Sister Mary Stella Schellenberger

Mary Louise Schellenberger was born in Watseka, Illinois, and grew up on the family farm in Earl Park, Indiana. She was the oldest of six children.

Catholic schools, priests, and sisters were a part of Mary Louise’s life. She was taught by Franciscan Sisters during her grade school years and by the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary at Holy Family Academy during her high school years. She also had an aunt who was a sister and had two uncles who were priests.

When Mary Louise decided to respond to her call to religious life, our community was the natural choice. She knew more of our sisters than she did Franciscans, and we were close to her home, which would allow more family contact. She and the Servants also shared a dedication to Mary. As Sister puts it, “I just sort of fit in!” Since there were already multiple Sisters named Louise, Mary Louise became Sister Mary Stella.

Although she did not have someone specifically assigned as her mentor, Sister Mary Stella notes that Sister Agnes Cunningham, who was her piano teacher and who indirectly guided her through her writings, best fits the description. At this time of her life, Sister Mary Stella claims Thomas Merton as her mentor.

As is true for most of our sisters, Sister Mary Stella has served in a number of ministry positions. She taught in both elementary and high schools. She plays both piano and organ and her musical gifts were put to use teaching piano and singing and leading choirs. She taught religion to high school students and served as the Religious Education Director at three parishes. She actually started the religious education program at two of those parishes. She notes that all of these ministries were fulfilling, but she especially enjoyed working with the girls who lived in the high school dormitory for which she was responsible. Many of the girls came from broken homes. She gave them her love and care and offered them the stability of a family.

Sister Mary Stella continues to teach, giving presentations on various topics at our retreat facility and for the parish RCIA program, but her talent doesn’t stop there. She is an accomplished artist whose paintings can be seen on the walls of One Heart One Soul Spirituality Center. She also enjoys flower cultivation and arrangement.

The SSCM charism of family love has been the theme of her life. It was the gift she brought to those seven years that she spent with the youth in the dormitory and throughout her time of living in community.