Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OSF)

50th First Profession

Sister Julia Marie Bathon

Birth name: Mary Elizabeth Bathon

Birthplace: Du Quoin, Illinois

Entrance: August 1970

First profession: May 1973

Final profession: August 1976

Education: Bachelor’s in math, Notre Dame College, St. Louis

Master’s in math, Northeast Louisiana University, Monroe, Louisiana

Master’s in Christian spirituality, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska

Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Casimir School, St. Louis

Teacher, St. Francis of Assisi School, St. Louis

Director of associate membership and initial formation, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis

Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher in Monroe, Louisiana

Director, Center of Spiritual Direction, Bird Island, Minnesota

Director, Christ in the Wilderness, Stockton, Illinois

About Sister Julia Marie Bathon: Sister Julia grew up on a farm in southern Illinois. She loves nature and every aspect of living in the country, making her current ministry at Christ in the Wilderness her favorite. She enjoys gardening, making jelly, canning and watching the beauty of the changing seasons. She loves meeting and serving all the people who come for retreat. Another love Sister Julia has is baking. Her fresh products are sold in local farmer’s markets. She is an active member of and has served as an officer on the local Wa-Tan-Ye Women’s Service Organization, and participates in Stockton Strong, a strategic visioning group for rural communities. Growing up on a farm reminds her that life requires letting go at times. “Over the years I have known the support of those around me who helped me to yield fruit for the kingdom over the past 50 years.”

Sister Lorraine Therese DeFebbo

Birthplace: Weirton, West Virginia

Entrance: August 1970

First profession: May 1973

Final profession: August 1978

Education: Bachelor’s in music education, Fontbonne University, St. Louis

Master’s in theology-liturgical studies, University of Notre Dame

Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Holy Ghost School, St. Louis

Teacher, St. Casimir School, St. Louis

Teacher and parish secretary, Our Lady of the Pillar, St. Louis

Teacher, St. Francis of Assisi School, Oakville

Teacher, Transfiguration School, St. Louis

Director of music and liturgy, St. Blaise Parish, Maryland Heights

Leadership team, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis

Teacher, Seven Holy Founders School, Affton

Teacher and librarian, Immacolata School, Richmond Heights

Parish secretary, Assumption Parish, Mattese

Radiology clerk, Cardinal Glennon’s Medical Center, St. Louis

Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher in Markham, Illinois, and Bastrop, Louisiana

Pastoral associate in Park Forest and Dupo, Illinois

Campus minister and liturgist, Quincy University, Quincy, Illinois

Choir director, Immaculate Conception Parish, Columbia, Illinois

Director of music and liturgy, St. Gabriel Parish, Hubertus, Wisconsin

Church secretary, St. Thomas Holy Spirit Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Louis

About Sister Lorraine Therese DeFebbo: Sister Lorraine served on the Liturgical Commissions for the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the Diocese of Bellevill, and also represented Region V on the national Board for the Franciscan Federation. Lover of Fighting Irish football, movies, and all things musical, Sister Lorraine is a pianist and guitarist and was a member of the Sisters in Song National Chorus project, as well as the Muny chorus for the 75th anniversary production of the Sound of Music. She is proud of her Italian-Polish heritage and her hometown of Weirton, West Virginia. “Everything is Grace! I thank God for all those who graced me with love and support on this wonderful journey — my family, sisters, friends, dedicated music makers. ‘Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.’”

