Sister Joan Marie Harper entered religious life from St. Bernadette in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. She credits her elementary teachers, all Sisters, for the inspiration to consider religious life.
Sister Joan Marie was the associate director of the Family Life Office for the Diocese of Columbus, OH (1981–87); the vicar for church ministry and delegate for Religious for the Diocese of Columbus, OH (1987-2005); and the pastoral associate at St. Brigid of Kildare Church in Dublin, OH. Since 2017, she has been a volunteer advocate for the Tribunal in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
She finds her life and ministry very rewarding. She said, “Being a religious is the greatest adventure anyone can ever have. ... In parish ministry, we are dealing with huge challenges, which also bring surprising rewards. It is a grace to be able to serve for and with God’s people. ... The years I ministered at St. Brigid of Kildare were the answer to prayer. Every minute there was special.”
Self-described as dedicated, organized and prayerful, Sister Joan Marie enjoys quilting and gardening.
CLICK HERE to make a gift in honor of Sister Joan Marie's 65th Jubilee.