Sister Kathleen Cour, OP

Profession: June 19, 1968

Current ministry: General Council, Dominican Sisters of Springfield

Birthplace: Springfield, Ill.

Home parish: St. Agnes, Springfield

Previous ministries: Elementary Education Holy Angels, Aurora, Ill. Music Director/liturgy Holy Angels, Aurora, Ill.; Our Lady of Lourdes, Decatur, Ill.; Director of the Office of Worship Diocese of Springfield in Illinois Spiritual Direction Benincasa, Riverton, Ill.; Jubilee Farm, Springfield, Ill.

Musings: I have always said that my call to religious life became real for me from the time I met the Springfield Dominicans in second grade at St. Agnes School in Springfield. I was attracted to the spirit of joy, apparent love of God, and dedicated service of the sisters who were my teachers in the classroom and in music throughout my time at St. Agnes and through high school at Sacred Heart Academy. Very simply, from those early days, I never considered any other way of life. I used every reason I could muster to spend time with these Dominicans, learn from them, and pattern my love of study and service on what I received from them as mentors.

I came because of relationships and the mentoring of a joyful community of women! Once I entered and embraced daily life as a Dominican, I never considered any other way of living. Over the years, a deepening understanding and lived experience of prayer, study, community, and our preaching mission are why I stayed.

A life dedicated to being for others…meeting others where they are and affirming each person’s unique journey with God…an opportunity to make a difference for others each and every day…a life of service…what could be better? Why would you not want to be part of something so special?