Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent DePaul (DC)
60th Entrance
Sister Patricia Connolly
Birth name: Patricia Irene
Birthplace: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Entrance: 1962
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Marillac College, St. Louis, 1966
Master’s in spiritual theology, Saint Louis University, 1974
Certification as school administrator, University of San Francisco, California, 1994
Master’s in counseling psychology, Our Lady of the Lake, San Antonio, Texas, 1996
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher and CCD coordinator, St. Catherine Laboure School, St. Louis, 1966-71
Coordinator of associates and volunteer program, Marillac Provincial House, St. Louis, 1981-84 and DC-AIM, 1984-86
Provincial councillor, Marillac Provincialate, St. Louis, 1998-2007
Board member, Vincentian Missions Corps Inc., 1998-2011
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary and high school teacher, department head, liturgical coordinator, principal and counselor in Louisiana and Texas
Program coordinator, Vincentian Integration Experience (VIE), Chicago, 2009-11
NGO Representative, United Nations New York, New York, 2009-12
Counselor, Ascension DePaul Services, San Antonio, Texas, 2012-20
Local community superior in Texas, Amarillo, 1985-91, and San Antonio, 1995-98, 2013-16
Currently serves in the Dream Path and Solidary programs, Ubuntu Center for Peace, East St. Louis
About Sister Patricia Connolly: My parents’ lived faith and commitment to serve those living in poverty, respectfully and lovingly, certainly sowed the seeds of my vocation to the Daughters of Charity, whose motto is “The love of Jesus Christ crucified leads us on.” It was enormously difficult to leave my parents and nine siblings. I bargained with the Lord, that if He would give me the grace and strength to leave and serve, I would go wherever He asked. He kept His promise, hence the many places I have been graced to serve. All has been grace.
Sister Mary Catherine Dunn
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1962
Education: Bachelor’s in natural science, Fontbonne University, St. Louis, 1967
Bachelor’s in social work, University of Arlington, Texas, 1980
Service in the archdiocese: Administrative dietician, DePaul Hospital, St. Louis, 1971-74
Dietary director, St. Ann Home, St. Louis, 1974-77
Assistant dietary director, St. Vincent Hospital, St. Louis, 1977-78
Guardian Angel Settlement Association, 1995-2003, 2016-present
Coordinator of development services, fund development, Vincentian Service Corps, St. Louis, 1995-97
Director of Vincentian Service Corps, 1995-2003
Director, Vincentian Service Corps, St. Louis, 1997-2003
Parkwood residence, 2001-03
Local community superior, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2004-12
Daughters of Charity Foundation, 2007-16
Receptionist, Province of St. Louise Office, St. Louis, 2013-present
Volunteer, DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, 2013-16
Visitor, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2013-20
Board member, DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton
Member of ASLVD, the archdiocesan vocation team
Currently lives and serves as local community superior, Parkwood Residence, Maryland Heights, 2019-present and current board member beginning 2022, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton
Service outside the archdiocese: Dietetic internship, dietary director, and therapeutic dietician in Ohio, Alabama and Louisiana
Parish ministry, Director of Catholic Social Services, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 1980-84
Director of Catholic Charities Brady Senior Center, Dallas, Texas, 1984-87
Executive director, Seton Center, a social service center, Kansas City, Missouri, 1987-95
Case worker and coordinator of volunteers at food bank, Tuba City, Arizona, 2003-04
About Sister Mary Catherine Dunn: I was born in St. Louis and learned of the Daughters through my aunt Mary, who was in the Ladies of Charity in St. Louis. It was my experience as a volunteer at the Guardian Angel Settlement that instilled in me a love for the poor. I have served in several roles throughout my years on mission, and I have found each ministry to be a blessing and a gift. God has allowed me to continue to serve my sisters in community and to seek out those we are called to serve.
Sister Dorothy Folmer
Birth name: Jeanette Marie
Birthplace: Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Entrance: 1962
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education, St. Joseph College, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 1971
Service in the archdiocese: Currently serves at the Daughters of Charity Seminary, St. Louis, 2021-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher in North Carolina and Maryland
Mission Ad Gentes, secondary teacher, Congo, Africa, 1973-79
Elementary teacher, St. Mary’s School, Rome, Georgia, 1979-84
Mission Ad Gentes, Taiwan, 1984-2007
Outreach coordinator, St. Cyprian Outreach Center, Georgetown, South Carolina, 2007-15
Thrift shop volunteer, Seton Center, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 2015-21
About Sister Dorothy Folmer: I’m so thankful for God’s many blessings: the joy in serving wherever He sent me, the community of my sisters bonded by faith and love, and the foundation of support from my family and hope in God.
