Leadership of the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque is a ministry of service not only to the congregation but to the church and world. It is a work that is shared among the members with those in leadership serving a term of six years. At the end of this time, as St. Francis says, the community ministers lay down the role as easily as one lays down a towel after washing feet. Five sisters work together in this service. They support the members in their mission and common life, and tend the corporate good of the Congregation.

Currently Sr. Nancy Schreck serves as President and Sisters Pat Farrell, Marjorie Staudt, Carol Besch and Margaret Wick serve as Vice Presidents.

Sister Nancy Schreck has ministered in Mississippi for over twenty years working primarily with at risk youth.  Sr. Nancy has also served as a presenter and facilitator for religious groups throughout the nation as well as internationally. She holds a MA from Boston College and a Doctorate in Ministry from The Pacific School of Religion. schreckn@osfdbq.org

Sister Pat Farrell has a degree in English from Briar Cliff College and an MSW degree from Loyola University in Chicago. After a short time of ministry in parish religious education and high school, she began pastoral work in San Antonio, Texas, leading her eventually to 20 years in Latin America, beginning in Chile and ending in El Salvador. She also worked in the behavior health field with Spanish-speaking people in Chicago and Omaha. farrellpr@osfdbq.org

Sr. Marjorie Staudt received a Bachelor of Music degree from Briar Cliff College.   Prior to election she ministered as parish musician/pastoral service in Pocahontas, IA.  She served as director of sister support services at MSFC, after years in parish music ministry and school music teaching in Dubuque, Granville and Templeton, Iowa. staudtmg@osfdbq.org

Sr. Carol Besch has a master’s degree in theology from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN and a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola University in Chicago.  She has ministered as a junior high teacher, director of religious education in Iowa and Colorado, missioner in El Salvador and Hispanic ministry in Iowa.  She presently lives in Dubuque. beschc@osfdbq.org

Sr. Margaret Wick served as administrator of Alverno Apartments in Dubuque, IA, a housing community for low-income seniors, prior to her selection on the leadership team. Most of her ministry has been in the area of higher education with over 25 years in administrative positions at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Briar Cliff College, a master’s degree in sociology from Loyola University of Chicago, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Denver. wickm@osfdbq.org