On March 8, freshmen went on a field trip to two motherhouses: the Sisters of the Presentation and the Franciscan Sisters. At both sites, students and sisters celebrated National Catholic Sisters’ Week sharing pastries and beverages.

The event culminated an interdisciplinary project involving Sister Kay Gaul and English teachers, Mrs. Cathy Conlon, Ms. Sandra Gaul and Mr. Colin Muenster. The event was funded by a grant written by Ms. Barb Ressler.

At the event, Sisters shared their vocation stories, and some reminisced about their roles at Wahlert.  

Sister James Marie Gross commented, “Being a sister has impacted my perspective on life by making me aware of the poor and helping them.” She added, “Teaching has made me aware of troubles some students face, and how I can help them.”

Another Sister of the Visitation, Sister Joanne Marie Sullivan, who attended the event, said, “I think about how much I have grown in believing in God. I see the beauty in the world and desire to share that with other people. We are much more alike as people than we are different; if we could get past the things that divide us, all would be happier.”

Sullivan also described how the Sisters of the Presentation have changed.

“Today our ministry has expanded beyond teaching into many other areas of need. We used to just teach, but now we help the community in a variety of ways,” said Sister Joanne.

The field trip opened the 9th graders’ eyes as well. “This field trip greatly impacted my views on service. I realized that leading can be serving,” said Lucas Topping, ‘20. ”It brought me closer to my faith because the Sisters were so close to God with their faith. I learned a lot from them, especially about helping others. “

According to Libby Perry, ‘20, “This field trip positively impacted my life because of the sisters. I was astounded how sisters devote their entire lives to serving God. It gives me a perspective that I can at least increase my level of service. It showed me how serving others can bring happiness because all of the sisters were so happy and thoughtful.”