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Sister Nancy Gunderson (far left) is
pictured with a group of women who recently took in her "Seeing Self Through
God's Eyes" retreat. What a joy it was to host these lovely ladies!
Here they are with the dolls they created. They had so much fun together
and shared these comments:
"The freedom to express
ourselves for hours was wonderful! So fun!! "
"It was awesome, the day
has been great - Sister Nancy is so talented and blessed!"
In response to the
question, what was most meaningful?
"How scripture relates to
our individuality," "Reading scripture," "Very calming"
* * * * *
The Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery
joyfully announce the election of
Sister Nancy Miller as Prioress
Following a weekend of prayer and discernment, the Benedictine Sisters of
Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, have elected a new prioress, Sister Nancy
Miller, OSB. Sister Nancy succeeds Sister Susan Berger, who has served her
limit of 12 years as prioress. Sister Nancy Miller will be installed as
prioress on May 16, 2008.
“I
am truly humbled and overwhelmed at the faith my community of sisters has
placed in me,” admits Sister Nancy. “In the days and weeks to come, I will
learn more about what this really means in terms of my responsibilities as
prioress. At this point, I cherish and appreciate the love and support
surrounding me.”
Born
and raised in Harvey, ND, to Joyce and Paul Miller, Sister Nancy is the
fifth of eight children. She became acquainted with the Sisters of
Annunciation Monastery while she attended the University of Mary where she
received her undergraduate degree in business administration and a master’s
degree in management.
As
prioress, Sister Nancy will provide leadership in the Sisters’ sponsored
institutions: St. Alexius Medical Center, the University of Mary and
Garrison Memorial Hospital. She will serve as president of the board at St.
Alexius Medical Center and the University of Mary.
As
the spiritual and administrative leader of the religious community, Sister
Nancy will guide the sisters in the implementation of their new long-range
plan. “I am excited about the directions our community has chosen in the
next four years,” says Sister Nancy. “We will work with our colleagues in
our sponsored institutions to ensure that Catholic, Christian and
Benedictine values are strengthened and integrated into the lives of the
people we minister to. We continue to invite women to explore their vocation
to monastic life with our community. Another direction for us is to continue
efforts in becoming better stewards of the Earth. We also want to respond
to the contemporary hunger for God by offering spirituality programs,
spiritual direction and a peaceful, prayerful place for people to come and
be refreshed through our Hospitality Center.”
Following the leadership of Prioress Sister Susan Berger feels a bit
intimidating, admits Sister Nancy. “Today I feel like it’s impossible to
follow in her footsteps. She is dearly loved and we are where we are today,
largely because of her leadership. I hope to be as compassionate and
obedient as she and our past prioresses have been. They have provided a
wonderful example for me and for all of us in community.”
A
member of Annunciation Monastery since 1991, Miller has served in numerous
capacities. Her past ministries include working in the Monastery business
office, serving as director of the University of Mary bookstore,
administrative assistant at the Monastery and director of Campus Ministry at
the University of Mary. Most recently she has served in an administrative
role at the Monastery where she supervised dietary, maintenance, and the
day-to-day operations.
Sister Nancy loves to be outdoors, enjoying the beauty surrounding the
Monastery. She can often be found with her nose in a book, or out walking
or riding bike. She wishes she had more opportunities to play racquetball.
She also cherishes time spent with her community of sisters, family and
friends.
The
journey looks exciting for the sisters as they vision for the future. “We
Sisters of Annunciation Monastery are going to be here for the people of the
Bismarck Diocese and beyond. Our stability and commitment gives us the
energy and vibrancy that will be long-lasting and far-reaching,” says Sister
Nancy with conviction.
* * * * *
Sisters
to Begin Election Process
March 6, 2008: During
this time of year, there is a lot of emphasis on campaigning and elections
to political office. The Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery are
holding a very special election of their own this weekend. They are entering into the
election process — a sacred time of prayer and discussion as to who the next
prioress (leader of the monastic community) should be. One does not
campaign for this position, however, it is a holy process guided by the Holy
Spirit.
Sister Susan Berger,
prioress since 1996, has served three consecutive terms and is not eligible
for re-election. When the Sisters gather together, they will talk about
future directions and ministries and who is best suited to lead the
community and meet the goals set forth.
When a consensus has been
reached as to who is called to be prioress, the election will be held. The
new prioress will be announced on Monday, March 10. She will
officially assume
office on May 16, 2008.
* * * * *
Bishop Paul Zipfel Makes Annual Pastoral Visit
to St. Alexius Medical Center
St. Alexius Medical Center CEO, Andy Wilson, with
Sister Joanne Graham and
the Most Reverand Paul Zipfel, Bishop of Bismarck.
