Sister Philomene Pawlik, PHJC passed away on December 25, 2013 at the Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson, Indiana. She was born to Hugo and Filomena (Romanovsky) Pawlik in Knox, Indiana on July 6, 1923. She entered the Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ community and professed her first vows on June 25, 1944.

Sister Philomene began ministering in the medical profession in 1946 at St. Anne Hospital, Chicago.  Over the next 51 years she served as a nursing, medical and surgical supervisor; clinical instructor; pediatric playroom supervisor; in pastoral care; or Sister hostess at many medical facilities throughout Indiana and Illinois. When the Catherine Kasper Home opened in 1970, she became the first head nurse and between 1985-1989, she served as Parish Ministry volunteer at Our Lady of Prairie in Belle Plaine, Minnesota.

Sister Philomene retired to the Catherine Kasper Home in 1997.

Once when reflecting back on her life, Sister Philomene said the most comforting word to her was faith – faith in God and faith in the people that touched her life.  She said being a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ meant to love and work in the presence of God and in the footsteps of Blessed Catherine Kasper.

May Sister Philomene rest in peace!

Memorial contributions may be made to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, PO Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513.