From left, Mother Barbara Johnson, FSE, Vicar General; Karin Siobhan Pasquale, Mother Miriam Seiferman, FSE, Mother General; and Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE, Mother Co-foundress.
MERIDEN, CT (11-11-2022) – The Franciscan Motherhouse Community of Sisters, Brothers and Apprentices witnessed Mrs. Karin Pasquale of Watertown, Connecticut, make a life commitment to Apprenticeship at the Chapel of St. John on the evening of November 11, 2022. Karin’s husband, Chris, and their children were present for the ceremony. Franciscan Apprenticeship is a life dedication of lay Catholics to live Franciscan spirituality in relationship with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. Franciscan Apprentices witness to Franciscan values in the secular world as they live out the teachings of the Catholic Church in their prayer, family life and professional life. They extend the mission of the Franciscan Sisters as lay men and women.
Karin’s dedication as a wife, mother and teacher of a growing family is her primary focus, now enhanced by her embrace of Franciscan spirituality. She has a faithful devotion to the Blessed Virgin and strives to imitate Mary’s maternal care in her daily life as mother. Karin’s commitment fittingly took place on Veterans Day which is also the memorial of St. Martin of Tours, a soldier in his younger years. Karin, also a soldier and veteran, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served as an officer in the U.S. Army. During the commitment ceremony, the new Apprentice receives an additional name expressive of her mission. In light of her Irish heritage, her womanly spirit of fortitude and drive as a leader, Karin’s Apprentice name is Siobhan, which is Irish for Joan in honor of St. Joan of Arc.