NC-2024-Winter

SISTERS OF
THE HOLY
FAMILY OF
NAZARETH
HOLY FAMILY
PROVINCE
// VOL 18 //
// NO 3 //
WINTER 2024
Nazareth
CONNECTIONS
FAMILY IS THE HEART OF OUR MISSION
Lessons for the
Young and Old
STORY ON PAGE 13

MESSAGE FROM THE
PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR
Dear Friends,
Every six years, the Sisters of Holy Family Province select
a new provincial and councilors to lead the religious and
corporate ministries of the province. In the following
pages, we will express our gratitude to those who served
us so well during the past years and introduce you to
members of the new leadership team. While I may serve
as provincial, I am only one among many who are called
to listen and respond, and in doing so, give witness to the
presence of God in our world.
In his book Afternoon of Christianity, the Czech priest,
theologian, and philosopher Tomas Halik discusses
the courage to change when change is needed. Using
the historical context of our Christian tradition, he
demonstrates how faithfulness to core values has and
has not been witnessed throughout the centuries. I will
not give away his thesis except to borrow his call for
integrity at the most critical time of human existence.
“It is necessary to ask again and again, ‘What the Spirit
says to the churches,’ and try to understand the signs of
the times.” If we do so and respond as Jesus intended,
integrity will be intact.
of the Holy Family of Nazareth, integrity is also witnessed
in fidelity to the charism of our foundress. Blessed Mary of
Jesus the Good Shepherd calls us to be charitable and to
foster a love for God expressed in a love toward ourselves,
our sisters in community, and those with whom we live
and minister — especially those in relationships we witness
as family.
On the first Sunday of Advent (November 30, 2025), we
will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of
the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Those of us
who minister in the United States request your continued
prayers. Together may we be faithful to trying to understand
the signs of our times and what the Spirit is saying. Then will
our efforts demonstrate embodiment of the baptismal and
consecrated promises we have professed in the name of
Jesus.
In the Holy Family,
Sister Thea Krause, CSFN
For all of us, integrity is rooted first in living the truths
and beliefs of our baptismal promises. To love God, to
be faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ, to reject sin,
to spread the Gospel, and in doing so, change the world
— these are what we commit to as Christians. As Sisters
2

VOLUME 18 //
NUMBER 3 //
WINTER 2024
Nazareth Connections is published
three times a year by the Sisters of
the Holy Family of Nazareth
in the USA.
Editor:
Emily Dillon
Contents
Proofreaders:
Sister Angela Szczawinska
Sister Pia Marie Shelton
Katherine Barth
Sister Lucille Madura
Amanda Giarratano
VOCATION
4 First Vows Ceremony
ARTICLES
6 New Provincial Administration
7 Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good
Shepherd
8 Our CSFN Beginnings in America
11 A Letter to the Associates and
Sisters
13 Lessons for the Young and Old
IN MEMORIAM
15 Sister Virginella Dziuba of Jesus
16 Sister M. Frances Veitz of Divine
Providence
DEVELOPMENT
17 Have You Considered Your Estate
Plans?
19 Monthly Giving Program
Our 150th anniversary logo.
The blessing of the Cross, Habit, and Veil in
preparation for Sister Pia Marie Shelton and
Sister Incarna Garcia’s First Vows ceremony.
Sister Barbara Ann sharing a dinner at the
convent with the Bergstrom and Ratzki
family. From left to right: Lucy and Lee
Ratzki, Joyce, Julia, Joy, Mia, Jason and Ryan
Bergstrom.
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 Sister Emmanuela Le, CSFN, National Vocation Director, at
(682) 203-9675 or vocations@nazarethcsfn.org.
Province Communications Committee:
Sister Angela Szczawinska
Sister Pia Marie Shelton
Amanda Giarratano
Katherine Barth
Heidi Scheuer
Sister Emmanuela Le
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz
Sister Michele Vincent Fisher
Sister Rebecca Sullivan
Sister Virginella Dziuba
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
communications@nazarethcsfn.org
nazarethcsfn.org
facebook.com/csfn.usa
instagram.com/csfn.usa
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // WINTER 2024
3

VOCATION
First
Profession of Vows
CEREMONY
On Saturday, August 3, Sister Pia Marie Shelton
and Sister Mary Incarna Garcia made their First
Profession of Vows at the Provincialate in Des
Plaines, IL. They celebrated the day with family,
friends, and sisters of their community both in
person and on Zoom.
Sister Pia Marie Shelton was born in Tennessee but
grew up in Stephenville, TX, with her parents and
one older brother, who is now married with three
children. She was first attracted to religious life after
college. “In the same way most people enter their
vocation, mine began by falling in love.
You could say that I fell in love with Jesus in
late-night adoration.”
By happenstance, Sister Pia had met the Sisters
of the Holy Family of Nazareth at a young adult
retreat at the Pines Catholic Camp, which is not
too far from our sisters in Tyler, TX. Though she
had an inkling she was being called to religious life,
she was still very uncertain. Thanks to the prayer
on the back of a holy card of our Martyred Sisters,
however, she was able to summon the courage
to chat with one of the sisters. From then on, she
knew she had to continue pursuing the question,
“Am I being called to become a sister?”
After spending more time with the community,
Sister Pia fell in love with how the sisters lived
each day centered around prayer and how they
witnessed to a family spirit among themselves.
The Nazareth way of extraordinary ordinariness
resonated deeply with her; she wanted to know
more. As she grew more certain, the sisters walked
with her, discerning and praying with Jesus over all
the possible questions, doubts, and fears until she
finally decided to try it out.
Sister Pia became an affiliate on September 19,
2020, and a postulant on August 14, 2021, the Feast
of St. Maximilian Kolbe.
On the day of her First Vows, Sister Pia reflected,
“It was a day bursting with joy and maybe a few
nerves. As I prepared to profess my vows, I couldn’t
help but reflect on my journey with the Lord that
had led me to this moment. I am still awestruck at
His faithfulness and perseverance in pursuing my
heart. What an absolute unmerited gift to publicly
proclaim the ‘yes’ I declared in my heart years before.”
4

