A Franciscan Indeed!
By: Russ Mancl
Sister Loretta Schreiber
One only has to look at photos of Sister Loretta Schreiber to know that she enjoys working outdoors. From homegrown tomatoes the size of softballs to luscious grapes from the backyard at the Sisters’ home in Breese, Illinois, you would be hard pressed to find a better example of successful gardening.
Birds of a feather flock together at 9620 Holy Cross Lane, because they know there will be something to help them through the winter months thanks to Sister Loretta. Sister grew up on a dairy, swine, and chicken farm in rural Wisconsin, owned by her parents, Bernard and Hattie Schreiber. She grew up with 4 brothers, one of whom became a priest. She attended a one-room school for 8 years before attending Our Lady of Holy Cross High School in Merrill, Wisconsin. Following high school, she entered the convent, and professed her vows on July 2, 1949, 50 years ago.
After profession she went to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson, North Dakota, which was run by the Holy Cross Sisters and took the L.P.N. program at the hospital. She was stationed there 12 years after graduation. Eventually she would call St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, Illinois, home, where she has worked since 1968. Sister enjoys her work with people in need. Her vocation is evident as she spends prayerful time with the sick and terminally ill, many years spent in the emergency room.
Reading, cross-stitch, embroidery, and parish Bingo socials are other activities that Sister enjoys. She has many a colorful story of her life and her vocation. She feels a part of the Breese community and enjoys being able to serve as a Eucharistic Minister whenever possible.
In service to God through her work with sick and terminally ill patients, care of the earth and its creatures, Sister Loretta Schreiber is truly a Franciscan indeed.