News

Sisters open their home to visitors

By Patricia Kasten
Compass Associate Editor

	FRANCISCAN SIGN: Srs. Paulette Hupfauf and Rose Jochmann examine the font with the Sister Water mosaic panel. The mosaics are part of the Bay Settlement Sisters' new convent. (Rick Evans photo)
	Open house On Nov. 5, The Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross will have an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. at their new St. Francis Convent, 3110 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay. One feature of the new facility is a series of glass mosaics depicting the Canticle of the Creatures, by St. Francis of Assisi. Each of the seven mosaics in the series contains the phrase, "Praised be you, my Lord." The work was created by artist Kathryn Schnabel. As you tour the new motherhouse, see how many of the mosaics you can spot: • Sister Water is depicted on the font in the gathering area. • Brother Son, Sister Moon are the backdrop behind the chapel's altar. • Brother Fire is above the fireplace in the Community room. • Brother Wind stands outside on a boulder near a pond. • Mother Earth is also outside, in back, by the gardens. • Those Who Grant Pardon is outside the reconciliation room • Sister Death, to remember all those who have gone before, is in the community room, by the Book of Remembrance.

Usually, when you attend an open house, you focus on what's inside. But you'll miss a lot if you only look around inside at the open house to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 5 at the new motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, Bay Settlement.

The new 47,000 square foot St. Francis Convent, located at 3110 Nicolet Drive in Green Bay, is surrounded by 12 acres of wetlands. The Sisters built so that the building and its surrounding land are ecologically friendly - and lots of fun to stroll around.

"A lot of the Sisters are out walking around the ground," said Sr. Rose Jochmann, a member of the building committee. "And that's something you didn't see in the old motherhouse."

The old motherhouse, built in 1880 and added on to over the years, was located on a hill. So the grounds sloped and could be treacherous for walking. The new motherhouse is surrounded by ponds - which filter runoff water before it reaches the nearby waters of Green Bay - and walking paths. There are prairie grass plantings - native, non-invasive plants - so they don't need to mow most of the lawns. And wildlife - including a great blue heron - are feeling welcome to take up residence.

Sr. Mary Kabat, development director, said their new home - grounds and building - "are so much more prayerful and connected to earth."

This will be the last of a series of open houses at the new St. Francis Convent, which was dedicated by Bp. David Zubik on Sept. 24. Other religious communities, diocesan priests, donors and neighbors have all toured the facility - which can house 35 members of the community. (There are 76 Sisters and one candidate for religious life. Most live in smaller homes, close to their personal ministry.)

"People talk about the smiles on the Sisters' faces," Sr. Ann Rehrauer, community president, said of responses at previous open houses. She said these have been an opportunity "to share our thanks with all those who have been supporting us."

The motherhouse cost $7 million. The Sisters saved for the project for many years and undertook a major fund-raising campaign. The sale of their old motherhouse - which is being explored - will help with the costs of the new facility.

Further savings will be noticed over time from the energy-saving aspects in the new motherhouse.

The motherhouse has 35 bedrooms, each with private bathrooms, in two-story wings. Each is set up as four households with common living areas and kitchenettes. There is also a main dining room, a history room, community room, chapel and offices. The Sisters used much of the furniture from the old motherhouse. As Sr. Ann said, "We brought down everything we possibly could."

What didn't come down will eventually be auctioned. Some smaller items - like books and statues - will be sold in the Sisters' Bazaar, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov 11 at Holy Cross School. The event will feature crafts and foods made by the community, their Associates and friends. These include Belgian pies, kolatchies and Sr. Angela Palm's cream puffs.

Since parking is limited at the new motherhouse, open house visitors can park at the old motherhouse at 3025 Bay Settlement Road. A shuttle bus will run every 10 minutes between the two motherhouses.

"Our main attitude is one of gratitude for all who have supported us," said Sr. Mary. "We're happy to share our house with everybody."