Women and men religious have special vocations to serve the people of God where they are and especially in times of need. Throughout their lives, these religious touch the lives of countless people, often quietly, and represent Jesus to many. We recognize the many here who have ties to the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Women religious

Benedictine Sisters

75 Years

Sister Callista Kaley was born in Chicago and was an educator. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she served at Queen of All Saints, St. Hilary, St. Symphorosa, St. Lambert and St. Scholastica schools.

Sisters of St. Casimir

70 Years

Sister Bernadette Marie Janus was an elementary school teacher and principal. Her assignments included St. Paul-Our Lady of Vilna in Chicago.

Sister Rita Marie Kerdock taught at St. Paul-Our Lady of Vilna, Nativity B.V.M., Holy Cross and St. Pius X, Stickney. 

Sister M. Dolorine Lopez was an elementary school teacher and principal, having served at multiple schools in Chicago and at Holy Cross Hospital. She was also active in Hispanic ministry.

Cenacle Sisters

70 Years

Sister Monica Kaufer has served in spiritual direction, retreats, spirituality and faith formation, liturgy and music, body work, prayer and as a local community leader. She served at the Cenacle retreat houses on Longwood Avenue and in Lincoln Park.

Sisters of Christian Charity

60 years

Sister Juliana Miska has ministered in religious formation, classroom education, fundraising and development, community leadership and parish pastoral ministry. She currently ministers as first provincial councilor of the Sisters of Christian Charity in North America. (Added Aug. 20, 2025) 

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul

70 Years

Sister Natalie Marengo was born in Chicago and was an educator. She taught at the secondary school level and was a local community superior.

60 Years

Sister Patricia Dunne was born in Chicago. She worked at Marillac Social Center and was vice president for mission at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services. She also served in governance and administration, provincial leadership and mission advancement.

Sister Therese MacKinnon was born in Chicago and ministered in education and parish life. She was a program participant in the Vincentian Integration Experience in Chicago.

Sister Betty Ann McNeil is currently an adjunct faculty member at DePaul University. She has served in social ministry, development, archives, Hispanic ministry, mission advancement and Vincentian and Setonian heritage. She was also involved in the Vincentian Studies Institute in Chicago.

Sister Marsha Tierney was an educator and taught at St. Louise de Marillac High School in Northfield. She was also involved in Hispanic ministry, provincial leadership in Chicago, retreats and spiritual direction.

Adrian Dominicans

75 Years

Sister Rita Crotty was born in Chicago and ministered in education. She taught at St. Denis.

Sister Ellen Kennedy was born in Chicago. An educator, she taught at schools in Chicago, Oak Park, Flossmoor, Westmont, Westchester, Maywood, Cicero, River Grove and Wheeling, as well as in Loves Park.

Sister Kieran Theresa Quirke was born in Chicago and was an educator. She taught at schools in Harvey, Chicago, Elgin, Riverdale, Hometown and Burbank.

Sister Mary Jo Sieg was an educator and taught in Chicago, Flossmoor, Oak Park and Elmwood Park, as well as Loves Park.

70 Years

Sister Norine Burns was an educator. Born in Chicago, she taught at schools in the city. She was also assistant administrator at Star of Sea Penafort Retirement Center in Chicago and was pastoral minister and associate at parishes in Chicago.

Sister Sheila Delaney was an educator, born in Chicago. Currently a volunteer and in civic services, she taught at St. Philip Neri.

Sister Joan Leo Kehn was an educator, having taught at schools in Chicago, Maywood and Harvey, as well as Rockford.

Sister Joan Mary served in education and religious formation. She served in Chicago, Hometown, Elmwood Park and La Grange, as well as Bensenville.

Sister Kathleen Waters was an educator, born in Chicago. She taught in Elmwood Park, Homewood, Flossmoor and Niles, as well as Joliet.

60 Years

Sister Susan Gardner was born in Chicago and ministered in education and lay formation. She served in Chicago, Flossmoor, Westmont, Niles and Northbrook.

