Get to Know CCHS Staffulty Member - Sister Maura Clare Mayock
Sister Maura Clare is a religious Sister of Mercy of Alma, Michigan. She joined the CCHS staffulty this fall, and she teaches theology to juniors and seniors.
- Where did you grow up and go to school?
I grew up in Washington state and attended public school in my hometown. I studied at the California Institute of Technology for two years, and then transferred to Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, where I majored in geophysics. I earned a master’s degree in theology from the Augustine Institute.
- What inspired you to become a religious sister?
Initially I was planning to become a scientist or engineer, but once I started to invest in my faith in college, it became clear to me that I desired to be totally focused on God and wanted a way for my life to be entirely given over to Him. When I eventually learned about religious life, it was quickly clear that it was the sort of radical love I was looking for, and nothing else would be enough.
- How long have you been a sister?
I have been a sister for six years. If God wills, I will make perpetual vows in two years.
- Have you always been a teacher, or did you have other responsibilities before coming to Central Catholic?
Before coming to Central Catholic, I was most recently working as Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Lake Charles in Louisiana. A number of years ago I taught both pre-calculus and religion at a school in California. I constantly had to pause and remember if I was talking about angles or angels!
- What do you think of Central Catholic, its students, and its staff?
Central Catholic is truly a beautiful community, and I am edified by how invested the staff are in the students, and how supportive also of all the teachers. I love the students; they are fun and thoughtful.
- What impact do you hope to make on the students you are teaching?
I hope for them to see their own goodness and that friendship with God is not only possible, but the most rewarding pursuit.
- Why is it important for Catholic schools to have sisters teaching their students?
I think the presence of a religious sister, in any environment, causes people to pause and think of God. The particular gift of having sisters in schools allows young people to see the witness of a life given to God, and also helps them over their formative years to begin to see the world and themselves as God sees.
- Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Each of our sisters has a form of Mary in our name. In my name, “Maura” is an Irish form of Mary, and “Clare” is for Saint Clare of Assisi, who is my patron in religious life.
