- Birth Name: Cecilia
- Current Name: Mary Jane
- Religious Name: Mary Jane
- Last Name: Gaspar
- Mother's Name: Veronica (Hardes) Gaspar
- Father's Name: John William Gaspar
- Hometown: Orient, SD
- Entry Date: September 8, 1948
- Current Status: Deceased
- Death Date: September 23, 2019
- Additional Info: View Sister Mary Jane’s Obituary
Education:
Fairview High School, Polo, SD
1953 - Presentation Junior College, Aberdeen, SD - Associate Teaching Degree
1964 - Northern State College, Aberdeen, SD - Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education
1969 - St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO - Master of Science Degree in Education Administration
1988 - Creighton University, Omaha, NE - Master of Science Degree in Christian Spirituality
Biography:
Sister Mary Jane Gaspar earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Northern State College, a Master's Degree in Education from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO, and a Master's Degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University, Omaha, NE.
For many years, Sister Mary Jane taught in elementary schools throughout the region. She then served congregational ministries as Formation Director and as a member of the Leadership Council. Sister was Director of Religious Education and as a Pastoral Minister prior to becoming a Hostess at the Presentation Sisters' Marian House in Sioux Falls, SD.
Sister Mary Jane says, "Living as a vowed woman religious, my spiritual life has continually been fed with retreats, spiritual life education and the companionship of my sisters, who are constant models to be followed. Working with and for so many people who cherish the same ideals has created a fulfilling life for me."
1951-1953 - St. Joseph, Woonsocket, SD - Teacher
1953-1956 - St. Mary, Sioux Falls, SD - Teacher
1956-1957 - St. Teresa, Huron, SD - Teacher
1957-1959 - Presentation Children’s Home, Sioux Falls, SD - Teacher
1959-1961 - St. Peter, Jefferson, SD - Teacher
1961-1963 - St. Stephen, Anoka, MN - Teacher
1963-1964 - Sacred Heart, Aberdeen, SD - Teacher
1964-1976 - St. Mary, Sioux Falls, SD - Principal
1976-1979 - Holy Family, Mitchell, SD - Principal
1979-1985 - St. Mary, Sioux Falls, SD - Principal
1985-1989 - Presentation Sisters, Omaha, NE- Formation Director and On Going
1987-1988 - St. Ann, Omaha, NE - Principal
1989-1998 - Holy Spirit, Sioux Falls, SD - Co- Director of Religious Education and Pastoral Minister
1998-2002 - Presentation Sisters, Sioux Falls, SD - Leadership Council
2002-2004 - Christ the King Parish, Sioux Falls, SD - Director of Religious Education
2004-2007 - Marion House, Avera Mckennan Hospital and Presentation College Board, Sioux Falls, SD