Watch Funeral Mass (click here).

Sister Mary Clare Johnson, IHM, ran to meet her Divine Bridegroom in the early hours of September 23, 2025, surrounded by her religious community.  She was supported by the many graces of our faith, especially the Anointing of the Sick and the Apostolic Pardon.  Sister Mary Clare had been professed for 37 years, living nearly 40 years of her life in the convent.

Sister Mary Clare was born Brenda Johnson, the oldest daughter of Paul and Joyce, in Whittier, California on March 17, 1961.  Soon, she was joined by two sisters, Donna and Jenise.  They enjoyed life in California, especially raising horses.

While she was brought up in the Christian faith, it was through friends and acquaintances that she learned about the Catholic Church.  There was a spark in her soul that always wanted to know more.  Finally, she was able to attend St. Lucy’s Priory for her senior year of high school and this satisfied her deep longing for the truth.  Before graduating, she was baptized, confirmed and received her first Holy Communion at St. Frances of Rome Church in Aousa, California.  After high school, she worked in banking and showing dogs.

It was not long before she answered the call Jesus had spoken into her heart and entered religious life.  She visited different communities but her heart rested with the California Institute of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; she entered in 1986 and professed her vows in 1988.  In 1998, while in Spain celebrating the 150^th anniversary of Fr. Joaquin Masmitja’s foundation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sister Mary Clare met five IHM’s from Wichita.  Her desire to deeper live the IHM charism led her to the IHM’s in Wichita.

She transferred to the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Wichita in 2003, shortly after the passing of Sister Giovanni Oliveri, IHM, our last Sister from California.  Sister Mary Clare’s arrival at this time was a great grace as she provided a connection to the community’s California roots, a gift the community realized again and again.  Her transfer was complete on June 10, 2008, when she renewed her “yes” to Jesus as a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Wichita.  In 2013, she celebrated her silver jubilee of religious profession.

After her initial formation in California, Sister Mary Clare pursued studies in psychology with a view of doing social work.  She was a gifted listener and always open to helping others through their difficulties.  After earning a Master’s degree in Education and Administration, this ability was soon put to use in the classroom and as a principal.  Sister would go on to also earn a Master’s degree in Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia.

Sister Mary Clare was an exceptional teacher.  She poured so much of herself into her teaching; she wanted them to know the Catholic faith and God’s love for them.  Thousands of young people were influenced by her presence in the classroom.  Before coming to Wichita, she taught in both California and Arizona.   In the Diocese of Wichita, she served at St. Francis of Assisi, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Peter, all in Wichita; St. Mary Elementary, Pittsburg and Holy Cross, Hutchinson.  Sr. Mary Clare was currently teaching middle school Religion at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Goddard.  In 2016, she received the diocesan St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Distinguished Teacher Award.

Her gifts extended to mentoring new teachers; she would take many under her wing to guide and assist them.  Education students would observe her in the classroom (many of them her own Sisters) and be inspired by her gifted teaching.

More than teaching was Sister Mary Clare’s love of Jesus.  She had committed her life to our Lord and was dedicated to Him and His Blessed Mother each day.  She was faithful to her daily meditation, Holy Mass, Holy Hour, Rosary and other prayers.  She wanted to give Him her whole self.  She chose St. Clare of Assisi as her patroness for she wanted to imitate the saint’s love for the Eucharist, her simplicity and joyfulness.  Sister cherished her time before the Blessed Sacrament.

Her Sisters will miss her kindness, charity and dedication.  She was always willing to help another Sister with a project, especially sewing; she had an eye for making projects look perfect!  She was attentive to anything the Sisters needed, and most especially, through her prayers.  She would respond to prayer requests with a prompt email or write a thoughtful note with promises of prayer.

She loved spending time with her Sisters and would generously lend a helping hand in the kitchen.  She loved going on walks, enjoying the silence and beauty of nature.  Her family summed up Sister Mary Clare’s being, “Her presence brought comfort, her faith brought strength, and her love brought joy to family friends and parishioners alike.”

Sister Mary Clare is survived by her religious family of 33 Sisters, her mother, Joyce Wenzel, her sisters, Donna (Tim) O’Callaghan and Jenise (Francisco) Lopez; her nieces, Jennifer Koelsch, Lisa Montgomery, Brenna and Meghan O’Callaghan, Cassandra Valencia, Sarah Fuentes; her nephews, Sean O’Callaghan, Dominic De Santo, Angel and Noah Fuentes; aunt Betty (John) Coventry and Bonny Collins.  She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Johnson, Jr, and her step-father, Dave Wenzel.

