The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls honored Sisters Loretta Bloch, Cordelia Korkowski, Adeline Kroll, Sylvia Opatz, Marguerite Ostendorf, Carol Schmit and Clara Stang who celebrated 60 years as Franciscan Sisters on Sunday, June 25, 2017. A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, followed by a dinner and reception for invited guests. The sisters entered the novitiate at St. Francis Convent on July 31, 1957, and made their final profession of vows on August 12, 1962.
Sister Loretta Bloch
Originally from the Albany area, Sister Loretta has ministered as a food service director, licensed practical nurse, operating room technician, registered nurse, massage therapist and most recently as a registered art therapist. Sister Loretta has reflected, “I find that being creative is very life-giving for me. The various ministries that I have served in have always given me the opportunity to be creative and serve others, which gives me much satisfaction. Preparing food for others often reminds me of the gift of the Eucharist. Caring for the physical needs of people reminds me of Jesus comforting and healing the sick, and guiding and encouraging children with emotional problems reminds me of Jesus’ loving care—especially of children. I find it important to pray on a regular basis to maintain my relationship with God and to be aware at all times to the direction He is leading me.”
Sister Cordelia Korkowski
Born and raised in Millerville, Sister Cordelia’s ministry started in education. She taught in Catholic schools for 13 years in Waite Park, Fergus Falls, Foley and Morris. She then ministered in formation as director of Novices at St. Francis Convent. From there, Sister Cordelia transitioned into development and leadership roles as the first Volunteer Services director in St. Stephen’s Parish in Anoka, and then as administrator of Franciscan Ministries and a member of the Leadership team of the Franciscan Sisters in Little Falls. After her Leadership term, she began a new ministry at Welcoming House in St. Cloud and also returned to parish work at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Sartell. Sister Cordelia was invited to become director of Donor Relations for the Franciscan Sisters in 2013 and is currently serving in that role. When speaking of her life as a Franciscan Sister, Sister Cordelia shared, “I have been able to offer my gifts and talents in my community and meet many wonderful and supportive people in schools, parishes and other settings. Having the opportunity to travel and experience other cultures and establish relationships has broadened my horizons and blessed me. My current ministry that connects me with many generous people who support the Franciscan Sisters is deeply enriching. Thank you, loving God, for inviting me to the Franciscan Sisters to live out my call during these 60 years.”
Sister Adeline Kroll
A native of Royalton, Sister Adeline spent her early years teaching elementary through eighth grade students and found the children very enjoyable and enriching. Her other ministries include Vocation director, parish ministry, retreats, Hope Community and Wholistic Growth, secretarial and home care. Presently, she lives in California and volunteers at Faithful Fools. Sister Adeline says, “Living in California these past 25 years among such diversity in beliefs and cultures, amazing natural wonders, as well as pleasant weather, has been a great gift. Another gift through a study of cosmology has been to recognize all creation as an ongoing, evolving, outpouring of LOVE. We participate as an incarnation of that LOVE. God/LOVE has given us great gifts. To enjoy and celebrate these gifts lavishly is a great prayer response of thanks.”
Sister Sylvia Opatz
Born and raised on a farm near Bowlus, Sister Sylvia has served the majority of her ministry years in occupational and recreational therapy as a director. Other ministries included floor supervisor at St. Otto’s Nursing Home; Spiritual Minister for elderly sisters in Little Falls; coordinator for used medical equipment; referral service for Metropolitan Center for Independent Living in St. Paul, Minn.; core member at House of Prayer, Prior Lake, Minn.; prefect for boarding students at St. Francis High School; receptionist and clerical worker. She retired from recreational therapy but continued to volunteer as a senior companion. Sister Sylvia shared, “I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over 50 years ago. However, I continued to volunteer as a senior companion because I am still able to minister from the wheelchair. I find caring for the elderly a life-giving ministry because of their wisdom and their willingness to share their experiences. Over these past 60 years I appreciate growing in Franciscan Spirituality. I praise the Lord as I move through life with persons of deep faith and love sharing the same goals and vision which give me a deep sense of satisfaction and thankfulness.”
