On July 1, 2024, Sister Genarose Buechler, ASC, celebrated 70 years as an Adorer of the Blood of Christ at Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL She made her first profession on July 1, 1954, and her final vows on July 1, 1959. She marked her anniversary with the Eucharistic celebration, followed by a reception.
Sister Genarose was born in East St. Louis, IL, one of seven children in the family of Eugene and Helen Buechler. Her family attended Holy Angels Parish. She earned her BA in Theology in 1970, and her MA in Theology Education in 1975, both from St. Louis University.
She served as an elementary school teacher for 28 years, including schools in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. She taught at St. Augustine in Belleville, Holy Family in Cahokia, St. Lawrence in Lawrenceville, Immaculate Conception in Centreville, St. Mary in Chester, St. Rose in Metropolis, St. Bruno in Pinckneyville, and St. John the Baptist in Red Bud, all in Illinois. She taught more than 10 years in Missouri, at St. Augustine in Kelso and the Interparish School in Vienna. She also taught several years at Holy Rosary in Fort Dodge, IA.
Sister Genarose was the Director of Religious Education in several parishes. Her community service included being the coordinator of liturgy at the Ruma Center for several years. Her last 15 years in ministry were spent at St. Vincent (now Taylorville Memorial) Hospital in Taylorville, IL. There she held a variety of positions including admitting, hospitality, file clerk and receptionist. During this time, she also volunteered at St. Mary’s School and Parish in Taylorville.
Sister Genarose currently resides at Benedictine Living Community in Belleville, where she is Living Mission in Later Life. After several years as one of the local Mentors in the ASC Associate Program, she now keeps the Prayer Associates in Southern Illinois in her own prayers.