Meet the Guild
Who We Are
The Sister Annella Guild is dedicated to sharing Sister Annella’s story and supporting her canonization process through financial contributions.
We are a private association of the faithful under the guidance of the Most Reverend Andrew H. Cozzens, STD, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston, MN.
“(...) Sister Annella is a true teacher of the Catholic faith, witnessing that each person regardless of their struggle has great dignity and is created for intimacy with God.” — Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Diocese of Crookston, MN
Our Three-Part Mission
1. Fostering the Catholic Faith
We share the story of Sister Annella’s profound faith, her love for Christ and her embrace of suffering for God’s glory — all to inspire Catholics to deepen their own relationship with God and embrace their journey toward holiness.
2. Guild News and Updates
We provide our members and supporters with updates on Sister Annella’s canonization process, membership opportunities and upcoming events — building a community dedicated to advancing Sister Annella’s cause.
3. Fundraising for the Cause
We help provide the resources needed to present Sister Annella’s life to the Holy See. Your support allows us to continue this important work, honoring her life and helping others find inspiration in her journey toward sainthood.
Meet Our President
Monsignor David Baumgartner, JCL, serves as President of the Sister Annella Guild, and has been appointed Episcopal Vicar for the Cause. His passion for Sister Annella’s story enlivens his service to the Cause and to his ministry at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, Minnesota.
Meet Our Diocesan Postulator
Amanda Zurface, JCL, serves as the Diocesan Postulator for the Cause of Sister Annella Zervas. She began this work in 2020 at the request of Patrick Norton, and in 2024, following the formation of the Sister Annella Guild, was formally nominated by its Board of Directors and accepted by Bishop Andrew Cozzens. In this role, she guides the canonical process on behalf of the Guild.
Meet Our Spiritual Director
Father Robert Schreiner, STL, serves as Chair of the Spiritual Commission of the Sister Annella Guild. His theological insight brings clarity to the Guild’s initiatives. In the Diocese of Crookston, he was among the earliest advocates for promoting awareness of Sister Annella’s life.
Guild Board of Directors
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, STD, DD | Ex Officio President
Monsignor David Baumgartner, JCL | President
Peter Crary, JD | Vice-President
Father Robert Schreiner, STL | Spiritual Director
Anna Kliner | Secretary
Deacon Jeff Reese | Treasurer
Nancy Dewey
Jon Grell
Helen Healy
Peter Jordan
Deacon Stuart Longtin
Brenda Posch
SUPPORT SISTER ANNELLA’S CAUSE
Through a tax-deductible donation, you can help share Sister Annella’s story and further her path to sainthood. Thank you for joining us in promoting knowledge of this remarkable Minnesotan, who could become the first saint from both the Diocese of Crookston and the State of Minnesota. Her example of patient suffering continues to inspire people within the Church and throughout the world.