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July 1, 2013
Sister Maria Raquel Newman entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament on Feb. 11, 1986, desiring to fulfill a life of total giving of herself to God and to the service of the people of God.
She professed first vows on Jan. 23, 1988, and on July 27, 1991 she celebrated her perpetual vows at Incarnate Word Convent in Corpus Christi.
Baptized Maria Raquel, she was born in Corpus Christi on May 8, 1959 to Jesse Assucion Newman and Velma Chano Newman. She attended area elementary schools and graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 1977.
Sister Raquel worked as an administrative assistant and religion teacher at Incarnate Word Academy Middle School in 1987-1988. She studied at Del Mar College for a time. In 1992, she earned a B. A. degree from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, graduating with a major in religion and a minor in business management.
She continued her education, engaging in a graduate course in current theological issues at Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. Sister Raquel speaks of her education with a sense of wonder and satisfaction. She said that, during her teen years, the pursuit of a college education had not been among her goals in life; she never imagined going to college.
When Sister was a novice, her director–Sister Maria Elizabeth Brehony–recognized her potential for academic work and encouraged her to take “just one college course at a time.”
“I discovered a whole new world in learning. If it had not been for the sisters’ encouragement and support, I would not have taken the risk of going back to school. My community has taught me to grow and mature in the Lord,” Sister Raquel said, referring to her formative years of religious life.
Sister Raquel has many hobbies. She is an avid reader and a Star Trek fan. She has mastered computer skills, doing programming and setting up websites for the congregation and for Incarnate Word Academy. Sister longs for sufficient time to do wood carving, which she finds a prayerful activity. She enjoys photography, especially nature shots, all types of music and genealogy. She has served as music accompanist, playing guitar and mandolin for various events, including the celebration of the liturgy.
Sister Raquel has worked and chaired numerous commissions and committees for the congregation, including secretary and active delegate to general chapters, and as Sister-in-Charge of the Motherhouse.
Presently Sister Raquel teaches religion and yearbook classes at Incarnate Word Academy in Corpus Christi. She is a great fan and supporter of the IWA sports teams, and has directed her students in the production of excellent yearbooks documenting the growth and spirit of IWA as an exceptional Catholic school centered in the person of Jesus, the Incarnate Word.