National Catholic Sisters Week is an annual celebration that shines a light on the spirituality, mission, and community building of women religious and the profound impact they make around the world.
This week throughout the country, women religious are honored through a series of events that teach, enlighten, and bring greater focus to the lives of these incredible women. It’s an opportunity to recognize all they have done for others.
To celebrate National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be profiling some of the Sisters of the Redeemer. Learn more about them. Let them inspire you.
Get to know Sr. Kathy Rose Miller:
How were you first introduced to the Sisters of the Redeemer?
Even though I grew up in Somerton, about 10-15 minutes from Holy Redeemer Hospital, I never met our Sisters. In June 1980, our church bulletin (St. Christopher’s Parish), there was a note about vocation retreats held at the Sisters of the Redeemer Provincialate. My first retreat there was December 1980—myself and a number of other young women would spend a weekend in prayer and activities with the Sisters. Although I know the world has changed in the last 30 years, I was grateful for that opportunity to pray and spend time with the Sisters, who at the time numbered approximately 80 Sisters. One of the Sisters, Sr. Qualberta told me I would come back, and she was right!
What is the best part of being a Sister of the Redeemer?
The best part is the support of presence and prayer and community during difficult times. Three years ago, I was very sick and had to undergo chemotherapy treatments for brain cancer. I look back on that time as a time of grace—it covered nine months—hospitalized approximately for one week once a month for treatments. I recuperated in our infirmary and I am so grateful for the presence and prayer of our Sisters which I know helped in my recover. I’ve been cancer free for almost three years
What is the best advice you have ever given?
“Take one day at a time!” Especially when things are overwhelming and you need to breathe.
What is your favorite movie?
I have a number of them, but right now it is “Keys to the Kingdom” with Gregory Peck. It came out in 1944 and tells the story of a young man who through many challenges becomes a priest and does missionary work in China before the Communist revolution. It tells his story and how he continues to journey with God as his companion throgh many challenges as he comes to the end of his journey.
What is your favorite scripture?
I’ve always been drawn to this passage—as you read it your whole life passes before you, and with each verse, I can apply it to a life experience. Each verse has a special meaning and I am grateful to God for this special scripture.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a reason
And a time for every matter under heaven,
A time to be born, and a time to die,
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to break down and a time to build up,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to cast stones, and a time to gather stones together,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
A time to seek and a time to lose,
A time to keep and a time to cast away
A time to tear, and a time to sew
A time to keep silent and a time to speak
A time to love and a time to hate
A time for war and a time for peace.
What advice would you give someone discerning religious life?
“Come as you are.” That is what I did—I came as I was—open, trusting that God had called me. I was older, but Our Lord had accompanied me in that time prior to my entering religious life, and I believed that God would continue to journey with me in all the ups and downs, which He has, and I am grateful.
What is your favorite season and why?
Advent/Christmas time—that was the time I moved into our Formation House 38 years ago. My entrance date was January 3, 1982—Feast of the Epiphany and every year I remember and celebrate that anniversary.
What social justice issue is of most concern to you?
For me, volunteering with the homeless has had a special place in my heart. In my early years of formation, I volunteered at St. Claire’s Shelter, run by the Franciscans, located in Kensington, where overnight housing was available to the homeless. Sadly, it no longer exists, but the St. Francis Inn, which is a soup kitchen is still there in Kensington and I have volunteered there also.