Our 2025 Jubilarians
Congratulations to our 2025 Jubilarians. Click on any name below and it will take you to their individual stories.
75 Year Jubilarians
Sister Margaret McGuckin
60 Year Jubilarians
Sister Martha Eckstein
Sister Elaine Kerscher
Sister Marianne Saieg
40 Year Jubilarian
Sister Mary Ann Hamer
25th Anniversary of Associate Commitment
Dolores Gross
Sister Margaret McGuckin
75 Year Jubilarian
My desire to enter the convent started at an early age but was truly influenced during my high school years by the dedication, joy and spirit I witnessed by the Sisters who staffed St. Francis Academy. Elementary and junior high school teacher/principal were my first assigned ministries. I moved on to train beginning teachers in the 72 Catholic Schools in the Joliet Diocese. After five years in this role, seeing the need for an Early Childhood Program, Sister Carol Jander and I eagerly developed and taught in the first independent, private, Catholic Early Childhood Center in Will County. There is so much to celebrate in my life as I give thanks to God.
Sister Martha Eckstein
60 Year Jubilarian
The many challenges and joys, surprises and opportunities of these sixty years prompt my gratitude. Teaching young children, preparing them to receive the Sacraments, identifying their unique joys, recognizing their hurts, sharing their accomplishments and loving them were my ministry’s highlights. Today living in a religious retirement home in Dayton, I help address the needs of older sisters. Taking them for medical attention, for shopping, or for personal errands keeps me hopping. Beyond this I am able to move into a broader world by volunteering for a variety of Catholic Social Services outreach programs that touch the lives of the poor. I have found these activities enriching and life-giving.
Sister Elaine Kerscher
60 Year Jubilarian
As I reflect on my 60 years of vowed religious life, I recognize with deep gratitude that I have been greatly blessed with opportunities for ongoing education that have led me to use my gifts in a variety of ministries, including teaching, parish pastoral ministry, office management, and canon law. I also served in Congregation leadership positions as Director of Initial Formation, General Secretary, Councilor, and Vice President. Each call to a new ministry was both challenging and rewarding and offered me the opportunity to meet and work with God’s people in many areas of the Church.
Sister Marianne Saieg
60 Year Jubilarian
Teaching in the Deaconate Formation, and in the Called and Gifted Program in the Archdiocese of Chicago was the joy of my life. My present ministry includes Spiritual Direction and creating Visual Meditations for prayer and reflection. I am currently working remotely with Casa De Misericordia in San Diego, California. My overreaching concern is for people searching for a deeper relationship with God. My prayer, as a Franciscan, is rooted in the charism of St. Francis and my heart’s desire is that we all be instruments of peace in our corner of the world and channel love and acceptance to all people.
Sister Mary Ann Hamer
40 Year Jubilarian
My ministry at National Catholic Vocation Council continued for 20 years. I loved being able to be a part of a group having so much interaction with other congregations. After that began my 19 years of being an administrative assistant to the Augustinian Friars. They’re just a bunch of great guys! Now, I love doing puzzles, reading, taking short walks and visiting other sisters or associates. I love seeing my family. I pray for our country, the world with all its troubles besides for our sisters and families. I feel very loved and blessed as a Sister of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate.
Dolores Gross
25th Anniversary of Associate Commitment
I made my first commitment to the Associate Relationship on May 21, 2000. I was a very active member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Joliet where I met many of our sisters. Living now in Arizona, I continue to pray for my family and the congregation’s needs.