Spirit Magazine Winter 2022 - Honor the Unique Gifts of Each Person

Whenever I ponder the essence of this SSMO Core Value – Honor the Unique Gifts of Each Person – the musing of Michelangelo, as he intensely eyes a block of marble, comes to mind. It is said that Michelangelo scrutinized the stone mass before him until the figure inside revealed itself. Michelangelo’s real job was to unleash what was hidden below the surface.

When we actively seek to look past another’s exterior bumps, scratches, warts and labels, we are gifted with the realization that each person is a masterpiece of God. Allowing a person the space to develop, to explore and to discover the stunning treasure within is a gift unto itself.

How blessed we are on our SSMO Campus to minister with people who actively seek to discover the treasures within their students, their residents, their peers, their daily acquaintances. When the SSMO Core Value of Honoring the Unique Gifts of Each Person is lived well, brilliant works of art emerge: students excel, residents thrive, peers serve with renewed vigor, and visitors to campus revel in the “Aha” moments that our campus offers.

What a grace to have many Michelangelos in our lives – those who see past the exterior, honor our unique gifts and help us discern and unleash the beautiful masterpieces God intends us to be. Let us, too, seek to become artists of this medium – scrutinizing the rock, gazing lovingly at what is beneath the surface and partnering with our God to reveal the unique splendidness of each person.

In Christ, through Mary, - Sr. Adele Marie Altenhofen President, SSMO Ministries Corporation

As we honor the unique gifts of each person, we need to remember that God has given us these gifts and offers each one of us opportunities to develop them. As humans, we are created in the Divine image and likeness – the Imago Dei, Latin for the image of God. The image of God belongs to human beings as creatures of reason and free will, and this image can only be obscured by sin. The likeness to God, if lost because of sin, can be restored to us through grace by baptism and a life of faith.

The New Testament recognizes Christ as God’s true image, the model according to whom we are to be shaped. St. Paul tells us that we have in our grasp the Imago Dei, each according to the graced gift of the Spirit and our life of prayer and faith. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, St. Paul writes about our life of faith and our gifts; “There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit, there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.”

To honor our unique gifts we have a duty to develop the gifts given to us. One may ask whether it is easy or hard to honor the unique gift of each person. Well, it depends.

We must actively learn and follow the laws of God. Our faith, religious practice and lifestyle help fulfill all the duties of accepting and developing a gift. To honor each person’s gift requires discipline and courage. By treasuring our gifts, we can learn to honor the gift in others.

God is the unique director of souls through our prayers by which we can learn the law of Love.

- Sr. Michael Francine Duncan Superior General, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation

Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen, President

Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

Sister Michael Francine Duncan, Superior General

Editor: Brad Hilliard, APR

Photographers/Videographers: David Cherrytree

Lizette Santiago Allison Weseman

Contributors: Barbara Hertel Sr. Catherine Hertel Sr. Marcella Parrish Sr. Adele Marie Altenhofen

Tricia Blood

Dr. Don V. Romanaggi Kathy Fedr Lynelle Hatton

Designer: David Cherrytree

The award-winning Spirit magazine is published on behalf of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and their sponsored ministries.

All rights reserved.

Questions, comments or address changes:

SSMO Ministries Corporation 4440 SW 148th Avenue | Beaverton, Or 97078 503-644-9181 | spirit@ssmoministries.org

GIFTS

Letter from the Editor:

The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have instilled four core values on this campus.

Live Valiantly Strive for Excellence Honor the Unique Gifts of Each Person Celebrate God and Life

These values guide everything we do as stewards of their sponsored ministries.

The second issue in our series of intentional looks at our SSMO core values focuses on the how we Honor the Unique Gifts of Each Person.

God equips each of us with unique gifts and talents to help us work together, provide for one another and build His community. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, encourages us to embrace and use our gifts for God’s glory.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully,” Romans 12:6-8 (New International Version).

By honoring each person’s unique gifts we see how valuable all of us are to this community and to the world around us. This is the foundation for creating a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive community — a community that respects, loves, and lifts everyone up.

I hope you enjoy reading about some of the unique gifts found in a few of the people connected to this campus and find encouragement in your own gifting from God.

Enjoy this issue of Spirit Magazine.

Have a blessed day,

Brad Hilliard, APR

Editor

Art A Unique Gift that is Available to all of us

The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus is blessed with several types of art. The architecture, paintings, sculptures, photos and literature that are connected to this campus share the Sisters’ Charism, their story and their core values. The art that is brushed across the Motherhouse, Maryville, Valley Catholic and the surrounding campus strengthens the community and helps people find a personal connection to God.

Art is a unique gift that is available to all of us. Art enables the artist to express and share a personal piece of themselves with others. For the observer, the artwork captures a part of their own imagination and can resonate with them on a spiritual level.

One sculpture on campus that embodies the full breadth of the Sisters’ Charism was one of the early sculptures created by Barbara Hertel. Resting in front of Valley

Catholic High School is the statue of a young Mary looking up in prayerful consideration of God. It was a gift to the Sisters and to the school, known as St. Mary of the Valley at that time, in 1984. The statue of Mary embodies both the unique gifts of its artist and the Sisters’ model for their joyful and compassionate service.

The statue’s artist, Barbara Hertel, has been connected to the SSMO campus for many years. Her aunt was Sr. Bernice Marie Hertel (1928-2010) and her sisters are Sr. Anna Hertel (1937-2013) and Sr. Catherine Hertel. The Hertel sisters have been close to this campus since they were very young girls – visiting their aunt and playing on the grounds with their family.

Recently, the Hertel sisters, Barbara and Sr. Catherine, met together to clean the Mary statue and ponder this gift’s meaning to its artist and the SSMO community. With brushes, towels, buckets and a garden hose in hand, these sisters and best of friends worked together, taking diligent care to clean the almost 40-year-old statue. Joy accompanies their work as they spend time together caring for something that is very special to both of them. Barbara can see how her gift for art has evolved from the sculpture into which she poured so much of herself – taking nearly four years to complete.

Growing up, Barbara did not realize her gift for art until she went to high school at St. Mary of the Valley which was located inside the Sisters’ Motherhouse at that time. She fell in love with art thanks to Sister Frances (Lorraine Schneider). Sr. Frances taught Barbara how to uncover her unique gift of art. Later, as a teacher herself,

> Barbara Hertel

Barbara applied that learning – incorporating art into many of her own students’ lessons.

