Called to Teach: S. Mary Alice Haithcoat’s Dedicated Education Ministry By Erin Reder
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Mary Alice Haithcoat’s first love is teaching. The gentle kindness and joy that she guides her second graders with can be traced back to her parents’ deep faith and the many teachers she has been inspired by throughout the years. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, S. Mary Alice fondly remembers picnics after Mass when she was a little girl. Her parents stressed the importance of faith early on by making Sunday the most special day in their household, reflecting on the Masses they attended while enjoying time together. She first was introduced to religious life with the Sisters of Mercy at St. Cecilia grade school and then with the Sisters of Charity at St. Mary/Marian High School. “I had some great teachers who really S. Mary Alice Haithcoat has been ministering at Piqua Catholic School in Piqua, Ohio, impressed me, including Sisters Joan Deiters and Mary since 1993. Lucia Dudzinski,” she reflects. “They made learning Screencastify and Zoom were all added to her teaching very interesting, as well as fun.” It was their example repertoire in 2020. And while technology can provide its and her parents’ focus on faith that planted and nurtured challenges, she is grateful to her fellow teachers and principal the seeds of a religious vocation; S. Mary Alice entered the who have all been helpful. Community on Aug. 28, 1966. S. Mary Alice has always appreciated the guidance For as long as she can remember S. Mary Alice says she and example of her former teachers and co-workers. She knew she wanted to be a teacher. She began her education is particularly grateful for the leadership of S. Joan Clare ministry teaching at Holy Angels in Sidney, Ohio, and Stewart, her former principal at St. Mary in Greenville. “She then St. Mary in Greenville, Ohio, where she also served as was a wonderful model of Christian leadership,” remembers principal (1984-1993). In 1993 she came to Piqua Catholic Sister. “Her compassion, patience, and prayerfulness were a School in Piqua, Ohio, and has spent nearly three decades part of her everyday life. Joan Clare led by word and example. ministering at the school in various roles. She also was a great teacher and the students really enjoyed “I love teaching children,” she says. “My students energize and respected her.” me and give me new life each day. Their laughter, smiles, The dedication and hard work of principals and teachers spirit, and love are contagious.” Currently Sister teaches also brings to mind Sisters of Charity founder, St. Elizabeth second grade and says it is a gift to teach the Sacraments and Ann Seton. Elizabeth’s ability to meet challenges with dignity watch the children receive their First Communion. “It makes and her love of God and neighbor provide an example me feel like a proud parent,” she says. “Since I have been here so long, I am teaching grandchildren and children of my S. Mary Alice chooses to follow in her own ministry and life as a Sister of Charity. former students. It is wonderful now seeing them as faithfilled adults sending their children to Piqua Catholic.” Like many Sisters of Charity before her, S. Mary Alice Haithcoat was called to teach. Her love for and commitment Throughout her 50-plus years in education, S. Mary to her students has provided them with the guidance, support Alice has seen numerous changes. Family life, technology, and inspiration needed to live lives as faithful disciples of society, and the media have presented challenges at times. Jesus. As a gentle mentor, S. Mary Alice has continued the Most recently she found herself teaching during a pandemic, legacy of Charity as she not only teaches her lessons but and having to develop new ways to engage her students touches her students’ hearts and persons. while learning from home and online. Google classroom, 10
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