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wanted to, not because she expected to
teach Theology. Fortunately, the credits
she earned through the Archdiocese,
combined with her passion, made
Linda the perfect choice to take over
the class. And when she was asked, of
course the answer was, “I can do it.”
While her job description says “teacher,”
Linda also considers herself a lifelong
learner, which is why she decided to
continue her education in 2006 and Linda Rabe Martin ’67 celebrating field day as a student at CJ in 1966.
enroll in the Aquinas Institute of attended CJ, Linda requested that her
Theology to pursue a master’s degree scholarship go to a family with multiple
in pastoral studies.
sisters at CJ, especially families with twins.
“I wanted to grow, and I saw Aquinas “I truly believe that the Holy Spirit is
as a great opportunity for personal guiding Cor Jesu,” Linda says. “And I
growth and knowledge,” she says.
don’t want any family to not come and
Not long after starting her master’s experience this place because of the cost.”
program, around 2009, Cor Jesu’s next If you’re looking to grow academically
principal, Sr. Kathleen Mary Coonan, ASCJ, and spiritually, Linda will assure you that
asked Linda if she could make another CJ is the place—and that’s speaking as
change and teach all Theology courses.
an alumna, faculty member and a parent
“I can do it.” (both of Linda’s daughters attended CJ
during her tenure). According to her, the
Linda never asked questions when these freedom to not only talk about God and
opportunities arose. Looking back, she faith, but to share it and to become part of
believes it was all meant to be—God had other people’s faith experiences is priceless.
a plan, and she felt called to say, “Yes.”
“I say that I can do a lot of things, but
“You just have to be ready with open when it comes to faith, we can’t do it
hands for God to take you where he alone,” she says. “Faith is a journey. It
wants you to go,” Linda says. “For me, takes support from others to make it,
God’s Providence took me to Cor Jesu and that’s what we have here at CJ.”
and then to new adventures within Cor
Jesu. Every step has been such a joy.” The spirit of Cor Jesu is part of Linda’s
identity, which is why she couldn’t
In addition to opening her hands for bring herself to fully retire.
God, Linda has also opened her heart to
Cor Jesu by consistently giving a portion “Fully retiring crossed my mind
of her paychecks to CJ. She started by briefly, but I was never peaceful
contributing to the auction in her first with the idea of completely leaving
years as a teacher. Then, in 2004, when a place I love,” Linda says.
Linda’s twin sister and fellow alumna, As a result, it was Linda’s turn to ask
Jeanne, passed away, she helped establish the administration a question…
the Jeanne Rabe Martin ’67 Memorial
Scholarship, and began to contribute in her “What do you think about me not
sister’s name. Once Jeanne’s scholarship teaching next year, but still coordinating
became partially endowed, Linda began Kairos and helping with other retreats?”
giving to her own scholarship, which is The answer was nothing short of perfect.
partially endowed for the first time during
this school year (2019-2020). In honor of “You can do it,” they said. And
her sisters, two of whom, including Jeanne, Linda’s next chapter began.
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