15, 1923 – December 20, 2020 Sister Mary Andrea and Sister Mary Agnes,
who already were Benedictine Sisters in
Excerpts from Reflection written by Sister Lisle, Illinois, and it was natural to
Christine Kouba, OSB, and read by Sister correspond with them about her intention.
Mary Bratrsovsky, OSB, at the wake service Interestingly, she had two younger sisters
December 23, 2020: at home in Hostyn who were also
pursuing religious life and they too, were
Sister Josephine Kallus was born on corresponding with their Lisle sisters
December 15, 1923 in Hostyn, Texas to unbeknownst to her. In 1944, all three
Cecelia and Robert Kallus. Her baptismal sisters decided to follow the Lord’s call
name was Adela. In her growing up years, together, yet knowing the loss to their
she joined her eight sisters and three parents would be a sacrifice. Their parents
brothers on their family farm milking were surprised but willingly gave them a
dairy cows, raising vegetables and picking blessing, and their enthused daughters
cotton in the flaming, summer heat of left their home arriving in Lisle to join
Texas. She attended the Hostyn grade Sisters Mary Andrea and Mary Agnes.
school taught by the Incarnate Word After their postulancy, the three sisters
Sisters where she learned about the were named Sisters Josephine, Virginia
Catholic faith, as well as imbibing the and Angelica making a total of five Kallus
family’s faith life in her Catholic home. Sisters in our Benedictine Community. Of
Her faith would always give her joy and course, the Kallus parents were proud of
would play an important role in her life’s their five daughters and their father
decisions. jokingly said: “I guess if all my daughters
3
Sister Josephine, continued
enter religious life, I will have to enter prayer. Since she gave bountifully in
too.” glorifying God, God made every grace
Sister Josephine made her first abundant in her.
profession as a Benedictine in 1946 and Her retirement years were well spent.
through the next 74 years remained a She kept the beauty shop in order,
cheerful giver, knowing that “God loves a helped the new hairstylist in every way
cheerful giver.” In her early years in she could, called her many friends,
community, since she was an excellent worked on puzzles, participated in
cook, she was sent to St. Procopius exercise activities in the Villa, and on
College kitchen and later to cook in parish and on.
convents where our Sisters were teaching.
These school missions included Lisle,
Chicago, Joliet, Cicero and Wisconsin. She
always enjoyed cooking wherever she
went and loved doing things for others to
make them happy.
With the changes of Vatican II, starting in
the 70’s and beyond, our hospitality
became more open and Sister Josephine
was needed at the monastery as a
chauffeur, driving Sisters to various
appointments and to do the shopping. She
was a thrifty and cheerful shopper,
looking for sales and saving coupons in
order to be a good steward. She also
became the hairdresser for the Sisters and
some friends, rediscovering the skills of
her profession from years back, giving
shampoos, haircuts and perms. On special
occasions, she lent a helping hand in the Then, the day came for her to move to
kitchen preparing delicacies with an artful St. Patrick’s Residence in Naperville. We
presentation. hated to see her leave us, but for the
sake of her safety, we knew she needed
Her manual labor of love was well to be watched more carefully to prevent
balanced with attendance at prayer. Being falling. With her loving capacity to
forever mindful of time, she made sure adjust to a new environment, we found
nothing superseded the Eucharist or her thriving at St. Patrick’s, making
Divine Office. In fact, she was at prayer friends, pushing herself around in her
way ahead of time both for Mass and wheelchair, spreading joy and peace to
Divine Office. The rosary was the prayer those she met and encouraging them to
she never omitted either, always thanking pray the rosary with her in the
God for wonderful people and praying for afternoon. When some of us Sisters
the intentions she held in her heart and would visit her before Covid
for those who requested her help in restrictions or call her during the
4
Sister Josephine, continued
pandemic, she would always end by saying,” I love you and tell all the Sisters
that I love them and am praying for all of them.”
The Carmelite Sisters there took special notice of her outgoing and engaging
ways and dearly loved her. Sister Raphael, pastoral minister at St.Patrick’s,
spent hours with her as she was dying, praying with her and staying by her side
knowing she would soon be with the Lord. We are grateful to Sister Raphael
who felt it was an honor to be with Sister Josephine as she was dying and to all
the Carmelite Sisters at St. Patrick’s who embody the loving kindness of Jesus in
their grace filled ways while giving care to elderly patients. May God’s blessings
be upon them always! We will always be your grateful friends.
-
5
Reflecting on the Pandemic
Abbot Primate Gregory Polan, OSB, who heads
the Benedictine Confederation, asked
Benedictine communities throughout the world
to reflect on and share what the pandemic has
taught us. We found this exercise to be fruitful
and reminded ourselves to recognize the good,
don’t judge the other, and pray.
Our response to Abbot Primate Gregory:
“Thanks for your circular letter and the invitation to reflect on the pandemic.
We sisters at Lisle had an inspirational day and send you our reflections.
What have we Learned from this Pandemic?
To be patient –By FAITH we learned that Jesus was patient in suffering for us. We
too had to learn to be patient.
Not to despair- With HOPE we learned that God loves us and gives us the grace of
hope teaching us never to despair. God lived with us in our limitations even with
Covid.
To help one another- With CHARITY we became aware of so many people
suffering. In the monastery we were well taken care of. However, as human
beings we learned we are all connected with each other and we needed to think
of others who were deprived of the basic needs to survive.
What is the good that we have found hidden in the sadness of these times?