“There’s definitely a part of me that is full of anticipation at
seeing what things the Lord has in store for this life in the
Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth,” Sister Incarna said.
Please join us in prayers of gratitude as we celebrate Sister
Pia Marie and Sister Mary Incarna’s First Vows. May those
still in discernment of vocation find peace within their
Nazareth journey from both mentor and God.
Sister Mary Incarna Garcia grew up in Desoto, TX,
with her parents and older sister. Shortly after her
little brother was born, they moved to Duncanville
and she started college in Irving, then went off to
Richardson for affiliacy!
Though she can’t remember when she was first
attracted to religious life, it was only after a dear
friend of hers left her home and family to enter
a cloistered community of Poor Clares that the
Lord began stirring the vocation in her heart. Ten
years later, she finally met the Sisters of the Holy
Family of Nazareth and the doors started opening.
“I had been going through a difficult time, and I
had become convinced years before that I wasn’t
religious-life-material, but the Lord decided to turn
everything inside out and upside down,” Sister
Incarna explained.
During this period of time, the Lord placed a
burning desire within Sister Incarna’s heart to return
to her roots and to seek ministry in the parish
where she was baptized. It was there, on a Sunday,
that two of our sisters happened to stop by. Sister
Incarna found herself confessing she had a desire to
enter religious life. “At the time, I hadn’t even been
conscious that I still desired a vocation because the
hope had been boxed up and put away so many
years before. How was I supposed to go about it?”
Though Sister Incarna didn’t understand how it was
supposed to work, Sister Emmanuela graciously
took her under her wing. From there, Sister Incarna
grew more and more convinced the Lord was
calling her to Nazareth.
Sister Incarna’s affiliacy began on September 28,
2019, and postulancy followed on June 28, 2020.
(Page 4) From left to right: Rev. Henry Lyon, Rev. James Presta, Sister
Joanna Filip, Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, Sister Incarna Garcia, Most Rev.
Jeffrey Grob, Sister Pia Marie Shelton, Rev. Robin Ryan, C.P., Rev. Chris
Kulig, Rev. Joseph Le, Sister Kathleen Maciej.
Sisters Pia Marie Shelton and Incarna Garcia place lit candles next to the
tabernacle as a sign of their commitment to Christ.
Sister Pia Marie Shelton and Sister Incarna Garcia posing with their cake
in celebration of their First Vows ceremony.
Sister Incarna Garcia professing her first vows in the chapel of our
Provincialate, Des Plaines, IL.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // WINTER 2024
5

Our Incoming Provincial Administration, from left to right: Sister Marietta Osinska, Sister Dorothy Mary Pawlus, Sister Maryann McKeogh,
Sister Barbara Jean Wojnicki, Sister Angela Szczawinska, and Sister Thea Krause.
A Warm Welcome to Our New
Provincial Administration
Let us give a warm welcome to our new Provincial
Administration! After six months of prayer, deliberation,
and listening during our Chapter meetings and Discernment
Weekend leading up to our actual election, our deepest
gratitude goes to our outgoing Provincial Administration
who faithfully served our Province with dedication and
grace these past six years.
“During the installation weekend, I appreciated the support
and encouragement from the sisters around the province,”
Sister Maryann McKeogh, provincial treasurer, shared.
“Their prayerful support for the entire council will sustain us
in our mission to serve the Sisters of Holy Family Province
to the best of our ability. I am deeply grateful to Sister Irena
Mika, who has served the province as treasurer for the past
12 years.”
As a warm welcome to our incoming council members
— Sisters Thea Krause, Barbara Jean Wojnicki, Maryann
McKeogh, Angela Szczawinska, Dorothy Mary Pawlus,
and Marietta Osinska — we look forward to their fresh
perspectives and enthusiasm as they embark on their
new roles. May their time of service be a time of joy and
abundant blessing!
“Transitions are exciting and challenging.” Sister Thea
Krause, Provincial Superior, shared. “They become a bit
daunting when told, ‘We expect big things from you.’ It is at
such moments that you realize how dependent you are on
God and those around you. The chapter elected a team of
women who are here to honor our call to community. My
goal is to do so with compassion and integrity. Please keep
us in your prayers.”
In Steve Green’s song, “Find us Faithful,” we hear, “May the
footprints that we leave lead them to believe, And the lives
we live inspire them to obey, Oh, may all who come behind
us find us faithful.” May we all be found faithful!
Our incoming Provincial Administration, from left to right: Sister Thea
Krause, Sister Barbara Jean Wojnicki, Sister Maryann McKeogh, Sister
Angela Szczawinska, Sister Dorothy Mary Pawlus, and Sister Marietta Osinska.
6

