25th Entrance
Sister Anne Henehan
Birth name: Anne Elise Henehan
Birthplace: Everett, Washington
Entrance: 1999
First profession: 2003
Final profession: 2006
Education: Bachelor’s in Spanish and French education, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1975
Master’s in English as a second language and Spanish, School for International Training, Brattleboro, Vermont, 1978
Master’s in pastoral ministry, Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas, 2008
Service in the archdiocese: English Tutoring Project, St. Louis, 2015-22
Immigrant Home English Learning Project, St. Louis, 2022-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Volunteer, The Kitchen, Inc., Springfield, Missouri, 1999
Parent teacher coordinator and part-time librarian, St. Gabriel Mercy Center, Mound Bayou, Mississippi, 2002-05
Community member, Sisters of Mercy, San Antonio, Texas, 2005
ESL teacher to abused women with children, Visitation House, San Antonio, Texas, 2005-08
Theology student, Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas, 2006-08
ESL professor, Mexican American Catholic College, San Antonio, Texas, 2008-12
Community member, Mount St. Mary Convent, Little Rock, Arkansas, 2012
ESL teacher to archdiocesan seminarians, House of Formation, Diocese of Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas, 2012-15
About Sister Anne Henehan: Sister Anne Henehan entered the Sisters of Mercy 25 years ago as a late vocation, being 45 years old. She had always been active in her different parishes, but she definitely felt God calling her to religious life while on a retreat. “I asked myself three questions: Am I good enough? Am I brave enough? And is this what God wants me to do? I was drawn to enter. I felt I had nothing to lose, only gain, even if things didn’t work out.” Obviously now, she has found her home in Mercy. She has ministered in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, San Antonio, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas, and St. Louis. Her ministries have included being a librarian, a Parents as Teachers worker, and a teacher of English as a second language to abused women, children and adults, seminarians and recently arrived immigrants. She loves the interweaving of contemplation and action of the Sisters of Mercy. “I am involved in social-action pursuits regarding anti-racism and immigration, in addition to my current ministry with an Immigrant Home English Learning Program here in St. Louis. I am most happy to celebrate my 25th jubilee with such dedicated sisters in our area and throughout the world!” she says.
50th Entrance
Sister M. Deborah Troillett
Birth name: Deborah Raye Troillett
Birthplace: Little Rock, Arkansas
Entrance: 1974
First profession: 1977
Final profession: 1982
Education: Certificate in secondary education, Missouri, 1980
Bachelor’s in English and theology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1980
Master’s in education administration, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, 1991
Service in the archdiocese: Practice teaching semester, Cor Jesu Academy, Affton, September-December, 1979
Service outside the archdiocese: School and parish assistant, St. Eustachius, Portageville, Missouri, 1975-76
Teacher and director of spiritual life, Mount St. Mary High School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1980-89
Teacher, principal and president, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1989-2011
Institute councilor, Institute of the Sisters of Mercy, Leadership Team, Silver Spring, Maryland, 2011-17
Sabbatical year, Sisters of Mercy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 2017-18
Executive director, Arkansas House of Prayer, Little Rock, Arkansas, 2018-March 1, 2024
About Sister M. Deborah Troillett: Celebrating 50 years as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Deborah Troillett is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, and has five siblings. She met the Sisters of Mercy as a student at Mount St. Mary Academy and entered the community in 1974. For 31 years, she ministered in Mercy schools’ secondary education with teaching and administrative roles in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, or Little Rock. From, 2011 to 2017, she served on the Institute Leadership Team for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and most recently as executive director of the Arkansas House of Prayer. Currently, she serves on two boards in Arkansas: The Family Development Center at Catherine’s House in Little Rock, which serves teen moms and their children, and the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center in Hot Springs. As a Jubilarian, sister says two quotes are especially meaningful: Her ring motto, “Live on in My love” John 15:9, and from her final vows, “I pronounce these vows freely and with thankfulness to God with the confidence that because our Father is rich in mercy, because Jesus Christ is the faithful servant and because the Holy Spirit gives life, I can be faithful and merciful and servant for life.” Sister Deborah enjoys hiking nature trails, playing guitar, tending to her mom’s three backyard chickens and walking Dottie, her dapple dachshund.
