50th Entrance
Sister Jane Winterson
Birth name: Helen Jane Winterson
Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska
Entrance: 1975
First profession: 1977
Final profession: 1980
Education: Bachelor’s in biology, Duchesne College, Omaha, Nebraska, 1958
Master’s in biophysics, Atomic Energy Commission (University of Washington), 1967
Certificate, secondary education, Missouri, 1969
Master’s in counseling and guidance, University of Missouri, St. Louis, 1969
Associate’s in Nursing, Maryville College, St. Louis, 1974
Master’s in hospital administration, University of Notre Dame, 1981
Registered nurse degrees in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and Texas
Certificate, Cardiac Intensive Care, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1993
Service in the archdiocese: Nursing, St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, 1975
Volunteer nurse, Meacham Park Health Center, St. Louis, 1976-77
Director of planning, Management and Consulting Office and Sisters of Mercy Health System, St. Louis, 1980-87
Service outside the archdiocese: Nursing in Plainview, Texas, and Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1975-76
Administrative assistant, Mercy Hospital, New Orleans, 1977-78
Vice president for planning, St. John’s Regional Medical Center, Springfield, Missouri, 1978-80
Director of religious education and Eucharistic minister to Alaskan islands, Church of St. Gregory, Sitka, Alaska, 1987-88
Nursing research, St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1988-89
Outpatient nursing, Psycho-Social Rehab Center, Jackson, Mississippi, 1989
Retirement administrator and community coordinator, McAuley Center, Farmington Hills, Michigan, 1990-95
Vice president, St. Mary’s Hospital, Enid, Oklahoma, 1995-98
Intern in housing development, Mercy Housing, Inc, Nampa, Idaho, 1998-99
Family care, Sisters of Mercy, Omaha, Nebraska, 1999-2000
Administrator, Mississippi Delta Ministries — Mercy Learning and Recreational Center, Rolling Fork, Mississippi, 2000-02
Volunteer math teacher and family care, Omaha, Nebraska, 2002-05
English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, Mount St. Mary High School, Oklahoma City, 2005-06
Volunteer math teacher, Sacred Heart Parish and School, Oklahoma City, 2006-23
Retired, Sisters of Mercy, Omaha, Nebraska, 2023-present
About Sister Jane Winterson: During a 1986 fall sabbatical, Sister Jane spent three months at an outpost nursing station in Grand Rapids, Manitoba. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police would bring patients to this station, which was three hours from the nearest hospital. She treated Native Americans, Anglo Americans and Mati (mixed Native Americans). While ministering there, she lived in a government trailer on the river. It was a memorable experience. Sister Jane also has a favorite prayer, from the Suscipe of the Sisters of Mercy foundress, Catherine McAuley: “My God, I am yours for time and eternity. Teach me to cast myself entirely into the arms of your loving Providence with a lively, unlimited confidence in your compassionate, tender pity. Grant, O merciful Redeemer, That whatever you ordain or permit may be acceptable to me. Take from my heart all painful anxiety; let nothing sadden me but sin, nothing delight me but the hope of coming to the possession of You, my God and my all, in your everlasting kingdom. Amen.”
60th Entrance
Sister Margaret Mary Andrews
Birth name: Margaret Eileen Andrews
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri
Entrance: 1965
First profession: 1968
Final profession: 1971
Education: Certificate in math and English, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1976
Certificate, AHIMA-Health Information/Medical Records, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1997
Licensed practical nurse certificate, Nichols Career Center, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1972
Service in the archdiocese: Resident, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2017-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Speech education, Convent of Mercy, Swinford, County Mayo, Ireland, 1965-68
Domestic assistance, Convent of Mercy, Collooney, County Sligo, Ireland, 1968-71
Nurse’s aide, St. Mary’s Hospital, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1971-73
Licensed practical nurse, St. Mary’s Hospital and St. Joseph Home for the Aged, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1973-81 and 1982-89
Sabbatical (religion courses), Maynooth College, Dublin, Ireland, 1981-82
Archivist, St. John’s Regional Health Center, Springfield, Missouri, 1989-91
Volunteer, St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1991-98
Sister’s presence, Mercy Hospital, Independence, Kansas, 1998-2015
Stephen’s Ministry, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Springfield, Missouri, 2015-17
Volunteer, Mercy Hospital-Springfield, Springfield, Missouri, 2015-17
About Sister Margaret Mary Andrews: Sister Margaret Mary is caretaker of the chapel and serves on the liturgy committee at Catherine’s Residence. A couple favorite prayers she leans on include, “Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may know your truth,” and “Lead me, Lord, along the everlasting ways.” Through her mother’s guidance years ago, she began working on her family tree and really enjoys that. There are more than 50,000 people contributing to that tree through Ancestry.com. She also enjoys crocheting and is currently taking an online course in Spanish.