God is always with us and wants us to pray and trust in God. By the grace of
God, our scientists worked hard to develop a vaccine that would protect us from
the contagion of Covid. As a nation, we elected a president who cared about
overcoming the effects of this dreaded disease and planned to spread hope in
the government by increasing the manufacturing of the vaccine to cover
everybody.
That our resources have been overused and need to be saved. In our restraint of
sheltering in place, we began to drive our cars less and saved a lot of gasoline,
we shopped less finding we didn’t need to buy as much, and we traveled less in
visiting our friends and relatives but used technology such as Zoom to connect
with family and conduct meetings.
What are some of the paths forward that we have considered as we look to the
future?
To emphasize recycling and avoid using items such as plastics, which are not
biodegradable as well as being aware of climate change and our responsibilities.
To be open to new ways of practicing our faith and evangelizing.
To cooperate in working to eliminate inequality due to white supremacy, racism,
misogyny and to have equal respect for the religion of others
6
Sister Rosalie Marie Major, OSB
b. 9/26/1917 d. 5/16/2021
Our dear Sister Rosalie Marie Major was welcomed
peacefully into her Savior’s arms on May 16, 2021.
Our tribute to Sister Rosalie will be included in the
December issue of the LBW newsletter.
One of last year’s changes for the Sisters was moving the location of Divine
Office prayers from the Chapel. Our Chapter Room offers easier access and
more intimacy.
Our
International
Sisters use
their talents to
beautifully
decorate our
liturgical
spaces.
Pictured on
right is Sister
Hyacintha
7
With grateful hearts, we acknowledge and thank
the following donors who gave us their support and gifts
January 2020 - December 2020
~A~ Josephine Barauskas The Birck Family Fund at The
Helen Ackermann Philip and Regina Barden Chicago Community
Michaele McDonald Adair Kevin Barrett Sr Foundation
Dorothy Adamek Joella Jill Barrett Robert and Patricia
Mrs. Gerald Adams Patrick Barrett Blackshear
Francis S. Agnoli, MD and Marie Bartolotta Kristin Joan Bladek
Elsa Z. Dennis and Patricia Batchos Barbara J. Blair
Frank and Marianne Agnoli Baumgartner Construction Keith and Mary Blakemore
Diane Ahern Inc Eleanor (Volka) Blankenship
Ronald and Patricia Aitchison Toni Baumgartner Nowell and Kathy Blecha
Lillian Albarran-Fleming Roxelyn Baumgartner Carol Lamlech Blum
Joan Albian Richard and Marilyn Bazan Lawrence and Theresa Bobko
Anne Albrecht Louis and Anne Beccavin Mary Ann and Brand Bobosky
Nancy Albrecht Carol and Don Beck John and Valerie Bockrath
Jerome and Bernadette Ken and Christine Boeschen
With grateful thanks
Chuck and Kathy Allberry
Allegra Marketing Print Mail Becker Brian and Janet Boland
Sharon Kulaga Allport Tony and Ellen Bell Patrick and Beatrice Boland
Sheila K. Ames Mary Lou Bellio Pugliese Anna Mae Bolbat
John and Barbara Amidei Richard and Marguerite Gordana L. Boyter
Linda Anderson Belval William and Margaret
Lori Anderson Anne C. Benitz Brabeck
Martin and Rebecca Anderson Rosemary Fritz Bennett Larry and Roseann Brady
Steve and Mary Ann Anderson Mr. and Mrs. John A. Ramona Branchaw
Carolyn Vonesh Andree Benvegnu Tom and Chris Bratrsovsky
Anonymous Ernie and Rosemary Beran Joan Brazda
Carol Arbuckle Ann Beranek William D. Brejcha
Michelle and Joseph Barbara Beres Ann Brennan
Archibald III Gertrude "Trudy" Bowe Berg Mrs. James G. Brennan
Judith Arcy Carol Ann Bergant Maureen C. Brinkman
Charles Argianas Marie A. Berger Lorrie Brinn
Mark and Susan Armamentos Mary J. Berger Russ and Debbie Britton
Lynn and Robert Aument Mary Bergman Barbara Brochmann
Laurence and Diane Austin Mary and Keith Berkhout Donna Bronoski
Marcella Autero Perry and Donna Bernstein Joseph and Joanna Brooks
Mary Claire Berry Bernadette M. Brousil
~B~ Mrs. LaTanya Berry-Johnson Audrey Brown
Edwin Bach Celeste Besel Dolores B. Brown
Fred R. Bach Judy Beumer Debra J. Broxterman
D. Anne and Robert Bailie Robert Bezouska Gerald and Joan Broz
Joan Bales Marianne V. Bieker Robert and Karen Bruketa
Dorothy and Norm Ball Larry and Barb Binder Charles and Catherine
Dolores and Robert P. Balla Thomas and Susan Binder Brummel
8
2020 Donor acknowledgement continued
Jeffrey and Tamara Bruner ~D~
John R. Bruno Kathy Cavanaugh
Rick and Mary Ellen Dabbert
