PASSINGS
Sister Luella Dames, CPPS, was one of the founding directors of the St. Louis Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and worked with her over the years.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Luella was celebrated December 16, 2022. Sister Luella died December 11th, at the age of 89. How appropriate that one whose life was so steeped in the liturgical year should celebrate Gaudete Sunday rejoicing in the arms of God.
Luella Dames was born in O’Fallon, MO on January 24, 1933, the third of ten children. She entered the community of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood on January 24, 1955 and professed first vows on August 10, 1957.
Sister Luella earned a BA degree in education at the University of Missouri. She held three master’s degrees: one in Counseling from Indiana State University; one in Spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, NE; and one in Music Education from Washington University in St. Louis.
Sister Luella taught elementary grades at Holy Family, St Clement, Our Lady of Fatima, and Sacred Heart Schools in the St. Louis area. She was a teaching principal at St. Agnes, Bloomsdale, MO. Sister Luella also served as a counselor at St. Elizabeth Academy in St. Louis and as a campus minister and instructor at St. Mary’s College in O’Fallon, MO. She gave ten years of service as vocation directress, leading her community’s efforts to promote vocations to religious life.
Love of the liturgy was a cornerstone of Sister Luella’s life. She served as organist and director of liturgy at Incarnate Word Parish in Chesterfield, MO; at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in St. Charles, MO; as well as at the motherhouse in O’Fallon, MO. Leading persons to know and love God was the primary motivator in Sister Luella’s life. Throughout her ministries as teacher, vocation promoter, musician, spiritual director, and as a liturgical educator, planner and leader, her desire was always the same – to help others deepen their relationship with God.
Sister Luella was intense and determined in her efforts to promote an appreciation of the Eucharist and the Divine Office. She was active in the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, was one of the founding directors who signed the First Charter of the St. Louis Chapter in October 1981 and was instrumental in the formation of the Duchesne Branch in 1991, serving as its founding director. In 2002 she was nominated for the St. Clare of Assisi Award by the St. Louis Archdiocesan Committee on Women in the Church. This award honors women who guide and accompany others on their faith journey.
Sister Luella wrote that she wanted her funeral liturgy “to be a very joyful celebration – a victory event.” She chose Psalm 117:2 for her memorial card, “Strong is God’s love for us; God is faithful forever.” We give thanks that she is now experiencing the fullness of this proclamation and trust that she now rests in full awareness of God’s strong, faithful love.
Our dear friend and gifted colleague, we will miss you!
René Gottard Zajner
Born September 22, 1959 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Died at home July 8, 2022 in O’Fallon, IL, USA at age 62.
Predeceased by parents Walter and Maria Zajner and brother André (2019). He is survived by brothers Peter (m. Maria Miller) of Toronto, Ontario and Michael (m. Lisa) of LaSalle, Ontario.
René was the dear uncle to Katherine, Michael and Christopher.
René held a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from University of Toronto, 1983 and Master of Arts (Economics) from University of Guelph, 1988.
René was an early enthusiast for computer programming. His skills were used a customer service manager for Thomson Reuters, having been employed there from 1989 to 2007. This job took him from Toronto to London, England, to Chicago and ultimately to Saint Louis.
René had a lifelong passion for music. He held the position of music director and organist at Our Lady of Providence (Crestwood, Missouri) and Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church (Des Peres, Missouri). He had previously served in various positions in churches in the St Louis, Chicago and Toronto areas. René was a member of the American Guild of Organists and National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
René was an avid photographer with membership in the Saint Louis Photography Club.
In his last days, René’s spirit was lifted to great heights by the support of those who knew him. The family is grateful to all the support from those who visited him in hospital and at home, those who wrote to him by mail and text message; to those who called him in his last days and those who said his name in prayer.
René will be remembered as a gifted musician, photographer and kind person.
Cremation to take place with internment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill, Ontario next to his parents and brother André.
Funeral mass will follow at Our Lady of Providence at a date to be determined in September 2022.
NOTICES AND Other Musical Opportunities
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Liturgy Notes
For all Pastoral Musicians who would like to receive information from the Office of Sacred Worship:
The Office of Sacred Worship has launched an e-newsletter: Liturgy Notes. They send it out throughout the different liturgical seasons of the year. If you would like to sign-up to receive the e-newsletter, please do so at the following link: email.archstl.org/k/Archdiocese/office_of_sacred_worship_subscribe