Sister Mary Agnes Brueggen
Birth name: Agnes Elizabeth Brueggen
Birthplace: Mexico, Missouri
Entrance: 1965
First profession: 1968
Final profession: 1973
Education: Certificate in secondary education, Missouri, 1971
Bachelor’s in secondary education, Maryville College, St. Louis, 1971
Certificate in religious formation and spiritual direction, Loretto Heights, Denver, 1980
Certificate as advanced catechist, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, 1991
Master’s in pastoral studies, Loyola University, Chicago, 1991
Certificate in mission services, Sisters of Mercy Health System, St. Louis, 1997
Certificate as trustee, Sisters of Mercy Health System, St. Louis, 1998
Service in the archdiocese: Retreat team, Mercy Retreat House, St. Louis, 1968-69
Teacher, Mercy High School, St. Louis, 1976-79
Formation team, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Mercy Center, St. Louis, 1980-87
Mission integration facilitator, Mercy Hospital, Washington, 1997-99
Spiritual direction and retreat ministry, Mercy Conference and Retreat Center, St. Louis, 1999-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Sacred Heart High School, Biloxi, Mississippi, 1971-76
Teacher and campus minister, Mount St. Mary High School, Oklahoma City, 1989-96
About Sister Mary Agnes Brueggen: Sister Agnes very much enjoys spending quiet, contemplative time outdoors, enjoying God’s amazing Creation — gardening and tending to the well-being of our “common home” or simply walking, hiking, visiting parks and other beautiful places. She also relishes the time for reading, reflecting and chatting with others about the goodness and challenges of life. Membership and ministry with the Sisters of Mercy has been both a privilege and a challenge for her! She says, “It’s a true blessing to serve with so many dedicated sisters and co-workers committed to sharing God’s mercy, continually searching for the best ways to respond to unmet needs in our world. Serving the people of God through many different Works of Mercy has been a meaningful, precious gift!”
Sister Richard Mary Burke
Birth name: Charlene Marie Burke
Birthplace: New Orleans
Entrance: 1965
First profession: 1968
Final profession: 1973
Education: Certificate in secondary education, Missouri, 1971
Bachelor’s in English, Maryville College, St. Louis, 1971
Certificate in secondary education,
Missouri, 1973
Master’s in secondary administration, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 1981
Certificate in secondary education, Arkansas, 1988
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Mercy High School, St. Louis, 1974-77
Member of the St. Louis Regional Leadership Team: Councilor, 1992-2004, and Regional President, 1996-2004, Mercy Center, St. Louis
Assistant Sister Life Minister for the local community, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2021-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1968; Metairie, Louisiana, 1969; Mission, Texas, 1971-73; New Orleans, 1973-74
Teacher, chairperson of the religion department, principal and secondary President, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1977-91
Sabbatical, St. John’s Convent, Springfield, Missouri, 2004-05
Staff member, Mission Services/Mercy Services, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, 2005-12
Staff member, Mission Services and Leadership Development, Mercy Springfield Health Communities, Springfield, Missouri, 2012-21
About Sister Richard Mary Burke: Sister Richard Mary is deeply proud of her Irish heritage and faith development in the legacy of her family and religious community. These two groups have formed her “families of origin.” They have also deepened her passion for service, community and the joyful celebration of life. They ignited her desire to always strive to be a part of something bigger than herself!
