Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Archivist Sister Caritas Strodthoff volunteers at Pinecrest Historical Village. Here’s her Christmas story of service.
As a Pinecrest Historical Village volunteer, Sister Caritas Strodthoff enlisted help from our novices, Sisters Colleen, Sister Clare Rose, Sister Mary Teresa, and Sister Cecelia Joy, along with Sister Mariadele Jacobs and Sister Francis Mason, to once again trim the historic Niles Church built in 1896. It originally stood off Highway 151 between Valders and Chilton before being moved to the village.
On a bright, sunshine-filled morning, the church was transformed into a Christmas delight. 
Sister Clare Rose and Sister Mary Teresa hung garlands of green from window to window and then added red berries. Sister Cecelia Joy made hanging swags of greens with red bows for the two front doors while Sister Mary Teresa hung garland over the door entry. Sister Frances and Sister Colleen placed the old wood manger on the main altar and adding all the Nativity figures.
Sister Mariadele wrapped greens filled with pinecones and red berries around the ambo and baptismal font.
