Sr. Mary Schmidt, OSB

Sister Mary Schmidt, OSB

Sister Mary Schmidt, OSB, was born into a large family in Bradford, IL.  One of eight siblings, she was baptized at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, and credits the Benedictine Sisters who served at St. John’s for attracting her to religious life.  “The Sisters were always so welcoming and joyful”, she said.  Mary enjoyed the many years where her Grandmother lived with the family, and after leaving the farm, her parents adopted two additional children.      

Sr. Mary received a B.A. from St. Ambrose College, Davenport, Iowa and an M.A. from Mundelein Seminary, Chicago, IL.  She received her certification in spiritual direction from Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, SD, and additional scripture study at Mundelein Seminary.   

During her teaching years, Sr. Mary served at St. Roch School, LaSalle, St. Anthony’s School, Atkinson, St. John the Baptist School, Bradford, Holy Family School, Peoria, and St. Mary’s School, Moline.  She also served as a social minister and faith formation director at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport.  From 1970 to 1995, Sr. Mary ministered at the Benedictine Religious Education Center (BREC) at St. Bede Abbey in Peru, working with 11 scripture groups and six parishes.  

Reflecting on more than 60 years of ministry, Sr. Mary still finds the most satisfying aspect is being with parishioners and seeing them grow in their understanding of scripture, and enjoying liturgies together.

Sr. Mary finds her greatest joys in spending time with her oblate groups, the Cork Hill fellowship from Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, and working in her garden and flower beds.  She shared, “In this world, peace is difficult to find.  Look for quiet.  Find some place that you can talk and listen to God”.