For 35 years, Sr. Rosemary was an effective teacher in schools in Philadelphia, Pa.; Sharon Hill, Pa.; Pasadena, Calif.; and Washington, D.C. Even after that, she served as the Principal of St. Mary of the Assumption in Manayunk, Pa. for 12 years. For four of those years, she lived across from the school, and became well-known and loved in the area.
New Frontiers
When it came time to retire, Sr. Rosemary knew she wanted to continue to serve at least part-time, but was undecided as to what she wanted to do. She didn’t have to wonder for long because the pastor of the neighboring parish, St. Lucy (where the Sisters of the Holy Child had taught), asked for her help. He hoped that she could take on his visits to those in the parish who were sick and hospitalized, and also, that she could lend secretarial assistance.
Though hospital ministry was a new experience for Sr. Rosemary, she found that she enjoyed her visits with those who were in the hospital. In between, the pastor entrusted Sr. Rosemary to typing some of his more confidential reports. Sr. Rosemary’s quiet attentiveness was not unnoticed. Soon, the pastor of Holy Family Parish asked if she would be able to cover his sick calls, so Sr. Rosemary added one more day of service!
Sr. Rosemary sees these priests bearing great pastoral responsibilities, and asserts that she finds happiness in helping them bear their burdens.
