Sister Callista Kaley, OSB papers

Sister Callista Kaley, OSB was born Marian Patricia on February 18th, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois. She recieved her early education at various parish schools: Saint Henry School, Saint Hilary School, and Saint Timothy School. For high school, Sister attended Saint Scholastica Chicago, graduating in 1948. She entered the community on February 20th, 1949, making her first profession on August 17th, 1950, and her final vows on August 17th, 1953.

Sister recieved a Bachelor's degree in music from the American Conservatory of Music. She also attended classes at Northwestern University, Loyola University, and Mundelein College, before earning her Master's degree in Music from DePaul University in 1968. After her first profession, Sister taught at a variety of parish schools including Queen of All Saints School, Saint Hilary School, Saint Symphorosa School, and Saint Lambert School. In 1959, she began at Saint Scholastica High School Chicago as an instructor of Piano, Music Application, and Music Education, in which role she would remain until her retirement from teaching in 1994. Sister remained active in music education after her retirement, giving private piano lessons to young children in the community, many of whom were the children of Sister's former high school students.

In addition to serving as a music teacher, Sister Callista served by playing the piano and organ at community liturgies. She was appointed Community Choir director, and often gave organ lessons to new members of community. At community gatherings, parties, and in the infirmary, she was known for her entertaining accordition renditions, an instrument she took up in the third grade. Outside of community, Sister was involved in liturgical ministry at Saint Timothy parish, and in playing at the weddings of her former students.