Spirit E-Newsletter February 2026

In this issue:

Spirit Day at CHM
Sister Catherine Linnenkamp obituary
Sister Johnelle Howanach obituary
Latest OLPR Podcast
Latest issue of Down to Humus newsletter
Upcoming Retreats at OLPR

ABOVE - Sister Lynn Mousel leads a discussion about the CHM Laudato Si' plan at CHM Spirit Day.

CHM Spirit Day Connects Sisters, Associates and Staff

Staff, sisters and associates gathered on Friday, February 27, at Humility of Mary Center Event Center for Spirit Day. The day offered participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of CHM’s history, charism and evolving mission.

Designed especially for newer staff members but open to all who wished to learn more, Spirit Day created space for reflection, storytelling and connection. Through prayer, presentations and conversation, attendees explored what it means to carry forward the spirit of humility, justice and care for creation that has shaped the congregation since its founding.

Staff from Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat and Humility Homes and Services, Inc. shared how CHM’s mission is lived out through sponsored ministries today. Their presentations highlighted the congregation’s ongoing commitment to serving those in need while remaining attentive to the signs of the times.

A central theme of the day was CHM’s call to Care for Earth. Participants reflected on how ecological responsibility is not simply an initiative but an expression of the congregation’s Gospel values and commitment to right relationship with all of creation.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear Sisters share ministry experiences in the United States and Latin America. Their reflections revealed courage, adaptability and deep faith amid change. Presentations on CHM history covered milestone events such as the October 8, 1957, fire that destroyed the congregation's motherhouse in Ottumwa, Iowa. As the congregation has faced transitions across decades, the sisters’ witness demonstrated how CHM has remained grounded in its core spirit while responding to new realities with trust and hope.

Spirit Day served as a reminder that the CHM story continues to unfold. Rooted in humility and sustained by community, the mission remains alive in every ministry, relationship and act of faithful service.

Sister Catherine Linnenkamp died on February 16, 2026. She was born August 12, 1938, in Sigourney, Iowa, to Raymond John and Margaret Susan (Wagner) Linnenkamp. She entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in 1960 and professed vows in 1963.

Rest in Peace,

Sister Catherine

Sister Catherine earned an Associate’s degree in Education from Ottumwa Heights College in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1958, and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, in 1964. She later attended George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, and completed a Master’s degree in Education in 1969.

Sister spent a lifetime dedicated to education as a teacher and principal, serving at schools in Ottumwa, Albia, Des Moines, Bettendorf and Davenport. After retiring from teaching, she served in the registrar’s office of Marycrest College/Teikyo/Marycrest International University.

After these 37 years in education, she worked at the Genesis Medical Center in Davenport in Health Information Management and as a receptionist, and then as a finance clerk at the Humility of Mary Center in Davenport retiring in 2022.

Her full obituary can be found here.

Sister Johnelle at home with God

Sister Johnelle Howanach died on February 20, 2026. Sister Johnelle was born in Great Falls, Montana on March 2, 1934, to John Michael and Flora Theresa (Krier) Howanach. She resided in Belt, Montana, with her parents and older sister. She graduated from Belt High School in 1952. She attended Montana State University. After two years she attended Holy Name College in Spokane, Washington. She entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in 1956. Her first vows were pronounced in 1958.

She continued her education in Davenport, Iowa, majoring in music. She taught in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bettendorf, Iowa and Great Falls.

Sr. Johnelle provided foster care for a five-year-old Native American girl, Melissa, who was one of the first children to be diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome in Montana. Sr. Johnelle helped Melissa start her own company with some of the proceeds funding lectures they present on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). She received numerous awards for championing the rights of people with disabilities.

Her full obituary can be found here.

Don't Forget to Make a Donation to Our Essentials Drive

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Please enjoy this month's issue of Down to Humus newsletter

As a part of the CHM Laudato Si’ Action Plan, the Congregation of the Humility of Mary has launched a monthly newsletter to educate themselves and others about care of the environment.

