SisterEmma Kulhanek

“In stillness and in quiet confidence is my strength.”

I was born in Chesaning, Michigan to Wenz and Emma Nietling Kulhanek. There were six children in our family, three girls and three boys. I am the second oldest.

Through grade nine I attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chesaning taught by our Dominican Sisters. The next three years I spent at Marywood Academy as an Aspirant. In September of 1947 I entered the Postulancy and took my mother’s name, Emma.

For a number of years my ministry was Teacher and Principal of a number of large and small schools in Michigan. In some of these schools I taught the upper grades and helped coordinate the staff and curriculum. Work in inner-city was of special interest and rewarding to me. Some students came back to tell me that they were glad they were taught for the ‘future’ – not just for the moment.

My other ministries included pastoral care for the elderly in Northview Manor and volunteering on the Marywood Campus as a visitor: reading, listening, and assisting with letter writing. How rewarding this was for me.

I enjoy reading, walking, crocheting, card games, doing word search puzzles, and going places with my family. I have traveled to all parts of the United States and overseas to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and I spent one week in Rome. How blessed I am.