Allow me in this first Newsletter as President to tell a bit about myself. I am a nativeof East Moline, Illinois. Our sisters were my grade school teachers at Sacred HeartSchool in Moline. Their loving and joyful presence brought me to our Community.My ministry in the Community up to this point has been in education as: teacher, principal, campus minister, RCIA coordinator and a variety of spiritual ministries onthe side.

As a farm girl I have always loved nature and the lessons I can learn from the creationaround me. During this fall season I observe the harvesting of crops and the transfor-mation of the trees from summer green to the fall reds, oranges, yellows and browns.These cycles of nature remind me that our lives as sisters also undergo natural trans-formations. There are a number of our sisters who like myself, have moved to differentmissions and different ministries. Some are pursuing further education to preparethemselves for new ministry opportunities. I know that most of you are aware thattransformations are taking place at our Motherhouse with our renovation process.

All of these transformations in nature, in our Community ministries and in our Motherhouse renovation are patterned after the Paschal Mystery so central to our Catholic faith. In every part of God’s creation there is life,death, and new life. Jesus’ own life revealed this pattern, life, death, resurrected life. We are all called to view ourown transformations following the pattern of Jesus’ own Paschal Mystery. May we each day follow the patternof Jesus’ life with joy and hope.

Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception • “A Caring, Praying Presence” • West Peoria, Illinois

FRANCISCAN

FALL 2017

2017 Rolan Johnson Christmas Ornament“A Little Child Shall Lead Them” is the title of the Rolan Johnson Limited Edition Collectible 2017 Christmas ornament. Rolan’s 1987 Christmas card was theinspiration for the 23rd annual ornament in the series. Ornaments are two-sided,24kt gold-plate on brass frame, come in a gift box and have a numbered certificateof authenticity. Custom designed and produced exclusively for the Sisters of St.Francis of the Immaculate Conception, these ornaments are a major fundraiser tobenefit their Retirement Fund. The sisters are deeply grateful for your purchase ofthese beautiful ornaments and appreciate the generosity of the underwriters andretailers.

Order form at westpeoriasisters.org or call Development Office – 309-674-2005

Immaculate Conception Convent309-674-6168Development Office309-674-2005 westpeoriasisters.org Like us on facebook

Sister Kathleen Ann Mourisse

President

Fall Musings from the President…

2017 RetailersChristmas Ornaments available at:Bronze Frog – Junction City Carlson Jewelry, Ltd. – Peoria HeightsHometown Community Banks(divisions of Morton Community Bank)

Immaculate Conception Convent – West PeoriaJones Bros. Jewelers – N. Grand Prairie Dr.Kay’s Hallmark – Metro Center & WashingtonLagron Miller Co. - PeoriaSkin Dimensions at Soderstrom DermatologyCenter – Peoria

Spalding Pastoral Center - PeoriaThe Dwelling Place Book Store – Normal

2017 UnderwritersANONYMOUSCHARLIE & CAROL KAMMJIM & DEBBIE KNOSTDAVID VAUGHAN INVESTMENTS, INC.FRIENDS OF THE SISTERSMARGIE WAGNERDennis & Nanette GillanMr. & Mrs. Stephen C. LawlerRichard & Mary Jane NoePNCRiver City Construction, Inc.Mary Couri & Roy SpenceGene & Carmelita StatlerIn memory of Edith Zeller

$34

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New Kitchen

New Conference Room

River City Construction Co.Owners and Superintendent

Sisters’ First Dinner in New Dining Room

New South Dining RoomSisters’ FIRST Dishwasher!

