Fr. Ted Szudera and Sr. Rita Kohut
Article for the Harvest Submitted by Gloria Cerwin and B. K. Klamm
On Friday, July 18, 2025, the congregation at the Golden Eagle/Eagles Manor’s weekly mass in Great Falls celebrated Sister Rita Kohut’s 70th year anniversary (7/16/2025) as an Ursuline nun.
At a very young age, Rita envisioned herself as a priest. But around seven years of age she discovered that the priesthood was restricted to men. She was devastated! So, her vision changed, and she pursued the life of a sister.
After Rita graduated from Central Catholic High School, she joined the Ursuline Order. She continued her religious formation and academic education, and on completion she returned to Great Falls, Montana where she taught at Ursuline Academy, Holy spirit, and Our Lady of Lourdes. She also taught in California for five years. Sister Rita was “very happy to go to school every day.” To her, “school was a community of relationships with students, staff, and parents.”
Sister Rita retired in 2007, but she did not retire from her service. She became engaged in hospice ministry, helped with bereavement camps and retreats for youth and became a Eucharistic minister to those in hospice care at Peace Hospice, nursing homes and people’s residences. Sister Rita finds “hospice visits and providing the Eucharist as the most rewarding work ever done. The people are so close to God.” She views it as a blessing to be with those in their last hours.
Sister Rita also provides the communion service Golden Eagle/Eagles Manor when Father Ted is traveling, sharing with us theology messages that extend our knowledge of the Word of God. Likewise, during the rosary after Mass, Sister enlightens the participants with insights into the power and importance of prayer. The parishioners at the Golden Eagle/Eagles Manor are blessed to have weekly Mass and a vibrant faith community where all are a source of inspiration, care and support for one another.
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