“Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself.”
St. Louise de Marillac
Leading With Love
By S. Georgia Kitt
As part of her role as coordinator of Residential Life Services, S. Franette Hyc (right) enjoys organizing a wide range of activities – both within and beyond the Motherhouse – for the Sisters to enjoy.
S. Franette Hyc has been led by God’s love throughout life and firmly believes, “God puts me where I need to be.” She currently serves as coordinator of Residential Life Services (independent living) at the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse. Her previous ministry experiences led her to take on this role in 2017. A native of Chicago, she transferred to the Sisters of Charity from the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in St. Louis in 1991. This summer, she celebrates her diamond jubilee as a vowed woman religious. Earlier in her ministry, S. Franette served in healthcare as a registered nurse and later as an administrator in a rehabilitation hospital and long-term care facility in Green Springs, near Toledo, Ohio.
While attending Xavier University in 1985, S. Franette experienced the hospitality of the Sisters of Charity through Sisters Mildred Inkrot, Alice Mary Roddy, Marge McCullough, Redempta Wittberg, and Helen Fox. She lived with them at St. Matthew in Norwood for a year and a half, during which she said, “I experienced the spirit and openness of the Community through these dedicated, committed women.” While earning a master’s degree in hospital and health care administration, she joined in Community events at the Motherhouse. Later, while living in La Crosse, Wisconsin, she felt a deep connection to St. Elizabeth Seton as well as St. Louise de Marillac—the namesake of her alma mater—who, with St. Vincent de Paul, founded the Daughters of Charity. “All Charity saints!” she noted. Feeling drawn to the SC charism, S. Franette began the process of transferring her vows in 1989. With the support of Sisters Mary Jo Gasdorf and Mary Ellen Cahall, her transfer to the Sisters of Charity was complete in April 1991.
As a Sister of Charity, S. Franette continued her ministry in healthcare. After serving as a nursing home administrator at St. Theresa Home in Cincinnati, she ministered in hospice care, particularly with the Red Ribbon Team for persons living with AIDS. The mid-1990s were a painful time—many patients were dying, often marginalized and alone. Early on, only comfort care was available, until trial medications and home-based HIV infusions began offering new hope.
Most of S. Franette’s patients were gay and many were not welcomed in their churches or by their families. She shared, “The challenge,” she shared, “was the risk that my patients would assume I was judgmental because I was a Sister. At first, I was just ‘Fran.’ Over time, they came to know I was a Sister—but I remained simply Fran. There was never a question of acceptance.” She emphasized that being open and accepting was central to her ministry: “My clients knew I truly cared. They were gifts to me.”
Eventually S. Franette became a research nurse at the University of Cincinnati AIDS Clinical Trials Unit, where she supported patients participating in studies for new HIV medications – offering hope and healing to many. “More than 40 years later, thanks to ongoing research, people with HIV can now live normal lives—as it has become a manageable chronic condition,” says S. Franette.
S. Franette sees strong parallels between her past ministries and her current role. As coordinator of independent living at the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse, she finds the ministry deeply life-giving and personal. Her greatest hope is that Sisters know she is present, available, and ready to assist when needed.
S. Franette Hyc (right) has served as coordinator of Residential Life Services at the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse since 2017.
She has long felt called to work directly with senior Sisters. Supporting a Sister through change begins with meeting her where she is—offering compassion, understanding, and a non-judgmental presence. She helps each Sister navigate available resources and connections, often consulting with professionals when additional support is needed. This ministry of presence—simply being with each Sister—fosters a positive and individualized transition into Motherhouse living.
For those beginning to consider a move to the Motherhouse, Sister Franette has developed a thoughtful and welcoming process. She collaborates closely with Rebecca Barron, RN, associate health and wellness leader, who meets with each Sister to assess her readiness for independent living. Sisters are invited to tour available rooms and can hold a space for up to three months while discerning their decision. Considerations often include proximity to elevators, the chapel, and dining areas.
Each new resident is paired with a Sister companion in her living area to answer questions and ease the transition. A Motherhouse handbook offers further guidance. Many Sisters moving in continue active ministries or volunteer on campus or in the local community—opportunities that are always encouraged and welcomed.
Additional supports include medication assistance through the Clinic, fitness training, accommodations for special dietary needs, and access to Motherhouse transportation services. Sisters typically move from community living, apartments, or family homes. Sister Franette encourages each one to take time for discernment, reflect on personal preferences and needs, and feel free to ask questions along the way.
Her guiding hope in this ministry is simple: that every Sister feels welcomed and at home. “Bring your gifts,” she says. “After all, we desire to journey together toward wholeness—no matter our age.”
In her ministry, S. Franette Hyc (left) hopes that all Sisters feel welcomed, engaged, and at home.
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