2024 Jubilee Celebrations
Every year, our community celebrates jubilees, special celebrations designating an anniversary year.
This year, we have sisters celebrating 50 and 60 years of religious life.
Celebrating 60 Years of Religious Life
A true servant leader, Sister Diana Blong’s (Mary Natalie) ministries span decades in touching countless lives with her dedication and compassion. Her diverse assignments have taken her from the heartland of Iowa and the 1000 lakes of Minnesota to the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and presently back to north central Iowa as pastoral associate at Immaculate Conception Parish in Charles City.
Throughout her 60 years of religious life, Sister Diana has served in various capacities, including high school teacher, director of religious education, youth minister, and pastoral associate in parishes in several dioceses: hospice chaplain, and vice president on the congregational leadership team. Her willingness to embrace new challenges and her commitment to sharing the Gospel in the spirit of Nano Nagle led her to respond to a further call by serving on the faculty with the Holy Spirit Sisters at Rauya Theological Pastoral Centre to train sisters for leadership roles in ministry in East Africa.
“Through the years I have been in awe of the ways in which one experience prepared me for another,” shares Sister Diana. Being a catalyst in creating life-changing opportunities for others in expanding their horizons included organizing mission trips to Haiti, El Salvador, Appalachia and Tanzania. Serving as parish staff liaison to social justice and parish life committees, she invites others to put their faith in action, to become beacons of hope and love in a world in need of healing and a sense of belonging.
Sister Diana’s commitment to pastoral ministry is rooted in her deep faith and her desire to accompany others by coordinating volunteers in providing direct pastoral care and outreach to those in care centers, the elderly, the sick, and the homebound. In times of loss, struggle and grief, her presence, marked by warmth and a joyful spirit, has made a profound difference in the lives of others.
Reflecting on 60 Years of Religious Life
Reflecting on her jubilee, Sister Diana states, “As I look back, my reflections reveal the many changes during this faith journey of 60 years. While love for learning, a heart for the suffering and the dedication of Presentation Sisters at Newman High drew me to follow a call to a religious vocation, I have been graced with people, places, ministries and opportunities far beyond my imagination since 1964. I feel truly blessed in walking with others in times of joy and pain, with young and old, both near and far, of diverse backgrounds and cultures. I look forward to our ongoing journey in connecting with other Presentation people and communities in sharing God’s love by promoting justice and peace, care for our earth and those made poor in our world.”
Sister Cheryl Demmer’s years of religious life are marked by a steadfast dedication to education and spiritual formation. From teaching primary grades to serving as a principal and later director of religious education, Sister Cheryl's impact has been profound and far-reaching. Her ministries took her to various parishes and schools. Each assignment provided her with unique opportunities to touch lives and nurture spiritual growth.
Sister Cheryl has been involved in religious education in one form or another for over 50 years. The work of her life has been a weaving together of all age groups and cultures, of evangelization, and of helping people reconnect to the Catholic Church. She believes through her efforts and sacrifices, she has nurtured a faith in God that will ensure future generations will remain active and connected to their faith and community.
One of the most significant moments in Sister Cheryl’s ministry occurred in 1973 with a first-grade student named Susie, who was dying of leukemia. Sister Cheryl prepared Susie for her First Communion, teaching her about Jesus's unconditional love. After Susie’s passing, Sister Cheryl received a postcard that read, "A little girl went to heaven this morning and you helped her get there." This poignant message deeply reinforced Sister Cheryl's understanding of her ministry, emphasizing the importance of walking alongside God's people in their journey of life, offering comfort and support along the way.
Currently, Sister Cheryl embodies the spirit of Presentation foundress, Nano Nagle, by carrying the lantern of hope and love to senior parishioners and the homebound of Saints Mary and Matthias Parish in Muscatine, Iowa. She greets those she serves with her larger-than-life smile and a warm welcome, letting them know she is there for them, whatever their need may be.
Over the years, Sister Cheryl’s commitment to her ministry and community has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized by many for her hard work, comforting presence and unwavering dedication. Sister Cheryl has always viewed her ministry as a sacred calling, a vocation that demands enduring devotion and a deep sense of purpose, stating, “I don’t want to waste a minute when I could be doing for others. It is important to me to be there for the people.”
