Patricia Klaas 

I’ve been in Associate Relationship since October 2001, when I was invited by Sister Kate Brenner and my classmate, Sister Amy Therese Kenealy.

I was born in Gary, Indiana, in 1941 and grew up in Cedar Lake. I attended Holy Name School, where I met the School Sisters of St. Francis. I left home in 1956, during my sophomore year of high school, to join the community’s Aspirancy in Milwaukee. At that time, I felt called to religious life and wanted to join the community.

I was Received on June 12, 1959, and given the name Sister Katherine Clare. My training, formation, and education gave me a profound love for God and people. At that time, the congregation was involved in education, nursing, and music. In January 1960, I was assigned to work in the printing department (the Seraphic Press), where I learned letterpress and offset printing.

While the community was deciding whether to continue the printing department, I was sent to Chicago, where I worked part time at Argus Press and studied at Loyola University. I graduated with a degree in business administration and accounting. Then I was sent back to Milwaukee to become the director of the community’s Health Care Fund.

In 1978, my mother became ill with cancer, and I asked to care for her in Crown Point, Indiana. While caring for her, I earned a certification in the medical field. After mom passed away in August 1979, I met Dr. Teolis in Sauk Village Illinois, where Sister Amy Therese and Sister Madonna lived. I moved to Sauk Village and worked for Dr. Teolis for 11 years. It was during these years that I decided to leave the congregation in May 1982.

In October 1997, I moved back to Crown Point, where I still live. I’ve had many different jobs, and I retired in May 2021. I am a Eucharistic minister at St. Mary’s Parish in Crown Point. Many times, I bring the Lord to the elderly and sick. I am happy and content, knowing that I am blessed. My sense of service to others is deeply rooted in my involvement with the School Sisters of St. Francis.

The Pax Area Community that I had belonged to dissolved in 2015. At that time, I joined the Poverello Area Community, which meets at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, Illinois. I am very happy to be a part of this group. I thank God daily for all the wonderful and positive experiences I enjoy in life.

Congratulations on your 25th Jubilee, Patricia. We are grateful for your time in community, and are happy for your return as an associate.