MONONA — February 2, the Feast of the Presentation, is also the World Day for Consecrated Life.
Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Monona celebrated one of their very own that day: Sr. Sue Keim.
A Sinsinawa Dominican Sister for 46 years and a teacher for 42, Sister Sue has given her life to the Lord through teaching his children, and they love her for it!
The celebration during Catholic Schools Week was arranged as a surprise, and the second graders – her class – wrote a poem for her.
The surprise cake at lunch was warmly received by Sister Sue, who was overwhelmed with hugs from nearly every student present and was gifted by the school with a commemorative wind-chime.
Her witness is “a blessing to the school,” said Principal Callie Meiller.
“She has such a strong tie to the sacraments and vowing a life, or consecrating her life to God, she shines that light and is able to be grace-filled and help kids understand what grace looks like and how to live it in your everyday life . . . we receive more graces because she’s here and she lives that model of Mary’s life, and that’s great.”
Sister Sue is quite unpretentious. She doesn’t like being the center of attention but couldn’t resist the children.
Asked what her favorite thing about teaching is, she answered, “the children . . . they’re so open to God.”
Asked what children teach her in her own life in Christ, she had a list!
“The innocence of children, to always be open-hearted, to treat others as you want to be treated, and God is always with you. There’s never a question with the children. They know and believe that God is with them every minute of their lives.”
She’s learning while teaching — and teaching is her witness for Christ.
She’s grateful for God’s call and the chance to answer it with the Sinsinawa Dominicans.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said, and neither would the school.
One child politely interrupted this reporter’s interview to make sure Sister Sue got a slice of cake. They clearly look after her.
The school is blessed to have Sister Sue and grateful for what she brings to them every day.
As only one of the events of Catholic School Week, the celebration fit in perfectly on the World Day for Consecrated Life.
Let us pray for more individuals like Sister Sue and let us be grateful for what God has given through her.