Sister Ida Mae Fuchs
When Ida Mae made first monastic profession on June 11, 1958, she was given the name Sister Mary Martha, which fit her well since she was doing domestic work at the time. Later she ministered to the elderly, caring for the homebound. She received her CNA and also took a cooking class in order to increase her skills. Over the years she served in Lewiston, Nampa, Cottonwood, Blackfoot and Boise.
Ministering in Blackfoot was one of the high points of her life. While she was there, she cooked for Fr. Xavier, who was from India. This gave her the new opportunity to prepare Indian cuisine. She continued to visit the homebound and was also able to lead a prayer group at the state hospital.
She now ministers in the prayer and spirituality ministry at the Monastery. "I enjoy meeting retreatants and I am deeply affirmed by praying for their needs."
I am grateful to my community for their support and love over these many years. I am especially grateful to God for Sister Lucille Nachtsheim who accompanied me 50 years ago from DeSmet to Cottonwood. I wouldn’t have made it without her moral support.“