Sister Rita Moriarty, CSJ

(S. Daniel Therese)

A woman of compassion and great humor who loved life

Daniel and Therese (Ryan) Moriarty’s daughter, Rita Arlene, was born on January 23, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. In 1964, Rita entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The following year she was received into the novitiate as Sister Daniel Therese. Fontbonne College earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies (1969) and a master’s degree in religious studies at Seattle University (1976).

S. Rita taught intermediate students at Holy Cross School in Champaign, Illinois (1967), junior high students at Saint Anthony of Padua in St. Louis, and was principal at Saint Mary of the Assumption in Waco, Texas. “While living in Waco, Texas, ‘Betty Blender’ was our fond name for Rita," says Sister Mary Ann Figlino, who lived with S. Rita at Saint Mary's. "The blender would begin to whirl when it was her turn in the kitchen ... and we always enjoyed her unique culinary skills."

Sister Pat Dunphy, who also lived with Srs. Rita and Mary Ann, shares:

She was our principal. For her birthday, Figlino and I went into her room and got a blouse, some pictures, a novel and a pair of shoes. We wrapped them in birthday wrapping paper and on her birthday presented her with these ‘gifts.' I can still hear Rita laughing until this day.

In 1976, S. Rita began ministering at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Denver, Colorado, serving as a pastoral assistant and director of religious education. “I lived with Rita at St. Francis de Sales in Denver for three years (and was also in the novitiate with her)," says Sister Connie Gleason (St. Paul). "She loved her family, parishioners, sisters, golf and movies. I’m grateful for the gift Rita was in my life."

S. Rita was selected as a province councilor in 2002. Sister Jean Du Blois remarked,

I served as a counselor on the Province Leadership Team with Rita for six years. While the meetings often were tedious, it was always a joy to be with Rita. She had a way of bringing joy to whatever we were doing. She brought a very gentle presence to our work. And when we were dealing with really difficult issues, her compassion helped temper our deliberations. Rita was a joy to know and to serve with.

When her term as councilor ended, .S Rita continued her ministry at Saint Francis de Sales as director of religious education.

In 2014, poor health drew S. Rita to retire, living out her prayer and witness in Aurora, Colorado.

More memories:

I had the joy of working with Rita two summers at what was then called the Home for the Friendless (now St. Joseph’s Child Care Center) in Chicago. Rita was so full of life and had a great sense of humor. We laughed ourselves through some real challenges. Rita had a big heart, and I am so glad that I got to know her better in those shared summers. —Sister Sally Harper

My memory of S. Rita is of her never-fading smile. She loved everyone and all creatures. —S. Paulette Gladis

She was a bright spirit. She always had a joke to share. Her spirituality shone through all her interactions. She personified the CSJ charism with her happy, welcoming, inclusive and approachable style. —Associates Mary Ellen Lawrence and Diane Dean

And finally, with great love, a comment from Sister Eleanor O’ Hearn who possibly knew Rita better than all the rest of us due to their long experience of sharing community together:

Rita often referred to her journey as ‘crossing the bridge.’ Knowing Rita’s energy, I believe she zoomed across like a tornado to those who were waiting and shouting 'here’s Rita!'

By Sister Helen Oates