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Incarnate Word Convent Events!Discover God's Love with Us. |
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Sunday, July 11, 2010, seven Sisters of the Congregation of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament celebrated the anniversaries of their religious profession. Those celebrating were: Sister M. Genevieve Zavrel, 75 years; Sister M. Agatha Shimek, 70 years; and Sister M. Faustina Orsak, Sister M. Frances Cabrini Janvier, Sister Maria Goretti Warzecha, Sister M. Bernarda Bludau and Sister M. Emiliana Grafe, 50 years. Together these Sisters have contributed 395 years of service to the Church in ministries of education, administration and pastoral services.
Sister entered St. Ludmila Convent and became a novice on September 5, 1934. She made her first profession of vows on September 7, 1935, and pronounced her final vows on October 1, 1938. Sister Genevieve attended Incarnate Word College in San Antonio from which she received a BA Degree with a major in English and a minor in Spanish. She held a Permanent Elementary Texas Teacher Certificate and a Provisional All-Level Librarian Certificate.
Sister received her education at St. John School and St. Rose School in Schulenburg, and graduated from St. Ludmila Academy. She entered St. Ludmila Convent on September 18, 1938, and became a novice on June 4, 1939. She made her first profession of vows on June 10, 1940, and pronounced her final vows on July 28, 1943.
She received her elementary education at the Frydek Catholic School and at Immaculate Conception School in Sealy. After Sister graduated from Nazareth Academy, she became a novice on August 5, 1959. She made her first vows on August 6, 1960 and pronounced her final vows on August 6, 1965. Sister received a BA degree with a major in History and a minor in English from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. She was awarded a Texas Teacher Certificate with a Specialization in the Elementary Level.
She received her early education at Edouch-Elsa Elem., Central Elem., Edouch-Elsa High School and graduated from Nazareth Academy. Sister entered Nazareth Convent and became a novice on August 5, 1959. She made her first vows on August 6, 1960 and pronounced her final vows on August 6, 1965. Sister earned a BA degree with a major in English and a minor in Spanish from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio and a MA degree with a major in Religion from St. Louis University in Missouri. Her Texas Teacher Certificate was for grades 7 through 12.
Her early education was at Three Oaks Public School and she graduated from Poth High School. Sister entered Nazareth Convent and became a novice on August 5, 1959. She made her first profession of vows on August 6, 1960 and pronounced her final vows on August 6, 1965. Sister received a BA Degree with a major in History and a minor in English from Sacred Heart Dominican College in Houston, Texas. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. She held Texas Teacher Certificates on the elementary and high school levels.
She received her education in grades 1 through 12 at Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville. Sister entered Nazareth Convent and became a novice on August 5, 1959. She made her first profession of vows on August 6, 1960 and pronounced her final vows on August 6, 1965. Sister earned a BA Degree with a major in History and a minor in English from Sacred Heart Dominican College in Houston, Texas and a Master in Education with a major in administration and a minor in supervision from The University of Houston at Victoria. Her Texas Teacher Certificates are for High School and Librarian.
She received her education in grades 1 through 12 at Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville. Sister entered the Nazareth Convent and became a novice on August 5, 1959. She made her first profession of vows on August 6, 1960 and pronounced her final vows on August 6, 1965. Sister earned a BA with a major in English and a minor in Spanish at Sacred Heart Dominican College in Houston. Sister completed numerous post-graduate hours in administration, theology and continuing education in other areas. She was also awarded Texas Teacher Certificates in General Elementary, Elementary English and Elementary Mathematics.Sisters Honored with 2010 Chezard Awards | ||||||||
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| Sister Adelaide Popp, Sister Amata Hollas, Sister Rosemary Leopold, and Sister Anna Marie Popp receive prestigious Chezard Awards for outstanding fidelity in service. Presenting awards are Chezard Award Committee Members: Sister Alberta Novosad, Sister Valerie Janecka (not shown) and Sister Edwardine Lesak. | ||||||||
