Sr. Mary Alice Miller has been involved in ministry at St. Robert’s Parish in Burbank, Calif., for much of her life as a Sister of Providence. To call it her home parish would be an understatement. She is part of the faith life of generations of parishioners.
“I have had the privilege of educating many children. Now, as a volunteer at St. Roberts, I am seeing their children and grandchildren coming for baptisms, First Holy Communions and Confirmations.
“To be part of so many families over nearly four decades has been a real privilege and an opportunity,” says Sr. Mary Alice
Like the rest of the world, her volunteer work has been placed on hold the last few years. Family Promise, the rotating shelter program she works with is gradually starting up again. Sr. Mary Alice enjoys meals and evenings with the families in the program and is happy the program is poised to resume.
She trusts that Providence will continue working in her life. She is a graduate of Providence High School in Burbank where she first came into contact with the Sisters of Providence. Her teaching career started at St. Joseph School in Vancouver, Wash., then Holy Family School in West Seattle, St. Finbar School in Burbank and Assumption School in Seattle. Except for a few years in the Provincial Administration, she has spent most of her life in Southern California. She spent 19 years teaching at St. Roberts and the last 20 years on the parish staff or volunteering. Her favorite level to teach was the fifth grade because the children are still eager to learn. For her, teaching is the fulfilment of a lifetime desire.
Sr. Mary Alice is thankful for the support of the community. She says it manifests in her life on a daily basis through common prayer, shared meals and faith sharing.
As she looks back on sixty years as a Sister of Providence, Sr. Mary Alice is thankful for the close relationship she has had with her family, for her many friends and for a Provident God who called her.
In closing she would like to share a favorite quote: “All I know of tomorrow is that Providence will rise before the sun.” – Lacordaire
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Read more about Sr. Mary Alice’s life in the Sisters of Providence in this piece from her 50 year Jubilee – 50 Years: Mary Alice Miller, SP – Sisters of Providence, Mother Joseph Province