Sister Mary Raeleen Sweeney celebrates 60 years of religious life

Presentation Sisters and Associates honored six jubilarians July13 at Mount Loretto, Sisters of the Presentation in Dubuque. The theme of “Joy, Love and Gratitude” set the tone for the day with Mass followed by brunch.

Sister Mary Raeleen Sweeney, originally of Waukon and the daughter of the late Ralph and Ileen (Birdsell) Sweeney, observed 60 years of religious life during the celebration. Also celebrating were Sisters Mary Emilie Bormann, Donna Determan, Sheila Ann Dougherty, Jeanine Kuhn and Herman Platt.

The jubilarians entered the Dubuque Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1956 and 1957 and professed first vows in 1959 and final vows in 1964.

Currently, Sister Raeleen is consultant to the CEO of the Golden Apple Foundation in Chicago, IL while continuing to mentor Golden Apple Scholars. Previously, she had served as an elementary teacher in Catholic schools at Dubuque, Elkader, Farley and Mason City in Iowa, and in Oak Lawn, IL, as well as being Director of Golden Apple Scholars CORE Professional Development, Golden Apple Foundation.

Reflecting on her jubilee time, Sister Raeleen says, “This jubilee celebration reminds me of the ever-constant loving support I receive from my Sisters of the Presentation, my family, friends and my colleagues at Golden Apple, without whom I would not be the individual I am today. My life has been and continues to be shaped by blessings in abundance; I am deeply grateful for all the joy, love and the light of our foundress Nano Nagle's Lantern. I am passionate with all the possibilities in life today from the past and graced by the present to live with hope for the future.”