Sister Patricia Leonard was an educator, administrator and social worker. She was finance director at St. Leonard’s House and director of social services at St. Andrew’s Court, both in Chicago.

Sinsinawa Dominicans

80 years

Sister Marie Celeste Gatti served in teaching and educational administration. In addition to teaching at schools in the archdiocese, she was a teacher and principal at other sites in Illinois. She served her congregation as director of secondary schools and in grant writing.

Sister Claire McCaslin has dedicated herself to teaching, educational administration and providing housing for low-income seniors. She taught at schools in Chicago, Freeport and Northfield.

75 years

Sister Jean Tranel was born in East Dubuque and studied at Jesuit School of Theology and Loyola University Chicago. She has worked as a teacher, director of curriculum and pastoral minister, and in religious formation.

70 years

Sister Janet Delperdang has ministered in teaching, educational administration, pastoral care and religious education. She taught in Rockford.

Sister Mary Ewens has taught at all levels. She has worked in higher education administration, research and writing on the history of Catholic sisters. She served at Dominican University and has worked on grant writing.

Sister Yvonne Feeney was a teacher and social worker. She taught in Chicago and worked in pastoral ministry and as a director of religious education, coordinator of lay ministers and pastoral associate.

Sister Judith Lund taught at schools in Chicago, Burbank, Rockford and Bloomington. A former provincial vicaress for her community, she now works at a center for homeless teens.

Sister Mary Ellen Rains was a teacher and pastoral assistant, having taught in Chicago, Waukegan and Oak Park. A former pastoral minister, she directed a parish RCIA program and served her community at the motherhouse.

Sister Marie Louise Seckar was born in Chicago and served in education, hospital chaplaincy, and retreat and ecospirituality directorships. She taught in Oak Park and was also a camp counselor and pastoral minister.

Sister Clare Wagner served in education, leadership and spiritual guidance. A former teacher and principal, she served on the Dominican preaching team in Chicago and in the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Catholic Schools. She also developed programs for women’s retreats.

Sister Collette Mary White has served in teaching and academic administration. Born in Chicago, she taught and was principal at schools in Chicago and the Chicago area. Other ministries included working as a pharmacy assistant, in health care and as a high school counselor and provincial vicaress.

60 Years

Sister Francina Martha Aiken has devoted her ministries to education, preaching and pastoral care. She has served as teacher, principal and director of religious education. She has also authored several books on forgiveness.

Sister Angela Collins has been a science teacher and councilor in her community. A college instructor and research assistant, she has worked to develop a national science education curriculum.

Sister Pat Leahy taught at schools in Peoria and Ottawa. A former nurse aide, she now serves on an antiracism transformation team.

Sister Margaret McGuirk studied at Dominican University and has served in education and social services.

Sister Marie Anna Steimach attended Dominican University, River Forest, and taught at Visitation School. Her other ministries included missionary work, health and pastoral care, religious education, parish ministry, hospital chaplaincy and prison ministry.

Sister Caroline Sullivan has been dedicated to “soul and soil.” Having attended Loyola University Chicago, she has ministered in pastoral care, teaching and academic administration. She currently ministers as a spiritual guide and gardener.

50 Years

Sister Mary McNulty ministered in teaching and religious formation. She taught in the archdiocese and was a youth pastor. She also worked in a Chicago-based literacy program and in adult faith formation. She now volunteers at a local food pantry.

Dominican Sisters of Springfield

60 Years

Sister M. Zachary Sergeena ministered in education. She served at Our Lady of Grace, Our Lady of Victory, and St. Edward parishes and at St. John the Evangelist, Streamwood, and she volunteered at Misericordia.

Franciscan Sisters of Chicago

75 Years

Sister Doloria Kosiek was a teacher, director of religious education, spiritual director and vocations director. She taught at schools in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Born in Chicago, she received the Franciscan Federation Peacemaker Award in 2014. 

70 Years

Sister M. Francine Labus was born in Chicago and served in education, member of her order’s general counsel, board member, formation and mission integration. She taught in Chicago and La Grange Park. She received the Franciscan Weaver Award in 2014.

