In Loving Memory...

Sister M. Catherine Dolores, CSC
(Catherine Dolores Dietzen)
Birth: August 6, 1932
Profession: August 15, 1953
Death: May 12, 2006

We gather to remember the life of Catherine Dolores and to express gratitude for what she has meant to us because of her presence in our lives.

Catherine lived the full cycle of life. Born August 6, 1932, in Danville, Illinois, she was the daughter of John and Margaret Dietzen and was formed in a Christian life, together with her brothers, Jack, Bob, Don, and her sister Mary.

As a young adult she made first profession of vows in Holy Cross in 1953, followed a common pattern in our congregation of teaching in various elementary schools in the Midwest, then became a principal of an elementary school in 1964.

When the congregation changed its governmental structure from three provinces to 10 apostolic regions in 1969, Catherine was appointed regional superior of the Midwest Elementary Region. I suggest that her mature years began with that assignment. Although very active with duties, her spirituality deepened in order to bring God’s spirit to her consultations and her decisions during a difficult transition time in the Church and in the congregation following Vatican Council II.

She returned to elementary education until she was summoned again to leadership, this time as one of the superiors of Saint Mary’s Convent. Her time of caring for her own aging mother at home served her well in ministering to the sisters in the convent from 1990 to 1995. On completion of that enriching ministry, she “happened” on a new healing ministry: “caring touch” massage for the sisters in the convent.

The disease of cancer entered her life in 1998. She slowed down, learned lessons that illness and aging teach us, but continued to assist at Saint Joseph Health Center and facilitated a book discussion group with sisters in the convent. She grew in wisdom and peace. On May 12, while she was hospitalized for an infection, Catherine and God must have decided it was time to cross the threshold of the next cycle of life – the eternal one.

Each of us sees various facets of a person’s life. Sometimes a symbol can focus our attention. I select the silver heart, which each Holy Cross sister receives at final profession. I saw Catherine as a woman with a heart of passion and compassion.

She was passionate about life, enthusiastic, outgoing and caring to others: her family, people she met through ministry or through her illness, as well as her congregation of sisters, priests and brothers of Holy Cross. Her warmth drew people to her presence.

Catherine was compassionate in life. Her courage with cancer had its roots in her earlier life lived embracing all of life, the joys and the daily “little deaths.” She accepted the invitation of Jesus to “drop down the net into the deep.” She remained faithful to her call as a Sister of the Holy Cross for whom Mary of Seven Dolors is a model of faith.

You will always be a part of our hearts, Catherine. Go in peace.

Written by Sister Patricia Cornell, CSC

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry With the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.