Franciscan Sister’s Vocation: Called To Be a Parish Director

by Sister Julie Ann on December 9, 2008

Sister Pamela Biehl, OSF, comments on her call to be a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity and a Parish Director of two growing parishes in the Diocese of Green Bay, St. Mary, Omro, WI and St. Mary, Winneconne, WI. Before being appointed by Bishop David Zubik, Sister received the blessing of her Franciscan Community Director to be the spiritual leader of these two congregations.

At the Eucharistic Liturgy formalizing the installation of Sister as Parish Director,  Bishop Zubik says Sister is “a consecrated woman who is in love with God, in love with the Church, and in love with her community.” View podcast.

Tagged as: called to be, Franciscan Sister, parish director, vocation

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  • http://www.raphael.org Sister Anne Marie Lom

    Having shared community life with Sr. Pam for the past six years leads me to say that this podcast captures her spirit, her energy, her prayer, her life’s passions very well. She is a “doer” of the Gospel, as was Francis. She lives the words of Pope Benedict XVI who says, in his encyclical on Hope, that the Christian message is not only “informative” but “performative”.

  • Sister June

    I was very touched with Sr. Pam’s installation as Parish Director.
    What a wonderful opportunity to serve the Church and our Community.
    As the Bishop said “She is in love with God, the Church, her Community and the parishes that she directs. May St. Francis always be your guide.

  • Annette Longworth

    I also feel the energy, gracious positive spirit and love for God and His people that Sr. Pam has. Her enthusiasm is contagious. I truely enjoy seeing her at mass every sunday. She goes out of her way to acknowledge everyone she can. She makes us feel welcome in our church community. We are all so lucky to have her with us at St. Mary’s in Omro and Winneconne.

  • Mary Ann Nozar

    Sister Pam was a gift to St Raphaels Parish/Oshkosh with her wit, enthusiasm, knowledge and love. I miss her at St Raphaels but I also know she is filling a great need in our neighboring cities. Way To Go Sister Pam!
    With your positive attitude and kind heart, the possibilites are endless. God Bless You Always.

  • Bev Glaeser

    Awesome! Sr. Pam is truly an inspiration for us all. I feel very blessed to know her, to have worked with her at St. Raphael’s, and I consider her to be one of my best friends.

  • Sister Marie Bernadette

    Sister Pam,
    I was so touched by this podcast. Congratulations as you are doing a great work for many people. Just keep up the energy packed person you are as you serve the Lord and others. Blessings upon you during the hard times. I am proud that you are one of our Franciscan Sisters.

  • kathy schneider

    This is the true spirit of what faith means to all of us–the love of God through people. Pam is just what is shown here-an outstanding woman of God.

  • Gary and Gail Gardner

    Sr. Pam has touched our lives in so many wonderful ways. Her energy, enthusiasm and smile always make us feel special. She is truly an angel sent by God. Thank you Sr Pam for all you do and for just being YOU.

  • John Ingala

    What a great video about a truly wonderful and spiritual woman! We always knew that Sr. Pam was special … now she is a “PodStar”!
    All kidding aside … my family and I hold Sr. Pam very dear in our hearts. We were blessed for many years at St. Raphael with her vision, energy, kindness and “that laugh”!
    Omro and Winneconne … you are truly blessed to have Sr. Pam as your Parish Director and spiritual leader. Enjoy!

  • Sharon Baker

    Sr.Pam has been, and will continue to be, the light of our parishes in Winneconne and Omro. She is truly a person of great compassion for others. As we continue to grow as Church, we can be assured that Sr. Pam will lead us as a people of God to discover our gifts and talents and continue to engage us in our parish life. It is an honor and a privilege to work with you, Sr. Pam. Your excitement for life and the faith spills over onto everyone you come in contact with. I thank God you were sent to us.

  • Steve Weigand

    What a beautiful testament to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Where one door closes another opens and oftentimes fills our cups to overflowing unexpectedly. May the Spirit continue to grace you and those you minister to, to overflowing.

