Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls elect new leadership team

The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls elected a new leadership team during its Delegate Assembly March 1-3. The women — Sisters Beatrice Eichten, Michelle L’Allier, Mary Pat Burger, Janice Wiechman and Gert Brixius — will serve a five-year term beginning in June and will be responsible for the spiritual and ministerial life and mission of the 132-year-old congregation.

Sister Beatrice was elected the 22nd community minister and president, a position she previously held from 2001-2006 and 2011-2018. She served as president/CEO of Franciscan Sisters Health Care during the time when the FSLF transferred ownership of its 12 facilities to what is now part of CommonSpirit Health. Since 2018, she has lived in Racine, Wisconsin, working as a consultant and facilitator for religious congregations.

Sister Michelle, first assistant minister, has served in pastoral ministry in Tennessee and North Dakota and as a missionary in Managua, Nicaragua. She lives at the Franciscan Welcoming House in St. Cloud and is the creator and host of the podcast “Engaging Franciscan Wisdom.” She also offers retreats, workshops and spiritual direction.

Sister Mary Pat, second assistant minister, previously served on the Franciscan Sisters Leadership team then served as executive director of Franciscan Ministries and Services.

Presently she lives in St. Francis where she offers a Franciscan presence to the local parish.

Sister Janice, third assistant minister, served as a missionary in Venezuela. Presently, she lives and serves as a missionary in San Rafael in the Diocese of Linares, Mexico.

Sister Gertrude (Helen), fourth assistant minister, served as executive director of St. Elizabeth Catholic Worker House and of Franciscan Ministries and Services and pastoral minister at St. Bridget Church, Minneapolis. She is active in outreach to Franciscan Sisters and Associates in New Hope, Minnesota.

“As a community, we are being called forth by God to respond faithfully and creatively to the needs of our world today and into the future,” Sister Bea said.

Author: Carol Jessen-Klixbull

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