John and Laurie Bruzan Catheryn Cawiezel
Philip Joseph and Estelle
Therese M. Buc Patrick Cawiezel
Dambach
Helen Bucek Donna and Robert Cellini
Claudette Danna
Bill Buchelt, Elan Photography Dorothy Cerven
Jeannine R. Darrah
Marie M. Buchelt Mark and Irene Cesa
Dorothy J. Davey
Robert and Melissa Buckley Gary and Carol Chandler
Charles and Charlette
Irene Buckner Ruth and Cathleen Chapek
Davidson
Michael J. and Lynn M. Budd Elaine M. Chase
Henry and Elaine Davis
LaVerne B. Budilovsky Catherine and Norbert Chesta
Raulando and Erlinda De Lara
David and Karen Choie
With grateful thanks
David and Kathleen Buettner Judy DeAngelo and Tom
Marie J. Bugajski John and Joan Chojnowski
Lukaszewski
Tom and Wanda Burdett Margaret Y. Chung
Nicholas Del Carlo
Ken and Judith Buric Teodosia Cinert
Miriam Vicky J. DeLeon
David and Tricia Burk Donna Jean Ciuffreda
Carol DeLeonardis
Edward and Mary Ellen Burke Clara's Restaurant
Shawn M. Denning
Dave and Cindy Burnett Marlene Clark
Ron and Mary DeSando
Kevin and Stacey Burns Mary Flaherty Clark
Steven and Therese DeSitter
Anne Burton Ann Cleary-Greybill
Rosemarie L. Devine
Ed and Kay Burton Susan Cole
Gail Di Paolo Korallus
Adelia and Donald Buttitta John and Rosemary Collins
Kathy and Anthony DiCristina
Irma Conley
Raymond and Ruth Dillon
Mary Lee Smith Conley
~C~ Margaret Connolly
Carl M. DiNello
Theresa Dohler
Carol A. Cain Suzanne and Dennis Connors
Janet Doll
Rosemarie Calderisi John and Michaelene Conrad
Joseph and Nancy Donnelly
Asuncion Calinog Robert and Elisa Correia
Suzanne R. Doolin
Myra (Molly) Callaghan John and Carol Corrigan
Nancy Doran
Dennis and Joan Callan Robert and Helen Corsentino
Joe and Laura Dorenkamp
Clem and Mary Campbell Elizabeth Cosgrove
James L. Dority
Cantigny Park (Bob Carr) Michael and Joan Costin
Bill and Lori Dougherty
Cappetta Family Country House Restaurant
Jane A. Doyle
Lois Justat Caprata Joanne and Steve Coutchie
JoAnn Doyle
Abelardo and Iluminada Valdina Creasy
Meghan Doyle
Capulong Michael and Elise Crowell
Ed and Debra Drager
Gloria Caracello Stuart and Catherine Crowley
Richard and Sandra Drapeau
Bob and Deborah Cargo Linda A. Cull
Bill and Laura Norman Drew
Judith (Barenbrugge) Carlisle John and Jacki Cullen
Brian and Karen Dugan
Lori and Kevin Carlson Patricia and Conor Cunneen
Mary and Andrew Dugenske
Bob Carr Maureen Cunningham
Sallie Gustine Duncan
Dolores Carroll David Cupal
Mary Ellen Durbin
Patrick and Joanna Cassata Paul and Gail Curtin
Jean Durnik
David and Barbara Catrone Michael and Marie Czech
John and Heidi Durso
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph N. Cavalier Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan P. Dye
9
2020 Donor acknowledgement continued
~E~ ~G~ Renee and Helmut Groetzl
Raymond Ecker Bill and Jean Gacek Cindy Grubba
Judith Egan C. A. Gacek Joan M. Guido
Calli Eichhorn Kay Gaido
Ken and Sue Ekins Louis Gale ~H~
Gary and Elizabeth Elmen Annette Gambo
Beverly Z. Esser Margie and Bill Gamboney Richard Haas
Nancy and Bill Etzkorn Dorothy and Kenneth Garhan Mary and Peter Hable
Cheryl L. Evans Gloria (Naizer) and Tom Genowefa B. Hadamik
Garrett Michael and Nancy Conley
~F~ Adrienne Garvey Haeger
Mary K. Garvin Tom and Joan Haffner
James and Charmaine Fair
Irene Gasior Mark and Kathy Halligan
Bonnie Falcone
Frances and John Gattuso John and Rosemarie Hamerla
Patricia Fallon
Marty and Maribeth Gaughan James and Linda Hammond
Farnaus Family
James Gefre Barbara Hanchin
Tom and Nellie Fassbender
Joanne Jacques Geist Charles and Gertrude Hanley
Mrs. Marion Fayta
Carlene Gerlich Chris Hannigan-Wiehn
With grateful thanks
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph K.
James D. Gettings Arleen Hannon
Fedinec
Luciana F. Giancola Millie Ferak Harmon
Michael and Kathleen Fekety
Cecilia Giblin Richard W. and Penny Harter
Judith and Kenneth Ferestad
Willis M. Gillett Ray and Jean Hartman
Jill Ferree
Marjorie Gilmartin Mrs. Daniel Harvanek
Janice and Sal Ferreri
Helen B. Giordano Mary LaVerne and Leonard
Olga Ferris
Nick and Mariann Giuliano Haubl
Richard Fey
John and Mary Glas Anthony and Linda Haugen
Harold and Nancy Fischer
David and Shirley Glaser Cecile and Francis Haugh
Dolores Fisher
Rosemary (nee Horna) and Elizabeth F. Hayes
Deacon Bob Fitt
Chuck Glickley Mr. and Mrs. Gerard W. Heble
Jim and Meg Fletcher
Frank and Mary Lou Golf Kurt, Cindy and Blake Heier
Leonard and Joan Fletcher
Bernadine Gonda Dorothy Heinen
Randall B. Flint Jr.