“I did a lot of art with my kids. For example, if I was teaching social studies, we would study the art of a particular culture,” Barbara said. “The hardest part about teaching art is convincing kids that they have the talent within them. Many children do not think they can do it, but it is always fascinating to see their amazing results.”

In the early 1980s, while Barbara was a teacher, Sister Marcella Parrish, who was principal at that time at St. Mary of the Valley, asked her to create a sculpture for the school. Barbara and Sr. Marcella agreed that they wanted something that reflected the values of the Sisters and could inspire St. Mary of the Valley students to stay connected to God.

“Sister Marcella asked me to consider doing a sculpture before I ever went to art school, but I felt blessed for the opportunity,” said Barbara. “I ordered the sandstone and some of the carving tools in 1981 and worked on it whenever I had the time.”

Sister Marcella recalled her motives behind the statue, “I wanted an image of a young Mary. We were still an all-girls school so I wanted a Mary our teen girls could relate to.” With the idea in Sr. Marcella’s mind, she knew exactly who to ask to create the sculpture. “I admired Barbara’s work and knew she would create a young Mary who would be fitting and inspirational for our students,” she said.

In 1981, Barbara and Sr. Marcella began researching and scoping out the project. They developed a plan and started following it by shopping for the right stone, securing some of the funding and looking for a girl who could serve as a model for the statue. In time, they found, ordered and blessed a beautiful piece of stone. They were also encouraged by several SMV classes giving their own resources to help fund the sculpture; every SMV senior class from 1976 – 1983 donated to the Mary sculpture. Finally, they found the right model for their project, a 1981 SMV Senior named Julia Oxarango.

Julia Oxarango, was a Basque resident student from Idaho. She lived and studied on campus during her time at St. Mary of the Valley. Sister Marcella appreciated that Julia was a Basque resident and a dedicated student; she knew Julia was the ideal candidate. Julia, happy to help with the project, embraced her opportunity to be the statue’s model. She devoted several hours after school posing in contemplative and prayerful positions to help Barbara sketch the right image.

Teaching and working on the sculpture kept Barbara very busy. She would take advantage of any quiet moment she could to work on her rendering of Mary. The work inspired her and motivated her to attend Fontbonne College in St. Louis where she got her master’s degree in art.

“I really enjoyed chipping away with my tools and watching this human form come to life from the stone – I learned how to delicately sculpt each eye and began to see the architecture of the ear, it was fascinating,” Barbara reminisced. “I actually missed the unveiling ceremony for the statue because I was away at Fontbonne.”

Barbara learned to see art differently at school, but she has always poured her heart into her ceramics and sculptures. Sr. Catherine Hertel points out that she admires the statue because it honors the spirit of Mary,

it displays her sister’s artistic ability and she sees the prayer and spirituality that Barbara poured into it.

“It is special to me because it is a gift from my sister to my Sisters, and it is a model of our Mother Mary – a woman who accepted struggle and hardship to honor her God and to love her Son Jesus through every challenge she faced,” said Sister Catherine Hertel. “She is a true model for all of us.”

Barbara still recognizes her own spirituality in the statue. “It is nurturing for me to create. It is part of who I am,” she said. “This statue was very hard, but it was exhilarating and my faith is mirrored in this statue of Mary.” She created a young Mary who is connected to God by looking up toward Him in a pondering and prayerful position. The Mary statue may have been originally intended for the all-girls school of St. Mary of the Valley, but as the school evolved into the co-ed Valley Catholic, the statue’s reflection of Mary has remained evident for all students.

Sr. Catherine pointed out, “It was originally a model for girls, but we all need the same model – to be compassionate, joyful servants of God. All young people need a model and Mary is a wonderful model for all of us.”

Sr. Marcella noted, “I’m extremely proud of Barbara and her work. We made good choices throughout the process and Barbara gave us a beautiful and unique gift of Mary that has inspired so many of us at St. Mary of the Valley and Valley Catholic for nearly 40 years.”

Barbara has always relied on her faith to shine through her art. She was known to bless the clay before starting a piece in order to bless the people who would see or buy her art. “I want to help people realize their spiritual connection to God through my art,” she said. “That is what I strive to do. I believe it helps people.”

Barbara Hertel has created literally thousands of art sculptures since this statue of Mary was completed in 1984, but as she and her sister care for it, they still see her spirituality and her unique gift mirrored in this early art piece. Reflecting on it, Sr. Catherine shared a story about her artistic sister. “Barbara challenged her students to create their own versions of Leonardo Davinci’s famous painting, The Last Supper. Every single child created something wonderful,” she said. “There was not a single failing picture in the entire class. Barbara knew how to help those children find their gift for art.”

Barbara responded to her sister’s story by saying, “There is no failure in art. Art is an expression of you, art is an expression of whatever you want.”

That is the unique gift that art gives to the artist.

> Sculpture model, Julia Oxarango

> Barbara Hertel with her statue of Mary

Five Unique Women, One Amazing Commitment, 245 years of faithful service

Seventy-five years in the same career. Can you fathom it? Sister Clare Vandecoevering can. She joined the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon when she was 16 years old. Now, at 91, she celebrates 75 years as a Sister. She is one of five Jubilarians the Sisters celebrated during Jubilee this year.

Sister Clare (75 years) was joined by Sr. Theresa Ann Bunker (70 years), Sr. Patricia Lulay (50 years), Sr. Julie Doan (25 years) and Sr. Juana Gutierrez (25 years) during the annual Jubilee celebration — they have a combined 245 years of service.

Each July, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon honor their Sisters who have reached a significant milestone of prayer, vocation, ministry, and service to God through Jubilee. Jubilee is a time to celebrate and recognize Sisters for their dedication to their ministry and community.

“The five women who were honored this Jubilee epitomize what it means to consider prayerfully God’s call to service and the joy found in a lifetime pursuit of a true counter culture life,” said Sr. Michael Francine Duncan, Superior General of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.

“These Sisters are a vibrant part of our community and their contributions to education, health care, and horticulture are a big reason why our ministries have grown and thrived for more than 136 years.”

The five sisters come from different backgrounds, bring unique gifts to their ministries, and have blazed different trails answering their call to serve God.

Sr. Clare Vandecoevering – Teaching

Born in 1931 and raised in a large family with 14 children (three of whom became Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon), Sr. Clare Vandecoevering felt an early call to God's service — in the first grade. Growing up, she loved playing and talking with her family and friends, even if it sometimes meant standing in the corner at school for doing it a little too much.

