Sister Julie Doan, SSMO

I was born and raised in a big family of ten.  My family came to the United States as Vietnamese refugees when I was fifteen years old. Throughout my life, I have been very blessed to live in communities of faith.  I have been a Catholic Religious Sister for almost twenty-five years with the Sisters of Saint Mary of Oregon.  With the sisterly love and support of the SSMO, I received a master’s degree in education from Portland State University in 2003.  The two virtues that I value in community life are humility and charity.  God is present in communities of faith, and I am so grateful to be part of God’s family.

It is a privilege to have Saint Julie Billiart as my patron saint! Her Feast Day is on April 8.  She was faithful to God through her compassionate service to God’s people even when she went through many challenges.  As I read her life story, I can relate my life experiences with hers.  We both have the desire to serve God and God’s people in the ministry of education.  We both love to share our Christian faith in God with others through teaching catechism.  I admire Saint Julie’s courageous spirit to be faithful in serving God in every circumstance of life.

I am very grateful for the gift of love to be a catechist in elementary Catholic schools and parishes since 1997.  What a marvelous blessing to experience God’s merciful love daily and humbly share it with others with compassion and commitment.  I am also inspired by the faith-filled spirit of others, whatever their ages and backgrounds.  We are reflections of God’s glory.

May I leave with you one of Saint Julie Billiart’s quotes for educators?

“Education is a two-fold process of psychological development and integration into society. Teach them everything that is necessary to equip them for life.” – St. Julie Billiart