ARTICLES
Blessed Mary of Jesus the
Good Shepherd
FRANCES SIEDLISKA, 1842-1902
Each November, we celebrate two significant dates in the
life of our Foundress, Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good
Shepherd: her birthday on November 12 and her Feast
Day, the anniversary of her passing into eternal life, on
November 21. As our Mother Foundress of the Sisters of
the Holy Family of Nazareth, Frances Siedliska started the
Congregation in Rome, Italy, in 1875. Though born into a
family of privilege and wealth in mid-19th-century Poland,
Frances hungered for a deep spiritual life that expressed
itself in the radical commitment of vowed religious life.
As she traveled through Europe seeking cures for her
physical ailments, she eventually recognized and accepted
God’s invitation to found a new congregation and traveled
to Rome in 1873 to seek the blessing of Pope Pius IX.
Frances established her first community in Rome to
emphasize her commitment to the universal Church.
Strong was her desire to bring the love of Christ to all; she
transcended ethnic boundaries, welcoming women of many
nationalities into the
Congregation and
serving God’s people
in many different
countries.
Our charism,
as expressed by
our Foundress, is
born of a deep
contemplation of
the Trinity and its human manifestation, the Holy Family
of Nazareth. Like Mary and Joseph, faithfully living their
daily lives in the presence of the Word made Flesh, our
Foundress understood simple, ordinary life lived in love can be
a profound encounter with God.
Rooted in Christ and in union with the Church, our
Congregation strives to build and nurture communities of
love and hope among ourselves and with the families we
serve through our diverse forms of ministry. We recognize
the family as the place where values are nurtured and
persons are formed. In the spirit of Frances Siedliska, we
work throughout the world to embrace the needs of the
human family as our own.
Frances took the religious name of Mary of Jesus the Good
Shepherd. She was beatified in Rome on April 23, 1989.
Currently, almost 1,000 sisters in 14 countries live with her
animating spirit as their inspiration and motivation.
Our Mother Foundress, Frances Siedliska, the
Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // WINTER 2024
7

Our CSFN
Beginnings in
America
By Sister M. Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
In preparation of our 150th Jubilee Year, the focus on sisters
as daughters of Mother Foundress has been prevalent
throughout this past year. The spirituality with which her
legacy was bestowed upon us has guided our hearts for the
graced time ahead in the jubilee year. But above all, “The
purpose of the jubilee is to awaken and relive the joy of
our charism, spiritual conversion, and the celebration itself.
It is mainly about strengthening our identity: Who? For
what? And who am I for?” (Sister Alina Furczyk, Assistant
General Superior, Liaison for Jubilee, October 2021) As
we transition into this year of celebration, we invite you
to learn more about our CSFN beginnings in America, and
how our Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd and 11
other sisters established the congregation we know today.
Although of noble Polish birth, Blessed Mary of Jesus the
Good Shepherd resisted the temptation to establish the
Congregation in her homeland and instead founded the
first community in Rome as a sign of commitment to the
universal Church. So passionate was her desire to extend
the Kingdom of God’s Love, she transcended ethnic
and geographic boundaries, receiving women of many
nationalities into the Congregation. This universality and
inclusivity are an impetus for our ministering to God’s
People in many different countries on five
different continents.
Mother Foundress was very forthright, prophetic, and even
countercultural. Ministry to immigrants brought her to
the United States in 1885. At the invitation of Archbishop
Patrick Feehan, she was called to minister to the burgeoning
Polish and Lithuanian immigrant populations of the
Archdiocese of Chicago. In his personal appeal to Mother
Foundress, Archbishop Feehan, who relied on religious
orders with foreign language skills needed, urged Mother
Foundress to send sisters to Chicago by July 1885.
The immigrants in Chicago in the 1880s were like today’s
immigrants — families experiencing prejudice, alcoholism
and other forms of substance abuse, illness due to
inadequate healthcare, poverty, food and housing insecurity,
illiteracy, and lack of instruction in the faith. Many were still
displaced in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire
in 1871.
Bringing half the Congregation to the United States was a
bold move, which was undertaken following much prayer
and contemplation. At the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in
Rome, which houses a crystal reliquary containing wood
from the crib of Jesus, Mother Foundress reflected, “Here
at the crib, I envisioned America so clearly, taking root in
the spirit of the Holy Family, a spirit of love and of the
freedom of the children of God. It seemed clear to me that
Jesus willed to transport our work even there, so far away.”
And so, Nazareth in America was realized on July 4, 1885,
when Mother Foundress along with 11 sisters arrived
in New York City on Independence Day. Following an
additional two-day train journey, the group arrived in
Chicago, establishing the first Nazareth home at St. Josaphat
parish. Anticipating this arrival, Mother Foundress had
written in her diary, “Here the sacrifice hinges on the
Kingdom of God within us through accomplishing His
purpose and expanding His kingdom.” Mother Foundress’
commitment to the American mission was evidenced in her
becoming a naturalized United States citizen.
How prophetic that the initial group journeying to America,
including Mother Foundress, totaled 12, a significant number
in our faith: the 12 tribes of Jacob, 12 Apostles, 12 fruits
of the Holy Spirit… In fact, the number 12 appears 187
times in the Bible. Who were these 11 sisters who made
the arduous transatlantic voyage with Mother Foundress
and established Nazareth in the United States? They were
primarily sisters in early formation in their religious life; that
is, new members to the Congregation. Here is a glimpse of
our first Nazareth sisters in the United States:
Mother Raphael (Felicia Lubowidzka) was chosen by
Mother Foundress to be the first provincial superior of
the American mission, having previously served as a local
superior in Cracow, Poland, and Rome. During her tenure
as provincial, buildings purchased by Mother Foundress
for use as a provincialate and novitiate were renovated. In
addition to her administrative duties as provincial superior,
Mother Raphael instituted an education program to
instruct working-class girls. This evening program of study
later grew into a full-time program of courses, namely
Holy Family Academy, which was established on October
1, 1887. Mother Raphael served as the academy’s first
principal. Health issues necessitated her return to Europe
8

