In her 92nd year, a time of quiet life for most, Sister Cecilia Marie Gri has hardly slowed down or missed a beat. The coordinator for ministry to the
home-bound at St. Rose Parish, Longview, Washington since 1976, Cecilia Marie
teaches new ministers to the homebound, keeps a list of those who need visits,
collaborates with the parish nurse, visits patients in nursing and retirement
homes and prays with the dying.
That’s only the beginning of Cecilia Marie’s ministry.
She coordinates
the work of lay presiders, is herself a lay presider, and has led a loc
al
ecumenical prayer service for ten years. She presides at vigil services and
at funerals (when Mass is not celebrated); she serves as a eucharistic minister
and as the spiritual director for the Legion of Mary; she is the parish librarian,
working with three assistants, all of whom she has trained.
As the CSJP community knows, Sister Cecilia Marie Gri is also an excellent
homilist. She gave the homily at her own 60th, 70th and 75th Jubilee celebrations,
to standing ovations. A teacher and principal for over 33 years, she has the
born teacher’s knack of putting a point across with clarity and flair.
It’s typical of Cecilia Marie that on the days after her 89th birthday
she drove from Longview to Tacoma, Bremerton, Port Angeles, Victoria, Vancouver,
Bellingham and home again – all this in three days.
Few women of any age could keep up with Sister Cecilia Marie. Some of the
homebound ministers she trains were once her students, and now, as grandmothers,
study with her again. While her energy and drive are extraordinary, her continued
life of ministry, prayer, and dedication to God is typical of many of our
older sisters whose concept of “retirement” includes daily, dedicated
ministry.
What’s the secret of her amazing vitality, drive and dedication?
“I
think it’s the Eucharist,” says Sr. Cecilia Marie, “I try
to participate in the Eucharist and in any spiritual programs. I’ve
made up my mind that I’m not going to give up. I have no time for TV
unless Maria (her sister, Maria Gri, CSJP) tells me there’s something
good to watch. It’s the grace of God that I can do it, and as long as
He keeps me going, I want to use it for Him.”
© Copyright 2006. Congregation of
the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. All Rights Reserved.