Sister Anita Marie DeSalvo
Birth name: Anita Louise DeSalvo
Birthplace: Little Rock, Arkansas
Entrance: 1965
First profession: 1968
Final profession: 1971
Education: Certificate in elementary education, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas
Bachelor’s in elementary education, Maryville College, St. Louis, 1971
Master’s in elementary education, Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, 1977
Certificate in SMHS Board of Trustees Internship Program, Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma, 1987
Certificate in focus on leadership in ministry, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, 1990
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joan of Arc School, St. Louis, 1978-81
Director of formation, Sisters of Mercy Regional Community of St. Louis, St. Louis, 1990-2001
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Meridian, Mississippi, 1968-69; St. Martinville, Louisiana, 1971-75; Little Rock, Arkansas, 1975-78; Oklahoma City 1981-82
Principal, Sacred Heart Parish, Oklahoma City, 1982-89
Mission integration, St. Mary’s Hospital, Rogers, Arkansas, 2001-08
Mission team, education and Sister Presence on the Leadership Team, Mercy Medical Center NWA, Rogers, Arkansas, 2009-21
Assistant director, Hesychia House of Prayer, New Blaine, Arkansas, 2021-present
About Sister Anita Marie DeSalvo: Sister Anita Marie was blessed to have attended school with the Sisters of Mercy for 12 years. From an early age she felt God’s call to become a sister. By the end of her senior year in high school, she knew through a discernment process that God was inviting her to become a Sister of Mercy. She was drawn to Catherine McAuley’s deep love and care for those who were underserved. She has continued to share God’s mercy and love through a variety of ministries. One of her favorite Biblical quotes is Isaiah 43:1-5. “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel; fear not I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine! I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in return for you. Because you are precious in my eyes and glorious and because I love you! Fear not, I am with you” She continues to grow in the awareness that God initiated her call to love and serve God and God’s people. God continues to enable her to respond “yes” every day.
Sister Katherine Marie Glosenger
Birthplace: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Entrance: 1965
First profession: 1968
Final profession: 1973
Education: Bachelor’s in mathematics, Fontbonne College, St. Louis, 1971
Master’s in health care administration, Washington University, St. Louis, 1978
Service in the archdiocese: Administrative assistant, St. John’s Mercy Hospital-St. Louis, St. Louis, 1978
Vice president, St. Francis Mercy Hospital-Washington, Washington, 1978-79
Intern to become treasurer for St. Louis Province of the Sisters of Mercy, St. Louis, 1979-80
Treasurer, Sisters of Mercy Regional Community of St. Louis, St. Louis, 1980-2008
SMHS Primary Board Ministry, St. Louis and Washington, 2011-21
Class-A board member for Mercy Health, Chesterfield, 2021-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Greenville, Mississippi, 1968-69; Little Rock, Arkansas, 1969, 1971-72
Financial assistant, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 1972-74
Administrative assistant, Mercy Health Center, Fort Scott, Kansas, 1975-76
Administrative resident, Hillcrest Medical Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1977-78
Project manager, Mercy Family Center, Metairie, Louisiana, 2010-19
Volunteer, Mercy Convent, Nashville, Tennessee, 2019-22
Sister Michael Mary Gutowski
Birth name: Frances. L. Gutowski
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri
Entrance: 1965
First profession: 1968
Final profession: 1975
Education: Certificate as registered nurse, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Texas, 1965
Registered nurse degree, Mercy School of Nursing, Fort Scott, Kansas, 1965
Bachelor’s in nursing, Marillac, St. Louis, 1971
Master’s in nursing, Louisiana State School of Health Sciences, New Orleans, 1984
Doctorate in nursing, Louisiana School of Health Sciences, New Orleans, 1995
Master’s in counseling, University of Holy Cross New Orleans, New Orleans, 2019
Service in the archdiocese: Resident, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2024-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Staff nurse, Mercy Regional Medical Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1968-69
Floor supervisor and director of nursing, Mercy Hospital, Laredo, Texas, 1971-74
Staff nurse and interim director of nursing, Mercy Hospital, New Orleans, 1974-78
Intern in nursing administration, Ochsner Foundation Hospital, New Orleans, 1980-81
Associate director of nursing, St. Claude General Hospital, New Orleans, 1981-82
Director of nursing (established the Nursing Department), Crescent City Health Care Center, New Orleans, 1983-85
Associate professor of nursing, Dillard University, New Orleans, 1986-92 and 1994-98
Associate professor of nursing, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, New Orleans, 1998-2015
Board member, Mercy Family Center, Metairie, Louisiana, 2015-16
School counselor, St. Alphonsus Catholic School, New Orleans, 2016-24
About Sister Michael Mary Gutowski: Sister Michael Mary has loved nursing since she was a little girl, and she knew she would also become a sister at some point. As she says, “I went to a Mercy School of Nursing and was introduced to Catherine McAuley, our foundress, and here I am 60 years later!”
