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On Wed., March 8, during National Catholic Sisters Week, Wahlert Catholic Freshmen concluded an interdisciplinary educational project during which they learned about the contributions of women religious — specifically the Dubuque Sisters of the Presentation and Sisters of St. Francis congregations.
Student hosts directed celebratory gatherings simultaneously held at the Franciscan and Presentation Motherhouses to conclude the project that began during Catholic Schools Week. Students studied each order’s foundresses, histories, ministries, missions and positive impact on countless local lives. At the gatherings, students introduced themselves and shared their learning. They shared prayer and pastries over conversation with the sisters.
Below is an article featured in Dubuque’s local newspaper, Telegraph Herald by Allie Hinga
Sister Mary Louann Doering told the Wahlert Catholic High School students sitting at her table Wednesday about the work the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary are doing around the world. She shared information about the work of sisters in Africa and Australia to combat human trafficking, saying she hoped to see more efforts in Iowa as well.
At right, Wahlert Catholic High School ninth-graders Libby Perry (left) and Lily Roth stand for a photo with Sister Francine Quillin.
“It’s exciting to know that you’re part of something bigger than the 104 of us (in the sisters’ Dubuque community),” she told the students.
Wahlert freshmen gathered Wednesday at the Presentation and Franciscan motherhouses, the culmination of a project centered on the contributions of women religious. One goal of the project was to help students see what a focus on others can do for the world, through the example of the sisters, according to Barbara Ressler, a Wahlert English teacher.
“It’s discovering how your gifts and talents meet the world’s need, and when those intersect, the possibilities are incredible,” she said.
During the event, students sat down at tables with the sisters to talk over pastries. Students shared letters of introduction that they wrote and discussed ways they see themselves making a positive difference in the world, and sisters shared pieces of their own stories. The students also had the opportunity to take pictures and selfies with the sisters and presented them with gifts — including a life-size cutout of the Presentation Sisters’ foundress, Nano Nagle.
At one table, Doering and Sister Mary Annette Skyles talked with freshmen Karlie Welbes, Cael Schmitt and Samara Wigginton about the work of the sisters and the students’ career aspirations. “It was delightful to be with these young people and to see their interest and their willingness to be of service,” Doering said.
Welbes said that the project helped her learn about how the sisters contribute to the community. She realized how she could help her community more. She said that she appreciated the event because “I could learn more about them and give back to them and thank them.”
Skyles said she was impressed by how comfortable the students were in sharing their thoughts. She said seeing so many engaged students made her outlook for the future of the church more positive.
Doering echoed that sentiment. “They definitely give you hope for the future,” she said.
Sister Joan Lickteig said the event provided an opportunity for the sisters to share their stories, saying the sisters wanted students to see the importance of carrying out ministries in their own ways. “We’ve all been teachers, and I think we realize the fate of the world and the church depends on our young people,” she said.
Photos by Dave Kettering, Telegraph Herald, Dubuque