Oldenburg Franciscan sisters celebrate jubilees
Criterion staff report
Twenty-one Sisters of the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis in Oldenburg are celebrating significant anniversaries as members of their order this year.
75-year jubilarians
Sister Ruth (formerly Margaret George) Greiwe, a native of Greensburg, entered the order in 1940 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1946.
She graduated from Marian College (now Marian University) in Indianapolis with bachelor’s degrees in English and chemistry, and from Xavier University in Cincinnati with a master’s degree in chemistry.
In the archdiocese, Sister Ruth ministered as a teacher at Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg of the Immaculate Conception, and Father Thomas Scecina Memorial High School and the former St. Mary Academy, both in Indianapolis.
She also ministered as a missionary in Papua New Guinea.
Sister Ruth retired to the motherhouse in 1995. (She died on Aug. 6. See full obituary on page 18.)
Sister Rosemary (formerly Damien Marie) Lee, a native of Indianapolis, entered the order in 1940 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1946.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a degree in education.
In the archdiocese, Sister Rosemary ministered as a teacher at Holy Name School in Beech Grove; the former Sacred Heart School in Clinton; St. Mary School in Greensburg; St. Mark the Evangelist School and the former St. Rita School, both in Indianapolis; Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in New Albany; St. Mary School in North Vernon; St. Andrew School (now St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School) in Richmond; and the former St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage in Vincennes. She also served for 18 years as mail room supervisor at Marian University in Indianapolis. She retired to the motherhouse in 1996.
70-year jubilarians
Sister Francis Joan Clements, a native of Clementsville, Ky., entered the order in 1945 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1951.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a degree in education.
In the archdiocese, Sister Francis ministered as a teacher at St. Michael School in Brookville and at the former St. Francis de Sales School in Indianapolis, and on the staff of Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg.
She also taught in the Diocese of Evansville, Ind., and in Ohio and Missouri.
Sister Francis Joan ministered at the motherhouse in Oldenburg for 15 years, raising money for the missions.
She retired to the motherhouse in 1993, and now resides in Saint Clare Health Facility in Oldenburg.
Sister Mary Ann (formerly Hobart) Miles, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, entered the order in 1945 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1951.
She earned a master’s degree in music from Butler University in Indianapolis.
In the archdiocese, Sister Mary Ann served in music ministry at St. Louis Parish in Batesville; St. Therese of the Infant Jesus (Little Flower) Parish and the former Holy Trinity Parish in Indianapolis; and Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg.
She also ministered in Ohio.
In 1991, she returned to the motherhouse, serving as organist and as clerk in the order’s communications office.
Sister Mary Ann retired in 2012, and now resides in Saint Clare Health Facility in Oldenburg.
60-year jubilarians
Sister Jane (formerly Mary Kevin) Frey, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, entered the order in 1955 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1961.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Marian University in home economics, a master’s degree from St. Louis University in St. Louis in home economics and a master’s degee from Loyola College in Baltimore in pastoral counseling.
In the archdiocese, Sister Jane ministered as a teacher at Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School and the former St. Mary Academy, both in Indianapolis, and at Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg.
She received a license as a professional counselor and independent marriage and family therapist, and ministers in this capacity in Ohio.
Sister Francis Assisi Kennedy, a native of Indianapolis, entered the order in 1955 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1961.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a bachelor of arts degree, and earned a master’s degree in English from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio.
In the archdiocese, Sister Francis Assisi ministered as a teacher at Scecina High School and Cardinal Ritter High School, both in Indianapolis, and at Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg.
She ministered at Marian University in Indianapolis as assistant professor of English, and both taught and was archivist at Martin Center College (now Martin University) in Indianapolis.
She also taught in the Diocese of Evansville.
She is also author of The Archdiocese of Indianapolis, 1834-2009: Like a Mustard Seed Growing, a book published on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Vincennes, which later became the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
She served for 14 years as an archivist at the motherhouse. She retired in 2010, and now resides in Saint Clare Health Facility in Oldenburg.
Sister Evelyn Lindenmaier, a native of Indianapolis, entered the order in 1955 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1961.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a degree in education/psychology.
In the archdiocese, she ministered as a teacher at Holy Name School in Beech Grove and the former St. Michael School in Charlestown.
