Summary
Sister Kris Schrader, ASC, celebrated 50 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 July 1, 2023.
Sister Kris Schrader, ASC, celebrated 50 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 July 1, 2023. She made her first profession on August 15, 1973, and her final vows on June 21, 1978. Joined by the ASC community, she celebrated her jubilee with the Eucharist and a reception.
Sister Kris was born in Fairmont, Minnesota to Robert Schrader and Dolores Miller/Hauch. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO, in 1971, and her master’s in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in Chicago, IL in 1980. She also studied Marriage and Family Counseling at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO. In preparation for Hispanic ministry, she attended the pastoral program at the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio, Texas, as well as the Language School in Cuernavaca, Mexico.
After serving for ten years in elementary schools in Cahokia and Waterloo in Illinois; and in Oran and Kelso in Missouri, either as teacher or principal, she taught for a year at the International Institute in St. Louis in the ESL (English as a Second Language) program.
When the Sanctuary Movement gained momentum in the United States, Sister Kris directed her energies to Refugee accompaniment with LaPosada Sanctuary in Fairview Heights, IL, and later. as the Director of Refugee House in Phoenix, Arizona.
Beginning in 1998, when she cooperated in pastoral work with the Precious Blood Fathers in the Guatemalan villages of La Labor, El Rosario, El Chan and Los Vados in Central America, Sister Kris’ heart has been with the Guatemalan people. Dedicating 33 years of service to education in rural Guatemala, she was instrumental in helping her religious order, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, build a middle school in the rural village of La Labor called “el Instituto Maria de Mattias,” named after St. Maria, foundress of the Order. In 2011, Sister Kris was awarded an honorary doctorate for social justice work, presented by Newman University in Wichita, Kansas, for exemplary dedication to the value of Global perspective, one of Newman’s core tenets.
More than supporting just the school, Sister Kris and each of the sisters who have served in La Labor, have received hundreds of volunteers and visitors throughout their 33 years, giving each person a chance to learn about Guatemala, its culture, plus the challenges and opportunities it has faced in its development.
I have many fond memories of Sister Kris from my childhood. My Aunt Sister Anastasia and her were very good friends and Sister Kris would bring her home to visit. Congratulations Sister Kris!!!!!!