The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon recently held an appreciation event to honor employees on their campus who have worked for one of their sponsored ministries for 25 years or longer. According to Superior General Sr. Charlene Herinckx, the celebration was long overdue.

“This is not only a celebration of commitment, service, and love; it is celebration of perseverance and longevity,” she said.

Below are some of the words of introduction by Sr. Charlene that evening in June:

In this time when so many people change jobs, and even professions, several times during their working days, it is rare to see continued service at one ministry.

We, the Sisters, are thrilled to see the ministries that we initiated during our 125 year history being carried on so wonderfully.

This evening’s gathering is our humble way of saying thank you for your generous contribution to serving those who have need of your expertise and professional assistance, but most importantly of your goodness and kindness.

This evening we will also be honoring our own Sisters who have served in the various entities on campus for 25 or more years. You may have noticed on your placemat that some are so gifted that they were able to serve in a couple of different entities.

May God continue to bless you and inspire you in your ministry.  We are most grateful for what you do and for who you are.

EMPLOYEES WITH AT LEAST 25 YEARS OF SERVICE

Maryville Nursing Home
Hilee Jackson, Young Kim, Phim Phapraseuth, Terry Shrum, Nancy Topinka, Sr. Josephine Pelster, Sr. Theresa Ann Bunker, Sr. Geraldine Bernards and Sr. Elizabeth Sohler.

SSMO Ministries Corp.
Anita Gutierrez, Bob O’Connor

Valley Catholic School
Lauri Davis, Erlene Grove, Eric Holstrom, Pat Joyaux, Marty Karlin, Kipp Johnson, Phil McQueen, Nenita Navarro, Janet Rabe, Sr. M. John Therese Miller, Sr. M. Juliana Monti, Sr. Agnes Marie Vandecoevering

Combination
Sr. Veronica Marie Templer (Valley Catholic School & Maryville)
Sr. Angeline Sohler (Valley Catholic School & SSMO Foundation)

Below are just some of the sentiments expressed by those honored about why they have chosen to continue to serve on the SSMO campus.

“I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated 36 years of working with the students, parents and staffs of the campus schools and continue to teach harp in the Music School. I strongly believe in the mission of our campus schools and feel privileged to serve here.” - Sr. M. John Therese Miller, Harp Teacher Valley Catholic Music School

“I accepted the challenge of being a part of the SSMO Foundation and found the work very interesting and serving a need of the community.” - Sr. Angeline Sohler, Retired

“Working at Maryville is in response to a strong attraction to be the loving presence of Jesus to the frail elderly and their families, especially at the end-of-life. My years as a registered nurse at Maryville provided me with experience caring for their bodily needs and now as chaplain I care for their spiritual needs.” - Sr. Josephine Pelster, Director of Spiritual Care, Maryville Nursing Home

“I am grateful to work where I want to work, do what I want to do most from anything in the world. When I wanted to come back to Catholic surroundings, you accepted me. This is my second home & feel so happy to be here.” - Young Kim, Maryville Nursing Home

“I love my Community. I love my ministry.” - Sr. Juliana Monti, Director Valley Catholic Music School

“The reason I chose to stay here is because that is where God sent me. I turned my life over to the Lord many years ago. To make a long story short, I needed a part-time job and through certain circumstances ended up working for the Sisters as their weekend cook. And here is where I’ll stay until I am no longer needed. When that happens it will be the Lord telling me that I have done enough and it’s time for me to go. Until then here is where I’ll stay.” - Bob O’Connor, Chef, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

“There are many positives to working on the SSMO campus.  Here’s one I’d put near the top: the Sisters don’t look over my shoulder all the time.  They trust me as a professional educator to do what is right.  Their confidence in me accomplishes a lot.” - Kipp Johnson, Math Teacher Valley Catholic School

“This campus allows us to use  our talents and gifts to serve others with joy, faith and love.” – Sr. Veronica Marie Templer, Maryville Nursing Home

“I have a super job here at the high school. Working with teenagers and the faculty/staff is so rewarding and interesting. Every day is new and different, it keeps me on my toes and I love it. This is my home away from home.” - Pat Joyaux, Secretary/Registrar Valley Catholic High School

“I enjoyed my work very much with the elderly and infirm at Maryville Nursing Home.  Each day it was a joy to be on duty. I received many gems from those I worked with and cared for.”
- Sister Theresa Ann Bunker, Retired

“When I first arrived at Maryville, I found that the “Service With Love” motto resonated with me. I felt very comfortable here. The Sisters and many others made a great impression on me. The love, concern they displayed towards our residents and the staff was very impressive.  The support I received personally and as the Activity Director was real, sincere and with love. I owe much to these ladies, helping me mature as a woman of God, and a good human being in general.  My heart will always have a special place for this facility and this campus.” - Hilee Jackson, Activity Director, Maryville Nursing Home

“I would like to thank the SIsters for the wonderful gathering. We had such a nice time being with each other and in honoring all of those on campus that have chosen to commit themselves to the mission of the Sisters.” - Terry Shrum, Maryville Nursing Home

“The reasons are too many to cover in a single sentence. The best way for me to explain most of what I witness every day is the love and care from all of the people I consider my Valley Family. There’s no place like home!” - Marty Karlin, Art and English Teacher, Valley Catholic High School

Congratulations to everyone! And, thank you.

Posted by Karen Crandal in About the Sisters