| Sister Adelaide Popp is described as an excellent example of God’s love. She is gracious, hospitable and prayerful. She accepts suffering with a spirit of cheerfulness. Sister is kind, affirms others and is interested in what they do. She helps with household tasks and is community-minded. She always has a smile and a good word for others. Sister Amata Hollas is described as one who (through research and study) keeps us up-to-date on our basic beginnings in France all the way to the present day. Sister has developed programs, talks and course material. She has served on various committees in the congregation as well as in the diocese. She demonstrates generously giving of her time and seems to consider all members’ views. We are appreciative of her on-going and tireless efforts of internal ministry to all of us. Sister Anna Marie Popp has served in many different capacities and is recognized for her dedication and tireless efforts toward our Sisters and her ministry. She is passionate about keeping records (including monthly statements) in tip-top shape. She goes beyond the call of duty and does a lot of extra tasks (seen and unseen) in the community. She sees to it that the coffee pot is always ready for “takers” and she involves herself in weekend laundry duties. She is always faithful to prayer. She is a blessing to us all! Sister Rosemary Leopold is recognized for her dedication, perseverance, stamina and enthusiasm in spite of anything that comes along (including physical and/or medical setbacks). She has never let her health conditions keep her from meeting the criterion for the demands of the educational profession. Sister also is described as a prayerful, faithful, warm and caring community person. | ||||||||
| Former Chezard Award Recipients | ||||||||
| 2002 Sister Andrea Hubnik, Sister Colette Kouba,Sister Doloretta Leopold | ||||||||
| 2003 Sister Frances Cabrini Janvier, Sister Paschaline Kutac, Sister Rachel Gomez | ||||||||
| 2004 Sister George Vasek, Sister Alfreda Leopold, Sister Lucilla Donnelly | ||||||||
| 2005 Sister Theresa Marie Miller, Sister Carmelita Casso, Sister Patrice Schorp | ||||||||
| 2006 Sister Mary Ann Martinka, Sister Annunciata Shumbera, Sister Claudia Klesel | ||||||||
| 2007 Sisters John and Jeanne de Matel Hayden, Sister Pauline Ermis, Sister Alberta Novosad, Sister Rebecca Janacek | ||||||||
| 2008 Sister Elaine Braden, Sister Adele Marie Machala, and Sister Emiliana Grafe | ||||||||
| 2009 Sister Emilie Eilers, Sister Rosalyn Henke, Sister Stephana MarbachGo to Top | ||||||||
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the People of God in the City of Victoria were invited to dinner at Incarnate Word Convent on Tuesday, May 18. |
| A spirit of appreciation, delicious food, and friendly conversation made the evening a memorable event. |
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Amor Meus Spirituality Center |
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Left: Sister Serena crowns Mary with Sister Rachel. Right: Sister Ronalda crowns Mary in the Health Care Center. |
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On April 19 the Sisters who are celebrating anniversaries this year who live at Incarnate Word Convent were honored with a special Mass and meal followed by a short program. Sister Genevieve Zavrel (left) is celebrating 75 years as a vowed Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. Sister Agatha Shimek (seated at right) is celebrating 70 years while Sister Emiliana Grafe (standing at right) who is part-time here and part-time in Hallettsville is celebrating 50 years. CONGRATULATIONS, JUBILARIANS! Go to Top |
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| Sisters meet in small groups to discuss personal transformation. | ||||
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| Sisters and Partners in Mission enjoy food and fun. | ||||
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| Dr. Dunn was our facilitator. | Sr. Evelyn was the keynote speaker. | A group was getting ready. | ||||||
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| Sisters played and sang. | Sr. Emilie displayed the banner. | Otto and his crew kept us well nourished. |
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| We caught up at breaks. | We had a photographer. |
We tidied up. | We ended with Liturgy. |
| The Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament and some 55 of their Partners in Mission met at St. Mary’s Activity Center during the last days of June 2009. The Sisters are involved in a Refounding process commissioned by their 2006 Chapter which is a meeting held every six years to study their needs and how they are living religious life. Some of their former students and co-workers in ministry were invited to process with them as they studied Transformative Visioning - a key element of the Refounding process. Together with their Partners in Mission, the Sisters prayed about and discussed the Context, Culture and Dreams of their lives. The Sisters established the parameters of the meeting by stating the why and what of the Partners in Mission Assembly as follows: We, as Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, along with our Partners in Mission, will further our refounding efforts by setting a path for transformative visioning. We will do so by engaging in the following four goals: 1. Understanding our context: Deepening our appreciation of the aching, gaping needs of our world, church, and local neighborhoods. 