Sister Kathleen Woody- 50th Jubilee

Written on: April 13, 2017

Sister Kathleen Woody (Sister Ann Sharon) was born in Richmond, Virginia, and retains many of the remnants of her days in the South. She met the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart at St. Norbert’s Parish in Paoli, Pennsylvania. As an elementary teacher, she served at Melrose Academy and Grey Nun Academy before beginning an almost lifelong ministry at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, a Jesuit high school for boys, commonly referred to as The Prep. At that time, she was one of the few women faculty members and began her career as an English teacher. Her role there evolved into that of Campus Minister which she held for many years. She continues on the faculty at The Prep in a part-time basis as a teacher of religion.

When I entered the Grey Nuns in 1967, I thought I knew how my life would unfold. However, things quickly changed. The habit was replaced with secular clothes, we began to live in intentional communities, and I went to work in a non-Grey Nun institution. I learned about social justice issues. I collaborated in ministry with religious from other communities. I was introduced to new forms of prayer that helped to deepen my spiritual life. I foresaw none of this. Truly, our God is a God of surprises! During these 50 years I have certainly grown in age, but, hopefully, in wisdom and grace as well. I know I am a better person for my experiences as a Grey Nun.

This entry was posted in Our 2017 Jubilarians and tagged: elementary teacher, English Teacher, God of Surprises, Grey Nun Academy, Jesuit High School, Melrose Academy, Paoli, religion teacher, Richmond Va, South, St. Joseph's Preparatory School, St. Norbert Parish