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EAST LONGMEADOW - On September 15, 1956 Sister Mary McGeer answered what she felt was her call to serve other people. As the oldest of eight children, the youngest being just four months, Sister McGeer joined the Sisters of St. Joseph. On June 10 St. Michael's Parish in East Longmeadow honored Sister McGeer's 50 years with a celebration. The last 10 of those years have been spent at St. Michael's where she feels at home with the church family and team she is a part of. On Wednesday, Sister McGeer took time out of her day to reminisce with The Reminder on where she started and how she evolved into the person she is today. "It was very difficult for me to leave my family," Sister McGeer said when she explained initially joining the covent. "I was secluded for the first two and a half years. I saw them very little." As she grew in her faith, McGeer also flourished in education. "They educated us wonderfully and then allowed us to choose ministries that were fulfilling to us," said Sister McGeer. "All of us were educated to be teachers. As years went by we were free to choose." Her diverse education has granted her the opportunity to work in various departments including as an admissions counselor and pastoral associate. "I enjoyed each one as I did it," she said. It is when the conversation shifted to St. Michael's that Sister McGeer seemed to liven up the most. "We have a very strong team at St. Michael's," she began. "We function in a capacity that services the people." She said that the church is very unique and has a wonderful group of people. "Father Scahill is a man of integrity. Because of his leadership he has enabled me to be a woman of the gospel," Sister McGeer explained. "Also Betty Broughan and Patti Baran are a major part of this team. I love going to work everyday." Sister McGeer is also very open when she says that some things in the church need to change. She said that women should be part of every church leadership team "from the top down." She also believes that priests should be allowed to marry. Young women joining the convent is on the decline. Sister McGeer said that the last person to enter the Sister of St. Joseph and stay was approximately 15 years ago. "The church hasn't changed with the times and we're looking into that. What are people looking for?" she added. On Sunday, Sister McGeer told the congregation that she felt that they've been on a journey together. It was those same sentiments that she shared with The Reminder, taking a moment to read, again, words that she best felt described her affection for her church family and others. "Your sense of justice is second to none," she read. "You feed the poor weekly, you house the homeless, you place the addicted and mentally ill in places of safety, you care for the lonely the victims are supported. People of every orientation are respected, supported and welcomed here. We are one family. Thank you for allowing me to be part of all of this with you." | ||||||
