Summary
Sister Jean Marie Kumke, ASC, celebrated 65 years as a vowed member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ at Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine of Our lady of the Snows on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
Sister Jean Marie Kumke, ASC, celebrated 65 years as a vowed member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ at Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine of Our lady of the Snows on Saturday, July 1, 2023. She made her first profession on July 1, 1958, and her final vows on July 1, 1963. Joined by the ASC community, she celebrated her anniversary with the Eucharist and a reception.
Sister Jean was born in Columbia, IL, to Harold and Lillian (Schneider) Kumke. She earned her bachelor’s degree in theology from Saint Louis University in 1970 and did post-graduate work at St. Mary College in Winona, MN.
Sister Jean’s ministry in education included 20 years in Illinois schools: Holy Family in Cahokia, St. Clare in O’Fallon, St. Andrew in Murphysboro, Immaculate Conception in Centreville and St. Joseph in East St. Louis. She also taught at Guardian Angel in Oran, MO.
She involved herself in Research of Day Care and spent several years as Director of Maria Day Care in East St. Louis. She served as a Foster Mother at St. Joseph Children Center in East St. Louis for almost 15 years. Her ministry also included serving as Manager of Hospitality House in Vienna, IL, a residence for families who were visiting relatives in prison in the area.
In a special area of Community Service, Sister Jean served as guide to several Liberian women who fled their country during the civil war. Her community ministry also included being director of young women in the ASC formation program.
In 2007, Sister Jean began volunteering at Sister Thea Bowman School in Fairview Heights. She recently moved to Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows near Belleville, IL, where she is Living Mission in Later Life.