By John C. O'Connell
"We are here to celebrate a long, loving relationship," Fr. Gregory Cappuccino, the church's pastor, told many hundreds of parishioners and well-wishers at the afternoon mass. "We rejoice with Sr. Sheila."
Fr. Greg congratulated the Sr. Sheila, a Sister of Charity, who is the parish director of music and a much-loved member of the faith community's leadership.
"Your whole life is present here today," Fr. Greg said. "For you, it is always about people. If you were somehow ordained the first woman bishop, your motto would be 'What Can I Do?' You are always in action."
Applause came often from every pew.
In her reflections on her 50 years as a Sister of Charity, Sheila thanked her late parents, her brother, David, and sisters, Audrey and Toni, "all my family and friends for your love and support over these years and for always being there for me."
She thanked the Sisters of Charity "for sharing your faith and life with me. And she thanked "Fr. Greg and the members of the Blessed Sacrament parish community for believing in me and cooperating with me as together we joyfully serve our God."
Fr. Greg also spoke of Sr. Sheila's important role in the church, pointing out that music is but the instrument she plays to lead the faithful to God.
"Music is the means you use to bring about the most desired of your ends: community. You create community. How wonderfully you have given your talent to us," Fr. Greg said.
"You are a woman of the Incarnation. When in Christ we are touched by one another, God touches us. You put skin onto God. You make music a prayer.
