b'DONOR SPOTLIGHTESSENTIAL ROLE OFA FAMILYS FAITHMarianist education and Saint John Paul IIs inspiration remain central to faithful donorsBy Kevin ConwayP erhaps Saint John Paul II said it best: As the Mother was an inspiration to me, as well as his prayersfamily goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole to Saint Faustina.world in which we live. Her early Catholic life also was shaped by the SistersBetty Stern would agree. Being part of faith-centered of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who served atfamilies has been essential to her life.St. Bridgets, her parish school. She also draws inspiration from the famous popes She and her husband, Bob, a Catholic convert, havefaith and two other things they share: a lifelongtwo children and five grandchildren. The Sterns, whodevotion to Our Lady and recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary,delight in their beloved experienced a turning point in their faith lives in 1982FROM THE FIRST TIME WE Polish heritage. when their son, Rob, entered Omahas Gross CatholicSterns roots run deep in High School, which is sponsored by the Marianists.WERE INTRODUCED TO the loving family in which From the first time we were introduced to theTHE MARIANISTS, THEY she was born in Omaha, Marianists, they made us feel so welcome and wereNebraska, and the families so interested in our family life, she explained. ItMADE US FEEL SO WELCOME of faith that have allowed was impressive to see their devotion, their holiness,AND WERE SO INTERESTED her to grow and serve others. and kindness. Her parents were born That experience influenced the Sterns daughter,IN OUR FAMILY LIFE. IT WAS in Omaha, too, with Betty Amy, to attend the school, too.IMPRESSIVE TO SEE THEIR being the oldest of their Both of my children really thrived on the Marianistthree children. Her father Charism, she said. You could feel the family unityDEVOTION, THEIR HOLINESS, hailed from a Nebraska when you entered the school. You just felt totally dif-AND KINDNESS. family; her mothers parents ferent. It wasnt just academic. Marys presence waswere born in Poland. there. It was just wonderful. Betty SternMy Polish heritage expe- Later, she worked at Gross Catholic, which solidifiedrience comes from spending her life with the Marianists.my growing-up years with It was just great going to morning Mass withmy Busia, which is Polish for grandmother, she said. Marianists. They enhanced my faith, she said. I cantI was blessed with sharing Busias strong faith and de- tell you how much I came to really love the Marianists.votion to Jesus and His Mother. We would walk to- I was made more aware of their mission and the gether every Sunday to Mass, Holy Day Masses, and importance of community in my life.Lenten services. I experienced all the Polish foods, In 1986, the Sterns became Marianist Lay Affiliates.holidays, Holy Days, and even Sunday dinners she They credit Marianist Fathers Ollie Reagan and Aloffered until she was in her 80s. McMenamy at Gross Catholic with nurturing theirLiving in the time of Saint Pope John Paul II was vocations. After nearly 40 years, they remain closespecial, too. friends with Father McMenamy.With my Polish upbringing, I was proud to have We loved the community feeling and being ablea Polish pope! she said. His devotion to the Blessed to share with other affiliates, she said. The inclusion,6 Call 1.800.348.4732'