Sister Catherine Garry is the epitome of a great teacher, role model and Christian person. She embodies all the ideal characteristics of a pedagogue and also the principles taught by Mother Cabrini. As a teacher in high school, Sr. Catherine was totally dedicated and committed to the complete education of her students.

As a principal, and my boss, when I returned to Cabrini High School in New Orleans as a teacher, she further demonstrated that she was a professional whose knowledge, infinite patience, compassion and creativity developed an organized, comfortable, caring, and positive learning environment for all the students and teachers.

Sr. Catherine’s wisdom and serenity, her kindness and respect, for each child she encountered, encouraged their growth into productive young women. Sister Catherine was more than our teacher, she was our friend, and she was an “extra” parent. She told us stories about herself, she gave us advice and ideas and she listened to us – in class and outside – when we needed her to listen.

She was always aware of every student’s abilities and limitations and encouraged each one of us to use the gifts God gave us. Long before it was the “in” thing to do, Sr. Catherine incorporated music, literature, and the rest of the arts into her history classes making them interesting and appealing to teenage minds. Thus, she ensured for each of us a positive and successful learning experience. I loved her classes!

Sr. Catherine had an incredible impact on my life. I still remember specific lessons from her class. Most importantly, however, are the life lessons learned from her. By her actions she taught us Mother Cabrini’s ideals. I believe I became a better person, with a greater understanding of people, and also an excellent teacher because of Sr. Catherine Garry.

Sr. Catherine’s Story of the Heart was written by a former student and colleague of Sr. Catherine’s, Jane Dabdoub Bartlett, from Cabrini High School, New Orleans.

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Stories of the Heart: The Missionary Sisters are as diverse as the ministries in which we work. We are educators, nurses, social workers, campus ministers, pastoral care workers, spiritual directors, and administrators. We invite you to share in our stories.