AssociAting - Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ

A s s o c i a t i n g
News
PHJC ASSOCIATE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER Summer 2008
First Commitments of Donna Sikorski and
Carolyn Meredith
East Three celebrated the First Commitments of Donna Sikorski and
Carolyn Meredith on February 24, 2008 in Ancilla Domini Chapel,
Donaldson. Mentors and regional co-leaders, Jeanne Boomershine and
Barbara Lowry planned the lovely commitment ceremony.
The ceremony for an Associate’s First Commitment is the culmination of
several months of study and discernment. Mentors Jeanne and Barbara
diligently led Carolyn and Donna through six sessions of initial formation
which focused on the call to be an Associate; a study of the charism of
Catherine Kasper and how it is reflected in the lives of those who are
among the Spiritual Family of Catherine Kasper; the commitment to be
an Associate; the histories of the Associate Community and the PHJC
(First Commitments, continued on page 3)
Meet Associate Kathy Regnier
Donna Sikorski and
Carolyn Meredith
West Region
Associate Kathy and
her husband, Ray, are
retired and living in
Florida. They both
were born in East
Chicago, moved to
Hammond with their
parents when they
were young, and
actually lived on the
same street without
knowing one another. Because of the difference
in their ages, they attended the same school
at different times, so they did not know one
another in school either. Eventually they met at
a CYO outing when they were young adults.
As they were dating, Kathy’s company was
moving out of state and her parents were
moving to Clearwater, Florida. She decided
to move with her parents. However, Ray
proposed to her, and she accepted. They were
married in Hammond and stayed there until
their retirement move to Florida. Kathy and
Ray have no children, but they both have
brothers and sisters. So, they enjoy their many
nieces and nephews.
Both Kathy and Ray are active in their church,
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, and at
the local hospital. Ray serves as an usher in the
parish, and Kathy is a Eucharistic Minister. At
the hospital, Kathy works in the surgical waiting
area where she stays with patients’ families
during surgery.
Kathy and Ray’s favorite activities are to attend
functions at the park, go for walks and bike
rides. They also take advantage of various bus
tours. Kathy enjoys cooking and also is in a
Bible study group. Together, they look forward
to many years in their retirement community,
Golden Acres.
Kathy stays in touch with her community of
Associates and the Sisters in the West Region
via email.

Letters
from You
Dear Sisters, Fiat Spiritus Community, Associates and
Friends,
Your loving support during the stressful time of the
accident, your prayers and support kept us “going.”
The Sisters are recovering nicely from lacerations,
bruises, fractures, etc. Sister Lena is still quite
handicapped but makes good progress. She will return
to India around the 5 th of February.
As you can imagine, our Christmas was quite different.
We managed a few decorations and were able to cook
a decent meal. The quiet and peace were pleasant
companions.
Kenya has been in the throes of violence and destruction
since the election. Most of the antics are pure madness.
We thank God that Meru and vicinity has remained nonviolent
and peaceful.
Thanks too, for your Christmas and get-well wishes.
I am on the mend but go twice in the week for PT to
Nikubu Hospital.
Much love-gratefully,
Sister Germaine
Dear Sisters, Fiat Spiritus Community and Associates,
Thank you for all the cards and good wishes for
mother’s 106 th birthday. She was just delighted to read
all your cards. As of February 13 she had received
106 cards and her room was filled with flowers and
balloons. On Sunday she greeted 60 people at her party.
We all had a great time and mom now has wonderful
memories. I am sure she will be reading her birthday
cards many times in the days ahead. We also had nice
weather. It was sunny and rather warm.
Thank you so much,
Anna Kampwerth—Associate
Alice and Leo Kerkemeyer—Associates
Sister Annemarie
Dear Sisters, Associates, and Fiat Spiritus Community
members,
It was and is such a comfort to have so many people send
cards, prayers and physical presence during the time of
my sister, Mary Margaret Smith’s, illness and passing.
My family and I are deeply grateful for your
thoughtfulness and generosity. We, too, will remember
you in our prayers as we ask Mary Marg to watch
over all. In the celebration of her life we heard many
wonderful stories which gave out to hearty laughter and
sweet tears. We are sure she was smiling and loving
every moment with us.
May God bless each and every one of you.
