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(1935-2023)
Sister Mary Kathryn Cliatt, formerly known as Sister Helen Maureen, died on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 88 years of age and in the 66th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister Kathryn was born in Miami, Florida, to James and Thelma (Barfield) Cliatt. She graduated from Edison High School in Miami and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a Master of Education degree from Barry College (University) in Miami.
Sister Kathryn ministered in elementary and secondary education for 17 years in Chicago; and Hollywood, Fort Pierce, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa, Florida, which includes two years as assistant principal at Tampa Catholic High School. She was a pastoral minister, social worker, and retreat minister for over 26 years in Cumming and Gainesville, Georgia. She also was Chapter Prioress for six years for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Adrian Dominican Congregation and later served as Interim Prioress for that chapter. Sister ministered for three years as a mentor/spiritual advisor to orphans at St. Clare Centre in Meru, Kenya. Sister became a resident of Weber Center in Adrian in 2013.
Sister Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by a sister, Martha Lim of Lake City, Florida, other loving family members, and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Prayers of Committal will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, in the Congregation Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
Those who are not attending services in person are welcome to participate via live stream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.
Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.
Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)
Recording of Sister Kathryn's Memorial Mass - after clicking the link, download the recording by clicking on the three dots at the bottom right corner of the screen and choosing "Download." Worship Aid (PDF)
Recording of Sister Kathryn's Ritual of Remembrance - After clicking the link, download the recording by clicking on the three dots at the bottom right corner of the screen and choosing "Download."
Left: Mary Kathryn, at the age of four, in a dress made by her grandmother; Center: The Cliatt family: parents Thelma and James and sisters Martha and Mary Kathryn; Right: Sister Mary Kathryn Cliatt
Left: Sister Mary Kathryn Cliatt, OP; Center: Sister Mary Kathryn Cliatt stands at the sign of her ministry in Forsyth County, Georgia, at a social services center originally called The Place; Right: Sisters Mary Kathryn Cliatt, left, and June Racicot
Left: Members of the 2008 Leadership Council are: standing, from left, Sisters Rose Celeste O’Connell, Judith Rimbey, Prioress Donna Markham, Kathleen Nolan, Joan Lawrence Sustersic, Rosa Monique Peña, and Frances Nadolny; and, seated, from left, Sisters Anne Liam Lees, Patricia Ann Dulka, Catherine Ormond Olds, Mary Katherine Homan, Mary Kathryn Cliatt, and Mary Ellen Youngblood; Right: Sister Attracta Kelly, Prioress, right, commissions Sisters for their mission in Kenya: from left, Sisters Renee Richie, Maurine Barzantni, and Mary Kathryn Cliatt.
Left: Sister Mary Kathryn and the staff of a magazine with children from St. Claire School, Kenya; Right: Sister Mary Kathryn Cliatt
Members of the 2016 Diamond Jubilee June Crowd are: back row, from left, Sisters Margaret O’Flynn, Catherine Camille DeClercq, Jean Crane, Grace Dougherty, and Grace Henneberry; fourth row, from left, Sisters Mary Margaret Mannard, Mary Plunkett, Marian Castelluccio, Attracta Kelly (Prioress), and Donna Joan Mehney; third row, from left, Sisters Jeanne Lefebvre, Patricia Downey, Maureen Gallagher, and Mary Kathryn Cliatt; second row, from left, Sisters Marie Luisa Vasquez, Mary Catherine Gagliano, Jean Tobin, and Rosario Martin; and seated in the front row, from left, Sisters Pauline Opliger and Sally Ann Fergus.
Leave your comments and remembrances (if you don't see the comment box below, click on the "Read More" link).
I was a student at Tampa Catholic High School from 1969-1973 and it was there that Sister Mary Kathryn was a competent instructor and Director of Guidance, involved in multi-faceted way to the welfare, well being and and quality of education to students. I was also taught by Sister June Raciot and later learned that she and Sister Mary Kathryn had established a place for low-income housing and health care in the greater Dahlonega, Georgia area, north of where I live, with great courage and despite hostility of anti-Catholic forces in North Georgia. Then later I found out she established a Girl's School in Africa with no less I am sure great courage and fortitude. And in-between all these ministries were continuous things Sister did to contribute to the Kingdom of God and make the world a much better place. As St. Timothy tells us, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." Sister has finished the race. She has earned her award, and I know the angels have led her into paradisium. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Our Adrian Dominican cemetery with its circular headstones is a beautiful place of rest for women who gave their lives in service to God — and a peaceful place for contemplation and remembrance.
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