Retirement Fund for Religious

“Donors play a vital role in supporting our mission. Their contributions help care for both the young and elderly, sustaining our wide range of services. From our daycare center to our nursing home, their generosity makes a lasting impact on the lives of so many,” reflects Sister M. Anne Maskey, 70, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, Illinois.

Born on September 26, 1954, in Springfield, Illinois, Sister M. Anne grew up in a family of seven, living in Springfield, St. Louis, and Decatur, Illinois. She was the middle child and had three sisters and one brother.

Sister M. Anne credits her mother’s strong Catholic faith and her father’s quiet dedication as the key influences in her spiritual development. Her mother, a devout Catholic convert, profoundly shaped Sister M. Anne’s belief that faith and hard work are central to life. A particular story of her mother’s miraculous experience in a storm further reinforced Sister M. Anne’s conviction that God’s guidance is ever-present. These experiences led Sister M. Anne to answer her calling to religious life.

In August 1974, Sister M. Anne entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, inspired by the examples of two sisters she had met while working in her Community’s Mother of Good Counsel Nursing Home in St. Louis. Sister M. Saloma Kapp, an elderly sister known for her joy and generosity, made a lasting impression on Sister M. Anne. The simple gesture of sharing a cake with high school girls, rather than keeping it for herself, epitomized the spirit of selflessness that resonated deeply with Sister M. Anne. Sister M. Stephanie Belgeri, another joyful influence, frequently shared stories of convent life, further encouraging Sister M. Anne to pursue her vocation.

Sister M. Anne’s ministry has been diverse and filled with challenges. She has faced rheumatoid arthritis since 1978, a condition that has progressively worsened, requiring her to use a motorized wheelchair and a lift since 2017.

Despite her health challenges, she remained committed to her work as a grade school and high school teacher, and Provincial Secretary. She continues as the editor of her Community’s monthly newsletter, “The Troubadour.” She also continues to manage the Adoration Chapel, overseeing its scheduling to ensure two people are present every hour from morning to evening.

Reflecting on her journey, Sister M. Anne shares, “I believe everything is part of God’s plan. My illness and my struggles—are all gifts from Him, guiding me closer to sainthood. We must persevere with love and avoid bringing misery to others.” These words perfectly capture her enduring faith and determination to live a life of service and grace despite her challenges.