Sr, Mary Carol Messmer was born Frances Marie on June 12, 1923 in Ferdinand, Indiana to Joseph and Frances Messmer. She was one of 13  children in the  Messmer family.  She graduated from Academy Immaculate Conception and received her BS degree in Education from St. Benedict College.  Sr. Mary Carol entered Monastery Immaculate Conception in 1941.  She was Invested in 1942, made her  First Vows  in 1943 and  her  Perpetual Monastic Profession in 1946.  In 1968 she celebrated her 25th Jubilee, in 1993 her 50th Jubilee,  in 2003 her 60th Jubilee and this summer she will celebrate her 80th Jubilee!   Sr. Mary Carol in a founding  member  of Our Lady of Grace Monastery.

 

She started her long teaching career in 1946 at St. Mary School in Washington, Indiana.   She taught at many schools in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and also at Transfiguration in Missouri.   As her time in the classroom came  to an end, she embarked on new venture of parish ministry at St. John Parish in Starlight, Indiana.  After nearly  60 years of education and parish ministry, Sr. Mary Carol retired in  2005. 

 

Retirement  has not slowed her down  as  she continues to do many marvelous things  within the walls of the monastery.  She is famous for her homemade peanut brittle and the beautiful creations she sews from quilts to her crayon aprons.  Sr. Mary Carol is a member of Schola and a reader at prayer and Mass.  Her  daily attendance at prayer and daily group praying of the rosary is a tremendous example for the entire  community.  Here is to another 100 years!

​

On June  4,  2023, the community celebrated her life with  her  family members and friends. The number of those in attendance was a true testimony to a woman who has lived a life ministering to others.  It is obvious she has touched the lives of so many people and she is loved and well respected.
 

​

​

​

[For a larger view, please click on a picture]