Sister Marguerite Ostendorf
Born in St. Francis (rural Freeport), Sister Marguerite was a teacher for 39 years in four different Catholic schools. Over most of these years she taught social studies in all three of the middle grades. This gave her the opportunity to work with the students on many social issues. She also played guitar and had the added enjoyment of helping with the music for the weekly children’s liturgies. Sister Marguerite then worked as the receptionist and main secretary for St. Francis Health and Wellness Center at the convent in Little Falls and is currently serving as a secretary for the Community Relations Department. Sister Marguerite stated, “Many things have happened since the fourth day of January back in 1957, when I joined the Franciscan Sisters. I may not have been blessed with a blood sister, but I have gained many religious sisters in the convent. There have been many experiences and events over these past 60 years that have affected my life. Some of these were happy, others were difficult, but in one way or another, they all contributed to my growth as a person.”
Sister Carol Schmit
A native of Medina, Sister Carol started her ministry as a high school teacher in Little Falls. She then interned in Washington, D. C. with a lobby group started by religious sisters and was present at Jimmy Carter’s inauguration. She joined a mission team in Cuidad Guayana, Venezuela, for seven years and then returned to Little Falls to serve on the Leadership team at the convent. After her term was over, Sister Carol moved to Clare’s Well in Annandale and ministered there for 27 years, helping men and women seeking to be more in touch with their spiritual journeys. Her anticipated retirement was “gently interrupted” by a calling to the newly established mission in Ocampo, Mexico, where she is currently serving. Sister Carol said, “I have been given many opportunities over these past 60 years. Life still feels overwhelming at times. Then I remember that this moment is the most precious and only moment I have. I am grateful.” She also shared a quote by Eckhart Tolle: “You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are.”
Sister Clara Stang
Originally from the St. Martin area, Sister Clara began her ministry in education as an elementary teacher and later taught junior high students. She then served as the Diocesan Rural Ministry coordinator of the Memphis Diocese and as pastoral associate for the fledging community of Lexington and Henderson County in Tennessee. She returned to Minnesota to minister at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids as well as in the parishes of Danvers, Clontarf, Murdock, DeGraff and Benson in the southwest part of the state in the New Ulm Diocese. Sister Clara has served on the Leadership team at the convent for three different terms. She was asked to design a program in St. Cloud for young adults and Franciscan Community Volunteers was born and continues to this day. Sister Clara reflected, “As I look back on my 60 years as a Franciscan Sister, as well as on the roots and wings I received from my parents, I now know that all of my life has truly been a Gift of the Holy Spirit. For all of my life I give God praise and thanks!”
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Sister Loretta BlochOriginally from the Albany area, Sister Loretta has ministered as a food service director, licensed practical nurse, operating room technician, registered nurse, massage therapist and most recently as a registered art therapist. Sister Loretta has reflected, “I find that being creative is very life-giving for me. The various ministries that I have served in have always given me the opportunity to be creative and serve others, which gives me much satisfaction. Preparing food for others often reminds me of the gift of the Eucharist. Caring for the physical needs of people reminds me of Jesus comforting and healing the sick, and guiding and encouraging children with emotional problems reminds me of Jesus’ loving care—especially of children. I find it important to pray on a regular basis to maintain my relationship with God and to be aware at all times to the direction He is leading me.”
Sister Cordelia KorkowskiBorn and raised in Millerville, Sister Cordelia’s ministry started in education. She taught in Catholic schools for 13 years in Waite Park, Fergus Falls, Foley and Morris. She then ministered in formation as director of Novices at St. Francis Convent. From there, Sister Cordelia transitioned into development and leadership roles as the first Volunteer Services director in St. Stephen’s Parish in Anoka, and then as administrator of Franciscan Ministries and a member of the Leadership team of the Franciscan Sisters in Little Falls. After her Leadership term, she began a new ministry at Welcoming House in St. Cloud and also returned to parish work at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Sartell. Sister Cordelia was invited to become director of Donor Relations for the Franciscan Sisters in 2013 and is currently serving in that role. When speaking of her life as a Franciscan Sister, Sister Cordelia shared, “I have been able to offer my gifts and talents in my community and meet many wonderful and supportive people in schools, parishes and other settings. Having the opportunity to travel and experience other cultures and establish relationships has broadened my horizons and blessed me. My current ministry that connects me with many generous people who support the Franciscan Sisters is deeply enriching. Thank you, loving God, for inviting me to the Franciscan Sisters to live out my call during these 60 years.”
