Sister Janelle Maes
I grew up in Shawnee Kansas and attending St. Joseph Grade and High School. After being taught and inspired by the Benedictine Sisters there, I entered the Benedictine order in Atchison, Ks. Upon making vows my ministry was that of an elementary teacher of music and grades one thru six. After eight years there, I went back to school. My degrees took me to Boston College for a master’s in education and Loyola in Chicago for a master’s in counseling psychology. In 1968 I began teaching elementary teachers at Mount St. Scholastica Prior to that I earned a bachelor’s degree in music with the organ as the instrument; this was a lifelong passion for me. I have been an organist for the community since 1977. In 1983 I started All Faith Counseling Center in Atchison after becoming a fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. I stayed there until my retirement in 2008. Retirement is an enjoyable activity for me as I play the organ, love to cook, and take part in the liturgy; my community life is a source of happiness and is the umbrella for me to fulfill these activities.