How one sister kept her promise

Seventy-five years ago, Frances Henrietta Elizabeth Dammann, then a teenager, promised to serve God as a Sister of Mercy.

Now 93, Sister Mary Alma has kept that promise as a teacher for her entire career in various Catholic grade and high schools around the Albany Diocese.

Now retired and living at Villa Mary Immaculate in Albany, she remains active, brightening the days of the residents and healthcare workers with a listening ear, a skill she honed as a teacher.

That was then

"Long ago, when I first began my teaching career, I was sent to Catholic High," in Troy, Sister Mary Alma began. "A very old sister, Sister Mary Martha, who taught Latin at the high school, told me that what was needed in this world were more listeners, people who could take the time to listen to what others had to say. That was in 1931. I took her advice seriously and have never forgotten it."

She taught various courses at Catholic Central, including bookkeeping, which she knew nothing about. She had to read the textbook before she taught the course. She also taught history at Vincentian Institute in Albany and science at St. John's Academy in Rensselaer, where she eventually was assigned to teach fourth grade. She remained at that level for the rest of her career.

"It was my favorite grade to teach," she recalled.

This is now

At Villa Mary, Sister Mary Alma visits other residents and prays with several other Mercy sisters who reside there.

Aggie Stillman, a Mercy Associate who visits several times a week, said that there was a period of adjustment for the sisters when they were moved from a separate wing to live among the lay residents.

"They lost a level of privacy in the move," she said. "They were used to living only with other sisters for most of their lives. But Sister Mary Alma has helped them in the adjustment. She's been a great minister of peace to them."

Reflections

Thinking back on three-quarters of a century as a nun, Sister Mary Alma said, "I hope that, over the years, I have learned patience.

"I entered the Sisters of Mercy because I felt that God wanted me to become a sister. The Mercy Sisters taught me from fourth grade right up through high school. I never thought of joining any other order. I've been very happy as a Sister of Mercy.

"Throughout the years, I have tried to follow the charism of the Mercies and Mother Catherine McAuley [founder of the order]. I hope I have done that."

(1/15/04)