As the Catholic Church observes the Year of Consecrated Life proclaimed internationally by Pope Francis, March 8-14 is designated in the United States as the second annual National Catholic Sisters Week.
Both observances serve to highlight and recognize contributions of persons who have dedicated their lives to vows and consecrated service. Each observance also encourages young adults to be open to vocational calls to religious life.
During National Catholic Sisters Week this year, leadership of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCLs) has invited members of the religious community to pray for persons with whom they have ministered and with whom they continue to minister and for individuals served by the community over the past 157 years since its founding.
“While we appreciate the recognition of National Catholic Sisters Week, we want to use this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to those who have shared in our ministries and those with whom and for whom we have served,” said Sister Maureen Hall, SCL community director. “Our prayers of thanksgiving will extend across the United States and around the world during this special week.”
Varied ministries, common commitment
Across the world, SCLs serve in education, health care, social services, pastoral and prayer ministries. They are in missionary roles in Peru and South Sudan, on Native American reservations in Montana and with rebuilding efforts in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. They are strong advocates for social justice and care of creation and against human trafficking.
SCL members include leaders. Among them, Sister Susan Wood is president of the Catholic Theological Society of America. Sister Diane Steele is president of the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, Kan. Sister Elizabeth Youngs has recently been named superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Jefferson City, Mo. They serve on boards of directors and in other administrative roles.
Over the past two years in Leavenworth, the SCLs opened Welcome Central, a clearinghouse to help people navigate complex systems to apply for benefits and jobs or receive other assistance. They also collaborated with area Leavenworth churches and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas to provide overnight shelter for persons who are homeless.
Sister Paula Tweet recently received the 2015 Jo Ann Harrington-Nobili Award for Academic Excellence in Butte, Mont. In Denver, Clínica Tepeyac, that provides health care for the underserved, presented the religious community with its 2014 Outstanding Community Partner Award. Of 130,000 employees in Ascension Health, Sister Marie Madeleine Shonka merited the large Catholic health system’s Individual Mission and Values Award for her work at Seton Center, Kansas City, Mo.
“We have outstanding women in our community who have served in many different ministries,” Sister Maureen added. “Each SCL has heard and responded to the call to serve as an individual and as a member of our community. We have been blessed with these talented and generous women of faith.”
The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth were founded in 1858 by Mother Xavier Ross. The religious community traces its roots to St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac in 17th century France.
– From Therese Horvat