Sister Joseph Amata Wittick, CSJ

We are here today to celebrate the life of Sister Joseph Amata Wittick, a Sister of Saint Joseph for sixty-four years. As we brought Sister Joseph into this church we sang a “Song of Joy.” How appropriate that we begin this Eucharist in a place so close to her heart in a spirit of Joy. In the readings of this liturgy we will be asked to not let our hearts be troubled because God has prepared a place for Joseph, for us, a place filled with the utter fullness of God. We are here to celebrate how Joseph knew God in her life here and brought God’s all inclusive, healing and reconciling love to all who touched her life.

As Sisters of Saint Joseph we strive to be attentive to the stirrings of God speaking to our hearts. We are impelled to look at the needs of our world and do all that is possible to meet them.  We are to be “sisters of the neighborhood,” bringing God’s compassion to all in a spirit of peace and joy. Sister Joseph Amata was truly a “sister of the neighborhood” wherever she was. As a teacher here and in Puerto Rico, in Religious Education and Parish Ministry and as a loving daughter of Elizabeth and Roy, sister of Jim with Peggy, Pat with Harry and all of their children, Joseph was someone to turn to whenever there was a need. The result was seeing all with a spirit of hope and joy. She will be remembered for her great sense of humor and her clever wit that revealed her own sense of trust and confidence in her loving God.

How significant that we celebrate Joseph’s life on the Feast of Saint Joseph, a day so meaningful for our congregation. Joseph was a carpenter, hardworking, a just man, a dreamer. Joseph was open to the unexpected, always relying on God’s providential care. Joseph and our Joseph Amata were faithful, attuned to the inspirations of God’s spirit. They both humbly and joyfully walked the path of life wherever God led them. The greatest tribute we can give Joseph Amata is to do likewise in our own lives. Joseph we thank you for your joyful witness, we love you and we will remember you always with happy hearts.

Sister Joseph Amata Wittick, CSJ died on March 14, 2014 in the 65th year of her religious life.