Sister Mary Kevin Ryan, PHJC and Family
Dear Sisters, Associates, and Fiat Spiritus Community
members,
My gratitude to all of you for your wonderful support
at the time of the sudden death of my sister Pat. Thank
you for your prayers, cards, e-mails and phone calls
expressing your sympathy.
For those of you who were able to come to the wake
and/or funeral your presence meant very much to
me and the family. During the wake so many people
commented that “Pat and Neal did everything
together.” So I ask that you continue to pray for my
brother-in-law, Neal and our whole family.
Pat’s death was such a shock to all of us.
The Pat Welz family
Sister Marilyn Haselhorst
Dear Sisters, Associates and Fiat Spiritus Community
members,
I saw the doctor on April 18 th and received a good
report. The wrist break is mending well, but there is
much healing that still needs to take place.
Thank you to all those who expressed concern about my
health. I appreciated your prayers, cards, calls and visits
so very much. God bless you all in every way possible
– spiritually, mentally and physically.
I remain your sister in Christ...
Sister M. Celine Tomasic, PHJC

(First Commitments, continued from page 1)
Congregation in America; and the life of Catherine.
During the months of these sessions, they met in
various locations on the grounds of the PHJC Ministry
Center, and thus were able to meet and interact
with various community groups. Among the places
they visited were Catherine’s Cottage, Catherine
Kasper Home, a Sisters’ hall in the Motherhouse;
and Earthworks. Carolyn and Donna enjoyed the
various experiences. Jeanne felt that having the initial
formation sessions in different places helped the
candidates to get to know the mission and purpose of
those who live and work with Poor Handmaids.
Prior to Donna and Carolyn’s Commitment
Ceremony, they participated in the Companions
on the Journey Retreat which was held in October.
Many Associates and Sisters accompanied them on
this retreat experience which was rich in discussion,
prayer, and faith sharing.
As the Associate Community grows in its awareness
of identity and purpose, and its place in the
Spiritual Family of Catherine, the Initial Formation
Process, along with the Companions on the Journey
Retreat, is becoming enriched by this growth and
development. Studying the mission statement while
discerning the call to Associate life helps one to more
fully realize the solemnity of one’s commitment to
this expression of Christian life. As candidates study
and ponder the history and background, the mission
and vision, and the Holy Spirit’s gift of the charism,
other Associates who walk with them also gain a
deeper spiritual purpose. The PHJC Sisters who
walk with Associates in initial formation also gain a
deeper understanding of this unique expression of
Associate life. Therefore, members of the Spiritual
Family of Catherine experience some rich materials
for their ongoing formation.
In this Issue…
Letters from You............................................page 2
West Associate Community........................page 4
Upcoming Dates...........................................page 4
Congratulations, Associates!......................page 4
Meet Associate Rosemary Chlebowski....page 5
Social Justice News......................................page 6
Please Remember in Prayer........................page 7
Lindenwood Retreat Offerings..................page 8
Mission Group Meeting Date Change.....page 9
Rest in Peace................................................page 10
Meet Associate Tom Taylor....................... page 11
Directory Updates.......................................page 12
E-mail gaylef@poorhandmaids.org
Phone 574-936-9936
Website www.poorhandmaids.org/associates
Address Associate Office
P.O. Box 1
Donaldson, IN 46513
Associate Bobbie Anderson made the arrangements
for the reception which followed in the Sisters’
Dining Room. Among the delightful refreshments
was a special cake which held a welcoming comment
for Donna and Carolyn to the Spiritual Family of
Catherine. The Associate logo was featured on the
cake. Donna and Carolyn were accompanied by
their husbands for this special event. Other family
members and friends also joined them.
We warmly welcome our two newest Associates,
Carolyn and Donna, to our Spiritual Family!
Associating News |

West Associate
Community
Sister Kathleen Quinn, PHJC
The West Region Associates and Sisters met at
Sojourner Truth House in Gary to celebrate Catherine
Kasper’s Feast day on Sunday February 10, from
3-5 p.m.. The celebration was one of delighting in
each other’s presence as part of the Spiritual Family
of Catherine. Each one was asked to bring a story
from Catherine’s life that touched them in their life,
call and ministry. During the meal the stories were
shared. After we enjoyed a pot luck dinner, we
reflected on the next Sunday’s readings. One of the
stimulating questions was, “What experience do you
have of hitting your limits?” Everyone identified
an area in his/her life that answered this question,
and we each held it in sacred trust. The Associate
Community continues to meet on the first Monday of
the month at one of the Associate’s homes to reflect
and share on the next Sunday’s Gospel.
