s. helen francine oates

50th Jubilee
Sister Helen, baptized Vivian Alice, was born in St. Louis, Mo. After graduating from Rosati-Kain High School, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1961 and was received into the novitiate in 1962. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Fontbonne College in 1966 and a master’s degree in education from Creighton University in 1976.

From 1967-1984, Sister Helen taught in Waco, Texas; Valdosta, Georgia; and in Houston, Texas where she also spent several years as an administrative assistant and directed the student library and learning center.


From 1984-2005, Sister Helen served her CSJ community in the Province Treasurer's Office, both as staff member and as assistant treasurer. Since 2006 she has been an administrative team member for CSJ Care that provides assistance for the elderly in the St. Louis area. 


Sister Helen enjoys reading, writing prose and poetry, various hand crafts, puzzles, and growing plants. She also enjoys spending time with family, friends and her CSJ community. A family trip to Ireland in 2005 to visit the land of her ancestors was a dream come true. Completing a book she was writing with a friend who is now deceased is a dream for the future.