Congratulations to Sister Pat Eeckhout, who recently celebrated her 50th Jubilee as a member of the Congregation of Divine Providence (CDP). Sister Pat has been at DLS since 2000; she taught English until 2012, and then became a bookkeeper in the DLS Business Department.

The Detroit-area native attended St. Isaac Jogues in St. Clair Shores for grade school, and St. Gertrude High School, also in St. Clair Shores.

The CDP congregation staffed St. Isaac Jogues at that time, a major influence in her decision to pursue a religious vocation with that group.

Reflecting on her life as a Sister of Divine Providence, she said, “The only person who knew I was entering religious life was my mother. I was surprised that God had called me to be a religious. I had applied for a position with the Detroit Police Academy, but I felt God was calling me to serve Him in religious life. I decided to enter the Sisters of Divine Providence to see if this was a true calling from God. 

“After I had lived with the Sisters for three months, I received an acceptance letter from the Detroit Police Academy. At that point in my life, I was committed to God and his calling me to a vocation.  

“I never looked back. I am grateful that God called me to the Sisters of Divine Providence, and I continue to say ‘Yes’ daily to my vocation. I enjoyed teaching high school students for 40 years. 

“I also enjoy my ministry as a bookkeeper and meeting parents on a different level. I know I have been blessed throughout my life in my ministries and as a religious sister. I thank God for the ability to serve as a Provident Woman with the Sisters of Divine Providence.”

Prior to De La Salle, she taught English at Bishop Canevin High School in Pittsburgh from 1974 - 1980, and at Bishop Gallagheer High School in Harper Woods from 1980 - 2000. 

For several years, Sister Pat has shared an apartment with Sister Kathleen Matz, also a CDP, who is now at De La Salle as one of the Campus Ministers.