Reflecting on 60 Years of Religious Life
Celebrating her jubilee, Sister Cheryl reflects on her 60 years in religious life with gratitude and joy. “As a daughter of Nano Nagle, I remember her strength each time I go out in ministry to those that I am called to be a minister too — at this time our senior parishioners and our homebound. It is a call to have a “Shepherdess Heart,” a dedication to guiding and caring for others with compassion and love. Each visit offers an opportunity for growth and grace, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of faith."
Sister Richelle Friedman’s commitment to religious life marked the beginning of a lifelong mission to serve others with love and empathy. Throughout her career, Sister Richelle has served in various capacities, leaving a profound impact on the communities she has touched. Her ministries have taken her from teaching mathematics and religion in Iowa to advocating for justice and equity on a national level in Washington, D.C.
Sister Richelle's first two decades of ministry were dedicated to teaching, where she imparted the principles of Catholic social justice to her students. She instilled values such as the preferential option for the poor, economic justice, and respect for all individuals, laying the groundwork for her future advocacy work.
In 1989, Sister Richelle transitioned to political ministry in Washington, D.C., driven by a deep conviction to address the systemic causes of poverty and injustice. Over the years, she worked with organizations such as NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, the McAuley Institute, Children's Defense Fund, and the Coalition on Human Needs, tirelessly advocating for legislation to benefit low-income and marginalized communities.
In 2023, Sister Richelle was honored as the recipient of the Human Needs Hero Award by the Coalition on Human Needs. Her passionate commitment to justice and her tireless advocacy efforts were acknowledged as instrumental in bringing about real progress in the fight against poverty and hunger.
After 33 years of dedicated service in Washington, D.C., Sister Richelle returned to Iowa, where she plans to continue her advocacy work for justice and equity. She urges individuals to get involved in advocacy efforts at every level of government, emphasizing the importance of collective action in effecting positive change.
Her life's work exemplifies the core values of the Presentation Sisters, embodying the mission of confronting injustice and working for peace. As she continues her journey, Sister Richelle's commitment to building a more just and equitable society serves as an inspiration to all who strive for a world where compassion and solidarity prevail.
Reflecting on 60 Years of Religious Life
Looking back over the last 60 years, Sister Richelle expresses, “I am deeply grateful that the Spirit has gifted me with a supportive family and community and the friendship of colleagues. My ministry as a teacher provided me the sacred opportunity to influence the education of young people and to learn from them. For 33 years, I had the privilege of working in political ministry in faith-based and non-profit organizations whose mission of working to create a society marked by economic justice is aligned with our Presentation mission. Jubilee is a time to celebrate all that has been and all that is yet to come!”
Raised in a devout Catholic family, Sister Suzanne (Theresa) Gallagher's upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to serving others. From Cedar Falls to Dubuque, from Epworth to Guttenberg, Sister Suzanne’s passion for teaching and her visionary leadership have transformed the lives of countless students and families in the communities she has served.
As a teacher and principal in Catholic elementary schools, Sister Suzanne's innovative approach to education emphasized the importance of art, music and hands-on learning. Under Sister Suzanne’s leadership, new programs were added including poetry and art appreciation, art and Spanish, guided reading, intensive phonics and content reading, along with an expanded music program. Her work with school endowment funds, grant writing and creative fund raising were admirable, but her deep involvement with students and staff and the moral support she provided was paramount. Sister Suzanne believed “that every child is gift, every child is gifted,” and she worked tirelessly to create inclusive and nurturing environments where each student could thrive.
One of the highlights of Sister Suzanne's career came in 2004 when she received the prestigious Dr. Robert J. Kealey Distinguished Principal Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). This recognition was a testament to Sister Suzanne's exceptional leadership and commitment to Catholic education.
After 42 years in Catholic education, Sister Suzanne worked in pastoral care, visiting patients and ministering to those with dementia at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon, Iowa. Now retired from active public ministry, Sister Suzanne continues her journey of service through her role as Mount Loretto librarian for her Presentation community and member of the Land Justice Team in Dubuque, Iowa. Part of the responsibilities of this team involves taking a deeper look into the enlightening study of the Doctrine of Discovery in the history of land colonization and its impact.
