NC - 2023 - Spring

SISTERS OF
THE HOLY
FAMILY OF
NAZARETH
HOLY FAMILY
PROVINCE
// VOL 17 //
// NO 1 //
SPRING 2023
Nazareth
CONNECTIONS
FAMILY IS THE HEART OF OUR MISSION
The Blessed Martyrs
of Nowogródek
STORY ON PAGE 5

MESSAGE FROM THE
PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR
Dear Friends of Nazareth,
There is a prayer attributed to St.Teresa of Avila that says:
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which He looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good,
Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are His body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which He looks
Compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
the people with whom we interact. No matter your
vocation or location, God has uniquely called and
placed each of us to be His Body in this broken world.
As we rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus during this
Easter season, let us ask God to fill us with His Spirit so
we may give testimony in being His hands, feet, and eyes
of compassion.
May God bless you and your loved ones.
In the Holy Family,
Sr. Kathleen Maciej
These words are a daily reminder of the witness we are
called to be in the world as followers of Jesus Christ. Do
the actions of our lives, words, and thoughts reflect to
others (and to ourselves) that we are representatives, living,
breathing extensions of Christ’s body here on earth?
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Martyrdom
of our Sisters from Nowogródek, murdered by the Nazi
regime. As I think about the Sisters, I marvel at their witness,
each a unique example of Christ and each unified in the
ultimate witness of humbly and heroically offering their lives
as a sacrifice for those they loved.
Most of us will never be called to mirror Jesus in this
way, but every day we are given opportunities to be the
living, breathing testimony of Jesus Christ in this world to
HOW ARE YOU CALLED TO LOVE?
We invite you to pray with us, to listen to God’s call with us, and to
love with us as we strive to recognize God in ordinary experiences.
Learn more about our community life, our ministries, and our mission
at nazarethcsfn.org/about-us. Contact Sr. Emmanuela Le, CSFN, National
Vocation Director, at 682-203-967 or vocations@nazarethcsfn.org.
2

Contents
VOCATION
JUBILARIANS
VOLUME 17 //
NUMBER 1 //
SPRING 2023
Nazareth Connections is published
three times a year by the Sisters of
the Holy Family of Nazareth
in the USA.
Editor:
Rachel Neubauer
Proofreaders:
Sr. Angela Szczawinska
Sr. Mary Ellen Gemmell
Katherine Barth
Sr. Lucille Madura
Amanda Giarratano
Province Communications Committee:
Sr. Mary Ellen Gemmell
Sr. Angela Szczawinska
Amanda Giarratano
Katherine Barth
Heidi Scheuer
Sr. Emmanuela Le
Sr. Marcella Louise Wallowicz
Sr. Michele Fisher
Sr. Rebecca Sullivan
4 Sr. Mary Clare Nguyen
Makes First Vows
MISSION
5 The Blessed Martyrs of
Nowogródek
MINISTRY
10 My Escapades in Nazareth
12 Sr. Beata Czyl
Sr. Barbara Frances Samp
Sr. Noemi Tereszkiewicz
Sr. Janice Marie Blados
Sr. Kathleen Maciej
Sr. Mary Annette Gailey
IN MEMORIAM
16 Sr. M. Elaine Skrzypczynski
Sr. Jeanette Lawlor
DEVELOPMENT
18 SpringFest
Design/Print:
McDaniels Marketing
Questions, comments, suggestions?
Please contact:
Communications Department
Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth
310 N. River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
847-298-6760, x144
communications@nazarethcsfn.org
nazarethcsfn.org
facebook.com/csfn.usa
twitter.com/csfn_usa
instagram.com/csfn.usa
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2023
3

VOCATION
Sr. Mary Clare Nguyen
and Vocations Director Sr.
Emmanuela Le stop for a
photo after Sr. M. Clare’s First
Profession of Vows.
Sr. Kathleen Maciej,
Provincial Superior, greets Sr.
Mary Clare Nguyen prior to
her First Profession of Vows.
Sr. Mary Clare Nguyen
Makes First Vows
On Saturday, Feb. 25, Sr. Mary Clare Nguyen made her First Profession of
Vows at the Provincialate in Des Plaines, IL. She celebrated the day with
family, friends, and Sisters of her community both in person and on Zoom.
Sr. Mary Clare is originally from Vietnam, where some of her immediate
family still lives. She had been discerning her vocation since 2017. Inspired
by our Nazareth family and the life of our Mother Foundress, she felt at
home among our Sisters.
Please join us in prayers of thanksgiving for Sr. Mary Clare’s “yes” to God,
as well as continued prayers for those currently discerning their vocation
with the help of their mentors.
Editor’s Note: It is with sadness that we share Sr. M. Clare Nguyen passed
into Eternal Life on Saturday, April 8. An In Memoriam of Sister Clare will be
featured in the next edition of Nazareth Connections. Rest peacefully in the
Kingdom of God, Sr. Clare.
4

