Sr. Janis Yaekel

She made her first profession on June 1, 1980 and her final vows on August 14, 1983. Sister Janis’ ministry included teaching and parish ministry, retreat work and spiritual direction. The majority of her years, however, were given to serving as Coordinator of Earthworks in Donaldson, Indiana, a joint venture with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

Sr. Janis earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Studies from Notre Dame College, St. Louis, in 1973, and her master’s in Religious Education at St. Meinrad School of Theology, Ferdinand, Indiana in 1980.

Her ministry included teaching at Gibault Catholic High School in Waterloo, IL, serving as Parish Minister at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Ozark, MO, as Director of the Center of Peace in Ruma, as Coordinator of Earthworks, an organic garden and farm in Plymouth, IN, and as ministry team member and retreat director at King’s House Retreat Center in Belleville, IL.

She authored the book Embracing the Sacred Seasons of Lent and Easter and wrote numerous reflections on the liturgy and other spiritual topics.

She spent eight years at Earthworks in Indiana. These years nourished her belief in reverence for all living things. She recognized that Humanity and Nature are closely connected; this gives us a responsibility for all creatures and for our part in the continued health of our planet: “The earth can get along without us, but we cannot get along without the earth.”

Health concerns brought Sister Janis to the Ruma Center in 2012. She struggled for six years with pancreatic cancer.

Survived by her 3 Brothers – Jim (Rosie) Yaekel, Jerry (Eve) Yaekel and Jack (Kathleen) Yaekel, numerous nieces, nephews and members of the U.S. Region of Adorers of the Blood of Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30am, Friday, May 18, 2018

Ruma Center Chapel, Ruma, Illinois

Visitation: Thursday - 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Friday – 8:00 am – 10:15 am

Ruma Center Chapel, Ruma, Illinois

Prayer Service: Thursday at 7:00 pm

Interment: Convent Cemetery

Ruma, Illinois

Donations in memory of Sr. Janis Yaekel may be sent to the ASC Reitrement Fund, 4233 Sulphur Aveune, St. Louis, MO 63109 or online at www.adorers.org “Support our Ministries”