Rosary will be 7:00 pm, Friday, September 26, 2025, with Funeral Mass at 10:00 am, Saturday, September 27, 2025, both at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Services will be lived streamed and available for viewing by clicking on the link below. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Building Fund of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 3550 North 167th Street West, Colwich, Kansas 67030.

May Jesus, her most loving Spouse have mercy on her.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.  May she rest in peace.  May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

There was cause for great rejoicing at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Andale on May 3, 2025. Sister Mary Louise Seiler, IHM, professed her First Vows into the hands of Mother Cecilia Marie Hammersley during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Professing to live the three evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience for one year, Sister Mary Louise commenced her life as a Bride of Christ.

Sister Mary Louise is a daughter of St. Joseph’s Parish in Andale, having received her Baptism there 24 years prior. Sister was raised by Theodore Seiler and Debra Hawkins. She attended Hutchinson Community College and Emporia State University before entering the convent on August 14, 2022. Sister was received as a novice on February 11, 2023, taking Our Lady as her primary patroness and St. Louis de Montfort as her secondary patron. Following her profession of vows, Sr. Mary Louise will return to college this Fall to complete her degree in Secondary Education, Biology.

The Profession Mass was celebrated by the IHM Sisters’ chaplain, Father John Hay. Father Hay’s homily centered around the mystery of vocation, reminding Sister Mary Louise that “you have been chosen, and chosen for the most sacred service of all: to live for heaven and remind everyone by your way of life of what Leon Bloy said so well many years ago: ‘the only tragedy in life is not to become a saint.’”

Father Hay went on to entrust Sister Mary Louise, and each of those called to consecrated life, to the perfect example – Mary. As Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Father Hay reminded the Sisters that they “can take no better model than Mary for such an endeavor [union with God]. Mary, who without perfect understanding, said, fiat, may this be done to me as you, God, desire.”

Professing one’s vows involves not only an internal change, but an external one as well. The evening before her profession, Sister received the blue dress of the habit, along with a cincture, a crucifix, and the rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. During Mass, after professing her vows, Sister Mary Louise received the scapular and the badge of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and her white veil was exchanged for black, symbolizing her total consecration.

Sister Mary Louise, joy evident in her person, remarks, “On the day of my vows, many of my Sisters asked for my prayers saying, ‘Jesus will not refuse His bride on her wedding day.’ It was a great blessing to hear such confidence in the power of my intercession, and now each time I receive an intention, I’m reminded of my new place in the life of the Church. As a bride of Christ, blessed to be set apart exclusively for Him, I look forward to offering my life and prayers as a gift to the Church.”

On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, postulant Meg Arnold became a novice with the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; this marks her official reception into the community. 

She will now be known as Sr. Mary Karol, after Pope St. John Paul II.  Sister was drawn to the great love the Pope had for our Lady, from his devotion to the Rosary to his motto "Totus Tuus"; he was definitely our Lady's Pope.  

Sr. Mary Karol will be continuing her formation, preparing for her next step - profession of vows.

In the words of Pope John Paul II, on the occasion of the 42nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, "To you, young people, I repeat the word of Jesus: "Duc in altum!". In proposing His exhortation once more to you, I think at the same time of the words which Mary, his Mother, addressed to the servants at Cana in Galilee: "Do whatever he tells you" (Jn 2,5). Dear young people, Christ is asking you to "put out into the deep" and the Virgin Mary is encouraging you not to hesitate in following Him" (https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/messages/vocations/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_20040811_xlii-voc-2005.html)

 

 

 

Sr. Mary Monica, IHM featured on the Diocese of Salina Podcast speaking on the topic of Discernment.

 

Heart Speaks to Heart, Cor ad Cor Loquitur, (Latin translation)

By Sister Mary Catherine Blanding, IHM,

author of a forthcoming book on St. John Henry Newman.

    

How did this idea come about?

Our Foundress, Mother Joanne Brummel, loved St. John Henry Cardinal Newman. She introduced some of us to him. At the Notre Dame Pontifical Institute, sisters learned that John Henry Newman, along with Augustine and Aquinas, is one of the Church’s greatest minds. His uniqueness lies in his understanding of the present moment.

Newman Discussion Groups

Fr. James Conley—now Bishop Conley of Lincoln—shared his seminary experience of discussing Newman’s sermons in lay-led groups. These gatherings deeply influenced him, and he wanted to continue what he had received. Our IHM Community agreed to host similar meetings from 1985 to 1995. Each session followed a pattern: reading a sermon, discussing its themes, and praying over its insights. Our group, "Lovers of Newman," attracted men and women from all vocations.

