Jubilarians | Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of O’Fallon (CPPS)
50th First Profession
Sister Maria Jesus Montano Cortadellas
Birth name: Flora Cortadellas
Birthplace: LaPaz, Bolivia
Entrance: 1967
First profession: 1970
Education: Registered Nurse at Elizabeth Seton School of Nursing, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1974
Service in the archdiocese: Volunteer, Motherhouse, O’Fallon, Missouri, 1995
Service outside the archdiocese: Nurse, Seton Hospital, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1975
Medical and pastoral service, Maria Reina Parish, LaPaz, Bolivia, 1975-93
Formation program personnel, House of Formation, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1993-99
Study and research, Education Center, San Pablo, Brazil, 1993
Administration, Hospital Cuschieri, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1993-94
Volunteer, Santa Monica, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1995
Medical and pastoral service, Hospital Cuschieri, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1995-2002
Coordinator of formation team, House of Formation, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1999-2002
Director of aspirants, postulants and novices, House of Formation, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1999-2002
Director of nurses, Hospital Cuschieri, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 2002-15
Volunteer, Hospital Viedma, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 2015-present
About Sister Maria Jesus Montano Cortadellas: Sister Maria Jesus loves nature very much. She cultivates plants and has a great respect for the use of water. She loves animals, especially dogs who she’s sure are true friends of human beings. She is a spiritual person, but also looks for activities with those who need her support and consider that they have been sent to her by God. She is surprised how fast the time went belonging to this community for 50 years of service to those she has encountered in daily life. She gives thanks to God for having guided her to the CPPS Congregation and for their protection of her during all of her life and until God wishes.
60th First Profession
Sister Margaret Bollner
Birthplace: Charleston, South Carolina
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education, Fontbonne College, St. Louis, 1966
Master’s in creation spirituality, Holy Names College, Oakland, California, 1993
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, All Saints School, St. Peters, 1963-64
Elementary teacher, St. Clement of Rome, St. Louis, 1966-72
Elementary teacher, Assumption School-Mattese, St. Louis, 1972-73
Elementary teacher, St. Paul School, Fenton, 1973-75
Elementary teacher, Linda Vista Montessori School, Chesterfield, 1980-83
Preschool teacher, Visitation Child Development Center, St. Louis, 1983-86
Elementary teacher, Most Holy Trinity School, St. Louis, 1986-92
Residential counselor, Girls Hope, St. Louis, 1995-2001
Massage therapist, Chronic Healing and Body Energy Work, Wentzville Chiropractic, Wentzville, 2005-12, 2012 -present
Prayer and presence, Bethany Community, O’Fallon, 2012-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Brendan School, Mexico, Missouri, 1964-66
Pastoral minister, St. Brendan Parish, Mexico, Missouri, 1979-80
Ministry to the poor, Food Bank, Oakland, California, 1994-95
Assistant directress, Genoa Christian Center, Genoa, West Virginia, 2002-04
About Sister Margaret Bollner: Sister Margaret enjoys being surrounded by the ocean because it quiets her soul. She enjoys challenging herself creatively to help herself and others to become the best person they can be. She has also been known to occasionally stir the pot.
60th First Profession
Sister Paulette Weindel
Birth name: Louise Weindel
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in history with a minor in education and philosophy, Maryville College, St. Louis, 1963
Master’s in guidance counseling, St. Thomas University, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1972
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, Assumption School, O’Fallon, 1962
Elementary teacher, St. Paul School, St. Paul, 1962
Elementary teacher, Our Lady of Fatima, Florissant, 1963
Elementary teacher, St. John the Baptist Elementary School, St. Louis, 1963-71
Counselor, Compton Heights Catholic School, St. Louis, 1973-78
Elderly care ministry, St. Pius V Parish, St. Louis, 1979-91
Pastoral ministry and social concerns, St. Pius V Parish, St. Louis, 1991-92
Refugee ministry, St. Pius V Parish, St. Louis, 1992-2014
Retired and volunteer, St. Louis, 2014-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Pius X School, San Antonio, Texas, 1972
Nurse aide, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Hospital, Austin, Texas, 1973
About Sister Paulette Weindel: Sister Paulette is happy and grateful to work with refugees from around the world through St. Pius V Immigrant Refugee Ministry which she helped initiate in 1990-91. Their faith, their hope, their courage inspire and challenge her to be more mindful of our global family. She loves to be with family and friends and enjoys reading and watching documentaries in the in-between times.
