Franciscan Sisters’ New Leadership Called and Blessed to Serve

Within a Sunday Eucharistic celebration on July 13, 2025, the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, witnessed the acceptance of ministry by our newly elected leadership. Bishop David Ricken, Diocese of Green Bay, was invited to preside at the afternoon Mass.

Transfer of Authority

After the homily, as a sign of the legitimate transfer of authority, Bishop called Sister Natalie Binversie, the former Community Director of the Congregation, to transfer the seal of the Community to Sister Marlita Henseler, the newly elected Community Director. Next, Sister Marlita, repeated the oath of office after the bishop.

I, Sister Marlita Henseler, Community Director of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, promise before God, our Seraphic Father Francis, all the saints, and you, Most Reverend Bishop, in the presence of this assembly of my Sisters, and before our entire Community: obedience to the stirrings of the Spirit in our lives; an abiding faith in God’s enduring, loving kindness; love, loyalty, and obedience to the Church; and fidelity to our Rule, Constitutions and Directory. I promise you, my Sisters, loving service and abiding concern in your regard and well-being. I recommend myself and all the needs of our Community to your constant prayers and to the mercy of Almighty God. Amen.

Following Bishop Ricken’s bestowing a blessing on Sister Marlita, Council members Sister Pamela Biehl, Sister Anne Turba, Sister Jacqueline Spaniola and Sister Carol Ann Gambsky promised their oaths of office.

I, Sister (name), promise before God, St. Francis, our Seraphic Father, all the saints, you, Sister Marlita (Community Director), and all my Sisters, obedience in faith to the Spirit of God; devoted reverence to our Holy Mother, the Church; fidelity to our Rule, Constitutions and Directory; dedication to the well-being of our Sisters in Community; and fulfillment of the duties of the office entrusted to me, by God’s grace. I beg the prayers of my Sisters.

Bishop Ricken prayed this prayer at the conclusion of the liturgy. 

God, Father of us all, and giver of every gift, we offer you our fervent and humble prayers. We beg you to grant your divine grace, protection and consolation to your servant, Sister Marlita, who has been elected Community Director of this Congregation. Help her, guide her and all her Sisters to fulfill the threefold mission of your Church in the modern world: witness, manifested by their lives as signs; ministry, radiated in their lives by action; fellowship, experienced in their lives given to one another in Community. May they live the Gospel message, as did St. Francis and their foundresses. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity General Administration are pictured from right to left: First Councilor Sister Pamela Biehl; Second Councilor Sister Anne Turba; Community Director Sister Marlita Henseler; Third Councilor Sister Jacqueline Spaniola; Fourth Councilor Sister Carol Ann Gambsky.

Unique Gifts to Lead

The General Administration brings unique personal gifts to lead at this present time in history. Originally from St. Dominic Parish, Sheboygan, WI, Sister Marlita has ministered as a teacher, principal and pastoral leader. Most recently, she was a volunteer serving unhoused women, feeding the needy at Casa Maria and teaching English to adult migrants at Barrio Viejo in Tucson. First Councilor, Sister Pamela, is from All Saints Parish, Chicago, IL. Sister has a background in education, Director of Liturgy and Parish Leader. Sister Anne Turba, Second Councilor from St. Ann Parish, St. Anna, WI., is an Adult Nurse Practitioner ministering at the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Community Health Clinic. She has given many years to the Congregation’s Sponsorship Ministries’ boards. Third Councilor Sister Jacqueline has served as a teacher, Director of Religious Education and her last assignment as Pastoral Associate at St. Albert the Great University Parish, Houghton, Michigan and St. Anne Parish, Chassell, MI. Her home parish is St. Mary Queen of Angels Parish, Swartz Creek, MI. Dedicated to music education, Fourth Councilor Sister Carol Ann recently served as the Administer of Holy Family Conservatory, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Her home parish is ­Most Precious Blood Parish, New London, WI.

The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity were founded on November 9, 1869 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Our Sisters serve in Arizona, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin. Our newest members are from the states of Texas, Colorado and Wisconsin. Are you a young woman discerning your call from God? The world needs you. God calls you. We invite you.