Upcoming Dates
July 18-20
August 11
September 14
October 24-25
November 15
Spiritual Family of Catherine
Weekend
Articles due for Fall issue of
Associating News
Bazaar
Companions on the Journey
Weekend
Core Team Meeting
Fall Mission Group Meetings
October 11
October 18
October 2
September 25-26
afternoons
North/West meeting
East and South meetings
Donaldson meeting
CKH meeting
8
U V
Congratulations, Associates!
During the July 18-20 Spiritual Family of Catherine Kasper Weekend, we will be honoring several
Associates who celebrate special anniversaries this year. We have a new “category” of awardees this
year–25 years! Here is the list of those who will be recognized in July:
Twenty Five Years:
East 1 Mary Belisle
East 1 Joe Belisle
East 3 Charlotte Skiba
East 3 Pauline Fraiser
South Anna Kampwerth
South Selma Wuebbels
South Esther Gherna
South Hattie Malec
South Betty Lee McDonnell
West Bette Mize
North Emily Tumas
North John Powen
North Ann Powen
North Charlene Meier
North
North
North
Twenty Years:
Cindy Wiatrak
Mary Ann Kemp
Gwen Walters
Fifteen Years:
South Vernon Marti
South Nancy Marti
North Florence Rafac
North Dennis Renk
North Marie Jacobs
Quincy Marie Kuhn
Quincy Donald Schulte
Quincy Rita Schulte
[\
Ten Years:
East 2 Sue Escher
West Grace Veliz
Quincy Carolyn Stupasky
North Carlena Reese
East 1
West
North
North
North
North
Five Years:
Rose Gibson
Claudia Klich
Alfred Fiascone
Eleanor Fiascone
Mary Jane Boyle
Jean Ehlert

Meet Associate Rosemary Chlebowski
West Associate
Rosemary Chlebowski
is a widow with
three children, nine
grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren.
Rosemary’s husband
was a World War II and
Korean War veteran.
They were beginning
their lives together
during the 1950s when
communities experienced increases in housing and
the need for schools and churches. Rosemary and
her husband were supporters in the building of St.
Catherine of Siena Parish in Hammond where they
had moved in 1954. Soon after the building of the
church, the parish school was opened which was
staffed by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Sisters.
That is when Rosemary became acquainted with the
Poor Handmaid Sisters.
Rosemary writes, “My children were taught very
well at St. Catherine’s, and I believe the successes in
their respective careers are due to the careful teaching
of the Sisters of the Poor Handmaids. While my
children were there, I helped…at the school as an aide
and with various other activities and needs. After
my children graduated from St. Catherine’s I lost
contact for a few years.” After her children were on
their own, she retired from her job. Following her
husband’s death in 1990, she felt is was time to renew
her activities at the church in earnest.
So she became active in Rosary Sodality and saw
the Sisters often. She enjoyed being with them, and
that led to her becoming an Associate. Rosemary’s
first commitment was ten years ago. Two Sisters,
Margaret Urban and Lorine Huelskamp, were
instrumental in helping Rosemary become a Minister
of Care. She admits that at a very young age she
knew she enjoyed taking care of others. She was the
eldest in her family so she helped care for her siblings.
She also had several relatives who were ill and
needed care. Among them were her grandmother,
an aunt and various other family members who had
cancers or other debilitating illnesses. She said the
job naturally fell to her and she took it willingly. “It
suited me quite well and I enjoyed it!” She stated that
she would get off the school bus, go directly to visit
them, do what she could to help them, and help them
feel more comfortable.
Rosemary said that it was no stretch, then, when the
calling came to be a Minister of Care at St. Catherine.
She has been Coordinator of the Care Ministries for
two years, and a Minister of Care and Eucharistic
Minister for five years. She also volunteers to visit the
sick and elderly at nursing homes. She benefits from
making lives a littler warmer with a simple visit and
by taking Holy Communion. Rosemary said, “I take
pleasure in anything I can do, and my life is enriched
by it. And this is all thanks to Sister Margaret and
Sister Lorine!”
