Katherine “Kathy” Kandefer, BVM, was born and raised in the Chicago area as the eldest of seven children in the Edwin and Loretta (Otte) Kandefer family. She grew up in St. Ferdinand Parish, where she first encountered the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVMs) during her elementary and high school years at The Immaculata. After much reflection and a strong sense of calling, Kathy entered the BVM congregation at the age of 23 on September 12, 1975. Her early years in the novitiate were spent between Phoenix and Dubuque, Iowa. Kathy pursued a bachelor's degree in religious studies at Mundelein College in Chicago. Her career began as a kindergarten teacher in Omaha, Nebraska, before transitioning to parish ministry as a pastoral associate in Portland, Oregon. She later served as the Diocesan Director of Catechesis in Uncasville, Connecticut, and as Coordinator of Initial Membership in Dubuque. Kathy's leadership roles expanded as she became the associate director for the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership in Washington, D.C., and later the director of conferences and events at the Washington Theological Union. In 2012, she joined the Religious Formation Conference, which deepened her appreciation for the BVM charism. Kathy returned to Chicago to continue her leadership within the conference and was elected second vice president of the BVM Congregation in 2021, with her term extending to 2025. She will serve as first vice president from 2024 to 2029. Outside of her ministry work, Kathy enjoys creative hobbies such as crafting and cooking, particularly entertaining with crab dishes. Recently, she moved to Dubuque, settling into life at Mount Carmel Bluffs, while maintaining close ties with her family in Chicago. For Kathy, being a BVM means having a large, caring family and responding purposefully to ministry needs across the nation.

Mary Lou Wetzell, BVM, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert R. and Mary (Schatz) Wetzell. Her upbringing in Chicago was marked by strong family ties and joyful experiences that laid the groundwork for her commitment to service and education. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School and The Immaculata High School, graduating in 1967. Mary Lou earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Northeastern Illinois State University in 1971, focusing on early childhood education. She taught primary school at Our Lady of Mercy in Chicago from 1971 to 1974. Mary Lou's vocation was influenced by her early encounters with the BVMs, who taught her from kindergarten through high school. She entered the BVM Congregation on September 13, 1974, from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Chicago. Her ministry began as a primary school teacher at St. Francis Xavier Elementary School in Phoenix, where she taught until 1981. She then taught at Holy Family School in Glendale, California, from 1981 to 1985. After returning to Chicago, she took her final vows on May 3, 1986. From 1986 to 1994, Mary Lou taught preschool at Our Lady of Lourdes and later served at Queen of All Saints School for 25 years, where she helped open the first preschool. In 2019, she transitioned to an administrative assistant role at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, serving until 2023. Now retired at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa, Mary Lou enjoys volunteering, outdoor activities, and deepening her spiritual life. Reflecting on her 50 years as a BVM, she feels blessed to be part of the BVM family, guided by the core values of freedom, education, charity, and justice.

Sister Janice Link, BVM, was a dedicated educator and religious sister who served in various teaching and administrative roles throughout her life. Born on August 15, 1936, in Lefor, North Dakota, she was the daughter of Joseph and Anne (Gion) Link. Sister Janice began her religious journey by entering the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Watertown, South Dakota, in 1954. She later transferred to the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) congregation in 1972, where she professed her final vows on June 16, 1974. Throughout her career, Sister Janice was an elementary teacher in Chicago and Tujunga, California, where she also taught English as a Second Language. She served as a secondary teacher, assistant administrator, and library assistant in Mission Hills, California. Her ministry extended to teaching roles in Pueblo and Aurora, Colorado, and as a junior high and high school teacher in various locations in South Dakota, including Stephan, Ipswich, Hoven, and Aberdeen. Additionally, she was an elementary teacher and principal in Fort Yates, North Dakota. Sister Janice passed away on July 21, 2020, at the age of 83, at Caritas Center in Dubuque, Iowa. She was laid to rest in Mount Carmel Cemetery. She is survived by her siblings and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared her life for 46 years. -Date of Birth: August 15, 1936 -Entrance Date: 1954 -Transfer to BVM: 1972 -Final Vows Date: June 16, 1974

Sister Mary Ellen McDonagh, BVM, was a dedicated member of the Sisters of Charity, BVM, for 45 years. Born on November 17, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, to John and Rosemary Burke McDonagh, she entered the BVM congregation on January 14, 1973, from Our Lady of Loretto Parish in St. Louis. She professed her first vows on October 4, 1975, and her final vows on May 29, 1982. Sister Mary Ellen was an accomplished English teacher, having taught at Regis-O'Hara High School in Kansas City, Missouri, The Immaculata in Chicago, Xavier High School in Phoenix, and Assumption High School in Davenport, Iowa. Beyond teaching, she served as the editor of the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph newspaper, a staff member of the Holy Family Catholic Worker, communications coordinator at the Interfaith Peace Alliance, and assistant administrator and program coordinator at St. John's Center, all in Kansas City, Missouri. She was also an advocate for social justice at the 8th Day Center for Justice in Chicago. Sister Mary Ellen was known for her deep connection to the poor, the earth, and a loving God, and she aspired to live her beliefs out loud. She passed away on November 3, 2018, at Caritas Center in Dubuque, Iowa, and was laid to rest in Mount Carmel Cemetery. She is survived by her stepsisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and her BVM sisters. -Date of Birth: November 17, 1950 -Entrance Date: January 14, 1973 -First Vows Date: October 4, 1975 -Final Vows Date: May 29, 1982

Sister Katherine E. Heffernan, BVM, was a dedicated and compassionate member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary for 52 years. Born on April 14, 1923, in Omaha, Nebraska, to John and Julie (Anheuser) Heffernan, she entered religious life with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in September 1958 and professed her first vows in March 1959. She later transferred her vows to the Sisters of Charity, BVM, on January 20, 1973. Sister Katherine's career was marked by her commitment to social services, serving as the director of social services at Fox River and London Memorial Hospitals, and as director of clinical services at Barclay Hospital in the Chicago area. Additionally, she worked as a district social worker, clinical social worker, and special education care manager for the Chicago Board of Education. Known for her fearlessness and resilience, Sister Katherine lived a life rich in service and faith, leaving a lasting impact on those she served and loved. She passed away at the age of 101 on January 31, 2025, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa. -Date of Birth: April 14, 1923 -Entrance Date: September 1958 -First Vows Date: March 1959 -Transfer of Vows to Sisters of Charity, BVM: January 20, 1973 Sister Katherine's career was marked by her commitment to social services, serving as the director of social services at Fox River and London Memorial Hospitals, and as director of clinical services at Barclay Hospital in the Chicago area. Additionally, she worked as a district social worker, clinical social worker, and special education care manager for the Chicago Board of Education. Known for her fearlessness and resilience, Sister Katherine lived a life rich in service and faith, leaving a lasting impact on those she served and loved.