Sister Monica Jacques, 75 Years

When Mercy Sister Monica Jacques reflects on her 75 years in the religious community, she said what comes to mind is “a lot of gratitude because I think the Lord provided a wonderful life for me.”
 

A native of Perth Amboy, Sister Monica came to know the Mercy Sisters at an early age. She said her whole family was very religious. They lived near St. Mary Church where the Mercy Sisters ministered and lived in a convent nearby. Recalling how she became familiar with the religious community she said, “I was always one of those kids the sisters would call and send me to the store to buy something for them. I would stay and help them, so I got to know them very well.”
 

As a student at the now-closed St. Mary Elementary School and High School, which were staffed by the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Monica learned more about the religious order. In the fall after graduating from St. Mary High, she entered the Sisters of Mercy. The following spring, she professed her vows and was given the name, Sister Mary Ronald. After the Second Vatican Council, however, Sister Monica chose to return to her baptismal name.
 

In 1961, Sister Monica earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood. She was awarded a grant to study for a master’s degree in physics at the University of Wisconsin, Superior, and continued her academic studies at seven colleges and universities. At the University of Minnesota and Rutgers University, New Brunswick, she took a course in social work, and then earned New Jersey State Certification as a School Social Worker.
 

Sister Monica began her teaching career at Immaculate Conception School, Camden. Her next assignment was at St. Mary Elementary School, South Amboy, and then she joined the staff at Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill.
 

In 1970, Sister Monica returned to Perth Amboy, where she served as principal of St. Mary High. Her last teaching position was at Red Bank Catholic High School. In the high schools where she served, Sister Monica taught math, physics and physical science.

After teaching for more than 20 years, Sister Monica began her ministry in social service work. She spent a year as a campus minister at Douglass and Cook Colleges, New Brunswick, working for Catholic Social Services. She then served at the House of Mercy, Bridgeton, where she developed programs for senior citizens.
 

Her next assignments were as an Associate in Pastoral Services first at St. Anthony Parish, Hightstown, then at St. Mary Parish, South Amboy. Next, she served at St. Bernadette Parish, Northfield, where she continued to work with senior citizens. Her last pastoral assignment was at St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia.

Sister Monica returned to her alma mater, Georgian Court, where she served as residence coordinator from 1989 to 1992. Eight years later, she returned to the Mercy Sisters Motherhouse in Watchung, where she served as manager of Communications, her last position before retiring.
 

However, Sister Monica continued to serve this time her religious community, volunteering at the McAuley Hall Gift Shop. She also ministers to the sisters who live with her in the retirement section of at Mount Saint Mary’s Gabriel Hall. She still keeps up with her two nieces and two nephews and their families, and is quick to say, “They are all very attentive to me.”
 

At 92, Sister Monica now spends her time enjoying her retirement with as she says, “a nice group of sisters.” Every week these sisters get together to do things like play bingo or other games. “It’s a lot of fun and there is a lot of laughter,” said Sister Monica.

On a serious note, Sister Monica said throughout her 75 years as a Mercy Sister, she has had a lot of opportunities to help people and touched a lot of people’s lives and for that is very grateful. Throughout her life, so full of ministering to so many people, Sister Monica has lived the motto she took at her profession, “My life, my love are Thine, O Lord.”