Sister M. Monica Sendlosky taught at Five Holy Martyrs and Madonna High School. She later ministered at St. Joseph Village and currently serves as a local minister at the motherhouse in Lemont.

Sister Joseph Marie Zenda has been a teacher and principal in Chicago and served on archdiocesan and state principal boards. She established the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago Service Corporation, serving as its first board chair and president. She now assists in the corporation’s development department.

60 Years

Sister Jean Therese Jarosz was a certified nursing assistant at Mother Theresa Home in Lemont for more than 40 years. She was also a driver and part-time administrative assistant for her community. She is currently a sacristan and secretary.

Sisters of St. Francis of Clinton, Iowa

80 Years

Sister Hillary Mullany served in education and communications. Born in Macomb, Illinois, she taught at schools in Chicago and Oak Lawn. She was also a speech and drama teacher.

75 Years

Sister William McCue was born in Sterling and taught at schools in Chicago and Rochelle, Illinois. She also taught college courses.

70 Years

Sister Ida Green ministered in education, nursing and nursing education. She taught in Oak Lawn, then taught nursing at Loyola University Chicago and Prairie State University in Chicago Heights, where she chaired the nursing department.

20 Years

Sister Janet Ryan has worked in social work and as a restorative justice practitioner at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago.

Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, Iowa

70 Years

Sister Ann Marie Weiler was a pastoral minister at Evanston Hospital and taught at schools in Chicago, Niles and St. Charles.

50 Years

Sister Jeanette Haman was a teacher and pastoral minister. She taught at St. John Brebeuf School, Niles.

Sister Janet Kreber serves in volunteer ministry. She was a teacher, pastoral minister and homemaker in Melrose Park.

Sister Mary Lechtenberg ministers in pastoral care. Her religious service included teaching, RENEW and pastoral ministry. She taught at St. Mary of the Woods in Chicago.

Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart

50 Years

Sister Kim Marie Wolf is a liturgical planner for St. Jude Parish in New Lenox and assists at the motherhouse.

School Sisters of St. Francis

90 Years

Sister Rose Mack, at 107, is the first member of her community to celebrate a 90th jubilee. She worked in nursing and child care at convents, hospitals and care centers in Chicago.

80 Years

Sister Frances Kloewer was an educator, having taught at Immaculate Conception School in Chicago.

75 Years

Sister Kate Brenner was a teacher and principal in Schiller Park and was director of Howard Community Center Catholic Charities Chicago. She was also president of her order’s international congregation and was executive director of her order’s province in Chicago.

Sister Bernadette Deutsch was born in Chicago and served in education. She was a teacher, professor, department chair, faculty coordinator and senior advisor.

Sister Rita Mae Rabitoy was a homemaker, having served at parishes, convents and retreat centers in Chicago and Buffalo Grove.

Sister Winifred Whelan was born in and currently resides in Chicago. The educator served at schools in Chicago, Oak Lawn, Waukegan and Winnetka.

70 Years

Sister Francis Cunningham was born in Chicago and served in education and administration at sites in Chicago and Schiller Park. She also served at the provincial level and was president of her order’s international congregation.Sister Elaine Gremminger served as a medical technician and teacher. She was a teacher and lab coordinator at College of Lake County in Grayslake.

Sister Lynmary Ehrgott is currently a music specialist. With her musical background, she served as a parish musician, teacher and organist at different places in Chicago.

Sister Joelen Hayes was an educator, born in Evanston. She taught and was a religious education director at sites in Chicago and Freeport. She was also counselor for her community’s province in Rockford.

Sister Lauretta Leipzig was born in Chicago and was a teacher, director of adult education and pastoral associate. She taught at schools in Barrington and Chicago and served at St. Anne Parish in Barrington.

Sister Barbara Niemeyer was born in Chicago. As an educator, she taught at schools in Chicago, Arlington Heights and Schiller Park.

Sister Charlotte Schuele was born in Chicago and is currently a liturgy and music volunteer. An educator, she taught at schools in Chicago, Arlington Heights, Forest Park and Summit.