Sister Lee Ann McNally
Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Entrance: 1965
First profession: 1968
Final profession: 1973
Education: Certificate in secondary education, Missouri and Louisiana, 1971
Bachelor’s in English, Maryville College, St. Louis, 1971
Master’s in secondary education, Loyola University, New Orleans, 1977
Master’s in adult faith development, Loyola University, Chicago 1983
Chaplaincy certification, Arkansas Department of Corrections, 2004
Certification in spiritual direction, Franciscan Center, Portland, Oregon, 2024
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Mercy High School, St. Louis, 1983-85
Sabbatical, Turtle Creek Apartments and Sisters of Mercy, Chesterfield, 2021-23
Spiritual director, Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis and Coordinator of Eucharistic Ministers at St. Monica’s Parish, Creve Coeur, 2023-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Biloxi, Mississippi, 1968-69; Kenner, Louisiana, 1971-74; New Orleans, 1974-77; Jeanerette, Louisiana, 1977-82; Little Rock, Arkansas, 1997-2003
Teacher and campus minister, Mercy Academy, New Orleans, 1985-90
Pastoral associate, Our Lady of Holy Souls Parish, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1990-2000
Executive director, Center for Women in Transition, Little Rock, Arkansas, 2000-15
Community life coordinator, Sacred Heart Convent, Belmont, North Carolina, 2015-21
70th Entrance
Sister Mary Elisa Bauman
Birth name: Mary Louise Bauman
Birthplace: Little Rock, Arkansas
Entrance: 1955
First profession: 1958
Final profession: 1961
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Webster College, St. Louis, 1960
Master’s in English, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1967
Certificate in secondary education, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 1970
Service in the archdiocese: Resident, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2022-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher and principal, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1960-61 and, 1963-80
Teacher, Bishop McGuinness High School, Oklahoma City, 1961-63
Sabbatical, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, 1980-81
Campus ministry leader and principal, Mercy Cross High School, Biloxi, Mississippi, 1981-86
Assistant principal, campus ministry and teacher of Latin and religion, Our Lady Academy, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, 1986-2022
About Sister Mary Elisa Bauman: In her education ministries, Sister Elisa was an avid, dedicated classroom teacher and educator, committed to her students, their parents and her fellow faculty members. She enthusiastically supported the community where she lived and ministered. She is passionate in her love for her faith, family, religious community and all those with whom she served in education at each place where she was missioned.
Sister Ann Crouse
Birth name: Ruth Ann Crouse
Birthplace: Altoona, Pennsylvania
Entrance: 1955
First profession: 1958
Final profession: 1961
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education, College Misericordia, Dallas, Pennsylvania, 1961
Master’s in pastoral ministry, St. Joseph College, West Hartford, Connecticut, 1975
Master’s in pastoral counseling, St. Joseph College, West Hartford, Connecticut, 1976
Service in the archdiocese: Co-director, McAuley Counseling Services and McAuley Wholistic Services, Inc, St. Louis, 2012-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 1960-62; Portage, Pennsylvania, 1962-65; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 1965-68; Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 1971-72
Principal, Our Lady of Lourdes School, Altoona, Pennsylvania, 1968-71
Pastoral counselor/adult education, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 1972-79 and, 1980-82
Sisters of Mercy Leadership Team, Scranton Province Provincialate, Dallas, Pennsylvania, 1982-90
Pastoral counselor in Dallas, Pennsylvania; Biloxi, Mississippi; and Springfield, Missouri, 1990-99
Co-founder and pastoral counselor/adult education, McAuley Counseling Services, Springfield, Missouri, 1999-2012
About Sister Ann Crouse: Sister Ann’s ministry goal has always been to bring the words of St. Irenaeus of Lyons to the daily life of the people of God: “The glory of God is the person fully alive.” She has strongly practiced this belief in each of her ministries and personal experiences. Venerable Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, also strongly encouraged her sisters to respect and honor the dignity of each person. Catherine and Irenaeus have been her faithful mentors throughout her life. She finds enjoyment through the opportunities of traveling, playing board games, spending time in nature, reading and being with friends and family.
