Benedictine Sisters Re-elect Prioress

The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, Kansas, joyfully announce the re-election of Sister Anne Shepard, OSB, to continue her service as their prioress. The election on June 17, 2011, was the final step in a process in which the sisters have been praying, meeting and setting goals over the past year. Before the election, they met for a week of prayer and discussion, exploring their current and future needs, and considering who among them might best guide them spiritually and practically.

Sister Anne was born in New York City and raised in Washington, D. C. She came to Atchison to attend Mount St. Scholastica College and has been a Benedictine since 1965. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in mathematics, a master's degree in educational administration, and a doctorate in education, with concentration in peace and justice education, from Columbia University in New York City.

She has served as a teacher in junior and senior high schools, principal of the Academy of Mount St. Scholastica and superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Prior to her election to lead the monastic community in 2005, she was the monastery's director of development and communications.

Re-elected for a second 6-year term, she is the eleventh leader of the 150 sisters, whose community has been in Atchison since 1863. Upon her re-election, she said, "I love what I do because I love the sisters. We are entering an era of hope and of multiple challenges. Together we will move forward as a community, remain faithful to the Church, and serve the people of God with trust." She will be installed at Mass on Sunday, July 10, in St. Scholastica Chapel.

Sister Anne Shepard with Sister Glenna Smith, Federation President
who presided at the election.