A new book was recently written about one of Wisconsin’s own Catholic organizations, St. Coletta.
St. Coletta was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi back in 1904 and ever since has been pioneering the care of individuals with disabilities.
Christina J. Goldstone’s new book, Leading with Their Hearts, details the incredible history of St. Coletta and describes her own journey to find options for her daughter, Daniela.
The history
The history of St. Coletta has been long and involved, facing many challenges from the Great Depression and World Wars to cultural resistance even among Catholics.
St. Coletta not only faced these challenges, but it went far beyond that.
Goldstone describes, “They were the first to allow children with developmental disabilities in the U.S. to receive religious education leading to their first Holy Communion. They were among the very first to give those same children academic educations . . . They trained special education teachers from across the world.
“Sr. Mary Theodore Hegeman (one of St. Coletta’s longtime leaders and the writer of several books) was at the White House ceremony with President Johnson when he signed disability legislation. I believe that Rosemary Kennedy, who lived at St. Coletta for over 50 years, inspired her family’s (including President Kennedy and his sister Eunice) involvement in disability education and legislation and many projects helping individuals with disabilities such as the Special Olympics.”
These incredible triumphs stem from the Catholic ethos at the heart of St. Coletta. The history of St. Coletta is, for much of its time, a history of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.
These heroic Sisters spent countless years offering their daily life for their brothers and sisters in Christ, including those with disabilities and their families, many of whom had no where else to turn.
In the early years of St. Coletta, they often faced resistance including, tragically, from some churchmen. There was one point shortly after the establishment of the motherhouse when donated food from local farmers was the only thing keeping the sisters alive. However, they persevered and remained faithful to the Church and to their mission to Christ’s people.
St. Coletta’s today
Today, the Catholic identity of St. Coletta remains and strengthens the staff to continue to promote the dignity of each person they encounter.
“Although sadly there is now only one working Sister of St. Francis of Assisi left at St. Coletta, as the remaining Sisters have retired and passed to their greater reward in Heaven, the Catholic identity is very strong. The original mission of the Sisters and the organization continues to rely heavily on their faith and prayers to guide them. The clients and staff attend chapel weekly. They go on yearly retreats to Assisi and bring back holy water for the fountain. The Church should consider St. Coletta one of its proudest achievements. The people of St. Coletta are true blessings in every way.”
Goldstone elaborates on several of these staff members in her book, including her daughter’s case coordinator, Sara Foerster, who remains a tremendous blessing to her family and many others and who contributed her input to the book as well.
The St. Coletta’s spirit is clearly still strong and thriving. Despite recent challenges, St. Coletta’s continue to offer its clients the best life possible.
Programs
A recent new residential program named Grace Landing has launched with new houses expanding St. Coletta’s work to Brookfield, Wis. Other programs include Genesis, a program which assists clients in learning the skills they need to be employed. Programs such as this ensure that adults with disabilities are not left with nothing to engage them once they’ve graduated from school.
This program was an important part of the author’s own daughter’s journey.
“Daniela gained many skills to help her become a more independent adult. But finding a living situation for her to put them to use was as challenging as ever.
“Her initial disability community was a disaster. I prayed nightly for guidance to help her as her newly learned abilities crumbled. It was then . . . that we were led (I believe by God) to St. Coletta of Wisconsin. It was and has continued to be the answer to our prayers. From the very first day, I was inspired by the organization’s mission, it’s people, and noble history.
“I continue to be inspired daily by the St. Coletta community — the staff, clients and all who, with their hearts, continue to lead the Sisters’ mission. This is why I titled the book, Leading with their Hearts.”
Asked why this story is so important right now, Christina commented, “The U.S. and the world today have become cynical about faith, charity, and what it means to devote your life to helping others. One hope is that the book will inspire others to lives of service and, also to help St. Coletta’s mission.
“Lastly, I hope the book will bring much needed funding to help St. Coletta continue their mission. Not only from book sales —100 percent of profits go directly to St. Coletta — but also with donations and by advocating for increased state and federal funding for children and adults with disabilities.”
Increased funding will help St. Coletta face the latest challenge — a stagnation of funding that’s only made more difficult by the overall economic situation — with the same triumphant and persevering spirit that has conquered every other obstacle in their history, for the sake of their brothers and sisters in Christ.