2. Reflecting upon our culture: Deepening our appreciation of our identity, values, beliefs, charism and mission. 3. Unearthing possible dreams: Listening to our longings, imaginings and possibilities for a future. 4. Deepening our relationship as partners in the ever-unfolding story of God’s creation: sharing meaningful conversation regarding our collective faith journey. The Sisters are grateful for two days of prayer and input with our Partners. They know there are many more “Partners” who are interested in participating. As they continue the journey of Refounding, they hope to fold in an increasing number of the larger community to become involved in learning and sharing of their Spirituality. Partners and Sisters alike are very interested in the concept of becoming a “Crystal Vase” sharing their Incarnational Spirituality with a world hungry for more than just an acquisition of more things. The 16th century Foundress of the Order, Jeanne Chezard de Matel, continues to call the Sisters to this kind of spiritual sharing with the world of today. Partners spoke intently of their experiences of this amazing gathering. They said things like: "This opportunity opened my eyes to the concerns of the world and the path on which the Spirit is leading. I was inspired and encouraged to see all these people on fire for the spiritual dimension of life." "The hopes expressed for you, Sisters, are hopes for my soul – to have hoped them for you, awakens possibilities for me." "This historic gathering makes you fore-runners in the Church." "The power of this assembly was a beautiful and courageous sign." Planning the next steps is ongoing. The Transformative Visioning process excites and challenges those who have undertaken this Refounding Journey. Go to Top |
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Serrans Honor Religious of the Diocese          |
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Sisters Celebrate 75, 70, 60, or 50 Years of Loving Service |
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 | Left to right: Sisters: George Pauline Marie, Mary Virginia, Scholastica, Sylvia |  | Left to right: Sisters Odilia, Mary Theresa, Serena, Stephana |
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On Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, 2009, nine Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament celebrated the anniversaries of their religious professions at Incarnate Word Convent.  Those who were honored on their 50th Anniversary on Saturday, July 11, 2009 were: Sister M. Stephana Marbach, Sister M. Serena Etzler, Sister Mary Theresa Fritz and Sister M. Odilia Korenek.The honorees on Sunday, July 12, 2009 were: 75 years - Sister M. George Vasek; 70 years - Sister Pauline Marie Ermis and Sister M. Scholastica Friesenhahn; and 60 years - Sister Mary Virginia Sheblak and Sister M. Sylvia Grahmann. Together these Sisters have contributed a total of 535 years of service to the Church in ministries of education, administration and pastoral services. 
On Saturday, the Most Reverend David Fellhauer, Bishop of the Victoria Diocese, officiated at the 2:00 p.m. Mass. Co-Celebrants were Rev. Connor McGrath of San Antonio, who gave the homily, Rev. Greg Korenek of Victoria, and other clergy guests. Rev. Donald Hayden, O.SS.T., Convent Chaplain, was Master of Ceremonies.
Sister Stephana Marbach, daughter of the late Udo S. and Erna Schumann Marbach, was born in Converse, Texas. She was the eldest of the nine sons and four daughters.
Sister Stephana received her grammar schooling at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Selma and then attended Nazareth Academy from which she graduated. She became a postulant in 1957, entered the novitiate in 1958 and pronounced her first vows on August 6, 1959.Sister received a BA degree with a major in History and a minor in Philosophy from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio and received certification in Educational Administration from Southwest Texas University in San Marcos. Sister also studied at the Theological Union in Chicago and at Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio from which she received a MA degree in Pastoral Ministry. During the 50 years as a member of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, Sister Stephana ministered as a teacher and/or principal at Holy Cross School in Bay City, Holy Cross School in East Bernard, Our Lady of Victory School, Nazareth Academy and St. Joseph High School in Victoria, and Blessed Sacrament Parish School and Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio. She also served in the initial formation and vocation ministry for the comgregation. In 1988, after serving on the Congregational Administrative Council for six years, Sister Stephana was elected Superior General of the Congregation, a position she held for 12 years. She has served as Pastoral Associate in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Selma for the past 7 years. Sister Serena Etzler, daughter of Theodore and Agnes Christ Etzler, was born in Hallettsville, Texas.  