Celebrating Sr. Mary Henry's Life

On Tuesday, May 18, 2010, Sr. Mary Henry Schiff went to be with the God she sought her whole life.  I got close to Sr. Mary Henry in her later life.  When I would visit her at our nursing health care center, she would always give me a big smile.  When I would leave she would always thank me for coming.  She never took anyone's care for granted.  She was always very thankful.    

One of my greatest memories of her was how much she enjoyed her 75th Jubilee in 2007.  She radiated the joy she felt that day.  It was a gift to celebrate with her.  I have included pictures of this day for you to enjoy.  I have also included some words from her obituary so that you can get a sense of her ministry to the community, church and beyond.   May the witness of her life as a Benedictine sister continue to be a light to the world.  Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her.  May she and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Words from her obituary:
Sr. Mary Henry Schiff (formerly Gertrude Madeline) died at St. Paul Hermitage on May 18, 2010.  She was 94 years old.  Sr. Mary Henry was one of seven daughters born to Fred and Theresa Schiff in Johnston City, Illinois in 1915.  She entered Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, Indiana in 1930 and made her Perpetual Monastic Profession in 1937.  She was a founding member of Our Lady of Grace Monastery.  She received a BS Degree in education from St. Benedict College, Ferdinand, Indiana and a MS Degree in education from St. Francis College, Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Sr. Mary Henry began her illustrious teaching career in 1934 and taught at various Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Evansville and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.  In 1981, after 47 years in the classroom, she became the receptionist and secretary at St. Anthony Rectory, Clarksville, Indiana and then at St. Paul Hermitage from 1984 – 1993.  She retired to Our Lady of Grace in 1994 and also served as a receptionist for the monastery.

Race for Vocations

Each year the Archdiocese of Indianapolis sponsors the Race for Vocations as part of the Mini Marathon/5K that takes place the first full weekend of May. 

The Race for Vocations begins with Mass followed by a pasta dinner the night before the race.  This year Msgr. Schaedel was the celebrant for the Mass.  He gave a wonderful homily about the importance of running to God not from God.  He reminded us that when we follow God's call  we find great happiness. 


200 runners took part in the Race for Vocations.  Of course we were part of a sea of thousands of runners.  It was amazing to see so many people downtown.  As we walked the 5K we were aware that many people were praying for vocations.  Rather than sponsoring the Race for Vocations with money, people sponsored it with prayers. 

The day was cold and we had to move around to stay warm before the race began.  However, the excitement about the race and the realization that so many people were praying for vocations brought warmth to my heart.  Keep praying for vocations!  Remember that everyone has a vocation, what's yours?

The Miracle of New Life

The Miracle of New Life

Each year we have a goose and gander who visit our monastery. The goose (we've named her Gladys) lays her eggs in the flowerbed right by the front door of the monastery, Yesterday the goslings hatched - all SEVEN of them. It was so much fun to watch them learn how to live in their new environment. Gladys is a very protective mother so we had to be careful.


Enjoy the video of the goslings!