2024 Jubilarians | Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill

Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill

2024 JUBILARIANS

**Sister Virginia Pascaretta, SC**
75th Jubilee

Sister Virginia Pascaretta,SC, also known as Sister Marie Gerard, has dedicated her life to education and service within the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. Celebrating her 75th jubilee, Sister Virginia's journey began in Pittsburgh, where she grew up attending St. Basil Parish.
She commenced her ministry in 1951 at the DePaul Institute, where she passionately taught deaf students until 1989. Her teaching focused on oral language and speech, a challenging but rewarding endeavor.
Sister Virginia co-developed the “Coding System” with Sister Eileen Johnston to enhance English teaching, a system still in use today. After a brief tenure at St. Therese School in Munhall, she returned to DePaul as principal from 1995 to 2005.
Known for her curiosity, love of music, and humor, Sister Virginia cherishes learning and engaging with others. Her most satisfying experience has been teaching children with special needs, helping them understand and appreciate their unique gifts.
Now retired at Caritas Christi, Sister Virginia remains a beloved figure in her community, where she is known for her keen and intelligent sense of humor.

**Sister Laura Coughlin, SC**
25th Jubilee

Sister Laura Coughlin, SC, a member of the Sisters of Charity Seton Hill, is celebrating her 25th Jubilee. Originally from St. Lawrence Parish in Utica, Mich., she now belongs to St. Gasparin in Dayton, Ohio. Sister Laura is a PhD candidate at the University of Dayton and an adjunct professor at Seton Hill University. Her dissertation explores the works of Don Luigi Sturzo, an Italian priest-politician exiled by Mussolini, whose writings contributed to Catholic antifascist thought.
With a rich background in education, Sister Laura taught technology and history at Seton-LaSalle High School in Pittsburgh from 2001 to 2008 and history at Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson from 2008 to 2013.
A volunteer experience on the Tohono O’odham Indian reservation significantly influenced her decision to enter religious life, fostering her desire to live a contemplative, God-centered life. Described as introverted, studious, and prayerful, Sister Laura enjoys reading theology, painting, cooking, and outdoor walks.
She finds joy in mission appeals for her congregation’s ministries and values the Catholic high school environment for its nurturing community. She aspires to continue teaching and contributing to faith formation.

**Sister Karen Cunningham, SC**
25th Jubilee

Sister Karen Cunningham, SC, a member of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, is celebrating her 25th Jubilee. Inspired by the joy of the sisters she encountered in high school, she entered the congregation on September 26, 1999, from All Saints Church in Etna, Pa.
Her commitment to serving the poor reflects her dedication to the Charism of Charity, as demonstrated in her compassionate interaction with individuals like Otis, a homeless man whose faith was rekindled through her presence. Throughout her religious life, Sister Karen has worked with non-profit organizations, sharing God’s love through donor generosity. In Wheeling, W.Va., she assisted low-income pregnant women and families with small children, while in Pittsburgh, Pa, she supported the care of the elderly poor through development work.
Before joining the community, she had a fulfilling career in healthcare, providing both clinical and administrative services to patients of all ages. Sister Karen also spent several years at a Youth Emergency Shelter Service, helping at-risk adolescents develop life skills.
She describes herself as grateful, kind, and solution-oriented, and enjoys connecting with family and friends, listening to music, and appreciating the beauty of creation.

Other Milestones

**Sister Veronica Mary Szalajko, SC**
65 Years

Sister Marie Theresa
Rishel, SC
70 Years

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Catholic Sisters of Western PA

A Collaborative Effort of the Catholic Sisters Leadership Council, Catholic Sisters of Western PA is designed to promote understanding of women religious, serving serving western Pennsylvania both within their individual congregations and throughout the broader community, advancing their mission and service to those in need.