60th Entrance
Sister Mary Sarah Ducey
Birth name: Jane Irene Ducey
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
Entrance: 1964
First profession: 1967
Final profession: 1972
Education: Bachelor’s in social studies, Maryville University, St. Louis, 1969
Certificate in secondary education, Missouri, 1969
Master’s in psychology, University of Missouri, St. Louis, 1980
Master’s in psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1990
Doctorate degree in psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1992
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Mercy High School, St. Louis, 1977-80
Administrator, Mercita Hall, St. Louis, 1980-84
Professor, Maryville University, St. Louis, 2006-12
Resident, Catherine’s Residence, Frontenac, 2018-present
Psychologist, Jewish Family Services, St. Louis, 2019-21
Psychologist,Social Security Administration, St. Louis, 2019-21
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph School, Jeanerette, Louisiana, 1969-71
Teacher, Mount St. Mary High School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1971-74
Teacher, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1974-77
Teacher and counselor, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1985-87
Doctoral student, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1987-92
Psychologist, Mercy Family Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1992-2006
Director, Mercy Learning Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2012-16
Psychologist, Mercy Family Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2013-16
About Sister Mary Sarah Ducey: Celebrating 60 years as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Mary Sarah Ducey grew up in the Irish Channel of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sisters of Mercy taught her in grade school and high school before she entered. Sister Sarah began ministering in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri as a science teacher. In St. Louis, she also assumed duties administering a group home for girls who were not able to live at home. This experience inspired her to pursue two master’s degrees and a doctoral degree in psychology. After completing her doctorate, she cofounded the Mercy Family Center in New Orleans, which became a ministry of the Mercy Health System. This center served and continues to serve uninsured and underinsured families. Sister Sarah was the primary psychologist, performing most of the assessment testing. “Every challenge I have accomplished would be unsustainable if there wasn’t prayer and the Mercy community supporting me,” she says. A voracious, lifelong reader, Sister Sarah currently ministers at Catherine’s Residence in Frontenac, Missouri, doing “whatever needs to be done.” She even served as hairdresser during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her ring motto is, “Amen, Alleluia,” “Amen” the last word of the New Testament and “Alleluia” referring to “everything that was and is to be.”
Sister Betty Ann Elmer
Birth name: Betty Ann Elmer
Birthplace: Walnut, Kansas
Entrance: 1964
First profession: 1967
Final profession: 1972
Education: Bachelor’s in biology, Maryville University, St. Louis, 1970
Certificate in secondary education, Missouri, 1970
Master’s in education administration, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 1976
Certificate in administration, Arkansas, 1988
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Mercy High School, St. Louis, 1980-85
Teacher, Aquinas-Mercy High School, Hazelwood, 1985-87
Resident, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2021-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Sacred Heart High School, Biloxi, Mississippi, 1970
Teacher, St. Anne’s Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1970-73
Teacher, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1973-75
Teacher, Our Lady of Mercy High School, St. Martinville, Louisiana, 1975-76
Teacher, Mount St. Mary High School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1976-80
Teacher, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1987-89
Teacher, Trinity Junior High School, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1989-96
Teacher, De La Salle High School, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1996-99
Teacher, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1999-2002
Assistant to the director, Our Lady of Mercy Retreat Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 2002-04
Teacher, Mount St. Mary High School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 2004-19
Resident, Catherine McAuley Convent, Barling, Arkansas, 2019-21
About Sister Betty Ann Elmer: Sister Betty Ann Elmer is celebrating 60 years as a Sister of Mercy. She spent most of her religious life ministering as an upper-school teacher of chemistry, biology and the physical sciences in Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. She made a difference in the lives of many students. “I think being a Sister of Mercy, and working out of Mercy values, allowed me to work well with other people. I enjoyed teaching and working with children,” she says. Now living at Catherine’s Residence in Frontenac, Sister Betty Ann has been dubbed “the flower lady” there. She enjoys working in the yard and putting in new plants during the spring season. Her ring motto, “Thank You,” reflects the sentiments of the life she leads. As religious sister, Betty Ann says, “I am grateful to be a part of the Sisters of Mercy.”
