Sister Beverly Jeanne Howe, OP

Sister Beverly Jeanne Howe’s years of ministry can be considered in three phases: elementary education, canon law, and English language instructor.

She taught elementary school at St. Margaret Mary School, Algonquin, Ill., (1962-1963 and 1978-1983); Our Lady of Grace School, Chicago (1963-1969); Our Lady of Lourdes School, Decatur, Ill., (1969-1971); and St. Christina School, Chicago (1971-1978 and 1983-1985). She transitioned to pastoral ministry at St Malachy Parish, Rantoul, Ill. (1985-1993); and at St. Edward Parish, Chicago (1993-1995) before working as a tribunal advocate in the Diocese of Rockford while studying canon law at St. Paul University. She worked in the Rockford diocese through 2005, and after a sabbatical returned to canon law part time for the Diocese of Joliet (2007-2012). After caring for an ageing parent, she returned to ministry at the Melrose Park Dominican Literacy Center in 2015, where she is assistant to the director.

In thinking about 60 years of vowed Dominican life, Sister Beverly Jeanne says her heart is full of gratitude. “Throughout this time and at each decisive moment, with and mostly without my realizing, God was so very present, touching my heart to be open to the Grace of the moment and the next step on this journey of life, so full of ups and downs, twists and turns,” she said. “I have often thought that we are ‘set-up’ for the next stage in life as we learn the lessons we need to carry forward into life’s unfolding challenges. Though my ministries and addresses have changed, my heart has been rooted in God’s Loving Presence, despite the challenges that stretch with each new experience.”