Rooted - Spirit Magazine Fall 2021/Winter 2022

A MAGAZINE OF THE SISTERS OF ST. MARY OF OREGON MINISTRIES CORPORATION

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Some of my earliest and fondest memories of entering the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon are rooted in the smallest things – an apron, a hoe, a canning jar, a compost bucket. In 1982, when I entered the congregation, two items awaited me on top of my bed – a handmade apron and laundry bag. These items were prophetic and revelatory!

What’s important? SERVICE. And, how is that done? THROUGH THE MOST MUNDANE TASKS. As a novice, besides helping with the weekly laundering and mangling of the congregation’s bedding, I was assigned to assist Sr. Consolata in the garden and Sr. Clotildis in the 3rd floor kitchenette.

Sr. Consolata was an award-winning gardener – whether produce or flowers. She was attentive to the rotation of crops and the impact of daily hoeing to foil the efforts of weeds and pests.

Sr. Clotildis loved to bake, especially pies (with 100 recipes logged in her special cookbook for our centennial). She showed me the ropes as I learned to prepare all the meals for our infirm Sisters and deliver trays to their bedrooms on the 3rd, 4th or 5th floors.

As a Community firmly rooted in the soil, we grew our own food and flowers, and we gleaned when local farmers such as the Hertels, DeMartinis, VanDykes, Williamsons and Duycks (to name just a few) offered their fruits or vegetables. Like the majority of SSMO before me, I spent afternoons on ladders – reaching for that perfectly ripened peach or cherry so that we could can hundreds of gallons to last us through the winter. We composted long before it was “in” and we trekked all over campus with wheelbarrows heaped with rich, dark, nutrient-laden soil to fertilize our treasures.

From gardens to classrooms to bedsides, the Sisters have tended and toiled – always “Striving for Excellence” and “Honoring the Unique Gifts of Each Person.” May this groundedness, this rootedness in the simpler things of life, continue to imbue our SSMO-sponsored ministries long into the future!

God bless you all ways and always!

- Sr. Adele Marie Altenhofen President, SSMO Ministries Corporation

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The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, founded in Oregon for Oregon, is rooted in both the Sacramental Church and in pioneer relationships from which our community was nurtured and grew.

Filled with the spirit of the Gospel, and the dynamic character of Christian living, this group of courageous women answered the call to start a religious community. They had valor and the grace of God to say “Yes”. The community, rooted in their call to follow Christ, stayed together in spite of the struggle with the forces of the day.

This fledgling community garnared attention from other communities who invited them to join them, but the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon persevered in their call to live as religious women serving God through the Church as a new community.

With little formation and training as religious sisters, the foundresses of the community accepted the assistance and guidance of Archbishop William Gross and the supervision of the Sisters of the Precious Blood of O’Fallon, Missouri.

Today, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, like the foundresses, value freedom to stay true to our religious vows and make decisions that respond to the will of God. Like our early sisters, we know the God of love and compassion.

The sacraments and a rooted life of prayer are pivotal to serving God’s people with fidelity. The life of a Religious woman is not one of merely following rules and regulations, but is a means of personal encounter with the Lord.

At every step of the way, in the past, through the present and into the future, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon strive to be rooted in Christ.

- Sr. Michael Francine Duncan Superior General, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

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Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen, President Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Sister Michael Francine Duncan, Superior General

Editor: Brad Hilliard, APR Photographers/Videographers: Will Campbell Lizette Santiago Lathen Gorbett Contributors: Sr. Angeline Sohler Glendy Botello Lucas Howes Lizette Santiago Melissa Doxtator Jennifer Gfroerer, Ed.D. Kalani Efstathiou SSMO Foundation

The award-winning Spirit magazine is published on behalf of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and their sponsored ministries.

All rights reserved.

Questions, comments or address changes: SSMO Ministries Corporation 4440 SW 148th Avenue | Beaverton, Or 97078 503-644-9181 | spirit@ssmoministries.org

Hello Friends, My name is Brad Hilliard and I am the new Chief Communications Officer for Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries. I am excited to be a part of such a gentle, humble and vibrant community.

This campus – with its amazing history, exciting present, and rich future – is full of wonderful stories to tell. As the new editor of Spirit Magazine, I am eager to carry on the tradition of sharing the SSMO story with our readers.

My goal is that you will find each issue informative, inspiring, and representative of the core values set forth by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.

This issue is Rooted. It shares stories about a few of the people and things that have taken root here since the Sisters began to till their garden of vocation, education, and health care.

When I think of how Rooted applies to this campus, I see the words of Psalm 1:1-3 come to life.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” (New International Version) The image of a tree planted by the stream, yielding its fruit is evident here. It is seen in the attention teachers provide their students; in the care nurses provide their residents; in the dedication foundation and ministries staff provide to the day-to-day operations; and in the leadership and values the Sisters provide to cultivate this ever-growing mission.

