Experience Together

Meet Sister Mary Anne Owens

Mary Anne Owens, SSNDSister Mary Anne Owens was born in New York City, N.Y. She originally professed her religious vows with the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Scranton, Penn. From 1973-78, she served in elementary school administration in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. During that time, she transferred to the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Dallas. Beginning in 1978, she served as diocesan program director in Lafayette, La. Returning to Dallas in 1985, Sister Mary Anne held a leadership role as provincial councilor for eight years in the former Dallas Province. She then served several social service agencies in Dallas and Rockville Center, N.Y. That era culminated with her position as executive director of Catholic Charities of Dallas from 1998 until June of 2011, when she was elected provincial leader of SSND’s newly formed Central Pacific Province, a post she currently holds.

Sister Mary Anne earned her bachelor’s in social studies education from Marywood College in Scranton in 1967 and her master’s in geography from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., in 1974.

On models of Christian leadership …

Mother Caroline Friess and Mother Georgianne Segner were both great women who responded to different times as leaders in the congregation — times that were no less challenging.

My Scripture life guide …

“‘I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord.” Jeremiah 29

On ministries I’d never imagined …

Almost all of them! I entered to teach high school and realized that you can be transformative and educate others regardless of the ministry or circumstance of your life. I really learned about faith and justice by being with those on the margins of our society or those forced to live in the shadows of our country. All of this life is gift, undeserved but abundantly full!

One lasting mark I hope to leave …

… a united province with a clear sense of how we live our charism into the future, and a sense of community interdependence with all humanity and creation. I also hope we can have a viable plan for the next 10-15 years regarding our ministries and properties.

Looking ahead to our future as SSNDs …

I hope that we will be women noted for their unity and promoting of justice through their ministry with the poor and that an increasing number of diverse women feel called by God to walk and join with us.

Photo credit: Sister Mary Kay Gosch

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