Sister M. Callista (Geraldine) O’Connor was born on May 5, 1927 in Washburn, Iowa. She attended elementary school for grades 1–7 in Rapidan, Minnesota before her family moved to Stayton, Ore. where she graduated from St. Mary’s Elementary School. She graduated from St. Mary of the Valley High School (now known as Valley Catholic).

Sister was received as a novice by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in 1943 and became known as Sister M. Callista. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Music from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisc. in 1962, a master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Portland in 1969.

Music coursed her veins and energized Sr. Callista throughout her life. She could play the theme of the “Magificent Seven” as a waltz, polka or a march! Sister Callista had a zest for life and believed in possibilities while thinking outside the box.

Sister’s teaching career began in 1945 at St. Mary of the Valley. In the years that followed, when not a student at Alverno College, she taught music, served as head of the Music Department, or as Music Coordinator for the Community in these schools: Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Agatha, Holy Cross in Portland; St. John the Baptist and Christ the King in Milwaukie; St. Boniface in Sublimity; St. Mary’s in Stayton; Sacred Heart in Tillamook, St. Francis in Roy; Visitation in Verboort; St. Matthew in Hillsboro; and St. Cecilia in Beaverton. Her last teaching assignment was at St. Lucy School in Long Beach, Calif. where she taught while also serving as the caregiver for her mother.

Even when she retired in 1991 she continued to share her love for music with Valley Catholic School 7th graders who visited with her as part of their Middle School program. Sister Callista was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, but continued to exercise by swimming until recent months. Sister died at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon on March 14. May she rest in peace.

Memorial offerings may be directed to the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Retirement Fund.

May she rest in God’s embrace!

All are invited to a presentation by Dr. Elaine Park, professor of Scripture at Mt. Angel Seminary, who will illustrate how the readings of the Easter Vigil recall the wonderful works of God in the history of salvation. These readings, along with responsorial psalms, provide a rich celebration of God’s speaking and our response, preparing all of God’s people for the greatest feast of the liturgical year: the Lord’s Resurrection.

Date: March 27, 9-Noon
Registration Fee: $15
(Reduced rate for campus personnel: $10)

Please register with Sr. Noreen Orazio or call 503.644.9181.

All workshops will take place in the Bethany Center Conference Room in the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Convent, located on the corner of Tualatin Valley Highway and Murray Boulevard.

Bethany Center Established by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in 1992, the Bethany Center provides lifelong learning opportunities, personal and social transformation, and deepens the understanding of the word of God and the implication of the gospel in our world today. Bethany Center is a place of hospitality, spiritual refreshment and learning, and a catalyst for mission.

This year’s annual Valentine Tea hosted by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon actually occurred on Valentine’s Day this year. The SSMO Community entertained 52 guests in their home with hand-made tea sandwiches, special beverages and “mood music” performed by Sisters Juliana, Denise and John Therese with harp, voice and piano. They also gave away door prizes and a lovely afternoon was had by all who attended.

The annual event is the only fundraiser to support their Bethany Center ministry — an outreach in adult education to the greater community. Established by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in 1992, the Bethany Center provides lifelong learning opportunities, personal and social transformation, and deepens the understanding of the word of God and the implication of the gospel in our world today. Bethany Center is a place of hospitality, spiritual refreshment and learning, and a catalyst for mission.

Click on each image to see a larger version.

The Sisters prepare their famous "tea" sandwiches in the dining room the day before.	These red-hatted women, known as "The Chrysanthemums" are the first to RSVP each year.
These lovebirds were hand-carved from apples by Sr. Theresa Lan Nguyen in preparation for the event.	The tables are set and ready for guests!

Well, it’s been a few months since I have found time to sit down and blog. These past few months have felt like a whirlwind of reading, studying, and taking tests. I have a full load of Theology courses on Science, Marriage, the Holocaust, and the Gospels. They are all interesting classes, especially my class on Religion and Science. The professor has been taking us through Alfred North Whitehead’s metaphysics which beautifully integrates science and religion (if you can understand it).

It hasn’t been all work and no play, though. I attended a special performance of Valley Catholic High School’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” where they served us amazing, technicolor refreshments. Then, last week a number of us Sisters went to St. Cecilia’s to watch Leonardo DeFilippis’ production of “Vianney.” It was a moving performance, and I was delighted to reconnect with so many of the parishioners.

This coming week I will be on Spring Break, during which time I plan on keeping up with my studies and projects around the house, taking time to relax and enjoy the Spring weather, and encountering God in prayer. Over the past few months I have been going to workshops on St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, and have been finding prayer to be even more enjoyable. It brings me joy to think that I will hopefully have more time to slow down, and be aware of God’s presence.

There is a new face at the home of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. Rosina Pham has joined the SSMO Community as a candidate discerning life as a Sister. She was born in Vietnam and her family emigrated to the United States where she has lived since 1991. Rosina describes herself as the youngest in a family of five boys and three girls, noting that one of her brothers is a priest at Domus Dei Clerical Society of Apostolic Life. Rosina graduated from Marshall High School in 1995, after which she moved to California. While there, she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from San Francisco State University.

While in school, Rosina worked at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Daly City, CA as a bookkeeper. She moved back to Portland afterward and lived with her parents. Rosina has most recently been volunteering at Our Lady of Lavang Church as a CCD teacher.