The next time you are on campus take a moment to admire how this mission has taken root and grown just as the tiny seedlings, planted almost 90 years ago

by Sr. Michael Tavelli, have rooted and grown into our picturesque sequoias.

Enjoy this issue of Spirit Magazine.

Have a blessed day, Brad Hilliard, APR Editor

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Firmly Planted

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A Unique High School Experience

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A New Normal School Year

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Take 5

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Rooted Legacies

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Alumni Notes

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In Memory: Alumni and Supporters

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In Memory: Sister Barbara Jean Laughlin

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A Thanksgiving Prayer

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Firmly Planted

The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon are firmly planted in the Tualatin Valley. Its rich soil and fertile land have provided great opportunities and several challenges.

The Sisters’ story and the growth of this campus are rooted in discipline, perseverance, and faith. During their 135-year history, these valiant women relied on faithful prayer and simple living to face numerous obstacles and adapt to changing times.

The Sisters lived off the land – growing foods such as squash, corn, beets, and carrots – to feed themselves and their boarding school students.

They invested in the land by purchasing acreage for farming and building their school, even when local residents thought it was foolish.

They faithfully worked the land, seeking God’s direction and moving at His call, even when it seemed more prudent to stay still.

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Through it all, the constant has been the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. By simple living, prayerful consideration and walking in faith, they have plowed, tilled, planted, pruned, watered, and cared for this campus.

Sr. Angeline Sohler

Previous Page: SSMO Sisters wave to VC Seniors from the steps of the Motherhouse during Senior walk.

Above: The Motherhouse under construction and completed in the 1930s.

Opposite: Aerial view from the

Sr. Angeline Sohler was eight years old when she started visiting her Great Aunt, Mother Genevieve, here in the 1930s. She recalls stories of the Sisters breaking ground on the “fire-proof ” Motherhouse on the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 1930 – right as the Great Depression took hold of the nation.

growth and adaptation as the Sisters diligently met the needs of the day.

St. Mary of the Valley Boarding School challenged students like Sr. Angeline, whose only experience with school was a one-room public school where study hall was held so the teacher could teach another grade. At SMV, Sr. Angeline was grateful for “It was considered crazy to take on debt, build, study time, because it gave her time to complete and expand during that time,” said Sr. Angeline. assignments before starting her chores.

“But the Sisters persevered. It was a large debt, but they built the Motherhouse and faithfully The Sisters offered students tuition breaks for found a way to pay it off.” doing chores around the Motherhouse. “Between washing dishes, ironing uniform blouses, and Sr. Angeline shared these stories from the par- cleaning classrooms there was always something lor room of the Motherhouse – the same room for us to work on under the careful supervision where she visited Mother Genevieve 86 years ago. of the Sisters,” Sr. Angeline reminisced.

At that time, the front lawn was a field of grain and behind the Motherhouse was a large garden Sr. Angeline appreciated getting to know the Siswhere the Sisters grew fruits and vegetables. ters while working closely with them. Those early visits and association with the Sisters led her to And what about those sequoia trees, “The sequoias join the convent in 1943. During the height of weren’t even there yet,” Sr. Angeline chuckled. “It World War II she recalls practicing air raids, colmust have taken ten years for those shoots to sprout.” lecting tin and paper, and rationing sugar and gas.

SW corner of the SSMO campus.

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The growth of sequoias may have been slow, but “We didn’t know what would happen or who the campus has always experienced consistent would win. We did what we could to support the

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war effort and we prayed. We prayed for the troops, for peace and for victory. Many things were done by candlelight to keep the blackout requirements,” she said. “The blackout orders meant that no light could shine from the windows, especially at night; almost everything was done by candle light.”

“Mass was held with just the two candles that were permitted at the Altar!”

As we all know, those prayers were answered and victory came. After the war, the campus started to return to normalcy. Attendance soared at the school and more women started joining the convent. Sr. Angeline remembers it as a time of prosperity. The campus grew and the Sisters started to identify new needs. A new wing was added to the Motherhouse to meet rising attendance at the school, and construction started on Maryville to meet the health care needs of aging people in the area.

Construction was an act of faith for the Sisters. They gave up things they valued to help the campus grow. When the decision was made to build the Motherhouse, many Sisters did not want to part ways with the wood-framed building to which they were accustomed for so many years. Expansion also meant giving up some of the farm land they tended and relied on.

“Construction always required us to step in faith,” Sr. Angeline stated. “Decisions to expand were tough to make because it meant plowing down crops and farmland that we depended on and enjoyed caring for.”

