January 9, 2012
Catholic News Around Indiana
Compiled by Brandon A. Evans
Begin reading, or choose a diocese: Fort Wayne-South Bend | Gary | Indianapolis | Lafayette
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
The Felician Sisters serve with joy in South Bend
By Karen Clifford
SOUTH BEND — Coworkers and associates of a small group of women who live in South Bend use many adjectives to describe this unique unit. Humble, hard working, loving, faithful, kind, strong, organized, humorous and the Italian word “felice” (happy) are among the many attributes these ladies bring to others on a daily basis.
The Felician Sisters, who are officially known as the Congregation of Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi (CSSF), have four of their joyful community residing in South Bend. Sister Joan Marie Shillinger and Sister Mary Annelle Krych are associated with Holy Family Parish, with Sister Mary Anthony Kubat and Sister Catherine Ryzewicz at St. Adalbert.
Ministries within the order have evolved since its inception and include care of the aged, child care, diocesan work, domestic service, education, evangelization, foreign missions, health care, renewal programs, retreats, social services and youth ministry. There are nearly 1,800 Felician Sisters worldwide, according to Valerie Oltmanns, executive director of Strategic Communications of the Felician Sisters of North America.
Sister Anthony, a pastoral minister at St. Adalbert, recalls her initial reason for joining the Felician community. “I joined the order late in life after both of my parents had passed away. I fell in love with Mother Angela, our foundress, and her commitment to working with the poor, orphans, older women and displaced people.”
As an administrative assistant at St. Adalbert School, Sister Catherine comes into contact with many people. Being around Felician Sisters as a child at school was part of her decision to choose a religious vocation.
“They were fun friends for me. I saw a lot of joy in what they were doing and thought that is the kind of life I want, not truly realizing the inspiration was Christ Himself. My desire to be a sister comes from trying to strengthen that relationship,” Sister Catherine emphasized.
(For news from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, log on to the website of Today’s Catholic at www.todayscatholicnews.org)
Diocese of Gary
No briefs available this week
(For news from the Diocese of Gary, log on to the website of the Northwest Indiana Catholic at www.nwicatholic.com)
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
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Diocese of Lafayette
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(For news from the Diocese of Lafayette, log on to the website of The Catholic Moment at www.thecatholicmoment.org)