Sister Stephanie M. Kondik

Birth name: Pearl Stephanie

Birthplace: Weirton, West Virginia

Entrance: August 1970

First profession: May 1973

Final profession: August 1976

Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, Notre Dame College, St. Louis

Master’s in Scriptural studies, Saint Louis University, St. Louis

Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, St. Louis

Teacher, St. Pius X School, St. Louis

Religious education teacher, Immaculate Conception, Augusta

Secretary general, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis

Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Paschal School, West Monroe, Louisiana

Teacher, St. Matthew School, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Teacher, St. Mary School, Clyde, Ohio

Teacher, St. Frederick High School, Monroe, Louisiana

Teacher, St. Patricia School, Hickory Hills, Illinois

Teacher, St. Alexander School, Palos Hills, Illinois

Principal, Sacred Heart of Mary School, Weirton, West Virginia

Principal, Our Lady of the Ridge School, Chicago Ridge, Illinois

About Sister Stephanie M. Kondik: Sister Stephanie, born and bred a West Virginia mountaineer, delights in the beauty of nature. Blessed with a family who loves to travel, she has visited 49 states and anticipates a trip to her last state, Hawaii. She is passionate about the importance of quality Catholic education and working with children. In her spare time, she enjoys cross stitching, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, watching football, reading, traveling and spending time with family, friends and community. “I stand in awe and humility as I ponder how my life has been gifted with the Lord’s choicest blessings: my family, my Franciscan Sisters, my vocation, my friends and the numerous people with whom I have ministered.”

Sister Dolores Marie Sanchez

Birth name: Angela Dolores Sanchez

Birthplace: El Paso, Texas

Entrance: August 1970

First profession: May 1973

Final profession: August 1976

Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, St. Louis

Master’s in religious studies, Saint Louis University, St. Louis

Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Bartholomew School, Hazelwood

Teacher, St. Casimir, St. Louis

Spanish interpreter, Language Access Metro Project, St. Louis

Patients accounts specialist, Sisters of Mercy Health System, St. Louis

Pastoral associate, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, St. Louis

Community organizer, Metropolitan Congregations United, St. Louis

Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Blessed Sacrament School, El Paso, Texas

Teacher, St. Paschal School, West Monroe, Louisiana

Teacher, St. Francis of Assisi School, Chicago

Pastoral associate, St. Francis/Our Lady of the Angels, Chicago

Ministry team, Little Flower Parish, Monroe, Louisiana

Director of Hispanic ministry, Diocese of Shreveport, Louisiana

Ministry of healing and personal growth, Shalom Center, Splendora, Texas

About Sister Dolores Marie Sanchez: Sister Dolores enjoys beauty and all things creative as a guitarist, singer, song writer, as well as poet and artist. Blessed with eight siblings and great sisters in community, she is energized both by fostering community among culturally diverse people and also by working so that every person/group can effectively use their power to being about a just world for themselves and others. “So very blessed, by my family, and my Franciscan family, by God’s presence and love for me, in so many people and in the beauty of creation. Praise and thanks to you, my Lord.”

60th First Profession

Sister Gloria Clapperton

Birth name: Alicia Jane Clapperton

Birthplace: Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Entrance: July 1960

First profession: February 1963

Final profession: August 1966

Education: Bachelor’s in English, Marillac College, St. Louis

Master’s in English, Saint Louis University, St. Louis

Administrative certificate, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska

Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Holy Ghost School, Berkeley

Teacher, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, St. Louis

Teacher, St. Pius X High School, Festus

Principal, Our Lady of the Pillar School, St. Louis

Principal, St. Ann School, St. Louis

Teacher, Vianney High School, St. Louis

Secretary general, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis

ESL tutor and adult education, Parkway School District, St. Louis

Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Gerard Majella School, Markham, Illinois

Teacher, Daniel J. Gross High School, Omaha, Nebraska

Principal, St. Albert the Great School, Fairview Heights, Illinois

About Sister Gloria Clapperton: Sister Gloria was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and enjoyed a career as a secretary at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio, prior to entering the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Her secretarial skills were put to use when she was appointed secretary general of her religious community. Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in Catholic education, she ministered as teacher and principal in elementary and high schools. Sister Gloria’s love of traveling took her on numerous adventures and experiences. Truly a Franciscan, Sister Gloria continues to be dedicated to promoting peace and justice issues and protecting the environment while enjoying retirement.