Sister Katherine Jones Retires at 90

Sister Katherine experienced two milestone events in June: her 90th birthday and retirement.

She began her teaching career in San Francisco but then was assigned to schools in southern California, where she has resided since 1970. She eventually moved to parish religious education ministry, and then to Calvary Cemetary as a Religious Services Coordinator. She provided the presence of a religious Sister to grieving families as they prepared for the funerals of loved ones.

Sister Katherine, in an interview for the Catholic Cemetaries internal newsletter, said "I've certainly loved working in Catholic Cemeteries. I hope that this isn't the end of Sisters working in this ministry, because it is a great opportunity to bring Christ to others."

Calvary Chapel colleagues held a retirement luncheon for her, which was attended by Bishop Mark Trudeau and Rev. Frank Tinajero, SDB. Sister Katherine ministered closely with each of them over her years in Los Angeles. Father Frank has a deep appreciation for Presentation Sisters, having attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School with several and being taught by many. 

Asked for advice for her successor, Sister Katherine said, "Always remember this is a ministry, it's not just a job. You're bringing Christ to the people you come in contact with...Do it with heart." The newsletter article concludes with this appreciation: "Thank you for your years of service, Sister. You have brought peace to many families here."

The festivities continued into July, when five Presentation Associates in Southern California took Sister Katherine out to lunch to celebrate both her 90th birthday and her retirement. Rosalie Cabrera, Gerry Fagoaga, Pat Diaz, Kathey Valenzuela  and Yolanda Santillan have a tradition of lunching together with Sister Katherine annually to observe the Feast of the Presentation and her birthday; this year they added the retirement and gathered at Mijares Mexican Restaurant in Pasadena. A good time - with strawberry cake for desert - was had by all.
 

L-R: Kathey Valenzuela, Gerry Fagoaga, Rosalie Cabrera,  Sister Katherine Jones, Yolanda Santillan, Pat Diaz	Sister Katherine, Rosalie, Gerry

Sister Katherine will be moving to the Motherhouse in her hometown of San Francisco at a future date. There she is looking forward to being closer to family, and to participating in volunteer opportunities such as the Day Laborer Lunch program. Congratulations, Sister Katherine, and thank you for your dedication and commitment!