The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have a long history with St. John Central Academy.
The Salvation Army building located near the school used to be the Sisters’ convent back in the 20th century when they served as teachers at St. John.
While the Sisters no longer serve in such capacity, their volunteer spirit still has an impact on the school.
Next week, 11 Sisters of Charity, led by Sister Luke Boiarski, will return to St. John to volunteer their time to help paint the walls in the building.
“As the Director of the Sisters of Charity Volunteer Ministry, I along with my assistant, Ellen Sprigg, select places to assist in areas where there is significant need, especially in areas where the Sisters of Charity are ministering or have ministered in the past,” Sister Boiarski said. “St. John’s is one of those special places.”
Sister Boiarski would know.
Born Shirley Ann Boiarski, she grew up in Bellaire and actually attended and graduated from St. John Central High School.
Inspired, she eventually joined the Sisters and has spent a lifetime giving back to both her community and to deserving causes across the globe.
“As I travel both internationally (Africa, Belize, and India) and many places nationally, I will always remember my roots,” Boiarski said. “The Sisters of Charity taught me, and their spirit as well as the spirit of St. Johns had a very positive effect in my life.”
Returning to Help Out the Valley
The painting at St. John won’t be Sister Boiarski’s first trip back to help out her alma mater. It’s also not the only time she’s helped out an Ohio Valley Community.
In the last four years alone, Boiarski and her fellow Sisters of Chaity have helped repair homes in Bellaire, Tiltonsville, and Barton.
“I look at this event as a wonderful opportunity to give back to the school that helped set me on the path of my life’s journey,” Boiarski said. “Last year, I donated school supplies, and then I asked if there was anything else I could do.
“There was a pause, someone said, ‘Can you help us paint the hallways of the school?’ Without hesitation, I replied yes.”
Boiarski said she and 10 of her others sisters, some coming from Kentucky, Indiana, and elsewhere in Ohio, will be descending upon St. John Central to assist in the painting efforts.
She entered the SCN novitiate in the fall of 1966, three days after turning 18 according to a previous interview.
That began a lifelong love of service and giving back, one she continues to this day, not only giving back but inspiring others to do the same.