After Newman’s 2019 canonization, two of us from the original group revived these gatherings. Today, more people are drawn to St. John Henry than ever before. Why? Because his writings create those "aha" moments. He articulates our thoughts better than we can ourselves. He ignites conversion. His words speak directly to the soul, gripping each person in a unique way.

Heart Speaks to Heart Online Edition

Each month, we will present a short synopsis of a sermon with guided reading questions, points to ponder, and personal reflection questions. You are in our hearts as St. John Henry speaks to your heart.

 Here you can begin:

• Heart Speaks to Heart - Introduction
• Sermon Reflection 1
• Sermon Reflection 2
• Sermon Reflection 3
• Sermon Reflection 4
• Sermon Reflection 5
• Sermon Reflection 6
• Sermon Reflection 7
• Sermon Reflection 8
• Sermon Reflection 9
• Sermon Reflection 10

Sr. Mary Agnes and Sr. John Marie share with Divine Mercy Radio in Hays about how to live a life of joy; they base this reflection on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.

There is a saying that happiness comes in threes. There was a triple cause for rejoicing for the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary as three Sisters—Sr. Mary Gemma, Sr. Edith Marie, and Sr. Emilia Marie—each made their first profession of vows on Saturday, June 29. The three vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience are known as a “triple expression of a single ‘yes.’” By professing these vows, a Sister becomes a bride of Christ.

The first profession took place at St. Francis of Assisi parish during a Mass celebrated by Fr. John Hay, the chaplain of the IHM Sisters. Fr. Hay’s homily highlighted the role of happiness in religious life, the happiness that comes from following God. Although the microphones were not working that day, the joy in the Sisters’ voices and the radiant smiles on their faces made this happiness apparent to all.

“Professing first vows filled me with joy and fulfilled a desire I have had for a long time,” Sr. Mary Gemma said. “I am filled with gratitude that Jesus called me and for all the ways He has worked in my life to make this moment possible.”

Professing one’s vows involves not only an internal change, but an external one as well. The evening before their profession, the three Sisters received the blue dress of the habit, along with a cincture, a crucifix, and the rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. During Mass, after professing their vows, the Sisters received the scapular and the badge of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and their white veils were exchanged for black veils, symbolizing their consecration.

Sr. Edith Marie recalled a moment before Mass began when, “…our wedding day became real, and everything that led up to it—sorrows and joys alike—was so unbelievably and indescribably worth it. I cannot wait to share the joy of Christ with everyone I meet.”

Sr. Mary Gemma, the daughter of George and Marcia Hund, is originally from Paxico, Kansas, and attended Sacred Heart parish in Newbury. Sr. Edith Marie, the daughter of Brett and Jennifer Lamborn, lived in Wichita during her high school years after growing up in various places around the country. Sr. Emilia Marie, the daughter of Theodore and Susan Sponsel, grew up in the Wichita area and attended St. Peter the Apostle parish.

When reflecting on the day, Sr. Emilia Marie said, “The moment my name was called for the summons, it was as if God was calling me again to be His as He had done so long ago.” Sr. Edith Marie entered the convent in August 2021, Sr. Mary Gemma and Sr. Emilia Marie followed in January 2022, and all three became novices in the summer of 2022. During the upcoming school year, the newly professed Sisters will be continuing their spiritual and apostolic formation at the convent, as well as taking college courses to prepare for the active apostolate of education.

On Saturday, July 27, during the Mass for Religious Profession celebrated by Bishop Carl Kemme at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Schulte, Sr. Julian Marie Swantek, IHM and Sr. Maria Cabrini Sponsel, IHM professed perpetual vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience and were solemnly consecrated to God, becoming brides of Christ forever.

During the Rite of Perpetual Profession which occurred during the Mass, all in attendance prayed the Litany of the Saints for Sr. Julian Marie and Sr. Maria Cabrini, who then professed their vows in the hands of Mother Cecilia Marie, IHM. After the Sisters signed the documents of their profession on the altar of sacrifice, Bishop Kemme prayed the prayer of solemn consecration over the Sisters. The Sisters then each received a ring, which is a sign of their espousal to Christ the Bridegroom.

"The whole Mass was beautifully majestic, truly a foretaste of the heavenly liturgy that we will join in for all eternity,” Sr. Julian Marie said.

After the celebration of the Mass, many relatives and friends of the Sisters were able to join in the festivities.