MISSION
80 Years Later,
THE BLESSED MARTYRS OF NOWOGRÓDEK
Editor’s Note: This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the
Martyrdom of Blessed M. Stella and her Ten Companions,
Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the Blessed Martyrs
of Nowogródek, who sacrificed their lives on Aug. 1, 1943,
in Nowogródek, Poland. The Sisters were declared Blessed
by virtue of martyrdom on March 5, 2000, by Pope St. John
Paul II. Sept. 4 marks the Feast Day for the Blessed Martyrs
of Nowogródek, a significant date as it reflects the day when
the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth first came to
Nowogródek in 1929. Each issue of Nazareth Connections
this year will contain a story or reflection on these heroic
witnesses.
In this issue, we share with you text from a presentation
entitled “Vindication & Glory” by the late Sr. Rita Kathryn
Sperka, CSFN (1934-2014), given at Holy Family University’s
two-day conference, “70 Years Later: The Global Impact of
the Holocaust,” in 2009.
We invite you to read along and have a “mini-view” into the
story of the Blessed Martyrs of Nowogródek:
On Sept. 4, 1929, when the Sisters of the Holy Family
of Nazareth first came to Nowogródek, it was home to
various communities, including Catholic Poles, Russian
Orthodox Christians, Tartars, and Jews.
Though a portion of the townsfolk did not welcome
the Sisters, members of the Jewish community helped
the Sisters move into their residence. That beginning
period of strained relations with the townsfolk initially
led the Sisters to consider withdrawal from the
mission; however, as the Sisters became known in the
community, cordial relationships gradually replaced
the tension.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2023
5

The Sisters’ temporary home was the original home
of Adam Mickiewicz, considered Poland’s greatest
poet. Once in their own facilities, the Sisters began to
establish a residence for young women from the rural
areas who sought higher education and a primary
school (initially grades one to three, then gradually the
upper levels). They also conducted craft classes for
young women, allowing [people from] every subculture
to intermingle.
By the outbreak of World War II, all the original Sisters
had been replaced by other Sisters who continued to
unite the people through their services.
Bishop Lozinski, who had invited the Congregation,
entrusted the ancient church (fondly referred to as
“Fara” by the people) to the care of the Sisters of the
Holy Family of Nazareth. Historical events, including
the marriage of the nobility and the baptism of Adam
Mickiewicz, were significant for the parishioners.
Because this church, known as the Church of the
Transfiguration, was in need of extensive repairs,
the Sisters spearheaded that task. To this day, the Sisters
maintain the church. Even after the [execution] of the Sisters
and the flight of the priest, the one surviving religious, Sr.
Malgorzata [Banas], continued to pray with the parishioners.
Over time, bit-by-bit information has allowed us to piece
together an overview of the events. Before the Nazi
penetration of eastern Poland, the Russian forces had
occupied the land. When the German troops arrived, their
overwhelming power was felt immediately. Priests and
partisan fighters were dealt with ruthlessly by the Gestapo.
When Traub, the German commander of the local forces,
was away, the Gestapo arrested 120 townsfolk, mainly
fathers of families, with the intent of executing them. Like
Moses, who always resorted to prayer when faced with
momentous decisions, Sr. Stella and the Sisters sought
guidance in prayer on learning of this situation. Meeting
with Fr. Zienkiewicz, Sr. Stella informed him that the Sisters
resolved that if a sacrifice of life was necessary, they
were willing to offer themselves to God in place of those
condemned to death.
6

