The Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate are happy to announce the 2011 honoree for the Mother Alfred Moes Award, which began in 2008, and the Joliet Franciscan Heritage Award honorees, which began last year. Both awards will be presented at the 22nd Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast on October 16, 2011

Please join in congratulating our 2011 honorees.

Mother Alfred Moes Award - 2011 Honoree



Karen Fleshman of Columbus, Ohio

Karen Fleshman of Columbus, Ohio is our 2011 Mother Alfred Moes Award honoree.  Karen has devoted the greatest part of her life to caring for the needs of many.  A tireless volunteer for more than 30 years at Children's Hospital in Columbus, Karen provides everything from beanie babies to hugs to the young patients, while serving as a presence for family members, sometimes speaking a kind word and other times lending a willing ear. 

Karen has served on numerous boards of church and city organizations to help provide safe and recreational programs to people of many different backgrounds.  She is a member of the Southeast Community Playground Committee and is instrumental in getting companies to sponsor activity days for the neighborhood children. 

Mother Alfred Moes was a woman of vision who turned that vision into service.  Karen Fleshman is also such a person. 

Joliet Franciscan Heritage Award - 2011  Honorees

George and Regina Block
and
Father James Lennon

George and Regina Block of Joliet, Illinois are 2011 Joliet Franciscan Heritage Award honorees.  Longtime residents of Joliet, George and Regina give tirelessly of themselves to the people of Joliet through their support of a number of Joliet-area organizations as members of boards and committees.  They have provided time, talent and treasure to not only their parish and the Diocese of Joliet, but educational institutions, social service agencies and medical facilities across the community. 

George and Regina are examples of what good can come of investing of yourself in your community.  

Father James Lennon is also a 2011 Joliet Franciscan Heritage Award honoree.  A native of Joliet, Father Jim has been a part of the Diocese of Joliet since his ordination in 1958.  Serving and residing in parishes and now in residence at the John Paul II Center, Father Jim has touched thousands of lives through his years in the priesthood.  A former student of the Joliet Franciscan Sisters while a student at the Cathedral of St. Raymond School, Father Jim has served as a spiritual director to congregations of women religious for almost 40 years.  He appreciates the spiritual relationship and friendships he shares with women religious saying that his spiritual life has been greatly enriched by their commitment, dedication and devotion.