Renovation of our Mother House Continues…

Tom Everetts(Midstate Electric)

New Reading/Heritage Room

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New drainage system

New Offices for Sisters in Internal Ministries

Sisters enjoy River City Construction Co. CookoutSisters’ New Computer Lab

Prayer of Saint Francis of AssisiLord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt,faith; where there is despair, hope; where there isdarkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console; to be understood as tounderstand; to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoningthat we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we areborn to eternal life. Amen

New sidewalk under construction

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Changes in Ministries

Sister Kathleen Ann MourissePresident of Sisters of St. Francis of theImmaculate Conception

Sister Linda BurkittAdministrator of Mother of Peace Home

Sister Anna Marie FlaniganPursuing a Licentiate in Canon Lawat Saint Paul University,Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Sister Diane MarieVandeVoordeCommunity Vocation Director

at the Motherhouse

Sister PaulaVasquezDirector of Admissions

of St. Joseph’s Home, Springfield

Sister Vilayphon SantiboutPursuing a Pastoral Theology degree

at Aquinas Institute of Theology,St. Louis, Missouri

Ministries: Sisters of St. Francisof the Immaculate Conception

Making God’s compassionate presence known in our ministries.

• Adult Literacy• Care of the Elderly• Youth Ministry• Counseling• Diaconate Formation Program• Hospital Chaplaincy• Internal MinistryFormation and Vocation

• Marriage Tribunal• Massage Therapy• Ministry to the Poor & Needy• Parish Ministry• Prayer Ministry• Pro-Life Ministry• Retreat Ministry• Spiritual Direction

There are different giftsbut the same Spirit;

there are different ministriesbut the same Lord;

there are different worksbut the same God

who accomplishes all of them in everyone.

1 Corinthians

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Keith A. Rider, President/CEO of Central Illinois Agency on Aging, Inc., presents the Sisters with the Outstanding Senior VolunteerAward at their 2017 Annual Meeting andAwards Reception, September 25.

Dan and Carol Bohan, 2017 Dinner Auctionwinners, with grandchildren enjoying “Game

Night with the Sisters.”

We pray for you and your loved ones each day with gratitude for your friendship and support. If you choose to send a tax-deductible gift, please use the enclosed remittance envelope.

Most importantly, pray for us as we pray for you.

Oldiesbut

Goodies

Save The Date!Your Table Is Ready

Dinner Auction

SaturdayFebruary 24, 2018

Spalding Pastoral Center

Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception

For more information, callthe Development Office

309-674-2005

Sisters receive award…

Theme:

Raffles &

Goodie Ba

gs

Delicious

Sit-down Di

nner

Silen

t & Live

Auct ion

s

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BEVERLY A. CRUBAUGH Mr. and Mrs. William Gangloff

CARROLL HUBER Mrs. Gene Huber

FRANCIS & MAYME SENNINGER Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bush

GLEN & ANGELINE BUSH Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bush

JOHN & BESS SENNINGER Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bush

JOSEPH AND HENDRINA JACHMAN Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Hagemann

JULIANA SZENTES Mr. John Szentes

KATHLEEN HEINZEN Mr. and Mrs. Jason Behrens Mr. and Mrs. George Bull Mr. and Mrs. Morrie & Sharon Caudell Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Donlan Toni Driscoll Patricia Geier Peter Gill Mr. and Mrs. Charles Giovani Diane Haycock Dr. & Mrs. Philip Lawless Richard Morrell Elise O'Neill

Mr. and Mrs. James Pavlacic Mr. and Mrs. Robert Poehls Mr. and Mrs. Charles Savage Cheryl Schlasser Mary Ann Van Antwerp

MARY JEAN KELLYBetty Arnold Mr. and Mrs. John Cassidy IIIMrs. Ethel Coletta Barbara Coyle Anne Crowley Mary Ann Donnelly Holly Dowling Mrs. Sheila Flaherty Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ghighi Hazel Hamilton Susan Hanson Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Koch Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Koch Rose Marie Langfels Mr. Daniel Lawler Mrs. Mary MacDonald Diane Marchesi Mr. and Mrs. George May Mr. and Mrs. Gary McGarvey Mr. and Mrs. Brian McKenna Shirley Meagher Dr. & Mrs. John Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Joe Romanus Mr. and Mrs. James Salmon Margaret Scott Susan Scott Paul Sullivan

