Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Benedictine Sister Katie Cummings has joined Spalding University as its first full-time campus minister in decades. Although new to the university, Sister Cummings brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in student affairs and communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She entered the community of the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana, in September 2022.

Sister Cummings sees her new role as an opportunity to merge her background in higher education with her identity as a Catholic sister. "It's like a new flower, a new tree that's been grafted," she said. Her position marks the first time since the 1980s that Spalding University has employed a full-time campus minister.

The university's new president, Dr. Anne Kenworthy, is supporting efforts to revive the ministry and renew Spalding's Catholic identity. "President Kenworthy is leading the charge," said Sister Cummings.

In her ministry work, Sister Cummings draws inspiration from Mother Catherine Spalding, founder of Spalding University, and the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. She acknowledges support from both these communities and Dr. Kenworthy in shaping her vision for campus ministry.

One aim of Sister Cummings' ministry is to foster community among students who often find it challenging to make friends and get involved on campus. "Everyone has been welcoming and interested in where this is going to lead," she noted.

Emma Livingston, a junior and president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Spalding, expressed enthusiasm about the potential growth in campus ministry under Sister Cummings' guidance. "Having Sister Katie will help students understand what it looks like to walk in their faith," Livingston stated.

Freshman Tobias Rice also welcomed this development as a step towards reviving the school's Catholic roots. He emphasized that Spalding University should be a place where people can express their beliefs regardless of denomination or religion.

For more information or to contact Sister Cummings, visit spalding.edu/campus-ministry.