Winter 2006, Volume 49, Number 4

Presentation Class of 1956

Side by side or miles apart,
Friends are always close to the heart.

Just over fifty years ago, thirteen young women approached the hills of Dubuque to enter the Presentation community to commit, to bond and to live out what would change their lives forever. These talented young women of Iowa were from unique and diverse backgrounds, members of large, medium and small families, both rural and urban.

Their early introduction into the community was during the era of discipline, study and hard work. As a class they saw the implementation of a five-year scholastic program consisting of a three-year novitiate and a two-year juniorate, during which they earned college degrees and studied theology and scripture. Throughout these years, friendships were established and support given to one another through thick and thin.

Over the following years, most sisters found themselves teaching in classrooms, and eventually several became administrators of schools, superiors and counselors. With the close of Vatican II in 1965, these sisters, like so many others, were faced with plaguing questions; and with the unfolding of the times, several eventually left the community and bid farewell to those they loved and treasured.

The changes within the Church found classroom doors closing and a variety of new works and services opening for each of them. The diversity grew and over time the many ministries of these women have included liturgy commissions, retreat house management, prison ministry and the establishing of drug and alcohol treatment centers. Those who remained in the field of education found themselves involved not only in elementary and secondary classrooms, but also at the university level, teacher mentoring programs and the pioneering of the National Board Certification for Teachers.

As the years evolved, they managed to keep in touch, to see one another and to touch base now and again. And then they seriously and successfully committed to gathering every two years. Their gatherings are most meaningful as they catch up, share ups and downs and recreate the spirit of life, of love and of faith for and with one another.

The group now numbers 12: six are Presentation community members, six have left, and Sister Robertelle Dougherty has died. The six community members include: Sister Emilie Bormann, prison chaplain at the federal medical center in Rochester, MN; Sister Donna Determan, faith formation director at St. Mary’s School in Storm Lake, IA; Sister Sheila Ann Dougherty, liturgy and music director at St. Jude Parish in Cedar Rapids, IA; Sister Jeanine Kuhn, director at American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls, IA; Sister Hermann Platt, curriculum coordinator/librarian at Seton Grade School in Algona, IA; Sister Raeleen Sweeney, director of Golden Apple Teacher Professional Development in Chicago, IL.

The other six wise women include: Mary Hardgrove, teacher and coach in Frisco, TX; Mary Ann Kane, teacher in Clifton, CO; Marilyn McCormick Brissette Kruger, parent, drug and alcohol counselor, educator in the U.S. and Ireland; Marlene McDonnell, SFCC, pastoral minister in Cascade, IA; Janet Quade, PhD, educator in Sun Lakes, AZ; and Gwen Wright Johnson LeMer, parent, teacher, librarian, liturgy coordinator in Fair Oaks, CA.

Pictured above: L to R: Back row: Janet, Sister Sheila Ann, Sister Emilie, Sister Hermann, Mary Ann, Sister Raeleen, Gwen. Front row: Marilyn, Sister Jeanine, Sister Donna, Sister Marlene. Not pictured Mary Hardgrove