Former Religious Name: Sister Mary Walter
Home Parish: St. Agatha, Meadville, PA

Sister Martha Howick, SSJ (formerly Sister Mary Walter), has devoted her life to education, parish ministry, and sharing the gifts of faith with others. Born on May 8, 1936, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. Agatha Parish in her hometown on August 27, 1959. She professed her final vows on August 15, 1967, and has spent decades serving in a variety of educational and pastoral settings throughout the Erie area.

Sister Martha’s educational journey included studies at Meadville High School, Indiana State Teachers’ College, Villa Maria College, and Gannon University. She also pursued professional development through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Her education prepared her for a long career in Catholic schools, where she taught at Our Lady of Peace School, St. Ann School, St. Andrew School, St. Leo School, St. Francis School, St. Bernard School, Cathedral Grade School, and Villa Maria Elementary. From 1975 to 1980, she also served as Director of Institutional Research at Villa Maria College, contributing to the college’s academic and administrative work.

In addition to her educational ministry, Sister Martha served in parish settings for many years. Her assignments included St. Paul Parish, St. Stephen Parish, Sacred Heart Parish, St. Jude Parish, Holy Rosary Parish, and St. Peter Cathedral. Through these ministries, she had opportunities to support parish communities and help others grow in their faith. Beginning in 2004, Sister Martha served at Saint Vincent Health Center, continuing her commitment to ministry and care for others.

The Word of God has remained the foundation of Sister Martha’s spiritual life and a constant source of inspiration. She finds strength in the promises of Scripture, particularly the assurance that God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) and that Christ gives strength to those who trust in Him (Philippians 4:13). She also draws comfort from the promise that God will continue the good work He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6). For Sister Martha, Scripture is more than a source of encouragement; it is a reminder that God is faithful and equips her to love and serve others.

Many people have influenced Sister Martha’s faith throughout her life. She remembers the priests in her home parish, the Sisters who taught catechism classes after Sunday Mass, and those who provided religious instruction to students attending public high school. She remains grateful for the many priests, religious, and laypeople who helped nurture her faith. Above all, she recognizes the profound influence of her mother, Madeline, whose love and many sacrifices provided a lasting example of Christian faith and devotion.

Sister Martha recalls that her call to religious life became clear in adulthood. Discovering that God had a unique plan for her life brought her a sense of freedom and opened her to new possibilities. Through fervent, open-ended prayer, she allowed the Holy Spirit to guide her discernment and felt inwardly moved to take the steps necessary to enter religious life.

Throughout her years as a Sister of St. Joseph, Sister Martha has continued to draw strength from God’s promises and the people who have shaped her journey. Her life reflects a steady commitment to education, parish ministry, and service rooted in faith. Through her many assignments, she has sought to share God’s love with those she encounters, trusting that the One who began a good work in her will continue to guide her in the years ahead.