Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI

Sister Lynne Marie Simonich

How can we keep from singing?

Sister Lynne Marie Simonich
Gift of music permeates Sister Lynne Marie Simonich’s life and surroundings

I grew up in Ironwood, Mich., with my mom and dad, Jean and Rudy; my sister, Bonnie; and my brother, Joe. I attended our Catholic grade and high school and was taught by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.

Music has been part of my life since I was 7 years old when I began to learn to play the piano. I learned to play the pipe organ when I was in 8th grade and would play for Masses, weddings and funerals when I was in high school and beyond.

I entered the convent in Manitowoc with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity after I graduated in 1968. I graduated from Holy Family (Silver Lake) College in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education.

As a music specialist I taught in schools in Rhinelander, Appleton, Green Bay, Manitowoc and West Point, Nebraska. In the 1980s I began ministry as a pastoral associate and liturgist. I received a master’s degree in Theological Studies from  St. Norbert College and ministered in parishes in Oshkosh, Appleton, Francis Creek, Greenville, Plain and Spring Green, Wisconsin; Gallipolis, Ohio; and Point Pleasant, West Virginia. I transferred to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in 2000.

Living and working at the Motherhouse, I enjoy the beauty of creation all around us. I hear the music of the wind through the trees, the melodies of a variety of birds and some not so melodious sounds of frogs. I see the colors of the flowering plants, the different shades of greens and the blue sky sometimes peppered with clouds. I am able to share the gift of music God has given me by playing for some of the Masses here. It is good to be here.

In these past 50 years I have been blessed with many wonderful and challenging experiences. I thank God for the love, support and faith that has been and continues to be shared with me.


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