Sister Madelyn Sullivan was born in Chicago and was a teacher. Her home parish was St. Andrew.

Sister Johanna Treml currently volunteers at St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish in Elmwood Park. A homemaker, she has served at convents and high schools in Chicago and with the Archdiocese of Chicago. She has also served in Northbrook.

60 Years

Sister Catherine M. Ryan is executive director and treasurer of Maryville Academy. An attorney, she served in the Cook County Circuit Court and Cook County State’s Attorney’s offices and with the Cook County Juvenile Justice Bureau.

50 Years

Sister Maureen McCarthy was born in Chicago. She worked in education, administration and pastoral ministry. A provincial leader, she was also vice president of her community’s international congregation.

40 Years

Sister Mary Ann Meyer teaches at Resurrection College Prep High School. Born in Aurora, she has taught at schools in Chicago and River Forest.

Sisters of the Holy Cross

75 years

Sister Mary Ann Lamping studied at Mundelein College. She taught in Woodstock before transitioning to hospital chaplaincy in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. She is also a former tutor and currently serves at the motherhouse.

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

70 Years

Sister Lucille Madura was born in Chicago. She was a pharmacist at St. Mary of Nazareth and Holy Family hospitals. She was also administrator at Nazarethville Nursing Home and a provincial superior.

60 Years

Sister Clare Marie Kozicki, born in Chicago, served in elementary and secondary education. She was development director of the Sacred Heart Province for 17 years and assistant director of the National Office of Development for the Holy Family Province for 18 years.

Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary

75 years

Sister Loretta Finn was baptized at St. Vincent de Paul Parish and attended St. Vincent and St. Sebastian schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and a master’s in education from Loyola University Chicago. She was a teacher and principal in Illinois and Minnesota, including at St. Gall School.

Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

80 Years

Sister Regina Fanning was born in Chicago and was an educator, teaching more than 40 years at elementary and high schools in the archdiocese. These include St. Rene; St. Felicitas; St. Domitilla, Hillside; and St. Eulalia, Maywood.

60 Years

Sister Patricia Westover volunteers at an individual advocacy group. She taught for 30 years at schools in the archdiocese, including Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Mel and Providence-St. Mel. She was a case worker with an advocacy group in Romeoville.

Sisters of St. Joseph

75 Years

Sister Janet Bolger was an educator. She taught and was an administrator at many archdiocesan schools, including Divine Infant, Westchester; St. Francis Xavier, La Grange; St. Isaac Jogues, Niles; St. Margaret Mary; St. Mary, Riverside; St. Hugh; St. Joseph High School, Westchester; and Nazareth Academy, La Grange Park. She also was a member of her community’s general council, a spiritual companion and a tutor with School on Wheels.

Sister Mary Lou Sterling was born in Chicago and was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and attended Old St. Pat’s High School. She taught at St. Anthony; St. Mary; St. Barbara, Brookfield; St. Leonard, Berwyn; Divine Infant, Westchester; St. Bonaventure; St. Cletus, La Grange; and Our Lady of Bethlehem, La Grange; as well as at Chicago public schools, including Emmet, Fulton and Oscar de Priest schools.

70 years

Sister Dorothy Randall was an educator who graduated from Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park. In the archdiocese, she taught and was an administrator at St. John Fisher; St. Francis Xavier, La Grange Park; St. Cletus, La Grange Park; and Divine Infant, Westchester. She also was director of services and director of community life at the community’s center in La Grange Park and was a caregiver for her mother.

Sister Mary Southard from Mary, Queen of Heaven Parish in Cicero attended Nazareth Academy, La Grange Park. She taught in the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago. She also taught at St. John Fisher; St. Isaac Jogues, Niles; and St. Francis Xavier, La Grange; as well as at Nazareth Academy. She served in the formation of sisters in temporary vows and founded the Christian Life Center in La Grange Park. She served as spiritual life coordinator and artist for the Liturgy Training Program for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and she designed and created many different pieces art and sculptures for parishes, including Divine Providence, Westchester, and St. Stephen Protomartyr, Des Plaines. She helped found Christ in the Wilderness Spirituality Center and the SpiritEarth Center, whose work continues at The Well Spirituality Center in La Grange Park. She also designed the altar and sanctuary furniture at her community’s Alexine Chapel.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

75 Years

Sister Richard Joseph Sagadin served in the archdiocese as a teacher and unit supervisor at St. Joseph Carondelet Child Center starting in 1972, and she continued teaching in Chicago until her full retirement in 2024.

