By: Monsignor David J. Baumgartner, JCL
Why the Guild Exists
It all began with a question. Many people were pondering the question of Sister Annella’s sanctity. Someone needed to come forward and ask the Church, “Can Sister Annella become a saint?” The Guild was created for this purpose, to ask Bishop Cozzens, “Can Sister Annella become a saint?”
Bishop Andrew Cozzens explains: “The faithful have carried Sister Annella’s story for generations. Now, through continued work of the Guild, her story can be gathered and promoted, so that the Church may formally consider it in discerning her sanctity.”
Canonical and Civil Foundations
In the life of the Church, the Guild is recognized as a public association of the faithful. Public associations support the work of the Church according to their founding mission. In our case, the diocesan postulator is Amanda Zurface, JCL, who, through the Guild, was entrusted with the privilege to formally petition the Church on behalf of the faithful.
Zurface explains the entity of the guild like this: “The Guild is the bridge between the faithful and the Church. It allows us to petition the Church, raise the funds needed, and—most importantly—share Sister Annella’s story with others who are suffering and searching for hope.”
In civil law, the Guild is incorporated as a non-profit organization, allowing us to responsibly raise and manage funds, operate with a board of directors, and carry out the mission with accountability and transparency.
The Purpose of the Guild
The Guild exists for three reasons:
- To support the canonical process through the postulator’s work.
- To fundraise for research, events, and canonical procedures.
- To share Sister Annella’s story, so her example can inspire hearts and souls across the Church.
Patrick Norton, who first helped bring Sister Annella’s story back to the forefront, put it simply: “The Guild makes it possible for everyone to be part of her story.”
Membership: Three Ways to Join
The Guild is a way for the faithful to connect as a community devoted to sharing and honoring Sister Annella’s life. I wish to invite you to join in one of three ways:
- Guild Member (Fee-Based): Receive monthly updates about the cause, join us for an annual retreat day, and commit to praying the Rosary daily for the Guild’s intentions. Each member receives a commemorative rosary. Suggested contribution: $50/month or $600+ annually.
- Guild Friend (Free): Receive monthly updates and stay connected to the progress of the cause.
- Guild Sorority/Fraternity (for Students): Organized by a parish, school, or group, these youth chapters invite students to learn and share Sister Annella’s story, help fundraise, and take part in activities with peers. Resources like youth T-shirts and devotional materials are available to make involvement meaningful and fun.
An Invitation to You
As President of the Guild, again, I invite you personally to join us in this work. Whether as a Guild Member, a Friend, or through a Sorority or Fraternity, your prayers and support are essential. Together, we can ensure Sister Annella’s story continues to be told, studied, and shared as a witness of hope especially in suffering.
About the Author:
Monsignor David Baumgartner, JCL, serves as President of the Guild of Sister Annella Zervas, OSB, and has been appointed Episcopal Vicar for the Cause. He holds a Licentiate in Canon Law and brings both pastoral experience and canonical expertise to this role. His enthusiasm for Sister Annella’s story animates his leadership of the Cause and his priestly ministry at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, Minnesota.
