Sr. Mary Linda DeLonais
My parents named me Linda Mary DeLonais. They did not realize that on my baptismal day, the church was celebrating the feast of the Assumption of Mary. With Mary as my guide, I, Sr. Linda Mary entered through the doors of the Dominican Sisters in Springfield in late fall of 1994.
Hailing from Minnesota, you’ll find Smokey Bear in my office and the Vikings in my heart. Prior to entering the Dominican community, I enjoyed twenty years experience with the United States Forest Service where I served as a forester and forest ecologist. My love and respect of God’s creation grounds me in our connectedness in living the paschal mystery and its many cycles throughout our lives. My love of God’s Word is share with others through the eyes of one who loves nature.
I hold a MA in Pastoral Studies from Aquinas Institute of Theology and a BS in Forestry from the University of Montana with graduate studies in Forest Ecology at the University of Montana, Washington State University, and the University of Idaho.
You may find me today as Campus Minister at Sacred Heart Griffin High School in Springfield, Illinois. Before moving to Springfield in 2002, I ministered for five years Troy, Illinois as parish youth minister. Other areas of parish ministry experience include RCIA, Parish School of Religion, liturgy and music ministry, sacramental preparation, and Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
Journeying with young people is a great joy for me. Outside of just chatting with young people, highlights for me are: participation in the Dominican High School’s preaching conference, and JOSHUA mission trips. I’ve also enjoyed pilgrimages to see the pope in Denver, St. Louis, and Toronto and participating in the National Catholic Youth Conventions in St. Louis, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Atlanta.