Bishop Paul Zipfel made his annual pastoral visit
to St. Alexius Medical Center on a most appropriate day, Valentine's Day - a day
devoted to love. It set the stage for his powerful comments which inspired
and challenged everyone to "be" the healing face of Christ.
Sister Joanne Graham presented on the Sisters'
Ministry of Sponsorship, and how the Sisters will continue to provide
influence and oversight at their sponsored institutions (St. Alexius Medical
Center, Garrison Memorial Hospital and the University of Mary). Our
Ministry of Sponsorship signifies a recommitment to these institutions in
new and significant ways - to deepen and extend the mission of Jesus through the
way healthcare and education are delivered for generations to come.
St. Alexius Medical Center Staff and Sisters of
Annunciation Monastery were invited to the Bishop's liturgy, followed by a
luncheon and presentation.
CATHOLIC, CHRISTIAN, BENEDICTINE: OUR
LEGACY, OUR FUTURE
* * * * *
NOBODY, we mean NOBODY, makes better sugar cookies
than Sister Mary Ann Welder (center)! To her left is Sister Hannah, to her right
is Sister Madelyn. They are both novices. Today they have been in the kitchen
baking heart-shaped sugar cookies for St. Valentine's Day!
* * * * *
Immaculée Ilibagiza Inspires at University of Mary's Prayer Day
Rwandan Genocide
Survivor, Immaculée Ilibagiza, with Sister Kathleen Atkinson
It was a rare privilege to hear international speaker and author, Immaculée
Ilibagiza, speak at the University of Mary’s annual Prayer Day event on Feb. 7.
She spoke of her personal experience of surviving the Rwandan genocide, her
miraculous transition into forgiveness and a profound relationship with God. Her
book, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, has
sold more than 250,000 copies worldwide, raising over $150,000 for the orphans
of Rwanda.
* * * * *
In Loving Memory of
Sister Gerald Driessen
Sister Gerald Driessen, 103, a founder of the Benedictine Sisters of
Annunciation Monastery, went home to God Feb. 8, 2008, at the Garrison
Memorial Hospital Nursing Facility, Garrison.
Sister Gerald (birth name Marcella) was born Sept. 19, 1904, at St. Bonifacius, Minn. She was one of eight children of Herbert and Catherine
(Born) Driessen. Catherine died in 1910 and Herbert remarried in 1915
bringing his children a new mother and five more siblings.
From childhood Sister Gerald always had the desire to be a sister. She
entered St. Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, Minn. in 1922 and made her
monastic profession on July 11, 1924.
An
educator for 53 years, Sister Gerald loved teaching. She enjoyed her
students and they in turn loved her. Many of them became her lifelong
friends and some came to visit often.
In
her elementary grade classrooms, Sister Gerald tried to make learning
creative and fun. She prepared plays and programs for her students to
perform, read them poetry, led them in square dancing and did activities to
build leadership qualities.
Sister Gerald taught in Catholic schools in Minnesota and in the North
Dakota towns of Mandan, Bismarck, Wahpeton and Dickinson. She was among the
sisters who opened St. Lawrence School in Flasher in 1950, serving five
years as principal and junior high instructor.
For 26 summers, Sister Gerald taught religion in rural parishes in western
North Dakota. It was an endeavor she loved. “It was rewarding,” she said. “I
enjoyed teaching the children and getting to know their families.” She
finished her career by serving six years in the curriculum lab at the
University of Mary.
Sister Gerald had a gift for making friends and she had many of them. She
was a great letter writer and throughout her life kept in contact with
friends, former students and relatives. In her later years, she said her
letter writing ministry kept her mind alert and made people happy.
As
for hobbies, she enjoyed playing the piano, card games, walking in nature,
reading books and memorizing poetry. She also did word power to increase her
vocabulary.
Above all, she cherished being a Benedictine sister for 83 years. On the
occasion of the 50th anniversary of her monastic profession, she
wrote, “God’s eternal goodness made my life as a Benedictine sister full of
purpose and love. I thank the Lord for all these years of service as His
handmaid, for all the wonderful friends I’ve made and the kind and energetic
sisters with whom I pray and live at Annunciation Monastery.”
Sister Gerald is survived by a large extended family, friends and the
sisters of Annunciation Monastery.
Memorials may be made to Annunciation Monastery.
To
share memories of Sister Gerald, please visit
www.parkwayfuneral.com and sign the online guest book.
* * * * *
Mardis Gras Bingo &
Refreshments
Sisters and staff enjoyed an afternoon "Mardis
Gras" break of Bingo, prizes, snacks and soda.
Pictured above (Lt to Rt): Nicole (Business
Office) and Sisters Bernadette, Terrence,
Ralphine and Kathryn. Many more joined the celebration!
