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St. Joan of Arc nun marks 50 years of service
(by Jenna Berris - September 02, 2010)
St. Joan of Arc nun marks 50 years of service
By JENNA BERRIS
A local woman celebrated her 50th anniversary as a sister of Notre Dame last Sunday.
Sister Ann Marie Kanusek, originally from Lakewood, works at St. Joan of Arc in Chagrin Falls.
"This means that 50 years ago I said 'Yes' to vocation and being a sister to serve the Lord and his people," Miss Kanusek said.
She entered the convent in 1951 at the age of 19. After nine years of training, the community accepted her as a sister in 1960, and she made her temporary vows. It was not until five years later that she made her final vows in 1965.
Since then Sister Kanusek has shared her relationship with God in several elementary schools and dioceses of Cleveland.
"I spent 18 years as a teacher, mainly in junior high school administration," Sister Kanusek said. "I was a principal at Holy Trinity in Avon for 10 years."
After holding several other positions in various Cleveland locations, Sister Kanusek arrived at her current job.
"I began my ministry here in 1990," she said, "Since then I have had many major job description changes."
Sister Kanusek is the director of rite of Christian initiation of adults for those interested in the Catholic faith. She is also responsible for bringing communion to nursing homes in the surrounding areas, including Hamlet in Chagrin Falls and the Weils in Bainbridge, where she visits any parishioners who may be in the hospital.
In addition, she plays the role of wedding coordinator and funeral planner, while taking part in organizations within the parish, such as the women's guild and Archangels for Life.
"I am also responsible for keeping records of people who work with children in any way, shape or form here at the parish," Sister Kanusek said.
She holds a file on each of these people containing their fingerprints and other personal information, as well as a certificate of completion of a course on working with children.
When she is not fulfilling one of her many duties at St. Joan of Arc, she works with national and statewide organizations.
"I want to keep up with what is going on," she said, "I belong to CORED (Cleveland Organization of Religious Education Directors), where I was the former president and I am still a member."
She is also a member of National Conference for Catechetical Leadership.
In her free time, Sister Kanusek visits with her family and friends.
"I love to go to places I have not been or places I have been before because I can always learn more," she said.
Sister Kanusek and St. Joan of Arc celebrated her anniversary during a noon Mass. As the crowds poured in, several pews in front were marked with a bow to seat Kanusek's friends and family.
About halfway through Mass, the Rev. David J. Walkowiak said many kind words about Sister Kanusek before calling her forward to renew her vows.
Sister Kanusek approached the alter, recited the same vows she spoke 50 years ago, and was given a standing ovation from the people.
Following Mass, a reception was held in the St. Joan of Arc School gymnasium in her honor. A buffet featured fresh fruit, shrimp cocktail and vegetable trays. In the background, several slide shows featured photos of Sister Kanusek throughout her life.
However, it was Sister Kanusek who was getting all of the attention from those who came to celebrate. People lined up to congratulate her and to show their appreciation.
Vince and Vicky Monahan, of Chagrin Falls, both embraced Sister Kanusek. "She is an inspiration to everyone at this church," Mrs. Monahan said. The Monahans have been members of the St. Joan of Arc parish for 10 years.
The Rev. Walkowiak summed up the general attitude toward Sister Kanusek during Mass: "Sister has been a gift and blessing for many people. Thank you for a life lived in service to the Lord."
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