Sister Mary Anne McCormick to celebrate 50 years of religious life

Sister Mary Anne McCormick, formerly of Waukon, will celebrate 50 years of religious life at a Mass and dinner with Presentation sisters, family and other invited guests to be held Saturday, September 24 at Sisters of the Presentation Mount Loretto, Dubuque. Also celebrating is Sister Marjorie Loughren of Cottage Grove, MN.

The life and spirit of 18th century Presentation Irish foundress Venerable Nano Nagle has inspired the personal faith journeys of Sisters Anne and Marjorie, who chose special scriptures with the theme “Blessed by God’s gift, strengthened by grace, received with gratitude” for their celebration.

Entering the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary September 8, 1966, Sister Mary Anne professed final vows in 1974 and Sister Marjorie in 1975. Sister Mary Anne McCormick, daughter of the late Leslie and Bernice (Ryan) McCormick of Waukon graduated from St. Patrick High School in Waukon and Clarke University in Dubuque.

Currently, she serves in various ministry roles at Mount Loretto Presentation Motherhouse in Dubuque, such as companion, driver, transportation scheduling and various liturgical roles in the celebration of the Eucharist.

“I returned to our motherhouse after 37 years of teaching,” states Sister Anne. “It was hard to leave the education scene. I missed my students and their families. At the same time I have been blessed with many learning opportunities, time for prayer and service, especially to our senior sisters. I have also had the opportunity for service by volunteering in different ways in Dubuque. I am currently a member of a group looking for ways to increase awareness of human trafficking.”

Formerly Sister Anne served as an elementary teacher in Catholic schools at Charles City, Cedar Falls, Farley-Bankston and Sheldon in Iowa; and at Timberlake, SD and Globe, AZ.

Observing her jubilee as a special time of gratitude, Sister Anne remarks, “Celebrating my 50th jubilee allows me the opportunity to thank God, my Presentation community, my family and friends for their love and support as I continue to live as a Sister of the Presentation following the direction given us by our foundress, Venerable Nano Nagle.”