Sister Agnes Irene Huser

Seventy years ago, it was unimaginable to me that this occasion could ever happen. I don’t know what I expected when I entered the community. Watching the sisters who were my teachers didn’t give me much insight. I just knew this was what I wanted to do. What I know now is that my life has been one of unexpected changes. People often describe their lives in terms of “wearing different hats.” I’ve had many.
The first hat I acquired came early. I began playing the organ for parish liturgies in grade School.  The Baltimore catechism was all I knew about God and my religion. Then came Vatican II. The study and research that came about before, during, and after the Council opened a wider and richer understanding of God, the Church, ministry, and my part in all of it.  Studying the documents and books on liturgy gave me a richer understanding of liturgy and worship.
The second “hat” I acquired was that of teacher at the elementary level. I taught in the middle grades and gave music lessons on the side. After a few years, I realized that I was not an effective classroom teacher. Time to change hats!

During this time came a second major change. Religious communities were being encouraged by Rome to update their Founding documents according to the mind of the founder and in light of the very different times in which we lived. Everyone was involved in the project, which took a few years. We discussed every word and idea presented and ultimately achieved our goal. I know that we are pleased and very grateful for what we achieved.
I didn’t know what my second hat would be, but after consulting with friends and the community, I went to Library School. On the first day of class, I knew that I had landed in the right place. I completed my master’s degree with an emphasis on reference work.  My first job took me to southwestern Missouri, where I learned the ins and outs of Ozark culture and living alone. I knew very little about managing a house, things others did on a daily basis.  I loved my years there but was asked to take charge of our archives and newspaper—another “Hat“ for a while. I then accepted a position as an Assistant Librarian at Conception Seminary College. Another tweak to my library hat!