Sister Gemma Peters, 93, a Benedictine Sister of Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, will celebrate her 75th Jubilee in a private ceremony with her monastic community on July 12.
She grew up on a farm near Rugby, N.D. and says her family life centered around faith, church and country schools. Family prayer was a constant in her childhood. Her first yearnings to become a sister became evident after meeting the Benedictine sisters who taught vacation Bible school. Their joyful spirit, concern for others, and complete trust in God left an impression on her.
As a young child, Sister Gemma remembers talking to God and even dancing in response to God’s creation and beauty of nature. Her perspective is that each day is a blessing, a gift. Her deep awareness of God’s presence has sustained her throughout her life. She creatively expressed her gratitude through writing poems.
Sister Gemma made her first profession on July 11, 2951. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Minot State University, majoring in elementary education with a minor in speech pathology. She pursued Graduate Study in Education from DePaul University in Chicago and Clark College, Dubuque, Iowa, and earned a Master of Religious Education from Seattle University.
Her educational background prepared her for a lifetime of ministry in Catholic education. She taught at Cathedral Grade School in Bismarck and at St. Patrick School in Dickinson where she also served as principal. She later became principal of Christ the King School in Mandan before returning to the classroom at Trinity School System in Dickinson and St. Mary’s Elementary School in Bismarck. Sister Gemma has experienced the growth of Annunciation Monastery from its earliest days since the early days of living at the community’s original motherhouse (the C.B. Little House) located at 304 Ave. A West.
Praying has always been effortless as she navigates her days. When Sister Gemma was still driving, she would thank God aloud upon finding an open parking spot, and for every blessing throughout the day. She found God in nature as she pondered the little miracles many pass by without a thought. When God surprised her with answered prayers, she would remark, that’s our “foxy God!”
Sister Gemma embraced every ministry with enthusiasm and generosity. She valued her time as a religious education coordinator, choir director, and pastoral minister at Corpus Christi Parish. At the University of Mary, Sister Gemma taught Scripture classes at the University of Mary and served on its Board of Trustees.
At the monastery, Sister Gemma served as a house director and novitiate director, as spiritual director, as sacristan, and formation team coordinator. Her enthusiasm and energy were greatly appreciated when she served as hospitality coordinator at Annunciation Monastery. She cleaned rooms, prepared guest quarters, prepared delicious homemade breads and treats for groups that came for meetings or retreats. Sister Gemma’s programs were as diverse as her ministries. She taught many people how to make bread. She also led book retreats and spiritual retreats which were always well attended.
In addition to her many ministries, Sister Gemma volunteered with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, as a house director and novitiate director at Annunciation Monastery.
Through the years, Sister Gemma has generously poured her love and devotion to each ministry. Her faith grew even more during times of trial as she continued to deepen her friendship with God.
Now retired, Sister Gemma continues to bless others with her warm smile and gentle kindness. She treasures daily prayer, the Eucharist with her sisters, and the “indoor walks” that remain part of her daily routine.
Reflecting on her vocation during a previous Jubilee celebration, Sister Gemma remarked, “After I became a sister, I realized I was not doing something for God and His people. I realized that I am not doing, but being. I am called to BE God’s presence—to reveal His love, care, joy, and compassion to those I meet. God is real and present.”
