“Your support through the Retirement Fund doesn’t just sustain us; it honors our life’s work and allows even our smallest communities to continue serving with dignity and grace. We are so deeply grateful,” reflects Sister Paul Mary of Jesus, LSP, whose vibrant ministry with the Little Sisters of the Poor has been defined by unwavering commitment and love.
Born in 1947 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sister Paul Mary of Jesus grew up in a devoted Catholic family that shaped her faith. After losing his job, her father moved the family from Pittsburgh to New Haven, Connecticut, to continue his career as a newspaper editor, but the family’s faith remained steadfast.
Catholic schooling profoundly influenced Sister Paul Mary of Jesus’ path. After a challenging time adapting when the family arrived in New Haven, she quickly fit in at Sacred Heart Academy, operated by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart, where she became student council president and reclaimed her outgoing personality.
Her first interaction with the Little Sisters of the Poor came during a high school canned goods drive, when a visit to their home sparked an immediate connection—from her first encounter with the Little Sisters and their ministry, Sister Paul quickly recognized her calling, formally entering religious life on August 15, 1965.
Inspired early on by several remarkable sisters, particularly a Colombian Little Sister whose joy in her vocation left a lasting impression, Sister Paul developed a deep appreciation for the family spirit and humor among the sisters.
She pursued higher education, earning degrees in dietetics and administration, and served as a kitchen sister, dietitian, and caretaker in homes for the Little Sisters of the Poor across multiple locations. She later assumed leadership roles, including overseeing the care of residents and managing the construction and operation of new houses.
Her trust in God’s providence was profoundly tested during Hurricane Katrina, overseeing the evacuation of 139 elderly residents and subsequently managing relocation efforts.
Even during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sister Paul Mary of Jesus remained adaptable, managing dietary operations despite staffing shortages, ensuring the safety of residents, and emphasizing the importance of community support during adversity.
Today, she is actively involved in her ministry, caring for residents at St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly, forming and collaborating with lay associates. She continues to assume whatever services are needed, including direct care, administration, and community engagement.
Drawing spiritual strength from her favorite saint, Thérèse of Lisieux, and the profound mercy of Jesus’ forgiveness, Sister Paul strives to mirror his compassion, forgiveness, and humility. Her advice for longevity is clear: “Stay positive, embrace new opportunities, and always serve with joy.”
Reflecting on decades of faithful ministry, Sister Mary Paul of Jesus affirms that “God will always use you if you permit him to.”
“Gratitude is a religious expression. It is a thanksgiving to God for the service of so many religious individuals who have dedicated their lives not for profit, but for the benefit of others. We are most grateful to the donors who give,” shares Father Albert Judy, OP, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday and more than six decades of Dominican life.
Read More about Father Albert Judy, OP, 90 »
“We are so grateful for our benefactors, whose prayers and support sustain our life of service. I’m eternally grateful for my vocation. My advice is to come in with your heart completely open and expect wonderful things to happen,” notes Brother Martin Schmitz, 95, a member of the Conventual Franciscans of St. Bonaventure Province.
Read More about Brother Martin Schmitz, OFM Conv, 95 »
“What you’re doing is letting us continue our ministry in praying for others, meeting others, and continuing our work as bringing the best of God to all. And we thank you for all you do, and you’re in our prayers,” reflects Father Terry Deffenbaugh, OSA, 78, a dedicated member of the Augustinian community whose ministry has been marked by faith, humor, and compassion.
Read More about Father Terry Deffenbaugh, OSA, 78 »
“We are deeply grateful for the support of the Retirement Fund. For our small community of just 30 members, these contributions have lifted a tremendous burden and helped us plan for the future with dignity and care. The generosity of donors has been a gift to us—and we continue to feel its impact every day,” reflects Sister Barbara Mass, a founding member of the Sisters of the Living Word whose decades of service have centered on teaching, leadership, and spiritual formation.
Read More about Sister Barbara Mass, SLW, 83 »
“Your generosity is more than a gift—it’s a grace. Because of you, we are cared for in our later years with dignity and love. I thank God for you each day in my prayers,” reflects Sister Diane De Carli, MSCS, an 86-year-old member of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo (Scalabrinian) community in Melrose Park, Illinois.
Read More about Sister Diane De Carli, MSCS, 86 »
“When our congregation began, we had almost no savings. But thanks to the generous donors who contribute to the Retirement Fund for Religious year after year, we’ve built a modest nest egg that brings us real peace of mind. Most of us are no longer able to work, and these gifts—from both Catholics and non-Catholics—help us live with dignity. We’re profoundly grateful. You’ve made our retirement years more secure, and we never take that for granted,” shares Sister Sharon Glumb, a 76-year-old member of the Sisters of the Living Word in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Read More about Sister Sharon Glumb, SLW, 76 »
“Our ministries often face deep financial challenges—even struggling to meet basic living expenses. We rely on the generosity of donors, especially friends and family, whose support sustains our work when resources are scarce. Their giving isn’t just helpful—it’s vital,” shares Brother Jordan Coonen, 84, who has devoted 65 years of service as a Dominican Brother in Chicago, Illinois.
Read More about Brother Jordan Coonen, OP, 84 »
“As a retired sister, I’ve seen firsthand how many of our communities struggle to meet even basic living expenses. The support we receive from the Retirement Fund for Religious—and from the donors who give so generously—helps us live with dignity and peace of mind. Your kindness fills a need that we could never meet on our own. Thank you,” shares Sister Maria Ciglioni, an 86-year-old member of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo (Scalabrinian) community in Melrose Park, Illinois.
Read More about Sister Maria Ciglioni, MSCS, 86 »
The Retirement Fund for Religious team recently traveled to Chicago, Illinois, where we had the honor of photographing senior religious from a number of communities across the archdiocese.
Read More about Thankful Senior Religious Photographed in Chicago »