60th First Profession
Sister Michaleen Vomund
Birth name: Clemence Vomund
Birthplace: St. Paul, Missouri
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1960
Service in the archdiocese: Hand stitcher, Ecclesiastical Art Department, O’Fallon, 1960-65
Seamstress, Ecclesiastical Art Department, O’Fallon, 1965-70
Machine stitcher, Ecclesiastical Art Department, O’Fallon, 1970-75
Silk screen, Ecclesiastical Art Department, O’Fallon, 1975-79
Seamstress, Motherhouse, O’Fallon, 1979-81
Office assistant, St. Mary’s College, O’Fallon, 1981-88
Receptionist and administration, Garden View Care Center, O’Fallon, 1988-96
Administration, Twin Oaks Estates, O’Fallon, 1996-98
Religious education teacher, Assumption Parish, O’Fallon, 1979-84
Teacher, director of religious education, administration and volunteer, St. Barnabas the Apostle Parish, O’Fallon, 1984-2019
Retired and volunteer, Villa Theresa Apartments, O’Fallon, 2019-present
About Sister Michaleen Vomund: Sister Michaleen enjoys having free time for prayer, visiting with family, friends and activities at Abbey Senior Health and Villa Theresa. Another highlight of the day is going outside to admire all of God’s creation.
60th First Profession
Sister Joyce (Jacinta) Schramm
Birthplace: Wentzville
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in music, Fontbonne College, St. Louis, 1963
Master’s in music, University of Missouri, Columbia, 1971
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Paul School, Fenton, 1963
Elementary teacher, Holy Rosary School, Warrenton, 1963-66
Elementary teacher, St. Joseph School-Josephville, Wentzville, 1966-67
Elementary teacher, Holy Family School, St. Louis, 1968-73
Elementary teacher, St. Stephen Protomartyr School, St. Louis, 1973-75
Elementary teacher, Linda Vista Catholic School, Chesterfield, 1975-76
Montessori teacher, Linda Vista Montessori School, Chesterfield, 1976-81;1986-91
Elementary administrator, Linda Vista Montessori School, Chesterfield, 1981-83
Elementary teacher, St. Lawrence Martyr School, Bridgeton, 1985-86
Elementary administrator, Linda Vista Catholic School, Chesterfield, 1990-91
Ministry to poor, St. George Parish, St. Louis, 2008-09
Tutor, English Tutoring Project, St. Louis, 2008-14
Tutor, Holy Trinity Catholic School, St. Ann, 2014-15
Retired and volunteer, St. Louis, 2015-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Charles Academy, Stratton, Colorado, 1967-68
Montessori teacher, Woodland Montessori School, Spokane, Washington, 1984-85
Montessori teacher assistant, St. Mary’s Extension, Brownsville, Texas, 1991-92
Montessori teacher, Salomon Klein Orphanage, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1992-2002
Montessori teacher trainer, Salomon Klein Orphanage, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1995-2002
Hispanic ministry coordinator, Jefferson City Chancery, Jefferson City, Missouri, 2003-07
About Sister Joyce Schramm: One of Sister Joyce’s favorite things to do in her spare time is reading. She belongs to a book club in which we read a wide variety of books. And we have wonderful discussions. Another favorite of hers is handwork, like knitting or stitchery. She enjoys plants, gardening and watching things grow. When that plant first sprouts or that first bud forms, it’s a moment of delight and beauty for her.
