Sister Joanne Ralph, IHM, is Prendie graduate, Class of ’68. While there, Sister participated in many activities, including The Miter, field hockey, and service clubs. Additionally, once a month (on Sundays) Sister Joanne went with a group of Prendie girls to St. Vincent’s Hospital in West Philadelphia to play with the children there. It was a ministry of the Daughters of Charity. By the way, Sister is happy to mention that her four sisters also graduated from Prendie: Eileen, ’70; Maria ’71; Margaret ’72; and Anne ’78.
After graduation, Sister entered the convent in September ’68. She earned her B.A. in Theology from Immaculata and an M.A. from Villanova University. She has taught in St. Philomena Parish School and Archbishop Ryan High School. In addition to these schools, Sister Joanne has taught in the elementary and secondary schools in the dioceses of Allentown, PA; Camden, NJ; Arlington, VA; Richmond, VA; and Miami, Fl.
How did your Catholic education shape your vocation? Do you feel that this environment played a unique role in nurturing your calling?
My Catholic education has been a tremendous blessing in my life. I was immersed daily in a culture of faith, love, compassion, inclusion, personal responsibility, accountability, integrity, social awareness, and of course, academic excellence. In a very real way, these values were “caught” more so than taught! Learning in this environment was very formative. My teachers, both Religious and lay, inspired me not only as creative educators, but also in their genuine goodness and self-giving! They modeled “vocation” for me. Rather than doing a “job,” they were responding to a very personal call to use their God-given talents for the good of others. I sensed that they had discovered something very essential to a happy, fulfilled life.
Tell a memorable story: Is there a specific moment or experience from your time in high school that stands out – perhaps something that brought clarity to your calling or taught an important life lesson?
I have many memories of my days at Prendie, and they all make me smile. From our very first days as freshmen, we were encouraged to get involved in school activities and that made all the difference. I was on the staff of the school newspaper, The Miter. There were 15 – 20 girls on the staff. Every day after school we would gather in the Publication Office, fondly known as “The Pub,” for an hour to two to get the paper out. There was always great conversation about the serious issues of the day, as well as lots of fun, laughter and “girl talk.” Our faculty moderator, Sister Angelus Mariae, was a wonderful mentor; we learned so much more than journalism from her! Sometimes it was a challenge for her to get us to go home at 5:00 p.m.!
Share some insights into your ministry.
I have been actively involved in ministry for more than 50 years. It has been a privilege to serve God’s people and to try to be the heart and hands of God in our world today.
For many years, I taught math at the secondary level. I love mathematics and I love working with high school students, so this was a win-win for me. Teenage years can be wonderful, confusing, and a bit scary- all at the same time. I enjoyed working with, supporting, and encouraging students at this beautiful but vulnerable time of growth and self-discovery in their lives.
More recently, my ministry is with the growing immigrant community in the city of Philadelphia. Currently, I teach English as a Second language to adult immigrants. This has also been a privilege and a wonderful experience. Daily I am inspired by the joy, simplicity, work ethic, and faith of these people who have traveled so far, given up so much, and overcome so many obstacles to build a better life for their families. They are beautiful people; in the direst circumstances they are people of great hope! I learn from them every day.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your vocation?
A rewarding, but very humbling aspect of my vocation is that, beyond any of my personal abilities, God will use me as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and love for all of creation and as a testimony to God’s enduring presence in our world today. I may be walking down the street, shopping in the supermarket, or visiting the dentist – virtually anywhere-- people approach me and ask me to pray for them, a family member, or a worrisome situation. This is certainly not because of me, rather my vocation sometimes serves as a reminder to others that God is and that God cares, even if God seems absent in a given situation. It is very humbling!
Reflect on community and connection. Have you maintained ties with classmates or found ways your education continues to support your mission today?
Every now and then I reconnect with a Prendie classmate either professionally or socially and there is an immediate bond!
Are there any prayers, rituals, or traditions from your time in high school that have remained meaningful to you?
My years at Prendie definitely fostered my spiritual life! For many Prendie girls, the beautiful chapel, and special moments of prayer (a family problem, a misunderstanding, a date, a test, a college acceptance, a relationship, vocation discernment, etc.) are indelibly etched in our hearts. Our teachers encouraged us to make frequent visits to chapel – reminding us that God was waiting to connect with us! One day a week (Thursdays) we had Benediction after school. That was always meaningful to me. I also loved our annual “Class Retreat Day” which was held during Holy Week. Each class had its designated day (they would be the only class in school that day) which included Mass, a conference, the rosary, silent prayer. Those days were special! These practices nurtured my spiritual life.
Looking back on your journey, what would you tell your high school self?
With your faith in God, the life lessons you learned along the way, the support of family and friends, wonderful role models, and your excellent education, you are well-prepared for whatever God is calling to you! Be generous and courageous and stay close to God! The world needs your heart and hands!