During all these years of growth, many Sisters cherished the moments of togetherness as a community. Sr. Angeline loved the summers when nearly 200 Sisters would come to the campus to pick fruits and vegetables and attend summer school. She remembers it being a lot of work, but it was joyful because she was serving alongside her fellow Sisters.

Today, you can tell it is the simple things she cherishes most. She loves the beauty of the front lawn, the gardens, and taking the cats for a ride on her walker. It has always been the sense of community and togetherness that warms her heart.

The Sisters responded faithfully and embodied the essence “One of the most joyful things for me since the start of of true growth. They had a willingness to cultivate the soil COVID has been refurbishing our dining room,” she states. to provide room for new opportunities to grow and flourish. “We have been separated for so long and eating meals in different rooms and nooks. It was wonderful to walk back in Nowadays, the Sisters continue to consider their work and to a new dining room with its fresh paint and decorations; ministry prayerfully. The campus has grown from a simple I just love the newness of it,” she says with a wide smile. wood-framed building and farmland to a thriving campus of vocation, education, and health care.

The Sisters enjoy a good party. As the dining room neared completion they planned a blessing and celebration. NatThrough it all, the constant has been the Sisters of St. Mary urally, they chose Sr. Angeline, as the eldest Sister, to cut of Oregon. By simple living, prayerful consideration and the ribbon. walking in faith, they have plowed, tilled, planted, pruned, watered, and cared for this campus. Its growth over the Retelling the story made her beam with happiness as she years, its adaptability to changing times, its aptitude to recalled officially reopening the dining room to welcome meet the needs of its community are all attributed to these her Sisters back around the table to enjoy the fruits of their Valiant Women answering their call to serve. bounty, together.

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A Unique High School Experience Students across the Valley Catholic campus have returned back to in-person learning. The return back to campus is also a rebuilding time at Valley Catholic rather than a return to normalcy. The senior class is the only group of high school students who have completed a full year of learning on campus – during their freshman year.

As a campus community, we have been reflecting on life 18 months into the pandemic and the new normal that came with it. For this issue of Spirit Magazine, we have asked some of our students from the class of 2022 to share their thoughts about their unique high school experience after a year and a half of remote learning and social distancing.

View more stories.

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Glendy Botello I haven’t been at Valley Catholic High School my whole high school experience but it is definitely one of the most memorable. Valley Catholic was not what I expected it to be. In my almost two years of being here I have learned more about myself than I could have thought I would. Besides the great classes and teachers, there is a great environment within the students and so many events, sports, and clubs you can attend to learn more about yourself and others. Valley Catholic does a great job of making the school really about the students and how they feel. I have learned more about myself and what I want to study when I head off to college. The courses I take here are engaging and interactive. I have learned about what it means to be a community and how important it is to raise each other up and really be there for each other. Since March of 2020, I have learned to value the time I have with my friends and family. It is hard not being around everyone all the time but when we are together we make it worth the while. I have since learned to live with an open mind and open arms.

It is important to make everyone feel included and to make sure we take time to really get to know each other. We can learn so much from one another and this can make anyone feel like they belong in a community.

Lucas Howes Going into high school I really did not know what to expect. Coming from a small school with only 25 kids in my class, I had no idea what it would be like to be in high school. Most of what I expected were those cliches commonly found in books or on television. I expected most of the school to be split into cliques, like the jocks, nerds, etc. What I found couldn’t have been further from that expectation. At Valley, I feel a sense of oneness throughout the school, meaning no one could be excluded from any group – you are not defined by your clique. I have many friends that have many different interests as I do, and I did not expect it to be so easy to flow between friend groups. I have learned to be myself. I have always been very shy and reserved. My first year and a half at Valley I often kept to myself and was not really outgoing. I was scared I would be judged for who I am. It was the friends I made who taught me I could be myself without judgement, and they were right. No one cares what you do or who you are – no matter what, you will be accepted. My priorities have changed since March 2020, and not only because of the pandemic. With the maturity I have gained over the years, I have begun to realize that grades should not be my top priority. I have begun to prioritize things such as spending time with friends and family during the past two years, even though I do keep schoolwork a top priority. Over time I realized that it is important to cherish my friends and family as I will be going away to college soon.

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A New Normal School Year

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The start of the 2021-2022 school year marks the first time in a long time that students, teachers, and staff members can return to classrooms for in-person instruction. Valley Catholic School grappled with many changes during the past 18 months, due to the restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

When Gov. Kate Brown ordered Oregon schools to temporarily close down on March 13, 2020, Valley Catholic School teachers, administrators and students had to quickly adapt to remote learning. As time went on and state lockdowns were extended, hybrid models combined with digital and in-person learning were implemented at certain points but digital learning remained in placed the rest of the 2020 academic year.

