The new leadership team includes two natives of the Springfield diocese. Sister Rita Ann was born in Springfield, and served as principal of St. Joseph’s School in Springfield from 1979 to 1995. For the past 17 years she has served as a pastoral associate at St. Patrick of Merna in Bloomington. Sister Mary Ann is a native of Alton, and taught social studies and religion at Marquette High School in Alton from 1964 to 1982.

Ursulines of the Central Province have ministries in Missouri, Illinois, Louisiana, Texas and Minnesota, but also serve in many other places. As the needs of the times change, Ursulines have continually broadened their ministries to meet society’s needs, reaching beyond geographical boundaries to serve around the world.