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Sister Mary Thomas was born in Bowdle, S.D., spent her childhood in this rural community and graduated from Bowdle High School.
She received her associate’s in social work from Presentation College, Aberdeen, S.D., and furthered her education at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., receiving her bachelor’s in theology and sociology and her master’s in Christian spirituality. She did additional studies at St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minn., receiving a master’s in organizational leadership.
During her 40 years of service to those in need, Sister Mary has ministered at St. Joseph Church, Mobridge, S.D.; Presentation College, Aberdeen, S.D.; and as a campus minister at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. She also served as the vocation director for the Presentation Sisters for nine years.
Sister Mary has also been an active member of various committees and has directed many successful retreats and outreach projects. She was instrumental in beginning the Presentation Sisters Leadership Camp for Junior High Girls. This camp flourished and, after 23 wonderful years, held its last and final annual camp this past July.
Since 2006, Sister Mary has been the senior vice president of mission services at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. She has just finished her first term as a council member on the Presentation Sisters Leadership Team and was elected to serve as vice president in the current term (2018-2022).
In her spare time, Sister Mary enjoys being outdoors, doing puzzles, reading and spending time in the company of family and friends.
Sharing the Presentation mission with others is very important to Sister Mary. She wants all those with whom she serves to know how much she cherishes them and hopes that they are lifted in spirit, as they gift her in so many ways.