1&7 On Sunday, Oct. 3, Valley Catholic High School welcomed prospective new students to the annual open house.

2 The Valley Catholic Charisma Dance team shared

It was not until late February that students across the Valley Catholic campus returned to in-person classroom instruction. Six months later, it is safe to say the 2021-2022 school year will be close to what most of us would have considered “normal” prior to mid-March 2020.

their exciting routine during the VCHS Open House event.

3&4 VCMS teachers and staff were excited to have students back to school in person. The focus during the first week of school was helping students gain their footing in both the academic expectations of Valley Catholic Middle School, and in connecting with classmates.

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“Our experience last year demonstrated that Valley Catholic students made very strong academic progress while learning remotely, thanks to the dedication and flexibility of Valley Catholic teachers and our IT Department. However, there was a key element missing from that experience: a strong connection to the Valley Catholic campus community,” says VCS President John Matcovich. “The importance of faith, friendship and the overall spirit of our school could not be replicated in the world of Zoom classes and a partial return to campus.”

VCHS Religion Teacher Dan Hannon welcomed future Valiants and their families to his classroom for the VCHS Open House event.

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Valley Catholic School strictly follows current mask mandates, staff vaccination requirements, and student cohorting and social distancing requirements at each level: the Early Learning, Elementary, Middle and High Schools all have updated protocols in place.

administrators were excited to welcome Valiants back for in-person, classroom learning.

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But even with masks and social distancing, the first day of school was filled with the excitement and liveliness on campus that had been missing for more than a year.

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Take 5

Welcome to Take 5, a new feature for Spirit magazine where we ask five questions to people who have unique connections to the theme of the magazine.

The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus is rooted in wonderful people and great stories. In this first edition of Take 5 we get to know three Valley Catholic administrators who are rooted to our tree-lined campus.

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Take 5 with Melissa Doxtator – VCES Principal Q1: Give us the basics. What is your current connection to Valley Catholic and how long have you been in that role?

Melissa: I am in my third year as principal at the elementary school. Prior to this, I was the Early Learning School Principal for three years. I am an alum of Valley Catholic, having attended Kindergarten through grade 12 on our campus.

Q2: How did you first learn about SSMO? Melissa: As a child.

My first experience on campus was meeting then principal, Sister Fidelis, in the hallway of the Motherhouse. I was initially scared - having never met a Sister before - but her smile and personality immediately made me comfortable. I fell in love with our school and her. I actually stayed in touch with her into adulthood before she passed away. She was a role model to me and inspired me to become a school principal.

Q3: How long have you (and your family) been rooted here?

Melissa: In all reality - I grew up on this campus. I became a member of this community at age five. My academic life grew here, my spirituality thrived, and my sense of community became grounded. I always knew I wanted to come back to this campus and share my passion for Catholic education with others.

Cultivating a love for learning, in a Catholic community, is definitely my calling. Serving in the same community where I developed this passion is an honor.

Although I moved away from Portland for 14 years, I stayed connected to many people on campus. When I returned as an employee in 2016, I brought my family with me. My three children have all been attending Valley Catholic since 2016. I have two sons, one in fifth grade and one in third, and a daughter in first grade.

Q4: Tell us one of your favorite stories about being here at SSMO? Melissa: One of my favorite, recent, memories on campus involves my children and mom. A few years ago, my mom was a resident at Maryville, rehabbing from a difficult surgery.

My mom called. She was having a rough day - she didn’t like the lunch options, missed her dog, and was just sad. Looking at my schedule for the day, I had some free time at lunch. I was able to get some leftover chicken alfredo from the kitchen, grab my kids from class, and have a family visit with grandma. It absolutely made her day, and the nurses and team at Maryville were so good to our family. They even brought my kids ice cream for dessert.

This experience really solidified how lucky I am to be a member of this community.

Where else can you go to work, visit your mom in a health care facility, and take your kids for ice cream? My mom has since passed away, but this memory always brings me joy knowing that my family had these opportunities to be together. This is a special place.

Q5: What is your favorite part of campus and favorite time of year to be here?

Melissa: My favorite part of campus is the Grotto on the side of the Motherhouse I have memories of praying there as a child, and now I see it every day from my office window. It is always a quiet and peaceful space for prayer or reflection, and has been a constant for me, in one way or another, during the past 32 years.

Fall is by far the best season on our campus! The beauty is immense, but the changing color of the leaves give it that something special. We are so blessed that the Sisters share their incredible campus with us.

