Meet Sister Mary Walter, Who is still doing her homework!
|
Sister Mary Walter
|
Sister Mary’s Invitation
One would think that an invitation to "shadow"
a retired Sister for a day would involve a chapel visit, a
luncheon and perhaps even a walk in the park. Well, if you
are with Sister Mary, there is much more to be done in between.
By the time I arrived, Sister Mary had already visited 2
classrooms. It was recess time at St. Pius X School, in Brantford
and this gave us some time to chat about the day. Sister Mary
explained that she wanted to share more closely her experiences
of day-to-day ministry with her community, The Sisters of
St. Joseph of Hamilton, and with their Companions.
Canadian Missions Connection
Born in Walkerton Ontario, Sister Mary entered Teachers'
College shortly after entering the Hamilton Community. She
has been teaching ever since. In her early ministry days,
Sister taught in the Missions at Fort St. John and Dawson
Creek, BC, Cape Croker and Red Lake in Northern Ontario and
most recently in Brantford. Sister has always volunteered
in the local Parish. In fact, this is how she got the job
as staff liaison with the schools in St. Pius X Parish.
Still Doing Homework
Homework is still a big part of Sister Mary's day as each
of her lessons is planned well in advance, with each teacher
receiving a calendar of topics and follow-up lesson sheets.
"It’s necessary to be organized," Sister Mary
explains, "Since I instruct all grades from JK to grade
8 in 10 different elementary schools." This is a staggering
total of 2,230 students every two weeks. Meetings with school
staff and consultation with Fr. Mervyn Perera, pastor of St.
Pius X Parish that employs her, are also integral parts of
the preparation.
It has been a long time since I have been seated in a student
desk and even longer since I have heard the musical greeting,
"Good morning, Sister Mary." I would think that
any teacher would never tire of it's sound. It was also wonderful
to watch as the different age groups responded to the warm
and guiding information Sister Mary presented. It is easy
to see her expertise in teaching, as Sister is able to, in
a very short period of time, shift her teaching style to reach
the different age groups of students.
Not just a walk in the Park
Sister explained that before lunch she would normally take
a bus home and then walk to St. Mary's Church. There she would
proceed to the Seniors’ Lodge to distribute the Eucharist.
We walked through the park until we reached the Lodge where
we hoped the residents would be waiting. One woman was watching
for Sister Mary but it was necessary to look around the building's
narrow, strong smelling halls until we found the others in
their room or the smoking area.
Many Ministry Hats
Sister Mary took a few moments with each of the parishioners
to chat before drawing the conversation to the prayerful.
Each resident responded with clasped hands and bowed heads.
At times these quiet moments take place in the calmness of
a resident's bedroom but in most cases they take place amidst
the business of everyday life in a nursing home, squawking
birds, residents' rather loud inquiries and healthcare workers
constant instructions. Just the same, they were peaceful,
prayerful, respectful, and grace-filled. The eyes of each
parishioner shone with expressions of appreciation of Sister
Mary’s visit to enable them to receive the Holy Eucharist.
During lunch, I learned of Sister's preparations for an
upcoming craft day. She and members of her family have been
gathering on weekends to make items for a craft sale. The
proceeds to this annual event are sent to the Holy Childhood
Association. Then we were off to St. Mary's School for four
more classroom visits. The Principal stopped Sister Mary in
the hallway and suggested that the focus of her instruction
might be "behaviour during Mass" as this was a problem
recently. With expertise Sister Mary was able to cover both
topics. I remember noticing, from the back of the room, the
legs of more than half the students, crossed at the ankles,
swaying back-and-forth while they listened attentively to
the lesson.
Love of Christ
The day progressed quickly - class to class, school to school,
church to senior's lodge and back to the classroom. It was
late afternoon and as I was heading home I was thinking of
this hectic schedule. I could see how the Love of Christ keeps
Sister Mary’s energy level high and her desire to share
that love is a gift she gives to many, especially those she
teaches.
Back to Meet a Sister
|
