Imagine a long weekend on the road with 22 teenagers! The excursion by bus to Port Angeles and by ferry to Victoria, B.C. is a bi-annual tour of Sr. M. Juliana’s choral group. The students sang at various locations including on the ferry, in the rotunda of the Legislative building, during High Tea at the Empress Hotel and during Mass St. Andrew’s Cathedral. An indication that their performances were superb is the fact that they received five invitations for future performances. Sister M. John Therese accompanied the group and reported thoroughly enjoying the students, the performances and even their choice of movies viewed on the bus!

With the help and commitment of her dedicated staff, the pastor, parents and students, Sister Ruth Frank took on the time-consuming task of heading the accreditation process for Holy Cross School in Portland. Their efforts were not only successful but transforming – for the Holy Cross personnel as well as for the team of educators who made up the accreditation team. Now a stronger and even more dedicated group, they anticipate a great future! Congratulations!

Congratulations to Sister Francisca Cuna who has completed the course work for an Associate Degree from Portland Community College and to Sister Thuy Doan who will be graduating from Portland State University with a degree in Child and Family Studies and has already begun her new ministry with the toddlers at Valley Catholic Early Learning School.

Both Sisters Barbara Rose Sohler and Julia Doan have been invited to participate this summer in Not Just a Scenic Road: The Blue Ridge Parkway and Its History, a week-long Landmarks of American History and Culture workshop sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities this summer. Congratulations, Sisters!

It is a delight to be a Sister of St. Mary of Oregon…though this life is not without its challenges. As one of the newest members to this community, I am still learning the ropes. This weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a weekend with women in the Northwest who are also going through the formation process in other religious orders. It was a treat to spend so much time with women my age as we shared our vision, our hopes, our wisdom, and our spirits.
We attended a workshop over the course of the weekend that was designed to draw us deeper into relationship with God so that we can better serve in our ministries. We shared in conversation and laughter (LOTS of laughter) over meals and long walks, watched “August Rush”, attended Mass, and a number of us learned how to play Rummikub. For me, the highlight was being able to reconnect with these women whom I had not seen since we got together last year. It brought me joy to be able to continue to develop these friendships.
As paradoxical as it might seem, bonding with women of different orders made me feel closer to the Sisters in my own community. I came home renewed and joy-filled, and have been sharing this energy with my Sisters. I have been sharing some of what I gleaned from this workshop: the notion of “graced companionship.” We are truly gifts to each other: loving, supporting, and helping each other in community on our faith journeys. I am overjoyed to have so many graced companions!

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!