Sister Pamela Marie
Sr. Pamela Marie Falter
Counselor for Homeless
St. Louis, Missouri
Sister Pamela followed her second grade dream to become a Franciscan Sister of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Born and raised in St. Louis, Sister Pam was influenced by the Sisters who taught her in grade school and was inspired by the life of the St. Francis, especially his love for creation. Since becoming a Franciscan Sister, Sister Pam has been about the work of evangelization by teaching grade school for 13 years. She then embraced a call to spread the Good News by working in homeless services for twelve years. Her current ministry with people who have mental illness, addictions and are homeless has helped her grow in recognizing the face of Christ in our world today. She says she finds her strength in her "ever-growing ability to listen for God's voice through prayer, scripture, friends and strangers". Sister Pamela enjoyed hiking, camping and traveling as a child and continues these activities when she gets a chance. In addition, she enjoys photography and running.
Sister Clarice
Sr. Clarice Faltus
Pastoral Minister
Omaha, Nebraska
A professed Sister for 53 years, Sister says that in her current ministry she is privileged to be about the work of evangelization through care ministries, outreach programs and adult small faith sharing groups. Each of these areas provides numerous opportunities to instill Franciscan mission and vision. She is most passionate about her role as a Stephen Ministry Leader. In this capacity, she trains and works with individuals who are willing to make at least a two-year commitment of service to others. She says it is a joy to be associated with these men and women and to provide them with the tools they need in order to minister to those who are experiencing some sort of crisis in their lives. There are many ways we can evangelize. The dedication of these individuals is an inspiration to everyone. "Walking the journey with our brothers and sisters who are suffering enables us to see Christ in others in a very special way every day. It is inspiring to experience the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who serve, as well as in those who are served. I am grateful to God for calling me to this ministry. It is truly a blessing to witness renewed faith, hope, courage and determination in so many lives."
Sister Jacqueline
Sr. Jacqueline Svellinger
Elementary School Teacher
Logansport, Indiana
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Sister Jacqueline is very proud of being a Franciscan Sister of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for 43 years. She was taught by the Franciscan Sisters and says she admired the Sisters who taught her. She remembers her first grade teacher, Sister Catherine, who told her she would be a Sister one day. Later on, the vocation director Sister Sylvia came to her school to talk about vocations. In her senior year of high school, she went to St. Louis and met Sister Paula who took her to see the Motherhouse. "From that moment on, I knew that this was the place I wanted to be," she says. A teacher for over 40 years, Sister Jacqueline has been about the work of evangelization and says, "I love to teach God’s little ones (especially first graders). It is such a joy to see them in their eagerness to learn." Her favorite Francis story is the Christmas story about St. Francis and the Baby Jesus. An avid sports enthusiast, Sister enjoys playing sports as well as watching them. Her favorite sport to watch is football.
