60th Entrance
Sister Kathy Buchheit
Birthplace: St. Louis
First profession: 1964
Education: Bachelor’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, 1971
Master’s in maternity/perinatal nursing, Indiana University School of Nursing, 1980
Post-master’s certification in nurse-midwifery, Medical University of South Carolina, 1981
Certification in massage therapy, 2000
Service in the archdiocese: Nurse, St. Mary’s Hospital, 1972, 1976-78
Perinatal nurse practitioner, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Charles, 1980
Nurse-midwife, St. Louis City Hospital, 1982-83
Congregation’s vocation director, 1988-93
Massage therapist, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Charles and St. Joseph’s Hospital-Lake St. Louis, 2000-06
Mission integration director for both SSM St. Joseph Hospitals, 2006-08
Mission integration director for SSM Health – St. Louis, 2009-15
Congregation’s leadership councilor, 2015-19
Service outside the archdiocese: Nurse and medical and obstetrics supervisor, St. Clare Hospital, Baraboo, Wisconsin, 1972-75
ICU nurse, St. Francis Hospital, Blue Island, Illinois, 1975-76
Faculty nurse-midwife, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 1983-88
Nurse-midwife, Holy Family Birthing Services, Weslaco, Texas, 1993-98
Franciscan studies sabbatical and massage therapy studies, 1998-2000
About Sister Kathy Buchheit: Sister Kathy enjoys travel and creative pursuits. She loved being a nurse-midwife, witnessing the joy of new life. “I’ve greatly appreciated the opportunity to minister in cross-cultural settings like the Texas/Mexican border and Belize and Guatemala. As Franciscan, I am grateful for God’s gift of creation.”
Sister Mary Chadet
Birth name: Mildred Ruth Chaudet
Birthplace: Wilmington, North Carolina
First profession: 1964
Education: Bachelor’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, 1971
Master’s in maternal and child nursing, University of Texas—Galveston, 1981
Service in the archdiocese: Labor and delivery, St. Mary’s Hospital, 1972
Nursing service director, FSM motherhouse, 1976-79
Teacher, Mineral Area College, Farmington, Parents as Teachers program, Doe Run, 1981-83
Nurse, outpatient clinic head nurse and patient advocate, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, 1986-93
House manager, Almost Home, 1993
Nurse and case manager supervisor, Nurses for Newborns, 1993-2004
Counselor, St. Louis Consultation Center, 2009
Teacher, Saint Louis University, 2010-18
Volunteer, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, 2020
Service outside the archdiocese: Nurse, St. Eugene’s Hospital, Dillon, South Carolina, 1972–76
Nurse, FSM medical mission, Wema, Kenya, 1983-86
Head nurse, Holy Family Services Birthing Center, Weslaco, Texas, 2004-08
About Sister Mary Chadet: Sister Mary enjoys reading and sharing a meal or walk with a friend. She likes learning about the environment, as well as Spanish and tap dancing. She creates useful items from recycling. She especially enjoys her FSM companions.
Sister André Evanicsko
Birth name: Shirley Ann
Birthplace: Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania
First profession: 1964
Education: Bachelor’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, 1971
Master’s in nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 1981
Certification in addictions nursing, National Nurses Society on Addictions, 1990
Certification in chemical dependency nursing, National Consortium of Nurses on Chemical Dependency, 1990
Certification in therapeutic massage, Healing Arts Center, 1994
Service in the archdiocese: Nurse, St. Mary’s Hospital, 1971-73
Nursing education in-service coordinator and nursing clinical instructor, Saint Louis University, 1981-82
Nurse, St. Joseph Hospital, 1985-91
Nurse, St. Joseph Hospital West, 1991-95
Nurse, St. Joseph Health Center, St. Charles, 1995-2009
Co-founder and therapeutic massage therapist, PRISM Therapeutic Massage, 1994–present
Service outside the archdiocese: Nursing clinical supervisor and patient care coordinator, St. Clare Hospital, Baraboo, Wisconsin, 1973–79
Teacher, St. Vincent Charity Hospital School of Nursing, Cleveland, Ohio, 1983-85
About Sister André Evanicsko: Sister André enjoys genealogy, photography, planting flowers and making cards from recycled items. She loves staying in contact with family and friends. Participation in the shared heritage and customs of her four immigrant grandparents, and her infant baptism and continued participation in the Greek Catholic Byzantine Rite, fill her with gratitude. She holds dear the volunteer work she does at her parish and seeks to find ways to help the needy. Her attraction to individuals from other countries feeds her mind and heart. She appreciates being a trusted confidant and a conduit of God’s love, compassion and security for those who are fearful, hopeless or alone, knowing she has made a difference in others’ lives. She finds great meaning in compassionate care of creation, and she is grateful to stand “on the shoulders of great women whose lives of prayer, generous self-giving, accomplishments, struggles, faith and trust fill me with deep gratitude and joy.