Sister Barbara Grant
Birth name: Barbara Lee Grant
Birthplace: Jackson, Mississippi
Entrance: 1964
First profession: 1967
Final profession: 1972
Education: Bachelor’s in nursing, Marillac College, St. Louis, 1970
Registered nurse, Missouri, 1970
Master’s in health-care administration, Washington University, St. Louis, 1980
Master’s in theology of health care, Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, 2006
Additional training in clinical pastoral education, BJC St. Peters, Virginia Health Care System, St. Louis, 2011-13
Service in the archdiocese: Staff nurse, St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, 1970-74
Member, Leadership Team, St. Louis Regional Community, St. Louis, 1996-2000
Vice president for mission, Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, 2001-07
Administration, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2008-11
Chaplain, Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, 2012-21
Service outside the archdiocese: Staff nurse and administrative assistant, St. Edward Medical Center, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1974-78
Residency in hospital administration, Sisters of Mercy Health System, Farmington Hills, Michigan, 1980-81
Assistant administrator, Mercy Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1981-86
Administrator, Mercy Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1986-94
Chief operating officer, Mercy-Baptist Hospitals, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1994-96
About Sister Barbara Grant: Celebrating 60 years as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Barbara Grant entered during a time of great change in this country, in the Catholic Church and in the world. Among them were the Vietnam War and protests, Pope John XXIII and Vatican II, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement and more. Amid these changes, she felt called to religious life, specifically the Sisters of Mercy and the works of mercy. Her initial focus was on the changes in the Catholic Church. During her years in the ministry of health care, she became especially concerned for the needs of those without access. Sister Barbara loved the people, places and ministries in which she served: St. John’s Mercy (now Mercy Hospital) in St. Louis; St. Edward in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where she was introduced to camping. Her love of nature grew as she camped in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Following graduation from Washington University in St. Louis, she moved to minister at Mercy Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she worked with many others to nurture the beginnings of Mercy Family Center and the St. Thomas Clinic for those unable to afford healthcare. With a deepening concern for anti-racism, she currently volunteers with the Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association (MNIA) whose mission is “to improve the quality of life for the residents of this primarily Black neighborhood.” Her work continues for equality and equity needed to eradicate the effects of racism.
Sister Jane Hotstream
Birth name: Jane Elizabeth Hotstream
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
Entrance: 1964
First profession: 1967
Final profession: 1972
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Maryville University, St. Louis, 1969
Certificate in secondary education, Missouri, 1969
Master’s in education administration, Loyola of the South, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1977
Certificate in administration, Oklahoma, 1989
Certificate in massage: The ART of Anointing, Center for Healing, Berkeley, California, 1993
Certificate in dream work, Jeremy Taylor, Berkeley, California, 1993
Master’s of theological studies, Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, California, 1994
Certificate in secondary education, Louisiana, 1978
Service in the archdiocese: President of the Sisters of Mercy, St. Louis Regional Community, Mercy Center, St. Louis, 2004-08
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. John’s High School, Gulfport, Mississippi, 1969-71
Teacher, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1971-74
Teacher, Mercy Academy in New Orleans, Louisiana, 1974-78
Principal, Mount St. Mary High School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1978-92
Teacher, Mexican American Catholic College, San Antonio, Texas, 1994-2004
Vice president of the Sisters of Mercy, South Central Community, Belmont, North Carolina, 2008-12
President of the Sisters of Mercy, South Central Community, Belmont, North Carolina, 2012-21
Student enrolled in the Global Benedictine Spiritual Direction Program and part-time teacher at the Mercy Family Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2021-present
About Sister Jane Hotstream: “I have been happy in every ministry and in every place I’ve been in,” says Sister Jane Hotstream. “I have a sense of home in Belmont, Oklahoma, San Antonio and St. Louis.” Celebrating 60 years as a Sister of Mercy, she is back home in her native New Orleans, Louisiana, surrounded by family and friends. Currently a team member at Mercy Family Center, she partners with other staff members in presenting workshops in suicide prevention to mental health professionals in primary and secondary schools. “The work is fulfilling and heartbreaking.” She enjoys reading, gardening and plans to start riding her bicycle again. Her ring motto, “that we all may be one,” based on John 17:17, “That they may be one, even as we are one,” echoes her lifetime commitment to God and community. “God is good, and I am full of gratitude to all the people I have worked with and worked for.”