Now Rosemary finds herself heavily involved with
her family who, she states, are all so different, unique
and “just plain nice to be with.“ She helps however
she can in their struggles of modern life. Also,
Rosemary has limited her ministry of care to the shutins,
where she ministers to elderly individuals, with
all kinds of illnesses and disabilities. The low part of
this ministry is when she knows one of them is dying.
It is very difficult when each one passes away. She
feels blessed to have been touched by their lives. She
lovingly says, “A primary lesson I’ve learned through
this ministry, being with these people, is seeing how
bravely they handle suffering and loneliness while
they wait for God to take them to Him, without
complaint, appreciating what they had. A lesson for
all of us.”
A Core Value that Rosemary believes deeply touches
her life as an Associate is Dignity and Respect for
Others. She feels that her ministry of care has helped
her to deepen this Core Value. Her respect for the
work of the Poor Handmaids has, no doubt, helped
her to follow in Catherine’s footsteps.
Associating News |

Social Justice News
Trafficking in Women
You may wish to visit these websites for the issue of trafficking in women:
www.srtv.info When you get to this website, it comes up in Dutch. To the left, at the top of the page are four
ovals. Click on UK, and the site will be translated into English. If you then click on Newsletters, you will
find at the bottom Transactions Jubilee 2006 Issue. (This issue has a section about the work of the PHJCs in the
Netherlands, especially Sister Mechtild.)
http://homepage.mac.com/srjeanschafersds/stoptraffic is the website called Stop Trafficking! This site also
lists additional information and helpful resources. It has an Anti-Human Trafficking Newsletter that you can
also read either on-line or print for yourself. There are many suggestions of actions that can be taken to help
eliminate human trafficking.
Immigration News
Provincial Leadership is sending educational pieces every month from April to October to the PHJC Sisters regarding
immigration issues. I am including the first of these pieces here. Let me know if you are interested in seeing these included
in our next few issues of Associating News.
Seven Weeks of Immigration Information
from the Indiana Bishops and Major Superiors of Religious Congregations Annual Meeting
Week One
Perceived Myth: Immigrants take jobs and opportunity away from Americans.
Known Fact: The largest wave of immigration to the U.S. since the early 1900s coincided with our lowest
national unemployment rate and fastest economic growth. Immigrant entrepreneurs also create jobs for U.S.
and foreign workers. While there has been no comprehensive study done of immigrant-owned businesses,
there are countless examples: in Silicon Valley, companies begun by Chinese and Indian immigrants generated
more than $19.5 billion in sales and nearly 73,000 jobs in 2000. (Source: Immigration and Unemployment: New
Evidence, Alexis de Tocqueville Institution)
Aren’t immigrants taking jobs from U.S. workers? Why do businesses hire them?
During the 1990s, half of all new workers were foreign-born, filling gaps left by native-born workers in both
the high and low-skill ends of the spectrum. Immigrants fill jobs in key sectors, start their own businesses, and
contribute to a thriving economy. The net benefit of immigration to the U.S. is nearly $10 billion annually. As
Alan Greenspan points out, 70% of immigrants arrive in prime working age. That means we haven’t spent a
penny on their education, yet they are transplanted into our workforce and will contribute $500 billion toward
our social security system over the next 20 years.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects that by 2010, the U.S. will have created 22 million new jobs—nine
million more jobs than new (native-born) workers entering the job market. This gap will increase after 2010 as
the “baby boomers” reach retirement age and leave the labor force.
Today, our immigration laws do not reflect this demographic and economic reality. Our immigration laws
should be reconciled with the economic laws of supply and demand. Immigration reform would address a
range of workforce realities—legalizing a workforce that is here to stay, providing more legal visas for workers
to come in the future, and providing for the temporary employment of foreign workers who help American
employers in sectors of the economy that provide seasonal jobs.

64 rd Annual
Homemade Foods • Craft Booths • Children’s Games • Bingo
a Big Raffle for: Handmade Quilts • Afghans • Prizes Galore!
Sunday, September 14, 2007
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
PHJC Ministry Center – Donaldson, IN (7 miles west of Plymouth and 2 miles south of U.S. 30)
Booth spaces available.
