June 3, 2009

Religious sisters share joys of consecrated life as they mark anniversaries

On the evening of May 17 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the following religious sisters were recognized by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap., in honor of their anniversaries of consecrated life.

60 YEARS

Sister Mary Sean Crimmins, Sister of Mercy of the Americas

Sister Crimmins was introduced to the sisters when she entered nurses’ training at Mercy Hospital in Denver in 1948. After a year, she knew she wanted to spend her life in nursing as a Sister of Mercy. She worked in several hospitals and nursing homes, including Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana) and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Her last 13 years before retirement were spent with the Senior Resource Center.  Her advice for someone interested in religious life is to pray to Our Lady and the Holy Spirit for direction.

“Ask for the grace to listen to your vocation call,” she said. “The Holy Spirit will guide you.”

Sister Sharon Ekler, Sister of Mercy of the Americas

Her first 27 years as a sister were spent as an elementary teacher and principal in Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota and Colorado. Her final years in education were as principal at Nativity of Our Lord School in Broomfield. In 1982, she moved to Kremmling and worked as pastoral assistant in Grand and Summit County parishes. In 1989 she moved to Durango where she spent 12 years at Mercy Medical Center as vice president for mission. Sister Ekler retired in 2001, moved to Wheat Ridge and volunteers at parishes and senior care facilities.

For those interested in religious life, she recommends seeking the guidance of a spiritual director, and becoming acquainted with different religious communities and their ministries.

50 YEARS

Sister Denise Ann Clifford, Sister of Loretto

Sister Clifford began teaching at All Souls School in Englewood, followed by two schools in Missouri, and then became principal at St. Mary’s in Taylorville, Ill. After eight years there, she became principal at St. Michael’s in Houston, Texas, for 14 years. She was principal at Duchesne Academy in Houston one year before becoming development director for Loretto. At the same time, she was principal at St. Mary’s Middle School for two years. As development director, she travels, reconnects with Loretto friends and contacts donors to request support for their work.

“Keep you heart open, attentive and responsive to whatever God is calling you to be,” she said. “Rely with hope on the Spirit of life whose power within you is able to do more than you can ask or imagine.”

Sister Sheila Doherty, Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sister Doherty said in addition to her love for teaching, she learned from every parent and child as well. During her ministry, she taught history, geography, science and art—in the cities of Chicago, Seattle, Boulder, and her hometown Denver.

If interested in religious life, she recommends, “Read the stories of many women on their journeys in ‘America’s Women’ by Gail Collins. Find a community that is similar to the path you wish to walk.”

Sister Mary Rose Kerkvliet, Discalced Carmelite Sister

Sister Kerkvliet’s ministry began when she was 6 years old, and she realized she wanted to give herself to Jesus as a bride of Christ. Praying and offering sacrifices for priests and members of the Church held “a first place in her donation as a bride of Jesus.” She said it continues every day in the letters and phone calls the sisters of Carmel of the Holy Spirit Monastery in Littleton receive asking for prayers—prayers she gladly responds to.

To those interested in religious life, she said ask yourself, “Is God calling you? Do you hear him and give your response in prayer? If you can answer these two questions, you will know what to do.”

Sister Marlene Spero, Sister of Loretto

Her ministry for the past 50 years has been in education, finance and administration. Early years were spent teaching high school chemistry, geometry and related subjects in Kansas City, Mo. In the late 1970s she returned to her native Denver to teach chemistry at Loretto Heights College, later becoming chair of the humanities and sciences program. She continued teaching nursing and pre-med students until 1988 when Loretto Heights closed. Sister Spero worked at the Havern Center, a school for learning disabled students, for 14 years. She currently serves as bookkeeper and one of the coordinators of the Loretto Center.

“Follow the leanings of your heart,” she said. “Religious life can be a wonderful and meaningful way to grow in love of God and to be of service to the many diverse members of our community.”

25 YEARS

Sister Betty Obal, Sister of Loretto

Her journey has afforded her opportunities to be with those “on the fringe” including prisoners, homeless people, migrants, AIDS patients and disabled persons. These experiences have allowed her to, “Learn from those to whom we are sent.” Sister Obal also served as a non-governmental organization member at the United Nations.
She said the call to religious life can be a bit mysterious, “Until one says ‘yes,’ nothing else seems to fit. It is a rewarding life.”

Sister Patty Podhaisky, Sister of St. Francis (Marycrest Franciscan)

In 1981, after a 225-mile bike ride from Alliance, Neb., to Denver, Sister Podhaisky entered the Marycrest Franciscans. She served as minister of vocations for years and loves to talk with young people about what God is doing in their lives. She also taught high school on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, in the inner city of Oakland, Calif., and now serves at Arrupe Jesuit High School in north Denver.

“Let God be the power in your life,” she said.