The first of our six Ursuline Sisters celebrating 60 years of religious profession whom we honor is Sister Mary Ellen Backes. A native of Minot, N.D., Sister Mary Ellen is a joyful person who always seeks to make people feel welcome in all circumstances. Congratulations Sister Mary Ellen!
She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Minot State College in 1971. She earned her master’s degree in theology from St. John University, Collegeville, Minn., in 1982. Sister Mary Ellen was an Ursuline Sister of Belleville, Ill., prior to the 2005 merger of that community with Mount Saint Joseph. She was a teacher at Holy Childhood of Jesus School, Mascoutah, Ill. (1967-68, 1971-80), director of religious education at St. Stephen Parish, Caseyville, Ill. (1982-89) and general superior of the Ursulines of Belleville (1989-95). Since 1995 she has been pastoral associate at St. Joseph Parish, Springfield, Ill.
Comments