As the first of three Vandecoevering sisters to enter the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, Sr. Clare joined in 1947 and discovered her gifts and experiences equipped her

to teach children catechism. “It was the thrill of my life going parish to parish,” Sr. Clare said. She typically traveled to parishes throughout Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.

When two of her sisters joined SSMO in 1953, the three Vandecoevering sisters – Sr. Clare, Sr. Anne and Sr. Agnes Marie – embraced the opportunity to visit parishes and teach summer religion classes together. “Sr. Anne was the organizer, Sr. Agnes Marie was the artist, and I did the teaching. We have done more than 100 summer class programs together,” Sr. Clare recalled.

Sr. Clare knew how to engage her students through active participation. She encouraged them to work together and found ways to keep the lessons interesting by sharing God’s word through movies, activities and related projects. Most of her education ministry focused on elementary-aged children but she also shared her gift with many older students and adults at several schools and parishes.

Sr. Theresa Ann Bunker – Nursing

Sr. Theresa Ann believes her vocation started at her challenging birth. Born on Nov. 5, 1933 at the family farm in Dayton Prairie, OR, the attending physician ordered an ambulance to take her and her mother to the McMinnville Hospital. Her parents prayed to St. Therese of Lisieux – The Little Flower – for both her and her mother. If she lived, they promised to name her Theresa. Her middle name would be Ann after her grandmother Anna and St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus.

> Sr. Clare Vandecoevering

Sr. Theresa Ann felt her calling at a young age and earnestly prayed about it as a teenager. When she entered the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, she knew she did not want to teach, but was eager to care for others.

When Maryville opened its doors in 1963, Sr. Theresa Ann became one of its first nurses. She cared for Maryville’s residents for 40 years. Nowadays, she continues to serve by caring for her fellow Sisters in the Motherhouse.

Sr. Patricia Lulay – Horticulture

Sr. Patricia will tell you that she was literally born into the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. She is one of nine members of her family who stepped into religious life. She grew up surrounded by religious women and priests in Sublimity, OR. In fact, five of her extended family members currently live with her in the community.

After high school, Sr. Patricia moved to Portland and started working, but never felt truly happy until she entered the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. The Sisters helped her find her green thumb and she found joy tending the gardens and the grounds – especially the roses.

As a life-long learner, Sr. Patricia has also served in elder care, food service and the formation of younger sisters. “Living a life of prayer, community, and service has been beautiful and fulfilling,” she says. “All the blessings I have received have given me meaning and purpose in my life. Serving others as a way of loving God has been my greatest gift.”

Sr. Julie Doan – Teaching, Interpreting

Sr. Julie’s story is one of faith, love and perseverance. She was born in Vietnam and at the age of 14 her parents, motivated by the desire to protect their children from persecution, took their family on a daring escape by boat from the North Vietnamese. The trip was wrought with hardships as they were attacked by both the Communist Navy and pirates in the area.

Miraculously, they survived the escape and endured several hardships living as refugees in Thailand. As refugees, there was very little food, water and shelter for any of them. The fast-changing climate and constant threat of attack also made life extremely difficult for her, her family and fellow refugees. Eventually, the family found their way to the United States, where life improved but remained difficult.

> Sr. Theresa Ann Bunker in 1982 (right)

> Sr. Patricia Lulay

“Our family was very poor and we struggled with the language barrier, but my family survived – all six of us,” Sr. Julie said. “It is a testimony to God’s providence. Everything is a gift from God.”

As a refugee in the U.S., Sr. Julie learned English, earned her associates’ degree and started working as a Vietnamese Interpreter. She would eventually meet several of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, who encouraged her to complete her master’s degree and pursue her passion for teaching VietnameseAmerican children and translating in different parishes. She joined the Sisters in 1996 and is currently teaching third grade at St. John Fisher in Portland.

Sr. Juana Gutierrez – Teaching, Interpreting

Sr. Juana grew up in Jalisco, Mexico with nine siblings. In 1992, she moved with her family to Hillsboro. Moving was a struggle, but she developed friendships and found community with the young adult group at St. Matthew and St. Alexander Parishes.

In 1995, a close friend invited Sr. Juana to a discernment retreat at the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. She did not yet know her vocation, but the experience left an impression on her. Later, she joined the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and found her desire to minister to children.

“I just love being around children,” says Sr. Juana. “They are not complicated, their problems are typically easy to solve, and they bring me joy.”

Sr. Juana has found joy serving in local parishes as a Hispanic minister and teaching at Valley Catholic Early Learning School, and St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Milwaukie.

These are five women with unique gifts who help make up the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. It is easy to see how the Sisters’ love and acceptance empowered these women to seek and use their spiritual gifts for God. This passion also permeates the Sisters’ sponsored ministries and motivates this community to seek and use their spiritual gifting for God’s glory.

To learn more about these five extraordinary Jubilarians, scan the QR code or visit ssmo.org/jubilee-2022.

> Sr. Julie Doan

> Sr. Juana Gutierrez

Take 5

Welcome to Take 5 – a Spirit Magazine feature that asks five questions to three people about their connection to the theme of the magazine.

The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus is a welcoming, supportive and encouraging environment. The inclusive nature of the Sisters and their sponsored ministries is defined and instilled by one of their four core values:

Honor the Unique Gifts of Each Person.

To honor a person’s unique gifts is to value, support, encourage and embrace the person. This approach creates an open, holistic, and equitable way of treating people. It has helped thousands of people unlock and share amazing gifts and talents with their communities – gifts and talents that may have never been realized if they did not receive the opportunity to step onto this campus.

One important way we all help create this supportive and inclusive environment is through generosity. By providing gifts of our treasure we help students develop into leaders, we help Maryville residents find a loving and caring home, we help the Sisters continue to build their legacy of compassionate service, and we help grow this supportive, inclusive and faithful community.

For this edition of Take 5, we look at how generous giving lifts up not only the direct recipients, such as a student on tuition assistance, but the entire campus community.

Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen

1. Give us the basics, how long have you been connected to this campus and how do you support the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon’s sponsored ministries?

I have been connected to the campus for more than 40 years. Though I joined the Sisters' congregation in 1982, my connection actually predates my birth because many of my relatives joined the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.

I have supported the SSMO-sponsored ministries in several ways. I was a teacher and administrator for many years and served at Valley Catholic School. Currently, I am the President of the SSMO Ministries Corporation. In this role, I support the Sisters’ sponsored ministries by sharing the SSMO heritage with the people who minister here, by promoting and facilitating respectful collaboration among our campus leaders, and by equipping our sponsored ministries with the resources they need to provide dignity, respect, and value to each person.