Reflecting on 60 Years of Religious Life
Sister Suzanne expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve others and the many blessings she has received over the years and continues to receive in retirement. “In these later years of my life as a Presentation Sister, I’m making time to listen to music, enjoy visual art, create simple art, read beautiful poetry, engage in deeper conversations, explore genealogy and be a librarian. My life is rich in so many ways, especially in having more time with treasured friends and for prayer. The Great Spirit has gifted me abundantly,” expresses Sister Suzanne. “I have run the race of active ministry and now enjoy moments to recall and treasure the memories of family, friends and experiences that created my life in varied ministries. My heart is so full of gratitude and joy. Our God is indeed abundant in Mercy and Grace. Peace to all who touched my life.”
Serving in various roles for over 50 years, Sister Elena Hoye’s life is a remarkable journey of faith, education, leadership and service. She began career teaching at St. Patrick High School in Waukon, Iowa. This was just the start of a long and impactful educational ministry guiding students in their academic and spiritual journeys.
Over the years, Sister Elena has served as a teacher; director of theology curriculum and dean of students in Catholic high schools. She developed, published and implemented high school religion and youth ministry programs, supervised and observed religion teachers in K-12 programs, and developed and presented catechetical training for parish and school catechists. Her passion for religious education continued with roles as director of religious education, spiritual director and director of elementary catechesis and catechists formation.
Sister Elena took on significant roles within her Presentation congregation serving as development director and formation director. Her leadership capabilities were further recognized when she was elected to the leadership team, serving as councilor and later vice president.
She also took a sabbatical in Ireland, enriching her spiritual and cultural perspectives, before serving as vice president for mission at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota. Sister Elena's impact transcends borders, as evidenced by her global travels and role as networker for the International Presentation Association. She embraced diverse opportunities to serve her community and uphold the values of her faith.
Reflecting on her greatest blessings, Sister Elena highlights the gift of travel, which has allowed her to encounter the vastness of God’s creation. She has traveled extensively, visiting countries like India, Kuwait, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, and many more, finding God's presence in every corner of the world.
Sister Elena lives her life by guiding principles that showcase her practical approach to daily life and reflect her wisdom and vibrant personality - believe in transformative power of lipstick; advocate for the underdog; cherish moments of laughter; accessorize when in doubt; love your job; be kind and find joy in small pleasures like chocolate and red wine. Throughout her journey, Sister Elena's legacy of service, wisdom, and wit continues to inspire and uplift those around her.
Reflecting on 60 Years of Religious Life
In celebrating her 60-year jubilee, Sister Elena offers food for thought to embrace each milestone, underscoring her lifelong commitment to her faith, “Usually, we think of jubilee celebrations as markers of the past - 25 years; 50 years; 60 years and so forth. What if we looked at them as signposts to our future? With each passing jubilee we rejoice because we are that much closer to being one with God, the love of our life. And that is truly something to rejoice about!!”
A lifelong learner, educator and communicator, Sister Beth Kress graciously served in education, journalism, religious formation and communications ministries, reflecting a diverse and impactful career. Sister Beth began her career as a high school teacher of English, journalism, mass media and publications.
Recipient of the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund Fellowship for teachers, she also earned master degrees in journalism education and in public relations. The University of Iowa journalism school established the Sister Beth Kress Scholarship for aspiring journalism students. Subsequently, her expertise extended beyond the classroom in significant communication roles for over 30 years with nonprofits including Catholic schools and women religious on regional, national and international levels.
Dedicated to advancing the mission of women religious, Sister Beth was a founding member of Sisters United News (SUN), a network of professional communicators in the Upper Mississippi River Valley. She served as the first coordinator of Communicators for Women Religious (CWR), a professional organization where she served as a regional liaison, chair of the marketing committee, treasurer and board member, and member of the executive committee.
Exceptionally talented, Sister Beth has utilized her communication skills to advance the Presentation mission within her own Presentation community and related organizations. She served as the first coordinator of the International Presentation Association (IPA), a role that allowed her to contribute to the global Presentation mission and to witness Nano Nagle’s spirit in action worldwide among sisters and associates in 15 countries and 12 U.S. states, thus reinforcing her own congregation’s mission.