“I am still in awe, and I will forever be pondering the graces received on that day and the days following. To be His bride forever—totally His—I cannot express my deep joy,” Sr. Maria Cabrini said. “The Mass was so beautiful, and we were surrounded by our community, bishops, priests, and many family and friends.”

Sr. Julian Marie, the daughter of Marc and Annette Swantek, grew up as a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Genoa, Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for three years before entering the convent.

Sr. Maria Cabrini, the daughter of Theodore and Susan Sponsel, grew up as a parishioner at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. After graduating from Bishop Carroll she attended Newman University for two years before entering the convent.

Many significant events in their religious lives have been shared by the two Sisters: both entered the convent in August 2018, were received as novices on February 11, 2019, and made their first profession of vows on March 13, 2021.

Both Sisters will be entering the active apostolate of teaching this fall. Sr. Julian Marie will be teaching science at Bishop Carroll in Wichita, and Sr. Maria Cabrini will be student teaching in the Wichita area.

What Does an IHM Have to do with a Secular Franciscan?

No, this is not a joke, but it certainly sounds like one! An IHM, Sr. Mary Catherine, is formally recorded in the National Secular Franciscan data base as “spiritual assistant” to the St. Anthony Franciscan Fraternity in Wichita. You may wonder, what is a secular order and a spiritual assistant?

History of Secular Orders

As the medieval religious orders began, many lay men and women yearned for the “more” of Gospel living, while being faithful to their state of life. In the case of the Franciscans, St. Francis of Assisi began the “Order of Penitents,” an official order for both laity and diocesan priests. Francis urged the Order of Penitents to live simply, grow in their spiritual lives, and especially be a light to the poor and outcast. The “Little Poor Man formed a simple rule for the "Brothers and Sister of Penance" and today they are known as the Secular Franciscan Order (prior to 1978 they were known as "The Third Order.") The OFS is more than another group in the Church. They are an order, whose fraternities are established according to Canon Law (303), and strive to follow the Gospel in their lives everyday -- lives of simplicity and service. Throughout the centuries this “Franciscan Third Order” as it was then called, claimed many saints and family of saints, such as St. Charles Borromeo, St. John Fisher, and St. John Vianney. Before they founded their own orders, St. Bridget of Sweden, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, and St. Katherine Drexel, among many other Founders and Foundresses of Religious Orders, belonged to the Franciscan Third Order. Many relatives of saints come from of Secular Franciscans, such as the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux and Maximilian Kolbe; the mothers of St. John Bosco and St. Maria Goretti.

What is a Spiritual Assistant?

A Spiritual Assistant, usually a Franciscan friar, helps form the spirituality of the secular order and builds community. Why, then, is an IHM a spiritual assistant? Because of the lack of vocations to the Capuchins, the Franciscans at this time find it challenging to provide spiritual assistants. According to the Secular Franciscans Constitutions, a spiritual assistant can be a religious of another order. The National Fraternity accepted Sister Mary Catherine because she is engaged with ongoing study of spiritual theology and formation from the Avila Institute, er tutelage under the regional spiritual assistant, Fr. Scully, OFM, as well of course her formation and experience as an IHM. Sister tries to implement the following: 

• To be one who inspires by her own prayer and example. St. Francis exemplified this in his famous walk through a town, “preaching a sermon” without words
• To be available for questions on Spiritual Theology, Catholic doctrine, and community. Her years of religious life and education have prepared her for this.
• To guarantee Franciscan spirituality
• To foster community, especially by going out to each SFO, and encouraging him/her in his/her unique gifts
• To encourage the SFOs in general and individually the urgent importance of their lay witness and apostolate

In the words of St. John Paul II, (The Spiritual Assistant)… must get to know the members of the Fraternity, one by one, and form them by harmonizing the education and abilities of each so that no one remains isolated or on the periphery. I am talking about a profound work that is carried out discreetly and quietly. Finally, our IHM Constitutions urge the Sisters to evangelize and catechize whenever the opportunity presents itself, under the authority of obedience. A Spiritual Assistant helps the laity to live faithful to the Gospel in the 21st century, especially by evangelizing their own families and respecting human life at every stage, so it is obvious that an IHM can serve in this manner. It is an honor to help these beautiful laypersons. Yes, there is a connection between an IHM and a Secular Franciscan, and though it is not a joke, it is pleasant!

Sr. John Marie and Sr. Mary Monica contributed articles to the Diocese of Salina Faith Magazine.  For the entire publication or past magazines, go to https://salinadiocese.org/publications/faith/