Several of the Sisters walking in
the Corpus Christi procession in
Nowogródek.
Stained glass from Nazareth
Academy Grade School in
Philadelphia depicting the
Nowogródek Martyrs at work.
Upon the return of Commander Traub, who had no
prior knowledge of the Gestapo’s orders, he contacted
his superior officers. He commuted the sentence of the
previously arrested townsfolk, where some were sent
to work in forced labor camps and a few returned to
their families.
Shortly after that time, the Sisters learned Fr. Alexander
Zienkiewicz’s name was on the Gestapo’s new list. Believing
the ministry of the priest was vital to the community, Sr.
Stella informed the priest, “You, Father, are more important
than we, so we are now asking God that if further sacrifice
is needed, to take us rather than you.” Fr. Alexander and the
[original] 120 [condemned] all survived the war. It is they,
together with their families, who want the world to know
the Sisters’ story.
On July 31, 1943, a German dressed as a civilian
approached Sr. Stella and ordered her to report to German
headquarters with her Sisters at 7:30 p.m.
As usual, the Sisters prayed with the people that evening
and then proceeded to their assigned destination. On the
way, they met Sr. Malgorzata, who wanted to go with them.
Since Sr. Malgorzata was dressed in lay clothes for her work
as a nurse in the local hospital, Sr. Stella instructed her to
go home and look after the priest and the church until
at least some of the Sisters returned. She believed the
Nazis did not have an exact count of the Sisters.
That encounter was the last time Sr. Malgorzata met
the Sisters alive. Based on sources Sr. Malgorzata and Fr.
Alexander happened upon over time, they pieced the
facts together.
Srs. Stella Mardosewicz, Imelda Zak, Kanizja Mackiewicz,
Rajmunda Kukolowicz, Daniela Jozwik, Kanuta Chrobot,
Sergia Rapiej, Gwidona Cierpka, Felicyta Borowik,
Heliodora Matuszewska, and Boromea Narmontowicz
were interrogated by the Gestapo. Growing up in
a former Prussian sector of the divided Poland, Srs.
Gwidona and Heliodora were educated in schools
conducted in the German language. Consequently,
they were the spokespersons for the Sisters. Those
who overheard the interrogation commented on
the contrast between the bellowing harshness of the
Gestapo and the gentle, subdued responses of the
Sisters. After 9 p.m., they were escorted to a waiting
vehicle and driven beyond Nowogródek’s limits into
the rural area. However, there was so much activity on
the farms because it was still light out that they were
obliged to return to the administration building.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS //SPRING 2023
7

The Sisters spent the next few hours huddled together in a
small basement room on a dirt floor, where they prayerfully
spent their last hours. Following their 4 a.m. departure on
Aug. 1, the custodian entered the room where he found a
crucifix that one of the Sisters had brought. He took that
crucifix to his home and only returned it to the Sisters in
the 1990s when he came to testify before the commission
hearings prior to the beatification of the Sisters in 2000.
Though his name had not been on the list of expected
witnesses, his testimony and this prized possession were
most welcomed. He had heard the Sisters praying together
as they supported one another.
In a wooded area surrounded by several small villages that
used the meadow and woods as a shortcut, the Gestapo
seized a young partisan to dig the Sisters’ grave. As they
knelt in prayer, most of the Sisters were shot in the head
so their faces were disfigured. Later that day, when one of
the officers came to the home of a woman who had to
prepare his meal, he was very drunk. Visibly overwhelmed
by the carnage, the anxiety-ridden officer cried, “How they
went. You had to see how they walked.” When the woman
asked, “Who?” the officer responded, “You don’t know!
Your Sisters!” After he affirmed their death, he warned the
woman to keep quiet.
Eventually, Sr. Malgorzata organized a “mushroom-picking
expedition” with two women into the woods to investigate
a new mound that someone had noticed in the woods. One
of the women even carried her young daughter to help
make their escapade more realistic. I met that child in 2000
at the beatification of our Sisters in Rome. She had brought
her grandson to Rome so he would have a living memory
of the Sisters’ love of neighbor to pass on to his children
and grandchildren.
In March 1945, after the Nazi troops were forced to retreat,
the Sisters’ remains were exhumed. On March 19, each
Sister was placed in a separate coffin, then drawn by
sled to be buried in individual graves near the Fara
(the White Church).
Sr. Stella with a local priest and some of
her students.
Sr. Kanizja with two of her First
Communion students.
Memorial to the Martyrs of Nowogródek
at the site of their execution.
8

Prayer through the intercession
of Nowogródek Martyrs
O most blessed Trinity, we praise and thank you
for the example of Blessed Mary Stella and Her
Ten Companions, Sisters of the Holy Family of
Nazareth, who by imitating Jesus Christ, offered
themselves as a sacrifice of love.
God of mercy and compassion, through
the merits of their martyrdom and by their
intercession, grant us the grace we humbly
ask…(insert intention here)…
so that like them, we may witness with our lives
to the presence of the Kingdom of God’s love
and extend it to the human family throughout
the world. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Blessed Martyred Sisters of Nowogródek, pray
for us.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2023
9

