Sr Joan Stapleton, ministering at Prague House in Melbourne, celebrates 50 years
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Motto: Lord help me to give
Congratulations on your Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession.
You were a teacher before you entered and after your first Profession you were appointed as secondary teacher to St Mary’s Hurstville and you remained in the ministry of education. You graduated in Bachelor of Theology in 1986.
You had a lifetime in education with secondary school young women. You formed them through their studies. You educated them in the principles of Social Justice to ensure that wherever they are they had the influence to change the world and make it a better place. Parents and families were grateful for your example and your care and guidance of their girls.
In 1996, you discerned a call to care for homeless men in Prague House. You took up the ministry of Pastoral Care at Prague House where you have been mentor and companion to both Staff and Residents.
Your devotion and commitment to this ministry has been outstanding Joan continues to be as we all try to comprehend the enormity of the pandemic. Many demands were made on you as you continued to maintain your ministry at Prague House.
We celebrate with you the past 50 years. Your Mum and Dad will be thanking God for you in Heaven. You are very close to your family and I am sure they will be celebrating with you.
On your Profession Day you chose a personal motto to live by “Lord help me to give”. There is no doubt with God’s help you have done this Joan and Mary Aikenhead would be proud of her daughter.
- Sr Clare Nolan rsc
Second image shows Sr Joan Stapleton (second row, second from left) with the Sisters on staff at Mount St Mary’s College, Katoomba, NSW, ca 1971-ca 1972