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Take 5 with Jennifer Gfroerer, Ed.D. – VCMS Principal Q1: Give us the basics. What is your current connection while I was still teaching at another K-8 school. My class to SSMO and how long have you been in that position? was presenting a Passion Play at the parish and when it was Jennifer: I am the principal of the middle school. I have finished, a lady came up looking to speak to the teacher. As held this position since the middle school was restructured it turned out, she was Sr. Marianne Geisel – my first grade into its own school in 2011. teacher. Neither of us knew the other was in town, and I Prior to that, I was in charge of the middle school pro- had not seen Sr. Marianne in at least ten years (the last gram (grades 7-8) as the Dean of the Middle School for Valley time I saw her she wore glasses and a veil). But, I instantly Catholic School (which was grades 7-12 at the recognized her voice. time). I started that position in 1998.

The depth of the connections and stories that originate from VC is simply Q2: How did you first learn about endless. It does not matter if I am in SSMO? the Bay Area, Texas, or Beaverton, Jennifer: I had several SSMO there is almost always someone Sisters as teachers and principals who knows a Sister, a staff memduring my first through eighth ber or a student from VC. grade years at Christ the King The SSMO community is like School in Milwaukie. One of my that best friend who, no matter principals, Sr. Anna Hertel, rechow much time goes by without ommend St. Mary of the Valley seeing each other, you fold right to my parents and after visiting back into the warmth and banthe campus for high school ter that is the very foundation of open house, I fell in love with the friendship. the school.

Many of us have stories that run a full lifetime of experiences Q3: How long have you (and related to this campus – attendyour family) been rooted here? ing school as a child, beginning Jennifer: The Sisters from careers, having Sisters attend or Christ the King became family perform music at our weddings, friends so that started the consending our own children to VCS, nections to SSMO, but I personally and seeing our grandparents and have been rooted here since I was a parents supported by the Maryville freshman in high school. I lived in Boring, staff. There is a saying that the campus and drove 45 minutes each day to attend SMV offers “cradle to grave” service but those state(I even had a special license to allow me to drive at 14). ments do not capture the literal small village and lifeLater, my family moved to Beaverton and the three time of moments SSMO has in so many of the staff, students, youngest of my four siblings attended school at VCS (my and parents lives. middle brother, Eddie, was in the first class of boys to enter While that is not “one story” – it is THE story of SSMO the high school). for me.

I remained in contact with many staff and Sisters while at college and several of them acted as mentors for me during Q5: What is your favorite part of campus and favorite my early years as a teacher. My goal was always to return to time of year to be here?

VCS to teach. That goal became a reality just six years into Jennifer: I love the grotto area, it feels like such a hidden my teaching career. treasure amongst the beauty of this campus.

I like the fall the best, the time of new beginnings and Q4: Tell us one of your favorite stories about being here such excitement where the innocence of the new school year at SSMO? is still energetic and full of anticipation for what is to come.

Jennifer: One of my favorite stories actually happened

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Take 5 with Kalani Efstathiou – VCHS Director of Admissions Q1: Give us the basics. What is your current connection to SSMO and how long have you been in that position?

Kalani: I am currently the Director of Admissions at Valley Catholic High School. This is my second year in that position. Prior to that, I taught math at Valley Catholic Middle School for five years. My children attend VCES. My son, Lucien, is a first grader and my daughter, Logan, is in kindergarten. My mother, Melissa, works at VCES as a P.E. Instructional Assistant. My wife, Katherine, and I both graduated from Valley Catholic High School in 2006.

Q2: How did you first learn about SSMO? Kalani: My family moved to Oregon in 1992 when my dad was relocated for work. When we first moved, our house wasn’t quite ready. As chance would have it, we had a very brief stint at the apartment complex right across the street from campus. I was only 4 years old, but that was the first time we learned about SSMO. Q3: How long have you (and your family) been rooted here?

Kalani: Shortly after we moved to Oregon, my parents started coaching at Valley Catholic High School. My mom, Melissa, coached volleyball with Becky Kemper and my dad, John, coached basketball with former coach Michael Harper. Eventually, my brother and I both chose to attend Valley Catholic High School. My parents have stayed involved with the basketball and volleyball programs. My mom still coaches the JV volleyball team and my dad has continued to help with

the basketball program where needed, including some time coaching the CYO teams.

Q4: Tell us one of your favorite stories about being here at SSMO? Kalani: I will always treasure my time as a student at Valley Catholic High School. I look back on those years and remember how much I was encouraged to grow and explore new opportunities, all while being supported by my community. The relationships I formed during those years have stood the test of time. I met my wife at Valley Catholic and we have stayed in touch with many of our high school friends.

It has been even more special to see my children grow here on campus. They have been here since they were infants. Seeing our children join the community that we love has been a joyous experience for Katie and me. We feel the support from the SSMO community all over again for our children and for us as parents.

Q5: What is your favorite part of campus and favorite time of year to be here?

Kalani: This is a tough choice.

There are so many parts of campus I love.

I am blessed to work at such a beautiful place.