My Escapades in
Nazareth 1898-1901
BY SR. SIMPLICIA OF THE CROSS
Editor’s Note: Sr. Mary Simplicia of the Cross (Marian Ławecka
– died July 18, 1963) was one of the very few who had the
good fortune of meeting our Foundress, Blessed Mary of Jesus
the Good Shepherd (Frances Siedliska). During a visit with
her eldest sister, Sr. Pancratius, who was then a postulant at
the Precious Blood Convent in Pittsburgh, little Marian first
encountered Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd who
spoke with her. Marian soon followed her sister to Nazareth
taking on the name Sr. M. Simplicia of the Cross. Several years
later, their two younger sisters, Sr. Laura and Sr. Marinelle,
joined the community, making them the first “Nazareth
Quartet” in the history of the Congregation.
The following excerpt comes from Sr. Simplicia’s “My Escapades
in Nazareth,” a compilation of stories written from the time
she was a boarder attending Holy Family Academy in Chicago.
She writes, “So it was during the time of Mother Lauretta’s time
in the Academy in Chicago that I had all kinds of adventures,
more than any other of the girls. … I was of a very lively
disposition and God endowed me with a brilliant memory, that
made me useful at times, but also at times prone to mischief
as one can see from the following ‘Escapades.’ … Enjoy reading
and have a good hearty laugh, which is so beneficial to health.”
10

One day, I was told by the Sister in charge of us to run
quickly to the bakery and get a loaf of “razowy chleb”
(pumpernickel bread). Naturally, I was told in Polish
because only this language was used at that time.
I knew what kind of bread it was but had no idea how
to say it in English. So I went to Sister Superior, who
had her education in London, and asked her what to
call the black bread because I needed to buy a loaf for
some guests who would have dinner at the Academy.
The Superior, Sister Seraphine, told me the name is
“pumpernickel bread” and made me repeat it a few
times to say it correctly.
As usual, I ran down Milwaukee Avenue, where all
the large stores, banks, etc., were located. In front of
a big store stood a crowd of people watching some
spectacle. I tried to see what was happening, but to my
dismay, I could not get through to see what was going
on, so I continued on my way.
Relieved, I said: “Exactly! That’s what the Superior
called it. Please may I have a loaf of it?” He brought
the loaf wrapped up and, giving it to me, said, “Wait a
moment, little girl.” After a few minutes, he returned
with a small bag of cookies, a rare treat we seldom
saw, and then said, “The pumpernickel bread is for
Sister Superior, and these cookies are for you, for the
good laugh I had!”
With a sweet smile, I thanked him, and taking the
packages, ran home as fast as my legs could carry me.
I made it back just in time! After I deposited the
precious pumpernickel bread in the kitchen, I ran
upstairs to tell the other girls about my mishap and to
treat them to the goodies I got from the kind baker.
The girls were overjoyed, and we laughed as we
devoured these delicious goodies.
As I set back on my journey to my great consternation,
I realized I had forgotten the name of the “black
bread.” I began running from one bakery to another,
frantically looking through the windows to see
whether I would recognize any “black bread” and not
one loaf! As usual, I began to pray to my Guardian
Angel to help me.
“As usual, I began to
pray to my Guardian
Angel to help me.”
I ran about a good five blocks searching in windows
when I finally noticed a loaf of “black bread” in the
shop window. Peeking in, I saw only one customer, so I
patiently waited until she came out and then went in.
The baker was an elderly big man with a kind face.
He asked me, “What do you want, little girl?” I said, “I
was to buy a loaf of black bread, but I forgot the name
of it. It was like pumping something, but I don’t know
what you pump… Maybe a dime or a penny?” And he
laughed out loud, saying, “You don’t pump anything. It’s
‘pumpernickel’ bread you want.”
Holy Family Academy, Chicago, IL.
Sr. Mary Simplicia of the Cross, (d. 1963).
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2023
11

