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.”        

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.”     

Our 2012 Jubilarians

Sisters of St. Casimir 2012 Jubilarians, top row from left: Sisters Sylvia Puchoras, Kathleen Smith, Therese Banach, with Sr. Immacula Wendt, General Superior. Seated from left: Sisters Lucille Ann Bandyk, Adrian Urban, and Johanna Marie Shainauskas.

Sister Adrian Urban

Diamond Jubilee (75 years)

As Sr. Adrian is currently unable to write her reflection, we’ve asked Sr. Regina Sitkus to share some thoughts about her.  Sr. Regina lived with Sr. Adrian for 10 years, coming to know her and to have great respect and love for her.

         Sr. Adrian was a very good and conscientious primary grade teacher and always willing to help wherever there was a need.  She was generous with her time and talents in taking on additional responsibilities, such as teaching religion to children who were going to public schools. 

         Sr. Adrian has a great love for her nieces and nephews and their families.  She is a woman of prayer whose love for God and the Blessed Mother and people was witnessed by all who came to know her.  The qualities she exhibits so faithfully make her a person who is an example not to be forgotten.       

Sister Sylvia Puchoras

Golden Jubilee (50 years)

       Reflecting on my religious vocation, I value it as a precious gift from God.  The past 50 years have been filled with many graces, challenges, and blessings.  I realize that God was always there for me.

       God has blessed me with many opportunities to serve Him in the field of education and service to the Sisters.  Currently, I am at the Motherhouse, assisting in the many needs and activities.  I am grateful for the countless number of students, parents, co-workers, friends, and Sisters who have touched my life.

       To my Sisters in Community, my family, and friends who have supported me, I thank you and pray daily that God will bless you with His peace and love.

Sister Kathleen Smith

Golden Jubilee (50 years)

       My father insisted that I would attend Maria High School, and after eight years of public schooling I was “scared to death.”  So he took me in seventh grade, and dear Sister Francetta took my information.  The rest is history. 

       I loved the nuns, I loved the school, and realized how much my father loved me to give me the experience.  I had to be a nun, but I had a lot to learn before that occurred.

       Many opportunities have been given to me through the years.  I am grateful to God for all He has done for me, and the community, and I ask Him to please keep His hand extended over us in blessing.

Sister Lucille Ann Bandyk

Diamond Jubilee (60 years)

         After spending all my educational years under the guidance of the Sisters of St. Casimir, it wasn’t difficult to answer God’s call to join them in their work. 

       Now, after 60 years of service to the Church as a Sister of St. Casimir, I am grateful for the loving companionship of the Sisters, the wonderful education I have received, and the untold experience of being a teacher, principal, religious Superior, Dean of Students, and moderator of Sodalities, altar boys, Fathers’ Club and Student Council.

       Most precious of all rewards, still, is the opportunity to develop and grow in prayer life, the love of God, and the personal relationship with Jesus.  “You are my love, O Lord; You are my joy.”

Sister Johanna Marie Shainauskas      

Diamond Jubilee (60 years)

       In a spirit of gratitude and humility for having reached the incredible milestone of 60 diamond years, I celebrated this event together with all our dear Sisters, relatives, and friends.

       My sister, Sister Julie, was the first to leave the Shainauskas family to become an SSC.  That encouraged me to follow in her footsteps.  From that time on, I felt “too blessed to be stressed,” for the Lord was there accompanying me.

       My journey led to many schools, where I ministered as teacher in the elementary and high school levels, and as elementary school principal.          

       Whenever my own vocation/journey comes to an end, all I hope for is to hear His words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Sister Therese Banach

Diamond Jubilee (60 years)

       As I look back over these 60 years, I think of the blessings I received from God.  God’s faithfulness gave me the strength to believe in his promises and carry on.

       Teaching was my main occupation, and I had every grade from K through 12.  My last 33 years were teaching high school at Villa Joseph Marie near Philadelphia.  I was also librarian there.

       My parents, family, friends and Sisters in Community are a blessing.  Religious life has given me the opportunity to be more prayerful, more in touch with life through the excellent education I received and the help of my Sisters.  To anyone who feels called to religious life, I would say to accept God’s invitation and have faith in him.  You will not be disappointed.