Edward and Judith Gonwa Colette Heinitz
Rose Ann and Jack Flowers
Ofelia B. Gonzales and family Eleanor Heinze
Maureen Flynn
Sara Gordon Chip and Annette Heiser
Bill and Carla Focke
Florence Gorgen Donald and Susan Helgeson
Rosemary and Bill Foley
Carl and Karen Grabinski Joan M. Helie
Mary E. Fornatto
Richard and Patti Grantner William and Monica
Adrienne and Frank
Jarie Granton Hellenbrand
Forstneger
Ronald and Sharon Gravelle Elizabeth Hemzacek
James and Andrea Fox
Brian and Kara Gray Hal B. and Mary Ann Henry
Dorothy Fritz
Marie K. Gray Catherine Henseler
Mary and David Fritz
Janice and Michael Greco Jaime Hernandez and Maria
FSC Foundation, Inc.
Joseph B. Green Narvaez
Margaret Sykora Fullmer
Andrew Greskovich Jr Timothy and Margaret Herter
Mary D. Furcich
Louise Grobl Therese and Ernest Herzog
102020 Donor acknowledgement continued
Bradley and Cathleen Hettich ~J~ Maureen Kallen
Robert and Joellen Higgins Brian and Lisa Jablonski Bobby and Lillian Kallus
Mary Ann Hiles Ronald and Charlotte Elizabeth Kallus and Luke
Adam and Antoinette Hill Jablonski Berube, PhD
John and Dorothy Hinds Louise and Len Jachim Ken and Donna Kamyszek
Ann Hines John and Janet Jachna Su-Pa and Frances Kang
Carol and Jerry Hinterlong Dolores Jacklin Alejandro and Prudence
Carol M. Hlavac Irene Jacobson Kapauan
Barbara and John Hocking Chuck and Brenda Jaegle Tina Karakourtis, Tina's Closet
Dian V. Hoehne Irvin M. Jana Carol Karvon
Pat Hogan Kathy Jankovic Theresa and Gary Kaszynski
Eleanor Holt Michael and Pauline Jascur Donald A. Kazak
Barbara Hopp Frank and Stana Jasien James and Erin Keables
Harriet Hora Shirlee Jasien Lester and Paula Keck
Richard and Mary Jean Horna Millie and Rob Jaskula Kathleen J. Keilman
With grateful thanks
Mary Houchins Donna Jasurda (Rogers '66)
Michael and Minna Houlihan Rita Jasurda Kathleen T. Keilty
Bert and Mary L. Hrnicek Shirlee Jecmen Gerald and Patricia Kellen
Rose Marie Hrzenjak Jack and Jo Jerak Kathleen E. Kelley
Thomas Hrzenjak Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Jeslis Charlotte Kelly
Gloria Hudek Alo Jha Noreen Kelly
Roger Huerter Tony Jilek Brigid Kenney
Dorothy and Jim Huggins Jeanne Johnson Mary Kenney
Lois A. Hughes Pamela M. Johnson-Gallagher Mary E. Kent
Joyce Hutchinson David R. and Nicole B. Jones Daniel and Barbara Kerins
Hyatt Regency Lisle Ray and Marilyn Jones Sandra Kerka
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jurack Michael and Terese Kerner
~I ~ (Barbara Boberg) Dorothy Kett
Joseph and Sara Idasek John and Dorothy Jurcenko Carol Keyes
Susan Illing Gabrielle Kidney
David C. Inge ~K~ Michael and Jane Kidney
The Inland Real Estate Group, Cynthia Kadela Vivian Kilzer
Inc. Laurie K. Kagann Ann E.N. Kim
Therese Ireland Jan Kahl Jane King
Oblates of St. Benedict
Oblates are women and men, married or single, who hunger for a deeper
experience of God. Guided by the Rule of Benedict they find their lives
enriched as they join others in prayer, lectio and work in the context of an
extended community.
Our Oblates meet on the third Sunday of each month at 2:30pm. For more information,
please contact Sister Karen Nykiel, OSB at 630-632-2216 or at knykiel@shmlisle.org
112020 Donor acknowledgement continued
Greg and Linda Klawitter ~L~ Carol Lukowski
Ed and Virginia Klepac Karen Lundgren
John and Meg Lafferty
Dave and Karen Klima Ann Luzbetak
Lee LaFond
Antoinette Klimowski Francis and Mary Luzbetak
Sandra Sojka and John G.