Sister Evelyn also ministered in Ohio as a teacher and in tele-ministry at St. Anthony Messenger Press.
She is now retired, and lives at the motherhouse.
Sister Rachel Lindenmaier, a native of Indianapolis, entered the order in 1955 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1961.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a degree in education.
In the archdiocese, Sister Rachel ministered as a teacher at the former Sacred Heart School in Clinton; All Saints School (now St. Anthony School), the former St. Gabriel the Archangel School and the former St. Rita School, all in Indianapolis; and at St. Lawrence School in Lawrenceburg.
She also ministered in Ohio as assistant manager in tele-ministry at St. Anthony Messenger Press, and as secretary in the vocation office of the Friars Minor in Cincinnati.
She returned to the motherhouse in 2003 as supervisor of the housekeeping staff.
She retired to the motherhouse in 2012.
Sister Davida Lund, a native of Indianapolis, entered the order in 1955 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1961.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and history, and from the University of Dayton with a master’s degree in education.
In the archdiocese, Sister Davida ministered as a teacher at St. Gabriel School in Connersville; St. Christopher and St. Therese of the Infant Jesus (Little Flower) schools in Indianapolis; and St. Nicholas School in Ripley County.
She also ministered as a teacher in the Diocese of Evansville and in Illinois and Ohio; as a receptionist at St. Anthony Messenger Press in Ohio; and as a pastoral associate in Kentucky.
Sister Davida returned to the motherhouse in 2010 where she has since served as phone operator/receptionist.
Sister Maureen (formerly Zita) Mahon, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, entered the order in 1955 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1961.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a degree in education.
Sister Maureen ministered as a teacher and pastoral minister in Missouri and Ohio and as a missionary in Papua New Guinea.
She retired to the motherhouse in 2014.
Sister Carol Slinger, a native of Muncie, Ind., entered the order in 1955 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1961.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and from St. Louis University with a master’s degree in physics.
In the archdiocese, Sister Carol ministered as a teacher at Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg; as a teacher and principal at the former St. Mary Academy in Indianapolis; and in various academic roles at Marian University in Indianapolis.
She retired in 2014, and now resides in Indianapolis.
50-year jubilarians
Sister Melanie Bair, a native of Richmond, entered the order in 1965 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1973.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a bachelor’s degree in history, from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee with a master’s in special education, and from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, with a doctorate in canon law.
In the archdiocese, Sister Melanie ministered as a teacher at St. Louis School in Batesville and the former St. Rita School in Indianapolis.
She also ministered in various roles in Missouri and Ohio, and in South Korea.
Sister Melanie is currently serving as corporate benevolence coordinator for Prasco Laboratories in Ohio.
Sister Marjorie (formerly Janese) English, a native of Indianapolis, entered the order in 1965 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1973.
She graduated from Marian University with a bachelor’s degree in English, from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, with a master’s in education/counseling, and completed an internship in spiritual direction at Jesuit Renewal Center in Milford, Ohio.
In the archdiocese, Sister Marjorie ministered as a teacher at St. Mark and St. Monica schools, both in Indianapolis. She also taught in the Diocese of Evansville and in Illinois.
At the motherhouse in Oldenburg, she ministered for 11 years as instructor and guide for prospective members of the congregation, and was elected to serve a term of six years in Oldenburg as councilor on the leadership team.
Sister Marjorie ministered for six years as a spiritual director and retreat facilitator in Indianapolis.
She currently ministers as coordinator of spiritual services at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Iowa.
Sister Christa Franzer, a native of Dayton, Ohio, entered the order in 1965 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1973.
She graduated from Marian University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and from the University of Notre Dame in northern Indiana with a master’s degree in administration.
In the archdiocese, Sister Christa ministered as a teacher at Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg, where she later served as principal, and at the former St. Mary Academy in Indianapolis. She also served as director of human resources and vice-president of mission effectiveness at Marian University in Indianapolis.
At the motherhouse, Sister Christa served two terms as councilor on the Leadership Team in Oldenburg: from 1994-2000 and from 2006-2012.
She currently ministers as finance assistant at the motherhouse and as institutional research assistant at Marian University.
Sister Annette Grisley, a native of Logansport, Ind., entered the order in 1965 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1973.