(Lt to Rt): Sister Ralphine, Sister Grace
(seated in background) and Sister Eleanor
* * * * *
Sisters Cook and Serve at The
Banquet
Our Sisters joined the wonderful people at Trinity
Lutheran Church in cooking and serving a meal at "The Banquet," on Jan. 24.
What was on the menu? Chicken and rice, fruit salad, Bread Poet's fabulous
bread and ice cream. Over 350 people were served!
Sister Gerard adds whipped topping to a giant
fruit salad.
Sisters Nancy and Rosanne add TLC to the meal!
Sisters Madelyn and Hannah set tables.
Sister Agatha reminds us, all work is holy - even
doing dishes!
* * * * *
Sister Nancy Receives 2nd Place Award at Quilt Exhibit
Sister Nancy Gunderson's quilt, "Synergy," took
2nd place at the Bismarck Art & Galleries Association's Juried Quilt Exhibit
(Jan. 8-26, 2008). "Synergy (from the Greek Synergos, meaning
working together, circa 1660) refers to the phenomenon in which two or more
discrete influences or agents acting together create an effect greater than that
predicted by knowing only the separate effects of the individual agents.
This piece combines color, energy and movement to contribute to the whole."
Sister Nancy is pictured here with Sisters Mary
Ann Welder and Agatha Muggli. More of Sister Nancy's creations can be seen
at Annunciation Monastery. She is offering some exciting retreats this
winter and spring. Click on our Events page for details! Congratulations, Sister Nancy!
* * * * *
In Loving Memory of Sister Wanda
Piotrowski
Sister Wanda Piotrowski, 99, a founder of the Benedictine Sisters of
Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, and best known for her 50 years of service
at St. Alexius Medical Center, entered eternal life Jan. 10, 2008, at a
local care center.
Sister Wanda was born March 22, 1908, to Joseph and Anna (Senkowski)
Piotrowski. She was the 10th of 12 children and grew up in
Gilman, MN. As a young girl, Sister Wanda thought sisters had wonderful
lives and wanted that for herself. An outgoing, fun-loving person, Sister
Wanda entered St. Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, Minn. in 1925 and made
monastic profession on July 11, 1927.
In
1930 she was sent to St. Alexius to help temporarily in the Radiology
Department and ended up spending the rest of her life in Bismarck. She often
joked, “I think God writes in both straight and crooked lines, and I am an
example of the crooked lines.” Her life’s path led from the Minnesota
monastery, to North Dakota, to being a charter member of Annunciation
Monastery.
At
St. Alexius she became a registered radiologic technologist and enjoyed the
job so much she stayed in the Radiology Department 37 years directing the
department and opening a school of radiologic technology. She also was
instrumental in starting the North Dakota Society of Radiologic
Technologists.
In
1967 Sister Wanda became assistant to the prioress at Annunciation Monastery
and served in that role for six years followed by seven years as a parish
visitor at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck.
Then it was back to St. Alexius where she served in the pastoral care
department, primarily in the surgery waiting room. Sister Wanda could lift
the spirits of others with her smile and delightful personality. She visited
with those waiting while their friends and family were in surgery. She
comforted, laughed, sometimes cried and often prayed with them. One man in
the waiting room wrote: “When she enters the room there’s warmth around her
and as she calmly goes from person to person she seems to glow. As she comes
around to you, her warmth seems to rub off and her gentle way lets you know
that she has connections with our Maker.”
Sister Wanda retired from St. Alexius in 1994 with a heart full of gratitude
for all the opportunities she had to help others.” I could make a
difference, but the people I’ve met through the years made a difference in
my life too,’ she said.
Sister Wanda will be remembered for the mischievous sparkle in her eyes, her
sense of humor and gift of visiting. On her 75th anniversary as a
sister, she said, “I’ve loved the work and people in my life. I’ve loved my
life as a Benedictine sister.”
She is survived by a large extended family, friends and the Sisters of
Annunciation Monastery.
Memorials may be made to Annunciation Monastery.
To
share memories of Sister Wanda, please visit
www.parkwayfuneral.com and sign the online guest book.
*See Tribute to Sister Wanda - written by Mary Elizabeth Mason, osb, on our
Reflections page!
* * * * *
Sisters of Annunciation Monastery Serve Up
Some Food and Fun at "The Banquet"
Sisters Gerard Wald, Hannah Vanorny and Donna
Johnson
Our Sisters had a wonderful evening serving dinner
at "The Banquet" on Dec. 20. "The Banquet" is a free supper that is served
to those seeking companionship and a hot meal. We felt blessed to be a
part of this community event.
* * * * *
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