Sister Janice Mankowski, OP

2023 – 71 Years a Sister

Prayer Ministry

Pray for aging family and community members.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… plans to give you hope and a future…”

~ Jeremiah 29:11-13

Indeed, the Lord has a plan for me. I was born in Gaylord and attended St. Mary’s School. For 12 years I had the Dominican Sisters; so when I felt that God called me, I entered Marywood. I have been a teacher, principal, pastoral minister, and a parish administrator. Gobles was a wonderful experience of church. It became St. Jude Parish in 1985, and I was named Parish Administrator.

The second most astounding ministry happened in the 20 years I spent as an ESL tutor and citizenship instructor. I personally walked the path to citizenship with hundreds of people. I thank Sister Carmen Rostar for her leadership.

I spent ten years as a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House.

I am grateful to the community for the wonderful opportunities for education. I received both my B.A. and M.A. from Aquinas College as well as an M.A. from Notre Dame.

When I was little, I only traveled to Grandma’s house. When I was able, I saved money to travel. My travels have taken me to all of the States (except Hawaii) as well as Europe and the Holy Land. I have had a full, rich life, and God has had a wonderful plan for me. I thank my parents, my siblings as well as the Community.

Sister Janice, along with several other Sisters, tutored in the Word~ESL program.

Sister Janice, along with several other Sisters, tutored in the Word~ESL program.

Sister Janice's life has been filled with many ministry opportunities: teacher, school administrator, pastoral administrator, pastoral minister, and tutor.

Sister Janice's life has been filled with many ministry opportunities: teacher, school administrator, pastoral administrator, pastoral minister, and tutor.

At the beginning of the citizenship classes, Sister Janice would go over the N-400 line by line so students are clear about the information needed.

At the beginning of the citizenship classes, Sister Janice would go over the N-400 line by line so students are clear about the information needed.

Sisters Carmen and Janice (left) with two of their students after they were sworn in as United States citizens.

Sisters Carmen and Janice (left) with two of their students after they were sworn in as United States citizens.

"I personally walked the path to citizenship with hundreds of people," says Sister Janice.

"I personally walked the path to citizenship with hundreds of people," says Sister Janice.

I pray that each person feels worthy

“During my ministry as a WORD ESL tutor, I intentionally slowed down. In my words and my manner, I conveyed to each study: “You are worthy of my time and attention.”

Even after more than 2 years of tutoring and 10 years of helping people on their path to citizenship, I am truly amazed at their willingness to leave their own countries and search for a new and better life here. It is challenging to learn English, as well as to speak and write it, which they must do for the citizenship test.

Part of tutoring is getting to know the students. Each hopes to know enough English to get a better job to provide for their families. My hope is that I helped each feel accepted and appreciated for the persons they are. My goal was to help them recognize their success and progress.”