Sister Mary Lalemant Pelikan
Birth name: Mary Virginia Pelikan
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1955
First profession: 1958
Final profession: 1961
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Webster College, St. Louis, 1960
Certificate in secondary education, Missouri, 1968
Master’s in counseling, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1969
Certificate in counseling, Missouri, 1970
Advanced certificate in spiritual direction, Oblate School of theology, San Antonio, 2004
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, counselor and assistant administrator, Mercy High School, St. Louis, 1965-74
Resident, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Portageville, Missouri, 1960-61; Chaffee, Missouri, 1961-62; McAllen, Texas, 1962-63; Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1963-65
Director, St. Alice Catechetical Center, Plainview, Texas, 1974-79
Director of catechetics in Plainview and Silverton, Texas, 1979-85
Pastoral administrator, Memphis, Texas, 1985-94; Turkey, Texas, 1985-94; Haskell, Texas, 1994-97; Stamford, Texas, 1994-97
Diocesan coordinator of catechetics, Diocese of Lubbock, Lubbock, Texas, 1997-2018
About Sister Mary Lalemant Pelikan: One of Sister Lalemant’s favorite parts of being a religious woman is the shared community life and prayers! She lived alone for several years and is delighted to be reunited with other Sisters of Mercy again. She has many hobbies, some of which age and diminishing physical strength prevent her from partaking in, such as gardening, hiking and camping. But she still enjoys knitting, crocheting, tatting, embroidery, quilting and, recently, spinning! Music has always been a big part of her life, and she enjoys listening to recorded music in her room. She is grateful the St. Louis County Library comes every two weeks with new reading material. Crossword and jigsaw puzzles are good community projects, as well as games of all sorts. She is not much into TV, except to cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals with others during televised baseball games. She says being with her sisters, nieces and nephews, other guests who visit, and the wonderful staff at Catherine’s Residence is very life-giving!
Sister Mary Sharon Schmitz
Birth name: Aurelia Marie Schmitz
Birthplace: Pana, Illinois
Entrance: 1955
First profession: 1958
Final profession: 1961
Education: Certificate in nursing, 1953, and certificate as registered nurse, 1955, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri
Bachelor’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1955
Master’s in nursing and nursing education administration, Catholic University, Washington, D.C., 1963-64
Bachelor’s in theology, Jesuit School of theology, Chicago, 1980
Master’s in divinity in theology, Jesuit School of Theology, Chicago, 1980
Certificate in Reiki, Reiki School, St. Louis, 1993
Certificate in Transfer Breath Therapy, International Breath Institute, Boulder, Colorado, 1995
Service in the archdiocese: Clinical instructor and supervisor, surgical supervisor and vocation coordinator Mercy Hospital-St. Louis, St. Louis, 1958-64
Instructor, St. John Hospital School of Nursing, St. Louis, 1956-62 and 1963-64
Volunteer, Prison Ministry, St. Louis, 1993-2019
Founder, Center for Women in Transition, St. Louis, 1993-2019
Volunteer, Buzz Westfall Justice Center, St. Louis, 2009-14
Resident, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Director of nursing and nursing school, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, 1964-74
Parish minister, St. Patrick School/Parish, Meridian, Mississippi, 1975-77
Student, Jesuit School of Theology, Chicago, 1977-80
Adult education and formation, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Kenner, Louisiana, 1981-92
About Sister Mary Sharon Schmitz: Sister Sharon has always been interested in reading, genealogy and adult formation. Her life has been enriched by sharing these experiences and insights as an educator, administrator and outreach coordinator in dialogue, reflections, homilies and presentations. She has also found great joy working with incarcerated women from 1992 to 2019 through the ministry she founded, Women in Transition. This experience was best actualized in her book, “I Am Somebody,” a book based on the interviews, reflections and dialogue with women who shared their life stories and experiences of living in and through the Criminal Justice System. Her interests in the causes for women, the study of theology and the sharing of faith have all graced her life and spirituality.
