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My name is Norah Murphy, and I am presently gearing up to celebrate 50 years as a Sister of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie. And what a grand half century it has been!! North Bay was my birth place, as it was for my five other siblings. It is with fond memories that I ponder the family life which my parents, Marion and Jerry provided for us, a life rooted in deep faith, strong Catholic values and a large sprinkling of fun and celebrations. Influenced in my elementary school education for four of my eight years by Sisters of St. Joseph, that same fostering was my experience of my secondary education at St. Joseph’s College. And then to the nunnery! My call was at first a faint one, but became one that was ever deeper and more challenging. Upon completion at North Bay Teachers College, my ministry of teaching began immediately in some of our Northern Ontario Catholic Schools at both elementary and secondary levels, and in various capacities, i.e., teacher, consultant, Principal and Vice-Principal. It was with great excitement and enthusiasm that I responded to the Congregation’s request that I study Catechetics in London, England at Corpus Christ College, the first English-speaking Institute in that field. The completion of this course saw me catapulted to Sudbury, ON, to work both with Catholic School Board and the Diocese in implementing the new Canadian Catechism. Marvellous other educational opportunities were afforded me by the Congregation, and so I completed my M.A. in Theology the University of Notre Dame, and a Diploma in Pastoral Theology at the Jesuit-run Heythrop College (University of London, England.) While education was my primary ministry, catechetics for the mentally challenged was significant for me, and at a time when integration was not in our educational systems. Walking with separated and divorced was also a graced moment when these suffering persons taught me how to listen well and to have an understanding heart. It was while serving as Chaplain and Vice-Principal in our Catholic High School in Sault Ste. Marie that I became particularly involved in justice issues. Arduous and successful fundraising events allowed students to participate in third world experiences at Cuernavaca, Mexico, an experience which latterly challenged their involvement in justice issues in their area. Retirement from the educational system was followed by the position of Faith and Justice Co-ordinator for our Congregation, a commitment to justice issues which continues after the termination of that position..Such a termination was precipitated by my ministry to the Congregation as a Councillor on the Leadership Team. And so life goes on, and as I said at the beginning, I say again: What a grand half century this has been!!
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