  • Joy

    What a truly inspiring podcast of a transformational leader. Sr. Pam, your passion and enthusiasm is contagious! The Church community is very fortunate to have such a gifted spiritual leader to guide and direct them along their walk in life.

  • gretchen

    Sr. Pam is truly a gift, and Omro and Winneconne are blessed to have her as Spiritual Director. Her energy is contagious and in a busy, often tired world, she has a special way of sharing her time and talents to create more, exponentially, in all of her interactions.

    I enjoyed this great little video that captured so well, the spirit of one of my favorite people.

    Thank you for sharing with us all, Sr. Pam.

  • Sue Sawitski

    Sister Pam is in love with all the above mentioned things – but she is in love with life as well. It shows in every single thing that she does. When she greets you – you generally feel loved, We miss her at St. Raphael’s tho we know she is terrific at her calling.

  • Ann Olig

    What a great piece! It has captured Sr Pam perfectly. I have known Sr. Pam for 16 years through St Raphael’s and I am amazed that she has not changed in her approach to her ministry…the energy, commitment, enthusiasm and love for what she does never lags. While we miss her here, I know she has worked hard to fulfill this call in her life. I wish her continued success in her ministry to these two parishes. They are lucky to have her!

  • Sister Rosangela

    Sister Pam,
    I am proud of you and know you will do an excellent job at the parishes you serve. I know from living with you many years ago that you are full of enthusiasm and energy in serving the Lord and others.I remember opening my door in the morning and finding freshly baked cookies!!! May God bless you as you continue to serve in many ways.

  • Sandy

    You go, girl. We’re all proud of you and St. Francis is proud of you! I miss working with you (St. Raphaels– I know, I left first)but know you’re spreading the Kingdom wherever you go- Truly, this is a chance to use all the amazing talents, skills and love that you have. God bless you!

  • Sister Mary Jo Selinsky

    This podcast certainly captures Sister Pam as I know her. Continue living life with that enthusiasm and joy that characterizes you and your Franciscan Spirit, Pam.

  • Pat Lopresti

    “To be always what God wants us to be.” What a calling and what a gift in Sister Pam.

  • Pam & Steve Van

    S. Pam is such a blessing to so many people.
    Pam is the epitome of service and ministry as this podcast clearly reflects. May God continue to bless her as she has blessed us and so many others.
    We are proud to know her and call her ‘friend’.

  • Mary Moore

    While serving St. Raphael’s Parish, Sr. Pam walked with our family during the illness and death of my husband. She brings faith, hope, and love with much energy to everyone. Thank you and God Bless you in your ministry at St. Mary Winneconne and Omro.

  • Kathy Weinhold

    This podcast featuring Sr. Pam is well done, but doesn’t quite capture the “ball of fire” that she is and the energy she exudes in her love for God and people. I wish that I could be half as energetic in my life as she is and have even one-quarter of the passion she has for her vocation and all those around her.

    As busy as she is, she makes the time to help you when she is needed. I recall she drove more than 60 miles to my mother’s funeral in a small remote church in Sheboygan county, and I was so in awe that she came and so glad she was there to offer her comfort. She has a gift to talk, but she walks the talk. She is a living example of God’s gospel.

  • Sr. Pam

    To all of you who commented on the podcast about my ministry as Parish Director:

    Thank you SO much for taking the time to share your thoughts and affirming words. I am overwhelmed by your comments and your continued love and support for me and my ministry in the Church.
    I know that I am able to be what “God wants me to be” because of people like you who have graced my life with so much goodness and been such good friends to me.
    Thank you for blessing me with the gift of knowing you.

  • http://fscc@calledtobe.org Sister Sean Marie

    Already as a teenager at St. Willibrord in Chicago, Pam Biehl loved life and shared her gifts and joy. As a religious, she has gifted all who came with her on the journey. I am sure that these two parishes will be blessed with her presence among them and since her enthusiasm is catching, I’m sure they will feel they are a community loved. Well done, “good and faithful servant.”

