SHENANDOAH - Trinity Academy students had a pleasant surprise in store this week for a teacher approaching a milestone this summer.
Sister Sarah Ellen McGuire, IHM, will profess her final vows this summer as a religious sister in the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
On Wednesday, the students, faculty and staff of the Catholic school held prayer service in Annunciation BVM Roman Catholic Church for the sister who has taught first grade for two years. Her younger brother, the Rev. Timothy McGuire, was ordained Saturday in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
"Today, we, the students of Trinity Academy, are gathered to pray for and with Sister Sarah Ellen McGuire as she prepares for a very special occasion in her life," seventh-grader Kelli Hughes said. "On Aug. 15, Sister will make perpetual vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. We rejoice with you, Sister, and want you to know that we have been praying for you as you prepare for this long-awaited special day."
The plans for the celebration had been kept secret for weeks, with McGuire finding out at breakfast before the prayer service.
After a hymn and a reading, fourth-grader Abbey Digris spoke of McGuire's great devotion to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, the first American Indian considered for sainthood. Tekakwitha will be canonized Oct. 21. Near the altar was an icon and the chaplet of Blessed Kateri. The Rev. Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, pastor, officiated over the blessing ceremony of both items.
After the blessings, first-grader Kerrigan Digris presented the chaplet rosary to McGuire, who said she was unaware there was a Blessed Kateri Chaplet. While there are some similarities to a rosary, a chaplet usually has a different number of beads and may or may not use similar prayers.
After the presentation, everyone knelt to pray the chaplet, with sixth-grader Taylor McAndrew, fourth-grader Sarah Halupa, third-grader Mackenzie McAndrew and fifth-grader Rebecca Pikitus explaining the meaning of the cross and the colors of the beads: brown, red and crystal-clear. Melissa Ramirez led the praying of the chaplet. The students prayed with their own handmade chaplets.
Ramirez said the students have been praying the chaplet and making a "spiritual bouquet" for her that was presented by first-grader Jaxson Chowansky.
"I really am overwhelmed and touched and grateful to all of you," McGuire said. "Thank you so much for being a part of my vocation."