Dominican Sister of Peace Joann (Agnes Joseph) Mascari, (89), died on October 2, 2019, at the Sansbury Care Center in St. Catharine, KY. One of six children born to Mary Sorce and Joseph Mascari, she was born in Memphis, TN, and graduated from our own St. Agnes Academy before entering religious life in 1949.
Sr. Joann earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education from Siena College in 1965, a Certificate in Religious Education from Mundelein College in 1971, a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from the Chicago Theological Union in 1976 and her MA in Pastoral Studies and Spirituality from Loyola University in 1983. In true Dominican fashion, she also attended many workshops and institutes to enrich her knowledge and her ability to fully carry out her ministry.
Sr. Joann followed the Dominican charism in her choice of early ministry, sharing learning as both a teacher and a principal in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Nebraska. Perhaps it was those many years of teaching that made her so attuned to the world around her, as she has been described as having a “wonderful understanding of contemporary religious life.”
Sr. Joann also served in pastoral care in Tennessee, Illinois, Mississippi, and Kentucky. As Promoter of New Dominican Life and as a mentor to young women in initial formation, Sr. Joann made a lasting contribution to her Congregation and the Church. She served on the Board of Trustees of St. Agnes Academy for many years. She also helped many find peace through her ministry of Centering Prayer in Tennessee before beginning her final ministry of prayer and presence in St. Catharine, KY.
In the homily given at Sr. Joann’s funeral, Sr. Elaine DesRosiers remembered her as a “gracious Southern lady” who shared her welcoming hospitality with her Community and with those to whom she ministered. She was also remembered as a deeply contemplative and prayerful woman who shared her love of God and neighbor through her ministry of teaching centering prayer.
Sr. Joann’s love of family was shown through her loving care of her sister, Doris, when they both lived at Sansbury Health Care Center in St. Catharine, KY.
Sr. Joann is survived by several nieces and nephews.
A vigil of remembrance was held for Sr. Joann on October 9 at the Sansbury Care Center Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, October 10, at Sansbury Care Center Chapel. Sr. Joann was interred in the St. Catharine Motherhouse cemetery.
Memorial gifts in Sr. Joann’s memory may be sent to Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219-2098. To make a secure online donation, please click here.
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