Sisters of the Living Word

75 Years

Sister Mary Catherine Connolly, a native of Chicago, has served in education, administration, community leadership and as a counselor at children’s homes in Chicago. She has also been a volunteer at Catholic Charities in Chicago.

70 Years

Sister M. Fidelis Rolfes has taught in Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan and Minnesota. She has also served in patient and pastoral care at St. Joseph Hospital, at Resurrection Pavilion in Park Ridge and in private homes.

60 Years

Sister Ruth Platte has been involved in teaching, religious education, pastoral ministry and community leadership. She served as an administrator with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Archdiocese of Detroit. She now serves on her community’s leadership team.

Sister Georgene Schumacher has been a teacher, youth minister, formation director and advocate for adult literacy. She has been a social justice advocate, minister and volunteer with programs dealing with homelessness and poverty at several locations, including Chicago.

Sister Rita Worm has been a teacher, assistant principal, director of religious education and parish minister in Chicago, Louisiana and Minnesota. Having served in community leadership, she now volunteers and serves through prayer and presence, and advocacy for justice.

Servants of Mary

75 Years

Sister Margaret Valois was born in Chicago, ministering in elementary education, religious education and vocations. She taught for 47 years in elementary education and was also a spiritual assistant for her community.

65 Years

Sister Sean Fox was born in Chicago. Her ministries included education, having taught at several Chicago schools. She also had a private law practice in the greater Chicago area, serving the elderly and parents of children with special needs.

Sister Jeannine Percy was born in Chicago and served in education, adult religious formation, hospital administration and consulting. She taught at Annunciata School.

Sisters of Charity BVM

70 Years

Sister Florence Heflin was born in Chicago. She was an elementary school teacher, principal, learning center coordinator and adult education director, having served in Chicago, Westmont and Antioch.

Sister Marcella O’Rourke was an elementary and high school teacher, guidance counselor and pastoral associate. Born in Chicago, she served at Holy Name Cathedral and in Evergreen Park.

Sister Rose Mary Surby was born in Chicago and taught at elementary and middle schools. She also assisted the school superintendent and was a personnel director, registrar, counselor and dean of students. She served in Round Lake, Berwyn, Downers Grove and Riverside.

50 Years

Sister Katherine Kandefer was born in Oak Park and serves as congregational vice president and on her community’s executive committee. She has also been involved in catechetical leadership nationally and served on the Religious Education Conference in Chicago.

Sister Mary Lou Wetzell has been a preschool and elementary school teacher. Born in Chicago, she served at Our Lady of Lourdes and Queen of All Saints, the latter which she helped open.

25 Years

Sister Ann Therese Chaput was born in Evanston. Her ministries have included school principal, director of outreach ministries, faith formation director and BVM associate coordinator. She has served in Waukegan.

Sisters of Mercy

80 Years

Sister Mary Sears was born in Chicago and her teaching ministry goes back to 1948. She taught at schools in Chicago, Evergreen Park and Ottawa.

70 Years

Sister Betty Jean Bischel has been a teacher and chaplain, having served in Chicago, Park Ridge and Dundee.

Sister Margaret Brennan has taught at schools in Elgin, Park Ridge, Chicago, Forest Park, Hillside and La Grange.

Sister Elizabeth (Betty) Campbell was a nurse as taught at Mercy Hospital. Her nursing ministry has also taken her to Texas, Peru and Mexico.

Sister Mary Barbara Centner has been a teacher, principal and occupational therapist, having taught in Park Ridge and Chicago. She also served at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center and Mercy Convent.

Sister Cora Finnane was a teacher, guidance counselor and substitute teacher at schools in Chicago. She currently serves with South Suburban PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter).

