News Story 1 -
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Published on: 3/22/2003
Last Visited: 3/22/2003
By Sheila Rhoades
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During that time, she developed learning centers for both private and public schools.She also developed individualized instruction for primary math and language arts.She directed and instructed a correlated language program, and developed and directed a countywide "writing books" festival, which involved 1,000 children and their teachers.
She served as the Catholic school's principal from 1983 until 1987.While in that position, Sister Patricia developed individualized instruction programs, motor skills programs, and was cited by the state inspector for "Excellence in Programming."
She also served as Wabash city and county president of the International Reading Association, helped develop adult and child classes for families, and co-founded the countywide program, Friends In Service Here (FISH).
Sister Patricia's dream of providing love and shelter for children first surfaced when she was still in high school.
"In my senior year, my goal was to start orphanages all over the country," she said.But, she admits, "It was not my decision.God called me to do this."
Some of her inspiration could have also come from the fact that she had a large, loving family of her own - nine brothers and four sisters in all."We learned responsibility and developed a good work ethic."
She said after she joined her sisters, "In about 1985, they had turned from teaching to social ministry.They felt there was overcrowding in the educational field and their goal was to meet the needs of people wherever you are."She ended up working several years with not only children, but the elderly as well.
She later decided to finish her education, so she returned to school.
In addition to her bachelor's and master's degrees she earned at St. Francis College, she also did her post-graduate work in administration at Ball State University.
She received advanced, individualized instruction in math and language arts at St. Scholasticia, in Duluth, Wis.; advanced computer training at IUPUI, Fort Wayne; and received her master's in pastoral studies from Loyola University, Chicago.
From there, she went to Boys Town USA.While there, she received her instruction in basic training, common sense parenting, child on child sexual prevention, and supervision.
After serving as pastoral associate at St. Michael, and pastoral associate at St. Barnabas, both in Indianapolis, she was ready to see her dream to fruition.
Sister Patricia has worked with thousands of children in 16 counties and spent eight years working with adults.She felt ready for the challenge.
Currently, she is searching for "solid, Christian couples who will love and nurture her boys.Since the organization is non-denominational, each couple will take the boys to their own churches for worship.
Within three months after House I is up and running, she plans to begin building the second home on the Edelweiss House property.If all goes well, in about three years, Sister Patricia plans to extend her love even further ... by establishing a home for girls.
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