This article originally appeared in our Winter 2023 issue of Sowing Goodness.
At the end of June, Sister Claudia Blanchette, SNDdeN bid farewell to Holy Family Hospital (HFH) in Methuen, Massachusetts, concluding her remarkable 24-year journey as a Clinical Pastoral Educator. Her tenure had been a guiding light, shaping individuals from diverse spiritual backgrounds into empathetic chaplains in healthcare and clergy in parish settings.
HFH ’s staff organized a touching tribute to honor Sister Claudia’s retirement. Friends and former students, profoundly influenced by her wisdom, paid their respects. Even those unable to attend sent heartfelt notes, and a community-crafted scrapbook overflowed with gratitude.
Sister Claudia’s career began as a French teacher but soon led her to Pastoral Education, where she graced Emmanuel College for three decades. In 1999, she assumed the role of Director of Spiritual Care and Clinical Pastoral Education at HFH. As retirement approached, she passed the torch to her former student, Reverend Edward Frost
Retirement marked a new chapter for Sister Claudia. In 2017, she channeled her energy into a unique Saturday program for aspiring chaplains with busy schedules. “I used to say I was two-thirds retired,” she quipped.
Sister Claudia fondly reflects on her time at the hospital, where she played an instrumental role in molding the future of chaplaincy. “Chaplains,” she emphasizes, “must possess the art of profound listening, setting aside personal agendas when connecting with people. They must empower individuals to harness their inner reservoirs for coping and healing.”
Her students now hold diverse roles—some ordained, others certified chaplains, and a few as Directors of Spiritual Care. Through her tireless work and the dedication of her students, Sister Claudia has left an indelible mark on countless lives. She and her many students guide people through their darkest moments, revealing the path to God’s goodness and nurturing them as beacons of hope.