Sister Catherine Coleman RSM

Sister Catherine Coleman, RSM Sister Catherine Coleman (formerly Sister Marian Pius), age 75, died Monday, October 14, 2013 at McAuley Convent. Sister graduated from Little Flower High School in June, 1956. She worked for a while as a secretary for Aero Service Corporation. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in January 1957, and professed vows in 1959. She earned a B.A. in Humanities from Villanova University and an M.A. in Business Education from Rider College. In an interview at the time of her 50th anniversary as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Catherine said, “I have been a teacher, social worker, pastoral minister, administrative assistant, secretary and spiritual director. I have really enjoyed each of these ministries.” For nine years she taught in elementary schools at St. Denis (Havertown), St. Joseph (Summit Hill, PA), St. Christopher (Philadelphia), Annunciation B.V.M. (Havelock, NC) and Holy Cross (Springfield). In 1965 Sister joined the faculty of (then) St. Maria Goretti High School where she taught Latin and Religion. In 1967-70 and again in 1973-79, she taught in and Chaired the Business Education Department at Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster. From 1979 until 1988 she ministered at Mercy Catholic Medical Center (Misericordia Division) as Administrative Assistant in various departments. Sister was one of the original staff at Mercy Court, a residence for Seniors which opened in 1988. In 1990 she began seven years as a Pastoral Minister at Holy Cross Parish (Springfield). Sister Catherine had a Sabbatical in 1997 which she followed with a year at Bethany House of Prayer. During summers, she continued classes at Sacred Heart University, earning a Certificate in Spiritual Direction in 2002. In recent years, she found much joy in meeting with individuals for spiritual direction and with groups for faith sharing. In 1999, Sister Catherine began ministry at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School as Administrative Assistant in the Admissions Office and, more recently, in the Main Office. At the Academy, she found her way into the hearts of many with her kind words and deeds. Relatives and friends are invited to a Viewing Friday, October 18, 6 pm followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 7:00 pm in the Chapel at the Convent of Mercy, 515 Montgomery Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066. Burial will be Saturday, October 19th at 10 am in the Community Cemetery. Donations in Sister’s memory may be sent to the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community at the above address.