Sister Jane Guenette

Concordia, Kan.

I have been a sister for more than 70 years. Seventy years seems like a l-o-n-g time! And much has happened since then. I am a cradle Catholic, baptized when I was 8 days old and raised in a Catholic family where religion was a priority. I grew up loving God from an early age.

When I was 18 years of age I entered the Saint Joseph Community in Concordia, Kan., and was named Sister Noella as my religious name.

Two years later I went to Chicago to teach first grade. I always taught primary grades. I taught in Fairbury, Neb., and in Beloit, Junction City, Herington, Damar and Leawood, Kan. It was in Leawood while teaching preschoolers that I learned to live in the now moment. After teaching 54 years, I retired in Grand Island, Neb., and tutored for 10 years.

God has blessed me with graces through thick and thin. Maybe at the “low” times I didn’t appreciate it, but as I look back over my life I realize that God has showered me with His love.

I have loved and enjoyed the Community and never regretted it. I continually thank God for all the graces I have received.

My re-retiring at the Motherhouse is what I call “The vestibule of heaven!”