For more information,
please call (574) 936–9936.
Please Remember in Prayer…
All Associates, PHJCs, Fiat Spiritus Community members, friends and families of the Spiritual Family of Catherine Kasper; all
those spoken and unspoken prayer requests of friends, families and members of the Spiritual Family of Catherine.
East One
Ann Marie Schall..................... recovering from heart surgery
Maxine Book..............injuries from a fall–broken hip and back
Carmen Reed...........recovering from double knee replacement
East Two
Joe Kluszynski.............................. death of a former co-worker,
and the needs of the widow
Dick and Theresa Van Nevel........................ their son lost his
job of 30 years
Jim and Marge Bickett.......... daughter-in-law’s aunt’s illness
Dorothy Harder............................................................. illness
East Three
Sr. Margaret Ann...............................death of Godfather/uncle
Sr. Agatha Niebrugge...............................death of 14-year-old
great-nephew
Mike Guriel....................................injuries from a falling limb
Doris Albrecht................................recovering from broken hip
and extensive surgery
Srs. Lorine and David Huelskamp............................ death of
sister-in-law
Sr. Julia Huelskamp............................................ death of aunt
Sr. Judian Breitenbach...................................... death of friend
North
Sr. Bonnie Bolini................................................ death of father
Sr. Michelle Dermody................ illness of two-year-old friend
Gwen Walters.................................................... death of friend
Hemina Kuhl.................................................husband’s illness
South
Kit Timmerman............................................injuries of mother
Libby Riggs......................................... illness of mother-in-law
West
Sr. Michele Dvorak................................. illness of two friends
Sr. Celine Tomasic......................... recovery from broken wrist
Sr. Kathleen Quinn.........................................brother’s illness
Bertha Fredericks’ family..........................................her death
Quincy
Sr. Florence Kuhn...............................................fractured knee
Carolyn Stupasky................................................illness of son
Other
Sr. Marilynn Haselhorst.................................... death of sister
Sr. Silveria Rodriquez Felix...... admittance to medical school
Sr. Agnes Mathew............................................. death of father
Sr. Yolanda Bautista Salinas......... recovery from arm surgery
Associate Candidates:
East Three:
Julianne Maher
Mary Janda
Margaret Bonen
Ann Kerchner
East Two:
Jim and Marge Bickett
South:
Georgia Klingler
Libby Riggs
Dorothy Uebinger
Marge Kessler
Fiat Spiritus Novices:
Loretta Peters
Rosalie Durante
Associating News |

Lindenwood Retreat Offerings
Ruth Van Vactor, Marketing and Program Coordinator
July 13-18 is the Lindenwood Annual
Conference Retreat. This year’s retreat
will focus on the freedoms we experience
as Christians. The conferences will
include, “God, the Free Spirit,” “Singing in
the Fire” (from despair to hope), “A New
Birth of Freedom” (from retaliation to
forgiveness), “My Lord, What a Morning!”
and more. Come and join Father Al
Naseman as we look into the wonders of
the freedoms Christ can bring into our
lives. The retreat will be led by Father Al Naseman,
C.PP.S. whose earliest dreams were to be a priest and
an artist. Father Al’s favorite activities are being with
true seekers of God and making the Bible come alive
in strikingly new ways. Registration fee is $300 and
includes a private room and all meals.
Our July Quiet Day of Reflection will be July 21
from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is entitled “Writing
Ways: Exploring Writing as a Threshold to Spirit.”
Participants will explore personal writing as a means
of connection with spirit. We will use experiences
of remembering, guided meditations, story-telling,
poetry, and music to prompt and compliment
written explorations. Sister Judith Diltz, PHJC,
will facilitate the day. Sister Judith is a writer and a
college writing instructor. She promises to leave her
red pen at home and to serve as a guide so that all
might find writing a threshold into the richness of
their own spirit. Registration fee is $25 and includes
the noon main meal.
Rev. Peter Pearson will again lead the Brush With
God: Icon Painting Retreat from August 10 to August
15, 2008. This retreat is for artists and non-artists alike
and covers completing an icon from start to finish
with step-by-step instructions. This year’s painting
will be the icon of Saint Francis. Registration fee is
$385 which includes a private room and all meals; a
commuter fee of $295. An additional supply fee of
$65 is also required.
