Baby girl in a family of ten children…community leader…lover of nature…nurse…world traveler. What do all of these have in common? They describe Sister Christa Ann Struewing and her multi-faceted life!

 

Jeanne Struewing was born in Carthage, Missouri on December 26, 1940-a slightly late Christmas present to her nine older brothers and sisters! One key focus of this large Catholic family was the Church and related activities. Jeanne’s parents believed that providing their children with a Catholic education was one of the most valuable gifts they could provide. Each day Dad drove the children to a neighboring town about 20 miles away to attend the Catholic grade and high schools. These daily trips allowed deep bonding between the children as well as growth in their love and admiration for their father. On days when Dad was not able, Mother provided the transportation, and she too realized the benefits from the trips.

 

Upon graduation from McAuley Catholic High School in Joplin, Missouri, Jeanne enrolled at Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas. During her two years there, her interest in religious life grew. While she had known the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis as a youngster in Carthage, her mother re-introduced them when Jeanne came home during college breaks. What attracted her was the "down to earth" spirit of the Sisters as well as the way they interacted with people during visits to provide health care in the home.

 

In September 1961, Jeanne entered the postulancy of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in Springfield, Illinois. One year later, she became a novice and was given the name Sister Christa Ann. She made her first profession of vows in 1964 and immediately enrolled at Marillac College in St. Louis. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 1967, Sister began her professional nursing career. For over 20 years, she worked as a nurse in a variety of settings as a hospital staff nurse, a home health nurse and a nursing educator. From 1990 until 1995, Sister Christa Ann served as Assistant to the Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer for the five Wisconsin hospitals of Hospital Sisters Health System.

 

In 1995, Sister began eight years of service to the Religious Community as a member of the Provincial Council. Much of her work was coordinating retreat offerings and planning numerous meetings for the Sisters. While serving as a Provincial Councilor, Sister Christa Ann was afforded the opportunity to plan and attend meetings and celebrations of the International Community. These travels included trips to Haiti, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.

 

One month ago, Sister Christa Ann completed her two terms as a member of the Provincial Council. She soon will begin a Sabbatical. Her many and varied interests and her extensive professional background promise to bring interesting new chapters to the life of Sister Christa Ann Struewing! Stay tuned.