Click here to see where we minister
Click here to learn about Mission Effectiveness and the Ursuline Mission & Heritage Commission
In addition to vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, Ursuline Sisters take a fourth vow to provide Christian education.
Just as 19th Century needs called us to establish the first Catholic school for girls in the Cleveland Diocese, 21st Century needs call us to teach people of all ages, races and backgrounds, particularly the poor and marginalized.
Since the first Ursulines arrived here in 1850, we have been called to ministries that empower others through “lifelong learning,” which has become increasingly important in our fast-paced, technology driven global society.
Today Cleveland Ursulines:
- Provide formal education and administration in all levels of traditional school settings, healthcare facilities, and institutions that offer specialized learning opportunities;
- Advise Catholic schools and universities in planning and development to strengthen their viability;
- Tutor students of all ages in schools, community centers and government-assisted housing projects;
- Develop skills and cognition in children with special needs while providing respite care for families;
- Help establish housing and systems to serve orphaned children in Mexico;
- Guide professionals in career and/or life transition;
- Advance Catholic social teaching through diocesan ministries;
- Provide practical and spiritual care to the ill and infirm;
- Lead the elderly in activity groups to enhance their physical, spiritual and emotional well being;
- Educate HIV/AIDS healthcare providers, patients and patients’ families to maximize the quality of life of the afflicted;
- Advocate for the poor and marginalized to promote justice and cultivate opportunity;
- Network to help those in need access food, clothing, shelter and other basic necessities;
- Befriend the incarcerated so they may experience God’s love, have hope and reveal their potential;
- Help formerly incarcerated women navigate the systems and get the training they need to live productive lives within positive circles of influence;
- Assist the distraught in relying on the power of devotion and trust in God;
- Shepherd the faithful through spiritual development and Sacramental preparation;
- Empower people to address life challenges through holistic, licensed psychotherapy;
While fostering lifelong learning, the Gospel calls us all to serve with love. We credit the sisters who came before us—and those they served—with cultivating a rich heritage of compassionate service. Many people who have experienced the Ursuline influence go on to serve others and make our world a better place.
Saint Angela's social sense led her to turn
to all people who needed her help. She
was sensitive to both material and
spiritual needs, which were many in
post-war Brescia, Italy. Young girls and
kings alike sought her counsel.
Saint Angela served with kindness, compassion and respect. She saw every
person as a unique being with unique gifts. She urged the women of her
order to "be a piazza," a source of welcoming warmth and comfort to those
with whom they came into contact. She told her "daughters" to be sensitive
to their surroundings and look for opportunities to minister.
Saint Angela's charism (unique gift) was her prayerful, compassionate and
active way of being with others. She was a great networker as well, linking
people who could help one another to those less fortunate.