Parish: Pastoral associate at St. Anthony Church, Evansville

Tell us three things about yourself: I’m a Sister of St. Benedict. I love community life: the community at Ferdinand, my family community and my church community. When I look at the world, my greatest hope is that we become a peaceful people.

How many years have you been a Benedictine nun? I just celebrated my 50th jubilee this summer, and I have so much to be grateful for. I am thankful for all the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had in my life. I’d like to be able to continue to do that … looking at life with grateful eyes.

How did you receive the call to become a sister? It was the example of my seventh and eighth grade teacher at St. Joseph School in Evansville, Sister Mercedes Emmert. I wanted to be a missionary, but my dad talked me into going the monastery at Ferdinand instead. I think God inspired my Dad to give me this advice because it got me right where I needed to be.

What are some of your earliest childhood memories? I remember living in Kentucky when I was in the first grade and my brother, Dave, was in second grade. We were getting ready to make our First Communion together. We put a two-by-four on a wooden horse and were using it as a teeter-totter, even though our dad had warned us not to. We spun around and both flew off. I got off laughing, but Dave was crying because he had broken his arm. The next week, when we made our First Communion, he had his arm in a sling. I’ll always remember how he had to suffer because we didn’t listen to our dad.

Who influenced you growing up? Who did you consider to be a hero? Besides Sister Mercedes, my Grandpa and Grandma Ralph, who were my Mom’s parents. I remember spending time with them on their farm in Kentucky. I loved going there. Every night, my grandpa would sit in his rocking chair and pray his rosary. They were my godparents, too, so they were very special to me. My dad and my mom also influenced me, each in their own way. Plus, the friends I’ve had through the years. I’ve been very blessed with wonderful friends.

What was your first job and what did it pay? My first job was teaching. I was paid $300 a year. Besides being a teacher and principal, I have also worked in the Catholic Office of Education and was the first director of the Recycle Center in Rockport. I have also served as pastoral associate at St. Joseph, Jasper, and as the formation director at Ferdinand.

What form does stewardship take in your life? Stewardship is that sharing that we do of the gifts God has given us. My stewardship is more of time and talent now, rather than treasure. To me, stewardship is being caring and hospitable to everyone I meet and trying to give to others the best I can. Hospitality is also a Benedictine charism. We are all called to share this gift of hospitality. Peace is also very important to me. If I can be a peaceful presence in any group that I am in, I think that is being a good steward.

What do you miss about the old ways of the church and what do you like about the new? I’m sorry that the younger people today haven’t had the opportunity to participate in the types of processions we used to have and some of the devotions and novenas. They were opportunities to pray together outside Mass times.

Have you encountered a miracle or God’s intervention in your life? I think the miracle that I encounter is being in community for 52 years. God gives me grace day to day to surrender hardships and to see the good. That’s been God’s gift to me: to see the good that comes out of those things that are difficult. Any life is not easy, and we all need God’s intervention every day.

What is your first memory of church? I remember when we were young, we went to church together regularly. There were novenas in the evening and Saturday morning Masses. We girls sang in the choir, and I remember the Marian hymns. At home, around our kitchen table, we prayed the meal prayer and three Hail Marys at each meal. For years, I never knew why my dad always led us in the three extra prayers. When I was older, learned that in childbirth, my mom and oldest brother had almost died. My dad made a promise to God that his family would say three Hail Marys in gratitude for having saved them.

What do you like most about being Catholic? I like the community and the way we come together to celebrate the Eucharist and receive the Body and Blood of Christ. I like that the Catholic Church is a universal church, and that nearly everywhere I go, I can find a Catholic church in which to worship.

What is your favorite religious item? The Liturgy of the Hours book and the Bible.

What have you learned? How are you different than 50 years ago? I think I am more realistic and more honest about how I feel about things. I am more open and willing to share my feelings. When I was younger, I was more hidden, in a shy kind of way

What makes a success? A successful person is one who cares about others and who does everything possible to build up the kingdom of God.

How do you stay active? I serve on several committees at Ferdinand. I like to do counted cross-stitch and to crochet. I also enjoy walking and reading. Right now, I’m listening to an audio book, the ninth one in the “Mitford” series.

What’s the best advice you could offer someone? The best advice is to enjoy the present. Live in the present and not worry about the past and the future. The past is gone, and the future will take care of itself.

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