Sister Rosa Lee Kramer
Birthplace: Axtell, Kansas
Entrance: 1962
Education: Bachelor’s in sociology, Marillac College/Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1971
Master’s in communication arts, Webster University, St. Louis, 1982
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher’s aide, St. Vincent Grade School, Perryville, 1964-65
Teacher and audio-visual director, Laboure High School, St. Louis, 1965-71
Elementary teacher, St. Matthias School, St. Louis, 1972-77
Elementary teacher, Corpus Christi District School, St. Louis, 1977-78
Elementary teacher, St. Vincent Grade School, Perryville, 1979-82
Elementary teacher, St. Aloysius School, St. Louis, 1990-94
Elementary teacher, Our Lady of Good Counsel School, St. Louis, 1994-99
ESL teacher, St. Pius V Catholic School, St. Louis, 2000-03
Board member, St. Louis, Vincentian Service Corps, 2000-06
Board member, Guardian Angel Settlement Association, 2000-03
Archives assistant, Province of St. Louise, St. Louis, 2009-12
Since 2018, Sister Rosa Lee has served in the Ministry of Prayer, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher in Texas, Louisiana and Missouri
Reading and ESL teacher, Immaculate Conception School, Rio Grande City, Texas, 2003-07
Teacher and librarian, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School, Mission, Texas, 2007-08
Docent, Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 2008-09
Provincial Archivist, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 2012-18
About Sister Rosa Lee Kramer: I was introduced to the Daughters by my family’s parish priest and fell in love with the Company’s charism of love and service to the poor. My appreciation for our heritage has grown through the years, especially during my time of service among different cultures that has broadened and enriched my views. I am very grateful for these past 60 years and continue to reflect on St. Vincent de Paul’s words: “Grace has its moments.”
Sister Genevieve Keusenkothen
Birth name: Marianne Elizabeth
Birthplace: Kelso, Missouri
Entrance: 1962
Education: Bachelor’s in biology, Marillac College, St. Louis, 1966
Bachelor’s in nursing, Texas Women’s University, Dallas, 1980
Service in the archdiocese: Math and science teacher, Laboure High School, St. Louis, 1971-77
Nurse’s aide, Villa Infirmary, Marillac Provincial House, St. Louis, 1977-78
Oncology nurse, DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, 1980-83
Staff nurse, IICU, DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, 1983-86
Staff nurse, SICU, DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, 1986-88
Clerk, Marillac Provincialate, St. Louis, 1992-93
Provincial archivist, Marillac Provincialate, St. Louis, 1993-2005
Volunteer, St. Patrick Center, St. Louis, 2006-10
Sister Genevieve currently serves in the Ministry of Prayer, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2010-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Math and science teacher, Cathedral High School, San Francisco, 1966-69
Science teacher, Cardinal Stritch High School, Keokuk, Iowa, 1969-71
Nursing student and training, Texas Women’s University, Denton, 1978-80
Clinic nurse coordinator, DCS-San Antonio, 1988-91
About Sister Genevieve Keusenkothen: I grew up in a small town, a first-generation German immigrant. I entered the community to be part of the response to those who are oppressed and marginalized. I believe all my professional experiences have led me to an understanding of the struggles of the marginalized, and I have found in the faith of those I serve, a deepening sense of who my God is.
