December 2005 - Sister Mary Alvin Seubott, RSM
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"On St. Nick's Day, thanks to good friends like you, we're able to get coats and scarves and put a little money into the shoes and stockings of the young people who make their home here, so that they can do their Christmas shopping," Sister said. "We also include a little spiritual prayer sheet to remind them of what Christmas is all about," she said.
Sister Mary Alvin's ministry has always involved children: first as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher in Baltimore and then as a 5th grade teacher in Savannah from 1966 to 1968. The impact that she had on young lives is apparent in that many of her students (even from the 60's) come back periodically to see how she's doing and affirm her importance in their lives.
She took an administrator role at St. Mary's Home in 1969, and has been there ever since, overseeing the therapeutic programs, holding Bible study sessions, tutoring, and locating runaways in search of safety and stability in their lives.
Sister Mary Alvin felt it was a calling from God that she couldn't ignore. In 1969, St. Mary's Home had just lost its license and the current caretaker was retiring. She could have had a secure and steady teaching position in Baltimore, but Sister Mary Alvin invited God in on the decision - and went to St. Mary's shortly after it was clear what God's plan was for her.
Armed with a Master's degree in Psychology of the Emotionally Disturbed, Sister went about tackling the difficult problems the sad and emotionally tortured child brought through the door. She helps them build back trust, and creates a safe haven for them - a sense of real "home" that few had known before.
She seeks out generous souls willing to donate their services and talents to the home, and is gratified when people respond. "So far, we've never had to pay for orthodontia for the kids!" she says proudly.
When winter winds arrive, it is the warmth of generous people that make the season bright. And Sister Mary Alvin is grateful. "We're always grateful for our friends at the Catholic Church Extension Society," she said. "Your generous gift will help us provide a wonderful Christmas for some special young people."
Through the generous donations of friends, Catholic Extension is able to reach out at Christmas - and all through the year - to strengthen our Faith and care for those who struggle in America's mission dioceses. To help missionaries like Sister Mary Alvin, please donate now securely. And have a joyous Christmas!