Sister Marilyn Ann Kofler

Sister Marilyn Ann, better known as Sister Marilyn, is a native of Chicago. She attended St. Andrew School – where she was taught by the Sisters of Providence – and then went to Alvernia High School, where she was taught by Franciscans from Milwaukee.

Sister Marilyn entered the Congregation on February 2, 1953, professing first and final vows on August 15, 1955 and 1960, respectively.

She has a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in supervision and administration, as well as another master’s degree in pastoral theology. Sister Marilyn also has a doctorate in ministry.

She has ministered as an elementary teacher in North Carolina, Texas, Indiana and Illinois. Sister Marilyn was also the principal at St. David School in Chicago.

From 1974 to 1979, she ministered as a religious education consultant for the Archdiocese of Chicago School Office of Education. Sister Marilyn also ministered as an associate pastor from 1979 to 1992, before becoming the Director of Mission Integration and Development for the Congregation in 1992. She continued ministering for the Archdiocese of Chicago from 1996 to 2007 and volunteers for the Archdiocese to this day.

Sister Marilyn is also a member of the Congregation’s Climate Change Task Force and currently ministers as a justice advocate.

She co-authored the book, “A Handbook for Ministers of Care,” the first and second editions.

Sister Marilyn said her favorite music is Viennese waltzes, and the music of Mozart, Strauss, Chopin and Bach. She also enjoys American musicals from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

“I love to read theology, especially in the area of ecclesiology, as well as mystery novels and other fiction,” Sister Marilyn said. “I also love to get together with friends, getting together regularly with grade school classmates from St. Andrew School, as well as other friends.”