Sister Joan Games carries her cross with faith and perseverance

Sister Joan Games of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart shared her experiences of illness and ministry during the 2026 Gentlemen’s Haberdashery. The annual fundraiser, held Oct. 1 at the Balboa Bay Resort, supports the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center in Santa Ana.

For over 50 years, Sister Joan has directed children’s ministries, led religious education programs, and worked at family camps and retreats. Despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999 and undergoing a 10-hour surgery for stenosis in 2016, she has continued her ministry. During her recovery, she created prayer books featuring photos of family and friends and began a daily practice of praying for the specific intentions of patients, nurses, and caregivers.

Sister Joan noted that she prefers to keep moving forward to help others know God. Her personal experiences with physical challenges informed this year's event theme, "Love Does Such Things."