60th First Profession
Sister Joanne (Mary Kateri) Reuter
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education with a minor in speech, Maryville University, St. Louis, 1963
Associate’s in nursing, St. Mary’s College, O’Fallon, 1969
Bachelor’s in nursing, Maryville University, St. Louis, 1985
Master’s in community health, Southern Illinois University, 1989
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, All Saints School, St. Peters, 1962
Elementary teacher, St. Monica School, St. Louis, 1963-64
Elementary teacher, Most Sacred Heart School, Florissant, 1964-66
Nurse aide, Motherhouse Infirmary, O’Fallon, 1966-67
Nurse, St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, 1977-78
Nurse, Motherhouse Infirmary, O’Fallon, 1969-79
College clinical instructor, St. Mary’s College, O’Fallon, 1980-83, 1985-88
College clinical instructor, St. Charles Community College, St. Peters, 1988-89
Home health nurse, Lincoln County Memorial Hospital, Troy, 1989
Home health nurse, Barnes Home Health, Earth City, 1989-92
Home health nurse, marketing liaison, health promotion nursing and supervisor, Cardinal Ritter Institute, St. Louis, 1990-2003
Health outreach nurse, SSM Senior Services, St. Louis, 2003-08
Nurse, SSM Hospice, St. Louis, 2008-14
Nurse, Regina Cleri Residence, St. Louis, 2003-present
About Sister Joanne Reuter: Sister Joanne enjoys sharing time with her sister, relatives and friends – longtime and new, especially monthly luncheons with her St. Elizabeth Academy classmates. She participates in her parish’s homebound ministry. She enjoys traveling because it lets her see more of our country and beyond, and it gives her a chance to learn different cultures and cuisine. Reading is also a favorite pastime. She is inspired by Dorothy Day, Catherine de Hoeck-Doherty and others who led the way regarding social justice issues, years ago. She also values her time as a volunteer chaplain for the O’Fallon Missouri Police Department.
60th First Profession
Sister Barbara Payne
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in English with a minor in education and Latin, Maryville College, St. Louis, 1963
Master’s in English, University of Missouri, Columbia, 1972
Master’s in library science, University of Missouri, Columbia, 1993
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, Our Lady of Fatima, Florissant, 1962-63; 1964
Elementary teacher, Most Precious Blood School, St. Louis, 1963
Secondary teacher, St. John the Baptist High School, St. Louis, 1966-70
College instructor, Sr. Mary’s College, O’Fallon, 1970-79
Pastoral minister, St. George Parish, St. Louis, 1982-86
Care of elderly, St. Elizabeth Adult Day Care, St. Louis, 1983-86
Care of elderly, The Westchester House, Chesterfield, 1987-88
Librarian, St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis, 1988-94
Librarian, St. Elizabeth Academy, St. Louis, 1994-97
Librarian, St. Joseph’s Academy, St. Louis, 1998-2010
Archivist assistant, Motherhouse, O’Fallon, 2010-12
Archivist, Motherhouse, O’Fallon, 2012-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, Sacred Heart School, Caruthersville, Missouri, 1963-64
Elementary teacher, St. Mary School, Glasgow, Missouri, 1965
Elementary teacher, St. Brendan School, Mexico, Missouri, 1965-66
Pastoral minister, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville, Illinois, 1979-81
Pastoral minister, St. Anthony Parish, St. James, Missouri, 1986-87
About Sister Barbara Payne: Sister Barbara lives in Villa Theresa Apartments near her archives office. Her work has afforded her the opportunity to discover her creative side; she has been busy preparing displays and writing an Archives newsletter. She is keenly interested in her congregation’s history. When she is not working, she enjoys reading mysteries, watching television, and, most of all, playing with her parrot, CooCoo.
60th First Profession
Sister Joan (Joseph Ann) Klaas, CPPS
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1957
Final profession: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in biology with a minor in education, Fontbonne College, St. Louis, 1963
Master’s in biology, St. Mary’s College, Winona, Minnesota, 1971
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, Holy Family School, St. Louis, 1963-65
Secondary teacher, Bishop DuBourg High School, St. Louis, 1965-71
Renewal team, CPPS Congregation, O’Fallon, 1971-73
College instructor, St. Mary’s College, O’Fallon, 1972-77
Secondary teacher, St. John the Baptist High School, St. Louis, 1977-80
General councilor, CPPS Congregation, O’Fallon, 1980-86
Superior general, CPPS Congregation, O’Fallon, 1986-92
Ministry to poor, St. Agatha, St. Louis, 1992-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Vilnius and Kaunas Archdioceses, various cities in Lithuania, 1994-97
Director of novices, Casa de Teresa Weber, Lima, Peru, 2000-01
About Sister Joan Klaas, CPPS: Sister Joan has been ministering to the poor at St. Agatha Pantry in St. Louis for over 25 years. In her spare time she likes to read, write notes and letters, and visit with friends. She also enjoys nature and working with house plants and giving them to others.
