U.S. Ursulines Unite as One Region, Strengthening Mission for the Future
By: The Good Newsroom
Three provinces merged on Oct. 1 into one region under a single leadership team
NEW ROCHELLE – Nearly 300 years after the first Ursuline Sisters arrived in the United States, the Sisters of the U.S. Region of the Ursulines of the Roman Union are marking another important moment in their history.
On Oct. 1, the Eastern, Central, and Western Provinces united to form the Ursulines of the Roman Union, USA Region. This structure brings Ursuline Sisters across the country under one leadership team, creating opportunities to collaborate, share resources, and strengthen their ministries.
“In joining together as one region in the USA, we are not only simplifying our governance, but we also are strengthening our ministerial outreach,” said Sr. Dianne Baumunk, OSU, the new regional leader. Sr. Dianne lives in Windsor, Calif., and was previously provincial leader of the Western Province. “At a time when our country and world are divided, we are choosing unity and inclusion. We are committing ourselves anew to be a transforming presence of God’s love.”
Joining Sr. Dianne on the four-member leadership team are Sr. Peggy Moore, OSU, of St. Louis, central area councilor; Sr. Patricia Schifini, OSU, of New Rochelle, eastern area councilor; and Sr. Margaret Johnson, OSU, of Moscow, Idaho, western area councilor.
A long history of service
The Ursulines have a long history of responding to the needs of the communities they serve. Founded by St. Angela Merici in Brescia, Italy, in 1535, the Ursulines established their first North American community in Canada in 1639. They arrived in New Orleans in 1727, beginning nearly three centuries of Ursuline presence in the United States.
Historically known as educators, Ursulines today have widened their service to include parish ministry, spiritual direction, social justice, and social service ministries with outreach to immigrants, older adults, homeless people, and other marginalized populations.
The creation of the USA Region begins a new chapter in their long story. Together, the Sisters will continue their mission while finding new ways to respond to the needs of the Church and the world.