As you know, Sr. Mary Ann Sutton, who served faithfully as our Director
of Religious Education (DRE) for 18 years, suffered a fall last year
and was incapacitated for much of the year. She had hoped to be able to
be well enough to continue the Religious Education Program this summer
but found herself still facing health challenges. She called me early
in June to resign, citing the well being of the children and her
continuing recovery. She has had to move back to Cincinnati, where her
community has more resources to care for her.
In July we began a search for someone who might take Sr. Mary Ann’s place. This was a bit difficult because most Religious Educators find new jobs before the school year ends, usually in May. However, we were fortunate to find a DRE who is both experienced and bi-lingual.
Meet Sister Alverna Hollis. Sister had worked as a consultant at our Archdiocesan Office for Catechesis for the past eight years. Before that she spent eight years in a Mission in Peru, South America and then another eight years in Washington D.C. as the director of the National Catholic Office for the Deaf. Thus she is fluent in both Spanish and Sign Language. Sister has also been a teacher and taught both high school and grade school children. We are so blessed to have her on our staff – even if it is only part time!
