We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved Funeral: Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. “When I cry out, God hears my voice and saves me…surrender your burden to your God and God will support you.” (Ps. 54: 17, 23) Sister Ancilla Taus, whom God called home, would have heard Ps. 54, the Entrance Hymn of today's Liturgy, had she been present in the Mother of Providence Chapel this morning. All through her life, beginning with her baptism, Mary Taus called out to her Provident God and felt God's love and the support of family, friends and community members. Sister Ancilla was the daughter of Ignatius and Rose Holzman Taus. She grew up in a loving family in her hometown of McKees Rocks along with her two sisters, older brother, and parents, where her Catholic faith blossomed. Always wanting to enter the convent, and finding the support and encouragement from her family, Sister Ancilla entered the Sisters of Divine Providence 76 years ago, along with her two friends: Sister Rosaria Bednar and Sister Amadeus Bauer. Sister Ancilla was known for her gentle personality and her calming effect on her students. A teacher for 35 years and a principal for 23, Sister Ancilla loved her ministry of education in the Pittsburgh area. After retiring from education, Sister Ancilla ministered in pastoral care and parish work over 20 years before returning to Providence Heights in 1998. There, she was an example to all who knew her — as a prayerful, patient person, surrendering whatever kept her from growing in her relationship with her Provident God. Today's Gospel reminds us that it is our faith in Christ Jesus that brings about the miracles in our lives. Sister Ancilla, like the woman bent over who touched the cloak of Jesus, is free of all her ailments and stands tall, once again, in the everlasting presence of God. Her faithfulness to her vows, to prayer and to her community offers all of us who knew her and loved her the confidence that she is now interceding for us as we cry out, surrendering our burdens to God, asking for her support before the throne of God.
Feast Day: March 25 SCS
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