On June 3, the sisters at the motherhouse had the opportunity to share lunch and say goodbye to Rick and Geri Dietz. Geri became the minister for Associates in 2008, and Rick joined FSLF in 2013 as the director of the Franciscan Life Center. However, they’ve been connected to the Franciscan community for over 40 years, starting when Rick was working at Assumption Parish in Morris and our sisters staffed the school there.
Sister Carol Schmit reflected on Geri’s time with us.
What can I say about Geri Dietz? I know she never stops coming up with ideas, something new, something deeper. Earlier this spring our Charism Circle discussed how, together, we can “saturate the world with the Franciscan spirit.” Twice since then I have heard Geri refer to this invitation. Why is Geri so motivated by this phrase, saturate the world with the Franciscan spirit? I took up my Roget’s Thesaurus for some enlightenment.
Saturate could mean to permeate. How many times over these years has Geri reached out to our associates? Today they number 249 in the United States, eight applicants and 91 in Latin America. Do the math. That’s 340 people to whom Geri has given daily attention, deepening the relationship, touching them with a personalized birthday card or a greeting at the time of success or loss.
The entry for permeate said to fill up. In an early face-to-face meeting Geri welcomed an applicant into our home. Here, in a carefully planned tour, she gave the applicant a deep look into the lives of Francis and Clare, always in their relationship to Jesus Christ.
To fill up also means to satisfy. Sometimes a conversation was 15 minutes, sometimes an hour and 15 minutes. She listened to stories, shared the scriptures. She remained in touch, even more so, when COVID-19 caused us to redefine the ways we could touch each other. Zoom became her friend and helper. From satisfy I was led to gladden, reminding me of the beautiful yet appropriately simple reception on Associate Commitment Day.
Gladden is described as fully charged. I see now that Geri’s very presence with us, in a ministry she loves, has been saturated, permeated, filled up, satisfied, gladdened and fully charged. As you go into retirement, Geri, may you be fully charged to saturate the world with the Franciscan Spirit!
Sister Grace Skwira was Rick’s supervisor for seven years. She had this to say about his ministry:
If I were to mention all that Rick accomplished in the Franciscan Life Center, I would be here a long time. When I became Rick’s supervisor, he and the Franciscan Outreach Committee were developing a program in Franciscan spirituality, an endeavor that began with the support and encouragement of Sister Carolita. A year later, Engaging Franciscan Spirituality became a reality. To date, 29 graduates are now equipped to live out the Franciscan spirit in their daily lives and spread it to others.
Rick searched for the best retreat directors to help us deepen our spiritual life. He gave us opportunities to participate in meaningful ways: Advent Reflection Days, Blessing of the Animals, Peace Walk and Earth Day programs. We can all say that Rick carried these events out to perfection, giving great attention to the many details required.
His ministry reached beyond campus. You might not know that he became a national Franciscan celebrity. Rick’s Franciscan way of life and his knowledge of the Franciscan charism became widely known, putting him on the national stage. He served in leadership with the Next Generation Franciscan Mentors and was highly involved with the Franciscan Federation.
I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge with gratitude Rick and Geri’s work and financial support in repainting and redecorating Kane Lounge and the rooms on third floor of St. Francis Center. Whenever I walk the hallway there, I notice how they made that area a much more pleasant and inspiring place for retreatants and guests.
Rick, we know this is not the end. Our relationship continues. As you move into another adventure and new ways to spread the Franciscan charism, know that we are grateful for your service and ministry. Thank you!
