Benedictine Sister Mary John Thomas dies Feb. 26 at age 90

COLORADO SPRINGS. Benedictine Sister Mary John Thomas died Feb. 26 at age 90. A vigil will be held March 20 at 6 p.m. at Benet Hill Monastery, 3190 Bene Lane, 80921. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated March 21 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace Chapel at Benet Hill.

Sister Mary John was born Sept. 11, 1932, in Kansas City, Kansas. She attended St. Anthony School, which was staffed by Benedictine Sisters of Atchison, Kansas. In 1951, she entered Mount St. Scholastica convent in Atchison, and she made her first profession of vows in December 1952.

She taught at Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Pueblo, St. Joseph School in Monte Vista,  St. Pius X in Mission, Kansas, St. Cajetan School in Denver, and Holy Trinity School in Colorado Springs.

She also served in pastoral ministry at St. Vincent De Paul Parish in Denver and Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Lakewood. Her ministry fulfilled two passions: teaching children and caring for the elderly.

From 1975-1983, she served as prioress of Benet Hill Monastery. In 2009, she led the team planning the monastery’s move to its new location in the Black Forest section of Colorado Springs. She said of this monumental undertaking, “God’s grace, lots of humility, and a healthy sense of humor got me through it.”

She directed the retreat ministry and food services until she retired but then continued serving others through hospitality, prayer, and a welcoming smile.

Sister Mary John is survived by two sisters, Janet Tlusik and Mary Ann Thomas.