60th First Profession
Sister Marjorie (Mary Matthias) Cordes
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education, Fontbonne College, St. Louis, 1966
Master’s in creation spirituality, Holy Names College, Oakland, California, 1993
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, Our Lady of Fatima School, Florissant, 1963-65
Secondary teacher, St. John the Baptist High School, St. Louis, 1969-77
Secondary teacher, Bishop DuBourg High School, St. Louis, 1977-83
Secondary principal assistant, Bishop DuBourg High School, St. Louis, 1979-83
Secondary teacher, St. Mary’s Academy, O’Fallon, 1983-86
Secondary teacher, St. John the Baptist High School, St. Louis, 1987-92
General councilor, CPPS Congregation, O’Fallon, 1992-98
General administration, Retirement Centers, Motherhouse, O’Fallon, 1992-98
Ministry to poor, St. Agatha Center, St. Louis, 1999-2004, 2010-15
Local coordinator, Retirement Centers, Motherhouse, O’Fallon, 2004-10
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. John’s School, Uncasville, Connecticut, 1965-66
Elementary teacher, Redwood School of Precious Blood, Redwood Falls, Minnesota, 1966-68
Secondary teacher, St. Henry School, Charleston, Missouri, 1968-69
About Sister Marjorie Cordes: Sister Marge has been ministering in prayer and presence at Villa Theresa Apartments since 2015 She enjoys sharing life with friends. She is grateful for opportunities she has had through: many years of teaching; working with the poor in a local food pantry; working with and for here sisters in community administration and in journeying with senior sisters in the retirement center.
60th First Profession
Sister Charlene Grieshaber
Birth name: Isabel Grieshaber
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in business with a minor in education, Fontbonne College, St. Louis, 1963
Master’s in business and vocational education with a minor in library science, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, 1973
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, All Saints School, St. Peters, 1963
Elementary teacher, St. Agnes School, Bloomsdale, 1963-66
Secondary teacher, St. Mary’s Academy, O’Fallon, 1966-79
Secondary principal, St. Mary’s Academy, O’Fallon, 1979-81
Director of postulants and novices, Motherhouse, O’Fallon, 1981-84
Alumnae and development director, St. Mary’s Academy, O’Fallon, 1983-86
Secretary general, CPPS Congregation, O’Fallon, 1986-2004
Communications coordinator, CPPS Congregation, O’Fallon, 1992-2003
Administrative assistant, Regina Cleri, St. Louis, 2005-15
Retired and volunteer, St. Louis, 2015-present
Service outside the archdiocese:
About Sister Charlene Grieshaber: Sister Charlene is happy to be a joyful Sister of the Most Precious Blood and to participate in CPPS gatherings. She enjoys visiting with family and friends, including her CPPS Partners in Mission Faith Community, St. Elizabeth Academy alums especially her class of 1957, St. Mary’s Academy alumnae, and participating in a Dreamer’s Group, Centering Prayer gatherings, and other groups. Another pleasure of hers is reading a good book, going to a movie, listening to music, playing cards/games and currently being a member of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood 175th Jubilee Planning Committee. Yes, all is gift!
70th First Profession
Sister Alice Falk
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1947
First profession: 1950
Education: Bachelor’s in history, minor in social studies, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1960
Master’s in theology, St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1966
Master’s in religious studies, ILIFF School of Theology, Denver, Colorado, 1975
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Stephen Protomartyr School, St. Louis, 1950-51
Elementary teacher, St. Alphonsus School-Millwood, Silex, 1952-53
Elementary teacher, St. Monica School, St. Louis, 1956-60
Elementary teacher, St. Clement of Rome School, St. Louis, 1957
Elementary teacher and principal, Sr. Mary School, Glasgow, 1966-67
Director of novices, St. Mary’s Novitiate, O’Fallon, 1967-68
Secondary teacher, St. Elizabeth Academy, St. Louis, 1968-70
Volunteer, Motherhouse, O’Fallon, 1992
Care of elderly administrative assistant, Rosary House, St. Louis, 1992
Transportation driver, Motherhouse, O’Fallon, 1992-94
Secretary and typist, Motherhouse, O’Fallon, 1993-98
Pastoral associate, Ste. Genevieve du Bois Parish, St. Louis, 1999-2001
Volunteer, St. Clement of Rome, St. Louis, 2001-02
Assistant director, Catholic Home Study Services, Perryville, 2002-10
Prayer and presence, Visitation and Sophia Communities, O’Fallon, 2016-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Mary’s School, Quincy, Illinois, 1953-56
Elementary teacher and principal, St. Henry School, Charleston, Missouri, 1960-62
Secondary teacher, St. Henry School, Charleston, Missouri, 1960-62
Elementary teacher and principal, St. Ann School, Carthage, Missouri, 1962-66
Director of religious education, Eastern Colorado Parishes, 1970-73
Director of religious education, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Northglenn, Colorado, 1973-75
Director of religious education, Spirit of Christ Parish, Arvada, Colorado, 1975-77
Pastoral minister, Maria Reina Parish, LaPaz, Bolivia, 1977-79
Director of religious education, Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1979-83
Pastoral associate, Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1986-91
RCIA coordinator, St. Pius X Parish, Tucson, Arizona, 1991
About Sister Alice Falk: Sister Alice has been serving in prayer and presence at Veronica House in Bridgeton since 2019. In her spare time her hobbies and interests are praying, reading, vising with others, working puzzles, and playing on the computer.