JUBILARIANS
Jubilarians
Sr. M. Beata Czyl | Ruby Jubilee — 80 Years
It was in the eighth grade when Sr. M. Beata Czyl prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary in
the month of May as a special way of asking guidance to know her future vocation.
“Many times, I stayed longer, helping the Sisters after school,” recalls Sr. Beata. Leaving
her family home at age 14, Sr. Beata began her high school years at Villa Nazareth High
School in Des Plaines, IL, a boarding school where most of the young women were
aspirants or postulants to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
After high school and her first profession, Sr. Beata began teaching elementary school
students all the while attending evening and Saturday classes to get a bachelor’s degree
in education from Loyola University in Chicago.
In addition to her ministry as an educator in Illinois, Texas, Indiana, and North Dakota, Sr. Beata also served her
community as a local superior, vice-provincial treasurer, and helped develop the local Association of the Holy Family. She
currently is retired and devotes her time to a ministry of prayer.
Described by her Sisters as hard-working, dedicated, joyful in Jesus, and devoted to Our Blessed Mother, Sr. Beata has
also enjoyed her hobbies of flower gardening — especially roses — and learning about the Holy Land and Lourdes.
As she reflects on her 80 years of service, Sr. Beata proudly recalls, “My most memorable convent experience and
greatest joys in life were asking Mother Celeste to send at least two Sisters from Poland to Texas. These Sisters started
arriving in 1986 [and continued to do so throughout the following years].”
12

Sr. Barbara Frances Samp | Diamond Jubilee — 75 Years
Celebrating her 75th year in religious life, Sr. Barbara Frances Samp grew up in Chicago
and attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic parish.
She was attracted to the Sisters at an early age, but soon forgot about it. “My mother
passed away when I was in sixth grade. I never gave thought of going to the convent even
though I helped the Sisters in church and admired them, but never thought much of being
one,” said Sr. Barbara Frances.
Then, a letter between her father and the local superior soon changed the course
for Sister. “[One day my father received a letter from] Sr. Jolanta who told him I had a
vocation. She included what I would need when I entered the convent and that I should
go to the convent on Aug. 10, 1946. This was two months after I graduated from eighth
grade. My father read the letter, handed it to my sister, and said to her, 'Get her what she needs.' We went shopping and
on Aug. 10, I presented myself at the convent in Chicago, and here I am 78 years later.”
Holding a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in secondary education, in addition to certifications
in NTSCU Library LMS and Advanced Bible Studies from Catholic University, Sr. Barbara Frances has accounted for 57
years in education and an additional 16 years devoted to Bible studies ministry. Her community would describe her as
a passionate teacher who is gracious and quite organized. After serving 65 years in Texas, Sr. Frances now resides in
Philadelphia and values the “family spirit of caring for each other” as what is most important about the CSFN charism.
“[Though I am no longer as active as I used to be] I live out our charism [these days] through leading a Bible study for
the Sisters at Mount Nazareth and praying for all families and their needs.”
Sr. Noemi Tereszkiewicz | Diamond Jubilee — 75 years
When asked what she would like people to know about religious life, Sr. Noemi
Tereszkiewicz joyfully reflects, “It has been a blessing cup full of graces received
throughout my [years of] formation and ministries.”
Born in Ford City, PA, Sr. Noemi and her family moved to McKees Rocks, PA, and finally
to Lawrenceville, PA where her family established Frank’s Bakery. “My parents and siblings
had hearts of gold, full of love and sacrifice and generous toward me and all those whose
lives they touched.”
Following her high school graduation in 1945, Sr. Noemi went to work in a law firm in
Pittsburgh and entered the Community in 1948. Much of Sr. Noemi’s ministry had been
devoted to nursing. She ministered for 25 years at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in
Altoona, PA, and for 10 years at Ohio Valley General Hospital School of Nursing. Sr. Noemi was a staff nurse, supervisor,
and director of the School of Nursing.
In addition to her nursing ministry, Sr. Noemi also taught CCD to first-graders, hosted the Calix Society once a month
for recovering alcoholics and their wives, and served as a Eucharistic minister and lector to her religious community and
also at the prison in Pittsburgh.
“I have experienced the beauty and saintliness of God’s people in many varied ways. My heart is filled with love and deep
gratitude as I recall the reciprocal sharing of talents and skills, faith, and spirituality with religious and lay persons.”
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2023
13

