Meet One of our Associate Directors:
Sister Bridget Dickason

Warmth exudes from Sr. Bridget’s smile as she enters the room. One can't help but feel comfortable in her presence, which is probably why she was selected as the Associate Director of the Keeler Women’s Center in the summer of 2010.

But social work hasn’t always been Sr. Bridget's life. In 1986 when she joined the Benedictine Sisters she came to them with a degree in Education and English so naturally her talents seemed best suited for teaching in the area high schools. When the need for a principal arose at Mount St. Scholastica Academy, she returned to school to obtain a Master’s in School Administration, serving as principal for six years through the merger with Maur Hill.

When her Prioress approached her about coming to work with Sr. Carol Ann Petersen at Keeler Women’s Center Sr. Bridget said, "After 25 years in education, I was ready for a change. With my Masters in Theology and my many years teaching religion I find that my gift is the spiritual piece but basically I do what needs to be done." Sr. Bridget leads the Holy Women series as well as offering Spiritual Direction and retreats. She also coordinates the many individuals who volunteer their time to assist the women.

But most recently she has found a new calling. "Some of the women who come to us have been recently released from jail or were referred from a domestic violence shelter. These women have nothing and are trying to start a home or regain custody of their children. People were calling us with donations of furniture, appliances and various items needed to set up a household. Basically, I serve as a conduit. I organize the items in the basement of our convent and when there is a need the items are there for them."

When Sr. Bridget was asked what she has learned since working at Keeler she shared, "The Rule of St. Benedict is about greeting everyone as Christ. Hospitality is the main gift that we give to all who enter our doors. Some women come to the Center looking worn from life and each time they come back there is a change. We give them a sense of dignity and help them to feel affirmed and respected. Soon we find that they are dressing nicer and they carry themselves differently. They have a sense of self."

Serving as a teacher and principal Sr. Bridget had not experienced what she has encountered since beginning her work at the Keeler Women’s Center. “I taught the gospel for 25 years and now I’m living it. I have slowed down and have learned to see God in the small things. My years of being a principal prepared me to 'show up and let life happen.' Basically I go where the Spirit leads me.”

For people who are considering volunteering at Keeler. Sr. Bridget has this to say, "It’s the volunteers that make this place work. Three staff people could do very little but with the help of our volunteers we are able to offer some wonderful programs. If you are considering volunteering ask yourself, 'How is God stirring my heart to serve his people. What are my gifts and talents?' Believe me, you will be changed by this experience. I know I have been."

You can contact Keeler Women's Center:
Sr. Carol Ann Petersen, Director
Keeler Women's Center
2220 Central
Kansas City, Kansas 66102
913.906.8990
email: kwc@mountosb.org