Sister Clara Pfeifer CSJ

Sister Clara (Hilarion) Pfeifer was born to Frank and Margaret Younger Pfeifer on August 20, 1919 in Hays, KS and entered eternal life May 12, 2013. After completing eight grades through home schooling and a rural school she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph as a postulant. In 1935 Clara received the habit and the name of Sister Hilarion which she retained until 1966 when she returned to her baptismal name.

Her first ministry was to serve as a domestic in small and large convents and in small and large hospitals. She was then asked to prepare herself for teaching. She taught elementary students and was principal for a number of years in both the Dioceses of Wichita and Dodge City. After receiving a degree in Home Economics Education from Marymount College she was assigned to teach in high schools and pursued a Masters degree in the same field from St. Louis University.

Sister Clara’s first love however, was teaching adult religious education and theology in parishes. After completing a Masters degree in Religious Studies, she worked in the Diocese of Dodge City for a year as a Director of Religious Education then went to the position of Adult Education Coordinator for the Diocese of Salina. Within three years she returned to the Diocese of Dodge City and St. Mary of the Plains College where she worked from 1978-1994. At that time she became pastoral minister for St. Vincent DePaul Parish in Andover where she remained until 2009. Upon retiring to Marian Hall at Mt. St. Mary Convent she spent her remaining years of service to the “dear neighbor” in prayer and enjoying the visits of many friends she made throughout the years.

In addition to members of her religious congregation, she is survived by one brother, Vitus F., and numerous nieces and nephews. Homecoming Tuesday, May 14, 3:00 p.m. and Wake at 7:00 p.m. and the Mass of Christian burial 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, all at the Wichita Center of the Congregation of St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of St. Joseph Dear Neighbor Ministries, Inc., 3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, KS 67218. DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary.