Sisters Stories 2024
The stories below were recorded in May of 2024.
Sister Arnold Ritchey
“When I lived in El Paso, Texas, I was able to have the strength to go in and visit those who were incarcerated and those who were reentering society. I could be a mentor to them and saying, this is what it’s about, not your own selfish ways, but to be a service to others. That’s what the ministry is.”
Sister Cecily Schroepfer
“It’s not only the choices I make in my own life, but how I, speak or work for women’s rights as being a sister with all creation. That is one of the most important things to me. Being who I am in the whole web of life, and that we all are one. And we are all sisters and brothers.”
Sister Claren Sellner
“I’m very happy. At times it’s been a struggle. I always knew where to go for help. I feel like I have been helped. I have been encouraged. I can just say life is good.”
Sister Claudia Laliberte
“I wasn’t ready to leave. And I stayed. It was really a fascinating Christmas vacation because I had friends from college that came to see me. And I have to say, it was bittersweet. It was so wonderful to see them. But I guess internally, the call was growing. And, you know, we’re talking about something I don’t understand myself. It was it was deep.”
Sister Elizabeth Gillis
“I love being a Sister. I love my community, the friendships I’ve developed, the opportunities I’ve had to travel and go different places and serve in different ways. And then the people that have come to us through the Clinic, through Saint, through programs and Assisi Heights…people that we’ve had an opportunity to meet. I wouldn’t trade one minute, I would do it all over again, starting with day one. And I’m just so grateful.”
Sister Jesse Capparelli
“I’ve always gone my own way, kind of. And it’s taken me all this time to realize that the hound of Heaven… that lovingly God has pushed me, pulled me, loved me into who I am and where I am now. And that he’s loving me.”
Sister JoAnn Haney
“I can express it in one word. It’s abundance. My life has been very full, and I like to think of my days as full and not busy. It’s because I just encounter, the face of Jesus in so many ways as I visit with my own Sisters, as well as encounter the laypeople I work with. And I’m presently singing in the Resounding Voices Choir here in Rochester. And those people are just wonderful.”
Sister Lalonde Ryan
“This community is a wholesome group of women that stretch us out into the spirit. We pray together, and we share very personal emotions with each other, and we trust each other.”
Sister Marguerite Gaasch
“My Franciscan journey has had many ups and downs and twists and turns. Not unlike most people. But I feel that no matter where I was in my growth experience, that God was always present with me, encouraging me and loving me.”
Sister Marlene Pinzka
“It’s been a very encouraging journey. And I think a lot of it is the Sisters that I have lived with or interacted with in any way over the years. I feel like we are on a journey to God together, and with that kind of focus and support, it really has enriched my life—and encouraged me to be the person I am; to strive to reach out to others and just to be warm and welcoming.”
Sister Nancy Casey
“It’s been a wonderful experience, and I just am so thrilled with the way the Lord has led my life. I guess that I’ve had many wonderful experiences.”
Sister Rosemary Zemler
“One of my favorite things to do is to go down to the Mississippi River and just love nature, and Assisi Heights offers all of that except the river. I wouldn’t trade my life for anything.”