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Sister Julia Anne Maus celebrates 100th birthday

At age 100 Sister Julia Anne Maus retrieves only limited memories, but that did not prevent her from celebrating her birthday to the fullest. She clearly enjoyed herself as family, friends and community members helped her remember her rich life. Her birthday, March 24, fell on Holy Thursday so the party was held on March 28.

Father Bernard Rieser and Sister Julia Anne Maus reminisce at Sister Julia Anne's 100th birthday celebration.

Father Bernard Rieser, former pastor at Church of Epiphany in Coon Rapids, Minn., where Sister Julia Anne ministered from 1977 to 1994, noted she was the most enthusiastic worker and she always had a smile. He said she was as well known in the parish as Jesus, “If there was something you wanted done, Sister Julia would do it.”

An Epiphany parishioner who came to the party recalled that when Sister Julia Anne tried to instigate socializing after the liturgy some parishioners protested that they did not have time to visit with their friends outside of church let alone with parishioners they did not know. Reportedly she said to them, “You might not need them, but they need you.”

For her family the occasion became an ad hoc reunion with scrapbooks, family trees and photos spread out in the community room. Family members came from Amery, Wis., Chicago, Ill., St. Paul, Minn., Omaha, Neb., and other distant sites.

The birthday celebration opened with a prayer service in the Villa chapel. Sister Maris Kerwin read a selection, “The Afternoon of Life” from Sister Julia Anne’s book, Reflections. In the piece she talks about her thoughts as she aged. (Click here to read the full text)

After the reading concluded Sister Julia Anne stood and in a clear voice said, “I thank you, I do, just beautifully, mercifully, I do. My goodness sakes alive, my friend, Father Reiser, is just wonderful and so are all of you.”

All assembled then moved on to the drive-through garage for the blessing of the tree. The chokecherry tree purchased in Sister Julia Anne’s honor was so tall that it could not be brought inside. Voices resounded in the garage as everyone sang lyrics written by Sister Pat Keating, a classmate, to the tune of O Tannenbaum.

In the dining room, after refreshments, many gave tribute to the centenarian. Sister Marlene Weisenbeck referenced Sister Julia Anne and said, “You are a star in the crown of the FSPA that will shine on for many years.” Sister Marlene also noted her deeply ecumenical spirit along with her skills in teaching, writing and pastoral ministry.

In the midst of all the tributes Sister Julia Anne elicited a laugh when she said, “There are many words I would like to share with you, but right now I can’t remember a one.”

Sister Julia Anne Maus, left, in 1930; right, as a young girl.

Classmates recall Sister Julia Anne
Three of Sister Julia Anne’s classmates–Sisters Clarone Brill, Pat Keating and Laura Schreck–shared their thoughts about her before the party.

Recalling personal encounters with Sister Julia Anne, Sister Pat told of a conversation they had just before their profession of vows. Sister Julia Anne was struggling because they were allotted only six invitations and her seventh guest was a priest who had given her the advice, “Stick it out a year, Julia, stick it out a year.” Sister Julia Anne explained, “If he hadn’t told me that I wouldn’t be here today.”

The priest no doubt had concerns for Sister Julia Anne because of her age. She came to St. Rose in 1946 at age 41. Sister Laura described her as “a noble soul. We were all kids and she was in her 40s.”

Yet, Sister Julia Anne’s maturity did not hinder good relations with the other 17 and 18-year old postulants. Sister Clarone said, “She was always an inspiration to me because I thought ‘Oh my goodness here’s this lady who is giving up her independence and just fitting in so beautifully.’”

A life remembered
Sister Julia Anne taught English and trained teachers at high schools and colleges in the Midwest for 25 years, earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and edited a book of short stories before beginning her decades of ministry as a religious.

Her autobiographies reveal that matters of faith were always important to her. She comments on the years she was teaching and working on a master’s degree saying, “Those were hectic years. If I had worked half as hard on the things of the spirit, I’d be a saint.”

Sister Julia Anne first met the FSPA when teaching in Platteville, Wis. She was taught by Benedictine Sisters as a child, and two of her blood sisters were Benedictines but, she noted, “Benedict never talked to me, at least I didn’t hear him, but the Blessed Sacrament did.”

In 1970 Sister Julia Anne requested a change in ministry and began what would eventually be 24 years of parish ministry. In Troy, Mich., she had charge of the social affairs of the parish and among other activities helped establish a regional ecumenical volunteer group. Her silver jubilee book created by parishioners in Troy held this comment, “Above all Sister Julia Anne has given us a beautiful witness of the Christian life.”

A time for few words
When Insight spoke with Sister Julia Anne the details of her life escaped her. Despite the void of memories Sister Julia Anne was present for the conversation. She pointed out favorite items in her room and remembered having fun as a child and loving teaching. She offered these words as though explaining her life, “I think anything is interesting if you make it so.”

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