Sr. Linda Szocik (front row, fourth from right) and other women's religious leaders (LCWR) met recently with Wisconsin bishops to discuss collaboration within the dioceses. Sr. Linda is a SSJ-TOSF central board member and LCWR Region 9 chairperson.

Sr. Regina Wachowski, left, receives the Franciscan Peacemaker of the Year Award from Sr. Dorothy Pagosa. The award was presented to Sr. Regina during the Franciscan Federation's annual conference this summer in Milwaukee, Wisc. Sr. Regina's work among poor and marginalized people in Brazil will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of Peace & All Good. More photos may be found on our Facebook page, also.

Sr. Cecilia Marie Morton celebrated her 50th Jubilee as a SSJ-TOSF at a weekend-long celebration July 15-17 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, her home parish. Following a beautiful liturgy, Sr. Cecilia Marie was given the 'Spirit of Detroit' award for her many years of service to the people of Detroit, Mich. Sisters and Associates attending the celebration included Srs. Jane Blabolil, Dorothy Pagosa, Linda Szocik, Barb Krakora, Julianna Sobieski, Marty Cherney, Eunice Beaudin, Joan Butkiewicz, Maria Kurrie, Maxine Smith and Brendall Johnson.

The 2011 graduating class of 'Exploring Communication Using Internet Tools' relaxes after a two-day computer workshop. The workshop, presented by six members of the SSJ-TOSF Communications Council, included presentations and hands-on computer lab time for the 16 sisters and associates in attendance. Topics included discussion of the updated SSJ-TOSF website, digital photography, Facebook, Google searches, Twitter and Web conferencing. The event also included prayer, sharing of fun tips and practical how-to's, as well as time to visit with one another. A similar workshop was held last summer (2010) in Cleveland.

Happy graduate Sr. Karen Fitzpatrick displays her certificate following completion of a two-day computer workshop at Pacelli High School (Stevens Point, Wisc.) in July. Sr. Karen was one of 16 sisters and associates who attended the event, sponsored by the SSJ-TOSF Communications Council. A similar workshop was held previously in Cleveland.

Patrick Straffen, SSJ-TOSF website administrator, shows Sr. Rose Grabowski (center) and Sr. Angelora Grossman some practical tips of the technical trade during a two-day Web workshop in Stevens Point.

Workshop presenter Sr. Barb Krakora (left) helps Sr. Sally Dulak to navigate the Web as part of a two-day computer workshop in July.

Sr. Deb Weina instructs Sr. Rose Grabowski how to make her computer work for her during a two-day communications workshop in Stevens Point.

SSJ-TOSF Associate Lois Lawler teaches sisters and associates about web conferencing during a two-day workshop in July.

Patrick Straffen, SSJ website administrator, shares his expertise on blogging during a computer workshop at Pacelli High School in July.

Srs. Catherine Kieliszewski, Sue Dietz and Marcia Lambert discuss computer applications during a two-day workshop in Stevens Point.

Sr. Rose Grabowski shares computer tips with Sr. Alice Trebatoski during a two-day workshop in Stevens Point. Sixteen sisters and associates attended "Exploring Communication Using Internet Tools" at Pacelli High School. The workshop was presented by members of the SSJ-TOSF Communications Council.

Paddy the cat brings big smiles to Srs. Virginia Jakusz (left) and Eugenia Lipski during a surprise visit at Maria Center in July. Paddy enjoyed the attention from the sisters in the skilled care unit and will be back to visit again soon, according to Associate Katy Riley, Paddy's owner.

Sr. Fran Jerzak, along with other Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, recently received a surprise visit from Bishop William Callahan. Sr. Fran met the new bishop of the La Crosse, Wisconsin, Diocese in the hallway of the motherhouse, having just returned from picking a lovely bouquet of lilacs in the yard.

Sr. Angeline Jaszewski greets surprise visitor Bishop William Callahan at the St. Joseph Motherhouse. The bishop of the La Crosse, Wisconsin, Diocese is a Chicago native and former student of the SSJ-TOSF at St. Mary of Perpetual Help in Chicago.

Sr. Josephine Marie Peplinski receives a hug from Bishop William Callahan, after he was given a copy of 'A Fitting Response,' her two-volume history of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. The bishop of the La Crosse, Wisconsin, Diocese made a surprise visit at the St. Joseph Motherhouse while in Stevens Point for Confirmation Masses in May.

Pacelli High School students recently visited the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis at the motherhouse. Sisters and students met for three sessions to discuss generational issues as part of a class.

Pacelli High School students recently visited the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis at the motherhouse. Sisters and students met for three sessions to discuss generational issues as part of a class.

The annual Spring Shopping Faire and Bake Sale at Clare Oaks Retirement Community in Bartlett, Illinois, is hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Streamwood and the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. Numerous vendors attend the event, including Usborne Books and Pampered Chef. Baked goods are prepared by the Sisters and other residents of Clare Oaks.

Sr. Eymard Chrusciel and Josephine Soltysiak work the baked goods table at the Spring Shopping Faire and Bake Sale at Clare Oaks Retirement Community in Bartlett, Illinois.

Srs. Gerri Kryshak (left) and Sally Dulak receive roses and song for Valentine's Day. The celebration for sisters at the motherhouse included delivery of 36 roses and valentines (donated by Wisconsin Associates), and serenading by a local barbershop quartet.

Fr. Charles Faso, OFM, administers the sacrament of anointing to Srs. Clarita Iwanski (middle) and Elizabeth Koszarek (right). Fr. Faso directed a retreat for the SSJ-TOSF at the Saint Joseph Motherhouse in February.

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis celebrate the Green Bay Packers recent Super Bowl victory!

Srs. Mary Ann Rakoczy (left) and Laurentine Andreasik are learning computer skills from Trinity High School student Emily Kurtz in Cleveland.

Sr. Donna Wilhelm, SSJ-TOSF, talks with a radio news reporter in Cleveland during the first day of the Homeless Stand Down 2011. Sr. Donna, executive director of InterAct Cleveland, said that about 650 area homeless people were guests on the opening day of the event, which also is held two days in February. More than 300 volunteers, including members of the SSJ-TOSF, lent a helping hand during the event.

Sr. Adalbert Stal, Sr. Marcelline Zblewski and caregiver Kathy McCloud get in the spirit during a Packer Party at Maria Center 2, helping to cheer the Packers to victory and a Super Bowl seat.

Sr. Bonaventa Kazmierski displays her Packer pride during the game which sent the football team to the Super Bowl.

Sr. Angelora Grossman provided the first reading for a recent liturgy provided by the Bishop William Callahan of the Diocese of La Crosse. The Mass was held in celebration of the World Day for Consecrated Life on Jan. 8 in La Crosse, WI.

Santa (Sr. Bernadine Lepak) visited Maria Center recently, spreading Christmas cheer to sisters, including Sr. Edward Meronek.

From our home to yours...Sisters work merrily to send Christmas cards to friends of the SSJ-TOSF. Shown, from left, are Srs. Lucentia Klonecki, Elizabeth (Betty) Dedo, Alexine Meronek, Esther Romalke, Clarita Iwanski, Leandra Chraca and Virgiose Ozog.

Sr. Barbara Jean Peplinski was honored in November, 2010, for 20 years of service as liturgist and organist at the Saint Joseph Motherhouse. A special blessing was bestowed upon her during a Gratitude Celebration honoring the many efforts of sisters at the motherhouse.

Sr. Lucentia Klonecki (center) recently reunited with former students in Stevens Point, WI. The former 8th grade teacher was visited by members of her St. Peter elementary class of 1955 at the SSJ-TOSF Motherhouse.