Sharing from Various Sisters Who Served at OLSS

Sr. Ruth Parent, CDP:

Back in the Spring of 1957, I was sent as a postulant to play the organ in place of Sr. Beatrice who had just died. Having only 10 piano lessons, I was in fear and trembling of the job. Sister Hilda, who was a very understanding superior, had me practice the organ daily for an hour. I'll never forget her words of encouragement "to play with my right hand and to stick my left hand in whenever I felt comfortable to do so!" Margie Popovich, a candidate, was previously sent as a teacher aide to Sr. Beatrice with her second grade class. So, when I arrived I was an aide to Margie. We had a lot of fun playing games with the students. I was amazed that the little second graders knew their Roman Numerals up to a thousand.

I also remember Father Cole always working! He would drive around on a tractor either mowing the grounds or other jobs. He was a very kind person and so good to the sisters!!

Now, the convent was something else! Margie and I slept in the attic and would often awake to the sound of water dripping. Being on bucket brigade, we would scurry with the buckets to catch the rest of it! We considered it a challenge to be up and at it! The sisters were always busy and a lot of fun. Sister John Martin would jump rope around the island along with us, while Sister Hermana would be making vases out of old melted records. Sister Hilda would be busy taking good care of her cats and increasing the vocabulary of her talented parakeet! Sometimes she would make root beer out of sassafras roots that a neighboring man sold. I learned a lot from these sisters in many ways!

Sr. Mary Luke Murphy, CDP:

When Sr. Carleen Schumacher and I arrived at OLSS in the summer of 1976 to start the new school year, we didn't know for sure who the pastor would be since Fr. Griffin was supposed to be leaving. Our first official greeting was from the Methodist minister in the area who came to school to welcome us very warmly.

At Our Lady Star of the Sea, I made it a practice of training in new pastors---first, Fr. Griffin, then Fr. Neuman and Fr. Joyce, and finally Fr. Gardiner (who was really difficult to train but turned out pretty good).

Way back in the '80's the Sisters had a convent cat named Pearl who was a "free spirit". One Sunday morning toward the end of Mass Pearl sauntered into church up the middle aisle to where the collection basket was, looked in, turned around and looked out at all the surprised parishioners as if to say, "Is that it?"

Sr. Carleen Schumacher, CDP:

Although many years have passed since my days at Our Lady Star of the Sea, the memories are still dear and I remember many people fondly. I came to Our Lady as the primary teacher in 1976 and remained there only four years until I was needed to serve as Principal in one of our Kentucky schools. I can still picture many of my students, their parents and all those wonderful generous fun-loving guys known as "Gallagher's Gang". There were so many good moments! Another highlight of my days at Our Lady center around the celebration of Eucharist; daily Mass was always special with the small community in our chapel but Sunday celebrations were the highlight of the week! The congregational singing, so rich and full, and the family atmosphere in the parish touched my heart and warmed my spirits. You are truly a worshipping community! Thanks to everyone there for sharing your beautiful Solomons, and more importantly your generous and loving hospitality with this CDP from Kentucky!

Sr. Lynn Stenken, CDP:

When asked to share "a memory" of my eight years at OLSS, many things came rushing to my mind. I thought about all the students I taught and sent on their way to high school, college and LIFE! I remembered so many wonderful parents and parishioners who supported our school, cooperated in every activity, and wanted OLSS to be a great Catholic School. I remembered our first sports teams and trying to decide on a mascot for those teams. Of course, I’ll never forget "the construction" and all who gave hours of time in planning for the addition. I’m still thankful for the teachers who gave of themselves for the good of the school...and Fr. Gardiner, who was always a support, mentor and friend.

Life continues, blessings abound, but I will always remember Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish and School. Congratulations on your generosity, steadfastness, and courage to continue formal Catholic education into this 21st century. Providence has brought our sisters to this wonderful place and blessed us - may we continue to be a blessing to you and you to us as Our Lady Star of the Sea School moves into its next 75 years!

Sr. Mary Hope Schenk, CDP:

On January 3rd in 1933 in Cincinnati, Ohio, a little girl was born. In that same year in September, Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Solomons, Maryland was started. God took one of the most beautiful sites in all of creation to give the children a place for a good education. Thanks be to God, that little girl became a teacher and was allowed to teach in that school! OLSS and that little girl (me) were united in 1994 and spent nine wonderful years together. Let us thank God for all the good in our lives and faithfully share it with others. As I celebrated my 75th birthday, I was cognizant of the 75th year of OLSS. The intertwining of school and teacher leaves an imprint on my heart. I extend good wishes and love to all who are associated with OLSS.

Sr. Mary Bezold, CDP:

From the very first I fell in love with Solomons - the area and its people! My two years of teaching there were wonderful peaceful years and only my parents' failing health could take me away. Almost every year since I left in 1990 I've returned for a visit. The Sisters, Pastor, and people have always welcomed me and my family. Solomons to me means Love, Peace and Caring!

Sr. Mary Rosella Summe, CDP:

Why did I come to Solomons? Providence intervened in my favor. I had just finished a term on the CDP provincial administration and was looking forward to returning to the ministry of teaching. Where? I had no idea. Then, through very little initiative of my own, I was asked to consider coming to Solomons. What did I find? I found a wonderful school and church community. I am very grateful for the religious and educational experiences that have enriched my life and I will always treasure the new friends I have made during my tenure at Our Lady Star of the Sea.

Sr. Carolyn Marie Betsch, CDP:

Congratulations to those many educators who gave so much of themselves to make OLSS the school that it is today. Truly, we stand on your shoulders. Congratulations and thank you to those early educators who labored under harsh conditions in a poor "fishing outpost." We've come a long way! We are proud to be part of the OLSS lineage of education.

Sr. Barbara Rohe, CDP:

I fell in love with Solomons long before I lived here. As one of those Sisters who vacationed here regularly since 1974, I was overjoyed in 2005 to settle into the parish which stole my heart many years prior. Congratulations on this special anniversary! It is because of the spirit and support of the people at Our Lady Star of the Sea that the school has been a viable asset in our beloved Solomons community on the water these 75 years!

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