Sister Kathleen Murray
Birth name: Kathleen Anne
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1962
Education: Bachelor’s in French, Marillac College, Normandy, 1966
Master’s in American history, Saint Louis University, 1979
Administration and supervision post-graduate, UIW and OLLU, San Antonio, Texas
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, Elizabeth Ann Seton School, Brewer, 1970-73
Elementary teacher, Corpus Christi District School, St. Louis, 1973-76
Elementary teacher, St. Matthias School, St. Louis, 1978-80
Sister Kathleen currently lives at the Olive Residence, St. Louis
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher in Illinois and Texas
Elementary principal, St. Philip of Texas, San Antonio, Texas, 1985-92
Elementary principal, St. Mary Central Catholic School, Odessa, Texas, 1992-99
Elementary principal, St. Joseph School, Edinburg, Texas, 1999-2013
Currently serves as assistant principal, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, East St. Louis, Illinois, 2014-present
70th Entrance
Sister Helen Brewer
Birth name: Helen Frances
Birthplace: Perryville
Entrance: 1952
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Marillac College, St. Louis, 1965
Master’s in secondary administration, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1970
Master’s in religious education, Boston College, Massachusetts, 1990
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, secondary principal, St. Louis
Director of education, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, St. Charles, 1989-92
Provincial councillor, Marillac Provincial House, St. Louis, 1995-98
Association of the Miraculous Medal, Perryville, 2015-18
Currently at The Sarah Community, Bridgeton
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher in Alabama, Utah and Texas
Vice principal, Cathedral High School, San Francisco, 1965-69
Director of religious education, Willow Springs and West Plains, Missouri, 1976-78
Director of religious education and Renew, Diocese of Springfield/Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Missouri, 1981-88
Vice president of mission, St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas, 1992-94
Advocacy consultant, Seton Family of Hospitals, Austin, Texas, 1998-2006
Associate vicar of religious for Diocese of Austin, Texas, 2004-14
About Sister Helen Brewer: With the diverse ministries that I have been in, I feel that my skills and experience were best used in the areas of mission effectiveness and governance within Ascension Health.
Sister Lucretia Burns
Birth name: Frances Carolyn
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
Entrance: 1952
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Marillac College, St. Louis, 1963
Master’s in education administration, Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois, 1980
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Boniface School, Perryville, 1961-62
Primary teacher, St. Louise de Marillac School, St. Louis, 1962-65
Elementary teacher, St. Catherine Laboure School, St. Louis, 1969-73
Elementary teacher, Central Catholic Community School, St. Louis, 1980-83
Supervisor and seamstress, Marillac Provincial House, St. Louis, 1985-86, 1989-91
Education ministry adult education, GED, The Jobs Partnership Center, St. Louis, 1994-98
Adult education, Workforce Development Center, St. Louis, 1998-99
Service outside the archdiocese: Primary and elementary teacher, principal in Texas, South Dakota and Louisiana
Coordinator of volunteers, Elderly Food program for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, 1986-89
Director, Learning Clubs of S.W. Arkansas and teacher, DePaul Community Development Center, Stamps, Arkansas, 1991-94
GED teacher, SAISD Education Service Center Region XX, San Antonio, 1999-2013
GED tutor, Goodwill Easter Seals, 2013-16 and Promoter of the Miraculous Medal, St. Vincent de Paul School, Mobile, Alabama, 2016-17
Since, 2018, Sister Lucretia has served in the Ministry of Prayer, Seton Residence, Evansville, Indiana
About Sister Lucretia Burns: I come from a true New Orleanian family with parents and five very active children. Even in my youngest days I loved school and my excellent teachers. I truly wanted to follow in their footsteps and that started my career choice in education. No mater how old or young my students, it brought me joy to see children and adults achieve their goal. I also appreciated opportunities to learn to broaden my knowledge to share with others. At this time of my life, I enjoy quiet prayer and soft spiritual music. God has given me the gift of a sharpened curiosity, ability to listen, and so now, I welcome Him into my day as I seek Him and listen for His voice. I give thanks to God for these past 70 years to serve Him and His children.
Sister Denise Duplessis
Birth name: Helen Mae
Birthplace: Geismar, Louisiana
Entrance: 1952
Education: Bachelor’s in sociology, Marillac College, St. Louis, 1965
Bachelor’s in music education, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1980
Doctorate in religious education, Loyola University, New Orleans, 1989
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary teacher, St. Louise de Marillac School, St. Louis, 1965
Elementary teacher, St. Vincent Grade School, Perryville, 1980-88
Liturgy and prayer minister, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2011-13
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary teacher in Texas, Illinois, California, Missouri and Arkansas
Pastoral associate, St. Ann Parish, Midland, Texas, 2000-06
Currently serves in the Ministry of Prayer, Seton Residence, Evansville, Indiana, 2020-present
About Sister Denise Duplessis: I am from a large, happy family and a true cowgirl. Music was at the center of our family life on the farm. I have loved teaching from my earliest days and found satisfaction in bringing the joy of music to the children. I have always found my music to be a prayer and a comfort and was pleased to share it with others. At this time of my life being in the Ministry of Prayer I bring music to the senior sisters that they truly enjoy. With a heart full of gratitude, I give thanks to God for my many years of serving Him in the children and others.