By Karmen Lemke, Executive Director of Catholic Charities
Sister Natalie Binversie has been an invaluable asset to Catholic Charities during her tenure on the Board of Directors. Her commitment to service and her deep-rooted faith has profoundly influenced our organization and the broader community. As the Community Director of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, which she continues through July 13, 2025, she brings a unique perspective grounded in the values of compassion, stewardship, and social justice that resonate deeply with the mission of Catholic Charities.
Throughout her service, Sister has been a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her talent of fostering collaboration among diverse groups has led to innovative programs and initiatives that address pressing community needs. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard and that their needs are met with dignity and respect.
A notable example of this is the connection she has made for Catholic Charities in the Manitowoc community, first with introductions to leadership at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital, Sponsored Ministries, and St. Paul Elder Services. A need was identified for increased service to the growing Hispanic communities, and we’ve since responded with a new “kiosk” at St. Francis Assisi Parish Center. It is just beginning to bear fruit.
Sister Natalie was born into a farm family who lived two miles west of St. Nazianz. She is the daughter of Alfred and Rita (Leitermann) Binversie and was the second oldest of 11 children. She has five brothers and five sisters.
She said she was in the second grade when she first thought about becoming a religious sister. Sister Natalie made her First Vows with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc in 1969.
I asked her, “What was the impetus of your call to sisterhood?” and here is Sister Natalie’s heartfelt response:
“I had the witness of my parents who were faithful Catholics. The family was raised knowing that God came first in our lives. All of my schooling was in Catholic schools with the School Sisters of St. Francis from Milwaukee as my teachers. We were encouraged to pray for God’s will in discerning our vocation in life. I made the decision to become a sister during the fall retreat of my senior year. I had several relatives who were priests and sisters, along with my teachers and the support of my family to help in the discernment to become a sister.”
As Sister Natalie nears the completion time on the Catholic Charities Board, she offered these thoughts on the mission of Catholic Charities:
What have you enjoyed most about serving on the Catholic Charities Board?
“While serving on the Catholic Charities Board, I have experienced the evolution of the Strategic Plan to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable in the 16 counties served. I appreciated meeting and getting to know and work with the other board members and the diocesan staff. The commitment of each person was edifying. Each person brought personal experiences, perspectives, gifts and insights to support the mission of Catholic Charities.”
How do you describe the work of Catholic Charities in the community, particularly in the rural underserved areas like Manitowoc and the Lakeshore?
“In the past, due to various reasons, Catholic Charities had to suspend services in some outlying areas of the diocese. The people living on the margins in rural communities, like Manitowoc and the Lakeshore, are once again being served through the basic human needs programs that Catholic Charities provides. By touching the lives of those served, living the Corporal Works of Mercy, all people are being served, building stronger, healthier communities.”
What is it you ask of God for Catholic Charities in the future?
“In my prayer, I ask God to continue to bless the work of the Catholic Charities staff in the services they provide. Every area that touches life is addressed. I pray for the people who need the help that Catholic Charities offers. May they have the courage to come forth to receive the help they need. In particular, I ask God to touch the hearts of people who are able to provide financial assistance to ensure that programs can continue. I pray that we will all recognize that we are called to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and live in that reality to serve those in need.”
We recognize and celebrate her profound impact on our organization and the communities we serve, especially in her home community of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Sister Natalie’s dedication has made a lasting difference, and while you will be missed on the board, the legacy of your work will continue to inspire and guide us at Catholic Charities. Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your community abundantly.