The newsletter is a place for readers to share their favorite earth-friendly links, innovative ideas and favorite recipes.

If you have ideas to submit to the publication, please click HERE.

Read the January-February newsletter

Be sure to check out the upcoming retreats at

Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat

2664 14th Avenue - Wheatland, Iowa - 563-374-1092 - theprairieretreat.org

(Click the date for additional information)

For full details and to register find our calendar at www.theprairieretreat.org

To register by email contact: olpretreat@chmiowa.org or call 563-374-1092.
For online retreats, we will send an email with a Zoom link.
Financial aid available--please ask us!

March 6-8 | 4:00 p.m. Friday - 11:00 a.m. Sunday

Lenten Retreat

Jenny Chadima

Step away for a weekend and experience a renewal of the joy and gladness found in God’s presence. $175

Saturday, March 14 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon

ONLINE ONLY: Refugia Church

Debra Rienstra

Seek deeper purpose, courageous action and the healing of the earth.

$25

Monday, March 16 | Noon - 1:30 p.m.

ONLINE Book Study: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Lori Freudenberg

Is there a book you've been meaning to read, but think it would be even better with group discussion? Join our book study group and dive into the conversations you've been craving!

Free Will Offering

Thursday, March 19 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Julian of Norwich: Wisdom in a Time of Pandemic—And Beyond

Rev. Matthew Fox, PhD

Join this online book exploration of some of Julian’s rich teachings about Mother Earth, the divine feminine and non-dualism.

$20

Friday, March 20 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Spring Equinox - Self-Renewal Day at The Prairie

Lindsay Bodenhofer, Bobbi Kelly, Dixie Shaff and Janel Wenndt

The Spring Equinox has long been recognized as a powerful time for growth, reflection, and new beginnings. Join us for your own renewal!

$40

Saturday, March 21 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Seeking Moments of Wholeness

John and Kate Cooper

Join spiritual guides Kate and John Cooper for a day of reflection, discussion and rest. Explore the themes of light and darkness in the spiritual life through the lens of Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore. $40

March 27-29 | 4:00 p.m. Friday - 11:00 a.m. Sunday

Finding Communities of Justice and Compassion in Disruptive Times

Rev. Cassandra Lawrence

Connect the pains and hopelessness of the world with practices of community care and envision what is possible.

$175

Wednesday, April 1 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Mass on The Prairie

April 10-12 | 1:00 p.m. Friday- 2:30 p.m. Sunday

Spring 2026 Writing Retreat-two ways to attend: Full weekend or *Saturday Only

Jodie Toohey

Take time for yourself to focus on your writing in a beautiful setting with this flexible weekend writing retreat.

$175/*$40 (separate registrations)

Monday, April 13 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Clergy Retreat Day at The Prairie

Pastor Robb McCoy and John Cooper

Clergy who practice self-care are more successful in their roles, able to serve others more fully and lead their churches more effectively. You need this day!

Free Will Offering

Wednesday, April 15 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Sip, Sip, Hooray! It's Tea Time

Deb Monroe

Renew your appreciation of the custom of slowing down and savoring the present moment!

$25

Thursday, April 16 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Christian Mystics: 365 Readings and Meditations

Rev. Matthew Fox, PhD

Matthew Fox believes that throughout the ages, religious patriarchal hierarchy and rigidity have obscured Christianity’s most beneficial and essential teachings: those that arise out of personal, mystical experiences of the Divine.

$20

Wednesday, April 22 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

A Walk Through The Prairie - Identifying Spring Wildflowers and Birds

Kurt Kreiter

Enjoy the beauty of this spring day and develop an appreciation for the wildflowers and birds that come alive this time of year.

$40

Saturday, April 25 | 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

At Last! A Powerful, Simple, Helpful Understanding of the Chakras

Kathleen Collins

Learn how to 'control' your own energy and stay alert to your health and emotional well-being.

$40

Click here to view a complete listing of future retreats