St. Benedict Holds Celebration For Those With A Call To Teach, Grow And Challenge

The Woodward Hospitality Center at St. Benedict Cathedral School was overflowing on April 30 with visitors and well-wishers as the community celebrated the upcoming retirement of Benedictine Sister Karlene Sensmeier and teacher Pete Werner, and the Golden Jubilee of Benedictine Sister Judy Dewig - three vital members of the St. Benedict school faculty.  

Although a green chalkboard and dusty chalk may have been the cutting edge of technology when the three started in education, their impact on thousands of children was made clear through testimony given from students, alumni, parents and co-workers. Words including supportive, calm, engaging, disciplinarian and positive influence were used throughout the mid-day assembly to describe the educators.  

Words of praise were far reaching. Benedictine Father Godfrey Mullen presented Sister Karlene with the news that she had been honored by Pope Francis with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award for distinguished service to the church.  It is the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the Pope.

She was also presented with a bright red 2017 Chevy Equinox in thanksgiving for her 34 years of service.  This new vehicle replaces her “veteran” SUV, which passers-by have noted in the parking lot of St. Benedict Cathedral School both early in the morning and late in the evening.  

Due to the amount of paperwork required, Father Mullen was not able to keep the purchase of the automobile a secret.  Sensmeier’s reaction was priceless, “I said, ‘Are you crazy? Are you sure you should do that?’ As I drive into the sunset...everything I did was truly a labor of love for you.”

    Werner reflected on his 47 years at St. Benedict, where he truly has become a legacy. “I’ve been surrounded by great kids and great parents who have let me be part of this family. Every day I get up and play school; that’s what it feels like to me.”  

    Werner stated that he wasn’t originally sold on the idea of retirement, but has grown accustomed to the idea of having time to travel with his wife Sue to visit their 5 grandchildren.  He was given a gift to use towards his travels, as well as the honor of having the ambo (also known as the lectern) named after him.

    Sister Judy was honored for her service to St. Benedict throughout her 50 years in the Benedictine community.  Affectionately referred to by Sister Karlene as the “clean-up hitter,”  Sister Judy has assisted students as a learning specialist in order to give them a “good chance of hitting a homerun.” Dedicating every free moment of the day to the students, she was noted for truly embodying the Benedictine call.

    An additional surprise award was presented to David Buedel, a longtime volunteer at St. Benedict Cathedral School. Buedel was honored with a specially crafted trophy and an announcement that, effective immediately, the baseball field would be known as “David Buedel Field.”  He has served St. Benedict Cathedral School for 50 years.

    Following the presentation, a dinner was held for family, friends and community members in attendance.  The St. Benedict Cathedral community holds great gratitude and love for these examples of faith and service.