Monday, August 18 is our Quiet Day of Reflection
from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Spiritual Listening is the
theme for the day. Living full and busy lives can
July 13-18
July 21
August 10
August 18
August 22-24
Lindenwood Annual Conference Retreat
Quiet Day of Reflection
Brush With God: Icon Painting Retreat
Quiet Day of Reflection
Men and Women 12-Step Retreat
sometimes distract us from attending to our own
spiritual journey. Spiritual listening calls us to pay
attention to the events in our lives so that we can hear
the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit. The day will
focus on being attentive to what is happening in our
life and hearing God’s voice within. Sister Shirley Bell,
PHJC, will lead the day. Sister Shirley has a master’s
degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University and
is currently the administrator of the Maria Center at the
PHJC Ministry Center. Registration fee is $25 which
includes the noon main meal.
A men and women 12-step retreat will be held from
August 22-24, 2008. The 12-Step retreat will provide
a fellowship experience of loving, caring and sharing
through conference, small group discussion, prayer
and meditation. It is a wonderful opportunity to
meet other recovering people, examine your recovery
program, and revitalize your recovery. Gary and
Audrey Thomas from Chicago, Illinois will facilitate
the retreat. Registration fee is $165 for single; $135 for
double (per person) and $85 for commuters.
Please call 574-935-1763 to register for these or any
other Lindenwood program.
Ruth Van Vactor
Program and Marketing Coordinator
Lindenwood Retreat Center
PO Box 1
Donaldson, IN 46513-0001
marketing_programs@poorhandmaids.org
574-935-1763

Mission Group Meeting Date Change
Provincial Leadership has announced a change in the dates for the October 2008 Mission Group
Meetings. The new dates are as follows:
• Northwest Mission Group (Associates’ North and West Regions) Saturday, October 11
• East Mission Group (Associates’ East One, East Two, and East Three Regions), Saturday, October 18
• South Mission Group (Associates’ South and Quincy Regions) Saturday, October 18
Please mark your calendars.
Details for these meetings (time, location, registration forms, etc.) will be sent to you in the near future.
Associating News |

Rest in Peace
By Gayle Fiwek, Director of Associates
On March 28, Quincy
Associate Kathleen
(Katie) Druffel passed
away. She was 82 years
old. She is survived by her
husband, Robert Druffel;
eight children and their
spouses; six stepchildren
and their spouses; fourteen
grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.
Katie was considered a well-known volunteer and
activist in her community. In 1978 she received the
Quincy Exchange Club’s Golden Deeds Award, and
later she was named one of KHZA TV’s “7 Who Care.”
She is a past president of the Quincy American Legion
Auxiliary, the Altar Society of Blessed Sacrament
Catholic Church, the Parents and Friends Club of
Christian Brothers High School and the Quincy
Deanery Council of Catholic Women. She had been
an Avon representative for over 40 years. She also
delivered the Quincy Herald-Whig newspaper until
she was well into her 70s.
As an Associate, Katie made her First Commitment
in 1993. This year will mark her fifteenth year in the
Associate Community.
Katie’s Mass of Christian Burial was in Blessed
Sacrament Catholic Church, and she was laid to rest
in Calvary Cemetery in Quincy on March 30.
May Katie rest in peace.
On February 14 East One
Associate Catherine (Katie)
Shollenberger passed away
in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She
was 83 years old and had
been ill for some time. Her
husband Bob had passed
away in 1970. Together
they had three children:
Susan, Mark and Karen.
Along with her children, she is survived by four
granddaughters: Jenaba, Bree, Kay and Grace.
Katie served 20 years in the Ft. Wayne Community
Schools as a teacher’s aide until 1994. She was an
active volunteer for many worthy organizations
and causes. Among her activities were serving as a
Girl Scout leader, volunteering at St. Peters Church,
Lakeside Little League organization, and for St. Jude’s
Children’s Hospital.
Katie became an Associate in 2000 and was very
proud to be a member of the Associate Community
and to enjoy the Sisters and Associates in East One.
She was recognized in 2005 on her fifth anniversary as
an Associate.
In 2002, Katie traveled with other Associates, friends
of the PHJC Congregation, and a Sister to Dernbach,
Germany for a pilgrimage sponsored by the Associate
Office. While in Europe on that pilgrimage, she also
enjoyed Assisi, the Vatican, and other sites in Rome,
Italy; and the Netherlands.
