Women religious receive affirmation at Serra luncheon

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
April 17, 2008

Affirmation of vocations is one of the goals of the Serra Club of Siouxland. With this in mind, the club hosted a luncheon for the women religious in Siouxland.

Eighteen women religious gathered at Kahill's in South Sioux City, Neb. on April 12 to share conversation and a meal with Serra members.

"This is a tradition and the sisters seem to enjoy it very much," said Cleo Harder, Serra Club president, who noted that Serra loves to host the luncheon and the sisters appreciate it.

The mission of Serra is to foster, affirm and promote vocations to ministry in the Catholic Church. The luncheon is a time for the Serra members to show their support of the religious in the diocese.

"Much of the beauty of life is found in the people who care," said Harder at the beginning of the luncheon. "Sisters the way you touch our lives with care is dedication, kindness, patience, comfort, prayer and faith. We value your efforts and all that you do. We thank you for making a difference in our lives. We truly appreciate you."

Deacon Dick Billings, a Serra member, gave the meal blessing.

"We count our blessings and appreciate all the good works of the sisters and the role they hold in the Catholic Church," he prayed.

Following the meal, a short presentation was given by Serra Club treasurer, Margaret Teter. She read the words to a hymn that was fitting for spring.

As the second part of the program, each of the sisters introduced herself and said what she enjoyed about religious life. A common gift for each as a sister was the gift of community.

Sister Marlys Becker, OSF, a chaplain at Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City, referred to Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," when talking about her vocation.

"I took the road less traveled," said Sister Marlys. "I have been grateful for the opportunities and blessings of many communities. I am grateful to the Sioux City community. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow spiritually."

Sister Jeannette Homan, OSF, who is the DRE at St. Joseph and St. James Parishes in Le Mars, likes that her religious vocation is a "gift to me and us from God."

Sister Marge Staudt, OSF, noted that she has brothers and waited a long time to have her "hundreds of sisters."

"Gift with a capital 'G' is what religious life is for me - for the community, the prayer, the retreat time, variety of ministries in a variety of places," said Sister Mary Lee Cox, OSF, who teaches at Sacred Heart School in Sioux City. "I know that God is there before me and walking beside me in all of my experiences."

Sister Kathy Knipper, OSF, a professor in the education department at Briar Cliff, said that community has been a gift for her.

"I have been encouraged to do things and learn about myself in ways that I don't think I would have, had I not had my sisters with me," she said. "I think I bring that also to the community, to encourage others as well. It is an interchange of that relationship that is really key to me."

Each of the Serra members introduced themselves as well.

JoEllen Trienen, a Serra member since its inception in Sioux City, mentioned how much she and her husband enjoy being part of Serra Club.

"I love my relationship with Serra. I love my relationship with all of you women religious," said Lynn Wetzel, a Serra member. "I get a lot of strength from it. It is a good part of my life."

Jolene Billings, wife of Deacon Billings, said that she appreciates the sisters for all that they do.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, each of the sisters was presented a gift from the Serra Club.