in 1888. Subsequent assignments included serving as local
superior at the Motherhouse in Rome followed by her
appointment as provincial superior of the Cracow province
in 1891, the latter she held uninterruptedly except for a
brief interim in 1895 until her passing on March 20, 1921,
in Cracow.
Mother Lauretta (Thecla Lubowidzka) was a cousin to
Mothers Raphael, Michael, and Gabriel, the first vocations
to the Congregation. She was very young in religious life,
having been professed just six months when she left Poland
to be a founding member of the American mission. Mother
Lauretta was appointed as principal and local superior at
St. Josaphat’s from 1885-1888. With the return of Mother
Raphael to Europe, Mother Lauretta assumed leadership
of the Nazareth mission in America. During her tenure as
provincial superior, Holy Family Hospital (later St. Mary
of Nazareth Hospital) was established in Chicago. Mother
Lauretta also expanded the Nazareth educational apostolate
in the United States to include 12 additional schools in
Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Following the death of Mother Foundress on November
21, 1902, Mother Lauretta was appointed vicar general on
March 23, 1903. She would serve in this capacity for six
years until being named superior general by Pope St. Pius X
in 1909. Mother Lauretta served as superior general until
her passing on June 15, 1942, in Rome.
Sister Angela (Janine Czoppe) entered the Congregation
in 1881, professed first vows in 1884, and final vows in
1889. In the United States, she served as supervisor of
schools. Sadly, in 1899, she left the Congregation.
Sister Ewangelista (Anna Kijewska) was born in Poznan,
Poland, entered the Congregation in 1881, and professed
first vows in 1883. Although one of the original group of
sisters who arrived in Chicago in 1885, little is known about
her ministry there. She left the Congregation in 1890.
Sister Frances (Emma Morgenstern) was a convert to
Catholicism, having been born into a prosperous Lutheran
family. She became acquainted with our sisters in her
hometown of Cracow. Entering the Congregation in
1881, she professed first vows shortly before the voyage
to America. A well-educated woman, she held numerous
positions of leadership in the educational apostolate in the
United States at Saint Adalbert School and Holy Family
Academy. Upon her return to Europe in 1890, she was
subsequently elected treasurer general. Afterward, she
returned to the educational ministry in London, Paris, and
Gentilly, France.
Sister Stanislaus (Josephine Sierpinska) entered the
Congregation in 1883 and was still a novice when she
arrived in America. She initially served as director of
St. Josaphat’s orphanage. Later, due to her extensive
educational background, she served in various capacities
in the educational ministry, including teaching and serving
as principal in numerous schools in Chicago, Cleveland,
Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Scranton, PA, and several terms
as director of Holy Family Academy. Sister was a passionate
supporter of Polish culture in the United States.
Mother M. Lauretta Lubowidzka,1862-1942.
Mother Raphael (Felicia) Lubowidzka, 1850-1921.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // WINTER 2024
9

Sister Paula (Maria Czarnowska) was born into an
aristocratic Polish family and entered the Congregation
in 1884 at the age of 32. She professed first vows shortly
after her arrival in the United States. Sister served as local
superior at several convents and following the profession
of final vows, assumed the role of superintendent of
Holy Family Hospital and served as secretary on the first
American provincial council. She returned to Rome in 1896
and ministered in various capacities in Europe until her
passing in 1913.
Sister Philomena (Anna Parzyk) entered the
Congregation in 1883 and was still a novice upon her
arrival in the United States. The voyage and severe weather
conditions in Chicago drastically affected her health.
She died August 11, 1885, after professing final vows on
her deathbed.
Sister Cecilia (Elizabeth Sadowska) entered the
Congregation at the age of 30 and was still a novice when
she accompanied the first group of sisters to the American
mission. Artistic and very proficient in handwork, she
conducted evening classes in these subjects at Holy Family
Academy. When the Congregation expanded eastward, she
was one of the first sisters to staff Sacred Hearts of Jesus
and Mary parish in Scranton, PA. Sister Cecilia displayed
exceptional kindness and attentiveness to sisters who were
ill and had the privilege of taking care of Mother Foundress
during her final days.
Sister Theresa (Godwin Czerminska) became a novice
on June 16, 1885, literally the day before Mother Foundress
and the pioneering sisters began their journey to the
United States. A former Carmelite, she was appointed as
the director of sisters in early formation. She ministered
in education and leadership in various parishes in the
United States and Europe. In 1899, she transferred to the
Congregation of the Assumption to devote herself to
greater contemplation.
We owe a debt of gratitude to these sisters who
established our Congregation in the United States. Nazareth
continues its mission of spreading the Kingdom of God’s
Love and ministering to diverse expressions of family
throughout the United States and throughout the world.
While the family’s presentation in society is different than
it was 150 years ago, its needs are analogous. Mother
Foundress is still encouraging us to respond to those needs
with love, compassion, and understanding, a mission we
gladly embrace.
Acknowledgement: Information in this article on the original
11 Sisters was obtained from the writings and presentations of
Sister Barbara Jean Wojnicki, CSFN, Sister Marie Kielanowicz,
CSFN, and the late Sister Godwin Zaleski, CSFN.
Mother Foundress (center left) with some of the first sisters
ministering in the USA.
Sister Agnes (Caroline Lukasiewicz) became a novice
shortly before her departure for the United States. She
ministered to the orphans at St. Josaphat parish and later
ministered at St. Adalbert parish. She left the Congregation in 1892.
10

