MEMBERS
A New Genesis Community membership consists of vowed sisters, married women, and single persons.” All are eligible for leadership in the community. As of January, the community has twenty-two members: seventeen sisters, one married woman, and four single women, two of whom are candidates.
Jubilee—Celebrating 200 years of Service to the Church and Community
~Sr. Stephanie Spence, Appleton, WI
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On Sunday, August 24, Sr. Marita Gilsdorf and Sr. Mary Barbara Loch will be celebrating their 70 Jubilee of profession and Sr Stephanie Spence will be celebrating 60 years. There will be a special Mass sponsored by the diocese with other sister jubilarians at St. Bernard’s Parish in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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Jubilee is a time of mostly joyous memories of students, parents, co-workers, priests, Brothers, parishioners and family who have supported us through these years with their prayers and encouragement. We are so grateful for the skills we acquired on the way; the educational opportunities; and the guidance of others who mentored us in our ministries. Truthfully, there were some years that dragged along—their challenges still etched in our memories, but these times were blessed by grace as well. The years have brought some wisdom, increased faith and hope that trust in what the Spirit brings.
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We need to mention that we didn’t achieve this landmark alone. We bless the others who walked with us from Wisconsin, Ohio. Michigan and Arizona. To read more, check out the website onmiss.io/sisterjubilees2025
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Eucharist: A Privilege and a Joy
Edited by Sr. Stephanie Spence, Appleton, WI
Bringing Holy Communion to the sick is a privilege and a joy. It meets a basic hunger. “What material food
produces in our bodily lives, Holy Communion wonderfully achieves in our Spiritual Life.” Catechism of the
Catholic Church#1392 Sr. Marita Gilsdorf says, “I am inspired by their stories of continued faith and love of
the Eucharist.” “They express a great longing to receive Jesus,” states Sr. Carmelyn Gentrup. In Sr. Florence
Youngwirth’s experience: “I feel the people’s gratitude upon arrival and leaving. Their responses flow, “Thank
you for bringing us Jesus”.
Some of our members prepare Liturgy of the Word with Eucharist in nursing homes and find the preparation enriching. “I see the spirit of Vatican II in the gathered community. They have let go of so much that this gathering in God’s presence is a treasure of engagement and responsiveness,” says Sr. Carol Haanen. Sr. Florence Youngwirth say the elderly respond, “I enjoy your stories, they make me remember what Jesus said. They always say thank you for coming. I have gotten a few to proclaim the readings. This ministry is a real privilege when I see the happiness it brings to them.”
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Those who bring Holy Communion to the homes of the elderly and sick also bring news of the parish. The recipients feel like they are still remembered and belong to the parish community. “I help Sacred Heart Parish in Sherwood with communion calls to a widow of two years, a woman who had a severe leg injury, our 106 year old former village barber, and four residents of a nursing home near Darboy,” says Sr. Marita Gilsdorf. Sr. Carmelyn Gentrup remembers that after she finished the ritual, the couple from Cameroon joined hands and began to sing in their own language. “It felt like a real celebration!” “The elderly are strong and have been involved with many good things in their lives, giving generously. Now they pray and wait with such hope and patience. In many cases, I feel I have prayed them into heaven,” says Sr. Stephanie. When distributing individual communion, Sr. Carol Haanen feels, “An intense, quiet longing comes over them; letting go, over time, gradually slipping into their own paschal love mystery. I am so touched by this visible shift of union with Divine Love.” “When we bring them communion, we are sometimes reaching out to their caregivers and broader family members. We are bringing them back to their faith,” Says Sr. Helen Keyzer.
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All agree that this ministry is a privilege and a blessing. We are so grateful to answer the call to spread the good news and thankful to bring the Eucharist to those who so long for it.
Photo by Sr. Carol Haanen