February
2017
Letter from the Superior General
Dear Families and Friends,

The Sisters' main governing document is called our Constitutions. It prescribes that "the Superior General makes a periodic visitation of the entire Community (one Sister at a time) as a means of strengthening a sense of unity. She makes herself aware of the manner in which religious life is being lived." 
In general, I am quite impressed with our Sisters' good works, hospitality, and good will. Listening to each Sister speak about her goals, hopes, or concerns is most impressive, and often touching.  When I speak with Sisters who are past the typical age for retirement, it is totally amazing to me what charitable works many have undertaken. No less impressed am I with those not retired who continue to learn new skills for their ministry and try to maintain the balance of prayer, community life, and service.
So, as you can see, this more intense time of conversation at "visitation" often moves me from being quite impressed to being very impressed! I will be meeting with most of the Sisters during the months of February and March. I am very blessed to have this opportunity.
Blessings, 
Sr. Charlene
Jubilee 2017: Save the date

On the last Sunday in July, the Sisters host their annual Jubilee Mass and reception, honoring members of their Community who are celebrating significant anniversaries in their ministry.

On July 30, 2017, the Sisters will honor six Jubilarians. Together, they have given 350 years of service.
 
70 Years
Sr. Clare Vandecoevering 

60 Years
Sr. Paula Fox
Sr. Marianne Giesel
Sr. Sharon Kirk

50 Years
Sr. Charlene Herinckx
Sr. Patricia Marie Landin

Please mark the date on your calendar now then join us on July 30 at 1:30 p.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel as we honor these valiant women.
Remembering Sr. Janice Boogaard
"God has been so good and so fulfilling."
That's how Sr. Janice Boogaard described her life of ministry in 2016 as she prepared to celebrate her 60th Jubilee as a Sister of St. Mary Oregon (SSMO). Sr. Janice died on Jan. 7, 2017, at the SSMO Motherhouse.
Sr. Janice is survived by her Sisters in the SSMO Community; her brother, Jerry (Lois); her brother Ron (Marilyn); her sisters, Bev (Joe) Evers, Margie (Walt) Vandehey, Darlene (Chuck) Moore, and Joyce (Jerome) Hunter; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Virginia, and her brother Jim.
Memorial offerings may be directed to the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Retirement Fund.
Snowpocalypse 2017
The winter storm of January 2017 - nicknamed "snowpocalypse" by some - left nearly a foot of snow and ice on our campus.

While it made travel treacherous and caused the cancellation of school classes and many other events and activities, it also provided great beauty.

Photo albums
We are profoundly grateful to Lanphere Construction and Development for helping us clear our parking lots. They sent a team and several plows to clear the roads and lots in front of our Motherhouse as we prepared for the funeral of St. Janice Boogaard and school officials were working to resume classes.

Back to school (photos and video)


The return of our students, families, faculty and staff after more than a week away was a joyful experience.


Meet the Sisters:
Sr. Patricia Marie Landin
This summer, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon will honor six Jubilarians. They include Sr. Patricia Marie Landin, who will celebrate her 50th Jubilee.

Sr. Patricia Marie has written: "One day at Providence Medical Center, where I ministered as a chaplain, one of the nurses said: 'I want Sister Patricia Marie to pray for me. After all, she belongs to the Lord Himself, and He to her.'"

For Sister Patricia Marie Landin, that special moment captured her service and ministry as a Sister of St. Mary of Oregon. 
Our Mission
We, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, share in the mission of Jesus by proclaiming the Good News of God's love.
Our Campus
Prayer Requests
If you would like the Sisters to add a special intention to our daily prayers,  please send an email to
 
prayers@ssmo.org.
Amazing American Women
I was not tired physically....I was tired of giving in.  - Rosa Parks
On Dec. 1, 1955, Rosa Parks made history when she boarded a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama, and refused to sit in the back of the bus, where black passengers were supposed to sit. She was arrested and jailed.
Her protest led to a boycott of the city buses that lasted more than a year until the city repealed its segregation ordinance.
Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon | 4440 SW 148th Avenue | Beaverton, Oregon 97078
Phone: (503) 644-9181 | Email: info@ssmo.org
Visit us any time at  www.ssmo.org.
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