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Sister Diane Bauknecht was energized by an Earth Fair activity focused on reusing shredded paper (which is not recyclable in most jurisdictions). She said, “Working in schools and offices over many decades, I have used innumerable reams of paper.  Though I have always been grateful to the trees that provided my mode of communication, and I have always been one to save and recycle paper, I have never deliberately tried to relieve trees of their sacrifice to supply me with paper. That changed at the CSA celebration on Earth Day on April 26 when I made paper, thanks to the pulp and teaching offered by Dena Rose Kryzanowski and Dusty Krikau, reliable CSA employees who love Mother Earth! The papermaking experience at the Earth Fair and the continued experimentation with pressing repurposed shredded paper into raw paper has been fun beyond my expectation.  And, sometimes, I think I hear a tree thank me!”

See other photos from Earth Fair

This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections

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On October 20, 2024, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church offered a Mass honoring the Sisters of St. Agnes for more than 100 years of service in Hortonville; on the same day the parishioners also dedicated the newly renovated former convent, now named “Saint Agnes Center.” 

Sister Joann Sambs, who grew up in the parish, spoke to those gathered, “Since 1908 our community lived and served among you. They were teachers, administrators, some were organists, sacristans, religious ed. directors, and, I hope, your friends and spiritual guides. Sister Janice Funk. . .was the last of our sisters to live and serve in Hortonville, and she returned to Fond du Lac in 2012, thus marking 104 years of presence and service to this community. . .Our sisters loved serving here. I am a Sister of St. Agnes today because of the witness and encouragement of the sisters who lived here when I was growing up. . . Whenever you walk by, or drive or stop by the Agnes Center in the days ahead, remember us in prayer and know that our CSA Sisters are praying and doing the same for you.” 

In his final blessing, Father Phil Schoofs prayed, “. . . In your goodness you have favored us with a unique, special, and loving gift: the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. Help us always treasure that gift and truly live the service that that congregation showed to each one of us. . .”

Sister Sharon Pollnow, General Superior of the congregation, encapsulated the feelings of the day, “As we state in our mission, ‘we are enriched by those we serve,’ truly our sisters have been enriched by all of you in Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.” 
 

This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections

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Saturday, May 10, Immaculate Conception Parish in Elmhurst, Illinois, celebrated the 125th anniversary of the grade school. Sisters Lucy Brault, René Backe, and Jean Braun, former teachers at the school, took a special overnight trip to celebrate with the congregation.  The primary celebrant for the liturgy was Bishop Ronald Hicks. 

Reverend Tom Paul, pastor at Immaculate Conception, said, “Immaculate Conception Grade School began with a strong foundation—the foundation contributed by people who believed there was need for Catholic education. . .How blessed we are that the Sisters of St. Agnes came here—taking the risk to come to a new mission, willing to travel here to this unknown place of Elmhurst, Illinois, to begin teaching students in a one-room schoolhouse with a curtain dividing down the class. . .And how fortunate we are that three of the former teachers are with us today.” 

Following Liturgy, a reception was held in the gym. The legacy of CSA was posted on boards along one side of the room, including census reports dating back to 1900. Many photos of the sisters, class pictures, and candid photos served to spark memories and much conversation. Over and over, people expressed their gratitude for the service of the sisters and the legacy of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. 
 

This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections

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For forty-five years, I was Professor of Old Testament Studies at Catholic Theological Union, a seminary/school of ministry in Chicago. Our priesthood candidates all belonged to various religious communities of men: Capuchins, Divine Word Missionaries, Comboni Missionaries, Augustinians, to name a few. It was in this capacity that Robert Prevost, a young Augustinian, enrolled in my classes. Who would have imagined that he would someday be known as Pope Leo XIV?

I have been asked, “What was he like?” That was forty-five years ago. Still, I remember him as very reliable, somewhat reserved, but for all practical purposes, a normal young man in his twenties. I know for sure that he was a good student who fulfilled all the academic requirements of the courses I taught. I know this because I have never discarded the grade records of any student. I have the original record of his seminary experience with me.
Over the years I would see him occasionally when he was back from Peru for the ordination of brother Augustinians. Our exchanges were brief, but warm. The last time I saw him was about ten years ago, at an Augustinian ordination over which he presided. When he was named cardinal, I sent him an email thanking him for his ministry that caught the eye of Pope Francis and for his willingness to take on a new and heavy responsibility. His immediate response was signed “Fraternally, Bob.” I sent another email after his election to the papacy, again promising daily prayers for him, this time joined with the entire church. I received an immediate response, signed “Leo XIV.”

When I had him in class, did I recognize his potential? No more nor less than the potential of others who were committing themselves to lifelong ministry to the people of God. At issue is not that he was always special. Rather, he appeared quite ordinary, but he grew into someone special. I was sure then that he would be good at whatever he did. By the grace of God and his own dedicated work, this is what he has become.
 

This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections

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How blessed I was to be in Rome on May 8, 2025—a day I will hold in my heart forever. When I woke, I looked out the window at the moon over Rome. I just knew that this was the day the world would have a new Pope. That feeling grew more intense until at 5:15 p.m., and still at the UISG Conference, I urged my two traveling companions, Sisters Theresa and Linda, “I think we should go now,” and they concurred. We were getting into an Uber when some Oblates came running out yelling: “White smoke.” We were on our way—along with the whole city—headed for the Vatican. There was such excitement about the possibility that we could actually be there when the Pope would be announced.