Dolores Kling Paul Luzbetak
Lagedrost
Arlene T. Klus Brother Patrick Lynch, CSC
Kay LaJeunesse "66"
Knierim Family Dona M. Laketek
Rina Knight Helene Lamarre ~M~
John and Janet Knobloch Richard and Susan Lamb
Kurt and Patricia Koch Mr. and Mrs. James Lambke Robert MacFarlane
Karen Koenig Frances G. Lamm Rosa MacNeil
Stanley John Kopala Trudy F. Wissing and Barbara Robert and Jeanne Maday
John and Katherine J. Langfeld Thomas and Pamela Mader
Koschwanez Carol J. Lapham John and Joanne Madigan
Rosemarie Kosik Cathy Larchey Joann Madon
Sharon Stancl Kostel
With grateful thanks
John and Fran LaRock Joe and Becky Magera
James and Marilyn Mr. and Mrs. Oscar P. Larson Gerry and Karen Maguire
Kothmann Sharon Larson Therese Mahowald
John and Kathy Kouba Betty Ann Latoza Joseph and Joann Majewski
Carol Kowaleski John and Barbara Lausch Roger and Marjorie Major
Marilynne and David Judy A. Lauten Arlene Malloy
Kowalski Joseph Ledvora Dorothy Maloney
Sister Martina Kozelski Paul and Eileen LeFort Sandy McWayne Mann
Richard and Mary Kozerski Mary F. Lein Jerry and Evelyn Mannion
Kathleen Kozisek Father Jim Lennon Corinne Marcello
Kenneth J. Krauth Cathy and Rob Lentz Frank and Jeanette Marchese
Marlene V. Krawczyk Eileen J. Lestina Bernard K. Maresh
Janice Pattermann Kreinbrink John Levock Carl and Mary Anne Marker
Marie and William Krejci Michelle Lewis Pamela and Richard Marker
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Krejci Patrice and James Lia James Marks
Bernice Krippner Steven and Eileen Liaromatis Cynthia Marler
Patricia Krolik Edward J. Liczwek Rose Mary Marquette
Robert and Laurene Krone Mary Jane Lin Andrew Masura
Russell and Carolyn Krupicka Walter Liptak for Veronica Greg and Marianne Matecki
Ron and Betty Krupp Therese H. Liu Andrew J. Matejcak
Michael and Jeanne Kruppe Hubert and Lorraine Linda J. Mathews
Michael and Lorraine Livingston Mrs. R. Mathis
Krzywosz Isobel Lobo Teresa Matlock
Betty Dao Ku Patricia D. Long Carol Matusak
Wish and Shirley Kucik Imelda C. Lopez Larraine Matusak
Karen and Edward Kuhn Barbara A. Lorr Joanie and John McAvoy
Edward and Sharon Kulik James D. Lorr Alma and Edward McCabe
Gregory and Lueddy Kurkjian Donna Luczak Ruth F. McCarthy
Carol Ann Kusulas Jeanette V. Lugue Sharon McClintock
122020 Donor acknowledgement continued
George and Kathleen Nancy M. Moran
~O~
McConaghy David and Gosha
Mary Ethel McDonough Moravecek Janet O'Brien
Phillip and Mary McGovern Daniel and Mary Mordini Elizabeth A. O'Connor
Ron and Peg McGovern Nancy Morman and Dan Stephen and Deb O'Connor
Theresa McGovern McNeil Mary Jane O'Donnell
Sarah McGowan Deacon Robert and Regina Judith O'Hara
McKee-Zurbriggen Family Morris Mary E. O'Keefe
Fund Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dorothy Mukenschnabl O'Reilly
Linda McLaren Morrissey Martha Lynch O'Reilly
With grateful thanks
Mary Ann McLoud Issa and Peggy Muasher John P. O'Rourke
John McNichols Terry and Susan Mueller Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Oblak
Louise A. McSweeney Brian D. Mulligan MD Barbara Odenkirk
Ken and Carole Meeker James and Sarah Mulloy Anna Olano
Ralph and Pamela Meeker Carol Mulvihill Irene Olsen
Raymond and Patricia Mehler Jim and Jean Murphy Laura Olson
John E. and Margene Meis Thomas J. Murray Lawrence and Rosemarie Onjack
Dave and Carol Mejdrich Mary Musil Deacon Michael and Suzanne
Mike and Lynn Mertz Dorothy Skokan Myers Opalka
Jim and Sharon Meuris Manny and Gloria Orden
Ken and Barbara Meyer ~N~ Mary Ory
Rita and David Meyer Joseph and Barbara Ott
Sherry Michaels Mary Ann Naas Michael and Donna Ozog
Victoria Michalik Theodore and Marjorie
Naegel ~P~
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Michelin
Andrew J. Mikuska Nomie and Paula Namie Victoria Pachol
Joseph and Pauline Mikuska John and Mary Nannenhorn Kurt and Monica Padera
Mikutis Family Mrs. Edwin W. Nasby Robert and JoAnn Palmer
Mary Therese and Robert Daniel J. Nasharr Theresa Shonka Palmer
Millar Sharon and John Nasman Mary J. Palmquist
Ferdinand (Fred) Miller Jeanette K. Nedelsky Joseph Paluga
Kelly and Jacqueline Miller Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Charlene Paprockas
Helen R. Mills Nemergut Eileen D. Paque
Nick and Celeste Minarich Mary Newsam The Park Foundation
John M. Misak Lori Nichols Ted and Mary Parks
Eleanor Mitchell Diane Nilan Estate of Paula K. Partipilo
Ron and Cynthia Mitiu Tammy S. Norcross-Reitzler Ron and Christine Paryl
Patricia Treonis Mitlyng Mary M. Norman George and Denise Patera
Tom and Kay Mizerk Jerry Norton Joan and Thomas Pattermann
Joyce Riedy Mlyniec Ann M. Novak John and Donna Patterson
Dennis and Mary Ann Mlynski Dennis and Nancy Novak Margaret Patterson
Robert Modaff Joseph G. Novak Mary Pavelchik
Vito Modica Mary Noven Georgianna Pavisich
Bill and Anna-Marie Moncrief Janice V. Nowak Carole Pawlikowski
Audrey D. Moore Mary A. Nunke Therese and Gene Payne
132020 Donor acknowledgement continued
Marita and Philip Peffley Rotary Club of Lisle