A Letter to the
Associates and
Sisters
by Vicki Marasciullo
Vicki Marasciullo was born and raised in Maspeth, NY, and
was a member of Holy Cross Parish, where she attended Holy
Cross Elementary School and was introduced to the Sisters
of the Holy Family of Nazareth. She joined in 2004 and has
been an associate since then in different capacities. She was
married in 1977 to her childhood sweetheart for 43 years until
he passed in 2021. She was blessed with two children and three
grandchildren who continue to grace her life every day in ways
only the Spirit could put in place.
In her youth, Vicki dreamed of becoming a sister. She tried
over the years before realizing her life’s true calling was to be
a wife, mother, grandmother, and everything else that she is.
She currently lives in Florida and is retired after owning several
businesses working alongside her husband and family.
“There is something to be said about realizing your authentic
self. It’s a process in life that takes us on a journey that is
unimaginable. Who could ever know where the Spirit will
lead us? I am so grateful to have followed my heart and all
my dreams, which have brought me to today. Here I am,
an Associate of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth,
continuing my relationship with the most amazing women who I
call the sisters of my heart. They have been so much more than
that. I’ve been introduced to people who share my same values
in faith and life and can be part of something bigger than
myself, making me a much stronger and better person. Because
of all this, my life now continues to revolve around my family,
which includes the sisters, associates, and the people God has
placed in my life.”
My life is deeply rooted in the Sisters of the Holy Family
of Nazareth from my youth. It would be so easy to ramble
on and on about all the memories and reasons I love them
so much. However, focusing on being an associate and the
importance of that for me is what you asked for, so I hope I
am able to deliver something worthwhile.
During one of my many visits with the sisters, I met Sister
Michele Bremer, who shared with me after a conversation
that I should consider meeting with Sister Victoria and
speaking to her about a program called the Associates of
the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. This was new
to me, but it sounded like the perfect fit for my journey in
life and connection I have with the sisters. After meeting
with Sister Victoria, a sister I already knew, and the time
she spent with me sharing what the Association was all
about, we both realized it was something I was meant to
be part of. Then came the challenge. “OK, exactly what
do I do with this? How do I do this? What does it require
of me? Can I do this?” I expressed this to Sister and she
shared some books with me. After further conversations
during my time there, I went home and shared all this with
my husband. He said right away, “Well you always talk
about them, and you are a part of them, so it sounds like a
perfect fit. But I don’t know how you’re going to do it since
we live in Florida, and we have businesses that require your
attention and naturally a family.”
There were obstacles that stood in front of me, and they
were very real. However, knowing as one does something
is missing in your life — regardless of what you are doing or
what you have going on in your present life — always leaves
an uncomfortable emptiness even though you are totally
happy with your life as it is. Little did I know in reading what
Sister Victoria gave me and recalling our conversations, I
was already doing what the Associates do without physically
being a part of them. My life was and is all about family.
Not only my own, but families as a whole. I was not by any
means a religious person per se, but a person deeply rooted
in my religious faith. The emptiness was filled by saying “yes”
to Sister, who continued to share via email and mail what I
needed to do to become the whole person I was meant to be.
The Association accepted me based on all we shared, and
I immediately felt a sense of belonging again, keeping in my
mind my life wasn’t lacking anything or so I thought. In my
trips to visit with the sisters and all the sharing I’ve done
with many of them, I saw this was a gift I’ve been offered
to continue my faith life and connection to the sisters I so
dearly loved. Knowing their mission was all about families
and everyone within the family was very inspiring to me.
After all, they all come from families no different from mine,
which none of us think about. Their experiences growing
up in their families have given them plenty to share with
me. Accepting their personal call to become a part of the
community of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth
was the icing on the cake. We never realize being a sister
makes them stand out in the world and people are attracted
to their beautiful, kind, loving faces and their patience to
listen, so we dump all our hurt and frustrations in their laps
and walk away feeling so much better and relieved from our
stresses. But what about the sisters who absorbed all that
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // WINTER 2024
11

lives in Nazareth — and there’s always their website. I was
deeply touched meeting you and the sweet lady who was
at Sister Virginella’s funeral as well as the lady considering
being part of the Association. All that offered me a sense
of continuance in my mission and their mission to deepen
our faith, to be a part of something bigger than ourselves
individually, to be a part of the sisters’ community and
therefore to be our best selves. Believe me when I say,
looking in your eyes it is obvious to me — and I’m sure not
just me — you and the others couldn’t have been more
right in accepting your commitment to the sisters’ charism.
Attending meetings, sharing cake and coffee, and talking
with the sisters and yourselves deepen your connection to
Nazareth. It is community living at its finest.
those people shared? We think, “Well, they are not married
and don’t have children or grandchildren, so how could they
truly know how we feel?” But the exact opposite is true
since they were once and still are part of their own families
and now have their vocation in the family of Nazareth.
So, they take it a step further and pray for all that has
been shared with them and continue to keep in touch
with those who choose to make sure they are OK. They
truly are handmaidens of the Lord and people love their
presence as well as need their presence in their lives. As
an associate, an appendage of the sisters so to say, after
spending time with them and sharing with them and others
who wish to do the same, we too can be part of all they
do in whatever way God has gifted us with our own talents.
Surely you realize spending time with any one of the sisters
leaves you differently from before the encounter — and
it happens every time. The Holy Spirit is working through
them to enrich us with wisdom and understanding of our
individual purpose in life. After Sister Victoria’s passing, the
Association was placed in other sisters’ hands and each of
them have taken their role with their own personal wisdom
forward to enrich us. We’ve been abundantly blessed
by that.
I don’t have the opportunity to attend meetings as I’d like
to because of distance, but that doesn’t make me feel any
less a part of you. The emails I receive and the sisters’
newsletter keep me up to date on what is going on in your
I have been profoundly changed by my affiliation with this
amazing Association and the sisters. It has given me richer
life skills to offer my family as well as myself and others. It
is simply a matter of being true to your baptismal vows,
reaching out to the sisters, and walking away with the
wealth of knowledge you receive from any interaction with
them, however small they may seem. Even in small things,
we realize later the impact it had on us. It is we who help
keep their presence known outside in the world we live
in. Imagine how you first felt. Then imagine how you are
making others feel. Allow yourselves the privilege the Lord
has afforded all of you just by taking the time to be there
and listen to the sisters and each other. I know you are few
in numbers as are the sisters. But using their example, you
can clearly see small numbers don’t mean anything when it
comes to the lives you change. I guess that is where “Be Still
and Know” comes in handy!
I pray daily using the associates prayer book. Knowing we
are praying for each other gives me peace and gratitude
knowing I am bigger than myself because of you.
The Association of the Holy Family of Nazareth is for all of
us, men and women. We all need each other and the sisters,
especially now at this time in our lives. I only pray we can
each make their presence known realizing not everyone will
listen but knowing that’s OK. We just need to keep going as
with everything in life and because of life.
God bless you and all of you.
I remain faithfully yours in Nazareth.
Peace,
Vicki Marasciullo
Sister Mary Frances Przybylski and Vicki Marasciullo in September 2024
in Monroe, CT.
12

