This year, the Catholic Church invites us into a Holy Year of Jubilee under the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ It is a sacred reminder that we are all journeying toward deeper faith — seeking Christ not only in distant holy places, but also in the ordinary moments of our daily lives.
For the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, this pilgrimage is lived out each day through prayer, community life, and ministry. Grounded in the sacraments and committed to a life of faithful service, the Sisters continue their journey with one another and with the support of dedicated lay collaborators who share in the mission across campus and beyond.
As we reflect on this holy year, we pause to hear from three people whose lives and work reflect this shared mission. In this special Take 5 feature, SSMO General Councilor-elect Sister Julie Doan, Maryville Chaplain Melissa McCoy, and SSMO Foundation Development Director Sharlayne Buuck, who recently retired after 14 years of service to the Sisters and their sponsored ministries, share what the Jubilee means to them and how they live as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ in their own way.
Sister Julie Doan, SSMO General Councilor-elect
How are you being called to live out hope in your work or daily life this year?
As I reflect on the 2025 Jubilee Year theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ I find myself standing at the threshold of a new journey. Recently elected as a General Councilor by my faith-filled Community, The Sisters of Saint Mary of Oregon, I will begin this new ministry on June 29, 2025. While it is a joyful and humbling call to serve, it also means stepping away from my current ministry as an elementary school teacher at Saint John Fisher. I have cherished my time there where I had the deep privilege of walking with young learners through faith, discovery, and growth.
The Jubilee tradition is rooted in rest, renewal and reconciliation. What is one way you are creating space for spiritual or personal renewal this year?
In this season of transition, I am especially drawn to the words of the Psalmist: “Here I am, Lord, I come to do Your will.” These words ground me in hope, not as a vague optimism, but as a trustful response to God’s loving and unfolding plan. Hope invites me to see each day as an opportunity to think, love, and serve as Jesus did — carrying forth the Gospel with joy, courage, and compassion.
Pilgrimage is a key part of the Jubilee—a journey both inward and outward. Is there a journey you have taken recently (literally or spiritually) that has helped you reflect more deeply on your faith?
To create space for renewal during this time, I find nourishment in quiet prayer, Eucharist, walks in nature, and conversations with people who reflect God’s grace in their lives. The inward journey has been just as meaningful as any outward one — a pilgrimage of the heart where I encounter God in both stillness and service.
The Biblical Jubilee called for justice — canceling debts, restoring land and uplifting the oppressed. What does “Jubilee justice” look like to you in today’s world?
Jubilee justice, to me, means restoring dignity, cultivating harmony, and nurturing spaces where every person’s gifts are honored. In a world that often moves quickly and divides easily, Jubilee calls us to pause, to reconcile, and to uplift one another in love.
As we celebrate the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation, where do you see signs of hope in our campus community or the world around you?
On our campus and beyond, I see signs of hope in the faithfulness of students, friends, and relatives, the dedication of faculty and staff, and the generosity of those who support our mission. We are a people on the move. We move toward God, toward one another, and toward a world renewed by mercy and justice. May we walk this path as true pilgrims – with open hearts, steady steps, and unwavering trust in God’s grace.
Melissa McCoy, Maryville Chaplain
The 2025 Jubilee Year invites us to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ How are you being called to live out hope in your work or daily life this year?
I view pilgrimage like a sculptor working with a block of marble. At first, the stone appears rough and imperfect — marked by layers that conceal its true form. As the sculptor chips away at those outer layers (our biases and ideologies) a masterpiece begins to emerge. Likewise, pilgrimage is a process of shedding what no longer serves us to uncover our truest selves. That transformation gives me hope. In my work as a chaplain, I trust that God is sculpting each of us and the world toward beauty and renewal. We are being formed into blessings for one another, just as it says in Genesis, “You will be a blessing to all the families of the earth.”
The Jubilee tradition is rooted in rest, renewal and reconciliation. What is one way you are creating space for spiritual or personal renewal this year?
The best advice I have ever received came from a 105-year-old resident at Maryville. She told me, “After work, you have to rest. My work is done; I rest a lot now.” That wisdom stayed with me. I have learned that when my body signals the need for renewal whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual, it is important to listen. Rest is not something to feel guilty about. It’s essential. When I take a break, I ask myself: “How quiet do I need this time to be? How long can I rest? How gently can I care for my body and soul?” Rest has become a spiritual practice. It allows me to show up with more presence and compassion.