Sr. Janice Marie Blados | Golden Jubilee — 50 Years
Sr. Janice Marie’s 50 years as a religious reflect the many blessings she received
from God.
“I really see the face of God in each person I encounter. I have been blessed to be in
sacred, holy spaces with others and I have tried to create a space where they can feel
comfortable and welcome.”
Sr. Janice Marie entered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth from St. Stanislaus
Parish in Cleveland in 1973. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Duquesne
University and a certification from the University of Pittsburgh in marriage and family
therapy, Sr. Janice Marie has served in several ministry positions, including hospital
chaplain, formation director, family therapist, and grief counselor. She currently serves
as the superior at Holy Family Manor and is a volunteer Trauma Response Team member with the Neighborhood
Resilience Project.
“Both my parents died when I was younger,” she shared. “Because of my life experiences of loss, I have been drawn to
those sacred spaces of being with the dying and those who grieve.”
Sr. Janice Marie enjoys gardening and supports all teams that wear “Black ‘n Gold.” Spending time with family and friends
is a special joy in her life and she especially enjoys comparing her height with that of her great nieces and nephews who
are so much taller than she.
“I believe my life has taught me that we only have today — no matter who you are. Every day is a blessing. I’ve been
blessed with a loving family and community and friends.”
Sr. Kathleen Maciej | Golden Jubilee — 50 Years
The call to religious life was something that had been building within Sr. Kathleen Maciej,
CSFN’s life since birth. Growing up in a home with parents who lived and taught the faith
not only by their words, but by their example gave Sr. Kathleen a firm foundation. From
there, she enrolled at the nearby Catholic School, St. Stanislaus in Brooklyn, NY, where
she was taught by CSFN Sisters. “I recall whenever I was in the presence of the Sisters,
there was a stirring in my heart, a desire to be with them.”
All this came to actualization when in eighth grade, Sr. Kathleen was asked to write
a paragraph about what she wanted to be in life and she wrote about being a Sister.
Currently serving as Provincial Superior, Sr. Kathleen has previously served on the
Provincial Council in Immaculate Heart of Mary Province, at Elmhurst, NY, Saint Jude
School in Monroe, CT, and Our Lady of the Hamptons School in Southampton, NY.
“What I enjoy most about my religious life is being with my Sisters. I welcome the opportunities when I can listen to
the Sisters share their experiences of life in formation, ministry, experiences in community, and above all, their laughter
in relating some humorous events,” said Sr. Kathleen. “I am in awe when I reflect on the faith, courage, wisdom, and
sacrifices of our Sisters, past and present, who have forged the way so our Sisters today and those yet to come have a
Nazareth to call home. Today, in the culture of our society, the rewarding aspect of my religious life is knowing that I can
be a presence to individuals and families who are searching for God and faith, compassion and mercy, justice, and peace.”
14

Sr. Mary Annette Gailey, CSFN | Silver Jubilee — 25 Years
It was when she was 6 years old that Sr. Mary Annette Gailey, CSFN first realized she
wanted to be a religious Sister. “I had a wonderful first-grade teacher, Sr. Rose Imelda
Paterson, SSJ. She was kind, loving, and treated us with respect. I wanted to be just like
her when I grew up.”
But it wasn’t until years later when an invitation was posted in the parish bulletin about
a discernment weekend that the tug to find out more wouldn’t go away. Trading in her
18-wheeler for a new journey that is now 25 years long, Sr. Mary Annette felt drawn to
the CSFNs as the community draws its inspiration from the life of the Holy Family, a
devotion she’s held since her youth.
Sr. Mary Annette finds “living with integrity and engaging all Creation and everyone
[she meets] as family” is integral to her living out her CSFN charism. “I have a C.S. Lewis quote in my prayer book as
a reminder: ‘Next to the Blessed Sacrament, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.’ This is the
Incarnation, hidden and revered: Every heart is a Tabernacle, for every person is a child of God. And just as Christ was
hidden in Nazareth in an ordinary life, my relationship with God is expressed in ordinary service, giving witness to love,
care, and hope.”
In her free time, Sr. Mary Annette enjoys a number of hobbies including gardening, feeding the birds, tinkering (fixing
things), and learning to tend to native mason bees. Currently, she serves as a clinical systems solution architect and sees
every encounter as an “invitation to be attentive to God’s presence.”
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2023
15

