​
Sister Christa Debacher ~ Sr. Kathy Carpenter
May 10, 1933 -February 08, 2025
Sr. Christa was born in Pittsville, MA and spent most of her teaching career on the East Coast, except for the 10 years she spent in South Africa. She entered the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1953 and in 1957 was sent to teach in South Africa. The years were difficult because of the heat, heavy habits, community members who spoke German, and children who did not speak English. Her charismatic smile and laughter, her love of teaching children, and deep spiritual life brought her through and back home, never regretting any of it.
Christa taught in various States for over 30 years. At Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Doylestown, PA, she was the Religious Education Director of a program with over 100 catechists and several thousand children. Her deep faith, many gifts, and stamina made these years memorable. During this time, the Spirit was calling her to live a less restrictive life, to be with the People of God and with God’s children without the confines of a highly structured community. During her summer retreat at Wernersville, she met Judy Roemer, who introduced her to A New Genesis. Her prayers were answered when she found companionship and freedom in the new community, and the supportive spirituality she was seeking.
Sr. Christa discovered her love for tennis at about age 50 became a competitive tennis player in local leagues in the Savannah area. The team members are still talking about her seriousness, competitiveness, and humor! She continued playing in until she was 81.
Christa enjoyed playing team Mahjongg, and was very competitive. Her hobbies were growing roses, gardening, being outdoors, and going to the mountains with family. She dearly loved her dogs, Tikki and Honey Bear. Christa was an avid reader throughout her life. She was in love with life and the God who created it. She lived in the moment and made the most of her life.