My favorite places on campus are the quiet places outdoors. The Marian Garden behind the elementary and middle school has been a favorite, the small grotto outside the convent is a peaceful retreat, and I have always loved the courtyard in the high school.

These are just a few examples of people who are rooted to this campus as alumni staff. Several of the more than 500 Valley Catholic faulty and SSMO staff are Valiant alumni. The campus history is full of generations of families growing up in this community thanks to the Sisters’ ministry.

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Rooted Legacies

The beauty of this well-tended campus is that everything and everyone here has the nutrients they need to grow and flourish. The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have nurtured this land in a way that has made it possible for multiple generations of families to grow in faith, love, and respect.

Let’s take a look at two of these rooted legacies and the joy they find in sharing the Sisters’ campus together.

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The Hornings “It has long been said that it takes a village to raise a child,” authenticity and integrity are of the utmost importance. said Kelli Horning. “VCS is part of our village and we are Ask Eva what she loves about school, and she will quickly blessed to be a part of this community.” reply, “Learning about Jesus.”

There is a common bond planted in the lives of Jane Kotrik Horning (’57), her daughter-in-law Kelli Tovey Horning (’01), and granddaughter Eva Horning (’33).

They are all Valiants.

“Enrolling Eva in Valley Catholic gives me the opportunity to relive one of the best parts of my childhood,” said Kelli. “I hope that my alma mater inspires my daughter to live wholly, honestly, and with great regard for an unwavering faith.”

As students at St. Mary of the Valley, Jane and her twin sister, Jean, donned traditional white blouses and jumpers. Seeing her granddaughter wearing the school’s uniform brings tears of joy to Jane’s eyes and rekindles her own memories of being a student.

These Valiants also treasure friendships that have grown here. Jane stays in touch with some of her classmates, Kelli established a life-long friendship when she was in 1st grade, and Eva treasures her new friends at Valley today.

Faith has also been cultivated into the lives of these Valiants.

Jane, whose favorite class during high school was religion, values the supportive faith-filled community inspired by the Sisters. Kelli cultivated her faith as she learned that

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The Waibels and Gates Jerlia Sperry Waibel (’71) trekked daily from Hillsboro to “The VCS community of educators and coaches encouraged St. Mary of the Valley Academy. She fondly recalls classes me to be so much more than I imagined for myself,” said taught by the Sisters and the values they instilled in her. 30 Allison. “I’m honored to carry on their tradition by encouryears later, her daughters, including Allison Waibel Gates aging today’s Valiants to do the same.” (’05), traveled by bus to and from the same campus to attend Valley Catholic High School.

Carter, Caydn and Crew, Allison’s sons, are now 3rd generation Valiants. The boys are excited to be growing up on Allison flourished at VCHS. Her teachers and coaches this campus. Carter’s favorite subject at Valley Catholic looked beyond her shyness and encouraged her to become a Early Learning School (VCELS) is recess. Cayden cannot student athlete. Allison grew stronger, learned the concepts get enough of the broccoli on the VCELS lunch menu and of the game and earned a starting position on the Girls Crew proudly sports his Future Valiant onesie. The Sisters’ Varsity Basketball Team. The experience changed her life. and the value of community led their family here more than 50 years ago and enabled them to take root and continue In 2001, Jerlia returned to her alma mater to serve in the to grow with this campus.

VCHS kitchen, delighting students daily with freshly baked cookies. Allison also returned to campus in 2010 to coach. These are just two examples of the generations of families She is currently the Director of Student Activities at VCHS who have grown with this campus. It is part of what makes and is now the one who encourages students to realize this place special. People are led to share the experience their potential. with loved ones, and encourage their families to take root.

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Alumni Notes

Luke VanderZanden (’12) married Ashlee Fox on Oct. 2, 2021. The celebration took place in Hillsboro on the VanderZanden’s beautiful family farm. Luke is Operations Manager for Sunset Farm and Nursery as well as R&B Cleaner. Ashlee works at Fidelity Investments where she is training to become a financial advisor. VCS alumni John Boileau (’12), Nick Konen (’12), Greg Ong (’12), and Grant Gard (’14) were groomsmen. Drew VanderZanden (’15) served as Luke’s best man. Drew and Katie celebrated their second anniversary on June 30, 2021. Drew is a CPA and Katie teaches eighth grade English in East Helena, Montana where they live with their yellow lab, Harper.

Valley Catholic friends take a trip of a lifetime. Katherine Bamford Efstathiou, Emily Vuylsteke Stotts, Kim Yorke, Angela Burghard Smeulders, Anna Nguyen-Bradstreen, and Julia Barto are best friends from the class of 2006.

Recently, they traveled to Iceland and shared a memorable adventure with each other.