Sister Cabrini Koelsch
Birth name: Linda Cabrini Koelsch
Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Entrance: 1964
First profession: 1967
Final profession: 1972
Education: Bachelor’s in social studies, Maryville University, St. Louis, 1969
Certificate in secondary education, Missouri, 1969
Master’s in theology, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, 1984
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Christ the King Elementary School, St. Louis, 1971-74
Student, Mission Integration, Sisters of Mercy Health System, St. Louis, 1996-97
Regional Leadership Team – Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Center, St. Louis, 2000-04
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of Refuge School, Refugio, Texas, 1969-71
Teacher, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, Amarillo, Texas, 1974-78
Director of religious education and teacher, Our Lady of Grace, Amarillo, Texas, 1978-90
Student, Mexican American Catholic College, San Antonio, Texas, 1990-91
Director of religious education, St. John the Baptist Parish, Edmond, Oklahoma, 1991-93
Non-clinical education, Mercy Health Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1993-96
Vice-president of mission integration, Mercy Memorial Health Center, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 1997-2000
Director of mission integration, St. John’s Hospital-Lebanon, Lebanon, Missouri, 2004-10
Director of mission integration,, Mercy Hospital Joplin, Joplin, Missouri, 2011-15
Volunteer, Outreach House, St. Peter’s Parish, Joplin, Missouri, 2016-present
Member, several Mercy Health Ministry hospital boards, present
About Sister Cabrini Koelsch: Celebrating 60 years as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Cabrini Koelsch’s favorite part of religious life is “sharing faith and God’s love with others.” Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, she attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and graduated from Western Heights High School. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Maryville University in St. Louis and a master’s degree in theology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, Sister Cabrini ministered in education, parish work and health care. She worked in Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Her favorite scripture is John 15:21-17. “St. Peter is my hero. He failed many times – as I do! But he always came back for forgiveness. When Jesus asked three times, ‘Peter, do you love me?’ Peter’s response ‘Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus’ emphatic reply, ‘Feed my Sheep,’ is what being Christian and a Sister of Mercy is all about. It is about living in community with others, working together to feed the sheep. It is about the hungry, the houseless, the children, the weary – to be the heart and hand of God and bring them home.” Sister Cabrini lives in Joplin, Missouri, and happily volunteers in health care and serving the poor and homeless.
Sister Joan Marie Pfauser
Birth name: Joan Marie Pfauser
Birthplace: Little Rock, Arkansas
Entrance: 1964
First profession: 1967
Final profession: 1972
Education: Bachelor’s in social studies, Maryville University, St. Louis, 1969
Certificate in secondary education, Missouri, 1969
Certificate in secondary education, Louisiana, 1975
Master’s in counseling, Loyola University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1977
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Mercy High School, St. Louis, 1969-71
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Alphonsus Elementary School, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1971-79
Principal, Sacred Heart Parish, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1979-82
Assistant principal, Holy Name of Jesus School, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1982-85
Counselor and later archivist, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1985-present
About Sister Joan Marie Pfauser: Celebrating 60 years as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Joan Marie Pfauser was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in 1964 and entered the Sisters of Mercy after graduation. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies from Maryville University and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling. She has ministered in schools in St. Louis, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She returned to her alma mater, Mount St. Mary Academy, more than 30 years ago. She is currently in charge of archives for this “wonderful 174-year-old school.” In her free time, she enjoys cooking and reading. Sister Joan’s favorite Scripture is, “We walk by faith, not by sight” because it speaks of trust in God. Her ring motto is “Thank You,” and she is deeply grateful for all the blessings she has received. As she says, “My favorite part of religious life is all the Mercy women I have been privileged to know and work beside. They are the definition of compassion and dedication. They have enriched not only my life, but the lives of so many others.”