  • JoAnn

    What a gift you are, Pam, to those who are blessed to know and love you along life’s journey. God has given you so much to share with us and you do that so well. When you look back, you have to smile at the variety of experiences that have brought you to this point. It is fun to watch you grow and flourish as a parish director. God is messing with you in a good way! Stay tuned!

  • Bertie Albright

    Sr. Pam has a way of making everything challenging and exciting. She is a very energetic, loyal and faithful person. Her challenge has been big and she strives very hard not only to achieve it but to do so with fun and laughter! I have learned much from her and know I will continue to do so. She is a great boss and an even better friend. The podcast is great! Many blesings to you Pam!

  • Rachelle

    I am truly blessed to be able to call Pam my friend. She has continued to help me grow in my relationship with God and to follow my calling. Thanks Pam for sharing your spirit and being there for me and all those whose lives you have touched! May God continue to bestow blessings on you.

  • Tom, Karen, Ben, Sam, and Jacob Biehl

    SR.Pam,

    You are a great person and a super sister and a super aunt.

    we love you!

  • Sr. Pam

    Thanks again, friends and family, for taking the time to comment on this video. I appreciate it so much and am humbled by you heartwarming words.
    I think this video does a good job in capturing both the pastoral and administrative aspects of this ministry. It can be a bit overwhelming at times but I do love all I’m doing and I am blessed with a TERRIFIC staff who are my “lifesavers” every day.

  • Tom Craig

    Aaaawwww! Winneconne is spelled wrong in the video. (Dont you just hate people like me?)
    Merry Christmas! May you survive.

    Tom

  • Vinal Van Benthem

    What a wonderful gift of energy and faith God pours out through you. Thank you for continuing to be the instrument of peace and joy that you obviously have been created to be.

  • Sister Adrianna

    Sister Pam,
    God’s blessings on you for the tremendous task/ministry you have accepted for the Church and its people. Your spirit is a blessing for those you serve.

    Sister Adrianna

  • Sr. Marla Clercx

    Well done, Sr. Pam. I especially love the picture where you are in a deep belly laugh. That is so you! Continue the good work not only of ministering to the people of God but of putting a good face on parish directors.

  • Sr. Delores Wisnicky

    Sr. Pam, this podcast does capture the love and joy you share with so many. I was privileged to shadow Sr. Pam this summer for two weeks. I learned much from her and loved being with my classmate and friend. I had been out of the area for so long, that it was great to connect with her and see her in action. Sr. Pam is in love with God and the people she serves. You follow the Lord generously,
    Sr. Pam and you know the spirit of St.Francis well. God is doing great things in you and the people you serve.

  • Shary

    I met Sister Pam a few years ago when I joined St Raphael Parish. I was going thru a major change in my Life. No judgement, just a very warm welcome. Her energy & passion was like none I have ever seen. She seemed to take me under her wing and got me involved in some of the wonderful ministries that St Raphael Church had to offer. With her kindness, loving friendship my Faith Journey has gotten stronger and going in the right direction.

    I miss her presence at St Raphael. I thank God that she was there when I truly needed her. The parishes of St Mary & Omro are truly blessed to have her at their Parish Director. Thank heavens that Omro & Winneconne are so close by.

    I can only imagine what the competition will be at the Omro & Winneconne Picnic’s next year.

    May God continue to Bless you Sister Pam as He has blessed me with your Friendship.

  • Sister Ellen Pachmayer

    Sr. Pam, I was so impressed with this piece. It really helped me to see what your role in the Church really is. Thanks for all the energy you expend in being who God calls you to be. Blessings on your ministry. Sr. Ellen

  • Pam DeLap

    What a beautiful message to the communities that you are serving AND have served in the past! This kind of committment does make a difference and changes peoples lives.

  • Sister Ruth Ann

    A beautiful presentation of your work! God has gifted you, I feel, with being able to handle a diversity of demands. I am grateful so many people will benefit from your ministry.

