By Sam M. Lucero
Catholic Herald

Spooner parish honors nun on 50th jubilee

SPOONER -- Sr. Dominica Effertz has called St. Francis de Sales Parish her home for 31 years. As a first and second grade teacher at the parish school for the first 28 of those years, Effertz often educated two generations of parish families.

When it was time to celebrate her 50th anniversary of religious life, Effertz, the master educator, got a first-hand lesson in gratitude. Over 400 people turned out for a Mass Sept. 17 at the church to honor Effertz on her golden jubilee. A reception at the Spooner Civic Center followed the liturgy.

According to parishioners who spoke at the Mass, their affection for Effertz is much deeper than for a mere friend or teacher.

Kathleen Kantor, who began teaching with Effertz in 1969 and retired from the classroom with her in 1997, said her close friend came to be part of the parish family.

"I know that Sister is giving thanks today for her 50 years as a Sister," Kantor

said following Communion. "But it seems to me that it is we who should be thankful. Sister has graced us in so many ways."

Kantor told the crowded church that while planning the reception for Effertz, it was decided a head table would not be set up.

"... there is not one head table because we are all head table material," she said. "Because this good and holy woman is not only our teacher and our friend, she is our family."

Fr. Andrew Ricci, pastor, welcomed former students, seven visiting priests, seven visiting Sisters, and a large contingent of Effertz family members to the Mass. In his homily he spoke about gifts God presents to his people.

"God has given us the gift of creation," Ricci said. At the same time, "God sends people into our world. People who are gifts to us. By their very presence they touch us. They make a lasting difference by who they are, what they do.

"Sister, you're one of these gifts," said Ricci.

On this day of celebration, added the priest, it is an opportune time to also give thanks to God for the Effertz family, especially her parents, Henry and Angeline Effertz, who brought her into the world.

"We don't take time to say thank you for the gifts as often as we should," Ricci admitted. "This is one of those days when we pause for one second and recognize that God gives ... with an abundance. That one life can touch so many and make a difference."

Following Ricci's homily Effertz approached the sanctuary and renewed her religious vows. Before the offertory gifts were presented, five of the longtime teacher's former students carried to the sanctuary symbols chosen by Effertz that represented important parts of her life:

-- A statue of Mary, who serves as a model for the Servants of Mary religious order;

-- A loaf of bread representing not only the Eucharist but Effertz's love of cooking;

-- A liturgy of the hours prayer book signifying the importance of prayer in her life;

-- A children's Bible and reading book, which represented her dedication to teaching children to read and to love Jesus;

-- a model piano, symbolizing her gift of music she has shared with the parish as organist, pianist and choir member.

Kantor, the longtime teacher who in 1995 was co-recipient with Effetz of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Educator of the Year Award from the Diocese of Superior, stated that Effertz was an example of professionalism and compassion in the classroom. She was known far and wide as an excellent reading teacher and for never losing her cool with a boisterous class.

"To have taught across the hall from her for 28 years has been a blessing," said Kantor. "

Others spoke favorably of Effertz.

"In honoring you, Sister, we honor all women Religious, especially the Servants of Mary," said Fr. Irving Meyette.

Former student Dan Olson said Effertz instilled confidence in her students. "In Sister's class you were only limited by your imagination," said Olson, whose two daughters were also taught by Effertz.

Fr. Edward Meulemans, a retired diocesan priest who now resides in Arizona, said he first met Effertz in 1957. But it wasn't until after being appointed superintendent of diocesan schools in 1968 that he got to know her as an educator.

"I remember Sister, especially after Vatican II. A lot of things were happening that we couldn't quite understand," he said. "But she had a conviction, a lifelong commitment... She taught us to use God's gifts the best way we could."

Sr. Noreen McGinley, fellow Servite and former teacher and principal at St. Francis de Sales School, said she and Effertz became good friends while serving together.

"We walked the journey for all those years together," McGinley said. "I can say she is my best friend."

Speaking on behalf of the family, Bob Effertz offered a different picture of the jubilarian -- one of a child capable of getting into trouble and being reprimanded by her parents. Like the time she and a friend were caught smoking a homemade cigarette.

"I do believe that Sr. Dominica is an excellent teacher," said her brother. "She had good teachers. Her parents taught her kindness and (nurtured) her faith. The Effertz family is proud of her and her parents are looking down on her today."

In her message of thanks, Effertz alluded to her younger days. "I'm very much a human being" she said. "I did all the things that kids do."

She told the crowd of friends and family that she was thankful to God for the blessings in her life, particularly her parents, who formed her faith. "Surely God planted a seed (for her vocation), but mom and dad nurtured it."

Before the final blessing, Ricci announced that the parish was reserving a seat for Effertz on a Holy Land pilgrimage which Ricci will lead next year. "Please accept this small gift as a token of the love we have for you," he said.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2000