Sister Margie Keane was born in Chicago and has been a teacher and director of hospital volunteers. She taught at several Chicago schools and also served at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center and Mercy Convent.

Sister Marie Clare Kubiak was born in Chicago and has been a teacher and administrative assistant. She served at schools in Chicago, Des Plaines and Country Club Hills, as well as Elgin and Elmhurst.

Sister Ellen Marie Ryan has primarily been a music teacher in archdiocesan schools in Chicago and Evergreen Park. She also served at the Network for Mercy Foundation.

60 Years

Sister Marilyn Ann Metz has been a teacher and social worker. She is currently a psychotherapist. She has taught at schools in Oak Park and Chicago.

50 Years

Sister Nancy Houlihan is currently assistant director of mission integration at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. She was born in Chicago.

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

75 Years

Sister Jane Mudd was born in Chicago and baptized and confirmed in St. Peter Canisius Parish. She attended Notre Dame High School and later taught at St. Robert Bellarmine and St. Frances Cabrini.

70 Years

Sister Margaret Campbell was born in Chicago and baptized and confirmed in Our Lady Help of Christians Parish. She attended Notre Dame High School and later received a master’s degree in religious studies from Mundelein College. She taught at St. Victor School, Calumet City.

Sister Marie Ellen Carinato was born in Chicago to Italian immigrants. She was baptized and confirmed in St. John Bosco Parish. She attended Notre Dame High School and taught in Rockford. She was also the director of religious education at St. Robert Bellarmine for nine years.

Sister Lea Cozzini was born in Chicago to Italian immigrants. She was baptized in St. Callistus Parish and confirmed in St. Viator Parish. She received a master’s degree in curriculum/supervision from De Paul University and taught at St. Peter Canisius for 10 years and St. Robert Bellarmine for 14 years.

Sister Anne Flanagan was baptized in Resurrection Parish (Jackson Boulevard). She attended Notre Dame High School and later taught there for 21 years.

Sister Francis Ulrich taught at St. Victor, Calumet City, for six years.

Sister Carol Wetli was involved in campus ministry at Wright Community College and served as a pastoral assistant at St. Willibrord, Our Lady Gate of Heaven and St. Francis de Paula parishes.

60 Years

Sister Linda Soucek was born in Chicago and baptized in St. Pius X Parish, Stickney. She taught at various parish schools in Chicago such as Nativity B.V.M., Holy Cross, St. Paul and Sts. Peter and Paul. She later pursued a doctorate in clinical psychology and is a licensed psychologist.

School Sisters of Notre Dame

60 Years

Sister Shirley Stockus was born in Chicago and currently tutors. She taught primary and elementary grades at schools in Chicago and Blue Island. She was also a director of postulants.

Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ

75 Years

Sister Germaine Hustedde has served in education, leadership, spiritual direction, vocations and overseas ministry. She served at Angel Guardian Orphanage and St. Henry School, both in Chicago.

70 Years

Sister Therese Irene Galarneau was born in Chicago and served in education, administration and community service. She served at Holy Angels School.

Sister Rosemary Jung was born in Chicago and served in education, pastoral ministry, infant care and volunteering. Her ministries included assignments at St. Augustine, St. Henry and St. Joseph schools, all in Chicago.

60 Years

Sister Nora Hahn was born in Chicago and was active in education, nursing, administration, leadership and volunteering. She served at Ancilla Systems in Elk Grove Village.

Sister Pat Kolas worked in education, pastoral care, counseling, vocations, community service and international ministry. She served at Our Lady of Ransom, Niles, and Annunciation Convent in Hoffman Estates.

50 Years

Sister Veronica Michalski has ministered in education, child welfare, counseling and community service. She has served at St. Henry School and Annunciation Convent in Hoffman Estates.

Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods

75 Years

Sister Eileen Rose Bonner taught at Immaculate Conception (Talcott Avenue). She also served in Indiana and Kentucky.

Sister Ruth Johnson taught at Maternity BVM, St. Francis Borgia and St. Mark. She also ministered in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Indiana.