Mr. and Mrs. William SuwalskiMr. and Mrs. Eugene Voss Mary Wickert Mr. and Mrs. Eugene WittryPamela Wolf Mr. and Mrs. William Zomboracz

MARY MARGARET ARNETT Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bush

ROBERT J. BYERWALTERMary Jane Byerwalter

SISTER CATHERINE TOMLIANOVICH Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bush

SISTER MARCELINA CASANDOMargie Barnes Mrs. Arlene Brocksmith Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Cantu Dr. and Mrs. John Carroll Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cooley Mrs. Rebecca Fay Mrs. Helen Hibschman Mr. and Mrs. Raymond HoffMrs. Lorene Keenan Joan Kirchgessner Mr. and Mrs. John Laughlin M.V.F.G.Helen Martin Mr. & Mrs. James McCrudden Mr. and Mrs. Brian McKenna Wilanna Vogel

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Weitekamp Mr. and Mrs. Gary Whittington

SISTER MARY CONSTANCE NAUMAN Mr. and Mrs. John Nauman

SISTER MARY DELORES KIRCHGESSNER Dr. and Mrs. John Carroll Robert Kirchgessner

SISTER MARY JOSEPH BICKETT Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Canty Mr. and Mrs. John Small

SISTER MARY VIRGINIA BUTKOVICH Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bullock

SISTER ROSEMARIE TOMLIANOVICH Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bush

TOM SARGNicole Kramer

VIRGIL WEBERKathleen Bright Mr. and Mrs. James Clark Mr. and Mrs. James Hennessey Mr. and Mrs. Tim Hennessey Mr. and Mrs. Roy Trimble

WILLIAM SHEARER Mrs. Betty Shearer

In Memory Of…Kindly remember in your prayers our deceased sisters, friends, and those who havehonored them with a memorial contribution April 1, 2017 - September 30, 2017

If ever a phrase was written that describes Sister Marcelina’s way in the world it is this line fromthe 23rd psalm, which she loved: “Only goodness and kindness followed her all the days of herlife.” For a quiet, little person, she had many wonderful attributes. She could be feisty, but she wasat heart a woman of peace, hospitality, humility, prayer, and gentleness.

Sister Marcelina was born in Moline, Illinois, but due to her mother’s illness, she went to GuardianAngel Home in mid-childhood. At Guardian Angel, she came to know and love our sisters, whostaffed the Home. Following in their footsteps, she entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immac-ulate Conception in 1948 and made her final vows in 1956. Sister was a “behind the scenes” person—there was nothing showy about her. She had a way ofbeing hospitable and encouraging that was simple but profound. She began her ministry in 1951and spent 30 plus years as an excellent cook for the sisters both at the motherhouse and on mission.

She also served as a parish visitor at St. Joseph’s Parish in Marseilles and ministered for 30 years at St. Joseph’s Home of Springfieldcaring for the residents as well as the flower gardens. But I think the qualities that fueled her gifts the most were her love for God and her strong sense of prayer and community. Shefelt great unity with the community during communal prayer—praying the Divine Office, the rosary, and especially, attendingMass with the sisters.During the last years of her life, a petition from one of Sister Marcelina’s favorite prayers stated, “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may Idie in your blessed arms…” One of her sister friends said, “I think that’s the way she died—in the arms of Jesus.”

Sister Marcelina CasandoJune 30, 1928 – July 11, 2017

Adapted Remembrance given by Sister Holly Marie Schultz

In Memoriam

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In Kind…Miles BachlerCharlene BishopArlene BrocksmithMary Jo CallahanAnnie CarrollMaria CarrollChilders CateringTom & Dorothy ConlonRita DeetsKathy ErohSheila FlahertyPeggy HealyDonna HettigerHelen HibschmanJane HoffCarol KammJoan KirchgessnerAshleigh KochBarb KoeppleKaren LarsonRuth McAvoyDianna MorrisEvie SchermerSandy SemonskiMary StengerMargie WagnerJoe WeitekampCarol WickertKay WickertBlake Wirth