Standing in the Vatican Square with over 150,000 people of God waiting for history to be made was surreal. I was actually there. It was electrifying. 

The smiles, dialogue, kindnesses, and hope of so many strangers—yet so unified in the anticipation of a new Pope—are a treasured memory I will always hold. A tall young man standing in front of me even invited me to lean my arm on his shoulder in an attempt to capture a photo as the curtains opened.

While standing with the crowd, an Italian informed us that all cellphones were jammed for security. Just then my brother, Wayne, who lives in West Allis, WI, sent a text that I read aloud: “American, Robert Prevost, From Chicago, Pope Leo XIV, Missionary Priest.” I then said: “An American. That’s impossible. I don’t know if it’s true. My brother is a jokester at times. Maybe this is a joke.” But it wasn’t! Then out came Pope Leo XIV. 

My feelings flooded in immense joy and gratitude. It was unbelievable—and an American Pope. The people were speaking in many languages, but I understood: “Papa.” 

How blessed we are at this time in history to have a Pope who is a missionary and a consecrated religious committed to fostering love, care, and the dignity of all people. 

This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections

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To Our Dear Neighbors,
As Catholic Sisters, vowed women religious, we deeply value the relationships and encounters we have with so many of you while serving in schools, hospitals, parishes, retreat centers, nursing homes, food pantries, and outreach centers. Even if we do not know each other personally, we feel compelled to reach out to you today to express our heartfelt sadness, grief, and lament as we witness sudden and devastating changes severely impacting people in our communities — people we know, love, and who are our neighbors.

Many actions we observe in our nation today seem to contradict values that underlie our shared humanity, values which we have nurtured and endeavored to embody in our actions — although not always successfully — over our lifetimes as Catholic Sisters. Love, compassion, empathy, radical hospitality, and mercy are central to our lives. These values shared among all the world religions make us genuinely human. We firmly believe these values must ground us as a nation if there is to be a future full of hope for ALL generations to come.

Imagine a future centered on principles that allow for the full flourishing of all humanity and our common home, Earth. We know these principles as Catholic Social Teaching. Although you may use different words, the essence of this teaching transcends faith traditions and resonates in the lives of all people of goodwill. Adopting these principles can guide us in the days ahead.

We believe that:

• Every person is an expression of God. All life is sacred.
• We must prioritize the needs of those who are the most vulnerable.
• There is dignity in all work, and the rights of all workers must take precedence over profit.
• Earth is God’s gift to us, and we have the privilege to cherish, defend, and protect her for future generations.
• Justice is the path to lasting peace.

Today, we ask you to join us in living these values with courage. Love our neighbors! Welcome the stranger! Care for the most vulnerable among us! Speak the truth! Work for justice! Only when “We the people” lead with compassion and empathy will a future filled with hope for all generations be possible.

May God continue to bless us on this journey.

With love and hope,
Sisters of St. Agnes

Reflect

How does it feel to be asked to “live these values with courage?”

Connect

How can you create a personal connection with your elected representatives to defend the dignity of persons, justice, peace, care of Earth, healthcare, education, and other issues?

This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections

Subscribe to Reflections & Connections here.

This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections

On April 6, 2025, the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes and their associates celebrated the formal commitment of three new associates. CSA Associates are a community of women and men called by the Spirit to embody the charism, mission, and spirituality
of the Sisters of St. Agnes. Committing to the associate relationship includes a year of discernment with a spiritual mentor and concludes with a prayer service during which the associates offer a personal statement.

I have more opportunities to pray since I started the associate discernment process, and they warm my heart. I have never stopped praying. -  Lynette Duley

I feel called to share my light with others. I want nothing more than to be such a beacon for those I meet. I long to reflect the love of God which I have received.  – Kathy Grochowski

Captured by the charism and mission of CSA, I am basking in the graces of participation, open to join with sisters and associates in creating awareness and contributing positive momentum to change that will be necessary for the survival and flourishing of what is good, striving toward building the dream of love that cares for the disadvantaged, marginalized, abused, belittled, rejected people and places both in the world around us and deep within each of us.  – Doug Stadler

All are invited to find out more about what it means to enter into an associate relationship with CSA. Explore at csasisters.org/associate-relationship
 

Read the full issue of Reflections & Connections here.

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Mother M. Agnes Hazotte (1847-1905)
Superior General, 1864-1905

In 1863, 16-year-old Mary Hazotte joined the fledging Society of St. Agnes and was given the name Sister Mary Agnes. She was elected superior general only a year later. Tensions with the congregation’s founder, Father Caspar Rehrl, flared due to differences over the sisters’ mission, training, and living conditions. With no rule or ecclesiastical approval, they were under threat of being disbanded. Father Francis Haas helped them write an acceptable Rule and Constitutions in July 1870 which saved them.

That year Mother Agnes moved the group from tiny Barton, Wisconsin, to the bustling railroad town of Fond du Lac. Under her leadership, the Sisters of St. Agnes established a hospital, sanitarium, and home for the aged in Fond du Lac; a refuge for women immigrants in New York City; and provided education to children and care for orphans, the sick, and elderly throughout the country. Her spirit and apostolic zeal embodied in her call to courageous initiatives continue to inspire the congregation.

On March 6, 1905, Mother Agnes died in Kansas, surrounded by other sisters of St. Agnes whom she had served dutifully until her last breath.