Sister Karen Sue Heath
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri
First profession: 1964
Education: Bachelor’s in radiologic technology, Saint Louis University, 1970
Certification in nuclear medicine technology, 1975
Master’s in health care administration, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, 1982
Medical doctor, Medical University of South Carolina, 1985
Family medicine residency, Duke-Fayetteville Area Health Education Center, Fayetteville, North Carolina, 1988
Service in the archdiocese: Radiologist tech, St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Infirmary, and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, 1967-71
Radiology supervisor, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Charles, 1970-77
Physician, Alexian Brothers’ P.A.C.E. Program and Casa de Salud, St. Louis, 2010-23
Teacher, Saint Louis University, 2010-23
Volunteer, St. Pius food pantry, St. Louis, 2010-23
Service outside the archdiocese: Radiologist, Su Clinica Familiar, Harlingen, Raymondville and Brownsville, Texas, 1977
Teacher, Pan American University, Edinburg, Texas, 1977
Doctor, St. Eugene Hospital, Dillon, South Carolina, 1985-2000
Doctor, San Carlos Apache Reservation, near Phoenix, Arizona, 2000-10
About Sister Karen Sue Heath: Sister Karen Sue is grateful for the constant support of her fellow sisters. She loved the kindness of people in the deep South and feels blessed to have shared in the poverty of reservation life, learning Apache spirituality of love for relationships with others and Mother Earth. “My wish is that Jesus’ love can be seen in my life and through those I touch. I pray to enjoy each moment I am given to share my life with others.”
Sister Mariana Papiernik
Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska
First profession: 1964
Service in the archdiocese: Administrator, St. Mary’s Health Center, 1967-70
Electrocardiogram technician, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, St. Louis, 1986-92
Receptionist and switchboard operator, FSM convent, St. Louis, 1992-2011
Volunteer, Almost Home, St. Louis, 1990-2010
Volunteer, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2011-14
About Sister Mariana Papiernik: Sister Mariana enjoys reading and playing with her cat. She loves watching the seasons change. She especially enjoyed her 15 years of working in the convent lobby, which gave her the opportunity to get to know a number of people: “I enjoy being able to serve people in small ways, talking to people, praying for people.”
Sister Sandra Jean (Sandy) Schwartz
Birthplace: Quincy, Illinois
First profession: 1964
Education: Bachelor’s in nursing, Avila College, Kansas City, Missouri, 1971
Master’s in Christian spirituality, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1988
Certification in hospice and palliative nursing, 2005
Service in the archdiocese: Congregational leadership councilor and vicar general, 1985-91
Congregation director of vocations, 1992-97
Director, Congregation Membership Development, St. Louis, 1997-2001
Congregation leadership team councilor, St. Louis, 2007-15
Instructor, SSM Hospice-STL, 2015-19
Congregational Leadership Team Councilor, St. Louis, 2019-24
Service outside the archdiocese: Nurse, director of pastoral care, teacher, medical-surgical nursing, interim director, interim assistant director of nursing, medical-surgical areas, all at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1971-76
Congregation leadership team councilor, Maryville, Missouri, 1976-82
Congregation vocations director, Maryville, Missouri, 1980-82
Associate vocation director, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, 1983-85
Education instructor and office manager, St. Anthony’s Hospital, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1992-97
Director of staff education and hospice nurse, Mercy Hospice, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 2002-07
About Sister Sandra Jean (Sandy) Schwartz: Being part of a congregation of women who are mission minded, who are realistic and honest, who are deeply in love with God and God’s people has brought me joy. Leadership has often been part of my service, and I consider leadership a privilege and gift to me. I have enjoyed working with incredible teams of women — each with personal gifts but also each team uniquely gifted. The congregation has provided me so many unexpected opportunities for which I am deeply grateful I know I follow a long line of wonderful women on whose shoulders I stand and benefit from their faithfulness.
