Sister Karen Marie Kvidera celebrates jubilee

Sister Karen Marie fell under the influence of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield early in her life, once she started school at Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Cary, Ill., where the congregation staffed the school. So it wasn’t a big surprise when she joined the Dominicans right out of high school. She made her profession on June 19, 1964 and began her teaching ministry a year later at Holy Cross School, Mendota, Ill., where she taught grade 6, 1965-1970.

From 1970-1976 she taught junior high at Christ the King School, Springfield, Ill., and then moved to St. John School, Carrollton, Ill., where she was both principal and 8^th grade teacher, 1976-1978. She was appointed principal of LaSalle Catholic School, LaSalle, Ill., in 1976 and remained there through1986 when she transferred to Rosary High School, Aurora, Ill., where she taught religion through 1995. She taught at St. Francis School, Ellsworth, Wisc., 1997-1999 and then was named principal of Holy Rosary School, Duluth, Minn., 1999-2006.  After a sabbatical year she taught theology and helped in the leadership program at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, Ill., in 2007, where she remains in ministry as administrative assistant for the guidance counseling center and the scholarship office.

Of her 60 years of religious life she says “I can’t help but reflect on how Jesus walked with me, taught me and loved me through the years. As I do this I am overwhelmed with gratitude for being called to the Springfield Dominican Sisters. My religious vocation has grown and blessed me beyond my expectations,” she said. “I thank God every day for all He has blessed me with. May I always be found worthy as I live out my remaining years.”