Florida Catholic | Religious Jubilarians

Orlando diocese’s diverse corps of religious sisters celebrates as one

BETTY ANN WEBER | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 11.16.07

Members of the Sisters’ Council of the Diocese of Orlando participate at the annual Mass and jubilee celebration Nov. 3. From left are Sister Joseph Barden and Sister Immaculata Knox, both Sisters of Mercy, and Franciscan Sister Jessica Zwarra.
VALETA ORLANDO | FC

WINTER PARK | From outside the church, the first sound heard was the chatter of cheerful voices. And laughter. Then the doors to the patio of St. Margaret Mary here swung open, and out came dozens of religious sisters — smiling, greeting one another.

Imbued with the Eucharist and the Mass just celebrated by Bishop Thomas Wenski in their honor, the Sisters’ Council of the Diocese of Orlando was relishing the day and the gift of being together.

Primarily, Nov. 3 was a time to laud five jubilarians from four orders:

• For 60 years of faith-filled service, Sister Teresa McElwee, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

• For 50 years, Sister Florence Bryan, Sisters of St. Joseph; Sister Joan Grace, Sisters of Mercy; Sister Mary Schoberg, Immaculate Heart of Mary; and Sister Virginia West, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

As Bishop Wenski told the sisters during Mass, “Wherever the church is at work — defending and promoting human persons and the common good — you, sisters, are there.”

“We’re more than 100 sisters in the diocese,” said Dominican Sister Rosemary Finnegan, adult education coordinator for St. Margaret Mary Parish. “With different congregations and no motherhouse nearby, our council draws us together as one.”

And one they were, at the luncheon that followed: highly educated, spiritual sisters, sharing stories, laughing at foibles, supportive and encouraging.

The jubilarians speak

Sister McElwee, 77, is president of the Sisters’ Council and executive director of the Justice and Peace Office Inc. in Apopka.

“I grew up in Chester, Pa. My family had a strong faith I could rely on and I went to daily Mass. At a retreat shortly before high school graduation, I asked God to give me direction. By the end of the 4 o’clock Benediction, I had my answer.”

With a litany of college degrees and ministry accomplishments, Sister McElwee said, “In 60 years as a sister, I’ve never doubted God’s love, his strong arm guiding me.”

Sister Bryan, 67, was born and raised in St. Augustine and educated by Sisters of St. Joseph. Inspired by their example, she felt God’s call. Her mother cautioned, “If it’s for you, it’ll be heaven — if not, it’ll be hell. Just remember, you can always come home.”

Sister Bryan, a quiet woman, mused, “I’m still surprised at the ministry calls from my congregation. I was a primary school teacher when they sent me to Notre Dame so I could teach math at St. Joseph College in Jensen Beach. I was general counselor of the Sisters of St. Joseph Council, handling personnel and placement. More studies at Duquesne (University in Pittsburgh) to apply to the spiritual formation of new members. Then campus ministry and eight years as general superior of my order.”

Today, with Catholic Volunteers of Florida, she’s utilizing everything experience taught her — this time with laity.

“The community called me to do things I’d never dreamed of doing,” said Sister Bryan, shaking her head. “That’s how I know God’s been walking with me.”

Sister Schoberg, 71, director of the Adult Spirituality Center at Annunciation Parish in Altamonte Springs, is also bemused by the direction of her faith odyssey. Baltimore bred, and with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and spiritual direction, she spent 29 years teaching elementary and high school math. Her dossier also includes pastoral ministry at a retreat center in New Jersey, inner-city ministry in Wilmington, Del., and, just before her move to Florida, a stint at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Oxford, Miss. “Throughout grade school I felt that this is where I belonged,” Sister Schoberg said. “I land wherever God wants me to be.”

Sister West, 68, annulment advocate at St. Margaret Mary Parish said, “I was introduced to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur when my sister entered this community and I was 6½. I was taught by the sisters for nine years.” Sister West entered a strict religious life in the 1950s. “We were all educators,” she said, “and my first assignment was to teach 64 fourth-grade boys — a scary beginning.

“Vatican II opened the doors and I began teaching adults through clinical pastoral education. With a doctorate in family counseling from Boston University, I became a licensed marriage and family therapist, and eventually moved to the Orlando diocesan Family Life Office and a ministry with separated, divorced and widowed Catholics. When I came here, I told my family it was to be for three to five years. What I experienced was the alive and true church of the people of God, where I’ve ministered for 25 years. I’m truly blessed by my vocation and I’m grateful for all who helped me to grow as a person and sister. I entered religious life to help others, but I have received more than I’ve given.”

“Sisters make a tremendous contribution to the diocese,” said Sister McElwee. “Some are quiet, some outgoing. They have a mandate to serve the poor in body and spirit — in as many ways possible. As Sisters’ Council president, I want them to be more visible.”

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Orlando diocese’s diverse corps of religious sisters celebrates as one

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