She was the youngest of three boys and three girls in the family. Sister Serena attended grade school and high school at Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville. She entered Nazareth Convent in Victoria where she became a postulant in 1957, was received into the novitiate as a Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in 1958 and pronounced her first vows on August 6, 1959.Sister Serena received a BA degree with a major in Education and a minor in History from Incarnate Word College. She also took courses in physical education to be a certified PE teacher in the schools where she taught. During her 50 years of religious profession Sister Serena ministered in the following schools: St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner (16 years), St. John School in San Antonio (2 years), and Nazareth Academy (27 years). Sister Serena also spent many hours assisting at the schools’ athletic events as score keeper. Sister Serena retired from the active teaching ministry in December, 2007, and now assists in staffing the IWC Gift Shop and making rosaries. Sister Mary Theresa Fritz, daughter of the late Richard and Mary Rainosek Fritz,  was born in Victoria, the youngest of four children - three boys and one girl. Sister completed grammar school and high school at Nazareth Academy. She entered Nazareth Convent and became a postulant in 1957, was received into the novitiate in 1958 and pronounced her first vows as a Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament on August 6, 1959.Sister Mary Theresa received a BA degree with a major in English and a minor in History from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. Sister continued her education and became certified in Business Administration through courses at Victoria College and the University of Houston-Victoria. She also holds a certificate verifying competency to teach Computer Literacy. During her 50 years of profession, Sister Mary Theresa ministered as teacher and/or principal at the following schools: Sacred Heart School in La Grange, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Selma, Sacred Heart School in Crosby, St. Mary School in Nada, Immaculate Conception School in Sealy Sealy Public School, Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville, St. Leo School in San Antonio, St. Joseph High School and Nazareth Academy in Victoria, Mary Immaculate School in Dallas, St. Paul High School in Shiner. Sister also assisted in the Business Office at Incarnate Word Convent. Sister also served as Director of Religious Education at St. Anthony Parish in Danbury, and Out Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Houston. She received her CPE training and became a Resident Chaplain at Memorial Hospital in Houston. For the past 15 years Sister Mary Theresa has ministered as Chaplain and Bereavement Counselor with Nurses in Touch Hospice Care in San Antonio and Floresville. Sister Odilia Korenek, daughter of the late Adolph and Justina Janish Korenek, was born in Nada, Texas.  Sister came from a family of four boys and eight girls. She attended St. Mary School for grade school studies and did three years of high school at Garwood High School. She received her high school diploma from Nazareth Academy. Sister Odilia entered Nazareth Convent and became a postulant in 1957, received the habit of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in 1958 and pronounced her first vows on August 6, 1959. Sister Odilia received a BA degree with a major in history and a minor in Spanish from Incarnate Word College in San A, Texas. Sister earned a MA degree from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and Spiritual Direction certification from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. During her 50 years of profession, Sister Odilia ministered as teacher and/or principal at the following schools: Sacred Heart School in Floresville, Sacred Heart School in Crosby, Sacred Heart School in La Grange, Our Lady of Victory School and St. Joseph High School in Victoria, and St. Agnes School, St. John School, St. Leo School and Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio. Sister Odilia also ministered in the Diocese of Victoria as Director of the Farm Aid Outreach and the Gulf Coast Organizational Effort. In 1990, Sister was missioned to develop new programs needed by San Antonio’s south side which developed into the Mutilevel Learning Center at Blessed Sacrament Academy. At present Sister is Development Director, Executive Director and Supervisor of the Child Care Development Center, Parents’ Academy, and Charter Schools in San Antonio and Corpus Christi. Sister Odilia has also served as a Councilor on the Congregational Leadership Team for the last nine years. 