Sister Carolyn Zionce
Birth name: Patricia Carolyn Zionce
Birthplace: Little Rock, Arkansas
Entrance: 1964
First profession: 1967
Final profession: 1972
Education: Bachelor’s with a major in social science and a minor in elementary education, Maryville University, St. Louis, 1969
Certificate in elementary education, Missouri, 1969
Certificate in elementary administration, Mississippi, 2000
Master’s in education administration, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1991
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joan of Arc Elementary School, St. Louis, 1974-78
Teacher, Christ the King Elementary School, St. Louis, 1989-90
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1969-70
Teacher, Sacred Heart School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1970-72
Teacher, John Carroll School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1972-74
Teacher, Immaculate Conception School, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 1978-80
Teacher, St. John’s Elementary School, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 1980-82
Teacher, St. Richard’s School, Jackson, Mississippi, 1982-89
Principal, St. Richard’s School, Jackson, Mississippi, 1991-98
Sabbatical, St. Stephen’s Priory, Dover, Massachusetts, 1998-99
Principal, St. Elizabeth Elementary School, Clarksdale, Mississippi, 1999-2006
Principal, Immaculate Heart of Mary School, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 2006-08
Teacher, Sacred Heart Elementary School, Southaven, Mississippi, 2008-22
About Sister Carolyn Zionce: Celebrating 60 years as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Carolyn Zionce says, “Even at a young age, I thought about being a Sister of Mercy, and that’s the thing that stuck.” Growing up in North Little Rock, Arkansas, the Sisters of Mercy taught her during her elementary and high school years. When she entered the community, Sister Carolyn chose the ring motto, “Amen, come Lord Jesus.” She ministered in education in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Mississippi. She was happy to “see students’ enthusiasm and help them desire to continue to learn,” she says. Sister Carolyn currently ministers as a substitute teacher at Sacred Heart School in Southaven, Mississippi. Living in nearby Walls, she also enjoys serving the Church and being present for fellow parishioners. “If you see a need, you go and do it.”
70th Entrance
Sister Mary Corlita Bonnarens
Birth name: Dorothy Ann Bonnarens
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1954
First profession: 1957
Final profession: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Fontbonne College, St. Louis, 1959
Master’s in art, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1968
Master’s in spirituality, Mundelein College, Mundelein, Illinois, 1981
Certificate in spiritual direction, Mercy Center, Burlingame, California, 1992
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Mercy High School, University City, 1959-69
Province renewal team, St. Louis, 1974-75
Provincial council member, St. Louis, 1975-77
Artist in residence, Mercy Center, St. Louis, 1981-2021
Resident, Catherine’s Residence, St. Louis, 2021-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1969-74
Art and religion teacher, Sacred Heart High School, Biloxi, Mississippi, 1977-80
About Sister Mary Corlita Bonnarens: Celebrating 70 years as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Mary Corlita is grateful for all the gifts God has given to her, and for being called to be a Sister of Mercy. She is now living at Catherine’s Residence in Frontenac after ministering for 65 years as a teacher, artist and activist for art, spirituality and care of the Earth. With a master’s degree in English and art, she has enjoyed creating, especially in the mediums of watercolor and clay. She has created 50 watercolor images of the “universe story” and has reproduced 500 copies. They have all been sold and are now in many parts of the world. She considers this to be among her great works. Throughout the years, Sister Corlita has also invited others to join her in painting and creating with clay as a form of meditation.
