Sister Christine Manderfeld is always “thinking music.” This is not surprising given her start: “My mother taught me to sing at 18 months, and by three years she had me singing alto!” She and her older sister, Mary, harmonized together with her mother, Bernadette (Marti) whenever and wherever possible. Her father, Christian Manderfeld, was also musical, although his real gift was creative writing. S. Christine has a deep love and gratitude for her family.

Another person to gift her childhood was “Pa,” a neighbor. Christine was fascinated by him. “He was kind of mysterious,” she says. “He brought me into a different world—the world of fantasy. He told me imaginative stories, recited poetry and taught me to tap dance. He showed me how to grow flowers.” She looked forward to their frequent visits.

S. Christine attended public schools in her hometown, and, when she was in sixth grade, added flute to her repertory of piano and voice. In 1957, she entered the College of Saint Benedict (CSB), where she often thought of being a Sister. She decided in her sophomore year to join. After her profession, S. Christine taught at several schools in the diocese. She also began working with choirs. Her last mission was St. Boniface School in Cold Spring, where she taught and directed parish choirs for 17 years.

S. Christine received her Master’s Degree in music education at Indiana University in 1970. Since 1981, she has taught at CSB, where she loves her students and teaching. She also directs the monastery schola and writes music. She enjoys writing descants and has done numerous arrangements.