75th First Profession
Sister Luanna Brucks
Birth name: Harriet Brucks
Birthplace: Glasgow, Missouri
Entrance: 1942
First profession: 1945
Education: Bachelor’s in music education, minor in piano, Fontbonne University, St. Louis, 1960
Master’s in music education, minor in voice, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, 1968
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, Holy Innocents School, St. Louis, 1945-47, 1956-58
Elementary teacher, St. Patrick School, Wentzville, 1949-50
Elementary teacher, Most Sacred Heart School, Florissant, 1950-51
Secondary teacher, St. Elizabeth Academy, St. Louis, 1959-62
Secondary teacher, Bishop DuBourg High School, St. Louis, 1962-75
Instructor, St. Mary’s College, O’Fallon, 1975-87
Secondary teacher, St. Mary’s Academy, O’Fallon, 1975-90
Instructor, St. Charles Community College, St. Peters, 1987-90
Volunteer, St. Joachim Community, O’Fallon, 2010-11
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Peter School, Fulton, Missouri, 1948-49
Elementary teacher, St. Peter’s School, Quincy, Illinois, 1951-53
Secondary teacher, St. Joseph High School, Omaha, Nebraska, 1953-56
Pastoral minister, St. Pius X Parish, Moberly, Missouri, 1990-96
Liturgist and pastoral musician, St. Pius X Parish, Moberly, Missouri, 1996-2001
Pastoral care volunteer, St. Peter Parish, Marshall, Missouri, 2001-10
Prayer and presence, Marshall Convent, Marshall, Missouri, 2002-10
About Sister Luanna Brucks: Sister Luanna has been serving in prayer and presence at Villa Theresa Apartments in O’Fallon since 2010. She likes to spend time praying, reflecting and resting. She like to take long walks and pray for all the people whose lives she has touched, for refugees and victims of COVID-19.
75th First Profession
Sister Mary Joan Dyer
Birth name: Mary Ann
Birthplace: Millwood
Entrance: 1942
First profession: 1945
Education: Bachelor’s in French, minor in Latin, philosophy and education, Fontbonne University, St. Louis, 1961
Master’s in French, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, 1972
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Domenico Home, St. Louis, 1945-48
Elementary teacher, Most Sacred Heart School, Florissant, 1962-64
Elementary teacher, Holy Family School, St. Louis, 1964-66
Elementary principal, Holy Family School, St. Louis, 1966-68
Secondary teacher, Bishop DuBourg High School, St. Louis, 1968-76
Adjunct college instructor, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1972-76
Instructor, St. Mary’s College, O’Fallon, 1973
Secretary general, O’Fallon, 1986-92
Congregational administrative staff, O’Fallon, 1992-97
Volunteer for congregational administrative staff, O’Fallon, 1997-2019
Congregational archivist assistant, O’Fallon, 2002-03
Congregational archivist, O’Fallon, 2003-12
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Louis School, Louisville, Colorado, 1948-57
Elementary teacher, St. James School, Crete, Nebraska, 1957-59
Elementary teacher, St. Joseph School, Des Moines, Iowa, 1959-62
Elementary teacher, St. Charles Academy, Stratton, Colorado, 1962
Elementary and secondary teacher, The English School, Helsinki, Finland, 1976-85
About Sister Mary Joan Dyer: Sister Mary Joan is currently serving in prayer and presence at Abbey Senior Health in O’Fallon. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and research, especially community history.