November 5, 2025
What does a life devoted to compassion, justice, and faith look like?
At Immanuel Village in Omaha, Nebraska, four retired Sisters of Mercy offer a living answer. Sr. Jeanne Christensen, Sr. Monica Reichmuth, Sr. Helena Naviaux, and Sr. Colette Baldwin have each shaped the lives of countless others through ministries in education, healthcare, advocacy, and spiritual care.
Founded in 1831 by Catherine McAuley, the Sisters of Mercy have always responded to the needs of the time. These four women exemplify that mission: bringing wisdom, warmth, and service into every chapter of their lives, including retirement.
Their stories are not just reflections of the past but living examples of mercy in action today.
Sr. Jeanne Christensen: A voice for justice
Sr. Jeanne Christensen entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1961, inspired by the joyful and authentic women she met in her Catholic school and early work at St. James Orphanage.
“They were real, prayerful women who cared deeply for others, and they knew how to laugh,” she said.
That blend of compassion and humanity drew her in and rooted her lifelong work in social justice.
Though she taught for several years, Jeanne’s heart was in advocacy. She earned degrees in sociology and social work, which led her to ministries focused on affordable housing, peace and justice, and senior services. Her favorite role was helping women and children find safe, stable homes.
“There’s something powerful about a child being proud of where they live,” Sr. Jeanne said.
In recent years, Sr. Jeanne has become a leading voice in the fight against human trafficking. She helped found the U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking and served on its board for over a decade. Her work continues today through advocacy and education.
After decades in Kansas City, Jeanne returned to Omaha to reconnect more closely with community life. She finds joy in small acts of kindness and connection, whether it's helping a neighbor with audiobooks or sharing stories over dinner.
“There’s a ministry here among we Sisters and with the lay residents,” she said of Immanuel Village. “We support each other. Life here is good, meals are provided, services are available, and there’s always someone to help.”
Sr. Monica Reichmuth: A heart for every child
Sr. Monica Reichmuth’s ministry began with a leap of faith and a deep well of compassion. Sent to teach at a school for children with developmental disabilities in Potomac, Maryland, she didn’t yet hold a degree in special education. What she did have was an aptitude for teaching and a heart ready to serve. That calling led her to earn a master’s in special education and eventually become the school’s principal.
Her journey continued in Omaha, where she worked as a resource room teacher and later as a school psychologist.
“Teaching children with special needs was life-giving,” she said. “The most important part of being a teacher is respecting children. When they feel heard and valued, they feel better about themselves.”
Sr. Monica’s work was shaped by empathy and a desire to understand others, qualities she traces back to her upbringing.
“I didn’t experience deprivation growing up, so I learned a lot about the struggles others face,” she said.
That awareness led her to join the Sisters of Mercy, whose mission has evolved over time to meet changing needs.
Now retired at Immanuel Village, Sr. Monica finds joy in community life and in her little dog, who’s become a beloved icebreaker among residents.
“We’re just trying to be part of the community,” she said. “Having fun together is important.”
Her presence, like her ministry, continues to be a quiet force of compassion and inclusion.
Sr. Helena Naviaux: A life of care and simplicity
Sr. Helena Naviaux entered the Sisters of Mercy in the late 1940s, guided by family and faith. Though initially hesitant, she found joy and purpose in religious life and never looked back.
“I was afraid I had a vocation,” she said, “but once I embraced it, I never regretted it, not for one minute.”
Though she taught briefly, she found her true calling in healthcare, where she could offer comfort and care. Sr. Helena became a nurse and worked in hospitals where Sisters often held leadership roles. She frequently served as an assistant administrator, a position she found deeply fulfilling.
“It felt like the right fit,” she said. “I loved being part of something that helped people heal.”
Over time, she witnessed the evolution of healthcare, from religiously run hospitals to professionally managed institutions.
“It was a good change,” Sr. Helena said. “Leadership should be about who’s best suited, not just about being a Sister. …Healthcare should be about care, not profit. Service is the heart of the work.”
She also reflects on the importance of simplicity and service, values that have guided her throughout her ministry. Her love for nature and desire for a space of reflection remain strong, even in retirement. Helena has lived at Immanuel Village for two years and finds it to be a place of genuine care.
“People here are kind,” she said. “They greet me with ‘Good morning, Sister,’ even if they don’t know me. That recognition means a lot.”
Sr. Colette Baldwin: A journey of spirituality and service
Sr. Colette Baldwin’s path to religious life began with the Franciscans who taught her, but it was the Sisters of Mercy who ultimately felt like home.
“It’s like dating,” she laughed. “Eventually, the right person, or community, comes along.” She joined in 1960 and spent most of her ministry outside Omaha.
After a short time teaching in the elementary schools, her work focused on adult education and spirituality.
This included Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults programs, parish administration, and retreat ministry. She even served in Ireland for three years, helping others explore their faith, deepen their spiritual lives, and learning more about the foundress, Catherine McAuley.
“I’ve worked in parishes, retreat houses, and with people entering the Church,” she said. “Spirituality has always been my main ministry.”
Sr. Colette also engaged with social justice issues, especially those affecting women. She believes strongly in Catherine McAuley’s call to “serve the needs of the time.” That philosophy guided her through decades of evolving ministry.
She moved to Immanuel Village five years ago, helping lead the transition for Sisters of Mercy who need care in their retirement years.
“We wanted a place that allowed for independent living, assisted living, and long-term care,” she said. She quickly became involved in liturgical life, helping organize Mass and support the Catholic community on campus.
“I joked about retiring four or five times,” she said, “but I kept working full-time.”
Sr. Colette’s presence at Immanuel continues to be a source of strength and leadership.
“We are effective in each other’s lives, and that’s a gift,” she said.
A legacy that lives on
At Immanuel Village, the Sisters’ presence continues to enrich the lives of fellow residents and staff alike. As Sr. Jeanne put it, “We trust in Providence, just as Catherine taught.”
In doing so, they continue to live mercy, every day.
