This Lenten series features a different person each week. Nothing in particular connects these people, other than my desire to ask them a few questions. They may not be the questions you would have asked, but I hope you might appreciate their answers nonetheless.  TL

Sister Joan Weigel
Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse

Why did you enter religious life?
I recall the opportunities to know religious women early in life beginning with my three aunts together with my School Sisters of Notre Dame teachers. I was inspired by their simplicity, joy, and prayerfulness as women religious.

After high school I did clerical work at Felker Brothers Manufacturing Co. in Marshfield. For several years my sister and I belonged to an active Legion of Mary group of about eight young women who met weekly for prayer and discussion. This connection helped move the Spirit at work in me.

Contact at meetings with other Legion members of the La Crosse Diocese, including Sister Annella, secretary of Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, served to further my involvement with the Church in that diocese. Finally at age 24, I felt that if ever I’d become a sister this was the time. Following a visit at St. Rose Convent and Viterbo College, I made my choice to join the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration of La Crosse.

How did you make the transition from education ministry to pastoral care?
My ministry included, mainly, being a teacher with opportunities to be of service to the church — to children and parish. This involved being an organist, liturgist, Catholic school principal, religious education teacher and coordinator. I valued teamwork and bringing the best out of children and teachers.

After being involved in education ministry for about 30 years I started considering making a change in my ministry. During this time my father and family experienced excellent pastoral care at St. Joseph Hospital, Marshfield. This included Dad’s death. I was drawn to consider pastoral care ministry. The bridge to a new ministry was that of being an organist and liturgist. I was given a temporary job under supervision at the hospital in pediatrics. Soon after that I enrolled in Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis to take up Clinical Pastoral Education. A permanent position at St. Joseph Hospital followed. For 13 years I was involved with pastoral care ministry and enjoyed teamwork with the eight chaplains. I compare our teamwork to a flock of geese in flight. When the leader tires, another goose moves up and the formation remains intact. In the same way each person shares gifts to build up the body of Christ. As a team we conveyed an attitude of trust and respect, while modeling Christian community.

Religious life, like the church and the world in general, has changed dramatically since you professed your vows. Would you encourage young women today to consider religious life?
During the last three years of retirement at St. Rose Convent it has been a pleasure to meet and be with a wonderful, diverse, gifted group of women in the initial years of their journey into community.
Our new members are involved in a mutual exchange of vitality for the good of the whole community as they explore ministries through opportunities offered to them. Their interests are related to Franciscan call through ministries such as social justice, education, health care and environmental causes.
Wholeheartedly I invite anyone interested in religious life to join us for a retreat weekend July 14-15. This weekend is held at St. Rose Convent, our motherhouse in La Crosse. For further information call Sr. Dorothy Dunbar, FSPA, (888) 683-FSPA or email membership@fspa.org.

What are your recollections of your years in Loyal?
When asked if I have recollections of St. Anthony School of Loyal, I could give an endless list covering nine enjoyable, enriching years while being involved with friendly people of the Loyal area. For three years I was a full-time teacher and principal and after that only a half-time teacher.

A Board of Education was initiated. This was a time when innovation in education became more prominent. We began having a teacher’s aide program, “Process Approach in Science,” traveling professional librarian, and a program to help individuals progress according to the abilities of each student. I believed in making a child feel good about self and then that person would be successful.

Loyal people are remembered for their friendship and cooperation.

Back to Lent Q&A Main Page