In 2009, the Sisters of Charity throughout the United States and Canada celebrate the 200-year history of charity and dedication that was begun by a small band of young women under the inspiration of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland in 1809.

This is a special year of rejoicing and celebration as Sisters and Daughters of Charity honor the life and accomplishments of a remarkable woman, wife, mother, convert and foundress – the first native-born American saint.

In addition to Sister Clarann Weinert, two other Sisters of Charity have served in Montana. Sister Lorraine Delisle ministered as pastoral assistant at the Conrad Deanery in Cut Bank from August 1989 until December 1990. And Sister Barbara Muth served as youth ministry coordinator at St. Joseph Parish, Frazier, Mont., in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings from 1982 until 1984.

A total of 26 Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati are celebrating jubilees this year. They represent 1,315 years of service in the Cincinnati area, in dioceses throughout the United States and in Guatemala and Mexico.

Diamond jubilarians, celebrating 60 years of commitment, will be honored at a Mass at the Congregation’s Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse, Delhi Township, Ohio, on Saturday, Aug. 22. Golden jubilarians, including Sister Clarann, were honored for their 50 years of religious life at a Mass Saturday, July 18.

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati is an apostolic Catholic women’s religious community that exists to carry out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through service and prayer in the world. Sisters, using their professional talents in the fields of education, health care and social services, live and minister in 34 U.S. dioceses and in Guatemala and Mexico.

They also sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor. More than 460 Sisters are joined in mission by 160 Associates (lay men and women).

For more information visit the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati website, www.srcharitycinti.org.

Sister Clarann Weinert, standing third from the left in the back row, joins her fellow golden jubilarians for a photograph during the July 18 Mass at the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati’s motherhouse in Ohio. (Sisters of Charity of Cincinnatti photo).


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 25, No. 8, August 21, 2009.