Lessons for the Young and Old
WHAT I LEARNED FROM SISTER BARBARA ANN
by Sister Trina Marie Ulrich, CSFN
Editor’s note: Sister Barbara Ann Nowosielski passed away
December 18, 2019, in the 64th year of her religious life as a
Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Sister Trina Marie Ulrich
lived in community with Sister Barbara Ann.
The Irish say, “If you want to know me, come live with me.”
That is what I did by chance or by divine providence on
June 29, 2014. Little did I know five years later, we would
be burying Sister Barbara Ann Nowosielski two days before
Christmas. My life has been blessed by the years I lived
with Sister Barbara, as I came to call her. I being one of the
“young” sisters, relatively speaking and she being a “senior”
sister, we were a bit of an odd couple. What I observed and
learned as we formed a Nazareth community was formative
to me. In my gratitude, I wanted to share what I learned
from Sister Barbara.
Most importantly, she lived our charism’s incarnational
quality by letting the love of God come through the simplest
of human encounters of the senses. She loved good food, a
touching movie, and companionship. She was determined at
holiday time to make cakes and cookies and enjoy a wellprepared
meal, which kept her in touch with her humanity
and connected her to people around her — something we
certainly shared!
Her connection with food, especially sharing it, was
“eucharistic.” As Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth,
our foundress, Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shephard,
taught us we should love Jesus most especially in the Blessed
Sacrament. Sister Barbara never let Jesus in the tabernacle
be without His flowers and candles. In that same way, she
shared food with others, living an ordinary life in the spirit
of the Eucharist as expressed in Sacrosanctum Concilium
47, “a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of
charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is eaten, the
mind is filled with grace.”
Instinctively, this was expressed by a former studentturned-friend
who altered an image of the Last Supper,
placing Sister Barbara next to Jesus and replacing the
bread with Sour Patch candies, which she gave to the
student every year for his birthday. Her rum cake was
legendary. When a young woman at Sister Barbara Ann’s
funeral dinner held the cake pan that made these rum
cakes, she remarked, “I feel it is too holy to hold.” What
is significant here is Sister Barbara Ann used food to
share her life with those around her and let others know
she appreciated and cared for them.
She was present to people and remembered them.
Whether it was remembering special occasions with
cards, staying up waiting for me when I came home late,
or going for a long liturgy at St. Emily’s because a young
person she knew was being honored, she was there.
Young people today desperately need people to be
physically present to them, and Sister Barbara was an
attentive presence to them.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // WINTER 2024
13

They knew of her acceptance; this is why I believe more
teenagers were crying at her coffin than adults, and with
heartfelt tears. My niece, Isobel, who met Sister Barbara a
year earlier, was asked if she remembered Sister Barbara, to
which she responded with clear recollection, “Yes, she gave
me an angel.”
As a good community person to live with, Sister Barbara
would anticipate what you needed before you even needed
to ask. She was thoughtful in that way. She tried never to be
a burden, but contributed what she could. She was careful
with her words, especially not to speak badly of anyone.
She had a humble respect for authority in the Congregation
and was true to her friends as well. As St. Paul writes, “Let
love be sincere … anticipate one another in showing honor
… be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Romans 12:9-11).
To witness a religious sister still engaged in loving,
caring, and serving people up until the end at 81 years
of age is inspiring. Sister Barbara Ann had developed a
responsible sense of autonomy, which empowered her
to stay connected to life and live the charism as her own
expression. It was not her job as a teacher that defined
Sister Barbara in her last years. Rather, it was her willingness
to engage in life, to reach out to people, and to continue to
be present to the world around her that most defined Sister
Barbara’s ministry into old age. And that is a noble thing.
Sister Trina entered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth
in 1995 and celebrates her 29 years of religious life this year.
She currently serves as a theology instructor at Aurora Central
Catholic High School near Chicago. To read Sister Trina’s
ministry profile, written while she was serving at the now-closed
Queen of Peace High School in Burbank, IL, visit our Sisters’
Stories page at nazarethcsfn.org/about-us/sisters-stories.
Sister Barbara Ann (left) with Sister Trina (center) and
Sister Elizabeth Jean Ronkowski at an Irish restaurant
on St. Patrick’s Day 2017.
At Sister Barbara Ann’s 80th birthday party, from
left to right: Ruth Gran, Sister Barbara Ann, and Lucy
Ratzki.
14

