Meet the Sisters

S. Mary Jo Gasdorf

S. Mary Jo Gasdorf visits with Jennifer at The Women’s Connection in Price Hill. After serving eight years in a leadership position for the Community, S. Mary Jo Gasdorf responded to a Chapter directive to focus on the needs of women and children. She discovered the need for a neighborhood center to advocate for and refer people, especially women, to services they didn’t know were available. In May 1997, The Women’s Connection opened its doors, and 14 years later continues to strengthen families in Price Hill (Cincinnati). We took the opportunity to sit down with the center’s executive director and learn a little more about her. What do you enjoy most about being a Sister of Charity? Bearing the title Sister of Charity for 50 years has been both a blessing and a challenge! It has been a blessing because I have been in relationship with so many great Sisters of Charity. It has been a challenge because to live the Gospel message of love 24/7 is a tall order. In recent years I have especially known the love and support of the Community of Charity (Sisters and Associates) as I worked hard to keep the mission of The Women’s Connection alive and well in Price Hill. I have several quotes that I like to use to express myself and one of those is: “We are all in this together.” I enjoy having so many wonderful companions on this journey of life. What is the best thing about Community life? The first thought that comes to mind is my Sisters, both past and present. Without the strong, caring and loving risk takers of the past we would not be where we are today. I am a small part of the history of the Sisters of Charity and I am very proud of that reality. Beginning The Women’s Connection was definitely a ‘going out on a limb’ adventure. Because of the support of so many of my Sisters and Associates then and now I have had the courage to act and create something new that keeps the mission of the Sisters of Charity alive in Price Hill. What do you do for fun? I love to travel, go to the movies, read a good book, listen to music, go fishing, go for a walk, enjoy a party, or sit by any body of water and just be! What is your favorite way to connect with God? Connecting with nature is one of my favorite ways to connect with God. If I am unable to be outside I find that pictures are a great way to visit nature indoors. Seeing the face of God in the women and children who visit the center is always a blessing. So many times the eyes tell the story. Stories of abuse and lack of hope and stories of joy at finding a job or finding a place to live … we have it all here. When I need a break from administration I love to go out and visit with the children. Jesus knew what he was doing when he invited the children to come to him. Children help us keep all things in perspective. What would people be surprised to learn about you? In my senior year of high school I was president of the Catholic Student Mission Crusade. A talk I gave to an assembly at Seton High School on conditions in Cape Town, South Africa, had a profound effect on me. The poor and oppressed have always had a special place in my heart, and that is because I have been so blessed in my life. I always wanted to be a missionary, either at home or in the foreign missions. In 1976, I was planning to go to Ravenna, Ky., to minister at a parish in a small mining town tucked away in Appalachia. To my surprise my journey took a sharp right turn and I was elected provincial of the Dayton Province. Thirty-five years later I now find myself working with the poor in Price Hill, many of whom are Appalachian. God does work in mysterious ways.

 

back to top