The Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown Celebrating 150 Years of Gospel Service

St. Angela Merici, Our Founder

Angela Merici was born in 1474 in Desenzano, Italy. Sometime in her adolescence, she is said to have had a vision that determined the course of her life. In the vision she saw her deceased sister who revealed that God wanted to use Angela to establish a company of religious women.

The Ursuline community was Angela’s answer to the needs of the people in the 16th Century. St. Angela and the community sought to combine a life dedicated to Christ in their families and in their workplaces. Ahead of her time, St. Angela advised the community to adapt prudently to new circumstances by changing with the times. Despite Angela’s death just five years later after its founding, the fledgling community spread throughout Europe and in the early 17th century to North America.

The Ursulines in Youngstown

Following in the charism of St. Angela Merici, the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown have served local and international communities, adapting their ministries to the needs of the times.

Besides K-12 education over the years, the Ursulines have been involved in higher education, healthcare, administrative positions in the diocese, pastoral ministry, prison ministry, the Ursuline Center programs, music and the arts, while being supported by Associates and partners in ministry who continue, and will continue, to keep the Ursuline charism alive in Youngstown.

Fullness of Life, Future of Hope

In 2017 the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown founded Ursuline Sisters Mission to oversee, strengthen, and sustain their vibrant and life-giving ministries in the region long into the future. In the spirit of St. Angela, Ursuline Sisters Mission creates places of welcome and inclusion. With radical compassion and respect for all God’s people, we offer housing, food, healthcare, education, wellness, spirituality, advocacy, prayer and presence. To honor the Sisters, we aspire to continue creating opportunities for fullness of life and a future of hope in the lives of those we serve for many more years.

Meanwhile, we have launched a campaign to raise $10 million to care for retired Sisters, safeguard their legacy of ministries, and meet capital project needs.

Care of the Sisters

We aim to raise $4 million to support the retirement needs of the Ursuline Sisters, who have selflessly served our community since 1874. With a median age of 80, these dedicated women require our assistance, facing an estimated shortfall of up to $10 million for their care.

Program Support

We seek $3 million to sustain our essential ministries in education, spiritual growth, and pastoral care. Your support enables us to continue assisting families in need and fostering wellness, education, and spirituality within our community.

Capital Needs

We plan to raise $3 million to transform part of the Shields Road Motherhouse into an assisted living facility and to update safety measures at other ministry sites.

Celebrating 150 Years

Be inspired by Sisters and supporters honoring our legacy, and sharing our vision for the future.