Sister Maria Rabalais, CSJ, a Sister of St. Joseph for 77 years

Sister Maria Rabalais, CSJ, a Sister of St. Joseph for 77 years, passed away at Mount St. Mary Convent in Wichita, Kansas, on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the age of 94. Sister Maria, born in Simmesport, Louisiana, one of nine children of the late Blanche Guilbeau and Joseph Rabalais, was baptized Catherine Anne. Her brother Harold (Yvonne) lives in Houston. She was predeceased by four brothers - James, Durwood, Anthony, and Sims and three sisters - Anelia Rabalais Gros, Mae Rabalais and Wilma Rabalais McLaughlin. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Sister Maria graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in New Orleans in 1942, professing perpetual vows in 1948. She attended Loyola University New Orleans and earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and a Masters in Theology from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Sister Maria began as a primary teacher at St. Joseph Academy in New Roads, La. in 1944 and taught elementary school for the next 30 years in New Roads, Bay St. Louis, New Orleans, Harahan, Baton Rouge and Morgan City, La. She then ministered for 19 years as Religious Education Coordinator and/or Pastoral Minister in the parishes of St. Patrick, St. Pius X and St. Jean Vianney parishes in Baton Rouge, Our Lady of Prompt Succor in White Castle, La. and St. John the Baptist in Zachary, La. After a sabbatical year Sister Maria devoted herself to pastoral ministry at Sacred Heart Parish in Baton Rouge for 15 years. She retired to the Congregation of St Joseph Center in Baton Rouge, maintaining strong connections with family, friends and colleagues. Health issues necessitated her move to Mt. St. Mary Convent in Wichita, Ks. in December 2018. A wake service will be held June 27th and a funeral mass on June 28th at 10:30 am at Mount St. Mary Convent in Wichita. Burial will follow immediately in the convent cemetery. A memorial mass will be held in Baton Rouge at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph at 3134 Hundred Oaks Avenue, Baton Rouge, La. 70808.