The Sisters of the Redeemer, American Province, concluded their Province Chapter on July 10. Province Chapter is a time during which the Sisters both reflect over the past five years and look towards the future, setting priorities and direction for the next five years.
The theme for the 11th Province Chapter was “Drawn by Redeeming Love to a Future Full of Hope.” Inspired by the General Resolutions of 2019 shared with their international Congregation of Sisters in Germany and Tanzania, Province Chapter focused on the themes of New Life, Care for Creation, and Community Life.
At the conclusion of Province Chapter, the Sisters elected their new Province leadership team. Sr. Ellen Marvel, CSR, was re-elected to serve as Province Leader for the next five years. Sr. Anita Bolton, CSR, currently Province Assistant, was elected Vice Province Leader, and Sr. Maryanne King, CSR, was elected Province Assistant. Installation of the new team will take place during the Vigil Mass of the Feast of the Transfiguration on August 5 and their five-year terms (2021-2026) will officially begin.
“As was reflected in our Province Chapter theme, we are full of hope in the future God is gifting us with” said Sr. Ellen. “I look forward to working with our new team in carrying out the Province priorities identified during the Chapter with the special assistance of Sr. Anita, Sr. Maryanne and the support of all of our Sisters. We are very appreciate of Sr. Ana Dura’s leadership as Vice Province Leader over the past two years. Her calm and joyous presence embodies the call to servant-leadership as she faithfully lives the Redeemer Charism and Spirituality. We are grateful Sr. Ana’s requested transition from the Province leadership team will allow her to focus her gifts on care for creation and potential opportunities related to the vision for Redeemer Valley Farm.”
Sr. Ellen, having entered the Congregation in 1965, has served the Sisters and Redeemer Health in a variety of capacities for several decades. Immediately prior to her first-term election as Province Leader in 2019, she served as Province Assistant and Province Treasurer. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Drueding Center for 12 years, receiving a lifetime achievement award at the 2016 Stairway to the Future event. She currently serves as a trustee on the Little Flower Manor Board, a Redeemer Health long-term care facility in Darby, Pa. A registered dietician, she was the Assistant Food Service Director at Holy Redeemer Hospital and Director of Food Service at St. Joseph Manor. She provided regular guidance and support to the Development Department of Redeemer Health. She served as Formation Director for the Province for several years assisting younger Sisters in learning the Congregation’s charism, spirituality, mission and values. Sr. Ellen will continue as a member of the Redeemer Ministries Board, which she has served on since 2016. Sr. Ellen volunteered for years at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia and hopes to be able to periodically resume that activity. She is also strongly committed to the plight of refugees and asylum seekers.
Sr. Anita originally came to the Sisters as a Redeemer Ministry Corps volunteer. Following a year of service with the Sisters, she entered the Congregation in 1984. Since 1997, she has worked with the Health System’s Mission Integration team, in part, introducing new employees to the Sisters’ charism, spirituality, heritage, and mission. She also has led Redeemer Week (now Redeemer Month) celebrations for almost two decades. Prior to joining the Mission Integration team, Sr. Anita worked as an early education teacher at both the Holy Redeemer Childcare Center and the Drueding Center. As a Vocation and Postulant Director for the Sisters, she accompanied women in early stages of their religious formation. She serves in a sponsorship role with Redeemer Health as a member of Redeemer Ministries. Outside her formal ministry, Sr. Anita enjoys caring for the earth and being an advocate for the responsible stewardship of earth’s limited resources, especially water. She finds relaxation by walking outdoors, flower gardening, and going for a refreshing swim.
Sr. Maryanne first entered the Congregation in 1977, but left seven years later and moved to Florida, where she furthered her education in healthcare administration and elementary education. God had other plans for her and called her back to the Congregation in 2004. Following a period of religious formation, she professed her perpetual vows in 2011. Sr. Maryanne served many roles within Redeemer Health including Mission Integration Coordinator, Community Benefit Programs Manager, and Central Sterile Supply Supervisor. She also managed Health System food pantries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for several years. Currently, she is a math and religion teacher at Our Mother of Consolation Parish School in Philadelphia. For many years, Sr. Maryanne served as Director of the Sisters’ Redeemer Associates Program, and began a branch of the Associate Program in Florida. Her talent for singing and guitar playing is a gift she frequently shares at liturgical services. Her creativity and affection for children prompted her to begin a well-loved annual vacation bible school program.
The Sisters are excited and grateful for the new leadership team’s call to serve the Congregation and community. Please remember them in your prayers as they assume their new responsibilities.