Sister Christina Marie Meyer

Sister Christina Meyer volunteers at the Salina (Kan.) Rescue Mission on a recent December evening.

BORN: Grainfield, Kan.

RECEIVED: Feb. 2, 1952

CURRENT HOME: Salina, Kan.

EDUCATION: BA, Marymount College; MA, Kansas State University; spirituality studies at the School of Applied Theology, Berkeley, Calif.

MINISTRIES:

1956-71: Teacher in various elementary schools, including Gladstone, Mich.

1971-73: Principal, St. Joseph-St. Anne School, Chicago.

1973-79: Principal, St. Michael School, Fairbury, Neb.

1979-87: Executive Councilor for the congregation

1988-89: Staff member, Manna House of Prayer, Concordia

1989-90: Campus minister, Dodge City, Kan.

1990-2000: Pastoral ministry, Scottsbluff, Neb.

2000-03: Motherhouse coordination team, Concordia

2003-06: Pastoral ministry and administration, Sutherland, Paxton and Hershey, Neb.

2009-present: Advocate, Justice and Peace Center, Salina

As I reflect on 60 years as a Sister of St. Joseph, three particular things come to mind:

I was privileged to accompany Sister Margarida Boucher to Brazil for three weeks to visit our community there. The graciousness, hospitality and simple living that I experiences from our sisters touched me deeply then and continues to do so. From their generosity, I experienced abundance.

I am also grateful for the experience of accompanying RCIA candidates for 10 years in Scottsbluff, Neb., while being a pastoral minister. The candidates’ trust and faith were inspiring as we approached and prepared for their reception of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Of course, the special joy was when they articulated “Wow!”

Being present to those in the dying process has been another powerful experience in parish ministry. I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of families who have been gracious in allowing me to be with them at the most profound and holy time. It was a reminder of the truth that our ministry is our presence.

I am grateful to my family, friend and community for being there for me these past 60 years, which have been abundantly blessed by our generous God.