On Sunday, July 12, 2009, the Most Reverend David Fellhauer, Bishop of the Victoria Diocese, officiated at the 2:00 p.m. Mass and gave the homily. Co-Celebrants were Bishop Charles Grahmann, Rev. Celestino Say of Victoria, Rev. Charles Sonnier of Sweet Home, Rev. Joseph Kariuki of Plum, Rev. Michael Lyons of Ganado, and other clergy guests. Rev. Donald Hayden, O.SS.T., Convent Chaplain, was Master of Ceremonies.Sister M. George Vasek,  celebrating 75 years of profession, is the daughter of the late August and Mary Srubar Vasek. Sister was born in East Bernard, Texas. The family moved to Wharton where Sister received her grammar education at Lawson Public School. She completed her high school education at St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner.Sister George entered St. Ludmila as a postulant on October 5, 1923 and received the habit of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament on July 24, 1933. She made first profession of vows on September 5, 1934. Sister was awarded a BA degree with a major in English and a minor in Spanish from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. She did post graduate work in the area of library science and held a Professional Elementary Teacher Certification, Provisional High School Certification and Librarian Certification. During the 75 years of her religious profession, Sister George ministered as a teacher, librarian and/or administrator in the following schools: St. Ludmila Academy and St. Paul High School in Shiner, Marak Public School, Hostyn Public School and Radhost Public School, both near La Grange, St. Jerome School in Plum, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Selma, Sacred Heart School in Crosby, and St. Mary School in Nada. Sister George also served as Treasurer at Burns Hospital in Cuero from 1942-1946. Sister George retired from the active education ministry in the Fall of 1993 and resides at Incarnate Word Convent. She has assisted in various household duties when able and is very much involved in the Apostolate of Prayer. Her sense of humor and kindness has reaped her a host of lasting friends. Sister Pauline Marie Ermis, one of nine children, is the daughter of the late Ignac and Annie Vaclavik Ermis of Plum, Texas.  Sister Pauline Marie completed grammar school in St. Jerome School in Plum and attended high school at St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner.She entered St. Ludmila Convent on September 15, 1937 and pronounced first vows on June 5, 1939. She received her BA degree from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio with a major in History and a minor in Social Science, and held a Teacher’s Permanent Elementary Certificate. During the 70 years of her religious profession, Sister Pauline Marie taught in the primary, elementary and junior high grades at the following schools: Immaculate Conception School in Sealy, Holy Trinity School in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Selma, St. Mary School in Nada, Holy Cross School in East Bernard, St. John School in San Marcos, Nazareth Academy in Victoria, St. Michael School in Weimar, Holy Cross School in Bay City, Holy Trinity School in Corn Hill, St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner and Blessed Sacrament Parish School in San Antonio. Sister Pauline Marie retired from full-time active classroom duties in 1995 to reside at Incarnate Word Convent where she assisted in various household duties. She now resides in the infirmary where her cheerful presence is an inspiration to all as she engages in the apostolate of prayer and suffering. Sister Scholastica Friesenhahn is the daughter of the late Gregor and Marie Fey Friesenhahn of New Braunfels, and is the youngest of seven children.  Sister grew up on a farm and attended St. Joseph’s School in Comal; she completed her high school at Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio.Sister Scholastica entered Blessed Sacrament Convent as a postulant on January 6, 1938, became a novice on July 20, 1938 and made first profession of vows on July 26, 1939. Sister received a BA degree with a major in English and a minor in History from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio and a MA degree with a major in Education and a minor in Math from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. During her 70 years as a member of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, Sister Scholastica taught on the elementary, junior high and high school levels at the following schools: Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville, St. Agnes School and St. Leo School in San Antonio, St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner, Sts. Peter and Paul School in Frelsburg, St. Boniface School in Hobson, Immaculate Conception School in Sealy, Blessed Sacrament Academy and St. Gerard High School in San Antonio. Sister Scholastica retired from teaching in 2001 after 63 years in the classroom. During her years at Blessed Sacrament Academy, Sister Scholastica, a math teacher, was very involved in the math club, Mu Alpha Theta, on the state and national levels with her high school students. Both she and her students were elected to offices and received awards at the state and national conventions. Sister Scholastica has resided at Incarnate Word since 2006. Her ready smile invites all for a sharing of stories. Sister Mary Virginia Sheblak is the daughter of the late Elmer and Annie Hollas Sheblak of Edna.  