For over 13 years, Sister Beth served as public relations and marketing coordinator for the Presentation Lantern Center. Her work supported the center’s mission of advocating for immigrants, refugees and marginalized persons. In 2017, she received the Presentation Lantern Service Award, for her outstanding commitment and dedication.
Currently, Sister Beth serves as communication specialist for Hotel Hope in New Orleans, Louisiana, a ministry served by Presentation Sisters that empowers those made homeless after Hurricane Katrina. She also enthusiastically writes and proofreads for the Presentation community publication, Presentation Doorways, and generously offers her expertise wherever and whenever the need calls.
Additionally, Sister Beth served as the faith formation coordinator and director of religious education at Nativity Parish in Dubuque. During this time, she embraced the responsibility of being a full-time family caregiver, demonstrating empathy, respect and love in caring for her mother and sister.
Sister Beth exemplifies what it means to give one's heart and soul to everything in life. Her life's work reflects a relentless pursuit of making the world a better place and her energy has inspired all who have been fortunate to cross her path.
Reflecting on 60 Years of Religious Life
Reflecting on her jubilee, Sister Beth remains most grateful for opportunities to dive deep into the Gospels and to reflect on God’s call to live the Word every day. “Sharing with many others has fed me to take to heart the life, message and mission of Jesus. There is always a grace and guidance when breaking open the Word,” shares Sister Beth.
Service and hospitality has been woven throughout Sister Corine Murray’s journey as a Presentation Sister. From her early years as a teacher to her tenure as the founding executive director of the Presentation Lantern Center in Dubuque, Sister Corine's dedication to uplifting others has left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Sister Corine's career in education began as a junior high teacher in Mason City and later in Storm Lake, Algona and Waterloo, all in Iowa. Her commitment to nurturing young minds extended beyond the classroom as she also served as a pastoral minister in parishes across Iowa, Indiana and a cluster of rural communities west of Cedar Rapids.
In 2001, Sister Corine embarked on a new chapter of her journey as the founding executive director of the Presentation Lantern Center in Dubuque, Iowa. The center, guided by the charism of hospitality, offers vital support, educational opportunities and advocacy for adult immigrants, with a special focus on women. Under Sister Corine's leadership, the Presentation Lantern Center became a beacon of hope and empowerment for immigrants from all over the world. “Welcoming people at the Presentation Lantern Center opened my eyes to the joys and struggles of so many people across the globe and created lifelong friendships. It changed the way I listen to the news and how I see the world,” expresses Sister Corine.
Sister Corine's dedication to service has been recognized and celebrated by numerous institutions and organizations. In 2011, she was honored with the Matthew 25 Award by Divine Word College and received the NAACP Award from the Dubuque Chapter. Her commitment to women's empowerment and leadership was further acknowledged in 2014 when she was named Woman of Achievement in the Unsung Hero category by the Women's Leadership Network. In 2017, Sister Corine received The Living Loehe Award from Wartburg Theological Seminary, a testament to her distinguished service to the church and her embodiment of Christ's call to discipleship in her daily life.
Presently, Sister Corine enjoys the slower pace of retirement while actively advocating for non-violence through her volunteer work with MOMs for Common Sense Gun Legislation.
Reflecting on 60 Years of Religious Life
As Sister Corine celebrates her jubilee, she reflects on a lifetime filled with blessings and meaningful encounters. For her, jubilee is a time to count one's blessings and to reaffirm the core values of hospitality and service that define her vocation as a Presentation Sister. “In this jubilee year I am especially grateful for family, friends, companions on the journey, and the projects and dreams we nurtured to make a difference in the world.”
Throughout her years of religious life, Sister Pamela Quade’s ministries have traversed decades and communities, leaving a profound impact wherever she went. Her diverse assignments have taken her from the heartland of Iowa to the bustling city of Des Moines, where she has served in various capacities, including as teacher, principal and advocate for those in need.