Anonymous Betty Arnold Ms. Kathy Hennessey Arnold

Margie Barnes L. Arvil Bass Mr. and Mrs. Ben Baszis Mrs. Therese Bauwens Mr. and Mrs. Robert Beckenbaugh Dr. & Mrs. John Becker Mr. and Mrs. Jason Behrens Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Beltramea Wendy Bird The Honorable Erik Blanc Mrs. Mary Ann Breitbarth Kathleen Bright Mrs. Arlene Brocksmith Mr. and Mrs. George Bull Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bullock Todd Burge Joann Burt Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bush James Butler Mary Jane Byerwalter

Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Cantu Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Canty Mr. Kevin Carr Dr. and Mrs. John Carroll Mrs. John Carton Mr. and Mrs. John Cassidy IIIMr. and Mrs. Morrie & Sharon

Caudell Mr. and Mrs. James Clark Mrs. Ethel Coletta Julia Ann Condit Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cooley Mrs. Lu Anne Coppejans Mrs. Gloria Costa Barbara Coyle Mr. and Mrs. Frank Crespo Anne Crowley

Daughters of Isabella Victory Circle #228

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Dea Mrs. Joan DeClerck Mr. and Mrs. Gary DeDecker Helen Delacluyse Mr. Richard DellaValle Mr. and Mrs. Gary Denue Ms. Angelina DeRight

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond DeVolder Mr. and Mrs. John DeWaard Mr. and Mrs. Mark Dietz Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Donlan Mary Ann Donnelly Holly Dowling Toni Driscoll Lorraine Dugard

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Everetts

Mrs. Rebecca Fay Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fescenmeyer Mrs. Sheila Flaherty Sally Forker Mrs. Melvin Forney Mr. and Mrs. John Fox Mrs. Mary Fritch

Mr. and Mrs. William Gangloff Mrs. William Garland Mr. and Mrs. Warren Gay Mr. and Mrs. Leo Geier Patricia Geier Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ghighi Mr. and Mrs. Rory Gibson Peter Gill Deacon and Mrs. Dennis Gillan Mr. and Mrs. Charles Giovani Mrs. Patricia Graves Mrs. Carolyn Grebner Mr. and Mrs. William Grebner Mr. and Mrs. Russell Grebner

Mr. and Mrs. James Hagemann Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Hagemann Hazel Hamilton Mr. Harry Hansen Susan Hanson Mr. and Mrs. Donald Harbers Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Haverback Diane Haycock Mr. and Mrs. James Hennessey Mr. and Mrs. Tim Hennessey Linda Howley Skuby Mrs. Gene Huber

Diane Intravartolo Mrs. Amelia Ireland

Mary Jagers Mr. James Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Clark Johnson Cecilia Juraco

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kamm Madonna Kaskie Mrs. Lorene Keenan Mary Kennedy Joan Kirchgessner Robert Kirchgessner Mr. and Mrs. Robert Knight Dr. & Mrs. James Knost Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Koch Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Koch Nicole Kramer Mr. and Mrs. Ken Krock

Rose Marie Langfels Mr. and Mrs. John Laughlin Mr Daniel Lawler Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Lawler Dr. & Mrs. Philip Lawless Mrs. Lynn Leary Mr. and Mrs. Andrzej Lozowski Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lutz

Mrs. Mary MacDonald Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Maloney Diane Marchesi Helen Martin Mr. and Mrs. George May Mrs. Jeanette McCloskey Mr. & Mrs. James McCrudden Mr. and Mrs. Gary McGarvey Kathy McKay Mr. and Mrs. Brian McKenna Shirley Meagher Mr. and Mrs. Charles Meismer Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Meismer Deacon and Mrs. Rick Miller Richard Morrell Deacon and Mrs. Bill Moyers Msgr. Grzybowski Council Knights

of Columbus #7580 Dr. & Mrs. John Murphy Mrs. Roseanne Myers

Mr. and Mrs. John Nauman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Noe Mr. James Nullmeyer