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Tori Kemper Barto (’12) and Nick Barto (’08) welcomed Charlie Rebecca Barto into the world on May 5, 2021. She was 7 pounds, 2 ounces and 21 inches long.

Tyler Schmit (’03) was ordained by Bishop Kevin Vann on July 3, 2021 to the Holy Priesthood with the Norbertine Order at St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado, CA. His religious name is Frederick. Father Frederick Schmit entered the seminary at St. Michael's Abbey in 2011.He will return to Rome in the fall to complete his final year of studies at the Angelicum for his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.)

Cesar Catibayan (’11) and Ayesha Khader (’11) were married May 20, 2021 at Skamania Lodge. Carlos Catibayan (’13) was his brother’s best man and Serena Khader (’16) served as maid of honor. Dr. Ayesha Khader graduated from OHSU Medical School spring of 2021 and is currently an Internal Medicine Resident at University of Washington. The couple resides in Seattle where Cesar is working remotely for Nike. Whenever they get the chance, Ayesha and Cesar still love getting on the court for a pick-up basketball game!

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Austin Lundin (’11) and Benjamin Don tied the knot on July 31, 2021 at the bride's childhood home in Hillsboro, Oregon. The two met in 2015 while in dental school at Oregon Health Science University and were engaged in 2020. With COVID-19 in mind, they decided an at-home wedding was right for them, but still wanted a big party for their closest family and friends. Austin’s childhood Lutheran pastor married them. The guests enjoyed cocktails and live music into the night. The Dons currently live and practice dentistry in Tucson, Arizona.

Makenzee Cleveland-Aguirre (’14), married Nathan Deming on July 24, 2021 in Sheridan, Wyoming. Grayce Kelly Moody (’14) was in the bridal party, and Jarret Gray (’14) and Liam Meagher ('14) attended the celebration. The couple live in Billings, Montana with their son, Lincoln, where they are both in medical sales. They enjoy time with Lincoln, hunting and watching Illinois football.

Michael (’10) and Hayden Bayley were married on Aug. 21, 2021. The newlyweds reside in Hayden’s hometown of Camas, Washington. Michael is a commercial electrician and Hayden is a physical therapist. The Valiant groomsmen were Nate Cramer (’11), Conor Walsh (’10), Zach Cramer (’10) and Taylor Buuck (’10)

On Aug. 19 Mary Helen Mack (’10) married Alexander Richard Last in an intimate ceremony at Le Manior aux Quat'Saisons. Mary Helen is now Lady Mary Helen Mack Last. Lord and Lady Last are currently planning a larger celebration in Oregon for Aug. 19, 2022. They reside in Oxford, England.

Kent Kassel (’03) and his wife, Tess, welcomed Lynnyn Kim Kassel into the world on July 5, 2021 at 5:27 am. She was 8 pounds, 9.6 ounces and 20 inches long.

Matt Twenge (’07), married Kate Killough on July 31, 2021 at the Historic Jenkins Estate in Beaverton Oregon. Andy Haugen (’07), served as his best man.

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In Memory: Alumni and Supporters Siobhan Loughran Taylor (’77) - SSMO Foundation Board Dec. 2, 1958 – Aug. 11, 2021 Born in Limerick, Ireland on Dec. 2, 1958 to Seamus and Fidelma Loughran, Siobhan’s family laid down roots in Beaverton in 1965 and embraced their Irish culture through many Oregon adventures. She attended St. Mary of the Valley School (Valley Catholic School), graduated from high school in 1977, and earned her degree in International Affairs and Communications from Lewis and Clark College in 1981.

Her early career included nearly 20 years at the Oregonian. Then she started her own consulting firm, Get it Right Communications. After several years as a successful small business owner, she was hired by one of her clients, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, as their Public Affairs Director. A little known fact about Siobhan: she spearheaded the campaign to name the Tillicum Bridge after the region’s original citizens.

was deeply grateful for the education she received and was committed to continuing the Sisters’ legacy in education at her alma mater.

Siobhan lost her hard-fought battle with brain cancer on Aug. 11, 2021. She passed quietly, surrounded by the familiar chatter of her family as they shared a meal. She is survived by her father, James; husband David Taylor (Lake Oswego, OR); son James and daughter-in-law Chelsea; son Joseph Taylor; sister Una Patricia Loughran (Portland, OR); brother Fergus Loughran and sister-in-law Tammy (Astoria, OR); brother Sean Loughran and sister-in-law Kristen (Portland, OR); brother Dermot Loughran and sister-inlaw Janene (Fairport, NY); and many nieces and nephews.

