Sister Caroline has deep love for her sisters, family and friends

Sister Mary Caroline Fritter, a sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, believes that her congregation’s unique contribution to the Church is that of carrying out its two-fold mission—adoring the Incarnate Word and evangelizing by proclaiming the mystery of the Incarnation.

It has been the order’s unique contribution in the past, at this time in history and it will move it forward in faith through the 21st century, she said. “These last 70 years have been an honor and privilege for me, to be numbered among the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament as we witness to his call. Praised be the Incarnate Word,” Sister Caroline said.

Sister Mary Caroline Fritter, baptized Adeline, is the daughter of Sam Fritter and Carrie Odem Fritter. She was born in Corpus Christi and baptized and confirmed in the “old” St. Patrick Cathedral in Corpus Christi. She grew up with two brothers, Joe and David.

She received her formal education from the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Sisters of Divine Providence. She attended Incarnate Word Academy, fourth through eighth grades, and freshman through junior years. She spent her senior year in San Antonio, receiving her high school diploma from Our Lady of the Lake High School.

She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in Corpus Christi on Feb. 2, 1944. She professed temporary vows Aug. 6, 1945, and made perpetual vows three years later on Aug. 6, 1948.

Sister earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, and a Master of Arts from the University of Notre Dame.

Sister Caroline’s history of ministry includes internal works of the congregation, school administration and teaching in parish and Incarnate Word schools.

Her first school assignment was second grade teacher at Incarnate Word Academy in Corpus Christi. In Sinton, sister was assigned to serve as principal and teacher at Sacred Heart School.

Other assignments included secondary level religion teacher and assistant librarian at Incarnate Word Academy and chief librarian at Incarnate Word elementary level—a position that she filled faithfully for 14-years. She taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine at Christ the King and St. Patrick parishes in Corpus Christi, Saint Anthony parish in Violet and Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Odem.

In 1981, sister was assigned to serve at Incarnate Word Academy secondary level as computer operator for school records. Sister Caroline offered to utilize her computer skills to help various school organizations, the bookstore manager, the school nurse and the school secretary.
Involvement in the works of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament included serving as an elected delegate during many General Chapters; ministering as local councilor at the motherhouse; being sister-in-charge for six years; serving in the office of elected general councilor on the congregation’s administrative team; working as vocation and formation director for the congregation; and collaborating with other sisters within the community on numerous commissions and committees.

For many years, even after having retired from school ministry, Sister Caroline has maintained the motherhouse library, ordering and processing books and periodicals for the sisters’ reading and research needs and offering suggestions regarding helpful reading materials available in the library.

Sister Caroline was the first appointed vocation director for the congregation, and she maintains interest in vocation ministry, praying for and fostering vocations. For many years she has worked with the vocation team, supporting and assisting the team wherever and whenever the need arises.

She generously volunteers to lend a helping hand with clerical work and domestic tasks. Her favorite hobbies include reading, nature walks and animals. She is a devoted Notre Dame fan.

Sister Rosemary Lichnovsky sees Sister Caroline as a daily witness of celebrating her commitment as an Incarnate Word Sister.

“Besides her presence at community Mass,” Sister Rosemary said, “Sister Caroline spends hours before the Blessed Sacrament, interceding for community and world needs. She has a deep love for her sisters, family, and friends. Sister Caroline enjoys one-on-one conversations and a hearty laugh.