70th Entrance
Sister Constance Pauline (Connie) Fahey
Birthplace: Madison, Wisconsin
First profession: 1954
Education: Bachelor’s in medical technology, Saint Louis University, 1961
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, 1969
Doctorate in public policy studies, Saint Louis University, 1993
Master’s in administration, Central Michigan University, 1976
Certificate in spiritual direction, Sursum Corda, 2007
Service in the archdiocese: Medical technologist, St. Mary’s Hospital, 1954-59
Medical technologist, Firmin Desloge Hospital, 1959-60
Administrative technologist, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, 1960-61, 1962-71
Administrative technologist, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Charles, 1961-62
Genetic counseling, DePaul Hospital, 1972-73
Executive director, SSM Central Office, 1980-83
Regional vice-president, SSM Health Care, 1986-87
FSM leadership team councilor, 1987-95
FSM secretary general, 1990-93
FSM vicar general, 1991-95
Service outside the archdiocese: Core member, Kresge House of Prayer, Detroit, Michigan, 1971-72
Administrative technologist, Mercy Hospital, Urbana, Illinois, 1973-77
Director, Medical Technology Education Program, McLeod Hospital, Florence, South Carolina, 1977-81
Director, Pee Dee Allied Health Program, Florence, South Carolina, 1977-81
Foundress, Mercy Hospice, Conway, South Carolina, 1980
Executive director, Mercy Hospice and Palliative Care, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 1995-2009
Retreat director, Zambia, Africa, 2009-13
Spiritual director, Janesville Wisconsin, 2010-present
Organist services for Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican parishes, 1995-2023
Zambian mission grounding, 2009-present
About Sister Constance Pauline Fahey: Sister Connie is living in the All Saints Neighborhood Community in Madison, Wisconsin, volunteering her music skills for the community’s Catholic and ecumenical worship services. From her earliest days until present, her mission and ministries are being a healing, compassionate, loving, peace-making and grateful presence among God’s people and planet Earth.
Sister Irma Kennebeck
Birthplace: St. Louis
First profession: 1954
Education: Bachelor’s in sociology, Saint Louis University, 1966
Bachelor’s in theology, St. Joseph College, Rensselaer, Indiana, 1969
Master’s in social service, Saint Louis University, 1971
Certificate of pastoral studies, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, Illinois, 1997.
Service in the archdiocese: Vocation and formation ministry for the Franciscan Sisters of Mary
FSM leadership
Community health services, Meals on Wheels ministry
Cofounder, Woman’s Place ministry to women in abusive situations
Peace, justice and environmental advocacy
Service outside the archdiocese: Social worker, Valley Home Health Services, Willacy County, Texas
Adoption services, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Brownsville, Texas
About Sister Irma Kennebeck: I find beauty, mystery and love in ordinary things in nature which bring me hope and energy and connect me with all and everything. I love being in the natural world, especially at the change of seasons. I have had the privilege of learning so much from those I have ministered with and to. People on the margins of class, culture and gender have taught me the most — like how to be vulnerable and compassionate and truly present. It’s the people that have drawn the best from me and help me to give life to our congregational mission to be Christ’s presence to all. I am truly grateful.
Sister Thelma Mitchell
Birthplace: Clarksdale, Mississippi
First profession: 1954
Education: Nursing diploma, St. Mary’s Infirmary, 1950
Bachelor’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, 1961
Master’s in maternal and child nursing, University of California, 1969
Master’s in community health nursing, University of California, 1970
Master’s in management and supervisor of health, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, 1977
Certification in creation-centered spirituality, Holy Names College, Oakland, California, 1986
Service in the archdiocese: Head nurse, St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Louis, 1956-61
Nursing supervisor, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, 1961-68
Nurse, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, 1986-90
Teacher, St. Louis State School, Bellefontaine Neighbors, 1973-76
Teacher, Saint Louis University, 1976-81
Councilor, Congregation Leadership Team, 1977-85
Governing board director, SSM Health Care, 1986-90
Service outside the archdiocese: Nurse, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, 1970-71
Nurse on the S.S. Hope, Kingston, Jamaica, 1971 and Natal, Brazil, 1972
Nurse, St. Anthony’s Hospital, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1990-2007
About Sister Thelma Mitchell: Sister Thelma enjoys reading, baseball, plays and concerts. She loved caring for premature babies and getting to know employees and families. She enjoys spending time with her fellow FSM. On August 1, 2018, Sister Thelma was honored by the National Black Sisters Conference with its, 2018 Harriet Tubman Award in New Orleans. The award is given annually to a woman who exemplifies the spirit, courage, and leadership of Harriet Tubman, who was called to be a Moses to her people.