In Memoriam
A TIME TO MOURN
Sister Virginella
of Jesus
(Josephine Dziuba)
July 21, 1938 –
September 16, 2024
Josephine Dziuba was
born in Brooklyn,
NY, on July 21, 1938,
the elder of two
children born to Joseph and Stella (Drzal) Dziuba. Josephine
was baptized August 21, 1938, in the parish church of St.
Stanislaus Kostka. She attended the parish grade school and
upon graduation, Bishop McDonnell High School. Shortly
after graduating from Bishop McDonnell High School,
she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy
Family of Nazareth on September 8, 1957. On August
18, 1958, she entered the novitiate, receiving the name of
Sister Virginella. Sister was chosen to spend her two-year
novitiate in Albano in the Metropolitan City of Rome. She
pronounced her temporary vows on August 13, 1960, and
returned to the United States to pursue her education. On
August 10, 1966, she professed her perpetual vows and
added the mystery “of Jesus” to her name.
In September 1978, Sister Virginella was asked to return
to the classroom temporarily as a first-grade teacher
was needed at St. Isidore School in Riverhead, NY.
Sister remained “temporarily” in the classroom until
August 2002 when she was elected to be the superior at
Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent in Monroe, CT. At the
completion of her six-year term, Sister retired, remaining
at the convent. She volunteered in the kitchen, as phone
receptionist, and as a part-time driver for sisters needing
transportation to their doctors.
What sustained Sister Virginella through all the good times
and challenging times was her deep and intimate relationship
with God — this was the very heart of her life. Family and
friends will remember Sister Virginella for her beautiful
smile, her excitement over the simple things in life, love of
flowers and animals, her kind heart, and love of God, family,
and religious community.
Sister Virginella transitioned to home hospice care on
September 12. It was at 9:25 a.m. September 16, 2024, that
Sister Virginella peacefully went to meet her God. To share
your messages of remembrance, please visit our Message of
Remembrance page on our website. May she rest in peace.
Sister Virginella enrolled in Holy Family University
in Philadelphia, PA, and received a BA in elementary
education. Her teaching days began at Holy Cross School in
Maspeth, NY. She spent most of her 60 years ministering to
students in several schools throughout Brooklyn, Queens,
and Long Island, NY, and St. Jude School in Monroe, CT. She
also served as principal in St. John Cantius School in East
New York and Holy Cross School in Maspeth, NY.
Sister took some time off from her teaching years to pursue
a degree in nursing home administration and gerontology at
North Texas State University in Denton, TX. She entered
the university on May 16, 1971, and completed an intense,
two-year course of study. Sister graduated with a master’s
degree in nursing home administration on May 19, 1973.
Upon graduation, Sister Virginella was transferred to
Immaculate Heart of Mary Provincialate. For the next four
years, Sister cared for the retired and infirm sisters and was
instrumental in implementing a retirement/pre-retirement
program for the sisters of the province.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // WINTER 2024
15

Sister M. Frances
Veitz of Divine
Providence
(Frances Patricia Veitz)
January 10, 1941—
August 17, 2024
Frances Patricia Veitz
was born January
10, 1941, the only
child to Sam and Edith Veitz, and baptized at Our Lady of
Consolation Church in Philadelphia, PA. She entered the
Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth on September 8,
1960, from Saint Christopher Parish in Feasterville, PA.
She pronounced her first vows on August 2, 1963, and her
final vows on August 11, 1968, both in the Chapel of the
Immaculate Conception in Torresdale, PA.
While teaching the French language, Sister began the
Business-French Internship Program at Holy Family
University, which became the norm for all students of
every discipline at Holy Family University. Sister Frances
established two endowed scholarships: the Samuel and
Edith Memorial CO-OP Scholarship and the Sister Frances
Veitz Internship and CO-OP Education Award.
Her years at Holy Family University ended and Sister
Frances spent her final years at Mount Nazareth. Always the
life of the party, she brought much joy and happiness to the
sisters on the second-floor infirmary.
On the evening of August 17 at Mount Nazareth,
surrounded by her sisters in community, Sister M. Frances
Veitz returned to the Son of God, her Divine Provider.
Sister Frances received degrees in French, including a
BA from Holy Family College, an MA at Pennsylvania
State University, and an Ed.D. at Nova University in Fort
Lauderdale, FL. Her dissertation topic was, “Design,
Implementation, and Evaluation of an Internship Program in
Business French at Holy Family College.”
16
For Sister Frances, “Teaching French is a work of heart.”
Starting at Saint Katherine of Siena School in 1963, she
then went to Holy Family Convent and taught at Nativity
BVM High School in Pottsville, PA, for seven years. By far
her longest teaching time was at Holy Family College (now
Holy Family University) from 1970-2017. She was not only
active in the classroom, but was division head of Business
Administration where she began the internship program in
Business-French and was assistant administrator of the
CO-OP Advisory Board.
While at Nativity BVM High School, Sister Frances realized
the value of vocation ministry. Sister took it upon herself
to instill the mission of Mother Foundress into the young
women she taught. According to one sister, she would
drive those interested in religious life to Torresdale, PA —
approximately a four-hour round trip — for Vocations Days
and to introduce them to the Sisters of the Holy Family
of Nazareth. This was not a one-time occurrence but
happened numerous times over the years.
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.
Donate To Support Our Sisters
• Mail: Send donations to the CSFN Development Office, 310 N.
River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
• Website: nazarethcsfn.org — click “Donate” to use a credit card or
checking account.
• Facebook: facebook.com/csfn.usa — click “Donate”
• Call (847) 298-6760, ext. 237, to reach our Development Office.
• Text-2-Give: Text the word REGISTER to (847) 994-4483. You will
then be asked to provide contact and credit card information.