~Q~
Clara Pelosi Warren and Margarete Roth
Dennis and Barb Quednow
Kathleen H. Pervan Peggy Rotunno
Jerry and Nancy Quigley
George and Marilyn Petras Daniel Rubel
John and Kathleen Quinn
Bernadette Petrauskas David and Pam Ruda
Christopher Pett Elsie Rudman
Patricia L. Pfeifer ~R~ Tony and Margaret Rudnik
Sharon Pfister Marilyn Radicker Edward B. Ruff III and Susan
Rosemary Phillips Sandra Ramsey M. Ruff
Donna Piegore Clara Raupp Joyce Ruhaak
With grateful thanks
Tony and Mary Pieranunzi Georgiana Razniewski Greta O. Rusk
Betty Pierce Margaret M. Rea Lila Conrad Russavage
Jim and Pat Pignatiello Marguerite M. Regan Joan M. Russell
Robert and Janet Pircher Rita and James Regis Patricia Ryan
Dolores R. Pircon Marion J. Reis Matthew C. Rychetsky
Mary Jayne Piscitelli Sharlin Nasharr Reynolds Clarence (Bill) Rynearson
Ceil Plese Bernadine and Leonard Rhein
Joan and Charles Pluchar Shirl Riccetti ~S~
Beverly Poduska Patricia Rice Robert and Janet Saflover
Robert and Dianne Pogwizd Tom and Fran Rich Marlene Sage
Georgia Mae Pohl Marion Richardson Marilyn Sak
Rosanne and Joseph Polich John and Sharon Richter Richard J. and Janice A. Sako
Jerry and Geraldine Pospisil Glenn and Marilyn Riggs Thomas Sarsany
Thomas G. Potter Patricia L. Riggs Steve and Beckie Saul
Sister Mary E. Potthast William L. Rigsby Mary Sauriol
Cindy and Tom Power Mark and Jo Marie Robbins Robert J. Schaff
Rose and Jack Powers James and Rosemary Robbs Tom Scharlow
Leo and Sue Poynton Al Robinson Greg and Betty Scheet and
Leo and Bernadette Priebe James and Sarah Rocuskie Janet Elischer
Anna Prieboy Bruce and Ellen Rodman Sharon (Mocny) Schipiour '59
Joseph and Jean Prieboy Marianne Roenna Donald M. and Joann
Daniel and Judith Printz Edward S. Rog Jr Schmidt
Judy and John Provenzano Karen Romano Hillard Schmidt
Roger and Vivian Pscherer James Rongaus Thomas P. Schmidt
John and Sue Psenicka Donald and Janice Rose Jack and Donna Schreiber
Paul and Robin Pyrcik Barbara Roseborough Peter A. Schroeder
Words and lists cannot express adequately how very grateful the
Sisters are for all our friends who give so freely to us.
We are especially blessed by the generosity shown by Villa St.
Benedict residents for our Chapel Flower Fund.
142020 Donor acknowledgement continued
Kathleen Schulz Marie Sluka Jerome and Ellen Sychowski
Paula and Chuck Schumacher Mary M. Smith Arlene Sypniewski
Susan Schumacher Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Smith Joseph Szczepaniak
Regina Schurman Robert K. Smith Steve and Vickie Szewczyk
Christine and Thomas Schuur M. Patricia Smok Judith Szorc
Eileen M. Schweitzer Dolores M. Smolen
Jim and Lisa Scott Jacqueline Snavely ~T ~
Carolyn Scutella James and Colleen Sobie
Edward and Shirley Talbot
James R. Sefcik, Jr. Rose (Roller) Sodergren
James and Lois Tallarovic
Greg Sellers Fran Sojka
Eugene and Maria Tashjian
Edward Selvas Jim Sojka
John and Patricia Taska
Trini Selvas Jeanine Soloy
Rosanne Taube
Charles J. Sener Mr. and Mrs. Dennis
Mary E. Taylor
Rose Sepeda Sonnefeldt
Margaret Tazioli
Thomas J. Shanley Bonnie Spalla
With grateful thanks
Thomas and Linda
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shannon Mauri Spampinato
Teichgraeber
Frances Shantz Vincent Spinosa
Florence Terronez
Anne Udovitsch Shaw Ms. Cheryl Sporlein
James and Mary-Jo Thieme
Brian and Viki Shaw Judith Ann Squire
Betty J. Thomas
Charlotte C. (Fischer) Shaw Raymond and Pamela Sramek
Raymond Thome
Dr Leo J. Shea III St. James the Apostle Catholic
Paul and Rita Thompson
Mary Kathryn Sheetz Church
Alice Tinnes
Louise Shepard St. Joan of Arc Parish
Cory S. Tintera
Susan Shih St. Jude Catholic Church
Frank and Callie Mae Tobolski
Thomas Shilgalis St. Procopius Abbey
Regina Tomal
Gary and Mary Shipp Sts. Stephen & Phoebe
Eva Tomsic
Janice A. Shuck Council
Barry and Paula Tomsky
Gordon and Lynne Shultes Michael and Roseann
Margaret Torbich
Marie Shultz Stachura
Traverso's Restaurant
Michael and Pamela Shuta Francie Stamate
Therese Trojak
Joan and Roger Shutes Ernie and Edith Stark
Fred and Vicki Tuch
Mike and Margie Siefert Paul and Kathryn Stephen
Stephanie Tuma
Alice Nykl Sima Joe and Lynette Sterner
Gregory and Marla Turek
Betty Sirek Jay and Mindy Sterns
Joan and Joseph Turos
Evelyn Sirinek Kathryn Stimetz
John Twarogal
Thomas Sirovatka Ivan and Linda Stodola
Linda and Timothy Tyrrell
Anna Skala Paul Stodola
Phyllis Skehan Diana Stolte
Robert and Nancy Skrok Rudolf and Mary Dore Strahl ~U -V~
J.P. and P.A. Skubick J. Wayne Strittmatter James J. Uchytil
John Slack Judi Strong Barbara and Jim Urchek
Janet K. Slade Ralph and Beatrice Strozza Susan R. Vadovicky
Thomas and Mary Ann Sladek Joel and Gloria Strzelczyk Eugenio and Carmen Valdes
Barbara and Edward Sloan Joe and Jean Stubits Judy Valek
George A. Sloane Frank and Beverly Studnick Aldona Valicenti
Dr. Clare Slowik Nancy E. Supena Jean Van Bosch
152020 Donor acknowledgement continued
David A. Vanden Brook Sarah and Chase Walton William and Camille Woodward