  • Ginny Tanner

    Sister Pam, I am one of you sister Kathy’s many friends in Seattle. I was thrilled to watch you on my first ever pod-cast viewing. You, and your sister, are amazing women. I keep the card you sent me on my bathroom mirror and see it each day: “Help me to remember Lord, that nothing’s going to happen today that you and I can’t handle together.” Have a fabulous time in Hawaii, I’ll be sending a big hug from Seattle via your sister.

  • Joseph Zenk

    What a beautiful testimony to Sr. Pam and her ministry.
    She is a gift to her parishes, her religious community and the diocese of Green Bay.

    Thank you, Pam, for listening to God’s call and saying “yes”.

  • Mary Wangler

    It has been a privelege to know Sr. Pam for over 25 years. It has always been apparant that Pam’s zeal, energy and love are from her love of God. Thus to be with Pam is to encounter the ‘word on fire’, Christ in the world. I am always mindful of God when I am with Pam. She is a great gift to all of us.

    I”m sure all of this embarasses Pam, and the purpose of the youtube is to share what one can ‘be’ as a Sister, not how great Pam is. Pam is great because God is great. It’s all a gift and we thank Pam for saying ‘yes’ to God.

  • Sr. Pam

    It is so heartwarming to read your comments. Thanks again for not only taking the time to watch this video but also for writing a response. Please be sure to share this website with others who may be interested in getting a “glimpse” of religious life as well as the ministry we do.

  • Deb Mosher

    Thank you for sharing this video with your Leadership Oshkosh class; what a great testimonial of what you do each day. It’s an honor to have met you; I’m looking forward to a great journey over the next year together. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.

  • Sister Florence Youngwirth

    Sister Pam:

    What can I say? This podcast is YOU and it depicts the integration of life so needed for good ministry – You, God, and His People.
    Blessing son you and the poeple of both ST. Mary’s.

  • Gwenn

    This is an altogether awesome website. It allows outsiders to recognize that the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity allow their members to flourish as happy, accomplished, productive women. Today, these women are not only validated and respected as members of a religious community, but just as importantly, they are loved and accepted by the people who know them. So gone are the “get thee to a nunnery” days. Religious life for women just might be one of the world’s best kept secrets!

  • Vernice Wolff

    Sr Pam, you are awesome!! You are also one of my favorite people on God’s earth. I’m thrilled for you to be given this opportunity to lead Omro and Winneconne Catholics. They are so blessed to have you, and I miss you so very much at St. Raphael’s. You are one of God’s greatest blessings and I wish you only the best. I’m honored to be able to say that I was once your roomie! Thank you for being such a true example of how to lead a Christ-like life. You’re the best!

  • Thomas M. Donovan

    Can we clone her? I know that’s tampering with the edges of our faith, but we so much need more Sr. Pam’s. She is a visionary who gets her hands dirty. Sr. Pam has no fear to be fully invoved in whatever needs to get done.The parishes of St. Mary – Omro and St. Mary – Winneconne are truly blessed to have Sr. Pam in their midst.

  • Sister Rochelle

    During this season of remembering the mystery of God’s love and birth into our world, it is really an inspiration to me to see how ONE human life can respond to that Love in such a powerful and enduring way. Truly, if we let God work within our hearts, “great things happen”. Thank you, Sister Pam, for your generousity of response and for your openness to the future as it unfolds. What a wonderfully unique call you are following!

  • Joe & Rose Vander Loop

    Sr. Pam, you are a breath of fresh air here at St. Mary’s in Winneconne. Your enthusiasm rubs off on everyone. We are so fortunate to have you here. God bless you!!!!

  • Karen Handley-Younggreen

    Sister Pam,
    When we were children I knew you were awesome but I never knew you would be on “Pod Cast!” I am blessed in having such a wonderul friend in you! You truly are a gift from God and every life you enter and touch is an extension of God’s love. In you, he is able to “reach out and touch” each and every one of us. :)
    I am not surprised in how you have excelled in your carreer and I’m sure you still have some surprises for us, up your sleeve!
    We are all bursting with pride to be able to say we know you and live in awe at what you have acomplished! You go girl!!!
    Love Always, Karen

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