DEVELOPMENT
Have You Considered Your
Estate Plans?
By Katherine Barth, Director of Development
Your faithful, generous support over the years clearly
indicates your love for our sisters and your commitment to
our ministries to families. For all you are to us, we
are grateful!
Keeping this in mind, have you ever considered leaving a
bequest to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth? We
ask this question because it’s so important that every family
has thoughtful estate plans to determine how to share their
assets with their family and friends and the organizations
they care about. Without a will, state laws may go into
effect that distribute your estate in a very impersonal way.
Through your bequest gifts, you can create a living memorial
that perpetuates good works. These gifts ensure the
sustainability of your beloved organizations in a way that
makes your core values known to others. Generations
to come will benefit from your gifts. Additionally, you can
choose how you want each bequest gift to be used.
There are many ways to leave a legacy, but charitable
bequests and beneficiary designations through wills and
trusts are among the most popular. These types of gifts
allow you to retain full control and use of your property
throughout your lifetime and you are not locked into a
commitment. You may change your mind at any time.
Would you consider making the Sisters of the Holy Family
of Nazareth – USA, Inc. a beneficiary of all or a portion of
your estate after leaving specific gifts to loved ones? It’s easy
to do and you don’t need to be wealthy to do it — you just
need to love our sisters and want to support our mission.
When you remember the Sisters of the Holy Family of
Nazareth – USA, Inc. in your estate plan, you become
eligible for membership in the Nazareth Legacy Society.
This society is composed of generous and forward-thinking
donors just like you who have made the decision to support
our long-term success through a bequest gift.
Whether you name the Sisters of the Holy Family of
Nazareth – USA, Inc. as a beneficiary, we encourage you to
consult with your financial advisor to discuss the options.
Please make sure you have a will that provides for those you
love. And if you decide to leave a bequest gift to our sisters,
please let us know so that we can thank you properly.
If you haven’t yet considered a will or other estate plans, we
offer a free booklet, Better Estate Planning, to help get you
started. If you would like this free booklet, just complete
the form on page 18 and return it to our Development
Office. We’ll mail it to you right away.
To receive the free, no-obligation booklet
Better Estate Planning, please complete the attached
form and return it to:
CSFN Development Office
310 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
kbarth@nazarethcsfn.org
(847) 298-6760, ext. 143
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // WINTER 2024
17

Have You Already Remembered the Sisters in Your Will?
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 remembered our sisters in their wills or estate plans. In appreciation for your future gift:
• You will be remembered in the daily prayers of our sisters.
• You will receive a certificate denoting your membership in the Nazareth Legacy Society.
• You will receive a special Holy Family key ring available only to Nazareth Legacy Society members.
• Your name will be inscribed on a special plaque in our Provincialate in Des Plaines, IL.
Informing our Development Office you have remembered our sisters in your plans automatically entitles you to
membership in this special society, but we won’t enroll you as a member without your permission.
It’s simple to join! Just complete the form below and return it to the CSFN Development Office, 310 N. River Road, Des
Plaines, IL 60016. Or if you prefer, you may contact Katherine Barth at kbarth@nazarethcsfn.org or call (847) 298-6760,
ext. 143 and let her know you would like to be a member.
Thank you for including our sisters in your estate plans. We are grateful for your faithful, caring support.
Planned Giving/Legacy Society Reply Form (Confidential Reply)
I have remembered the CSFNs in my (check all that apply):
____ Will, ____ Annuity, ____ Charitable Trust, ____ Life Insurance Policy, ____ Retirement Plan
Please enroll me in the Nazareth Legacy Society
I give permission to publish my name.
Please do not publish my name.
Please send me a complimentary copy of the booklet, Better Estate Planning.
Please contact me. I am considering including the CSFNs in my estate plans, but I have some questions.
Please complete the following and return it to:
Katherine Barth, CSFN Development Office, 310 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
___________________________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________________________
City
___________________________________________________________
State
Zip Code
___________________________________________________________
Phone
___________________________________________________________
Email
All information you send to us is strictly confidential.
18

Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen addresses those gathered for our annual Morning with the Sisters Liturgy and Brunch. Nearly 100 friends,
associates, and sisters gathered to enjoy Liturgy, wonderful food, and even better company!
Join “Friends of the Sisters” Monthly Giving Program
There is now a simple, convenient, and safe way for you to donate monthly to the sisters without the need to write a
check every month. Just decide on a monthly gift amount that fits your budget and complete the authorization form below
allowing your bank or credit card company to transfer this amount directly to the sisters monthly. Your monthly gift helps
support our retired sisters.
If you want to change or stop your gift, or if you move, change banks, or get a new credit card, just pick up the telephone
and call us. We can quickly make any changes you need.
To join “Friends of the Sisters,” complete and mail the form below, visit our website and click “Donate,” or call Katherine
Barth, Development Director, at (847) 298-6760, ext. 143.
I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE “FRIENDS OF THE SISTERS” MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAM!
I agree to make a contribution of $______________ per month.
Please bill my credit card each month. I have provided my credit card information for my monthly donations below.
Please transfer my monthly gift from my checking account using the automatic payment plan. I’ve enclosed a check for
my first monthly gift.
Account No.:_________________________________ Exp. Date:_________________ Security Code:________
I authorize my bank/credit card company to transfer the amount indicated on this form from my account on a monthly
basis. I understand that a record of each donation will be included in my year-end summary and that I can cancel my
donation at any time.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (signature required)
Date Signed
Name:_____________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________
City:_______________________ State:____ Zip:______________ Email:___________________________________
Birthday:_________________
Please complete this form and return it to:
CSFN Development Office, 310 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016-1211
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // WINTER 2024
19

310 N River Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
www.nazarethcsfn.org
Non-profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Paid
Des Plaines, IL
Permit No. 340
CELEBRATE OUR 150TH
ANNIVERSARY!
In 2025, we, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, are
celebrating 150 years of service as a religious congregation in
the Catholic Church. We invite you to join us and participate in
our Midwest area celebrations.
• On March 30, 2025, we will celebrate Spring Fest and honor
our Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth for their 150
years of service.
• On July 4, 2025, we will join the Fourth of July Parade in
Des Plaines, IL, with a float depicting our presence in the
community we love and continue to serve.
For more information about the Sisters of the Holy Family of
Nazareth, our mission, and our 150th anniversary, please contact
Sister Clare Marie at (847) 298-6760, ext. 237.
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.