SisterMary Courtade

“I have loved you and you are Mine.”

Jubilarian 2023 – 75 Years a Sister

I was the sixth of seven children, having two brothers and four sisters. My parents, Peter and Claribel Courtade, were faith filled Catholics and life-long members of St. Francis Parish.

I attended St. Francis School for my elementary and secondary education. I was taught by our Sisters whom I loved and admired. They had a great influence on me. On September 8th I entered the community, then enrolled at Aquinas and began my studies for a teaching career.

I praise and thank God for these seventy-five years as a Grand Rapids Dominican. For 48 years I taught elementary students in grades 3-8 who were a source of energy and joy, and who challenged and enriched me in many ways. I also enjoyed other opportunities to serve in varied ways as being a Eucharistic Minister, visiting the sick and elderly, working at the Michigan Blood Center, Tandem 365, the WORD~ESL program, driving the Sisters to appointments, and gardening.

I was fortunate to have many opportunities to travel, which I loved. I toured many states, four European countries, and went on several Caribbean cruises. I enjoyed many adventures, like tubing in Wisconsin, white water rafting in Colorado, canoeing and a clam bake in Maine, and climbing the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls in Ohio Rios while on a cruise. All led to exciting, adventurous, and memorable times. One of the most awesome places was Vatican City.

I enjoy reading, puzzles, walking, listening to music, traveling, and crocheting hats for the Santa Claus girls.

Reflecting on these seventy-five years, I am filled with gratitude and happiness for my religious vocation. God has so enriched me with His love and abundant blessings. I’m so grateful for my loving family, faithful friends and my Dominican Sisters who have loved, supported, and encouraged me throughout these years.