LOUISVILLE, Ky., (June 21, 2004) - The Ursuline Sisters of Louisville's Peru ministry has been awarded a $1,500 grant from the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) to continue the Talitha Cumi Sewing Workshop in Peru. The workshop provides educational opportunities for women in the rural villages of Peru.

"The women touched by this workshop are typically not allowed a formal education," said Sister Sue Scharfenberger, a member of the Ursuline Sisters' Leadership Team who ministers in Peru. "The workshop helps to empower these women and give them more skills to help raise them out of poverty.

"The Ursuline Sisters' ministry in Peru also encourages these women to assume leadership roles in the community."

The Sisters of Charity of the BVM are located in Dubuque, Iowa, and provide grants supportive of organizations working with people who live in poverty. This is the second grant they have given to the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville in support of the Talitha Cumi Sewing Workshop.

The Ursuline Sisters' are currently in their 40th year of ministry in Peru, with convents in Cajamara and Carmen de la Legua. Since 1964, the Peru mission has served to educate children as well as help women, men and children with a variety of programs that build self-esteem, enhance spiritual growth and teach communication and leadership skills. The Ursuline Sisters in Peru also train catechists and provide classes for skill development in areas such as natural healing, care of the earth and computers.

For more information on supporting the Ursuline Sisters Peru mission, click here or call (502) 896-3938.