tvc.dsj.org | February 19, 2019
COMMUNITY
5
On a Firm Foundation: Vocations in my Life
Mary Quilici Aumack
Executive Director
Catholic Community
Foundation of Santa Clara
County, [email protected]
A few weeks ago I attended the
memorial Mass for Sister Joan Pan-
ella, SNDdeN. Sister Joan was a
friend who was also my high school
English teacher and college counselor
at Notre Dame High School in San
Jose. When friends and family sur-
prised Doug and me with a beautiful
quilt on our wedding day, one of the
squares was the Notre Dame crest,
embroidered by Sister Joan. At the
Mass we joyfully celebrated this gift
of Sister Joan. Throughout her life
she contributed to community in so
many ways.
The religious vocations of others
have contributed greatly to my faith
and my life.
My first memory of clergy is of
Monsignor (Ronald) Mentasti at Saint
Justin. For those who knew him, he
was an imposing figure. He could
subdue us with one look. He is fa-
mous for his New Year’s Day sermon:
“Life is short, Death is certain, Hell is
forever, Think it over.” Somehow, I
don’t recall being frightened by that,
just reminded to behave.
I am f urious and repulsed by
the abuse that has occurred in the
church, and the scandalous and un-
conscionable cover-ups. At the same
Those who choose
vocations to religious
life are not better
or more blessed
than the rest of us.
However, they make
a commitment to
leadership and example
from which we all
benefi t.
time, I was among the lucky ones. I
only ever encountered good clergy
and religious.
When I was growing up in Saint
Justin, I was blessed with Father
Terry Sullivan and Father Dan Derry.
Good men, committed to their voca-
tions, who are still active in ministry
today. Father Terry has walked with
my family, including presiding at my
parents’ 50 th wedding anniversary
Mass, and both their memorials.
At Gonzaga I had the benefit of the
presence and teaching of the Jesuits.
Through these men my faith was
challenged, nurtured and strength-
ened. I am grateful.
Through my work as a volunteer
for Catholic Charities and now at
the Catholic Community Founda-
tion, I have had the great fortune to
work with strong, engaged bishops,
A square on the Aumack’s wedding quilt,
embroidered by Sister Joan Panella.
including DuMaine, McGrath, Daly
and Cantú.
At Saint Justin, I had my first en-
counter with the women religious. I
recall with affection the leadership
of Mother Margaret Mary and Sis-
ter Gemma. Sister Gemma is still a
friend.
It wasn’t until recent years that I
have fully understood the broad and
important contribution of women
religious. They were pioneers in im-
migrant education and healthcare.
They built schools and hospitals
against formidable odds. They have
ALWAYS reached out to marginal-
ized populations, in schools, home-
less encampments, and prisons. They
nurtured each other in community,
and joyfully lived the Gospel to the
benefit of the rest of us. The ministry
of these women continues to late in
life, in advocacy, activism and prayer.
I have learned so much about the
role of the consecrated life through
my friendship and interactions with
Sister Rosalie Pizzo, SNDdeN, Bish-
op’s Delegate to the Religious. Sister
Rosalie is my example of a joy-filled
commit ment to consecrated life,
spreading wisdom, teaching values,
and emanating good humor daily.
I know that one of the great sacra-
mental vocations is that of Marriage.
I was so blessed to have the good
example of my parents, and I now
have the ineffable gift of Doug.
At the Foundation we manage and
grow an endowment for the support
of seminarians. Let me know if you
would like to contribute or learn
more about it.
Those who choose vocations to
religious life are not better or more
blessed than the rest of us. However,
they make a commitment to leader-
ship and example from which we all
benefit.
I pray for strengthened vocations,
so that generations to come may ex-
perience these relationships as I have,
and that they may work broadly with
laity toward a strong and transparent
Church.
Join us on a Pilgrimage with the Diocese of San Jose!
A Spiritual Journey
to Italy A Passion Play Journey to
Hungary, Austria & Germany
11 Days: Oct 14–24, 2019 11 Days: Sep 3–13, 2020
Under the
Spiritual
Direction of
Fr. Christopher
Bennett
Under the Spiritual
Direction of Bishop
Patrick J. McGrath
and Fr. Christopher
Bennett
Download brochures and registration forms at: GoCatholicTravel.com/19055 (Italy 2019) or GoCatholicTravel.com/20010 (Passion Play 2020)
Contact Catholic Travel Centre at (800) 553-5233 or [email protected]
CST#: 2018667–40