Sister Adeline KrollA native of Royalton, Sister Adeline spent her early years teaching elementary through eighth grade students and found the children very enjoyable and enriching. Her other ministries include Vocation director, parish ministry, retreats, Hope Community and Wholistic Growth, secretarial and home care. Presently, she lives in California and volunteers at Faithful Fools. Sister Adeline says, “Living in California these past 25 years among such diversity in beliefs and cultures, amazing natural wonders, as well as pleasant weather, has been a great gift. Another gift through a study of cosmology has been to recognize all creation as an ongoing, evolving, outpouring of LOVE. We participate as an incarnation of that LOVE. God/LOVE has given us great gifts. To enjoy and celebrate these gifts lavishly is a great prayer response of thanks.”
Sister Sylvia OpatzBorn and raised on a farm near Bowlus, Sister Sylvia has served the majority of her ministry years in occupational and recreational therapy as a director. Other ministries included floor supervisor at St. Otto’s Nursing Home; Spiritual Minister for elderly sisters in Little Falls; coordinator for used medical equipment; referral service for Metropolitan Center for Independent Living in St. Paul, Minn.; core member at House of Prayer, Prior Lake, Minn.; prefect for boarding students at St. Francis High School; receptionist and clerical worker. She retired from recreational therapy but continued to volunteer as a senior companion. Sister Sylvia shared, “I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over 50 years ago. However, I continued to volunteer as a senior companion because I am still able to minister from the wheelchair. I find caring for the elderly a life-giving ministry because of their wisdom and their willingness to share their experiences. Over these past 60 years I appreciate growing in Franciscan Spirituality. I praise the Lord as I move through life with persons of deep faith and love sharing the same goals and vision which give me a deep sense of satisfaction and thankfulness.”
Sister Marguerite OstendorfBorn in St. Francis (rural Freeport), Sister Marguerite was a teacher for 39 years in four different Catholic schools. Over most of these years she taught social studies in all three of the middle grades. This gave her the opportunity to work with the students on many social issues. She also played guitar and had the added enjoyment of helping with the music for the weekly children’s liturgies. Sister Marguerite then worked as the receptionist and main secretary for St. Francis Health and Wellness Center at the convent in Little Falls and is currently serving as a secretary for the Community Relations Department. Sister Marguerite stated, “Many things have happened since the fourth day of January back in 1957, when I joined the Franciscan Sisters. I may not have been blessed with a blood sister, but I have gained many religious sisters in the convent. There have been many experiences and events over these past 60 years that have affected my life. Some of these were happy, others were difficult, but in one way or another, they all contributed to my growth as a person.”
Sister Carol SchmitA native of Medina, Sister Carol started her ministry as a high school teacher in Little Falls. She then interned in Washington, D. C. with a lobby group started by religious sisters and was present at Jimmy Carter’s inauguration. She joined a mission team in Cuidad Guayana, Venezuela, for seven years and then returned to Little Falls to serve on the Leadership team at the convent. After her term was over, Sister Carol moved to Clare’s Well in Annandale and ministered there for 27 years, helping men and women seeking to be more in touch with their spiritual journeys. Her anticipated retirement was “gently interrupted” by a calling to the newly established mission in Ocampo, Mexico, where she is currently serving. Sister Carol said, “I have been given many opportunities over these past 60 years. Life still feels overwhelming at times. Then I remember that this moment is the most precious and only moment I have. I am grateful.” She also shared a quote by Eckhart Tolle: “You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are.”
Sister Clara StangOriginally from the St. Martin area, Sister Clara began her ministry in education as an elementary teacher and later taught junior high students. She then served as the Diocesan Rural Ministry coordinator of the Memphis Diocese and as pastoral associate for the fledging community of Lexington and Henderson County in Tennessee. She returned to Minnesota to minister at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids as well as in the parishes of Danvers, Clontarf, Murdock, DeGraff and Benson in the southwest part of the state in the New Ulm Diocese. Sister Clara has served on the Leadership team at the convent for three different terms. She was asked to design a program in St. Cloud for young adults and Franciscan Community Volunteers was born and continues to this day. Sister Clara reflected, “As I look back on my 60 years as a Franciscan Sister, as well as on the roots and wings I received from my parents, I now know that all of my life has truly been a Gift of the Holy Spirit. For all of my life I give God praise and thanks!”
See more photos>>