2. What is your favorite SSMO Ministries program to support and why?

I support the entire spectrum of the SSMO sponsored ministries. I strongly believe that our campus embraces and engages the entire life cycle. You see it here each day. Generations of families grow up here. They learn here, work here, find medical care here and give of their time and finances here.

Each aspect of this life cycle is dear to my heart.

3. Share a story about how you have seen a scholarship or gift benefit not only the recipient but the entire SSMO community.

Years ago, a student whose family was especially strapped financially received financial assistance. It meant the world to her to have the means to receive a Catholic education here. Fast forward to now, she has paid it forward by sending her children to Valley Catholic and contributing her own time, unique gifts and treasure here.

She is a shining example of how gifts of financial treasure support both individual people and generations of people here on this campus.

4. How does financial support of a sponsored ministry honor the unique gifts of each person?

Everyone on campus is enveloped with the Sisters’ core value of honoring the unique gifts of each person. Every time a campus entity receives a gift, it helps us pinpoint areas to enhance student learning, to engage a Maryville resident in a special interest or hobby or to provide more effective means of delivering services to those in our care.

5. How can a person's gift of charity best support the Sisters' sponsored ministries?

Starting or supporting an endowed or quasi-endowed fund which grows its balance such that it can “kick off” dollars well into the future is of most significance. This best supports current and future Sisters, VC Valiants, and our Maryville family.

Tricia Blood

1. Give us the basics, how long have you been connected to this campus and how do you support the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon's sponsored ministries?

I have been connected to this campus for more than 20 years. I have been a VC parent, a Maryville family member, and, for the past ten years, the Executive Director of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Foundation.

> Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen

My team and I support the Sisters’ sponsored ministries by developing creative and sustainable financial support for each entity. Through our efforts in relationship building, fundraising, stewardship and marketing, we are able to support the Sisters’ community care efforts and honor their 136-year legacy of compassionate, joyful service.

2. What is your favorite SSMO Ministries program to support and why?

I look through a one campus, one community lens, so it is hard for me to choose a favorite program. We are focused on moving the Sisters’ mission forward, and providing opportunities through financial resources for the Sisters, Maryville staff and residents, and Valley Catholic School. We're energized when our efforts help move things forward and make lives better.

In addition, my team believes in the energy and connection that results from campus events. It inspires all of us in the work we do. This campus cares about its people and the result of that intention is this wonderful community.

3. Share a story about how you have seen a scholarship or gift benefit not only the recipient but the entire SSMO community.

My team is fortunate to see the impact of these financial gifts in several ways. I have two examples that have stayed with me over the years.

First, a VCS alum reached out to thank their principal for their time here on campus. They landed at VCS through the plea and persistence of a family member. Their home life was tough — no parents, kids raising kids, and no support structure. They struggled as a student, but VC helped them make friends, learn how to study, prepare for and graduate from college, and find meaningful employment in the tech industry.

They recognized that it all started with the opportunity provided at VCS. Not only did they share their story to benefit others, they continued to pay it forward by supporting other VC students’ educational expenses, bringing it full circle. Now that is a gift!

Second, a Maryville employee received financial support for professional development from an endowed fund early in their health care career. The gift of furthering their education and skills instilled a sense of loyalty to Maryville. Not only did the employee advance professionally and make life better for their family, they committed to a lifetime of service with love at Maryville. They carved out a successful career right here at Maryville. When that happens, all of us win!

4. How does financial support of a sponsored ministry honor the unique gifts of each person?

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes and all gifts provide opportunity. Opportunity allows the Sisters, students and Maryville residents to discover their friendships, interests, strengths and talents. Those opportunities allow us to discover and honor the unique gifts of each person.

5. How can a person's gift of charity best support the Sisters' sponsored ministries?

The sky is the limit. There is so much opportunity for support on the SSMO campus. The most impactful and lasting resources are managed through an endowment.

When you spend time here, you understand how we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. It is the best way to comprehend the fullness of the Sisters’ 136-year legacy in outreach, health care and

> Tricia Blood

education. The campus deserves an endowment that supports the next generations of Sisters, students and Maryville residents.

Gifts of all sizes make a difference. We encourage donors to do what works best for them and their resources. Every single gift is greatly appreciated. Every single gift honors the unique gifts of each person.

Don V. Romanaggi, M.D.

1. Give us the basics, how long have you been connected to this campus and how do you support the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon’s sponsored ministries?

I have been connected to the campus since 1977; my daughter Agnes graduated from the St. Mary of the Valley class of 1981. I support and give to Valley Catholic because I know that it is a disciplined and strong school. VC students are well prepared for not only college, but for life after school.

VC’s emphasis on student growth and development motivated me to create an endowed fund in Agnes’ honor several years ago. It is a scholarship that follows a student for four years.

2. What is your favorite program to support at SSMO Ministries and why?

My favorite program to support is the scholarship program for high school students. My hope is that supporting these students will enable them to develop the skills and foundation they need to find success in college and in life.

3. Share a story about how you have seen a scholarship or gift benefit not only the recipient but the entire SSMO community.

Through the years, I have created several scholarships at a variety of Catholic institutions, and helped many students receive an education.

Along the way, students have shared with me how the scholarship support allows them to pursue their

interests and try new things with less financial stress and fewer difficulties than they would normally experience. With tuitions what they are these days, it makes me happy to know that I have helped someone pursue their interests and achieve their goals.

4. How does financial support of a sponsored ministry honor the unique gifts of each person?

The recipients who receive tuition assistance have less hardship and more opportunities to explore. I’m Italian, and I say students are “fortunata” or fortunate, to receive the gift of a Valley Catholic education.

If more scholarships were available, I am sure there would be more students in Catholic schools everywhere.

5. How can a person's gift of charity best support the Sisters' sponsored ministries?

Supporting VCS financially allows the school to offer more families more opportunities for their children. We all know an education can be life changing, not only for the student but for the family as well.

Endowments keep enrollment steady, provide consistency in young people’s lives, and put students on a path to success.

Every school needs one!

Visit ssmofoundation.org/giving to learn more about campus giving.

The generosity of our donors strengthens everyone on the SSMO campus. We are thankful for the people, families, businesses and foundations who support the Sisters and their sponsored ministries.

> Don and Sally Romanaggi

Delivering Gifts of Connection and Engagement to Maryville Residents

As we see how the Sisters’ core value, Honor the Unique Gifts of Each Person, is expressed across campus, it could be said that it is one of Kathy Fedr’s daily responsibilities.

