March 6, 2009
Sister Joan Scheller appointed as Hispanic ministry expands in diocese
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Benedictine Sister Joan Scheller has been appointed as associate director of Hispanic Ministry of the Evansville Diocese. She replaces Benedictine Sister Karen Durliat who was appointed to be director of Hispanic Ministry, effective Sept. 1.
“I am eager to begin working with the diocesan office of Hispanic ministry,” said Sister Joan. “In the midst of uncertainty, change, cultural differences and challenges, we do share a common faith with Hispanic immigrants.”
Sister Joan was subprioress of the Sisters of St. Benedict from 2003-2008. Her ministry before that was in the Diocese of Evansville where she served as pastoral associate of Holy Spirit Church in Evansville; Administrative Assistant at Kordes Retreat Center, and Elementary and Special Education teacher at St. Matthew’s Parish, Mount Vernon, and Marian Day School in Evansville.
Sister Joan also served as a missionary in Guatemala for 14 years from 1976-1990 where she learned both Spanish and a native Indian dialect, Kekchi.
“I bring some talents and experience from missionary work in Guatemala and I will learn much from the people,” said Sister Joan. “I am very grateful to be a part of this important diocesan ministry.
Sister Joan has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from St. Benedict’s College, Ferdinand, and a master’s in Religious Studies from St. Louis University, St. Louis.
She facilitated the parish encuentros held in Dale, Huntingburg, Jasper and Washington in 2007 as well as the Diocesan Hispanic Ministry Board meeting in February 2009.
With the addition of Sister Joan to the Hispanic ministry team, services offered by the Guadalupe Center will be expanded, according to Sister Karen.
“She is excited to learn more about immigration issues and will help us to expand our immigration services. I know that she will be a wonderful addition to our Hispanic Ministry team.”
Besides assisting with administrative duties and already established programs, Sister Joan will offer immigration services throughout the diocese and work as a notary public helping to provide official papers needed by the Hispanic community such as Power of Attorney. She will minister to migrant workers who arrive in the diocese during the summer months.
“Sister Joan’s gifts of teaching and communicating will enable us to expand our ministry with the Hispanic community,” said Sister Karen.
Her experience in Guatemala and in southwestern Indiana have been important, said Sister Karen.
Sister Joan “understands well the situation of immigrants and why they have left their native countries to come to an unknown land with a different language and new customs,” said Sister Karen. “Because she has facilitated meetings for the Guadalupe Center, she understands the history of our ministry as well as our goals and plans for the future.”