Updated Bio for Susan M. Klein, OP
When I finished my second year of Spanish at West High I found myself
asking, “Will I ever use this?” I felt an inclination towards a “yes”
answer, but had no idea of how. After I entered the convent in September
of 1961 practically my whole life as a Sister has been working with, and
learning from, the Hispanic/Latino people from all over! For the first 22
years I was a member of the Sisters of St. Casimir in Chicago, and after
receiving my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education I served as a grade
school teacher, and then a missionary in Mexico and Argentina. I
transferred to the Racine Dominicans in 1983 where I have served in these
ways: as a director of family religious education programs in parishes; as
a translator of religion textbooks for Brown Roa-Harcourt Brace Co; I
created a theological library for the diocese of Brownsville, Texas; I
lived and learned at an ecological center in Texas; I trained religion
teachers in both English and Spanish for their certification; and I served
as a Hispanic Consultant for the Glenmary Home Missionaries here in the
States. I thoroughly enjoyed my work.
I received my Master’s Degree in Religious Studies from Incarnate Word
College in San Antonio. My studies led me to focus in more on the concept
of “culture” itself, and the power of culture to both help us and limit
us! Together with theology I learned much more about world history. The
highlight of my next years was my participation in an ecumenical theology
program for 8 summers called the Hispanic Summer Program. This took place
at college and university seminaries across the US and also in Puerto
Rico. I was 2 credits short to enter a Doctor of Ministry program, but I
decided to stop for health reasons. With all of that behind me I am
slowing down now and teaching Spanish, praying more, doing some gardening,
and helping my parents 1 week a month who still live alone and are 90 and
91. I live at our Dominican motherhouse called Siena Center here in
Racine, WI. My lifetime work will continue as I try to become a “bridge”
between people of different cultures and languages! |