Sister Joetta's life of ministry has been varied and diverse. One wonders how such an introspective and contemplative individual can continually shift gears with such finesse and make life-changing transitions seem simple. According to her, the acceptance of God’s plan lies in her favorite scripture verses.
Philippians 4:13 has been her go-to Scripture: I can do all things through God who strengthens me. Sister Joetta states: “This Scripture remains important to me as I have ministered in different leadership positions throughout my ministry. God is always there upholding me and giving me the strength to do what is expected.”
She continues, “The second scripture is from Matthew 14:22-33. This Scripture is about the apostles in the boat and Jesus comes walking toward them during the storm at the sea. Peter then also tries walking on the water and fails because he doesn’t keep his eyes on Jesus. It reminds me that I need to continue to focus on Jesus in my life. One of the lines that I like is Take heart, it is I: do not be afraid. This verse reminds me in times when I am afraid that Christ is there with me, so there is nothing to be afraid of.”
When asked what she considered to be her proudest accomplishment, she states that it is hard to choose just one, but what continually stands out for her is the Spiritual Companion Training Program that began with Lindenwood and John XXIII Retreat Center in Hartford City, Indiana, and continues today at Lindenwood. Sister Joetta noted, “I feel privileged to be able to share with others the gift of spiritual guidance, direction, or companionship. I think many people are searching for something spiritually and having someone to talk to about their spiritual life is important.”
Remembering her terms in leadership, Sister Joetta stated: “When I entered the community, I never expected to be in leadership. Early on I served two terms of four years each as a Provincial Councilor when Sister Jolise was Provincial. After my first two terms in leadership, I felt called to do full-time retreat ministry. I was hired then to be the Director of John XXIII Retreat Center in Hartford City, Indiana. Those twelve years there were probably the most enriching years of my ministry. I enjoyed the ecumenical spirit of the retreat center there and could use my creativity in creating many different themed retreats. After John XXIII closed, I returned to Donaldson and was surprised to be elected Provincial here when Sister Judith left for her term to serve as our General Superior in Dernbach, Germany. I do have to say that God certainly gave me the grace for the office.”
Sister Joetta’s retreats were not reserved for Midwesterners only. Recently, she traveled to Saint Mary’s Province in Bangalore, India and to Kenya, delivering several retreats on sections of the PHJC’s Constitution as well as on Saint Katharina Kasper. She enjoyed this time spent learning about both international groups, their cultures, and many of the sisters personally. The seed for these retreats may have been planted earlier in Sister Joetta’s ministry when Joan Appel Traver, a former member, and Sister Joetta began giving summer retreats at Donaldson about their history here. Later, Sister Joetta recalled that Sister Kate Kuenstler, PHJC, joined the team. These retreats included a trip to Hessen Cassel where the PHJCs first ministered as well as to Fort Wayne where many of the beginnings of the community took root.
Giving credit to her long-term mentor of more than 30 years, Father David Verhalen, a Holy Cross Priest, Sister Joetta recalls that with his help she was able to discern that leaving elementary school teaching and moving into parish ministry was where her personal mission was taking her. Also, she credits Father David with helping her stay open to leadership within the Poor Handmaid Community. With his spiritual direction and ongoing support, she was better able to discern the true will of God and accept Father David’s guidance.
Father David empowered Sister Joetta to be open to her night dreams. Previously, she could not recall her dreams upon waking, but with instruction and encouragement, Sister Joetta became an advocate of dream remembrance and interpretation. She stated: “My spiritual director gave me the book Dreams: God’s Forgotten Language by John Sanford. After reading the book I realized how much God spoke through dreams both in the Old and New Testaments and thought I was missing a way that God communicated with me. At the same time, I was attending an Effective Living Workshop at the Cenacle Retreat House. This workshop taught affirmations and positive thinking. So, I wrote an affirmation: I enjoy dreaming and remember my dreams. I repeated this affirmation to myself five times before going to bed and also pictured myself waking up to a remembered dream. Later that year while attending a directed retreat at the Cenacle Retreat House, I woke up remembering my first dream. I truly believe that God does give us messages in our dreams.”
During Sister Joetta’s last leadership role, many things happened. Together with PHJC Sisters Judith Diltz, Michele Dvorak, and Margaret Anne, and later Sister Nkechi Iwuoha, some of the following things took place: the sponsorship of Ancilla College was switched to Marian University, and a team of four lay people was selected to administer the day-to-day ministries at the Motherhouse. A Vision Statement for the province was authored and approved by all the sisters. Most importantly, the canonization of Saint Katharine Kasper and the 150th anniversary of the PHJCs presence in the United States, celebrated in 2018. A statue of Saint Katharina was dedicated on our property at Donaldson, and the indoor shine was refurbished. Lastly, the building of a new organ for Ancilla Domini Chapel was approved which is now coming to completion.
I’ve known Sister Joetta since 2017, when we took a sponsored trip to Italy and later, when we attended the canonization trip that she also helped coordinate. I have come to realize what a truly remarkable and versatile individual she is. Also, I took the Spiritual Companion Program offered at Lindenwood and found it to be time well spent. She co-led the program with Reverend James Hilleson, and each brought many personalized highlights to the group. Sister Joetta’s Life Journey could fill many more pages, however, her work here at Donaldson is mainly captured in this interview. Today, she lives at the Little House with Sisters Deb Davis and Marybeth Martin who presently serve on the Provincial Team. As always, Sister Joetta states that she remains open to wherever God may lead her.
Through her positive mental attitude, affirmations, and dream interpretation, I for one, predict some personal development workshops/seminars/retreats along these lines that will inform her next classes through the sharing of what she has learned through a lifetime of God’s best guidance.
