Frequently asked questions about
the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville

† Who are the Ursuline Sisters?
The Ursuline Sisters are a congregation of women religious in the Roman Catholic Church who follow a life of consecration and prayer united with good works. Teaching Christian living is the corporate ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. This ministry, cutting across socio-economic, racial and national boundaries, assists women, men and children to live more fully and to develop a personal relationship with God.

† When and how did the Ursuline Sisters begin?
In 1535, Angela Merici founded the Company of St. Ursula in Brescia, Italy. Angela was known as a peacemaker and a prayerful, wise woman who saw the suffering around her and wanted to do something about it. Angela served as a spiritual guide to encourage men and women in their good works. Angela envisioned an entirely new form of life: Members continued to live in their own homes, striving to teach Christian living by their example and kindness. The company met regularly for prayer, instruction and encouragement. They originally had no convent nor made the traditional religious vows. Angela chose St. Ursula, revered as a patron saint among young people of the time, as the patron of her companions.

The Ursulines eventually expanded into several groups. Rather rapidly, new branches were founded throughout Italy, then in France and later still in Germany. Besides their mission to teach Christian living, they became known generally as outstanding educators. The first Ursulines reached the North American continent in 1639 to teach Native Americans, and in 1727 they arrived in what is now the United States.

† Why did the Ursulines come to Kentucky?
In 1858, Bishop Martin John Spalding of Louisville sent a local pastor to Germany to find sisters to teach the German children in the Louisville area. Three Ursuline Sisters arrived in Louisville that same year and immediately established a school and a convent. Louisville eventually became the site of their Motherhouse, from which they sent many sisters to missions across the United States.

† What do the Ursuline Sisters do?
The Ursuline Sisters participate in the teaching mission of the Roman Catholic Church. They work in schools, hospitals, parishes and diocesan offices. Others minister to those with disabilities, to Hispanics, and in spiritual direction, retreat ministry and in the deaf community. Still others work with the poor in rural areas in the United States and Peru, South America. In Louisville the Ursuline Sisters sponsor the Angela Merici Center for Spirituality and Ursuline Campus Schools, which offer educational experiences from pre-school through secondary school.

† Where are the Ursuline Sisters located now?
The Ursuline Sisters of Louisville serve in Kentucky and 12 other states including California, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and West Virginia. They also support two missions in Peru, South America.

† How can I contact the Ursulines?
For more information, contact the Vocation Director listed below.
Sister Rita Dressman
3105 Lexington Road
Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 896-3948
(896-3949 -FAX)
e-mail: rdressman@ursulineslou.org