June 2, 2022

Sister Eileen Sullivan honored at Mass, reception for cathedral ministry

REGIONAL
By Rebecca Drake

Sister Eileen Sullivan talks with former cathedral staff member Margot Moran at the May 29 reception in the Bishop Marshall Center. (iObserve photo/courtesy of Mary Jeanne Tash)

SPRINGFIELD – Sister of St. Joseph Eileen Sullivan, longtime pastoral outreach minister at St. Michael’s Cathedral, here, was honored at a May 29 Mass and reception as she prepares to join her congregation’s newly elected leadership team in June.

In an interview with iObserve a few days before the May 29 Mass and reception, Sister Sullivan reflected on her nearly 22 years of ministry at the cathedral, noting, “I tried to bring a welcoming, accepting, kind, and loving presence to the cathedral.” She spoke about the various ways she assisted parishioners throughout the years.

“I was thinking of my baptismal prep and when people would come into my office and they would leave and I would say, ‘Oh, I love this.’ When I go to the homebound, I walk into the rectory saying, ‘Oh I just love this ministry. I love what I just did. There’s nothing like it,’” she said.

“And then, on a Sunday morning, when I leave my RCIA class, I say, ‘Oh my God, this is the best, I just love this.’”

“It’s very fulfilling, it’s very humbling and it’s kind of sacred when people share,” Sister Sullivan said. “It’s one thing to share their joys, but to share their pains and sadness with you, and to know that they can be so vulnerable with you, it’s very humbling for me.”

In a brief talk presented at the end of the 10 a.m., May 29 Mass at the cathedral, Sister Sullivan praised the work of all staff and members of the parish as they address the physical and spiritual needs of those in the Greater Springfield community.

“Our rectory is where people come to sign up for membership, Mass cards, food, gift cards, food baskets, clothing and gifts for their children at Christmas,” she said in her talk. “Because of the needs of our elderly population, we have been able to help find safe and healthy living situations for them.”

Sister Eileen Sullivan poses with Black Catholic parishioners at the May 29 reception honoring Sister Sullivan’s more than two decades of service as pastoral outreach minister at St. Michael’s Cathedral. (iObserve photo/courtesy of Mary Jeanne Tash)

She commended the members of the parish’s numerous committees and ministries, including helping grieving parishioners plan funerals for their loved ones. “They come to honor their husband, wife, father, mother or child,” she said. “In this Mass, they find comfort, peace, and God’s loving presence within.”

Noting that St. Michael’s Cathedral Parish has been embodying the mission of Jesus for more than 161 years, Sister Sullivan said, “Our church is located in the heart of the inner city. We have a unique culture consisting of diverse cultures, people, and lifestyles. The college professor and the street person are often found in the same pew.”

“Over the years, in this holy place, you have opened your hearts to me,” she said in her talk. “Sharing your joyful and difficult times, your births and losses, you allowed me to laugh, to cry, and to pray with you.”

In the interview with iObserve, Sister Sullivan said she also was humbled and blessed to serve with the priests and deacons at the cathedral over the years, and with Sister of St. Joseph Margaret McNaughton, former pastoral minister at St. Michael’s.

“Sister Eileen’s welcoming personality made her exceptionally well-suited for her outreach ministry,” Msgr. Christopher Connelly, current cathedral rector, told iObserve. “She connected with our parishioners and brought enthusiasm and kindness to every situation.  Her gifts of personality and talent will continue to be well used in her leadership role with her community.  

“All of us at the cathedral continue to be grateful to Sister Eileen and all the Sisters of St. Joseph who serve God and neighbor,” said Msgr. Connelly.