This week, Mr. Horner shares gratitude for one of our beloved RSCJ, Sister Margaret Munch, as well as news to honor her in the months ahead.
One the great privileges of serving as the 46th Head of School has been the blessing of the presence and insight from Sister Margaret Munch. Her deep faith and love for Philippine are palpable. Today I am sharing that Sister Munch will move to Oakwood, the RSCJ retirement community in Atherton, CA, this summer.
Our community will surely miss her in St. Charles. Before she departs, it is my pleasure to announce that we will recognize Sister Munch as the Honorary Chair of Chemin de Fer in May. There could be no more appropriate person than Sister as we celebrate, honor, and appreciate her imprint on so many.
Sister Munch is a graduate of Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Omaha and spent many years working and teaching at Sheridan Road, the Sacred Heart School in Chicago. She joined our Academy community 1991 and spent 27 years teaching and inspiring students. Whether it was through the study of mythology, culminating with the perennial favorite Greek Wax Museum project, directing students in annual plays about the life of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and St. Philippine Duchesne, or sharing our history and heritage with them to deepen their understanding and appreciation of our roots, Sister Munch is the consummate educator and has kept Philippine’s story alive and relevant. In 2018, she retired from full-time teaching and continued serving as our sacristan.
My time blessed by Sister may be much shorter than I wish, however, the influence on me personally will be lifelong. I recall Sister speaking at the Sacred Heart Conference for new employees, Roots that Give us Wings, and the beautiful eloquence, reverence, and care evident for Philippine. My first conversation with her on campus left me with greater peace. I said to Sister each day when she was on her campus, “Thank you for being here. We are blessed by your presence.” I will forever feel that way.
At Chemin, there will be an opportunity for attendees to write Sister a note. I can only imagine the volume and significance of the stories of the difference Sister has made in so many lives. While Sister Munch is no longer with us at the Academy, her passion for our Sacred Heart story will live on. As part of honoring her legacy, Mrs. Tammy Strother and Mrs. Megan Horner will continue the important tradition of the Philippine play that Sister Munch oversaw for years.
Sister Munch, as you read this, thank you. I know I speak for so many in appreciating your enrichment of our lives. Our ability to express our appreciation will never match the beauty and peace you left in our hearts. You are the true embodiment of our mission: To educate and inspire the heart and mind.
