Harvest of Service—Others Will Follow is the 2008 Jubilee theme for Salvatorians of the North American Province. Sister Jenada Fanetti, SDS, celebrated her 50th Jubilee of religious profession. The celebration included a Mass and reception on Saturday, June 28. The 11 a.m. Mass was offered at Mother of Good Counsel Church and a reception for family and friends followed at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, both in Milwaukee.

Sister Jenada is Director of Religious Education for three parishes in the Mount Calvary area. The parishes are: Holy Cross Church, St. Cloud Church, and St. Joseph Church. She coordinates the program, provides enrichment sessions for 18 teachers and guides them in preparation of lesson plans.

“I prepare meaningful prayer services for the children and teens; organize service and outreach experiences for the children and teens; recruit outstanding speakers for children, teens and parents; plan retreat experiences; present Sacramental enrichment sessions for parents, children and teens in preparation for Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation; recruit teachers and provide enrichment sessions to enable each to be competent in their ministries.” She explained.

In addition, she is a member of the Human Concerns Committee and the Christian Women and visits the sick and those who have lost a loved one. She feels connected to parishioners in all aspects of their lives—in their joys and sorrows—as they face life with a strong faith. “My goal is to help people and families form deeper relationships with God.”

Sister Jenada was born one of ten children to Tony and Florence Fanetti in Chippewa Falls. “The faith in our family life was very strong. We had a close connection with our Church and the earth. My parents fostered a deep respect for priests and religious in our hearts. Being raised on a dairy farm near Bloomer, we relied on God for every aspect of our life. God carried us through the hard times and gratitude for the simple things in life was fostered in our large family. We were taught by example to open our hearts and homes to others,” she pointed out.

She taught for thirty years in elementary schools in Maryland and Wisconsin, including nine years at Holy Name School in Wausau and nine years St. Joseph’s School in Menomonie. Then she served as the Vocation Director for the Sisters of the Divine Savior.

“My journey in religious life has been abundantly blessed. It has led me to paths I could never have dreamed.. Being part of an international congregation has expanded my vision, provided encouragement, support and called me to use my gifts and talents in remarkable ways. Most of all, I am extremely grateful for tilling the fertile soil in my heart, so my relationship with God has taken deep roots. It is from this center which has been nourished by being part of a religious community. My heart is filled with deep gratitude for God’s faithfulness and the abundant blessing I have experienced. I would advise anyone seriously considering a call to vowed life, ‘Take the leap of faith and abundance will overflow in your life.’ ”