Michael and Patricia Vanhal Mary Ann Yackley Walz Peter and Joan Wrenn
Linda and Carlos Vargas Eileen Ward Roy and Ana Wubker
Steven J. Vatch Nancy and Bill Warden Tom and Jane Wuellner
Stephen and Helen Velichko Lillian Wasik Lawrence and Annette Wulffe
Steven and Mary Verdick Kenneth J. and Margaret S. Jim and Gloria Wysocky
Marilyn Viator Weber
Bonnie Vicha Bess Weglarz ~Y ~
David M. Vidican Richard and Barbara Weigel Mari Yohannan
Villa St. Benedict Ed Weingartner Hermenegildo and Adela Yu
Bernadette Viskocil Jane Weir Kathleen and Ronald Yurcus
Sam and Carolyn Vitale Fran Weiss ~Z~
Claude and Susan Vodrazka Robert and Doris Weissmann Joan Zaorski
Diane Vogel Christine Welch Barbara Zeiler
Shelby and George Vogrin Joseph and Jean Ann Welty James T. Zidlicky
James and Joanne Vojahosky Joyce Wesolowski Ray and Berni Ziemba
With grateful thanks
Helen Vopenka Keith and Marie West John and Theresa Zigmond
Tom and Sue Votruba Frank and Lucy Whalen Steve and Karen Zimmerman
Roberta (Kadela) Whaling Tom and Debbie Zimmerman
~W~ Wheaton Religious Gift Shop Theresa Zuchowski
Donna J. Wagner Scott and Mo Wheeler Barbara and Bob Zwolinski
Edith and Richard Wagner Lynette White
Francis and Margaret Wagner Jeffrey and Marisa Whitnell
Melvin and Betty Wagner Theodore Wickord
Tom and Mary Wagner Joan Wiczek
Christopher and Dorothy Walker Craig and Leslie Wiedder
Debra Walker Rita M. Wiesbrook
Gerry Walker Joy Wilcox
John and Patricia Walker Dennis and Rosemary
Carole A. Wall Wisnosky
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wallace Frances Witek
Marilyn Walsh Catherine S. Wokas
Mike and Judy Walsh Midge and Thomas Wolfla
William Walsh Mary Anne Woodcock
We gratefully hold all our donors and friends
in our hearts and in our prayers
We sincerely regret any omission or errors in our acknowledgements, and have also done
our best to honor our friends’ wishes to give anonymously with such generosity.
Please call the Development Office (630.725.6013) with any questions or corrections.
16We plan to resume our offerings of spirituality programs — Tuesday Night with
the Sisters, classes and presentations — when it is determined safe to do so.
PLANNED GIVING By virtue of our listing in the Official
Catholic Directory, the Treasury of the
Benefits of making a Planned Gift, which include United States has ruled that
wills, bequests, life insurance and other estate plans: contributions to the Sisters fully
qualify for federal income, estate and
Provide a lasting tribute that offers ongoing gift tax deduction purposes as
support for the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred provided within the law.
Heart Monastery. The legal title of our monastic
Make a gift today without spending current
community is:
income or retirement resources. Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart
Realize income tax and future estate tax Our FEIN is 36-2169170
advantages while providing for your heirs.
Become a partner in ministry with the Persons interested in making special
Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery. gifts or bequests are asked to contact:
Be remembered in the prayers of the Sisters each Development Office
day. Sacred Heart Monastery
The Sisters thank you for considering a bequest to 1910 Maple Ave. Lisle, IL 60532
the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery. 630 725-6013
development@shmlisle.org
17On May 7th, a group of 2nd-grade and 6th-grade students from St. James
visited Sacred Heart Monastery. After a visit to our Chapel, the students
pulled weeds around the Grotto and then prayed the Glorious Mysteries of
the rosary there.
18While access to Sacred
Heart Chapel is still
restricted, you may join
us for Sunday Mass on-
line: livestream at
10:00am or view the
video later. Available on
our chaplain Father
Becket’s Facebook page
at facebook.com/fr.becket
Volunteers at Sacred Heart Monastery
The Sisters are blessed with many friends who volunteer time
and talents to assist us on our Board, and with our chapel and monastery needs.
In spite of physical distancing and suspension of ministries, the Sisters have
certainly felt enriched and uplifted by your love and support in 2020.
We are ever grateful, and say, Thank You.
19Queen of Heaven Monastery
Warren, Ohio
Sister Agnes Knapik
July 10, 1936 — April 7, 2021 (age 84)
Sister Agnes Helen Knapik, OSB, 84, passed away
Wednesday morning April 7 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in
Youngstown.
Sister Agnes was born July 10, 1936 in Toronto,
Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Stephen and Mary
(Kunak) Knapik.
Sister entered into formation in religious life at Sacred
Heart Monastery in Lisle in Illinois September 8, 1960.
She made her Final Profession into the Order of Saint
Benedict August 20, 1967 at Saints Peter and Paul
Byzantine Catholic Church in Warren.
From 1965 to 2005, Sister Agnes taught at Saints Peter and Paul in Warren.
