外网天堂’s School of Education Visits the Sisters of Charity
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, we visited the Motherhouse to meet some of the Sisters of Charity to understand their histories of faith, and of their service as educators, to get a better understanding of their legacy near this specially designated Catholic Schools Week. Our crew included: The along with two Education students, Abby Crim and Kathy Alvarez, and Laura’s Administrative Assistants, and . We planned this meeting with much help from Erin Reder, Communications Director for the Sisters of Charity. We brought simple gift bags in exchange for Pearls of Wisdom from the Sisters of Charity.
“Five Sisters patiently answered our questions, told us their ministry stories, made us smile and laugh, and paused to think about the value of mission and vocation, and the legacy of the Sisters of Charity.” Jennie Cunningham
Biography summaries of the five Sisters of Charity in attendance were provided by Erin Reder:
- Kathryn Ann Connelly – elementary teacher at schools in Colorado, Ohio, and New Mexico; assistant principal and principal at Archbishop Alter High School; principal at Seton High School; director of education services for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese
- Annette Paveglio – elementary/junior high teacher at schools in Ohio and Kensington, Maryland; principal of St. William and Mount Campus School; instructor of teacher education at College of Mount St. Joseph (as named at the time)
- Lois Jean Goettke – elementary/junior high teacher at schools in Ohio; principal at Bishop Leibold School in Dayton and St. Brigid in Xenia
- Sheila Gallagher – high school teacher at schools in New Mexico, Michigan, and Ohio (four years at Seton High School and 39 years at Holy Name High School in Cleveland)
- Georgia Kitt – high school counselor and teacher; assistant principal and principal at Catholic Central High School in Springfield, OH; high school teacher (math) and director of guidance at Bishop Fenwick in Peabody, MA
One of the first questions the Sisters were asked was “What role did your faith play in deciding to teach in a Catholic school?” For many of the Sisters, faith played less of a role at first in their decision to enter the profession of teaching in a Catholic school. Some Sisters recalled that their choice to teach was more circumstantial than faith-driven, as they were given the option between nursing and teaching, sometimes being placed in teaching regardless of their preference. However, faith became a guiding force in their teaching journey. S. Lois Jean Goettke shared that her faith played a big role as “many, many days you would be praying. Give me the wisdom on how to work with the child or talk to a parent.” She recalled going back and forth on problem-solving in the school, and eventually turning it over to God in the evening, saying, “It's in your hands God, I have no control of this.” She shared that many times in the morning, she would have an insight that she did not have the night before because she turned it over. S. Kathryn Ann Connelly added “that it was such a privilege to develop the children for the Sacraments, which would then often open the door for daily faith, not only for the child, but also a profound opening for the rest of the family too.” S. Sheila shared about how important faith was in their work and that “in the high school, we held Mass regularly and on Holy Days. I taught students about Elizabeth Seton, providing them with a strong foundation in faith and life.” S. Georgia Kitt was a teacher first, after “playing teacher with her cousins” when they were children, then felt called to the sisterhood and the Sisters of Charity because of their positive energy and love for the life. Their experiences highlight the diverse ways in which faith and vocation intertwine in Catholic education.
The next question the Sisters were asked was “When did you decide to become a teacher?” S. Sheila Gallagher shared that she initially felt called to become a Sister and, when asked about her preferred occupation, responded, “Anything but nursing.” She went on to dedicate decades to teaching high school students in New Mexico, Michigan, and Ohio, including four years at Seton High School and an impressive 39 years at Holy Name High School in Cleveland. S. Kathryn Ann Connelly’s decision to teach was influenced by her family’s deep-rooted connection to education, with most of her family members being teachers, making it a natural choice for her. Similarly, S. Annette Paveglio was drawn to nursing due to her mother’s profession in nursing, but she was ultimately assigned to teach, a path she found to be even more fulfilling. She recalled that during her time as a teacher, she was responsible for teaching all elementary subjects, including music and gym. S. Georgia Kitt aspired to work with high school students, sharing her own love for math and encouraging girls to believe in their ability to succeed in the subject. Their experiences illustrate how faith, family influences, and unexpected career assignments shaped their journeys in Catholic education.
Next, the Sisters were asked, “What scripture or mantra helped you during your teaching years?” S. Annette Paveglio stated she finds solace in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s words, “Leave it to God and all will be well.” S. Lois would remind her students that, as Mother Teresa said as Christians, “We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful.” S. Kathryn holds deeply the quote from St. Theresa “All things are passing. God alone never changes. She, He who has God wants for nothing; God alone suffices." S. Kathryn also said, “I learned that at my mother's knee. I kept it all my life, and all my kids, and all the students I came in contact with, that was their mantra. Because if you think about that, that can get you through anything.” For the Sisters, faith was not just a subject they taught but a guiding force in their daily lives. These reflections on scripture and mantras highlight how faith provided strength and reassurance throughout their teaching journeys.
The Sisters were also asked, “What advice would you give to the educators of today, and the future?” S. Kathryn Ann Connelly pleads, “Hold onto your faith, and try to appeal to the better part of humanity with children.” She advises to “get a decent prayer life.” S. Georgia Kitt added, “Create an atmosphere that lets EACH child know that they belong,” which brought unanimous nodding that children should be shown unconditional love. S. Annette Paveglio fondly remembered a year when they blended the “smart students with the struggling students” (an idea she fervently supports) and a young student smiled and said, “There won’t be any dummies this year.” We all agreed that NO child should be made to feel like a “dummy.” S. Lois Jean Goettke found success by telling her students, “We have to get our work done, and then we can have fun” as a way to let them know that if they paid attention and pushed themselves, they would be able to have a little fun later. She warned against setting the children up for failure. Instead, set them up for success. Through their wisdom and experiences, the Sisters highlighted the power of faith, inclusion, and positivity in shaping young minds.
The final question the Sisters were asked was, “When you think about the legacy of the Sisters of Charity, what is your wish that we would do to propel your legacy?” S. Lois said, “Give yourself space to learn, grow, and teach.” S. Kathryn Ann Connelly wants us to remember that “this is a community, and we are all in this together. The legacy of the whole community should be carried on with the common bond of faith.” S. Lois Jean Goettke remembered that Catholic Schools Week was always such a fun week. She challenges you to consider working in a Catholic school, and calls us all to be critical thinkers. S. Georgia Kitt wants us to “create an atmosphere that lets EACH child know that they belong.” S. Annette Paveglio was saddened by the fact that there is so much bullying that goes on these days, and calls us to “lay down the law” in the classroom; “take charge, and establish from the start that we respect EVERY person.” S. Kathryn Ann Connelly wrapped it up nicely by saying, “There is no better job than teaching because you are doing Jesus’ work.”
Kathy Alvarez, School of Education Student at the Mount, Sisters of Charity Visit Reflection:
“I loved getting the opportunity to visit the Sisters of Charity. That visit was my first time visiting the motherhouse and I was in awe of its beauty. Visiting the Sisters created so much joy and inspiration as I listened to their deep commitment to service and compassion. After having conversations with the sisters who had made their mission in teaching, I felt a sense of purpose, knowing that their work has touched countless lives with love and that I could do the same. Hearing their stories of dedication to education, reminded me of the power of faith in action and how having a strong faith can play into being the teacher students need. I left feeling motivated to continue fostering meaningful connections between educators and families, carrying forward the values of respect and cultural responsiveness.”