Sr. Dorothy Jean Beyer and Sr. Marietta Schindler celebrated the 50th anniversary of their monastic professions on July 14, before community members, family and friends in the Queen of Angels Monastery Chapel.
Sr. Dorothy Jean Beyer, the second oldest of William and Delphine Beyer’s seven children, grew up in Mount Angel and entered the Benedictine Sisters’ community following her graduation from Mount Angel Academy.
She professed first vows in 1963 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Mount Angel College. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree from Seattle University. Sr. Dorothy Jean served as a teacher and principal for 20 years in local Catholic schools, including St. Paul School in Silverton and St. Luke School in Woodburn. She also taught religious education at St. Mary’s Academy in Portland.
In 1987, Sr. Dorothy Jean was elected as prioress of her community and served in this capacity for 16 years. During her tenure as prioress, a $6.2 million fundraising campaign was completed for the repair and rebuilding of the Monastery and Chapel after the 1993 earthquake. She served as director of Shalom Prayer Center. In addition, she served on the national board of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, was chair for LCWR Region 15 and was on the governing council of the Federation of St. Gertrude.
Other highlights for Sr. Dorothy Jean were representing Benedictine women worldwide at a conference in Rome and working with the Benedictine Sisters in South Africa. She is now the coordinator of ministry for the sick and homebound at St. Mary Parish in Mount Angel. She offers individual spiritual direction.
Reflecting on reaching the milestone, Sr. Dorothy Jean said, “As I have moved closer to 50 years (in religious life), I have reflected on how God has worked in my life. I was taught by Benedictine Sisters in grade and high school and was attracted to their way of life. Sr. Patricia Washburn, who was one of my teachers, was so happy and joyful.
“Even when I was a young girl, she saw my potential and entrusted tasks to me, which brought out my leadership and sense of responsibility. I appreciated that wonderful encouragement from the sisters. The day of jubilee to me is just one day, and I have decided to make every day a jubilee day of celebration. When I entered religious life, I dedicated my life to God, and to be of service to others and that is what I have tried to do.”
Sr. Marietta (Shirley) Schindler grew up in Woodburn, one of five children of Fred and Jeanette Schindler. She attended St. Luke School and Mount Angel Academy. After graduating from Mount Angel Academy in 1961, she entered the sisters’ community, and, in 1963, professed first vows. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Mount Angel College, and her master’s degree in education from now Western Oregon University.
Sr. Marietta served as a teacher and principal at St. Mary School in Albany. In 1978 she returned to Mount Angel to serve as assistant prioress to Sr. Marilyn Schwab. She then taught at St. Mary Public School in Mount Angel and St. Paul Catholic School. She spent five summers working as assistant to the director of the summer school program at Mount Angel Seminary.
In 1991 Sr. Marietta returned to Queen of Angels Monastery to serve as vocation director, volunteer coordinator and community treasurer. Sr. Marietta has been a long-time member of the Vocation Team for the Archdiocese of Portland.
Sr. Marietta expressed gratitude for the richness of her life and service.
“It has been a blessing to teach and serve in so many different parishes, getting to know a lot of great families. I appreciate and value the relationships that I’ve had with these families that are so very positive. I’m grateful to Sr. Rosalia Tanzer for planting the seed of religious life in me, and encouraging me to think and pray about it. Sr. Bernice Schmidt was a valuable role model and friend for me when I entered the community. I have appreciated being rooted here where my family has lived for four or five generations.”