As the Director of Activities for Maryville, Kathy provides engaging projects and programs for residents with various rehabilitative and intermediate care needs to meet the residents where they are at. This work connects her with many people who seek to share their talents with the Maryville community.

Her connection to Maryville and the community is rooted in her family history. Born and raised locally, her mother graduated from St. Mary of the Valley in 1954, and, while attending St. Cecilia's, Kathy received piano and music lessons from the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.

Kathy Fedr also brings many professional experiences to her role. As a long-time marathoner, she knows the journey of committing to a long-term goal, persevering through the challenges, and the joy of crossing the finish line. Her love of running led her to volunteering as a pace group leader for the Portland Marathon Clinic for more than three decades, most recently completing the 2022 Portland Marathon.

Before joining Maryville, Kathy spent ten years engaging youth in coordinator and director roles. This experience developing engaging activities in a spiritual environment initiated her transition to Maryville. “The age group I previously worked with was different,” she said with a smile, “but their interests were a lot more similar than you might assume.”

As Kathy knows, everyone of all ages appreciates good music. While navigating the challenges presented by COVID-19 the past two years, she has continued to provide musical entertainment to Maryville residents.

Joe Szabo, The Accordion Man, can be heard weekly in the community space singing and playing for the residents. He brings his playlist of 400 songs to Maryville. If you miss the show, you might hear his accordion humming mellow tones down the halls as he serenades those unable to leave their rooms.

“This is an opportunity to bring music to people who are unable to hear an accordion being played. It is a blessing for me to reach out to the residents, for them to hear music from their past, and to feel their appreciation when I play the accordion for them,” says Szabo.

> Vicki Lollis

Another local musician Chris Taylor, is a favorite of the residents. Influenced by jazz, he also brings a bright spirit to his work. He sings and plays keyboard, acoustic guitar, ukulele, and melodica. Chris has also recorded many classic keyboard, pop, jazz, and meditation music pieces. Like Szabo, Taylor goes mobile following his performance.

“For me, it’s a chance to stay connected with people by using music to convey something meaningful. From the larger gathering in the lounge to the one-on-one time with residents in their rooms, the connection that music brings is deeply personal and engaging. It is love in action,” says Taylor.

originally went into isolation, they worked through the major challenge of social gatherings by adapting to technology already in place. Former in-person events, such as the Sisters Spiritual Hour were adapted into spiritual programming. They also expanded the lineup to include recurring movie schedules centered on seasonal holidays, resident recommendations, and general classics. All the rooms have cable television, but for the residents, particularly those who are not mobile, these movies help provide a connection to the community.

While all the activities are appreciated, bingo is the most anticipated event of the week. There is just something about a competitive game of chance. The stakes are low, but the enthusiasm is high.

The residents and Fedr echo Taylor’s sentiments. The time and dedication the musicians put into bringing music to Maryville is meaningful to the residents. They love how these musicians take time to visit and connect with them.

In addition to musical performers, there is also a recurring, hands-on music experience at Maryville. Vicki Lollis, The Bell Choir Lady, came into the profession through the front door. As a former nurse’s aide several years ago, she answered a request at work for someone “who could read music” to help out. She’s since retired as a nurse’s aide but brings her experience and joy of music to the bell choir. During her visit, she conducts the residents’ very own bell choir and challenges their memory in a game of “name that tune.”

While COVID-19 introduced many obstacles to providing activities, from social distancing for residents and rapid tests for visitors, Kathy also faced the challenges of health, mobility, and interests. When the community

Sometimes coordinating and facilitating this work makes Kathy feel, as she says, “like the pink bunny with the drum in the commercials.” However, she is quick to note that she does not do this alone. In fact, she considers working with her department colleagues, Debbie, Jamie, Moody, and Tom, among the best parts of her job.

In the end, Kathy says, “this is their home, my goal is to interact with our residents and to bring them some joy.”

> Kathy Fedr with Joe Szabo

> Chris Taylor

> Debbie Rosenkrantz with Kathy Fedr

The Superpower Gift of Teamwork

Valiant volleyball has grown to become a perennial powerhouse in the last decade, with nine consecutive state tournament appearances and two 4A state titles (2018, 2019). The back-to-back titles were the first in the program’s history.

Now the decade of dominance continues. The 2022 squad, competing closer to pre-pandemic normalcy, is building on its tradition of excellence. Valley Catholic Athletics moved to the 3A ranks this fall and Valiant Volleyball took its new league and rivalries by storm — securing its third Oregon School Activities Association Volleyball State Championship title!

On top of their amazing accolades on the court, this Valiants team has developed a unique superpower and mindset about the game — being unselfish.

“Our team’s superpower is each other. We rely on each other instead of our individual strength both on and off the court. This has been an intentional mission of our team led by Coach Kemper. We are not the tallest or quickest players, but we play every point as a team,” said Abigail Berndt, a senior at Valley Catholic and starting outside hitter for Valiant Volleyball. “There is no room for “I” players on the team; instead our unique

talents are praised when we come together for a victory. This superpower has led to successes this year and historically.”

Berndt also points out that joining such a successful team can be intimidating, but the junior and senior players and coaches are very welcoming and encouraging. Reflecting on her time as a Valiant Volleyball player she says, “I cannot imagine my life without these teammates, coaches, and memories.”

Having coached for more than 29 years, it is obvious Valley Catholic Head Volleyball Coach Becky Kemper has a formula to maintain the program’s winning culture. Kemper has found success through team bonding and relationship building with parents. Each season is kicked off with a family social event and all families take turns providing meals to all the players on home match days. To spend more quality time with each other off the court, the team frequently participates in activities such as Guy Enrique’s Team Camp, that includes fun events like obstacle courses and scavenger hunts.

“I hope my legacy will be that my players leave here with an even greater love for the game of volleyball, and that the memories associated with their seasons

were not only from the league championships, state championships, and individual honors, but from the time spent together with their teammates and coaches,” said Kemper.

The Valiants closed out the regular season with a league record of 11-1 and 17-6 overall. They won the 3A Lewis & Clark League championship tournament by defeating new league rival, Horizon Christian of Tualatin.

From there, Valley Catholic traveled to Springfield to compete in the state tournament on Nov. 4 and 5. By working together and relying on each other, the team went on to defeat Horizon Christian, #1 ranked

Sisters, and Burns – losing only one set – on their path to winning the team’s third state title in five seasons.