Katie’s Mass of Christian Burial was on February 18
at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, and she
was laid to rest in Fort Wayne’s Catholic Cemetery.
May Katie rest in peace.
On April 10, East Three
Associate Millicent (Millie)
Baird passed away in
Catherine Kasper Home.
Millie is survived by three
daughters, including Sister
Mary Baird, PHJC. She also
leaves six grandchildren and
seven great-grandchildren to
cherish her memories. Millie
was 98 years old.
Millie was born in Edwardsville, Illinois, and lived
many years in Tucson, Arizona, before moving
to Maria Center in Donaldson. Throughout her
life she belonged to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in
Edwardsville, the Daughters of Isabella, Holy Trinity
Ladies Club-Sacristan in Tucson, and volunteered
many years at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Clinic in
Tucson. Among her favorite activities was to sew
comforters and to crochet afghans and hats for the
10

poor. She also volunteered in soup kitchens and food
and clothing distribution centers and visited elderly
and ill persons in their homes.
Millie was one of the founding Associates in 1983.
She received special recognition for 20 years as an
Associate in 2003 and this year marked her 25th year
as an Associate.
Millie’s Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Boniface
Catholic Church in Edwardsville, with interment in
Calvary Cemetery in Glen Carbon, Illinois on April 18.
May Millie rest in peace.
On May 17, East One Associate
Rosalyn (Rosie) Koenemann
passed away at Parkview
Hospital, Fort Wayne. Rosie was
75 years old. She is survived by
two children, including daughter
Carol Elser, who is also an East
One Associate. Rosie is survived
by two grandchildren and her
life partner.
Born in Fort Wayne, Rosie lived in nearby New Haven.
She became an Associate in 1992, and was recognized
in 2007 for her fifteenth year in the Associate
Community. Praying for all members of the Spiritual
Family of Catherine, for peace, and for vocations were
important parts of Rosie’s daily prayer life.
Rosie was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic
Church in New Haven, the American Legion
Auxiliary, and the Rosary Sodality. She was a C.N.A.,
and had currently been working at Harborside
Healthcare.
Rosie’s Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. John
the Baptist Catholic Church on May 22, and interment
was in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, in New Haven.
May Rosie rest in peace.
On June 6, West Associate Bertha Frederick passed
away. A longer memorial will be included in the next
issue of Associating News.
Meet Associate
Tom Taylor
West Associate Tom
Taylor is the proud
father of three children,
Thomas Jr., Robert and
Jennifer. He also has
one 4 year-old grandson.
Along with those bright
stars in his life, is his
wife, Mirthala. He
also has an 11 year-old
female Lab mix dog.
Tom became acquainted
with the Associate Community through Mirthala. She
has been an active Associate for 19 years. Tom made
his first commitment on June 5, 2006 at Our Lady
of Perpetual Help Church in Hammond. The West
Region of Associates and Sisters, along with Mirthala,
were Tom’s mentors. It was a wonderful experience
for the group to explore initial formation of a
candidate, and the sessions opened many avenues for
discussion and faith sharing.
Tom is active in parish ministry, serving as lector and
Eucharistic minister. He also serves as a hospital
chaplain in crisis intervention, leads a prayer group
and participates in a Bible study group. Through
these various ministries, Tom exemplifies Catherine’s
charism to those he serves. He is a careful listener
and genial in his interactions with others.
Tom initially became acquainted with the Poor
Handmaid Sisters in grade school. He attended
St. Mary’s School in East Chicago from grades 3
through 8.
Tom believes the Core Values of the Spiritual Family
of Catherine guide his life and also help to build
the body of Christ in the world. One Core Value,
Openness to the Spirit, has special significance to Tom
because he firmly believes that God guides his life
and shows him the way to be the best that he can be
as father, husband, co-worker and friend.
May Bertha rest in peace.
Associating News | 11

Directory Updates
Please note the following changes in your 2008 Sister/Associate/Fiat Spiritus directories:
Rest in Peace
Sister Helen Wojciechowicz
1940-2008
C
Sister Mary Gerard Holtgrave
1911-2008
C
Sister Claudine Magolske
1922-2008
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