SISTER CALLISTA KACZUR

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SISTER CALLISTA (FRANCES) KACZUR, O.S.B. Peacefully, on July 31, 2001 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Benedicts Monastery, Sr. Callista Kaczur, OSB passed to her eternal rest. Sr. Callista was born on October 11, 1906 in Shoal Lake, Manitoba. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Elfros, Saskatchewan. She was the third eldest of 11 children. Sr. Callista was a woman of lively wit, possessed a mischievous twinkle in her eye, and had a great love for playing pranks. She loved people and could often be seen entertaining others with her special duck songs. Her unfailing faith in God and special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary carried her through the many challenges of a life of ministry to God and His people. Sr. Callista entered the Benedictine Community in Arborg, Manitoba on July 30, 1921. She made her monastic profession on May 15, 1923. Throughout her life she plunged headlong into every challenge that faced her, no matter how daunting. She mastered everything she ever tried, and referred to herself as jack of all trades. Her capacity to be with and for others is evident in her many years of Catechism teaching in rural areas of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the Catholic parishes of St. John Cantius, Holy Ghost, and 30 years in Our Lady of Visitation; her 25 years as a kindergarten teacher at Holy Ghost School; her 15 years canvassing for funds for a young struggling community; her 12 years of teaching of crafts to the seniors at the Polish Manor after she herself was retired; her many years of pastoral work, gardening, housekeeping, church and rectory work, visiting the lonely and shut-ins while in Sifton, Winnipegosis, and Arborg, Manitoba, and Mantador, North Dakota; and her years of volunteer work at St. Josephs Personal Care Home. Her early aptitude for and joy in china painting, ceramics and craft were an integral part of her lifelong ministry. Sr. Callista was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Anna (Senkow) Kachur; six brothers, Nicholas, Michael, Paul, Peter, John and Joseph; two sisters, Josephine and Mary. She is survived by her brother William of Wynyard, Saskatchewan and sister Catherine Deneschuk of Yorkton, Saskatchewan; nieces, Teresa Genik of Dauphin, Connie Bzdel of Regina, Angela Kachur of Toronto, Gaylene Dubiel of Saskatchewan; grandnephew Rev. Andrei Kachur of Regina, cousin Helen Burtnick of Winnipeg, numerous other nieces, nephews and relatives; the members of her Religious Community, and all her many friends. A Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Benedicts Monastery, presided by the Prioress, Sr. Irene Burzynski OSB. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedicts Monastery, presided by Msgr. Louis McCloskey. Interment will follow in the Monastery Cemetery. The Benedictine Sisters would like to express their gratitude to Drs. Alycia Kuffel and Margaret Reda and the staff of St. Benedicts Health Centre for their care of Sr. Callista. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so wish, donations may be made in Sr. Callistas memory to St. Benedicts Foundation, 225 Masters Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R4A 2A1. May she rest in peace. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL in charge of arrangements, 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 02, 2001