Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden
2026 JUBILARIANS
SISTER MONICA SUHAYDA, CSJ
80th Jubilee
For 50 years, Sister Monica (John Baptist) Suhayda’s door remained open to anyone ready to take their first steps toward sobriety. She lived on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming, converting a log cabin into a Religious Center in 1974 and teaching catechism to children during her first year at St. Stephen’s Indian Mission.
With more than 20 years as an educator and principal, the familiarity of teaching eased her transition to reservation life. There, her ministry evolved to meet the needs of the Shoshone and Arapaho people who, she once wrote, “carry the scars of injustice nobly.” She held weekly meetings centered on spiritual, educational, and social wellbeing for those living with drug and alcohol dependency and the generational trauma of forced relocation.
Fondly referred to as an “elder,” Sister Monica founded the Heritage Center and Gift Shop to raise money for outreach and counseling materials. Overseeing a chapel renovation project, she made sure St. Stephen’s Church looked and felt like the people who filled its pews, “incorporating their symbols with ours.”
With a deep reverence for the people and their culture, Sister Monica is grateful to have earned their trust. Through them, she says, “I have been touched by grace.”
SISTER CAROL ARCH, CSJ
70th Jubilee
A dedicated educator and administrator, Sister Carol (Mary Jacinta) Arch says working with children was the most important and rewarding aspect of her religious life.
Sister Carol taught at St. Joseph in New Brighton, Annunciation in Pittsburgh, and St. Titus in Aliquippa before serving 36 years as principal at St. Bernadette in Monroeville. Beloved by teachers and students, her positive impact was recognized through several honors, including the Diocesan Golden Apple Award and the “Very Important Principal” distinction by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Non-Public Schools Program.
“As an elementary school teacher and principal, I have tried to instill in my students and staff how important it is to care for one another, to respect one another, and to always strive for unity.”
Shaped by her loving family, including 11 siblings, Sister Carol’s gentle presence radiates God’s love and compassion. She reflects that each day offers a special story, interaction, or moment that brings joy.
“Not that all days are perfect, but I hold onto the fun, happy, and positive things that occur.”
SISTER MARGERY KUNDAR, CSJ
70th Jubilee
Describing her ministry in education as “grace filled,” Sister Margery Kundar found it deeply rewarding “to be with children and adults and to be able to spread the Gospel message.”
She taught at Assumption and Annunciation in Pittsburgh, St. Patrick in Gallitzin, Holy Name in Ebensburg, and St. James in Sewickley before serving 32 years as principal at St. Benedict the Moor School in Pittsburgh’s Hill District
Sister Margery, who says she enjoyed “playing school and teacher” as a child, describes education as her great love. Deeply committed to providing excellent educational opportunities and spiritual development for inner-city children, she was honored with a Diocesan Golden Apple Award. She continues to serve as an academic coach at Northside Catholic Assumption Academy in Pittsburgh, grateful for the support of the Extra Mile Foundation and committed to fostering each student’s confidence, growth, and sense of self-worth.
“We are called to reach out to our neighbors and those in need. My ministry of education in both rural and inner-city areas has allowed me to do just that, and I am truly grateful for those opportunities.”
SISTER MARY MEYERS, CSJ
50th Jubilee
Dubbed the “CEO of Happiness” by colleagues at Duquesne University’s School of Nursing, Sister Mary Meyers finds joy in her “incredible second career” as a nurse and director of academic support.
“Healthcare has been the ultimate living out of charism for me … a gift,” she says, particularly of her volunteer work with Project Hope in Wheeling, W.Va., caring for unhoused people. “We are probably the only face of love they get to see.”
From 1978 to 1993, Sister Mary taught in New York schools before relocating to Pennsylvania to serve at Girls Hope, and later, Oakland Catholic. Drawn to the medical profession, she entered nursing school in 1998 at age 42 and spent the next 15 years working in patient care, first as a cardiac nurse at Mercy Hospital and, later, in skilled care and hospice.
Sister Mary completed her doctorate in 2022 while working full-time at Duquesne as remediation coordinator, helping students to overcome academic challenges and prepare for the nursing profession. “You just have to take the first step and see what happens,” she said of trusting God’s promptings to guide her journey. “Every single thing I’ve done has brought me peace.”