The Catechism of the Catholic Church says,

“… methodical research in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral laws, can never conflict with the faith, because the things of the world and the things of faith derive from the same God. The humble and persevering investigator of the secrets of nature is being led, as it were, by the hand of God in spite of himself, for it is God, the conserver of all things, who made them what they are.” (CCC 159)

Sister Stephen Patrick Joly understands this teaching better than most. With a Ph.D. in cell and microbial biology from The Catholic University of America, she has taught at St. Michael the Archangel High School (SMA) for five years, covering topics like biology, physics, anatomy, physiology, astronomy, meteorology and Catholic morality.

“The myth of a conflict between faith and science is so strong and is often cited as a reason for young people leaving the Catholic Church. I love being a science teacher whose very presence witnesses to the complementarity of faith and science. I enjoy helping my students encounter God’s creation with wonder, awe and amazement, whether I’m teaching about stars and galaxies, the human body, cells or the well-ordered laws of the physical universe,” she says.

Along with Sister Stephen Patrick, SMA is fortunate to have three more Dominican Sisters teaching math,

English and theology at the school. The Sisters teach with the same goal in mind, “preaching and the salvation of souls.” This is the purpose on which the Dominican Order was founded.

“I try to cultivate an enjoyment of learning, studiositas , in my students. Study is a pillar of the Dominican Order, so I suppose it’s taken a deep root in my heart. Studiositas is a virtue by which the truths and knowledge we learn lead us to a greater love of God,” she explains.

The primary apostolate of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist is education. Therefore, each Sister is given the formation and education necessary to teach in the classroom. The Sisters receive an assignment each year as a part of the vow of obedience.

“It’s a beautiful gift for us to receive our yearly assignment, as we know it is God’s will and we trust in his providential plan,” Sister Stephen Patrick says. “On the first day of every school year, I tell my students that the Lord has entrusted them to my care for the year and promise them my prayers.”

The Sisters are spiritual mothers to their students and to those they encounter each day. This sets the Sisters apart as educators, and for Sister Stephen Patrick, is what brings her the most joy. She especially appreciates “the opportunity to form relationships with my students both inside and outside of the classroom and to help them encounter the love of God.”

She continues, “This joy is deepened when I am able to accompany them through a difficult time or deepen their relationship with God.” openlightmedia.com journey to religious life.

Serving as a spiritual mother to teens today comes with its own unique challenges.

“I think many of our students struggle to see and believe their true identity as beloved sons and daughters of God the Father,” Sister Stephen Patrick says.

“They fail to understand their great dignity and worth and the purpose for which they and other human persons exist.”

In Sister Stephen Patrick’s experience, this limited view leads to placing our worth in our accomplishments and perceptions of others. This turns us into human “do”-ings, instead of human “be”-ings, and feeds the growing number of students struggling with stress, anxiety and other forms of mental illness. She believes this is rooted in seeing our life as a right, rather than as a gift.

Layer on many of society’s moral contradictions, and the Sisters have much more to try to influence than academic skills.

“I think some of our students fail to see objective truth and tend to accept the moral relativism that is present in our society. There can be a tendency to practice tolerance, believing it’s a form of charity. It’s also easier to not have (or voice) an opinion so as not to cause tension or be labeled as one who hates others. Many of them do not want to force their opinion on another.”

For parents and guardians who may feel overwhelmed by these same challenges, even feeling that the teens in their community are turning away from the Faith, Sister Stephen Patrick has encouraging advice.

“I often tell parents that their witness is powerful, often it can speak louder than words. When children see their parents setting aside time daily for prayer, attending Mass on Sunday and striving to live a virtuous life, they can see that the Faith is important, and they hopefully see the fruits of living a faith-filled life. I also remind them of Saint Monica, who prayed ceaselessly for her son’s conversion. Perseverance in prayer can obtain great graces for your children, though sometimes it can take a long time before you see its fruit.”

In addition to teaching and mentoring the students at SMA, the Sisters help students deepen their life of prayer, as well as learn more about the Catholic Church and consecrated life. Some of

The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist are a regular presence even at high school football games. Pictured l to r: Sister Mary Elizabeth, Father Paul Sappington, Sister Stephen Patrick, Sister Katherine Rose and Sister Mary Aquinas.

Support the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

Pray for the Sisters; their work in the apostolate; their community, students, staff and their families; for vocations to their community and to the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese; and for St. Michael the Archangel High School to fulfill its mission of calling young men and women through a relationship with Jesus Christ, to embrace their God-given gifts in order to know truth, love God and serve others as his brave and humble disciples.

Donate flowers to the Sisters’ convent chapel, or gas and grocery gift cards.

Support the mission of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. these include: total consecration to Jesus through Mary, enrollment in the Angelic Warfare Confraternity, Lenten Small Group, lunch meetings to inquire and ask questions about the Catholic faith, baking with the Sisters and a retreat with the Sisters. The Sisters also support and cheer on their students while attending class retreats and various types of extracurricular activities, including sports, music and adoration.

Visit smacatholic.org for donation information.