She was the eldest of five children–one girl and four boys. Sister completed grammar school at Haynes School near Edna and is a graduate of Nazareth Academy in Victoria. She became a postulant in 1947, was received into the novitiate in 1948, and pronounced her first vows on June 7, 1949.Sister Mary Virginia received a BM degree with a major in Music and a minor in Education from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio and a Master of Education in Music from Southwest Texas State University. She also received Certification in Liturgy from the University of Notre Dame. For the past 60 years Sister Mary Virginia has taught at various schools on the elementary, junior high and high school levels in the following schools: St. Michael School in Weimar, Sacred Heart School in Floresville, Immaculate Conception School in Sealy, St. Agnes School in San Antonio, St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner, Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville, Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio, Blessed Sacrament Parish School in San Antonio, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Houston. She also ministered at St. Joseph High School in Victoria as a teacher in the 1970's and served as registrar during the 1990's. Sister Mary Virginia presently serves as Secretary General of the Congregation. Sister Sylvia Grahmann is the daughter of the late Nicholas and Annie Grafe Grahmann of Hallettsville.  Sister Sylvia is one of 11 children–six boys and five girls.Sister Sylvia received her elementary education at Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville; she is a graduate of Nazareth Academy in Victoria. Sister became a postulant in 1947, entered the novitiate in 1948 and pronounced her first vows on June 7, 1949. Sister Sylvia received her BA degree with a major in English and a minor in Philosophy and Latin from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. She also earned a MA degree with a major in English and a minor in Education from Incarnate Word College. Sister then attended St. Mary’s University from which she received a MA degree in Theology. During the 60 years of being a member of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, Sister Sylvia taught on the elementary, junior high and high school levels. She taught in the following schools: St. Leo School in San Antonio, Holy Trinity School in Corn Hill, Holy Cross School in Bay City, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Selma, St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner, Immaculate Conception School in Sealy, Sacred Heart School in Crosby, Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville, St. Paul High School in Shiner, and Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio. Sister Sylvia retired from the active ministry of teaching in 2004 and came to reside at Incarnate Word Convent where she assists in various household duties. She loves visiting with the other Sisters and playing dominos and card games. Sister Sylvia’s sister, Sister Anastasia Grahmann (also a Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament) went to her eternal reward on June 17, 1997. Go to Top |
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New Expanded Gift Shop is Open |
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 |  | Sister Gregoria gets it just right. Sisters admire handmade gifts. |
| Sister Serena arranges rosaries. Sister Maria Estefana displays medals. |  |  |
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Gift Shop HoursMon. through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Sunday, Church Holydays and Major Holidays and Sisters' meetings (Call 361-575-7111 or check this site to confirm that shop is open.) Go to Top |
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Four Sisters Celebrate Anniversaries
Sister Constance Kapitza is the daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Nieschwietz) Kapitza of Falls City, Texas. The family came to Texas from Borisch Germany where Sister Constance, two brothers and a sister were born. Another brother was born in the United States. Sister Constance received her grammar schooling in Germany and Holy Trinity School in Falls City. She was a graduate of Nazareth Academy. Sister Constance received the habit of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament on August 17, 1932 and made her profession of vows on August 19, 1933. She received her BA degree with a major in English and a minor in Spanish from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. During the 75 years of her religious profession, Sister Constance taught on the elementary, junior high and secondary levels at Holy Trinity School in Duquesne, PA, St. Jerome School in Plum, Sacred Heart School in La Grange, St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner, St. Boniface School in Hobson, St. Michael School in Weimar, Holy Cross School in Bay City, Nazareth Academy in Victoria, Sacred Heart School in Floresville, Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio, Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville, St. Agnes School in San Antonio, St. Patrick School in Dallas, and St. John School in San Antonio. When Sister Constance retired from active ministry in education in 1987, she served the Congregation as Portress, cared for visitors, and participated in general household duties at Incarnate Word Convent. She also reveled in the beauty of the birds and flowers that she tended when able. Sister has resided in the Congregation’s Retirement Center/Infirmary for the last nine years participating in the apostolate of prayer and suffering. Sister Jeanne de Matel Hayden is the daughter of the late Robert Joseph and Emma Caroline (Nocker) Hayden of San Antonio, Texas. The family had four children– 3 girls and 1 boy. During the 70 years of her religious profession, Sister Jeanne de Matel taught on the elementary and junior high levels at Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville, St. Leo School and Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio, St. Mary School in Praha, Holy Cross School in Bay City, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in Ganado, St. Michael School in Weimar, Sacred Heart School in Crosby, and Holy Cross School in East Bernard. Sister Jeanne de Matel also served 15 years as principal in four of the schools. When Sister Jeanne de Matel retired from full-time classroom duty, she served the Congregation as an assistant to the Treasurer General. She also used her “green thumb” by tending the many plants and flowers used to enhance the beauty of the Chapel and the living quarters of the Sisters