The Presentation Sisters’ Leadership Team is responsible for listening to, interpreting and guiding the life of the congregation. In administering the congregation, these sisters provide spiritual and material support and are corporate witness to the Presentation ministries. The Leadership Team is elected every four years, with the next election set for 2018.
Sister Janice Klein, President
Sister Janice Klein was born in Dell Rapids, SD and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. She earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from College of St. Benedict, a master’s in pastoral ministry from Loyola University and a doctorate of ministry from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. Sister Janice ministered as an elementary teacher, in parish ministry, and for the last 21 years, she has served in the Development Ministry for the Presentation Sisters. She has served on a number of boards, recently including Avera McKennan, Good Shepherd Center and Guest House for Heart Hospital of SD all in Sioux Falls. Sister Janice was one of the founders of HAPI, Homes are Possible, Inc. in Aberdeen. Sister was a member of the Presentation Sisters’ Leadership Council from 1994-1998.
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Sister Lucille Welbig, Vice President
Sister Lucille Welbig was born in Chester, SD and grew up on a farm in Colman, SD. She earned an associate’s and bachelor’s in medical technology, a master’s in pastoral studies/counseling and a master’s in health services administration. Sister Lucille has been involved in acute care in a hospital setting for 19 years, serving as a medical technologist and director of pastoral care in Aberdeen and Sioux Falls. After obtaining her master’s degree in health services administration, she served as a long-term care administrator in Montana, Nebraska and Iowa. She also served as councillor of the congregation from 2006 to 2010. She currently serves as an Avera System Member and on several Avera hospital boards and committees.
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Sister Francene Evans, Councillor
Sister Francene Evans was born in Aberdeen, SD. After attending school in Brentford for 10 years, she graduated from Aberdeen Central High School. She went on to earn an associate’s from Presentation College, Aberdeen, a bachelor’s and master’s in psychology from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisc.; and her doctorate from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Sister Francene has been involved in education ministry for many years, first serving as a high school teacher and then at several colleges and universities, including Minnesota West College from 1984 to 2004. She also served as vice president of the congregation from 1978 to 1982 and on the leadership council from 2010-2014.
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Sister Mary Thomas, Councillor
Sister Mary Thomas, was raised on a farm near Bowdle, SD, and is the youngest of eight children. Growing up, Sister Mary enjoyed her rural way life. She was able to maintain close family ties because all of her siblings lived in the area, and they gathered often to celebrate family traditions. Sister Mary attended Presentation College. During her years at the college, she discerned a call to religious life and entered the Presentation Sisters. Following novitiate, she completed her undergraduate education with a bachelor’s in theology and sociology. She has advanced degrees in Christian spirituality and organizational development. Much of her ministry had a pastoral focus serving as campus minister at Presentation College and Purdue University. She served the congregation as Vocation Director and currently is Senior Vice President of Mission Services at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
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