While Sr. Walter Maher CCVI is the newest member of the
Congregation’s International JPIC Committee, she is certainly not new to the
work for peace and justice. A Sister for
over 50 years, she currently serves as the Vice President for Mission and
Ministry at the University of the Incarnate Word. She has been in that role since 2009 after
leaving congregational leadership, and it is evident when speaking with her
that she has a deep passion for the work she does to share and inspire the CCVI
mission in others.
For Sr. Walter, “Justice is not separate from mission; they
are one. Justice is about looking
around, knowing what the concrete needs are, and figuring out how I can
respond. That’s our mission.” And it is with great joy that she shares this
mission with students, staff, faculty, and administrators at the University through
various formation programs and opportunities.
In addition to formation, another very important part of Sr.
Walter’s ministry is facilitating the life of prayer and worship at the University. She sees this as the real work of the
University: to inspire students, faculty, and staff through opportunities of
communal prayer and worship, in order to understand the heart of the mission
and identity of the University and allow that inspiration to move them
forward. She also brings in the writings
and messages of the global Catholic Church, reflecting on recent encyclicals and
tying in the theme of the Year of Mercy to retreats and reflections last
year.
Sr. Walter believes that the shared life of prayer and
worship can transform, and encourages all to participate, even those who aren’t
Catholic, because they are one community.
The dignity of every student, of every religion, is respected and
uplifted in an active inter-faith council at the University as well. Sr. Walter says, “We can all come together,
knowing we are working for the common good.”
What a beautiful lived example of social justice for our world!
With a long history of ministry in education since she
entered the Congregation, it is no surprise that Sr. Walter loves her work with
students. Just as she shares her passion
for mission and ministry, the student’s passion for working for justice in the world
inspires her as well. She is
particularly excited about one dream that became a reality last year when the
University became a Catholic Relief Services (CRS) designated university. There were about 30 students who attended an all-day
training about CRS, and left full of energy and commitment to this work. Some of the current foci of the group are on
climate change, fair trade, and migration.
She is also inspired by the dedication of the faculty and
staff to the mission of the University.
Currently she is working with faculty of the graduate level programs to
integrate Catholic Social Teaching into the curriculum. There is a group of 20 people who gather
together to reflect on issues of social justice from the lens of Catholic
Social Teaching on a personal, communal, structural, and global level.
When reflecting on her many and varied responsibilities in
her ministry, Sr. Walter acknowledges that she is, “all over the place, but the
power of presence is so important. I
really see my ministry as a ministry of presence. As a representative of the Congregation I
hear students, staff, and faculty acknowledge how important my presence is and
that I’m not afraid to jump in where needed, doing what needs to be done while
always keeping the larger vision of our mission present.” This is also apparent in her open door
policy. She always has an open door for
anyone in need to come in, share with her, and together they can help figure
out a response to any problem as it arises.
Even with her many responsibilities and busy schedule at the
University, Sr. Walter was still willing to say yes when invited to serve as a
member of the Congregation’s International Justice, Peace, and Integrity of
Creation Committee. She brings with her
an open heart, and many years of experience serving in diverse communities and
responding to a variety of needs. She
sees this as just one more way she can continue to serve the Congregation which
she says has so richly blessed her own life.
Thank you Sr. Walter for your “Yes” to collaborate with the International
JPIC Committee, and for all of the passion, love, and humility you bring to your
ministry with the University of the Incarnate Word. What a blessing to all who benefit from your
many gifts, shared so generously!
