Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
August 9, 2000
Sisters honored for years of service
An outpouring of affection and appreciation for Sister Clare Ahler and Sister Janet Dielen filled the Battlement Mesa Activity Center Community Room recently as parishioners and friends gathered to honor the sisters for ten years of dedicated service.
Members of St. Brendan Parish, Parachute; Sacred Heart Parish, Silt; and St. Mary Parish, Rifle hosted a potluck supper and evening of home-spun entertainment that brought much laughter and tears to all. Emcee Frank Breslin, along with St. Mary Choir, led the well-wishers in giving tribute and offering a memorable God-speed to the sisters.
Representatives from each of the parishes shared their memories and gratitude for the years of service given by Sister Clare and Sister Janet. A slide show depicted their childhood family lives, and beautiful hand-crafted memory books and photo albums were presented. Father Robert Hehn, pastor, also offered tribute.
The sisters have served together since the early 1970s: first at Sterling, then at Basalt-Carbondale from 1982 to 1990. Sister Clare has directed the Religious Education programs for children and adults while Sister Janet has served as choir director, church organist and liturgy director.
The sisters will now go their separate ways for sabbatical years of study and reflection. Sister Janet will be enrolled at the School of Applied Theology in Berkeley, Calif., Sister Clare will study at St. Bonaventure University in upper New York State. Their absence will be keenly felt by those left behind on the Western Slope but their service to all will remain in the memories of the parishioners.