75th Entrance
Sister Cleopha Ruth Heinrich
Birthplace: Slaton, Texas
Entrance: 1950
First profession: 1953
Final profession: 1956
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education, Webster College, St. Louis, 1955
Master’s in administration, Our Lady of the Lakes College, San Antonio, 1969
Service in the archdiocese: Sister Presence, St. Rose Hospital, St. Louis, 1965-66
Teacher, Annunciation School, St. Louis, 1977-80
Sabbatical, DeMattias Hall, St. Louis, 1980-81
Resident, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2016-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Slaton, Texas, 1955-58; Umbarger, Texas, 1958-65 and 1966-67; N. Little Rock, Arkansas, 1970-72
Teacher and principal in Amarillo, Texas, 1972-77 and 1981-83
Director of senior citizen program, Our Lady of Lourdes Community Center, New Orleans, 1983-92
Administrator of Women’s Power Project, Catholic Family Services, Lubbock, Texas, 1992-2001
Resident, Casa Merced, Lubbock, Texas, 2001-02
Director of GED and sewing program and grant writer, St. Gabriel Mercy Center, Mound Bayou, Mississippi, 2002-14
About Sister Cleopha Ruth Heinrich: When Sister Cleo first moved into Catherine’s Residence about 10 years ago, she didn’t have a hobby. But she knew how to crochet, and she began teaching a few others. Although she has very limited eyesight, she started making prayer shawls. Since then, she has crocheted more than 100 prayer shawls. The stitch is simple, and much of her handiwork is done by feeling. She has moved from making darker colored shawls to lighter, which are easier to see. She puts the finished prayer shawls in the Mercy gift shop, where proceeds support the homeless, or passes them along. Since her vision is impaired, she listens to books on tape while creating her prayer shawls. The book titles include spiritual readings, novels and some biographies. Religious life, and helping others, has meant everything to her. She grew up with the Sisters of Mercy in Slaton, Texas, where they taught in the schools. The sisters became a part of her family, and her elder biological sister was also in the community. As Sister Cleo says, “God let me know that’s where I needed to be.”
Sister Mary Jonella Rhoda
Birth name: Joan Louise Rhoda
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1950
First profession: 1953
Final profession: 1956
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education, Webster College, St. Louis, 1955
Master’s in mathematics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1967
Certificate in administration, Missouri Life Secondary Administration, 1974
Certificate in administration, Louisiana Secondary Administration, 1980
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, 1962-66; and principal, 1973-80, Mercy High School, St. Louis
Administrator, Mercita Hall, St. Louis, 1967-73
Leadership team, Mercy Center, St. Louis, 1985-92
Mercy Community Service, St. Louis, 2002-06
Administrator, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2006-09
Volunteer, Mercy Neighborhood Ministry, St. Louis, 2009-13
Volunteer, Sophia-Mercy, St. Louis, 2009-18
Resident, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2018-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Sikeston, Missouri, 1955-58; Gillespie, Illinois, 1958-62; Little Rock, Arkansas, 1966-67
Principal in New Orleans, 1980-85
Sabbatical in Sydney, Australia, 1992; and Jerusalem, Israel, 1993
Administrator, Catherine McAuley Convent, Barling, Arkansas, 1993-99
Mercy Community Service, McAuley Place Residence, Metairie, Louisiana, 1999-2002
About Sister Mary Jonella Rhoda: Sister Jonella loved teaching and enjoyed the opportunity to help students learn. While ministering in Mercita Hall from 1967 to 1973, she even taught the girls to sew their own clothing. A former student from her first teaching ministry in 1955 at St. Francis Xavier called her about a decade ago to tell her how much he and fellow students liked her. She taught that class of students for three consecutive years. As she says, “When I get to heaven, I hope to find out that they really liked me.” One of her favorite quotes is: “Those who teach will forever shine in heaven.” Sister Jonella enjoys gardening and is currently growing 20 bonsai trees from seeds. She loves the art of doing this and appreciates the patience it takes to nurture them and watch them sprout. Eventually, she plans to give them away. She has always enjoyed being in community with the Sisters of Mercy. Although her traveling days have slowed down, she still visits her niece in Baltimore. Another quote that holds a special place in her heart is by English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson: “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”
