“As a Franciscan, I am called to live out our charism — living in intimate union with Christ in the midst of apostolic work. It is a continuous conversion. It is the work of a lifetime.”
Sister M. Amata Shina, OSF
FEBRUARY 28, 1931 - OCTOBER 26, 2022
Sister Mary Amata (Martha) Shina, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis of the United States Province, died on October 26, 2022, at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. She was 91 and in her 74th year of religious profession.
Sister Amata entered the community in 1947 from Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Northampton, Pa. She professed first vows in 1948 and, in August 1953, made her Final Profession at Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh, Pa. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in English literature from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.
Sister taught at the middle and junior high levels from 1948 to 1962 at parish schools in the Pennsylvania towns of Tarentum, McKees Rocks, Farrell and Emmaus, as well as in Jersey City, N.J. She spent the next five years teaching English at St. Francis Academy in Bethlehem, Pa., serving as principal from 1967 to 1978. She also ministered in Hellertown, Pa., and at Central Catholic High School in Allentown, Pa., before returning to the provincialate at Monocacy Manor, where she served as director of ministry for the Sisters. She also served our community as a provincial councilor for the Bethlehem Province.
Sister Amata later spent 21 years at the Catholic Community of St. Matthias in Somerset, N.J., as school principal and, later, as pastoral administrator for the parish. In 2015, Sister Amata came to live in Villa Clare at Monocacy Manor while still helping St. Matthias with the use of technology for several years. While in active ministry, she was recognized for her innovative vision in education and, during her years as principal, received numerous awards and recognitions. Her assistance in acquiring tuition grants and the attentiveness and compassion she gave to the students and their families will always be remembered.
Sister Amata was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph T. and Anna (Budias) Shina; her brothers, Joseph and Edward; and her sister, Sister Sophie Shina, MSC (Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart). She is survived by her sister, Sister M. Rosaria Shina, and her religious community.
Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 28, at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the Mass of Christian Burial will be private. Burial will follow in the convent cemetery. Arrangements have been made by Connell Funeral Home in Bethlehem, Pa. In memory of Sister Amata’s dedication to quality education, contributions may be made to the School Sisters of St. Francis - Antonia Lampel Scholarship Fund, 395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem PA 18017.