Sr. Rosemary Rule, OP

2012 Golden Jubilarian

"I didn't expect teaching to become my passion," confides Dominican Sister of Peace Rosemary Rule, OP, who this year celebrates 50 years as a religious Sister. Since she would not have children of her own, she initially thought that she wanted to work with orphans. However, she soon realized that God had other plans for her.

Soon after making her profession as a Dominican Sister in 1962, Sr. Rosemary began a life-long ministry in education, starting as a teacher at Holy Rosary School in Springfield, Kentucky. "My first year of teaching was quite the challenge," she reminisces, "but it was fun." Sr. Rosemary since has taught first grade through high school, and says she has enjoyed it all, but admits that high school students have become her favorite to teach.

Today, she continues to minister in education, but using her gifts in a new way - as a parent educator at Parents as Teachers in Nelson County (Kentucky). Here she helps adolescent parents and their families develop preparedness to care for and teach their young children and babies. On a part-time basis, Sr. Rosemary also works as a librarian at St. Gregory School in Samuels, Kentucky, where, once a week, she reads to students (preschool through third-grade) and helps them check out books. "God gave me the gift to work with teens and young children," said Sr. Rosemary, "it's where my talents lie, and it’s what makes me happy."

Throughout her years in ministry, Sr. Rosemary has been blessed to serve as a delegate at many congregational meetings. During such meetings, she had the opportunity learn the importance of actively listening to others and honed her skills in leadership. "The Holy Spirit works through everyone," shares Sr. Rosemary, "and I've learned the value of each person's wisdom and knowledge." Through the privilege of listening, recalls Sr. Rosemary, she truly learned where the strength of community lies. Her leadership and active listening skills, along with her appreciation of community and individual wisdom, helped Sr. Rosemary greatly when was elected to serve on her congregation's Leadership Council in 2002.

"Through my ministry opportunities and a great deal of prayer, it's certainly evident to me that God is in charge," reflects Sr. Rosemary. "It's a blessing to have the opportunity to be in mission with such wonderful and inspirational women. It's a gift to be a part of a congregation doing tremendous work to bring good to the world."

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