Sister Marie Therese leads a Franciscan-themed retreat in Somerset, N.J.
During the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sister Marie Therese reached out to parishioners to check on their well-being.
A Hand to Hold
SISTER MARIE THERESE CARRIES CHRIST
IN HER POCKET AND IN HER HEART
In her ministry at the Catholic Community of St. Matthias in Somerset, N.J., Sister Marie Therese Sherwood wears many hats, each plucked from the same rack of compassion.
As pastoral minister for social concerns, Sister spends time with parish families during the most difficult times of their lives — coordinating support groups, connecting with the poor and homeless, holding hands at the bedsides of the sick and dying, and facilitating the sacred rituals that bring closure to grieving families.
“The journey with the sick, the dying and their families bonds us together in a deepening relationship,” Sister says. “I make silent, loving glances to Jesus within my heart each time I walk into a hospital, make a home visit, sit with someone who is grieving, or assess the needs of individuals in outreach to the poor.”
She also cantors during Masses, sings in the choir and has a hand in promoting diversity, distributing more than 1,000 Giving Tree gifts each Christmas, and feeding families in challenging circumstances. Above all else, she considers it her greatest privilege to bring Eucharist to the sick and homebound.
“I carry Christ in a pyx in my pocket for a good part of the day and am intimately aware and in awe of the closeness of His presence,” Sister Marie Therese reflects. “These personal, grace-filled moments have deepened my relationship with God.”
Sister Marie Therese also serves as a cantor at St. Matthias.
RECOMMENDED READING
Read how more Sisters are extending their hearts
and hands in ministry to all of God’s people
Sister Maria Derecola: Unfinished Business
Sister Adelina Garcia: Graced by God
Sister Kevin Berdis: Reward Without Risk
Sister Carol Ann Papp: Lessons to Live By
Sister Regina Ann Rokosny: Counting Blessings
All of our Extending Our Hearts & Hands stories were featured in the Winter 2021-2022 issue of Echoes Across the Horizons.
extending our hearts & hands
If you’d like to support our Sisters’ good works in the world, there is still time to respond to our 2021-2022 annual appeal. Click below to donate online with your credit card.