Sister held many positions within the Byzantine Benedictine Sisters at Queen of
Heaven Monastery, including formation director, vocations director, director of the
Oblates of St. Benedict, secretary and the Prioress of Queen of Heaven Monastery
from 1981 to 1989.
For a short period, Sister served as the Safe Environment Director for the
Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. She also served in religious education roles at St.
Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Hermitage and St. Mary Byzantine Catholic
Church in Youngstown.
In addition to her many positions within her community, Sister Agnes graduated
with a master’s degree from Fordham University in New York.
Sister Agnes was a Hospice of the Valley volunteer at Hillside Hospital and was a
frequent volunteer for the St. Vincent DePaul Meals Program.
Sister enjoyed visiting art galleries and reading cookbooks. She had a love for the
outdoors and liked to explore. She loved to walk in nature and in large cities,
taking in the beauty that was around her.
For the last six months of her life, Sister resided at Villa Maria Healthcare Center
in Pennsylvania.
Sister Agnes will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Sister Agnes is survived by her biological sister, Mary Douglas; nieces Joanne
(Vasco) Jeronimo, Terri Douglas and Dianne Lamb; great-nieces and great-nephew
Melissa (Braedon) Matthews, Lindsay Anderson, Alex Lamb and Jordan Lamb; and
grand-nephew Edison Anderson.
A Liturgical Paschal service was held for Sister Agnes on April 10, 2021 at Saints
Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Warren with the Very Rev. Richard
Lambert and the Rev. Kevin Marks presiding. Sisters Mary Bratrsovsky, Helen Jilek
and Christine Kouba traveled from Lisle to attend the service.
20Here and There
Each year nursing students from
Lewis University participate in a
service project to assist Sister
Mary in our Lady of Lourdes
Grotto at Sacred Heart
Monastery. This group helped
with spring clean-up at the end
of March.
Blossom
where you
are planted
Sacred Heart Academy Alumnae
We are searching for all of our Alumnae. If you received this issue of the LBW, but
did not receive the March Echo, or invitations to our last October Homecoming,
you are on our mailing list, but not coded as a Sacred Heart Academy alumna.
Please help us update our records by contacting Beth Hemzacek at
ehemzacek@shmlisle.org, or send a note to Benedictine Sisters attn.: SHA
Alumnae 1910 Maple Ave Lisle, IL 60532.
Homecoming is planned for Saturday, October 16th at Villa St. Benedict.
Invitations will be mailed in September.
21Villa St. Benedict
Kathy DiCristina
It may seem unusual to reflect on this past
year, dominated by the Covid-19
pandemic, and remember it with
gratitude… but that’s exactly how I will
remember it. Even though it was a year
filled with enormous challenges and
heartache, I recognize that as a
community, Villa St. Benedict remained
steadfast in our collective efforts to keep
everyone safe, and by the grace of God,
keep Covid-19 out!!
I am grateful to our amazing staff, the
residents, and family members who had to
make tremendous sacrifices yet continued
to support one another along the way. We had
to make difficult decisions, follow various new
protocols, and adhere to restrictive measures
which seemed to change almost daily. However,
in the end our hard work and sacrifice paid off.
After what seemed like endless months filled
with uncertainty, we secured the Pfizer vaccine
through our partnership with Walgreens to get
vaccines in the arms of residents, staff, the
Sisters and
VSB local
board
members. As
a community,
we stood
stronger
together and
for that I am
forever
grateful.
-
22To honor those lost in Benedictine Living communities over the past twelve
months and to bring all together in fellowship and community, a virtual
Benedictine Remembrance and Renewal Memorial Service was held on March
23, 2021. This date marked one year from when skilled nursing communities
were closed to visitors. March is also the month when spring returns and we
celebrate the Feast Day of St. Benedict, providing the perfect time for us to
pause, reflect and remember what we have been through this last year and
what we have to look forward to as a faith community caring for our
residents.
The service was funded by The Benedictine Foundation and is available for on-
line viewing at https://youtu.be/Mqcgty0RTzg
23Lisle Benedictine Women
Sacred Heart Monastery
1910 Maple Avenue
Lisle, IL 60532-2164
(630) 725-6000
www.shmlisle.org
MISSION STATEMENT
The Corporate Mission of the Benedictine counter-cultural in the midst of global fear
Sisters of the Sacred Heart is Hospitality. and mistrust. We are determined to create an
Directed by the Gospel and the spirit of the environment of non-violence among
Rule of Saint Benedict, the mission is based on ourselves that will allow our own members to
a commitment to use time, talent and experience gentle warmth and reverence for
resources of the Community for those in need. the gift each is to the community. We will
create an atmosphere in which the stranger
We, the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart will be recognized as a guest - received as
Monastery, Lisle, Illinois, proclaim hospitality Christ Himself - the gift of God among us.
to be our corporate commitment. This
mandate, found in the Hebrew scriptures, the We are willing to risk and model that
Gospels, and reiterated by Benedict to be the strangers, coming together as friends, can
cornerstone for our interaction with one nourish one another in the prayerful
another (Rule of Benedict, Chapter 72) and our atmosphere of cenobitic community, can
reception of strangers & guests (RB 53), is our share resources, can host and reverence the
particular corporate response to the needs of other as sacred. In the act of "opening our
this 21st century. door" to the other, we in fact open our hearts
- emptying ourselves of ourselves. This will
We are proclaiming our commitment to be our gift to those "who knock." With open
hospitality as one significant way of being hands, we receive the gift they are to us.You can also read