Pilgrimage is a key part of the Jubilee—a journey both inward and outward. Is there a journey you have taken recently (literally or spiritually) that has helped you reflect more deeply on your faith?
Recently, I have been reflecting on what it means to be an Elder. An elder not only in age, but also in spiritual presence. Aging itself is a sacred journey, often marked by loss, grief, illness and the growing awareness of mortality. In these experiences, we encounter divine messengers who call us inward. For me, these moments create space for an inner jubilee — a time of discernment, purpose and grace.
The Biblical Jubilee called for justice — canceling debts, restoring land and uplifting the oppressed. What does “Jubilee justice” look like to you in today’s world?
Jubilee justice reminds us that we all have the gift of free will. God gives us the ability to choose again, to begin again, and to take responsibility for creating a more just and compassionate world. At Maryville, we live this spirit of justice by caring for those entrusted to us. Each day is an opportunity to start fresh by being present, by extending grace and by walking alongside others with love and humility.
As we celebrate the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation, where do you see signs of hope in our campus community or the world around you?
At Maryville, our mission, ‘Service with Love,’ is rooted in patient-centered care, and that mission feels more vital than ever. I see hope every day in our staff. They provide kindness, teamwork, and commitment to the dignity of each person they serve. Together, we are creating a space where the elderly are not just cared for, but truly seen and honored. That spirit of welcome, compassion and community is where I see the hope of Jubilee alive today.
Sharlayne Buuck, Retired SSMO Foundation Development Director
The 2025 Jubilee Year invites us to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ How are you being called to live out hope in your work or daily life this year?
Hope has taken root in my heart through the witness of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. Their ministry is lived through faith and action — and that is contagious. I have learned from their example that we can all be change-makers, and that small acts of kindness truly make a difference in the lives of others. It was a privilege to help sustain their 139-year legacy and walk alongside donors who shared their time, treasure, and stories with so much love. That shared commitment to something greater than ourselves gave me a deep, enduring sense of hope.
The Jubilee tradition is rooted in rest, renewal and reconciliation. What is one way you are creating space for spiritual or personal renewal this year?
For me, renewal means carrying forward the spirit of the Sisters in my daily life. Their Core Values continue to guide me: Live Valiantly. Strive for Excellence. Honor the Unique Gifts of Each Person. Celebrate God and Life. Those values ground me and serve as a compass as I move forward. I have learned to listen more closely to my faith and allow moments of grace, prayer, and reflection to restore me. That is where I find the space to begin again with clarity and purpose.
Pilgrimage is a key part of the Jubilee—a journey both inward and outward. Is there a journey you have taken recently (literally or spiritually) that has helped you reflect more deeply on your faith?
My journey on the SSMO campus has been both outward and inward. It started as a mom walking onto campus to enroll my son in high school. Then, it became a sacred walk alongside the Sisters, donors, and colleagues. Through God’s grace, I stepped boldly into a role that allowed me to collaborate with others and be creative in service of something meaningful. That experience shaped both my career and my heart. It helped me reflect on what it means to belong to a community rooted in faith, service, and compassion.
The Biblical Jubilee called for justice — canceling debts, restoring land and uplifting the oppressed. What does “Jubilee justice” look like to you in today’s world?
Jubilee justice means using your gifts to lift others up. On this campus, I saw that happen every day — through the care offered at Maryville, the dedication of Valley Catholic educators, and the generosity of donors supporting the Sisters’ mission. It takes creativity and courage to speak to the diverse needs of our community, but when we do it with humility and love, we move the mission forward. That is justice. That is how we become faithful stewards of the SSMO legacy and how we build upon that legacy for those who come after us.
As we celebrate the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation, where do you see signs of hope in our campus community or the world around you?
I see hope in the people who say “yes.” Yes to giving; yes to showing up. There is a spirit of unity and joy that comes from working together to fulfill a mission. I have been blessed to be surrounded by people who have said,“Yes” to the Sisters’ mission. That sense of community is a powerful source of hope that I will always carry with me.