Sister Pamela’s first teaching assignments was in Charles City, Iowa, then at St. Columbkille School in Dubuque. She also taught in Cedar Falls at St. Patrick School and at St. Pius School in Des Moines, both in Iowa. While she was back in Dubuque teaching at St. Columbkille, Sister Pamela earned a master’s degree in elementary education. With that degree completed, she became principal of St. Patrick School in Sheldon, Iowa, and later of St. Joseph School in Key West, Iowa.
Additionally, Sister Pamela served as assistant to the director of the House of Mercy in Des Moines, offering transitional housing for those in need. In 1990, Sister Pamela changed ministry gears completely, spending 18 years at the Presentation motherhouse as an associate in the finance office. Because so much of this work involved insurance and doctor’s bills, she obtained education as a medical billing and coding specialist.
In her later years of ministry, Sister Pamela found fulfillment in serving as a lobby receptionist and volunteer for the oncology unit at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, where she welcomed and supported individuals during difficult times. She also volunteered as a receptionist and home visitor at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa, providing comfort and assistance to patients and their families. Her presence, marked by warmth and kindness, has brought solace to countless individuals in their time of need.
Sister Pamela reverences the Presentation charism of Nano Nagle. “To live the charism of hospitality is to be inclusive and to welcome all I encounter in my ministry and daily life. It is to be aware of and to respond to the needs and challenges of our world.”
Reflecting on 60 Years of Religious Life
As she celebrates her jubilee, Sister Pamela reflects on the greatest blessing of supportive and loving relationships in her life. “I am most grateful for my Presentation Sisters I have lived and ministered with, but also the people I have met along the way. We have shared gifts and talents that were called forth as we met the needs of the time. I think the call to carry the lantern is to be open to the blessings and challenges wherever we are and be willing to be of service there, both giving and receiving. Sometimes just being present is enough.”
Celebrating 50 Years of Religious Life
Sister Gina Marie Foletta lives a life driven by a passion for mathematics and a profound faith journey. From a young age, Sister Gina developed a keen interest in mathematics and science, inspired by her father’s love for arithmetic and inspiring teachers. Ultimately, this led her to a distinguished career in education and a deep commitment to religious life.
Sister Gina’s teaching career began in Stockton, California, and later took her to various high schools in Iowa. She incorporated her love for geometry, algebra and computer science into her lessons, finding innovative ways to teach complex concepts. She furthered her education, earning a master’s degree in computer science and a Ph.D. in mathematics education. Her academic journey continued as she joined Northern Kentucky University, where she served as an assistant, associate, and then full professor of mathematics until 2013, eventually becoming a Professor Emeritus. During her tenure, she contributed significantly to the academic community through teaching, research and publications in mathematics education.
In 2013, Sister Gina transitioned to Penn State University, where she continues to make a profound impact supervising student teachers in secondary mathematics in Central Pennsylvania. Her role involves guiding and mentoring future mathematics educators, helping them to develop effective teaching practices and instilling in them the same passion for mathematics that has driven her career.
Throughout her career, Sister Gina has been involved in developing educational programs, authoring numerous articles, and presenting at conferences. She continues to live out her commitment to education and her religious vocation from her residence in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, honoring the legacy of Nano Nagle by empowering future generations of educators.
Reflecting on 50 Years of Religious Life
Reflecting on her 50-year journey, she expresses awe at how her childhood curiosity about the natural world led her to a deep appreciation of mathematics and its spiritual dimensions. “I have always expressed a wonder about life and its experiences,” states Sister Gina. “As a child I wondered how I could mix two clear liquids and get color! Or how iron filings would move about as I passed a magnet under them! Why is the sky so blue? How is it that we do not fall off the Earth? These and many more questions have directed my life’s journey into areas of science, mathematics, and eventually to religious life.”
Sister Gina finds joy in sharing this passion with her students and considers teaching a vital ministry. “The mystery of God within the mystery of mathematics fills my spirit and energizes me as teacher. My ministry has taken me to the classroom as a mathematics teacher, across states working with other teachers and giving workshops, across oceans interacting with other mathematics educators sharing and learning about the mystery that is mathematics, and most recently working with college students eager to become mathematics teachers … all this to bring the mystery of mathematics to my students.”
