A teacher by profession, Sister Eva Marie Fritz has taught and cared for all ages, from infant to 12-years-old (she worked 14 years at Saint James Orphanage in Omaha), foster care, daycare (she was at Bergan Mercy Child Care Center for 16 years), and is now working at the Franciscan Adult Day Center where she has been for almost nine years. Her day is spent helping participants engage in social activities, while providing respite relief for their primary caregivers. "You never know what impact you will have on a child - or adult for that matter. If luck has it, you might hear later on - and if so, only then do you know for sure the positive impact you have had."
Sister Marie Shefchik believed in the holy power of T’ai Chi (tie-chee) and practiced for years. The martial art is a peaceful set of slow and smooth movements, and to learn the art form, she traveled to China to experience the culture there. For the uninitiated, T’ai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art often practiced for health reasons. Marie used her T’ai Chi training in a variety of ways: for physical strength, inner peace and serenity, and as a form of peaceful, prayer-like meditation. Though Marie’s health did not allow her much practice of late, she taught T’ai Chi classes and used the practice to help her students let a strong healing influence enter their lives. “I think it helps people feel closer to God if they can slow down and focus on the energy of their bodies,” she said. Marie was also interested in acupuncture and helped others by showing them how to use the technique to deal with pain, weakness, or other physical issues. “I get so excited when I find a way to help someone,” she said. “Just one acupuncture point and they feel better!” Please note: Marie died on Oct. 11 after this interview took place. May she rest in peace.