Obituary of Florita Rodman C.D.P.

Sr. Florita Rodman, C.D.P, 82, of Kingston, died on November 8, 2014. Daughter of George and Anna (Judermanns) Rodman. She was the oldest of seven children. Educated first as a primary teacher, and later achieving a masters degree in theological studies, Sister Florita continued to study throughout her life, receiving certificates in religious education, as a pastoral associate, and in pastoral administration. Sister Florita's ministry expanded into religious education and pastoral ministry in parishes of the Archdiocese of Boston, in Ocean bluff, Plymouth, and East Weymouth. After first vows, Sister Florita taught in the Pittsburgh Diocese in Beaver Falls, Etna, and Sharpsburg. She was then missioned to New England to teach at Sacred Heart High School in Kingston. In 1980, envisioning new ways of relationship within the community, Sister Florita initiated the Associate Program and was its director for the first twelve years. Sister Florita was an accomplished seamstress, and sewing gave her great pleasure. Creator and director of CHRISM, many lay men and women were prepared for responsible roles in the church through this training program of the Archdiocese of Boston. She was elected Director of the national USA East of the Faith and Light Communities, and organization serving people with disabilities, and was a part of the group which established the National Association of Lay Ministers (NALM). From 1999 until 2011, Sister Florita had the great joy of being Resident Pastoral Minister at St. Helen's Parish in Amory, Mississippi, where she developed a strong community and called forth the laity of that parish to lead its programs and it's outreach to the poor. In the last few years she has served as a volunteer at St. Kateri Parish in W. Plymouth. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, November 12th at the Providence House, 363 Bishop's Highway, Kingston from 2-5 and 6-7:30PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 13th at 3:00 PM at the Providence House, Kingston. Interment will be in Our Lady of Divine Providence cemetery, Kingston. Donations may be made in Sr. Rodman's memory to the Sisters of the Divine Providence, 363 Bishop's Highway, Kingston, MA 02364. Shepherd Funeral Home, Kingston. www.shepherdfuneralhome.com