Sr. Seraphin takes first vows

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By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger

DAVENPORT — While studying anthropology in college, Katrina Beck’s mother, Kathy, asked her if she wanted to go into religious life. “No,” Katrina said firmly. “But later I realized God was calling me and giving me direction. I was not lost anymore.”

Anne Marie Amacher Sister Seraphin signs a written form of her public profession of the simple vows of poverty, chastity and obedience after taking her first vows for the Franciscan Sisters of Christ the Divine Teacher. Father Paul Appel celebrated the Mass on Aug. 15 at St. Alphonsus Church in Davenport.
Anne Marie Amacher
Sister Seraphin signs a written form of her public profession of the simple vows of poverty, chastity and obedience after taking her first vows for the Franciscan Sisters of Christ the Divine Teacher. Father Paul Appel celebrated the Mass on Aug. 15 at St. Alphonsus Church in Davenport.

She entered postulancy in 2012 with the Franciscan Sisters of Christ the Divine Teacher. In 2013 when she became a novice, she took the name Sister M. Seraphin of the Holy Innocents.

On Aug. 15, she professed her first vows, which will be renewed for three years before professing her final vows. The ceremony took place during Mass at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Davenport. The sisters reside at the parish.

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Father Paul Appel, who serves in solidum at St. Alphonsus Parish, celebrated the Mass. He blessed the black veil, Franciscan cord/cincture and Franciscan crown rosary. Mother Susan Rueve, OSF, presented the blessed items to Sr. Seraphin. Both walked down the center aisle so Sr. Seraphin could put on the items prior to professing her vows.

During the profession of vows, Sr. Seraphin knelt before Mother Rueve. Afterwards, Fr. Appel congratulated Sr. Seraphin, as did Mother Rueve and Sister Anthony Worrell.

“I feel blessed,” Sr. Seraphin said after Mass. She admitted she was a little nervous prior to the Mass.

At St. Alphonsus, Sr. Seraphin will continue to help with youth ministry, teach fourth-grade religious education and eventually work in the new bookstore that the sisters are working on.

Mother Rueve said their group is small (three in total), but the order has continued and she is hopeful for the next generation. “There is so much joy today,” she said.

Sr. Seraphin’s mom, a member of St. Wenceslaus Parish in Iowa City, said it was an exciting time for the family and her daughter’s religious community. “We are very happy for her and all the sisters.”


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1 thought on “Sr. Seraphin takes first vows

  1. This is a lovely article — thanks for sending it on to me. Jim said the investiture was very nice.I had hoped to be there but was “indisposed” Sorry that I missed it and also the family
    gathering. CONGRATULATIONS!

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