Sister Teresa Cusack
Birth name: Margaret Teresa Cusack
Birthplace: Cappagh, Toomard, Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland
Entrance: 1955
First profession: 1957
Final profession: 1960
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education, Webster College, St. Louis, 1959
Master’s in the art of teaching mathematics, Webster College, St. Louis, 1968
Certificate in spirituality, Institute for Spiritual Leadership, Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, 1987
Master’s in pastoral studies, Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, 1989
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Annunciation School, Webster Groves, 1965-66
Formation, Our Lady of Mercy, St. Louis, 1987-88
Hospice care, Our Lady of Mercy Convent, Washington, 2000-03
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Xavier School, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1959-60
Teacher, St. John Elementary, Gulfport, Mississippi, 1960-61
Teacher, St. John High School, Gulfport, Mississippi, 1961-65
Teacher, St. Richard School, Jackson, Mississippi, 1966-67
Teacher, Holy Name of Jesus School, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1967-68
Math consultant, Diocese of Natchez-Jackson, Mississippi, 1968-71
Teacher, St. Richard School, Jackson, Mississippi, 1971-74
Teacher, St. Alphonsus School, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1977-86
Consultant, Project ARISE, Pharr, Texas, 1988
Chaplain, Mercy Hospital, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1989
Pastoral associate, Sacred Heart Parish, Pascagoula, Mississippi, 1989-95
Pastoral ministry, Catherine’s House, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1995-96
Pastoral care hospice, St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1996-97
Teacher, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1997-2000
Pastoral ministry, St. Thomas Parish, Long Beach, Mississippi, 2003-23
About Sister Teresa Cusack: Born in Galway, Ireland, Sister Teresa Cusack is celebrating 70 years as a Sister of Mercy. As she says, “I knew I was going to be a religious, but I wasn’t sure where I was going to enter.” The morning she learned she was immigrating to America, “I heard plainly in my heart, this is it.” In January 1955, at nearly 20 years old, she arrived in New York and then came to Mississippi. She ministered for many years as a teacher in Mississippi and Louisiana. With a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in the art of teaching mathematics, her specialty became teaching “new math” to 7th and 8th graders. She also began following sports and became a spirited New Orleans Saints’ fan. “Teaching eighth grade boys, you had to know your sports.” She later ministered in parish work, helping with spiritual direction, home visitations, marriage preparation for engaged couples and more. Now living at Convent of Mercy in Mobile, Alabama, Sister Teresa enjoys doing word search puzzles. Her ring motto is, “In Thee I Trust,” and her life is rich. “I feel blessed to be a Sister of Mercy.”
Sister Mary Chabanel Finnegan
Birth name: Annie Ruth Finnegan
Birthplace: Rose Hill, Mississippi
Entrance: 1954
First profession: 1957
Final profession: 1960
Education: Certificate, Registered Nurse, Missouri, 1960
Certificate in nursing, St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing, St. Louis, 1960
Bachelor’s in nursing, St. Mary College, Leavenworth, Kansas, 1966
Master’s in nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1973
Master’s in Christian spirituality, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1982
Master’s in healthcare ethics, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1993
Service in the archdiocese: Director of formation, Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Center, St. Louis, 1979-85
Mission and formation, Sisters of Mercy Health System, St. Louis, 1994-99
Service outside the archdiocese: Nursing supervisor, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, 1960-62
Nursing supervisor, Mercy Hospital, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1962-64
Nursing supervisor, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, 1964-66
Nursing supervisor, Mercy Hospital, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1966-68
Nursing supervisor, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, 1968-71
Nursing administration, St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, 1973-79
Assistant administrator, Mercy Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1985-92
Vice president of mission, St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1999-2007
Clinical ethicist and mission, St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 2008-14
Clinical ethicist and mission Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 2014-21
Assistant sister life minister, Convent of Mercy, Mobile, Alabama, 2021-present
About Sister Mary Chabanel Finnegan: “From an early age, I felt called to religious life,” says Sister Mary Chabanel Finnegan. “In addition to feeling that God wanted me to be a Sister of Mercy, I have always had a feeling that I wanted to be a nurse.” Celebrating 70 years as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Chabanel ministered for decades as a nurse and in healthcare. Born in Rose Hill, Mississippi, she was baptized and attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church in nearby Paulding along with many extended family members. Their faith was strong. Sister Chabanel is among some 10 women in her family who became Sisters of Mercy, including two aunts, a great-aunt and cousins. Her younger brother, Martin, became an ordained deacon. “I have always known it as a gift, and this is where God wanted me.” Her ring motto, “Heart of Jesus be my strength,” gave her everything she needed. One of her favorite ministries was cardiac nursing. But through the years, she ministered in both bedside care and administration. Sister Chabanel also received master’s degrees in health care ethics and Christian spirituality. Later ministering in formation, her education in nursing, health care, spirituality and ethics came together to help with all her service. She spent most of her life ministering in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Currently ministering as assistant sister life minister at Convent of Mercy in Mobile, Alabama, she enjoys reading, walking, playing Rummikub and visiting her large family.
