Meet Our Sisters

The SSC Administrative Team

The current SSC Aministrative Team are shown here at their August, 2008 installation. From left: Sr. Grace Ann Kalafut, General Treasurer; Sr. Regina Marie Dubickas, Assistant General Superior; Sr. M. Immacula Wendt, General Superior; Sr. Margaret Zalot, General Councilor and Secretary; Sr. Theresa Dabulis, General Councilor; and Sr. Margaret Mary Mazgelis, Administrative Assistant.

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

~ Reflections Upon Their Installation

Sister Immacula Wendt ministered for many years as a teacher and principal in elementary schools and as General Treasurer for the Congregation. In addition to her responsibilities as General Superior, Sr. Immacula serves on the Action Council of the Southwest Organizing Project, an organization that addresses neighborhood issues. As a loyal White Sox fan, Sr. Immacula follows their games throughout the season. She also enjoys music and old movies. Her personal motto is, “God loves us and nothing will happen without His knowledge.” “My primary focus in the coming years will be to help lead the Sisters of St. Casimir to more actively and creatively bring our faith-filled presence wherever we are, meeting the needs of all God’s people in the world we live in today, while continuing to work on the strategic plan for the future of the Sisters of St. Casimir.”

Sister Regina Marie Dubickas was a teacher and a Vocation and Formation Director before receiving a doctorate in Psychology in 1995 and beginning her work in private practice. She always found it a privilege to come to know people at a deeper level, help them discover their inner richness and strength, and journey with them in some of the more difficult parts of their lives. The words of Mother Maria that are a particular inspiration to her are “God is here.” Sr. Regina Marie is an avid reader, and enjoys a good game of pinochle or Scrabble. “Our Chapter theme was “A Journey in Hope” and so I pray that in whatever I do, I may be a person of hope, that I may contribute in a positive way toward all of us working together to create our future as we recommit ourselves to respond to the needs of our time.”

Education has been the main focus of the career of Sister Margaret Zalot, having taught in elementary and secondary schools before becoming Maria High School’s first President in 1991. She has served as Vocation and Formation Director and has been actively involved with the Southwest Organizing Project. Recently appointed to the board of Villa Joseph Marie, she is looking forward to sharing her experience with her alma mater. In her spare time, Sr. Margaret likes to read, write, sketch – and be creative. “There is a certain excitement in beginning anything new. Although I was on the Council before, this is a new group and we have different tasks to accomplish together. I believe we are off to a good start. I hope that we can continue this momentum as we lead the Congregation on our JOURNEY OF HOPE.”

After teaching for many years, Sister Theresa Dabulis began a new ministry as Director of Religious Education in a parish in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Later, as a clinical social worker, she advocated for the poor and marginalized. She continues to seek opportunities to serve the poor and to work with candidates for the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). Sr. Theresa loves listening to music and is usually one of the first on the dance floor for a polka. “What excites me within our Community, is that I see and feel the Spirit working in the hearts of our Sisters. I sense a resurgence among us of being faithful and committed to the mission of Jesus. I hope that together we will respond with generous hearts and fulfill the 2008 General Chapter mandate on Mission: to embrace the ministry of being a faithful presence wherever we are and building relationships in meeting the needs of others.”

Sister Grace Ann Kalafut was involved in the ministry of education as teacher and principal at the elementary and secondary school levels. She has served in Congregational Leadership in the past, and presently as the General Treasurer. Her spare time is spent in reading, relaxing with music, and enjoying the beauty of nature. She holds dear the quote,”For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” “As I continue on this ‘Journey of Hope’ with the Congregation, I pray that I/we will always be aware of what is happening around us, facing the challenges with fresh energy in a spirit of faith, hope, and love. Listening to the Spirit I hope that we can be adventurous and collaborative in our mission and be willing to take the risks in the spirit of our Foundress, Mother Maria.”

Before working in Administration, Sister Margaret Mary Mazgelis taught both elementary and high school, serving as Principal of Nativity BVM School for 13 years. Her service to the Sisters has included being Superior of the Motherhouse, and General Secretary on the SSC General Council. Sr. Margaret Mary’s flower arrangments provide joy to the Sisters and their visitors. “My job as Administrative Assistant to Sr. Immacula includes keeping up with correspondence, preparing the prayer request list and “Updates” for our Community, and doing various other clerical tasks. Besides my office duties, I enjoy decorating the Motherhouse for each season of the year. I am a member of the SSC Mission Committee, and look forward to exciting times ahead as we, Sisters, explore and act upon new ideas in our mission.”