Sister Profile

Sister James Michael Kesterson

Biography

Sister James Michael Kesterson was born on November 21, 1928, in Indianapolis.

She entered the Congregation on February 2, 1948, professing first and final vows on August 15, 1950 and 1955, respectively.

Sister James Michael’s ministries have all been in education. She has taught grades one through eight for a total of 18 years. In addition, she was principal for 42 years, serving for 10 at Our Lady of the Greenwood in Greenwood, Indiana, and for 32 years at St. Jude Catholic School in Indianapolis.

Currently, Sister James Michael ministers in outreach ministry.

“I have lived by the words of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, ‘Love the children first, then teach them,’” Sister James Michael said.

She is a fan of Notre Dame football and her favorite music is the Notre Dame Victory March.

“It always brings on a smile and a cheer,” she said.

Sister James Michael added her favorite food is pasta.

Sister James Michael said she is left-handed because when she played football with her older brothers, she injured her right arm.

“We always had a great time sharing many things while growing up,” Sister James Michael said. “Unfortunately, I seemed to have been the one who was ‘accident prone.’”

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Sister James Michael is featured in the following content on the Sisters of Providence website:

Photographs

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Sister James Michael Kesterson during the 2023 Senior Jubilee Mass. Sister James Michael is celebrating 75 years of being a Sister of Providence this year.
The 2023 75-year Jubilarians included (front row, from left) Sister Laurette Bellamy, Sister Grace Marie Meehan and Sister Eileen Dede, (middle) Sister Dorothy Gartland, Sister Jane Michael Dwyer, Sister Joan Mary Schaefer and Sister James Michael Kesterson. They are photographed with (back) General Councilors Sister Carole Kimes, Sister Anne Therese Falkenstein, General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski and Vicar Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp. Not photographed: General Councilor Sister Laura Parker.
Sister James Michael Kesterson with special guest Judy Livingston.
Sister Tracey Horan, second from right, poses with, from left, Sisters James Michael Kesterson, Mary Beth Klingel and Arrianne Whittaker at the award ceremony.