75th Entrance
Sister Mary Paulinus Oakes
Birth name: Mildred Beatrice Oakes
Birthplace: Vicksburg, Mississippi
Entrance: 1949
First profession: 1952
Final profession: 1955
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Webster College, St. Louis, 1958
Master’s in education, St. Xavier College, Chicago, Illinois, 1964
Certificate in clinical pastoral education, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1987
Advance certificate in clinical pastoral education, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 2000
Service in the archdiocese: Resident, Catherine’s Residence, Frontenac, 2014-present
Pastoral assistant, Mercy Hospital-St. Louis, St. Louis, 2016-19
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Xavier School, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1953
Teacher, Sacred Heart Elementary School, Biloxi, Mississippi, 1953-54
Teacher, St. Peter Elementary School and St. Joseph High School, Jackson, Mississippi, 1954-64
Principal, Sacred Heart Junior High School and High School, Biloxi, Mississippi, 1964-70
Teacher, St. Joseph High School, Jackson, Mississippi, 1970-73
Principal, Mount St. Mary High School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1973-76
Teacher, St. Aloysius High School, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1976-77
Teacher, St. Francis Xavier Elementary School, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1977-84
Teacher, Hinds Junior College, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1985
Chaplain, Mississippi State Hospital, Whitfield, Mississippi, 1985-87
Pastoral assistant, Mercy Regional Health Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1987-92
Assistant director, St. Vincent de Paul Society, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1992-94
Assistant director, Catholic Charities, Jackson, Mississippi, 1994-96
Chaplain, St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital, Jackson, Mississippi, 1996-2014
About Sister Mary Paulinus Oakes: Celebrating 75 years as a Sister of Mercy, since, 1953 Sister Mary Paulinus Oakes has ministered in education, as a teacher and principal, and in health care. She spent most of her religious life in Vicksburg, Biloxi and Jackson, Mississippi, and a few years in Louisiana and Oklahoma. Sister Paulinus loved teaching students of all ages, especially at Hinds Junior College in Mississippi. “I loved teaching older people who came to get their degrees,” she says. Two special remembrances for this long-time tennis enthusiast include coaching pee-wee football and junior high school basketball as well as visiting hospital patients while living in Mississippi. “I loved comforting people who are sick,” she says. Now living at Catherine’s Residence in Frontenac, Sister Paulinus is an avid reader. She has fond memories of visiting Ireland with a fellow Sister of Mercy. She feels blessed to be a part of the Mercy community. “I can’t imagine being anything but a Sister of Mercy.”
