Born in Providence Hospital in Everett, Washington, in 1933, she grew up on a dairy farm in rural Snohomish. After high school and a year of college, she transferred to Seattle University.
Her family was religious but she had not seriously considered Religious Life until she met women at the university who were Sisters of Providence. Through their influence she made her first retreat and learned about Religious Life.
“There was a spirit about the school, the students, faculty and priests which encouraged me to consider a vocation.”
She entered the novitiate after a postulancy at Mount St. Vincent, Seattle, and professed first vows in 1956. She taught in Yakima, Seattle, Vancouver and Olympia, Anchorage, Burbank and Portland.
“We made profession and went where we were assigned,” she explained. “You did whatever you were asked to do, and you were joyful because of the Sisters you worked with.”
Sr. Mary Catherine began teaching second grade but was rapidly moved to the more challenging seventh grade class. Thankfully, Sr. Louise Gleason, SP, her superior at the time and a very understanding person, helped her prepare the lesson plans for the higher level. In high school, she taught history and English.
Other ministries included parish work and receptionist duties at St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia and in the Providence corporate offices.
For twenty years she served in pastoral services, loving the opportunity to talk and share with one person at a time. She was a chaplain and pastoral team member at hospitals in Portland, Burbank and Seattle. She also volunteered with community college English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and assisted in the Sisters of Providence library.
Perhaps her favorite ministry was as a part-time chaplain at Providence Elder Place in Seattle. “The people were receptive to whatever was offered to them in an open atmosphere of spiritual care. Anyone was free to come or not to come.”
She also enjoyed her ministry as an intake worker for the emergency room where she saw the full range of challenges life can throw at some people.
Now, she is enjoying retirement at St. Joseph Residence where she does not have to worry about being somewhere at a certain time. She still volunteers for Regina House, collecting items for people who need them.
“Jubilee means celebrating God’s fidelity though the years, realizing the many graces that have helped us live out our commitment and accomplish God’s work. This Jubilee year is a special time to give thanks for the graces of my family, the Sisters and all the persons I have met.”