“We had the toughest path to get to the finals, but this team was laser focused the last two weeks of practice,”

said Kemper. “The competitiveness, energy, and pure joy that they played with in the finals was inspiring and makes me so proud. They truly played for each other.”

The Gift of Running

The Valiant Cross Country teams competed at the state championships at Lane Community College on Saturday, Nov. 5. Jaya Simmons took third place in the girls 5k race. The Valiant Boys placed second in the team competition, led by Morgan Armani and Ryan Hoffman who both finished in the top 10.

Working together to Give the Gift of Joy

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Valley Catholic High School participated in the annual Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) Walk for Joy fundraiser during Childhood Cancer Awareness month in September. Valley Catholic High School students were able to join other students from six local Catholic high schools to march down the streets of southeast Portland. VCHS partnered with the Catholic communities of Central Catholic High School, De La Salle North High School, St. Mary’s Academy, LaSalle Prep and Jesuit High School in efforts to raise money and spread awareness for CCA.

“The CCA Walk for Joy is unique in both its form and the engagement it sparks among students. CCA's mission, to bring joy to children with cancer, seems to deeply inspire our students,” says Pat Thomas, English and History Teacher at Valley Catholic High School.

“While medical research is of course important, CCA's focus on joy resonates with our students and inspires them to come together with other Portlandarea Catholic schools to bring light into the lives of children with cancer.”

This year, the high school Catholic communities celebrated the 9th annual Walk for Joy and Mass at Sellwood Riverview Park with more than 500 students, faculty and staff participating. With the help of the local community and family members, students from

all six Catholic schools raised $64,337 and counting for CCA, ensuring thousands of kids and their families can find joy when they need more than medicine to heal.

“It’s not so much about raising money, it’s about joining together in solidarity to improve the lives of children and their families who are struggling with cancer,” says John Matcovich, Valley Catholic School President. “Yes, we are raising funds but more importantly we are setting aside our (sports) rivalries to make an impact together.”

The high school’s fundraising effort is centered more on participation rather than setting a per-student dollar amount goal. In October, the school hosted a carnival on the Valiants field and a “Dollars for Dutch” event — all in support of the local CCA chapter.

“Our fundraising efforts for the Children’s Cancer Association were an incredible success,” said Sara Bruins, principal at Valley Catholic High School. “Students and staff worked together to support the local chapter of CCA through our school carnival, the Walk for Joy, “Dollars for Dutch”, and money drives at various sporting events. Their dedication and compassion for such an important cause will be felt by many local children who will get to experience the gift of joy during such a difficult time in their lives.”

Remembering Travis Hatton

Beloved teacher and conductor of the Valley Catholic High School and Middle School orchestras

Travis Hatton, the longtime director of orchestras at Valley Catholic School who was renowned for his versatile conducting career, great sense of humor and charming smile, died on Monday, Oct. 3. His gift of music and the joy he brought to teaching his students will be greatly missed here on the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus and throughout the entire community.

On Oct. 13, Valley Catholic School held a memorial in Valiants Gym honoring Mr. Hatton with live music, videos of him conducting the school orchestra and reflections from teachers and students. Mr. Hatton’s

wife, Lynelle, was also in attendance and shared her feelings, thoughts and stories about Travis and his passion for music and teaching.

“Travis loved teaching. Teaching is what fed his soul. He got so much energy from his students. He felt loved by the students,” said Lynelle Hatton. “He was so grateful that music was his full-time job. He was so passionate about it and proud he didn’t have to compromise himself and do anything else besides music. It would have not been satisfying to him pursuing a career that was not music.”

Mr. Hatton used his gift for music to inspire and help Valley Catholic students unlock their unique musical talents. He shared a different way of thinking about the experience of learning music to help them achieve their full potential.

Hatton shared the Kelly Auditorium as a classroom with Drama Director Ginnie Patterson for 18 years. Ginnie reflected on how much Travis loved teaching his students. "Not only was he an amazing conductor for his students, but it was clear how much he loved teaching them," said Patterson. "He loved telling stories about his own musical journey or the history of a famous piece, and of course a corny joke would often come out." Patterson noted that Mr. Hatton's passion was clear, his joy palpable, and he passed that gift on to his students.

Mr. Hatton is also remembered by faculty and staff as a professional and compassionate colleague who was not only a fascinating teacher but a musical genius with very high standards. The preeminent conductor’s drive for excellence and creative awareness was recognizable to math department chair and teacher, Kipp Johnson, who asked Travis for an orchestral piece that he absolutely loved but never conducted. Without hesitation Travis said, “Mahler’s Fifth Symphony because it requires a very large and experienced orchestra.”

“Travis Hatton’s standards for conducting were very high and he was not going to give a mediocre performance just to say that he had conducted the piece,” said Kipp Johnson. “Thank you, Travis, for working so hard to instill those standards into our school and our community.”

In addition to his dedication as an educator, Mr. Hatton conducted the Beaverton Symphony Orchestra, the Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra and the Salem Philharmonia Orchestra. He was in high demand as a guest conductor throughout the Pacific Northwest, conducting for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (WA), the Washington-Idaho Symphony Orchestra (Pullman, WA – Moscow, ID), the Rose City Chamber Orchestra and the Columbia Symphony Orchestra.

He is survived by his wife, Lynelle and their two children Kyle and Kara.

Memories of Mr. Hatton

“Mr. Hatton was the funniest and most amazing orchestra teacher. He knew when a violin wasn’t in tune. I am sad that he never got to see the new 6th grade orchestra students do their first concert. I never got to play Burst perfectly for him. He was the best teacher. He was funny and made a lot of jokes when a violin was out of tune. He gave me the best orchestra experience I could ever have.

I shall always do the violin in honor of him.”

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“One of my favorite times during class was when he would tell us stories about his past during Orchestra. One of my favorite memories of Mr. Hatton was when a cellist fell off of the stage. Instead of saving her, Mr. Hatton saved the cello. I love these stories because it showed how passionate Mr. Hatton was about teaching and spreading music.”

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“I remember joking with him in class.”

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“I never knew Mr Hatton directly, but I know about the effect that he had on his students. He always made them feel better, and he always made their days better. I feel like Mr. Hatton had some sort of connection with everyone. He definitely inspired me to be a better version of myself.

If I could say one thing to Mr. Hatton, It would be Thank You.”

