#LikeaCatholicSister
Catholic Sisters Week, celebrated from March 8 - 14, was a time to reflect on the powerful impact of Catholic Sisters across the nation, and we are deeply grateful for the success of the #LikeaCatholicSister campaign. This initiative, created by Mikaela VanMoorleghem, our Communications Director, brought national attention to the amazing contributions of Catholic Sisters, shining a light on their work and dedication.
This initiative brought together approximately 34 congregations from across the country in a unified effort to challenge outdated stereotypes and shift perceptions of religious life by showcasing the diverse, dynamic, and impactful ways Sisters served in today’s world.
For generations, Catholic Sisters had been breaking barriers, advocating for justice, leading in education and healthcare, and fostering spiritual growth. Their presence in communities—both past and present—had been a source of strength, hope, and transformation. Through storytelling, social media engagement, and historical connections, the #LikeaCatholicSister campaign brought these powerful stories to light, showing how Sisters continued to be forces of change in a world that deeply needed their compassion and leadership.
At a time when many find it difficult to see the light ahead, this campaign served as a reminder that hope was alive. Ultimately, #LikeaCatholicSister aimed to redefine what it meant to live as a Catholic Sister—not as a relic of the past, but as a vibrant, purpose-driven calling that continued to shape communities and inspire faith.
We invited others to reflect on and celebrate the ways they, too, made a difference in their communities. Just as Catholic Sisters dedicated their lives to service, advocacy, and faith, we all had the opportunity to share compassion, uphold our values, and contribute to the greater good in our own unique ways.
The success of the campaign was evident as Miss VanMoorleghem was interviewed by outlets like OSV News and Global Sisters Report. Over 115 stories from 34 congregations were published, offering a glimpse into the diverse and impactful ways Sisters are reshaping the world.
Read OSV article: https://www.osvnews.com/catholic-sisters-week-marks-10-years-celebrating-women-religious-dynamic-mission/
Read Global Sisters Report: https://www.globalsistersreport.org/catholic-sisters-week-defies-stereotypes-telling-real-stories-sisters
To view all stories, visit: https://catholicsistersweek.org/
See featured stories below.
Breaking Stereotypes: Notre Dame Sister Theresa Maly Advocates Against the Death Penalty
Sr. Theresa Maly’s journey into the movement to abolish the death penalty began years ago within the Notre Dame community. Read her story
Pioneering Courage: The Notre Dame Sisters’ Legacy Through Nazi Germany and Beyond
In the darkest days of World War II, Notre Dame Sister, Mother Fabiola Ditek, as well as many of her fellow Sisters, faced unimaginable turmoil amidst the chaos of war and oppression. Her journey through German concentration camps was one of extraordinary courage and faith. Read her story.
Redefining the Narrative: Championing the Fight Against Sex Trafficking in Nebraska
Human trafficking is one of the most significant, and tragically growing, crimes of our time. It is a high-profit, low-risk business where human beings—often children and women—are bought, sold, and exploited for the benefit of others. Read how Sr. Celeste Wobeter led an effort that has changed the way the community responds to this horrific crime. Read her story.
Leading With Love: The Notre Dame Sisters’ Legacy at Fr. Flanagan’s Boys’ Home
Read about the Notre Dame Sisters' legacy with what is now known as Boys Town. Read their story.
Fighting for the Forgotten: Sr. Mary Kay Meagher’s Mission of Solidarity in Omaha and Huehuetenango
With a background in nursing and a lifelong dedication to serving the poor, Sr. Mary Kay felt a calling to immediately serve in Guatemala. Read her story.
Shattering Preconceptions: Sr. Stephanie’s Mission to Honor and Serve Homeless Veterans
Sister Stephanie has always considered Veterans Day one of the most significant holidays of the year. To her, it is a day dedicated to honoring and showing gratitude to military heroes for their bravery, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to the nation. Read her story.
Sisters Speak Out Campaign
Catholic Sisters Speak Out for Justice – And I’m Honored to Support Their Voice
On June 24, Catholic Sisters from more than 50 congregations gathered on Capitol Hill to pray, speak out, and take a stand against proposed federal budget cuts that threaten healthcare, food assistance, and the well-being of immigrant families. The event, Sisters Speak Out: Prayer and Public Witness for Immigrants and a Just Economy, urged Congress to reject steep cuts to critical social safety net programs and oppose massive increases in immigration enforcement funding that would harm families and communities.
Powerful voices at the press conference included Sister Norma Pimentel, recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people for her ministry with migrants, Sister Mary Haddad, President of the Catholic Health Association, and Sister Maggie Gannon, who works with families in a community facing food insecurity. These sisters—and many others—brought attention to the human cost of inhumane policies.
Sisters Speak Out is a collaborative effort of 50 congregations of Catholic Sisters and 10 social justice organizations, united in advocating for the dignity of every person and protection of our common home.
I’m proud to have played a creative role in this initiative. I designed the logo, built the website, created social media graphics, and supported overall communications efforts to help amplify the voices of the Sisters and those they serve. It has been deeply meaningful to contribute to a cause so aligned with justice, compassion, and human dignity.
