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Sr.
Mariata Hartmann, SLW
In my early
years as a Sister of Christian Charity I taught 1st
and 2nd grade. I loved life as an SCC, but after
Vatican II most communities had changed their life style
dramatically. Remaining with the SCC became impossible for me
and I was among those who in 1975 formed the new community,
Sisters of the Living Word.
I taught
mentally handicapped adolescents at St. John the Evangelist
School in Detroit for about 8 or 9 years. One year the college
administrator asked me to come and teach Special methods and
Exceptional Children at Marygrove. I enjoyed my years at
Marygrove, but Fr. Ed Boryz kept calling to ask me to come down
to the Archdiocese of Detroit Office and dream dreams for the
exceptional children.
My first
dream there resulted in a two-week camping experience for
exceptional children. This dream lasted for many summers. When
school began in September, I started a recreation program for
the children. Every Sunday we used the Archdiocesan Recreation
Center where we had swimming, bowling, dancing and crafts, all
taught by volunteers.
The program
I liked best was the retreats for exceptional adults. Thirty
exceptional adults came Friday evening and stayed until Sunday
noon. By the time I retired at 70, we were giving 8 retreats a
year.
Two years
later, I was asked to come to our Living Word Center in
Arlington Heights, Illinois. While living at the Center I
became sick and was sent to Resurrection Life Center. In my
years here I have found another ministry. I make it a point to
know every resident and worker and to greet everyone by name.
In my evening walk around the halls I pray a Hail Mary for each
resident as I pass the doors. This will continue to be my home
and my ministry as long as I live.
Mission Experience
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e-mail to:
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first and last name of the Sister you are trying to reach.
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