Judith O'Connell Elise O'Neill

Rev. Edward Ohm Ms. Elaine Olson Mr. and Mrs. Luigi Ori

Mr. John Pauwels Mr and Mrs James Pavlacic Mr. and Mrs. Robert Poehls

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Reinsch Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Rekiere Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Remington Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rezac River City Construction LLCRita Rogers Mr. and Mrs. Joe Romanus Erin Russell

Mr. and Mrs. David Sager Mr. and Mrs. Paul Salabert Mr. and Mrs. James Salmon Mr. and Mrs. Charles Savage Mr. Fred Schaub Mr. and Mrs. Milton Scheirer Cheryl Schlasser Susan Scott Margaret Scott Barbara Shane Mrs. Betty Shearer Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Simmons Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Simpkins Mrs. Gary Slavish Georgia Slininger Mr. and Mrs. John Small Jaime Soucy Susan Spears Roy and Mary Couri Spence Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Sponsler St. Michael's Womens Club St. DavidMr. and Mrs. Samuel Statler Paul Sullivan Mr. John Szentes

Mr. and Mrs. Marion Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Frank Timmermann Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Tomlin Mr. and Mrs. Roy Trimble Mr. and Mrs. William Tucker Mr and Mrs Jim Tyndall

Mary Ann Van Antwerp Mr. George Villa

Wilanna Vogel Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Voss

Mrs. Margie Wagner Dr. & Mrs. Morton Weir Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Weitekamp Mr. and Mrs. Gary Whittington Mary Wickert Mr. John Wiebmer Pamela Wolf Sharon Wolfe Mr. and Mrs. James Wygle

Mr. Albert Zeller Mr. and Mrs. William Zomboracz

Donors… The Heading Avenue Franciscans extend a special thank you to all of our very generous supporters whose contributions were received April 1, 2017 - September 30, 2017.

Thank you for gifts that remember special occasions and honor friends and lovedones at special times received April 1, 2017 - September 30, 2017.SISTER KATHLEEN ANN MOURISSEMr. and Mrs. Andrzej Lozowski

SISTER ANNA MARIE FLANIGANMr. and Mrs. Andrzej Lozowski

SISTER JANICE KEENANMr. and Mrs. Richard Lutz

SISTER DIANE MARIE VANDEVOORDEDeacon and Mrs. Bill Moyers

SISTER PAULA VASQUEZDr. & Mrs. Morton Weir

In Honor Of…We regret any errors and omissions.Please notify the Development Office if your name is not listed correctly.

FRANCISCAN

PrintsSisters of St. Francisof the Immaculate Conception

2408 West Heading AvenueWest Peoria, IL 61604-5096westpeoriasisters.org

NONPROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT 393

PEORIA, IL 61601

Remember special occasions and honor friends and loved ones with a memorial or honorarium gift to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception. For a special bequest in your will, please talk with your legal advisor. We thank God, as we thank you, for your support, whether spiritual or financial.

Prayer is our best and deepest expression of gratitude.

PrintWorthy…

Guest speaker Blake Wirth ofWest Peoria shared experiencesas a Peace Corps Volunteer inMadagascar, a teacher in SouthKorea, and travels throughSoutheast Asia.

September 13 - Daughters of Isabella of Henry…potluck dinner and check presentation for the Sisters’ Retirement Fund

June 28 - Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon“A World of Thanks”

September 30 - Unveiling Ceremony forthe 2017 Rolan Johnson Collectible Christ-mas ornament with Rolan’s great-grand-children and Sister Kathleen Ann Mourisse

Complete sets of ornaments (1995-2017)are available. If you have Rolan Johnsonoriginal Christmas cards or ornaments youwould like to donate to the Sisters, callthe Development office at 309-674-2005.

Coming up…December 3, 2017Advent Lessons & Carols Immaculate Conception

Convent - 4:00 pm

July 4 - Sisters’ entry in West Peoria 4th of July Parade

August 6, 2017West Peoria Residents’ Mass atImmaculate Conception Convent

Greg Owens, local graphicdesigner, shared his

reflections of Rolan Johnson.