Sister Katherine O’Connor, OP, previously known as Sister Gilmary, was born in 1946 in Evanston, Ill., and was baptized Katherine Regina at St. Jerome Church in Chicago. She joined the Dominican Sisters of Springfield in 1964 and made her first profession of vows in 1966.
She began her ministry teaching at Our Lady of Grace, Chicago, 1967-1972. She taught junior high school students at Our Lady of Lourdes, Decatur, 1972-1973 and later at St. Mary, East Moline, 1973-1976. She served as principal at Sacred Heart, Brawley, Calif., 1976-1979; St. Thomas, Crystal Lake, Ill., 1979-1983, and at St. Thomas More, Elgin, 1990-1991.
After years of teaching, she chose a year of spiritual renewal, 1991-1992, returning to education as principal at St. John Neumann, Maryville, 1992-1993, and then as the assistant principal at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, 1993-1994.
Sister Katherine became the principal at St. Agnes, Springfield, 1994-1997 before being elected by her sisters to serve on the general council 1997-2005. Completing that role, she became president of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 2005-2013. From 2013-2016 she served dual roles as the president and interim principal, then served as principal only, 2017-2023.
After taking a sabbatical, she returned to ministry in 2024 as one of the founders of Springfield literacy center, where she continues to teach.
Sister Katherine says that after 60 years of profession she is happy she chose the Dominicans.
“I am filled with gratitude as I celebrate my 60th anniversary of religious profession. The faithfulness of our loving God is beyond compare. Through my life in community and my ministry, I have been blessed with so many enriching friendships. Thank you to all who have helped me to reach this amazing milestone,” she said
More about Sister Katherine O’Connor
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Growing Strong in Faith: The Interfaith Experience in Parochial Schools
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