Sister Dorothy Ann Plafcan
Birth name: Dorothy Ann Plafcan
Birthplace: Stuttgart, Arkansas
Entrance: 1949
First profession: 1952
Final profession: 1955
Education: Bachelor’s in secondary education, Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, Texas, 1964
Master’s in education (secondary education, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas, 1975
Certificate in administration, Arkansas, 1988
Service in the archdiocese: Dietary supervisor, Our Lady of Mercy Convent, St. Louis, 1964-65
Sabbatical, Our Lady of Mercy Convent, St. Louis, 1977-78
Resident, Catherine’s Residence, Frontenac, 2022-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Patrick School, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1952-56
Teacher, St. Louis School, Camden, Arkansas, 1956-60
Teacher, Sacred Heart Parish School, Edinburg, Texas, 1960-61
Teacher, Sacred Heart Parish School, McAllen, Texas, 1961-62
Teacher, Immaculate Conception School, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 1965-67
Teacher, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1968-70
Teacher, Our Lady of Good Counsel School,
Little Rock, Arkansas, 1970-77
Teacher, St. Mary’s Parish School, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 1978-83
Principal, Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1983-92
Teacher, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas, 1992-2011
Resident, Catherine McAuley Convent, Barling, Arkansas, 2011-20
Resident, Mercy Crest, Barling, Arkansas, 2020-22
About Sister Dorothy Ann Plafcan: Celebrating 75 years as a Sister of Mercy, as a child Sister Dorothy Ann Plafcan attended Catholic schools in Stuttgart, Arkansas. She was familiar with the Sisters of Mercy, especially once her older sibling, Sister Mary Cyrillus, joined the order. “When she entered, I really got to know the sisters more and I knew God was calling me that way, too,” she says. “When I graduated from high school, there was nothing else but becoming a Sister of Mercy for me.” Since 1952 and the decades that followed, Sister Dorothy Ann primarily ministered in education as a principal and an elementary school teacher in Missouri, Texas and Arkansas. “My favorite was teaching third grade,” she says. “The students were learning to read, and I introduced them to library books.” Her ring motto is “All for Thee, My God,” and her favorite scripture is Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd”). “My friend did a cross-stitch for me, and I have it hanging on my door. Every time I come and go, I look at it and say, ‘Lord, you are my shepherd and you’ve done a good job.’”
85th Entrance
Sister Mary Emerita Stoulig
Birth name: Emma Rita Stoulig
Birthplace: Kenner, Louisiana
Entrance: 1939
First profession: 1942
Final profession: 1945
Education: Certificate in pastoral studies, St. Edward Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1983
Service in the archdiocese: Manager of dietary department, Our Lady of Mercy Convent, St. Louis, 1968-73
Resident, Catherine’s Residence, Frontenac, 2023-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Manager of dietary department, Mercy Hospital-New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1942-68
Catering manager and dietary services, Mercy Hospital-New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1973-83
Chaplain, St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1983
Chaplain at Mercy hospitals, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Ardmore, Oklahoma, 1983-99
Chaplain, Malta Square, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1999-2003
Community liaison, Our Lady of Wisdom, Gretna, Louisiana, 2004-07
Member of activity staff with children, St. Alphonsus Early Childhood Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2007-12
Director of exercise and activity with seniors, Mercy Endeavors Senior Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2009-12
Volunteer (retired), Mercy Health Center Convent, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, 2012-13
About Sister Mary Emerita Stoulig: Sister Emerita Stoulig celebrates her 85th Jubilee with the Sisters of Mercy. Born in 1922 in Kenner, Louisiana, she entered the community on Sept. 8, 1939, in Webster Groves. Her ring motto is “My God, I love thee.” Sister Emerita ministered as supervisor/manager of hospital dietary for 45 years in Louisiana as well as in Missouri and Honduras. She also ministered for decades as a chaplain in Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. She continued her service assisting religious retirees at Our Lady of Wisdom Senior Center in Gretna, Louisiana. As Sister Emerita says, “I was asked to perform many things, which I was not qualified to do. But I realized that through the grace of God, you can do anything required of you.” Her fondest memories include ministering to the dying as well as instructing aerobic classes for young children and senior citizens. Through prayer groups for African-American seniors, sister realized they taught her how to pray from the heart. In her final retirement years at Mercy Convent in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Catherine’s Residence in Frontenac, she has found the secret to life is “to be simple and happy.” She walks a mile a day, crochets, does embroidery, plays bingo and recently tried mastering a yo-yo.
