Sister Emily TeKolste

Sister Emily TeKolste

Sister Emily TeKolste is in formation with the Sisters of Providence. She is a native of Indianapolis and has a degree in sociology from Xavier University in Cincinnati. Emily is passionate about justice with special interest in environmentalism and sustainability. You can follow her blog at solongstatusquoblog.wordpress.com. She currently ministers with the NETWORK lobby for Catholic social justice.

Saying yes to the vows

As I say “Yes!” to these great unknowns, I am excited to see the ways that Providence will draw these vows into my life. I’m excited to see the way they will shape me into my most authentic self. I’m excited to see what religious life will come to be as we navigate this time of transition.

A sister remembers working to racially integrate schools

“We were treated just like the black people were treated because we were recognized as ‘Oh, those are the sisters who teach the black kids.’ And so they treated us like black people, and it was a wonderful experience for me,” Sister Laurine Haley says of her time helping to integrate the Catholic schools in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Fresh eyes on Sisters of Providence Annual Meeting

Though specific forms have varied throughout the history of the Sisters of Providence, the annual coming together of all sisters has been an important tradition for the community. Last week, I got to participate in my first annual meeting.

Holy and profane

It’s not often that I spend time with my extended family in public. Sometimes, these interactions remind me how differently much of the world views Catholic sisters compared to my experience.
This weekend, I went to my cousin’s high school graduation party. Partway through the party, one of my uncles started asking me to bless him. Another made a comment about spending time with me to become holy by association.