Sister Jacklyn Pritchard is from Sacred Heart parish (now Holy Family) in Granite City, Illinois. When she was 13, a friend invited her along to visit her sister—a Sister of Divine Providence—at the motherhouse. She recalls, “The motherhouse appeared mysterious to me. As we approached the entrance, I had eerie feelings. But when Sister Catherine Micka, CDP, opened the door, she had the most welcoming, peaceful smile on her face that I remember thinking, ‘I want to be that happy.’” It was at that moment that Sister Jacklyn felt called to religious life.
Sister Jacklyn’s ministry began in education. She taught in Catholic schools in Missouri, Illinois and Louisiana. As principal, she served at St. Mary's School in Brussels, Illinois; St. Mary's School in Centralia, Illinois; Providence Heights Alpha School in Allison Park, Pennsylvania; and St. Ambrose School in Chaffee, Missouri (2013-2015). While principal at St. Mary's in Centralia, Sister Jacklyn was also the Rainbows Director for the Diocese of Belleville. When she moved into parish ministry, she worked as Parish Life Coordinator in Sandoval, Illinois, Pastoral Associate at St. Elizabeth Church in Granite City (2012-2013) and Parish Minister at Holy Family parish in Granite City and Saints Mary/Mark parish in Madison, Illinois (2015-present).
Sister Jacklyn finds everything about religious life rewarding. She says, “One of the most rewarding aspects of religious life for me has been the joy of being in community. We are family and that has always pleased me and has brought me much happiness. As the Divine Providence family, we are a prayerful, joyful and caring group of sisters and associates. Prayer has always been a primary focus for us. I have appreciated the many prayerful experiences and meaningful rituals through the years. We have always delighted in celebrating together and inviting others to join us. Laughter, joy and hospitality are trademarks of our community. We continue to discover ways to extend God’s providential care and concern to those with whom we interact within our ministries and daily lives. These elements of religious life have been fulfilling for me and have brought me peace.”
Self-described as grateful, friendly and community-centered, Sister Jacklyn enjoys the outdoors, crocheting and reading and has always been interested in finding ways to help the homeless.
CLICK HERE to make a gift in honor of Sister Jacklyn's 60th Jubilee.