Leadership changes with Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity
Standing (L-R): Sr. Jacqueline Spaniola, Sr. Carol Ann Gambsky, Sr. Anne Turba
MANITOWOC, WI — The Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity held the installation of their newly elected general administration, including Community Director Sr. Marlita Henseler, on July 13, 2025, at Holy Family Convent in Manitowoc. The election took place on June 23, 2025, with Bishop David Ricken presiding.
Sr. Marlita, from St. Dominic Parish, Sheboygan, was elected to serve a six-year term. Prior to being elected community director, Sr. Marlita ministered as a teacher, principal and pastoral leader. Her most recent service involved ministering to the Hispanic community in Tucson, Arizona.
Four sisters were elected to serve a six-year term on the general administration council.
Elected first councilor is Sr. Pamela Biehl from All Saints Parish, Chicago, Illinois. Sr. Pamela has a background in education and has served as director of liturgy and parish leader. Her most recent experience was in pastoral ministry.
Elected second councilor is Sr. Anne Turba of St. Ann Parish, St. Anna, Wisconsin. Her background is in nursing, and she served as a nurse practitioner before being elected to community leadership.
Elected third councilor is Sr. Jacqueline Spaniola, originally from St. Mary Queen of Angels Parish, Swartz Creek, Michigan. She has ministered as a teacher and director of religious education. Prior to being elected councilor, she was missioned in Chassell, Michigan, where she served as parish associate at St. Albert the Great University Parish, Houghton.
Elected fourth councilor is Sr. Carol Ann Gambsky from Most Precious Blood Parish, New London, Wisconsin. She has been in the field of music education throughout her religious life, most recently as the administrator of the Franciscan Center for Music Education and Performance, Manitowoc.
The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity were founded on November 9, 1869, in Manitowoc. The sisters presently serve in Arizona, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.
St. Ignatius Catholic School and Chesterton Academy playground blessing is scheduled for July 31
KAUKAUNA, WI — St. Ignatius Catholic School and Chesterton Academy have announced the official blessing and dedication of their new playground on Thursday, July 31, honoring Our Lady of Champion following the 8 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church.
The event will mark the completion of a major campus improvement project, which includes the demolition of the nearly 30-year-old playground, an expanded play space, new Burke playground equipment and a safe, accessible pour-in-place surface.
The playground will be blessed by Father of Mercy Fr. Tony Stephens, CPM, who serves at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.
Learn more about St. Ignatius Catholic School at stignatiuskaukauna.org.