Sister Kathleen Anne Tait celebrates golden jubilee

Sister Kathleen Anne was born and raised in Springfield by her parents, George and Angie Tait, and grew up with her siblings, Brad, Karen, and Diane. She joined the Dominicans after graduating from Sacred Heart Academy and made her profession of vows on August 8, 1974. In 1975 began her first mission, teaching grades five and seven at Cathedral School in Springfield, 1975-1979. She transferred to Sacred Heart School, San Diego, Calif., where she taught 7th grade, 1979-1984. From 1984-1987 she ministered at Marian Catholic where she taught math and computers and was the faculty moderator for student council. 

Her next thirteen years of ministry were given to Sacred Heart Academy/Sacred Heart-Griffin, where, 1987-2000, she taught math, then was dean of students, assistant principal and eventually principal, helping to shepherd the school through the transition from a single sex to a co-ed institution. After a year of sabbatical, she became a consultant for the archdiocese of Chicago in the education office, 2001-2003, serving as assistant superintendent for high schools. She was principal of Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, Ill. 2004-2014, where she adapted the curriculum design to integrate critical thinking. She also received the St. Katherine Drexel Racial Justice Award for her work toward interculturality in the school focused on dismantling racial justice. 

In 2014 Sister Kathleen returned to Springfield to establish the congregation’s office for mission advancement while for three years she also served as director of the Dominican Association of Secondary Schools, a membership organization that fosters the Dominican charism and spirit among Dominican-led schools throughout the United States. She continues as the congregational director of mission advancement, serves on the steering committee for SDART, the sisters’ antiracism team, and is one of the coordinators for the Dominican Futuring Team, a planning body for many Dominican congregations of sisters in the U.S. She also serves on the Board of Directors for SHG and St. Dominic’s Hospital and as a trustee of Dominican Veritas Ministries. 

Sister Kathleen Anne says looking back on her life and the people she has been blessed to know, she sees God’s hand in her life. “It has been a sacred journey touching the lives of the students and coworkers I have known,” she said. “It's been a privilege to hear the stories of our Partners in Mission and how our sisters have influenced their lives. My religious vocation has been a journey of God using my talents and gifts for the good of others. It's brought more happiness than I could have ever dreamed!”