Sister Loretta Semposki
(Mary John Berchmans)
Born to earthly life: July 5, 1913
Religious profession: August 2, 1935
Entered eternal life: April 16, 2010
When Sister Loretta, the eighth and last child of Eustachius and Elizabeth (Wickert) Semposki was baptized at St. Adalbert Parish in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she was named Loretta Dorothy. Her father had been born in Poland, and her mother in Germany. Her attendance at St. Mary’s School for first grade and Holy Communion, and then at St. James for the rest of her early schooling, influenced her to later become a sister.
Her father’s permission was easily granted, but not her mother’s. “What are strawberries selling for today?” or some other irrelevant question would be used by her mother to avoid the issue. Loretta remained at home and helped with chores until completing three years at Union High School. Only as her mother lay dying in the hospital did she finally give in. Loretta was not there, so her mother spoke to the nurse, who then relayed the message to Loretta.
It was a year and seven months later that Loretta entered the convent. In 1931, at the age of 18, she donned the bonnet of a candidate, and in 1934, after an extra year in the candidature, she became a novice, receiving the name Sister Mary John Berchmans.
After profession in 1935, she was ready for mission and ministry. For 35 years, sister went wherever she was sent, to Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and taught every grade except first. In 1953 she received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Mount Mary College, having completed requirements in summer school through the years.
In 1970 Sister Loretta and Sister Laurentia Bauer opened the first residential CCD program at Holy Family parish in Sparta, Michigan, teaching all levels from grade school to adults. On Friday, their day off, they visited residents of the nursing home and shut-ins. In 1971 Sister Loretta received a Master of Arts in Religious Education from the University of Detroit.
Then on May 9, 1980, when the two elderly monsignors in charge in Sparta were replaced by a young priest, the sisters were told that the parish needed “new blood” and, obviously, they were old. It was difficult to leave, but after 10 years of service, the sisters were invited day after day to the homes of parishioners for farewell meals until the final goodbye celebration.
In her retirement years at Notre Dame Elm Grove (NDEG), personal and liturgical prayer continued to be a very important part of Sister Loretta’s life. She was constantly involved in meetings of charismatic prayer groups, all night adoration, visiting families, as well as collecting and packaging clothing, food, toys, books, etc. The high point of her activities, however, was her trip to Medjugorie.
Sister Loretta’s distinctive, outgoing approach to life added a heartwarming energy to the lives of her many friends, especially during her years at NDEG.
– Marie Grellinger, SSND
Sister Loretta ministered as an elementary school teacher for almost 40 years. Later, she served in parish religious education and pastoral ministry. In retirement, she continued her many volunteer activities as well as her prayers and presence.
Her ministry locations included:
- St. Peter School, Fort Wayne, Ind.
- St. Boniface School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. James School, Madison, Wis.
- St. Peter School, Tilden, Wis.
- Maria Incoronate School, Chicago, Ill.
- St. Benedict the Moor School, Detroit, Mich.
- Holy Family Parish, Sparta, Mich.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
School Sister of Notre Dame, Loretta Semposki (formerly Sister John Berchmans) died in Elm Grove on April 16, 2010 at the age of 96. Sister Loretta is survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the SSND Community. A Wake Service and Mass of Christian Burial were celebrated April 21 at Holy Family Chapel, Notre Dame of Elm Grove, 13105 Watertown Plank Road. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the School Sisters of Notre Dame Retirement Fund is appreciated.
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