News & Updates
IHM Recognized as Faith Formation Teacher of the Year
Sister Jane Mary Duke was honored with the Faith Formation Teacher of the Year Award for her service to the Joint Base Andrews Catholic Community since 2016. In his remarks following the presentation of the award, Jeff Koscho, Advocate, St. John the Evangelist Council remarked, “During these years, Sister Jane has been a stabilizing force at the Joint Base Andrews Chapel and the Andrews Catholic Community. As can be imagined, the priests assigned to the Joint Base Andrews Chapel rotate relatively often. Sister Jane kept a comprehensive Catholic Faith Formation program under six assigned pastors during her tenure.”
“Sister Jane’s work as Faith Formation Director has the key attribute of flexibility. Her focus is providing preparation for sacraments to the Joint Base Andrews Catholic Community. Key to this, for our younger military members, is preparation for infant and/or child Baptism. Sister Jane tirelessly works with families to provide necessary training for the responsibilities for the sacrament.”
“With military families transitioning the area frequently, Sister Jane works with the families to ensure the children receive the sacraments before the family moves to an overseas location. Along with the military families that have children for the Faith Formation classes, Sister Jane worked with Catechists on the same type of military rotation – new/replacement catechists are needed to teach the Religious Education classes every year. Adult Faith Formation also falls within Sister Jane’s work at Joint Base Andrews. Sister Jane works with adults in the Andrews Catholic Community’s OCIA program. In the program, Sister Jane works with Military Members around the National Capital Region to bring them into the Catholic Church.”
“Among Sister Jane’s accomplishments as Faith Formation Director include working with the Chapel staff and the other Air Force Chaplains assigned to Joint Base Andrews. As often as the Catholic priests are assigned and reassigned, so are the Protestant Chaplains. With a changing mix of Chaplains including the Wing Chaplain, Sister Jane has been the consistent Catholic voice ensuring Catholic concerns are addressed and not neglected in the Joint religious environment. Sister Jane also generously participates in general Andrews Chapel events and family gatherings.”
“In recognition of Sister Jane’s 60+ years of consecrated life including the last seven years supporting the Catholic Community at Joint Base Andrews, St. John the Evangelist Council 11171 unanimously voted for Sister Jane Mary Duke as our Faith Formation Teacher of the Year.”
What a delightful read! Its always inspiring to see Sister Jane Mary Duke recognized for her remarkable flexibility, especially navigating the ever-changing landscape of Joint Base Andrews. Her dedication to ensuring sacraments arent missed during military relocations is truly commendable – one must admire the constant cycle of setup she must manage! While we all wish the military transition pace were a bit slower, Sister Jane’s tireless work with both children and adults, alongside managing a rotating cast of catechists, is truly heroic. And lets not forget her crucial role in making sure Catholic concerns remain visible in that whirlwind of religious life. Her 60+ years of consecrated life, plus seven years of military chapel logistics, are a testament to incredible perseverance. Well-deserved honor, Sister Jane!