Sister Elise Cholewinski traces her religious vocation to two childhood events: being Mary in the first grade Christmas pageant and receiving her First Holy Communion.
The daughter of William and Stella Cholewinski, she along with her twin sister Susan and brother Dan grew up in St. Josaphat Parish in Oshkosh. After receiving her college degree she taught at Cormier School in Ashwaubenon for two years before entering the convent.
Having received the name “Stella” at birth, she was given the name “Elise” at her reception into the Community in 1965, a name which means, “Called by God.” Sister Elise made her perpetual vows on Aug. 9, 1970. She received graduate degrees from the University of Dayton, Ohio, and Loyola University, Chicago. As a teacher she served at St. Matthew, Allouez; St. Jude, Green Bay; Holy Cross, Mishicot; Sts. Peter & Paul, Institute; and St. Mary, Bear Creek. She then became a director of religious education and served at St. John the Baptist, Seymour; Holy Angels, Darboy; and Holy Spirit, Darboy/Kimberly.
Sister Elise’s passion for teaching led her to teach of religion and spirituality in the Lifelong Learning Institute at UW-Green Bay. Her love for prayer and the Sacred Scriptures led her to prepare for spiritual direction ministry at the Norbertine Center for Spirituality, De Pere. She leads retreats at the Jesuit Retreat House, Oshkosh, and has given retreats at several other centers nationally.
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