Sister Ella Marie Germain, CSJ
(formerly Sister Rita Marie)
75 Years
Sister Ella Marie entered religious life September 14, 1933 from St. Anne’s Parish, Somerset, WI. At this time the Crookston, MN province was a part of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Bourg, France congregation where Sister Ella Marie made her novitiate. She professed her vows in Bourg in 1934. Sister recalls how there were rumors of war but fortunately she was able to return to the US and pursue her teaching ministry which lasted a lifetime until she fully retired at age 95. For 14 years she taught at Brady High School and then joined the staff at Cretin-Derham High School, St. Paul, MN for 27 years. Even now Sister Ella Marie is using her intellectual skills to write a detailed German family history.
Sister Ella Marie resides in New Richmond, WI where she is an active member of the Deerfield Commons retirement community.
Sister Marie Antoinette Chouinard, CSJ
(formerly Sister Mary Charles)
70 Years
Sister Marie Antoinette entered religious life from Minneapolis in 1936. Her early formation began in Crookston, MN and ended in Bourg, France where she pronounced her vows in 1939. Because of World War II, Sister Antoinette had to remain in France until February 1946. During this time she was assigned to minister at a nursing home in Bourg because she spoke French so fluently the Germans would never recognize her as an American. Her nursing career began in France and continued throughout her active life. After receiving her nursing degree in Minnesota, she became a nurse anesthetist and, for 32 years, ministered in CSJ hospitals in Baudette and Park Rapids, MN and St. Joseph’s, St. Paul, MN.
Sister Antoinette is retired in St. Paul and remains active at St. Olaf’s and the Church of St. Louis (the French Church) in St. Paul.
Sister Caroline Benken, CSJ
60 Years
Sister Caroline entered religious life September 8, 1948, from Guardian Angels Parish, Cincinnati. Her religious formation was in New Orleans where she pronounced her vows in 1949. Sister Caroline’s educational career spanned 29 years as teacher, principal and religion coordinator. For 19 years, she served as Pastoral Associate in the Jesuit Parish St. Xavier, Cincinnati. In 2001, Sister Caroline was elected to the Medaille Leadership team, a position she held until the new Congregation was formed in 2007. Although retired she serves on the Peace and Justice Committee and the “Imagine One” Publication Advisory Committee.
Currently Sister Caroline resides in Cincinnati, OH and continues to pursue her art work in photography.
“I am deeply grateful for the myriad ways God has continued to call me deeper into love.”
Sister Mary E. Bowman, CSJ
(formerly Sister Mary de Montford)
60 Years
Sister Mary entered religious life September 8, 1947, from St. Leo’s Parish in St. Paul, MN. Her religious formation began in Crookston, MN where she pronounced her vows in 1949. Before Sister Mary became a Sister of St. Joseph, her music career (piano) had already begun. It continued throughout her long, active ministry. An outstanding musician, she taught private lessons and Suzuki classes to young students and adults. Today she continues to entertain with her musical and artistic skills.
Currently, Sister Mary is retired and living in Woodbury, MN.
Sister Kathleen Bahlinger, CSJ
(formerly Sister Julius)
50 Years
Sister Kathleen Bahlinger entered religious life September 8, 1956, from the parish of St. Aloysius, Baton Rouge, LA. She professed her vows June 8th, 1959, in New Orleans. Most of Sister Kathleen’s ministry has involved teaching youth and adults. As a high school Math teacher, she worked at St. Joseph Academy in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and New Roads, Louisiana. She is a strong proponent of peace and justice through education and helped found the St. Paul Learning Center in Baton Rouge. Today she continues to use her talents in the rebuilding of New Orleans since Katrina by teaching at the St. Vincent de Paul Learning Center, helping youth and adults attain high school diplomas.
Currently, Sister Kathleen resides in New Orleans and will lend a hand eagerly to those who are striving to receive an education and rebuild their lives.
Sister Maria Hill, CSJ
(formerly Sister Maria Goretti)
50 Years
Sister Maria Hill entered religious life August 15th, 1956, from the parish of St. Thomas in Minneapolis and made her novitiate in Crookston, MN where she pronounced her vows in 1959. Sister Maria has ministered in many capacities: teacher, principal, director of religious education in parishes and for the Archdiocese of Minneapolis/St. Paul. For 20 years, she served in province and congregational leadership in Crookston and Cincinnati. Her ministry continues today in Brookfield, IL as a spiritual director/speaker and a free-lance facilitator.
“To me Jubilee is a celebration of God’s faithful love; deep gratitude is my response. It is with great joy that I celebrate 50 years of blessing in community and ministry as a Sister of St. Joseph where I could share my God-given talents.”
Sister Miriam Therese Mire, CSJ
50 Years
Sister Miriam entered religious life September 8th, 1956, from the parish of St. Rose de Lima, New Orleans, after graduating from St. Joseph Academy. She received her religious formation in New Orleans where she pronounced her vows in 1959. Sister Miriam’s early ministry involved teaching the “little ones”. However, later on she felt called to use her gifts as a hospital pediatric nurse and a parish visitor/therapist in Houma, LA. After 40 years in the nursing profession, she continues to minister to the people of Terrebonne Parish along the bayou of south Louisiana.
“As a wounded healer, I strive to show the compassion and love of Jesus to all I meet.”
Sister Julie Sheatzley
(formerly Sister Maris Stella)
50 YearsSister Julie entered religious life on September 8, 1959, from Guardian Angels Parish, Cincinnati, after graduating from Archbishop McNicholas High School (formerly St. Joseph Academy). Her novitiate years were spent in New Orleans where she made vows in 1959. After having ministered in various capacities as teacher, principal, provincial of the Cincinnati Province and vice president and president of the Medaille CSJs, Sister Julie now works as a pastoral associate in the Louisiana civil parish of East Feliciana and resides in Clinton, Louisiana.
“Sharing sacred times in sacred places with my sisters from Minnesota to Ohio to Louisiana to Central and Latin America, my mind and heart expanded to work with then for justice and peace with all-inclusive love.”