Sister Dorothy Ellen Wolsiffer taught at St. Leo School and also served at Ministry Resource Center in Chicago. She also ministered at other locations in Illinois, New Hampshire and Indiana.

70 Years

Sister Suzanne Dailey taught at St. Athanasius School, Evanston. She has also ministered at other locations in Illinois and in California and Indiana.

Sister Ann Matilda Holloran taught at St. Andrew School, Chicago. She has ministered at other locations in Illinois and in Indiana.

Sister Ann Margaret O’Hara taught at St. Francis Xavier School, Wilmette. She has also ministered in Washington, D.C.; Ohio; and Indiana.

Sister Mary Ann Phelan taught at St. Angela. She has ministered at other locations in Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C. and Indiana.

Sister Margaret Quinlan taught at Guerin College Preparatory High School, River Grove. She has also served in Texas and Indiana.

Sister Alice Ann Rhinesmith served in teaching, director of volunteer service, healthcare administration and parish business management at sites in the Archdiocese of Chicago and in Indiana.

60 Years

Sister Claire Hanson taught at Maternity BVM. She has also ministered in Washington, D.C.; New Hampshire; Maryland; Massachusetts; and Indiana.

50 Years

Sister Mary Ann DeFazio was a teacher and coordinator of religious education in Palos Heights, director of religious education in Chicago, and Chicago-area volunteer. She currently serves in Indianapolis.

Sister Jeanette Hagelskamp is vicar and general treasurer for the Sisters of Providence. She taught and volunteered in Chicago, in addition to serving as principal at Guerin College Preparatory High School in River Grove.

Sister Lisa Stallings is coordinator of liturgy for the Sisters of Providence. She taught in Chicago and was director of music at parishes in Evergreen Park and Chicago. She has also ministered in Indiana and Kentucky.

Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, born in Chicago, is her community’s general superior. She taught and worked in school communications and advancement in River Grove. She was also communications and media coordinator for the archdiocese’s Office of Catholic Education.

25 Years

Sister Janice Smith was a campus minister and teacher at Guerin College Preparatory High School in River Grove. She has also ministered in Indiana, California and Taiwan.

Men religious

Augustinians

65 Years

Father Roland F. Follmann was born in Chicago and served in education. He was a teacher and guidance counselor at schools in Chicago, Mundelein and New Lenox.

60 Years

Father John M. Ohner was born in Oak Park and worked in parish life, including at St. John Fisher Parish and in Pekin and New Lenox.

Brother Jerome A. Sysko was born in Chicago and ministered in education, parish life, formation and health care. He served at schools in Chicago, Olympia Fields and Rockford and in health care ministry in New Lenox.

50 Years

Father Terry A. Deffenbaugh has been an author and educator and served on youth retreats. He has served in Hanover Park, Olympia Fields and Matteson. He was also a professor and chaplain at St. Francis University in Joliet.

40 Years

Father John D. Merkelis is president of Providence High School in New Lenox, where he has also been principal and chaplain. He also served in Pekin and was director of vocations and survivor assistance for the Midwest Province.

Father John J. Sotak was born in Evergreen Park and has devoted his ministries to education and parish work, including schools in New Lenox, Kankakee and Chicago. He also directed liturgy and continuing education for the Midwest Province.

25 Years

Brother Paul L. Koscielniak served at St. Rita of Cascia High School. He was also director of vocations and postulants for his order’s Midwest Province.

Benedictines

25 Years

Father Peter Funk is currently supervisor of the autonomous priory of the Monastery of the Holy Cross. He has been involved in contemplative life, retreat ministry and spiritual direction.

Christian Brothers of the Midwest

60 Years

Brother John Blease was born in Evanston. He has taught, chaired the language department and coached football at schools in Westchester and Chicago. He also served at La Salle House in Romeoville.

Brother Michael Fehrenbach has been a chief operating officer and community relations person at schools in Chicago. He also served at Lewis University in Joliet and in the provincial office.

Franciscan Friars

50 Years

Father Thomas Nairn is director of initial formation at St. Joseph Friary in Chicago. He has served in teaching and provincial administration. He was also a professor of health care ethics at Catholic Theological Union.   

