The Wheaton Franciscan Covenant Companions recently completed a year-long visioning process to help identify their goals, leadership needs, and skills moving forward. At the closing session on Sept. 14, 2024, five individuals stepped forward to serve as new members of the Covenant Companion Leadership Circle (CCLC).
A ritual will take place during liturgy on Sunday, Nov. 10, to bless this transition of leadership. As the new team steps forward, immense gratitude goes to the servant leaders who are stepping down from the CCLC: Mary Ellen Durbin, Consuelo Cabral, Sue Monaco, Joanne Pfeifer, and Karen Diersen.
The new members each bring a deep spirituality and a wealth of experience and talent to the circle as they chart how the CCs will embrace their flourishing future. Click the arrow next to each name to read their bios.
Covenant Companion since 2023
Ophelia resides in Inverness, IL, and works full-time at Northern Trust Bank. She is a single mother of four adopted children: a son (math teacher) in Baltimore, a son serving in the Army, a daughter attending college in Europe, and a daughter attending Harper Community College.
Ophelia serves on the board of People’s Resource Center and is involved in other volunteering activities. She also enjoys sports (skiing, golf, and tennis) and quiet hobbies such as reading and needlework.
Ophelia first learned of the Wheaton Franciscan sisters through friends working at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. Sr. Pat Norton introduced her to sisters during the COVID shutdown.
“I feel like I live by the saying, ‘If you want to get something done, give it to a busy person.’ There are so many good people in our CC group. There is an awesome spirit and community to bring together there.”
Why Ophelia chose to join the CCLC
Covenant Companion since 2015
Dave and his wife Joanne (also a Covenant Companion) reside in Downers Grove, IL. They have two daughters (Rachel and Amy) and Dave is completing his 35th year as a life scientist at the US Environmental Protection Agency, Regional Office, with retirement on the horizon.
Dave is a returning member of the CCLC and also participates in the OLA choir, CC Engagement & Care ministry, CC Communication & Outreach ministry, and Weavings. His hobbies are walking, biking, and piano.
“Being a Wheaton Franciscan means a lot to me and I can see that the Wheaton Franciscan charism continues to speak to so many people. When Joanne and I no longer felt welcomed at our parish, the Wheaton Franciscans gave us a place to call home. Since then, I have discovered the Franciscan that has always been inside of me and a community that supports and nurtures me as a CC. I know there are lots of people like me out there looking for a place to call home and I hope that by serving on the CCLC I can make sure that what was available to me remains available to them when they come to us.”
Why Dave chose to rejoin the CCLC
Covenant Companion since 2015
Tom and his wife Pat (also a CC) reside in Wheaton, IL, and have four children (all married) and 14 grandchildren, ages 8 to 21. He and Pat volunteer weekly with Exodus World Services, providing homework help for grade- school students from refugee families. Tom was part of a team that founded Bethlehem Farm, a Catholic mission dedicated to serving the poor of rural West Virginia that models Catholic social teaching in its ministry. He also loves to read and do yard work.
Tom has been involved with the Wheaton Franciscan Ministry Fund since its inception, serving on two teams: Refugee and Immigrants and Care of Creation. Since he lives close to OLA, he often helps out whenever there is a need and attends Mass with the sisters on most days.
“I have admired the current and previous CCLC members not only for who they are, but for all that they have accomplished. They have made the CCs more unified and focused. Previously I did not feel like I was supposed to be a member, but the visioning process over the last year has led me in this direction.”
Why Tom chose to join the CCLC
Covenant Companion since 2005
As a resident of Kalamazoo, MI, Kathy brings a unique perspective about living the CC way of life from a distance. She is single (never married, no children) and enjoys being close to many family members who reside nearby. Kathy recently added a three-year-old toy Aussiedoodle named Jaxon, a wonderful companion, to her life.
Kathy works full-time as an RN care manager with two Ascension Borgess primary care offices. She partners with patients whose goal is to improve their health and better manage chronic conditions. Although Kathy finds this ministry rewarding and challenging, she is looking forward to a reduced-hours schedule to open up time for other pursuits.
Kathy has a long history with the Wheaton Franciscan community, including about 20 years with the vowed community. Her participation in activities changed when she moved to Michigan in 2018. Kathy still faithfully comes to Wheaton for various celebrations or meetings a few times a year.
“My heart has missed greater involvement with the community. I want to contribute my organization and leadership skills. I’m also invested in helping the CCs thrive into the future and continue to live and share the Wheaton Franciscan charism for years to come.”
Why Kathy chose to join the CCLC
Covenant Companion since 2019
Vickie and her husband have been married for 51 years and reside in Villa Park, IL. Their son Jason and daughter Denise are married and have four sons between the two families. Vickie works as a massage therapist, specializing in caring for hospice and elder clients. She volunteers in her parish as a eucharistic minister and in the bereavement ministry. Walking through the Arboretum, bird watching, and gardening also bring her great joy.
Vickie has participated in Tau Center programs that continue to inspire and encourage her faith life. After she became a CC, she was invited to serve in the CCLC and helped begin the Spiritual Enrichment ministry, the card ministry, and Weavings – – which continue to enliven the lives of many and deepen community connections. When her time came to an end with the CCLC, she continued helping with Weavings.
“I recently rejoined the Spiritual Enrichment ministry and was asked to be a liaison with the CCLC, providing updates on our initiatives. God brings us to many places that surprise and sometimes frighten us a little. I firmly believe if He brings us to it, he’ll get us through it. Oh, the joy of serving God!”
Why Vickie chose to rejoin the CCLC