Meet Sr. Helen Kluke, CSJ Toronto
“Deep within
I hear, ‘I will show you the path I have chosen for you’
”
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Sr. Helen at work
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Childhood/Adolescence
Hi, I’m Sister Helen Kluke. The first six years of
my life, I lived with my parents, brother and sister in two
rooms at 41 Alexander Street, just north of Maple Leaf Gardens
in Toronto. Across the street from my school, Wellesley Street
Public School, was a mysterious gray fence. Little did I know
that one day, those grounds would hold treasured memories!
We moved to 50 Gerrard when I was seven years old. I attended
St. Michael’s School, where Sisters of St. Joseph of
Toronto taught me. Sisters Imelda, Norah and Fleurette were
all women who touched my life.
During high school, I learned about what went on behind
the gray fence around St. Joseph’s College School, which
I attended. Back then, when asked what I’d like to do
when I finished school, I would respond, “Get married
and have a dozen children.”
However, God had chosen a different path for me. School
retreats and the presence of the Sisters spoke to a deeper
part of myself — the part that wanted to help others
and know more about God. My teachers, Sisters Rita Marie,
Gwen and Adelaide, had a profound influence. I joined Sister
Adelaide’s “Leaven of the Elevens” group for
students who wanted a prayer group and were searching future
directions.
Community and ministry
In September 1962, at the age of 19, I entered community.
After novitiate, I completed studies in Home Economics at
Ryerson University and the Ontario Institute for Studies in
Education of the University of Toronto. I thought I was settled
for many years of teaching, but God had chosen another path.
After only six years, I became Director of Food Services at
Morrow Park.
Eight years later, during a sabbatical year, I discovered
clay. I wasn’t sure I liked it. It didn’t come with
a pattern or directions that told me exactly what to do. I
had to create from within. Little did I know the significance
of this little piece of clay!
New directions
Another ministry path evolved. I would study Studio Arts
and then work in a recreational setting. This led me to working
with the elderly at Providence Centre, where I taught pottery
for three years. The path was altered for another three years
when I worked with mixed groups out of my studio. Another
path direction awaited me. The buildings at Sacred Heart were
to be demolished, including the studio. I was to find another
place — a business site. I was filled with fear. Now,
eight years later, I continue to teach pottery. Deep within,
I hear ‘I will show you the path I have chosen for you’.
At the Studio on the Hill, I strive to live out our shared
ministerial commitment to build community with our neighbours.
Students at the Studio form a mosaic much like society. Everyone
is welcome. Learning the skill of working with clay is not
the only benefit. Many have shared that they experience peace,
healing and relaxation. For more about the Studio, see the
website.
What keeps me going
I keep going secure in the knowledge that I am following
the path that has been chosen for me. I know that I am making
a difference in the lives of many people. The number of children’s
classes have grown wonderfully. All this encourages me to
continue.
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