Nun on the run at 85

Each year, thousands of women sign up for the annual Freihofer's Run For Women -- and a local Sister of Mercy is one of them, even though she's 85.

Sister Mary Amata McDermott, RSM, has been part of the race since Circles of Mercy opened in 1997 in Rensselaer. An advocacy program sponsored by her order, it provides education and job training to women preparing to re-enter the work force from government assistance (see May 15 issue).

As part of a group that walks to raise money for local charities, Sister Amata follows the same route as the national 5K race.

Out of hospital

Besides raising money, Sister Amata said she walks "just for the pleasure of it. I've been walking for many years, sometimes up to an hour at a time."

She is currently recovering from acute appendicitis and a hospital stay, which some thought might stop her from completing the walk on May 31. But she expects to participate. "I really think that I recovered as quickly as I have because I've been walking for so many years," she noted.

She feels fine and wants to complete her commitment because she has received a lot of pledges for Circles of Mercy.

Mainstay

"If I can't actually walk, I'll still be there, sitting at the table [for Circles of Mercy], still taking donations and pledges," Sister Amata promised. "I enjoy the crowds and the energy on that day. I love seeing all the different groups and having the chance to talk to others about the wonderful work that is done by Circles of Mercy.

"Just thinking about it, I get all excited because, rain or shine, it's always a wonderful day!

"I could never just stay put in one place because I refuse to say that I'm too old to do anything!"

Busy life

Sister Amata, who has been a Sister of Mercy since 1936, taught in several schools, including Vincentian Institute, Blessed Sacrament and Christ the King, all in Albany. She also worked at Sacred Heart parish in Sidney and St. Mary's parish in Ballston Spa.

Although officially retired, she still works three days a week in her order's administrative offices, doing computer work. "Once I learned how to communicate with my friends and family [through email], that was what clicked for me," she said.

She communicates with friends and relatives all over the country and with a priest in Brazil whom she knew when he was an altar boy in Ballston Spa.

(5/22/03) [[In-content Ad]]