IN MEMORIAM
In Memoriam
Sister M.
Elaine
Skrzypczynski
Elaine was
born April
19, 1940, and
baptized at
Holy Innocents
Church in
Chicago.
As she was growing up, Sr. Elaine
remembered wanting a brother or
sister. Before long, her brother, Bobby,
was born, followed by her sister,
Patricia Marie. Elaine loved being a
big sister.
She attended grade school at Holy
Innocents and then went to Holy
Family Academy, where she met the
Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
She was delighted when assigned to
Sr. Rita Mary Sebastian’s homeroom.
Inspired by two close friends who
decided to enter the convent and
some words of motivation from
Sr. Rita Mary, Elaine accepted the
invitation to religious life. She joined
her friends in receiving the postulant
veil on May 1, 1957, and entered the
novitiate in 1958, receiving the name
Odilia. Sr. Elaine made her perpetual
profession on Aug. 10, 1966, and some
years later, returned to her baptismal
name, Elaine.
Sr. Elaine’s ministry for most of her
life was education. She especially
enjoyed teaching junior high school
students and effectively did this at
Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Hedwig,
St. Margaret Mary, and St. Blase. She
worked towards her master’s degree
in education to prepare for service
in education administration and from
there, began an assignment as principal
of St. Casimir School in South Bend,
IN, followed by an assignment at St.
Ladislaus School in Chicago, then
returning to St. Margaret Mary
School in Neenah, WI, where under
her leadership as principal, she won
the Excellence in Education Award
from the Department of Education in
Washington, D.C. Her last ministry in
the field of education was as principal
of St. Gilbert School in Grayslake, IL.
Following her years in education,
Sr. Elaine began classes in clinical
pastoral education in preparation for
spiritual services and chaplaincy. Sr.
Elaine served in this new ministry at
St. Andrew’s Retirement Home and
eventually at Resurrection Life Center.
In June 2014, Sr. Elaine transitioned
into Ascension Living Nazarethville
Place, where she spent her last nine
years telling stories and providing
a listening ear to others. Her smile
attracted everyone.
Very quietly in the late evening of
March 13, 2023, Sr. Elaine was called
home to the Lord.
16

Sister
Jeanette
Lawlor
Sr. Jeannette
Lawlor was
born Aug.
19, 1933, in
the Tacony
section of
Philadelphia. She was baptized in
St. Leo’s Church. Her family later
moved and she began high school
at Nazareth Academy, then entered
the Sisters of the Holy Family of
Nazareth on Dec. 8, 1950.
She was accepted into the novitiate
in 1951, made her first profession in
1953, and final profession in 1959. Sr.
Jeanette graduated from Holy Family
College with a Bachelor of Arts
in mathematics and from Villanova
University with a Master of Arts in
elementary education.
Sr. Jeanette had an extensive career
in education, sharing her gifts with
Nazareth Academy Grade School,
St. John Cantius, St. Stanislaus, St.
Katherine of Siena, and Our Lady
of Calvary. She sprinted to Queen
of Peace in Ardsley, PA, Visitation
in Trooper, PA, St. Gregory in
Plantation, FL, and Colegio Espiritu
Santo in Puerto Rico. Teaching God’s
children was a passion of hers
because in them she found the spirit
of Nazareth.
She served as Provincial Superior
to the Sisters in the Immaculate
Conception Province from 1989-
1995 and in 2001, served as a
delegate to the General Chapter
that was held in Rome, Italy. She
also served as Superior of Mount
Nazareth and Infant Jesus Convent at
Nazareth Hospital where she worked
in mission effectiveness.
She later took up ministry at Holy
Family University in the Registrar and
Finance offices, and in recent years,
offered her services at Nazareth
Academy High School and Mount
Nazareth as receptionist, delivering
mail and messages, checking the
attendance of students, greeting
visitors, and visiting the Sisters on
the second floor of the Mount.
Sr. Jeanette enjoyed reading a good
book, kicking up her heels at a
celebration, and was fully engaged
with those around her always asking
about family members, former
students, fellow classmates, friends,
workers, and families with whom she
had associated. A woman of prayer,
Sr. Jeanette could often be found in
chapel imploring Our Lord and his
Blessed Mother to take care of the
many for whom she had promised
prayer. She never hesitated to reach
out to one in need and demonstrated
a deep understanding of humanity and
was a wise leader.
On Jan. 9, 2023, Sr. Jeanette was called
home to the Lord.
Donations in memory of a
deceased Sister may be mailed
to Development Office, Sisters
of the Holy Family of Nazareth -
USA, Inc., 310 N. River Road, Des
Plaines, IL 60016. Please include
a note with the name of the Sister
in whose memory you are giving.
Donations may also be made online
at nazarethcsfn.org/donate.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2023
17

