Sister Beth Stover — 50 years

BORN: Beloit, Kan.
ENTERED CONGREGATION: March 18, 1960

When my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, I was awestruck that two persons could make a commitment to be faithful to one another for half a century! However, I lived in a home filled with love and a generous spirit that often meant sacrifice and giving of self for others. Their faith and love of God directed their lives and mine. These were the lessons and values that made their lives strong. The same have carried me through life to celebrate this 50th jubilee as a Sister of St. Joseph.

Religious life was part of my everyday “growing up” with Sister Angela, my great-aunt, and Sister Rose, my aunt, visiting at home or at the Motherhouse in Concordia, as well as my uncle, Father Jim Grennan, being present for special occasions.

My education was influenced by the Sisters of St. Joseph at St. John’s in Beloit. Even though Sister Rose said “one of Mike and Marie’s daughters would surely be a Sister,” I flatly declared, “Not me!”

That changed, however, in my senior year when Sister Margaret Therese said, “Beth, you have a vocation and just don’t want to admit it.” I could hardly believe my spontaneous response: “You’re right.”

Fifty years later, I am filled with gratitude and heartfelt joy for my life as a Sister of St. Joseph of Concordia. Our congregation has given me the opportunity to be educated, to be immersed in the faith, to be of service to the “dear neighbor” and to make a difference in others lives by sharing gifts and talents for God’s greater honor and glory.

This joyous occasion has only one sadness. Sister Colleen, my sister, my companion and support in religious life for 50 years, is not here to celebrate. She is celebrating our Golden Jubilee in heaven, probably with a toast:

“Here’s to our Band of ’59. Let’s celebrate ’cause I think we’re really fine!”