Mary (as she was called) entered the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity on September 24, 1949. She was the youngest in her class. On March 24, 1950 she became a novice and received the name Sister Mary Shaun of the Holy Eucharist. She professed First Vows on March 25, 1951 and Final Vows on March 25, 1954. Sister Mary Shaun went home to God in her 75th Jubilee Year.
Sister served primarily in religious education, pastoral and retreat work. Her retreat ministries were at Stirling, Holy Trinity, and the Oratory in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and a short time at Mother Boniface Spirituality Center. She served as Director of Programs for our senior Sisters at the Motherhouse where she concentrated on developing the Ministry of Prayer. One of Sister’s early assignments was on the Northern Alabama Missions. Brooklyn and Rochester, NY; Cambridge, MA; Auburn, AL, and a short time in New Mexico are just some of the places where she served.
Sister Mary Shaun served on our General Council from 1998 to 2003. In 2004 she was assigned to Caton, NM but because of issues with her eyesight, she had to leave. She then worked for a short time at Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, but recognizing limitations due to failing eyesight, she asked to be missioned to the Ministry of Prayer, which she was in 2006. She coped well with her limitations. And was quite gracious about them. She, who loved reading books, began listening to books. On January 9, 2014, Sister Mary Shaun was assigned to Wesley.
Sister Mary Shaun was blessed with a keen intellect and had a great appreciation for learning. She held a B.A. in Religious Studies from Nazareth University in Rochester, NY and a Master’s degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. She attended Scripture studies and workshops at Duquense University in Pittsburgh as well as at the Oratory in Rock Hill. When Sister was assigned to the Motherhouse to prepare for her ministry, she participated in a continuing education program, Aging Religious at Misericordia College in Dallas, PA and received 4.6 C.E. units! She also completed a hospice training program at York County Hospice. One of the highlights of her life was at the Center for Continuing Formation in Ministry at the University of Notre Dame. She joined wholeheartedly in everything, including the football games, and in order not to miss anything, she even went to a pep rally!
Many virtues could be used to describe Mary Shaun. She was responsible, generous, hardworking and communicative. This can be seen in her considerable correspondence with General Custodians, General Councilors and even future pastors as she described herself before meeting them. When leaving Holy Trinity, before going to McKees Rocks, she wrote to the pastor, describing her previous ministries and then wrote, “An important reason for my leaving retreat work at this time is a desire to reach out to those who are not yet at the point of seeking the Lord in retreat”.
Sister Mary Shaun loved the Community and she loved being an MSBT. She was quick and had a dry sense of humor. In writing to the General Custodian at one time, she said it was reported that that particular Christmas was the coldest in 600 years. She said, “I wonder who has been keeping those records”.
Mary Shaun was a woman of faith and trust in God. In discerning a ministry with the Native American people in New Mexico, she wrote, “I question if the skills I can bring are what are most needed at this time. However, reflection on the Scriptures of this past week encourages me to trust that the Lord who fed 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, can feed the hungers of these people with whatever little I can bring until better arrangements can be made.”
At one point in her correspondence, when it seems she was asked about what she would want for her funeral, she wrote, “I’m not concerned about my funeral. I just want my friends to have a good time and I hope there will be peace and reconciliation, if needed. Well, Mary Shaun, I don’t think we’re having fun, but we can imagine our Lord, with Father and Mother at his side saying, well done, good and faithful servant, well done Mary Shaun, Missionary Servant of the Most Blessed Trinity. Take your place at this banquet prepared for you. And that gives us great joy!
Rest in Peace, Sister Mary Shaun.