Congregation of the Holy Cross

75 Years

Brother John J. Benesh is serving in Peru. His ministries have included secondary education and formation. He is the former principal at Holy Trinity High School.

60 Years

Brother Louis B. Mangini served in educational business management. He was on the faculty at schools in Chicago and River Grove and was business manager at a high school in River Grove. He currently serves in San Antonio.

Marists

50 Years

Brother Richard Grenier volunteers at Marist High School, where he formerly taught.

Brother Hank Hammer has been his order’s provincial councilor for the Chicago area. He was also a teacher, assistant principal, principal and president of Marist High School.

Missionaries of the Precious Blood

50 Years

Father Richard Bayuk was director of advanced formation at Catholic Theological Union, where he was also on adjunct faculty. In addition, he was a deacon formation program instructor for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Brother Thomas Bohman was codirector and then director of brother formation and special formation, with residence at Catholic Theological Union. He has also served on his provincial council.

Father Ronald Will served his deacon internship at St. Gregory Parish. He currently serves on the U.S. provincial council.

40 Years

Father Benjamin Berinti directed theological formation at Catholic Theological Union. An author, he currently serves on the U.S. provincial council.

Father Mark Peres was director of advanced formation in Chicago. He is currently pastoring parishes in Northwest Indiana.

Redemptorists

50 Years

Father Andrew J. Thompson is a pastor in New Orleans. He was born in Evanston and his home parish was St. Colette in Rolling Meadows. He has served as a missionary to the Amazon region of Brazil, parochial ministry and provincial leadership.

Servites

60 Years

Father Paul M. Gins attended grammar school at St. Lucy, Oak Park; Annunciata; and St. Joseph, Homewood, as well as in Columbus, Ohio, and he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union. In addition to ministering in Michigan, New Jersey, Florida, California and Missouri, he was associate pastor and then pastor at Annunciata. He has resided at Our Lady of Sorrows and served as archivist/historian for the Servite USA Province since 2016, and he is an associate state chaplain for the Illinois State Council of the Knights of Columbus.

Society of the Divine Word

80 Years

Father Adam McDermott served as a missionary to New Guinea and in administration. He moved to the Techny community in 2024.

70 Years

Father Joseph Bisson has been a missionary to New Guinea and a retreat minister. He has resided at the Techny community.

65 Years

Father Raymond Hannah has done missionary work overseas, African American ministry and pastoral care. He has resided at the Techny community.

Father Dennis Logue has served in pastoral care, hospital chaplaincy and prison ministry. A brother for 30 years, he was ordained a priest in 1983. He has resided at the Techny community.

Father Martin Padovani has been an author, vocation director, clinical psychologist and pastoral care minister. He has resided at the Techny community.

Brother Daniel Yunck did a horticultural apprenticeship and helped develop a new species of daylilies at Mission Gardens at Techny.

50 Years

Father Timothy Lenchak served at Divine Word Theologate and was an adjunct professor at Catholic Theological Union. He was also on a research team for refugees and survivors in Africa for the Chicago Center for Global Ministry.

Father Joseph Scott has done missionary work overseas, ministry in the U.S. and biblical ministry. He has resided at the Techny community.

25 Years

Father Adam MacDonald served in the Chicago Province. He was rector of Divine Word Theologate and co-hosted the Archdiocese of Chicago podcast, “Dare to Love.” He was also vice rector and rector of the Techny community.

Father Nick Hien Nguyen directed the brother formation program at Divine Word Theologate. He earned a master’s degree in spirituality from Loyola University Chicago and was incoming novice director at Techny.

Father Nhan Van Tran worked in administration and as a missionary to Argentina. He was also treasurer of the Divine Word residence at Techny.

Father Bang Cong Tran worked in vocations and was director of formation at Divine Word Theologate.

Viatorians

60 Years

Father William J. Haesaert served as pastor of St. Viator. Born in Moline, he was a child care counselor and pastoral minister, having served in Moline, Chicago and Rock Island.