Profile: Missy & Mike Wayne

 
 

Missy and Michael Wayne photo 2

My connection with the Sisters of IHM has its roots in Susquehanna (Depot), PA in Susquehanna County where I was raised. This is the same place where Mother Theresa Maxis Duchemin, IHM, (foundress of IHM Congregation) was invited to by Msgr. Vincent O’Reilly to educate the children of a growing population of immigrant farmers and railroad workers. 

I received years of education from the IHM sisters including at St. John’s Elementary School and one year of high school at Laurel Hill Academy. I received a bachelor’s degree from Marywood University. 

When the IHM sisters left Laurel Hill Academy in 1969 due to a shrinking enrollment, I wrote a letter to Mother M. Beata Wertz, IHM, asking her to keep the school open. Sadly, I did not receive a reply.  In 1974, I wrote to Mother Beata again asking to be admitted as a candidate in the IHM order. This time she wrote back with a “yes” answer. I remained in the congregation until 1984. 

Over the past 34 years, I have returned to Scranton for IHM and Marywood events. I married Michael Wayne in Elmira, NY in 1991. He has a history of Catholic education involving the Sisters of Mercy (Rochester, NY) and the Vincentian Fathers (Niagara University). 

Together, Mike and I support the ministries of the IHM sisters, both prayerfully and financially. We want to express our gratitude to all the sisters who provide education, health care, administrative assistance, and aid to the people of God in many places and many ways. The IHM sisters are deeply rooted in the lives of all the people they serve. They are a “spirited” group of religious women intent on never giving up on helping others. Collectively, they demonstrate great wisdom and deep faith.