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“He had inspired me to join the Oregon Music Education Association (OMEA) in sixth grade. I tried it out and I had placed pretty well in this competition and got a lot of feedback from the judges which has helped me to this day in music. I also enjoyed our concert last year, it was fun to have him as a director. He made a fun class environment to be in and I enjoyed playing the music.”

Anonymous comments submitted by VC students to help process their grief.

“He played French horn and liked to tell stories of professional orchestras. He liked to imitate bad Italian accents, especially musical dynamics. I think he really liked Subito Piano, or maybe that just happened to be one of the things we were bad at. He created the phrase sharp things create tension.

He made us do concert reports that I just really want to finish and submit now. He was funny when humor decided to enlighten him, and he enjoyed sassing us out.”

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“Mr. Hatton helped all the sixth graders with tuning our violins because we did know how to do it. He would joke around and he was really funny. I am sad I will never do a concert with him because I was really looking forward to it. I am really sad he is now gone and I hope his family is doing well.

I will play the violin in honor of Mr.Hatton.”

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“He was a really fun, thoughtful, and caring teacher.”

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“He made sure we would see a real orchestra.”

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“I just wished we had more time. He was supposed to teach us in high school, we were supposed to send him random letters when we were old.

Odelia was supposed to get into an Ivy League and tell him that.”

Danielle Lomartire (‘15)

Danielle Lomartire (‘15) and Wesley Upton were married at St. Matthew Catholic Church on Aug. 8 in Hillsboro. Kaitlyn Lomartire (‘13) was her sister’s maid of honor and Rebecca Fischer (‘15) was a bridesmaid. Danielle is helping coach the VCHS Charisma dance team and is establishing her own nutrition and fitness coaching business. Wesley is a finance analyst and client service coordinator.

Andy Haugen (‘07)

Andy Haugen (‘07) was published in the Louisiana History, Spring 2022 journal. His article, Patriotic Fervor, the Civil War Press, and the Execution of William B. Mumford, examines the only person convicted of treason during the Civil War.

Zack Cramer (‘10)

Zack Cramer (‘10) and Meaghan Cichoke celebrated their wedding on June 25 in Livermore, CA at Meaghan's family winery, The Steven Kent Winery. Nate Cramer (‘11) was his brother’s best man. Conor Walsh (‘10) and Michael Bayley (‘10) were also in the wedding party.

Kelli Hoang (‘14)

Kelli Hoang (‘14) graduated summa cum laude from the OSU/OHSU College of Pharmacy in June with a PharmD and MBA. She is working on her residency with Providence Health Plan specializing in managed care pharmacy.

Joe Kiefer (‘16)

Joe Kiefer (‘16) and Ashley Shell were married on July 17 at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Nampa, Idaho. Joe’s siblings, Chris Kiefer (‘09) and Liz Kiefer McDevitt (‘11), were part of the wedding party. Joe is working as a Lumber Trader at Idaho Pacific Lumber Co. The newlyweds live in Meridian.

Rebecca Kravitz (‘10)

Rebecca Kravitz (‘10) married Kyle Davis on June 23 in Napa, CA. The couple is living in Beaverton where Rebecca is working in Human Resources.

Joey Braun (‘17)

Vijay Parthasarathy (‘16)

Joe Kiefer (‘16)

Kyle Garcia (‘16)

Shankar Krishnakumarr (‘16)

Tucker Chisholm (‘16)

Alumni also in attendance: Bailey McDevitt (‘15), Nick McDevitt (‘11). Nichole Kiefer Mischke (‘06)

Lacey Krebs (‘08)

Lacey Krebs (‘08) married Dr. Derek Bond on June 25 at The Foundry at Oswego Pointe. Lacey received her doctorate in physical therapy, and she is the Oregon Clinical Advancement Lead for Sports Physical Therapy at Providence Hospital. Derek is in the final year of his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at OHSU.

VC alumni at the Kiefer/Shell wedding:

Dr. Patricia Nguyen (‘14)

Dr. Patricia Nguyen (‘14) graduated from the Western University of Health Sciences in Lebanon, OR in May. She is the first Valiant to graduate from Western’s College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific NW. Currently, Dr. Patricia Nguyen is doing her pediatric residency at the University of New Mexico.

Matt Wanner (‘14) and Samantha Wilson (‘17)

Matt Wanner (‘14) and Samantha Wilson (‘17) celebrated their wedding on Aug. 5 at Hawks Run Estate in Hillsboro. VC alumni in the wedding party: Claire Vondenkamp (‘20), Grant Gard (‘14), Hannah Wilson Walsh (‘14), Lauren White (‘19) and John Tate (‘14).

Melissa Vinson (‘07)

This past June, Melissa Vinson, CLFP (‘07) was selected as a 2022 NextGen Leader and a Top 40 Under 40 Industry Leader by Monitor Magazine. Melissa has worked in finance since 2012 and pursued her CLFP (Certified Lease and Finance Professional) certification in 2021 Melissa is the Director of Academies at the CLFP Foundation.

Dr. Cassie Weber (‘14)

Dr. Cassie Weber (‘14) graduated in June from the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She and her husband Brandon Batty finished the program, got married in September, and are working as small animal veterinarians at the Newberg Veterinary Hospital.

Class of ‘92 - 30th Reunion

The Class of ‘92 gathered on campus for a mini 30-year reunion in late August They reminisced over lunch with Sr. Adele Marie Altenhofen, Sr. Krista von Borstel, Mr. McQueen and Mr. Johnson. The alumni were impressed by the new additions and renovations to the VC campus. The class of '92 was the first graduating class of Valley Catholic and the first co-ed graduates on campus.

Class of ‘72 - 50th Reunion

Mariel Zagunis (‘03)

Mariel Zagunis (‘03) and husband Mike Swehla welcomed Cosette Louise Swehla to the world. She was born on July 4 weighing 8lbs. 8oz., Coco joins big sister Sunday – welcome little Valiant! Send your alumni update to alumni@valleycatholic.org to be included in a future issue.

The Class of ‘72 (St. Mary of the Valley High School) recently gathered on campus at the Villa Maria for lunch with the Sisters. They toured campus and reminisced on their high school days together. A class gift was made in honor of the Class of ‘72. As a class celebrating their 50-year reunion (or golden alumnae) they were honored at the VCS Gala on Oct. 29.

In Memory: Sister Paula Fox

layperson and a religious person, gave her a frame of reference and balance to guide her through 26 years as an outstanding educator.