In memory of Siobhan, the Taylor family is establishing the Siobhan Loughran Taylor (’77) Scholarship to support tuition assistance at Valley Catholic School. We are grateful for the Taylor family’s tribute to Siobhan’s good work and commitment to campus, and look forward to continuing Siobhan’s legacy at her alma mater. Contributions may be made to the Siobhan Loughran Taylor (’77) Scholarship c/o SSMO Foundation, 4440 SW 148th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97078.

As a campus ambassador, Siobhan volunteered at Valley Catholic and served on the SSMO Foundation Board. She

Sr. Marie Bernadette Quinter, SMVA (’49) June 19, 1930 – March 14, 2021 Sr. Marie Bernadette was a graduate of St. Mary of the Valley Academy. After high school she joined the Poor Clare Monastery of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Los Altos, CA. She dedicated her life to prayer, solitude, and silence.

Charles “Chuck” Lee May 18, 1949 – Sept. 4, 2021 Chuck was a life-long advocate for Catholic education. The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and Valley Catholic remember his decade of service to this campus. He was an integral part of the high school’s transition to a co-ed school.

Send a note to info@ssmoministries.org if you would like to have an alumnus or SSMO supporter remembered in a future issue of Spirit Magazine.

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In Memory: Sister Barbara Jean Laughlin Sept. 19, 1935 – July 24, 2021

King School (Milwaukie). An innovator who lived the values and vision of the Second Vatican Council, Sr. Barbara Jean collaboratively initiated the SSMO Associates program and the SSMO Bethany Center and served as a lay pastoral assistant at St. Francis Parish in Sherwood, Oregon (1996-2000).

Key advice from Sr. Barbara Jean was “Stand often in the company of dreamers — they believe you can achieve impossible things.” This is an apt description of Sr. Barbara Jean as Superior General of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon from 2000-2010. Her fresh energy and vision for the organization and success of the Sisters’ ministries stimulated a campus reorganization. This included adopting the Valley Catholic School name to encompass the pre-K through 12th-grade campus schools, constructing a new Valley Catholic Elementary and Middle School building, expanding the Maryville care options, and creating a SSMO Ministries Corporation to unite all campus entities in the mission of the Sisters to proclaim the Good News of God’s Love.

Sr. Barbara Jean lived with a desire to know and love people as Christ does. Her greatest joy in her European, U.S., Mexican, and Holy Land travels was encountering Christ’s people. Her work, support, and prayer for peace and justice focused on building God’s Kingdom. Ever true to her Irish heritage, Sr. Barbara Jean loved music, enjoyed and initiated laughter, cherished her Catholic faith, and treasured her relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her vision, Barbara Jean completed her secondary education at Im- her attentiveness to God’s grace, her joy, her compassion, maculata Academy in Portland, Oregon, graduating in and her courage changed the SSMO community and the 1953. The following year, 1954, Barbara Jean entered the world she encountered.

Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon accepting the name Sr. Mary Joseph Lorine. She pronounced her perpetual vows on Sister Barbara Jean Laughlin passed away on July 24, 2021 Aug. 15, 1959. In keeping with the spirit of the Second at the SSMO Motherhouse. She is missed, loved, and surVatican Council, Sister subsequently returned to her bap- vived by her Sisters in Community; her sister Joyce and tismal name, Barbara Jean. Rich educational experiences brother-in-law Don Karaman (Beaverton, OR); her sister at Marylhurst, Southern Oregon, Gonzaga, and Eastern Ahriah Vocare Elario and brother-in-law Don (Reno, NV); Washington Universities and the Graduate Theological and her brother Michael and sister-in-law Linda Laughlin Union (Berkeley, CA) enhanced Sr. Barbara Jean’s pro- (Boise, ID); her brother-in-law Larry Morin, (Portland, fessional and personal development.

OR); her well-loved nieces and nephews; and her many, deeply treasured friends. Her parents, Joseph and Hazel With passion, creativity, and a talent for leading necessary Laughlin, her stepmother, Beulah Laughlin, and her sister, change, Sr. Barbara Jean was an outstanding elementary Geraldine (Geri) Morin, preceded her in death. school teacher and principal for 24 years in Portland, Tillamook, and Spokane, including the opening of Christ the Born in Pueblo, Colorado, on Sept. 19, 1935, to Hazel Lorene (Hankla) and Joseph Laughlin, Barbara Jean Laughlin attended various elementary schools in Colorado and California before finishing her elementary years at St. Patrick and St. Andrew Catholic Schools in Portland, Oregon, with her sisters Geri, Joyce, and Ahriah and brother Michael.

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Changing Lives 2021-2022 Annual Fund

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A Thanksgiving Prayer Father all-powerful, Your gifts of love are countless and Your goodness infinite. On Thanksgiving Day, we come before You with gratitude for Your kindness. Open our hearts to concern for all, so that we may share Your gifts in loving service.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Blessings to you and your family this Thanksgiving from the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.

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