Continuing to evolve

By S. Georgia Kitt

It’s not uncommon to hear heartfelt stories of Sisters of Charity in which a favorite teacher, an empathic caregiver, a trusted confidant or a ministry partner are recalled. Yet, these stories capture individual memories and snapshots in time. To really understand the breadth and impact of the Sisters of Charity, we must look at the mission and influence since the first four Sisters of Charity settled in Cincinnati, ohio in 1829.

The Sisters of Charity have a rich history of carrying out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through service, advocacy and prayer. Known throughout Greater Cincinnati and beyond, our community of women religious embodies compassionate grace. Those who have encountered the congregation’s members can attest to our responsiveness and presence in the fulfillment of Christ’s work for nearly two centuries. The Charity of Christ continues to urge us to evolve, refocus and embrace new efforts that meet emerging needs.

In the undertaking of mission-driven calls, God’s work has moved us to respond with our minds, bodies and spirits. When the congregation numbered more than 1,000 women religious, the SC influence was evident in hospitals, schools, orphanages, social service organizations, senior living facilities and more. Having fewer Sisters on the “frontlines” doing God’s work is a reality. That reality, however, doesn’t dim the effects of our labors. It doesn’t diminish our passion to serve.

In September 2022, the congregation announced plans to transition sponsorship roles for our remaining sponsored ministries – Bayley, DePaul Cristo Rey High School, mount St. Joseph university, Seton High School and St. Joseph Home. Reimagining SCs sponsorship role with a ministry isn’t unfamiliar territory; it’s a natural and normal progression.

Today’s sponsored ministries – like those that embarked on sponsorship transitions before them – are thriving, independent organizations with proficient lay leadership at the helm. They are positioned for success, both financially and in the fulfillment of their missions. While Sisters will exit their board and governance roles over time, we will continue to champion and celebrate the Catholic heritage and values of these ministries as each continues to serve persons in need. We will watch our shared legacy grow and flourish, changing lives as Gospel values are made real.

We have a lot of which to be proud. While the congregation is smaller in number, our community presence and impact remains robust. Sponsorship evolution should not be mistaken as withdrawal or complacency; it signifies a new chapter and new opportunities to remain servants of action in supporting the basic needs of those pushed to the margins of society both locally and around the country.

History shows that faith-filled women of the Church are visionaries, innovators and risk-takers. The breadth and depth of SC service, whether in education, health care or social service capacities, can’t be learned by society’s traditional professional measurements alone. The barometer of success for mission-driven work is fulfilled in meeting community need and outreach to those on the margins.

No matter the decade, the ministry or the population being served, we believe the Sisters of Charity’s representation of Gospel values has resulted in much that is good. In this new time we go ahead, seeking ‘the next,’ to make room for the new, asking hard justice questions as they relate to climate change, racism, imbalance of power. We hear the call of the earth to sustain our planet; the desire for truth; voices crying to be understood. As we continually seek to embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the signs of these times, we anticipate ongoing engagement and collaboration with our lay collaborators, colleagues, partners and friends in the fulfillment of God’s will for God’s people. many hands will make light work as all the faithful strive to achieve a shared vision.