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

After more than 155 years of service in the Archdiocese of Louisville, the Sisters of Mercy are concluding their ministry in the region. The last two sisters remaining, Sister Paulanne Diebold and Sister Justina Heneghan, reflected on their time serving the community as they prepare to move to McCauley Convent in Cincinnati in early September.

“There’s a beginning and an end to everything,” said Sister Paulanne Diebold.

“We just happened to be the end,” said Sister Justina Heneghan. “So often the end isn’t associated with good.”

Despite this transition, both sisters expressed satisfaction with their decision. “It’s right. … We’re celebrating the years we’ve been here,” said Sister Heneghan. “There’s this feeling of ‘well done, good and faithful servant,’ meaning the congregation.”

Sister Heneghan will continue her retirement at McCauley Convent after 70 years of religious life, while Sister Diebold, who has served for 62 years, will continue as a Sister Life Minister supporting her congregation.

Describing her role as “boots on the ground,” Sister Diebold explained that she assists wherever needed among her fellow sisters. Both recalled memories from their long tenure and acknowledged those who came before them. “We’re standing on the shoulders of those who came before us,” said Sister Diebold. “I picture all the sisters I’ve lived and served with.” Sister Heneghan added that many lives have been touched by their ministry.

The Sisters of Mercy began their work in Louisville in 1869 caring for wounded servicemen at U.S. Marine Hospital in Portland before expanding into education, healthcare, social services, housing ministry, parish work, jail ministry and more throughout Jefferson County and beyond.

“It’s been a blessing,” said Sister Heneghan about her decades-long service since arriving from Cleveland in 1967. She described each ministry as an opportunity for lifelong learning and giving.

“You just put your whole heart and soul in it. Each has been a marvelous adventure, truly,” added Sister Diebold.

The order celebrated its 150th anniversary locally in 2019; preparations for departure began earlier when St. Catherine Convent closed in 2018.

Both sisters emphasized that their legacy would live on through institutions like Mercy Academy (established 1885) and Assumption High School (established 1955), which were founded by the Sisters of Mercy and remain active today under guidance from organizations such as Mercy Education System of the Americas to maintain adherence to core values across affiliated schools.

Mercy Academy President Becky Montague stated: “This change marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of our Academy. In the classroom, chapel, and the hallways, the Sisters have shaped each of us into the women that we are today... In the years to come, the sisters’ legacy is ours to continue... Their ministry frames our curriculum, and our faculty and staff are ready and dedicated to continue their mission.”

Mary Lang, president of Assumption High School echoed similar sentiments: “Their vision, values, and unwavering devotion to education and empowerment... have touched every facet of our community... While their physical presence may soon come to an end... Every classroom... carries forward their legacy... We are profoundly grateful for their lasting impact.”

A special Mass was held August 10 at Good Shepherd Church—where Sisters first ministered locally—to thank them for over a century-and-a-half of service; clergy members including Father Deogratias Ssamba led prayers alongside local leaders and students from both schools.

Father John Burke remarked during his homily: “Responding to God’s call… has been characteristic… certainly [of] Sisters of Mercy.” He noted that even Catherine McCauley could not have imagined all that had been accomplished locally over so many decades: “All I can say… is wow… What cannot be counted are… children taught… lives enriched by these women over those 150 years.”

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre wrote: “Your ministry… dedication… prayers have positively influenced many individuals within our local church... Your commitment has been invaluable…”

Sister Diebold clarified that while new members may not be coming directly to Louisville now—the order continues globally with more than 2,200 vowed Sisters serving people across North America as well as countries such as Argentina, Belize, Chile, Guatemala, Guyana Honduras Panama Peru.