Long-serving nun still loves her job

By Ms. Margaret Steele (IMCOM)March 4, 2020

Sister Michael Bochnowski
Sister Michael Bochnowski (Photo Credit: Margaret Steele) VIEW ORIGINAL

After 31 years working for Belvoir Garrison, Sister Michael Bochnowski, director of religious education, said, "I feel like it's been maybe two weeks ago that I came. There's always something new to do and I love doing religious education. If that's the only thing I could do, I'd be the most happy person in the world."

Originally from Brooklyn, Bochnowski received her doctorate in religious education from New York University.

"The people, anywhere, but particularly at Fort Belvoir, are what make or break any program," she said. "They do it because they want to be here. They know what the message is and want to go for it."

"No-one can designate peoples' faith, but we can help them live their faith and grow in their faith, no matter what deity they recognize," she said.

"There's something to be said about the spirit of the people at Belvoir. There's a lot of dedication here. I wouldn't be here for as long if it weren't for the people who helped me from the beginning," she said. "You feel everyone's dedication and sense of commitment."

Although she's been at the job for more than three decades, Bochnowski said she absolutely still enjoys her job and that there's more to be done here. "It's a constantly changing population and the needs are always there. The way I know I'm reaching someone is when that connection's made."

As an extension of that, Bochnowski said there's a network of directors of religious education throughout military installations who can pray for people and support them, especially before and after a PCS move. "When people move from place to place, religion of any denomination can be a constant, when there's change and chaos all around.

"No-one can designate peoples' faith, but we can help them live their faith and grow in their faith, no matter what deity they recognize," she said.

Jackie Baer, the administrator for the Belvoir Community Committee and Belvoir Thrift Shop, has known Sister Michael for 20 years.

"Looking back, the thing that strikes me most about Sister is her dedication to doing things right, taking care of others and doing both with great compassion," Baer said. "She's a dependable anchor on the Belvoir Community Committee and was, long before I came on board. I depend on her for advice and support, as do all of us who work with her."

Baer added that Sister Michael is a tireless and devoted advocate for the community and that we are blessed beyond measure to have her.

Some of the programs Sister Michael most remembers here are Vacation Bible School in the summer; Breakfast with the Angels, over the Christmas holidays; and, last year's Easter Mass, which welcomed more than 900 people. "I could not believe it," she said. "We had worshippers out to the curb from Belvoir Chapel."

Bochnowski said she loves VBS. "It's such a group effort and completely shows the sense of fellowship here. We now have it toward the end of summer, when we can welcome those new to Belvoir. VBS shows the dedication, determination and camaraderie of everyone involved," she said. "It gets to be a fun time that really comes together, with the group effort and fellowship. The kids really love it."

She added the VBS has come full circle, with those who went years ago, now serving as teen volunteers who help the Belvoir program run.

Bochnowski has also helped chapel youth fundraise for and attend several World Youth Days through her work here, including to Denver, Rome, Paris, Australia, Germany, and Panama. World Youth Day, conducted periodically for Catholic youth and young adults, is a chance for them to gather and celebrate their faith.

"It's something these kids have never forgotten, from the very beginning. It's made such an impression on them and inspired them, enough to inspire others," Bochnowski said.

Letty Byrum has volunteered at the chapel for four years. She described Sister Michael as a great listener, mentor and very hard worker.

"She's smart and gives great advice. The voluntee3rs here feel the same way, in that her wisdom is very profound and inspirational," Byrum said.

"One of the main components of this job is the ability to listen. I'm always looking for answers. As an educator, I get clarity myself, when I'm able to help people by listening," Bochnowski said.

"The sense of sharing and working together is really what Fort Belvoir is all about, no matter if it's just within garrison, but with other agencies on post, too.

"The good that people do, here, is amazing, with scholarships, the Thrift Shop. What we can do, together, is just amazing. We're all working for the same kids and families, and can do so well together. One team, one mission," Bochnowski said.