DEVELOPMENT
SpringFest
Thank you to Sr. Clare Marie Kozicki and her committee for all the hard work they did in organizing this year’s
SpringFest fundraiser. Some 200 Sisters and friends gathered for delicious food, raffles, and a silent auction.
For our Sisters, being able to gather face-to-face with our friends and benefactors was the best part of the
afternoon. They are grateful so many would take time out of their busy schedules to attend our SpringFest.
Many thanks to our sponsors, without whom this event our not have been so successful: Gunther A. Dorth, Mitchell
and Frances Wiet, Elaine Beatovic, Magna Properties 2, LLC, Fijal and Associates, Ltd., Maryville Academy, Maria Bradley
and Martin Pfister, Bredemann Toyota in Park Ridge, Cruz-Sojka Funeral Home, Gregory and Shelley Reichle, and
Joanne B. Johnson.
Srs. Kathleen Ann Stadler, Maria Magdalena
Rybak, Michael Marie Franzak, and Cindy
Michelini enjoying SpringFest and each
other’s company.
Srs. Rebecca Sullivan, Patricia Ann Koschalke,
and Mary Kevin Hanek share a moment
during the SpringFest.
Guests enjoying SpringFest.
18

We Invite You to
Participate in Our Prayer
Remembrance Program
When a relative, friend, or loved one passes away,
celebrates a birthday or anniversary, or is experiencing
ill health, you can express your sentiments, honor them
in a meaningful way, and offer a gift to the Sisters of the
Holy Family of Nazareth – USA, Inc. Those you choose to
honor will share in the spiritual works and prayer of the
Sisters and be remembered during the daily liturgy and a
special Mass each month. Their name will also be placed
in the Prayer Remembrance book located in the chapel
at our Provincialate House. Contributions to the Prayer
Remembrance program are used to help care for our
elderly and infirmed Sisters as well as those who continue
to minister for and with families.
If you wish to participate in the Prayer Remembrance
program, order from our website (nazarethcsfn.org/
donate/request-spiritual-greeting-cards), call us at
847-298-6760 ext. 143, email us at csfn_development@
nazarethcsfn.org, or write us at Development Office,
Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth – USA, Inc.,
310 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016-1211. We will
send you as many greeting cards as you would like so
you can send them to your relatives or friends, as well
as a convenient reply envelope for your contribution.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2023
19

310 N River Rd
Des 310 Plaines, N River IL Rd. 60016
www.nazarethcsfn.org
Des Plaines, IL 60016
www.nazarethcsfn.org
Non-profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Paid
Des Rockford, Plaines, IL IL
Permit No. 2495 340
SPIRITUAL HAVE YOU ALREADY GREETING REMEMBERED CARDS ORDER FORM
THE CSFNS IN YOUR WILL?
If you would like to order spiritual greeting cards, please complete the order form below. You are welcome to order
as many of each type as you would like. Our office will mail your cards.
Then you’re invited to join Nazareth Legacy Society, a group created
to recognize friends just like you who have let us know that they have
Please send me Prayer Remembrance cards in the amounts I have indicated:
remembered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in their Wills or
____ Estate General Plans. Card
____ Birthday Card — Scenic ____ Anniversary Card
____ In appreciation Birthday for Card your — future Floralgift, you ____ will be Get remembered Well Card in the daily ____ Thank You Card
prayers of our Sisters. You will also receive a certificate denoting your
____ Thinking of You Card ____ Memorial Card
membership in the Nazareth Legacy Society and receive a special Holy
Family key ring available only to Nazareth Legacy Society members. Your
Please return your completed card order form to:
name also will be inscribed on a special plaque in our Provincialate in Des Plaines, IL. Informing our Development Office
Development that you have remembered Office, 310 N. our River Sisters Road, in your Des future Plaines, plans IL automatically 60016. entitles you to membership in this special
Society! But we won’t enroll you as a member without your permission.
Name_____________________________________________________________________
It’s simple to join! Just complete the form on page 19 and return it to CSFN Development Office, 310 N. River Road,
Address___________________________________________________________________
Des Plaines, IL 60016. Or if you prefer, you may contact Katherine Barth at kbarth@nazarethcsfn.org or 847-298-6760,
ext. 143 and let her know that you would like to be a member.
City_________________________________________State________ Zip Code__________
Thank you for including our Sisters in your Estate Plans. We are grateful for your faithful, caring support.
We, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, are called to extend the Kingdom of God’s love among ourselves and
others by living the spirit of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph whose lives were centered in the love of God and one another.
We witness to this love through dedicated service to the Church, especially in ministry to the family.