Called to Teach S. Mary Alice Haithcoat’s dedicated education ministry

Called to Teach:

S. Mary Alice Haithcoat’s Dedicated Education Ministry

By Erin Reder

S. 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 very interesting, as well as fun.” It was their example Screencastify and Zoom were all added to her teaching and her parents’ focus on faith that planted and nurtured repertoire in 2020. And while technology can provide its the seeds of a religious vocation; S. Mary Alice entered the challenges, she is grateful to her fellow teachers and principal Community on Aug. 28, 1966. who have all been helpful.

For as long as she can remember S. Mary Alice says she S. Mary Alice has always appreciated the guidance knew she wanted to be a teacher. She began her education and example of her former teachers and co-workers. She ministry teaching at Holy Angels in Sidney, ohio, and is particularly grateful for the leadership of S. Joan Clare then St. Mary in Greenville, ohio, where she also served as Stewart, her former principal at St. Mary in Greenville. “She principal (1984-1993). In 1993 she came to Piqua Catholic was a wonderful model of Christian leadership,” remembers School in Piqua, ohio, and has spent nearly three decades Sister. “Her compassion, patience, and prayerfulness were a ministering at the school in various roles. part of her everyday life. Joan Clare led by word and example. 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, spirit, and love are contagious.” Currently Sister teaches The dedication and hard work of principals and teachers second grade and says it is a gift to teach the Sacraments and also brings to mind Sisters of Charity founder, St. Elizabeth watch the children receive their First Communion. “It makes Ann Seton. Elizabeth’s ability to meet challenges with dignity me feel like a proud parent,” she says. “Since I have been and her love of God and neighbor provide an example here so long, I am teaching grandchildren and children of my S. Mary Alice chooses to follow in her own ministry and former students. It is wonderful now seeing them as faith- life as a Sister of Charity. filled adults sending their children to Piqua Catholic.” Like many Sisters of Charity before her, S. Mary Alice

Throughout her 50-plus years in education, S. Mary Haithcoat was called to teach. Her love for and commitment Alice has seen numerous changes. Family life, technology, to her students has provided them with the guidance, support society, and the media have presented challenges at times. and inspiration needed to live lives as faithful disciples of Most recently she found herself teaching during a pandemic, Jesus. As a gentle mentor, S. Mary Alice has continued the and having to develop new ways to engage her students legacy of Charity as she not only teaches her lessons but while learning from home and online. Google classroom, touches her students’ hearts and persons.