at Incarnate Word Convent. She also made rosaries for the missions. Sister now resides in the Congregation’s Infirmary where she participates in the apostolate of prayer and suffering. Sister Annunciata Shumbera is the daughter of the late John and Frances (Macha) Shumbera of Weimar, Texas. She was the sixth of six children - four girls and two boys. During the 70 years of her religious profession Sister Annunciata taught on the elementary, junior high and high school levels at Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville, St. Leo School , St. Agnes School and Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio, Nazareth Academy in Victoria, St. Michael School in Cuero, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Selma, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Houston. Sister Annunciata also served as principal and librarian in some of the schools. She assisted the Diocese of Victoria by volunteering in the library. Sister Annunciata has remained active in school volunteer work and will continue her ministry at Holy Cross School in Bay City this coming school year. Sister Callista Mares is the daughter of the late Cyril and Augusta (Otahal) Mares of Cistern, Texas. During the 70 years of her religious profession, Sister Callista taught on the primary, elementary and junior high levels at Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville, Nazareth Academy in Victoria, Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio, Ammannsville Public School in Ammannsville, Sealy Public School in Sealy, Falls City Public School in Falls City and St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner. When Sister Callista retired from full-time classroom duty in 1985, she remained active with assisting in the infirmary, serving as sacristan for the main chapel and participating in household duties at Incarnate Word Convent. During some of these years she also visited nursing homes in the area. Sister Callista has also made items for the Arts and Crafts sales with her crocheting and needlepoint and loves to put jigsaw puzzles together. She resides in the infirmary and ministers in the apostolate of prayer and suffering. | ||||||||
Sisters Honored with Chezard Awards    |
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| Sister Elaine Braden, Sister Adele Marie Machala, and Sister Emiliana Grafe receive prestigious Chezard Awards for outstanding fidelity in service. Presenting awards are Chezard Award Committee Members: Sister Stephana Marback (white blouse), Sister Valerie Janecka (dark blouse) and Sister Pauline Marie Ermis (seated). | ||||||||
| Former Chezard Award Recipients | ||||||||
| 2002 Sister Andrea Hubnik, Sister Colette Kouba,Sister Doloretta Leopold | ||||||||
| 2003 Sister Frances Cabrini Janvier, Sister Paschaline Kutac, Sister Rachel Gomez | ||||||||
| 2004 Sister George Vasek, Sister Alfreda Leopold, Sister Lucilla Donnelly | ||||||||
| 2005 Sister Theresa Marie Miller, Sister Carmelita Casso, Sister Patrice Shorp | ||||||||
| 2006 Sister Mary Ann Martinka, Sister Annunciata Shumbera, Sister Claudia Klesel | ||||||||
| 2007 Sisters John and Jeanne de Matel Hayden, Sister Pauline Ermis, Sister Alberta Novosad, Sister Rebecca JanacekGo to Top | ||||||||
We Honor St. Joseph the WorkerOn May 1, the Sisters pray in a special outdoor ceremony.   We Crown Mary as Our QueenDuring the Month of May, the Sisters honor Mary, the mother of the Incarnate Word.   Sisters in Health Care also Crown Mary   Our Prayer Schedule at Incarnate Word Convent, Victoria, Texas Please check with us. We may not be following this schedule because we have Mass at varied times. This may change our time of other prayers.6:05 a.m. (Monday-Friday) Morning Praise in Incarnate Word Chapel
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On Sunday, July 13, 2008, four Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament celebrated the anniversaries of their religious professions at a 2:00 P.M. Eucharistic Liturgy with Bishop David Fellhauer presiding. Many clergy members, religious, family and friends were present to rejoice with the Jubilarians. Those celebrating jubilees were: 75 years–Sister Constance Kapitza, and 70 years– Sister Jeanne de Matel Hayden, Sister Annunciata Shumbera and Sister Callista Mares. These Sisters have contributed to the spiritual well-being and literacy of their brothers and sisters in Christ through faithful service to the Church in ministries of education, administration and pastoral services.
Sister Jeanne de Matel completed the grammar grades at St. Leo’s Elementary School and her high school at Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio. She received the habit of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament on June 10, 1937 and made her first profession of vows on June 11, 1938. Sister received her BA degree with a major in English and a minor in Spanish and her MA degree with a major in Education and a minor in history from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio.
Sister Annunciata completed her grammar grades at Bois D’Arc School and St. Michael School in Weimar and high school at Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio. She received the habit of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament on June 10, 1937 and made first profession on June 11, 1938. Sister received her BA degree with a major in English and a minor in Spanish from Incarnate Word College and her M. Ed. with a major in education and a minor in library science from Our Lady of the Lake College University in San Antonio.
She was one of seven children – two girls and five boys. Sister Callista completed elementary grades at St. Wencelaus School in Cistern and high school at Nazareth Academy in Victoria. Sister Callista received the habit of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament on December 18, 1937 and made first profession of vows on December 19, 1938. She received her BA degree with a major in history and a minor in philosophy from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio.