Meriden, CT.  June 18, 2000.

Jackie Dreger of Waterford, Connecticut, received the habit and veil of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in a ceremony of reception on Sunday, June 18, at the Franciscan Sisters’ chapel. Miss Dreger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Dreger, Waterford, was received by Mother Rosemae Pender, Mother General. Her new name in religious life is Sister Paul Mary, with reference to Pope Paul VI, author of Humanae Vitae (On Human Life). Mother Rosemae encouraged Sister Paul Mary to be strong in her mission to protect and support the dignity of human life, especially the lives of children she meets in her professional work as an early childhood educator.

The novitiate is a time of intense formation in prayer, Franciscan spirituality and community life to prepare the new Sister for making vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.