Simple giving makes all the difference

“The sisters befriended me when I didn’t even realize I needed a friend.”

Jackie B., Apostolic Circle Member

Jackie B. first met the Salvatorian Sisters in the late ‘80s while searching for a spiritual retreat. Her then-pastor suggested meeting one-on-one with Sister Pat Kieler, SDS in Milwaukee. Coming from out of town, she stayed on the top floor of Mother of Good Counsel convent, or as Jackie calls it, “the Old Convent.” She says her time spent with Sr. Pat was life-changing. “I was at a crossroads in my life and her direction helped me with discernment.” Jackie is one of many who has benefited from Sr. Pat’s spiritual direction over the last 40 years.

Eventually, Jackie moved closer to Milwaukee and began coming to prayer services and events hosted by the Salvatorian Sisters. Those encounters led to friendships with Sisters Jean Schafer, SDS and Karlyn Cauley, SDS. Today, Jackie relies on our website and newsletters to stay connected with her SDS friends. Her long-time friendships and intentional charitable giving plan have inspired Jackie’s faithful generosity to support our U.S. ministries and international missions for more than 30 years. It includes cash gifts and more recently, a gift of stock.

Several years ago, we welcomed Jackie into our Apostolic Circle after she named the Sisters of the Divine Savior in her will. She knows her gifts to the Salvatorian Sisters directly help people in need. She says, “I am committed to trying to find ways to leave the world a bit better than I found it.”

Jackie’s heart for others was instilled by her mother Germaine. She remembers her mom inviting people in need to spend a couple days in their home, often saying, “You can always add a cup of water to the soup.” When Germaine passed away, Jackie became aware of numerous organizations where her mom had volunteered. Like Jackie, her mother believed in giving without fanfare.