In 1982, Sr. Paula left the ministry of education to begin work in pastoral ministry/chaplaincy. She completed her National Association of Catholic Chaplains certification in 1989. She served as Director of Spiritual Care or Chaplain at Mount St. Joseph in Portland, St. John Medical Center in Oxnard, California, Providence Mount St. Vincent in Seattle and the SSMO Infirmary.

Sr. Paula Fox (nee Gertrude Katherine) was born in Watertown, South Dakota on July 25, 1927 to Joseph and Matilda (Cordell) Fox. She grew up in a lively Catholic family with six brothers and three sisters. Her early education was in South Dakota at Holy Rosary Catholic School, Goodwin Public High School and Watertown Public High School.

After high school, Sr. Paula attended Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota, before moving to Oregon to attend Mount Angel College, the University of Portland, and the University of Oregon, where she earned her Master of Arts in Education in 1973.

Sr. Paula taught middle school in Richardton, North Dakota, Castlewood, South Dakota and in Tillamook, Oregon. She met the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon at Sacred Heart School in Tillamook. Later, she entered the SSMO on Aug. 15, 1957 and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1964.

From 1956 through 1982, Sr. Paula served as a junior high teacher or school principal at several schools in Oregon and Washington. In Oregon, she served at St. Mary of the Valley (now Valley Catholic School), St. Agatha, Sacred Heart, St. Mary, St. Matthew, St. John the Baptist, Our Lady of Sorrows, and St. Cecilia. In Washington, she served at St. Mary in Spokane and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Seattle. Sr. Paula commented that her early teaching experiences, teaching in both public and Catholic schools as both a

Retiring from chaplaincy in 2001, Sr. Paula continued to share Jesus’ mission of proclaiming God’s love through her work in the SSMO English for Speakers of Other Languages program. In addition, Sr. Paula was an active contact Sister with many of the SSMO Associates.

Before entering the SSMO, Sr. Paula experienced a lifechanging ministry in Delia, New Mexico. There, living among the poor, confronted by the problems of society and the Catholic Church, with her eyes and heart opened, she experienced (in the words of Pope Francis) “a privileged place of encounter with Christ.” That encounter inspired and supported Sr. Paula’s more than 60 years of joyful, compassionate service to her Lord, Christ Jesus. Sr. Paula engaged people with respect, humor, music and stories and in love and prayer for their concerns and needs. She brought to others the Christ whom she deeply encountered and loved.

Sister Paula Fox passed away on June 30, 2022 at Maryville Care Center. She is missed, loved and survived by her Sisters in Community, her many nieces and nephews, the Maryville caregivers and nursing staff, and her many dear friends and SSMO Associate members. Sr. Paula was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Matilda (Cordell) Fox, her brothers William, Norbert, Roman, John, Daniel and Hilary Fox, and sisters Louise Stricherz, Agnes Stricherz, and Carolyn Mitchell.

May Sister Paula Fox rest in God's loving embrace.

In Memory: Sister Mary Ann Hathaway

May 6, 1931 – July 2, 2022

Sr. Mary Ann Hathaway (also known by her religious name Sr. John Mary) was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on May 6, 1931 to Stanley and Mary Evelyn (Fegel) Hathaway. Sr. Mary Ann’s one sibling is Sister Theresa Hathaway. Her early education was at Bishop John Carroll School and St. Teresa of Avila in Oklahoma.

Her family moved to Portland in 1945 where Sr. Mary Ann attended Madeleine Catholic School and St. Mary’s Academy before graduating from St. Mary of the Valley (now Valley Catholic School) in 1948. Sister earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Marylhurst College in 1958, her Master’s degree from Seattle University in 1973 and an Oregon Principal Certification from Portland State University in 1982. A life-long learner, Sr. Mary Ann continued with summer course work at Our Lady of Peace Retreat and Pacific University.

From her childhood, Sr. Mary Ann knew God called her to religious life. It was with great joy that she accepted Mother Collette’s invitation to enter the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon on Aug. 15, 1948. She made her profession of perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1953.

Catholic education was the focus of Sr. Mary Ann’s ministry in the Archdiocese of Portland. Sr. Mary Ann taught and modeled the Good News of God’s great love for each person she encountered. She served as a teacher throughout Oregon at Visitation in Verboort, Our Lady of Sorrows in Portland, St. Cecilia in Beaverton, St. John the Baptist in Milwaukie, Sacred Heart in Gervais, St. Michael in Grande Ronde, and St. Pius X in Portland. During her 18 years as a school principal, Sr. Mary Ann served at Our Lady of Sorrows and then at St. Francis in Roy. Thousands of students remember her today with love and a greater awareness of God’s love for them.

One of Sr. Mary Ann’s talents that she shared with others was nature photography. A treasured experience for her was a 1987 trip to see Pope John Paul II in San Francisco. Faithfulness to the Church and its leadership was a hallmark of Sr. Mary Ann’s life. She was also keenly aware of God’s constant love as assured in Psalm 91:11 –“For He commands His angels, to guard you in all of your ways.” With that assurance, Sr. Mary Ann met life with a trusting, joy-filled smile. Every challenge was an encounter with the loving Father. She also brought every challenge to the Blessed Virgin Mary for help and guidance. She knew in Mary the example of living as a compassionate servant of the Lord.

Sister Mary Ann passed away on July 3, 2022. She is missed, loved and survived by her sister Sr. Theresa Hathaway, her cousins Barbara Whelden and Irene Ortiz and their families, her Sisters in Community, and the SSMO Motherhouse caregivers and nursing staff. Sr. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents Stanley and Mary Evelyn Hathaway.

May Sister Mary Ann rest in God's loving embrace.

Christmas Day Prayer

Dear God,

As we celebrate the incarnation of Your Divine Son, we are grateful for:

The “yes” of a young maiden who responded graciously to the call to be the mother of her God,

The “yes” of a husband who welcomed Mary and Jesus into his life, becoming a father to his God,

The “yes” of the innkeeper whose animals warmed the newborn infant, their Creator and God,

The “yes” of the shepherds who visited the babe and praised their God in a humble manger,

The “yes” of the wisemen who traveled from afar to prostrate before the King of Kings, and The “yes” of those who, through the centuries, have knelt before this same God-made-human in prayer and supplication.

Gracious God, grant us the wisdom, grace, humility and perseverance to recognize our God in the large and small, the tremendous and simple, and the extraordinary and ordinary of our daily lives.

Amen

Blessings to you and your family this Christmas from the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.

4440 SW 148th Avenue Beaverton, OR 97078 ssmoministries.org