She graduated from Marian University with a bachelor’s degree in education, from Xavier University in Cincinnati with a master’s degree in education, and from St. Mary University in Winona, Minn., with a master’s degree in pastoral ministry.
In the archdiocese, Sister Annette ministered as a teacher at the former St. Charles School in Charlestown; the former Sacred Heart School in Clinton; and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School and the former Holy Family School in Richmond.
She currently serves in music ministry and as a pastoral associate in Ohio.
Sister Maureen (formerly Colene) Irvin, a native Bloomington, Ill., entered the order in 1965 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1973.
She graduated from Marian University with a bachelor’s degree in history, and from St. Louis University with a master’s degree in history.
Sister Maureen has ministered as a teacher in Missouri and Ohio, and as justice and peace coordinator with the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in Illinois.
At the motherhouse, she served as director of vocations and was elected a councilor to the Leadership Team
Sister Maureen currently ministers at the motherhouse in her elected role as congregational minister.
Sister Joanita Koors, a native of Greensburg, entered the order in 1965 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1973.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a degree in elementary education, from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa, with a master’s in elementary education, and earned a certification in elementary education administration and supervision from Indiana University Southeast.
In the archdiocese, Sister Joanita ministered as a teacher in Indianapolis at St. Michael the Archangel School and the former St. Gabriel the Archangel School; Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and the former St. Mary School, both in New Albany; the former St. Mary School in Lanesville; and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Richmond. She also ministered as principal at St. Mary School in North Vernon.
Sister Joanita also ministered as a teacher in the Diocese of Evansville.
She is currently ministering at the motherhouse in the elected position of councilor on the Leadership Team.
Sister Charity Kraeszig, a native of Indianapolis, entered the order in 1965 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1973.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a bachelor’s degree in religious education, from Butler University in Indianapolis with a master’s degree in education, and received a license in library/audio visuals from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in Indianapolis.
In the archdiocese, Sister Charity ministered as librarian at Cardinal Ritter Jr./Sr. High School and Marian University, both in Indianapolis, and at Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg.
She also ministered as a teacher in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.
Sister Charity currently ministers as a librarian at the Batesville Memorial Public Library in Batesville, and also serves as part-time phone operator and receptionist at the motherhouse.
Sister Janet Linz, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, entered the order in 1965 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1973.
She graduated from Marian University with a bachelor’s degree in education, and from Miami University in Ohio with a master’s of arts degree.
In the archdiocese, Sister Janet ministered as a teacher at St. Louis School in Batesville, and St. Michael the Archangel School in Indianapolis.
She also ministered as a teacher and principal in the Diocese of Evansville, and as a teacher in Missouri and Ohio.
Sister Janet currently ministers with the Intervention Program at Purcell Marian High School in Ohio.
Sister Jane McConnell, a native of Princeton, Ind., entered the order in 1965 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1973.
She graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis with a degree in elementary education; Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., with a degree in Christian spirituality and theology; and St. Bonaventure University in Allegheny, N.Y., with a degree in Franciscan studies.
In the archdiocese, she ministered as a teacher at the former St. Gabriel the Archangel School in Indianapolis, and the former Holy Family School in Oldenburg.
At the motherhouse, Sister Jane ministered as director of novices.
She also ministered as a teacher, director of religious education, pastoral associate and hospital chaplain in the Diocese of Evansville.
Sister Jane currently ministers as director of mission integration at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville, Ind.
Sister Marie (formerly Paul Mary) Nett, a native of St. Louis, entered the order in 1965 and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1973.
She graduated from Marian University with a bachelor’s degree in religious education, and from Seattle University in Seattle with a master’s degree in ministry.
In the archdiocese, Sister Marie ministered as a teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Indianapolis; served in parish ministry at St. Joseph Parish in Indianapolis; and lived for a while as a hermit and caretaker in Bristow.
She also served as pastoral minister in the Diocese of Evansville and in Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio, and as a teacher in Missouri.
At the motherhouse, Sister Marie ministered as a sacristan, and as a gardener at the sisters’ Michaela Farm.
She currently ministers as assistant gardener at Michaela Farm, and serves part time as chanter and organist in the motherhouse chapel. †