In addition to learning where to enjoy a good crab cake, Dominican Sister Mary Elizabeth Sallese is eager to roll up the sleeves of her habit and get to know the religious men and women of Baltimore “doing the work of the Holy Spirit.”
Sister Mary Elizabeth recently started her new ministry as Archbishop William E. Lori’s Delegate for Religious, a role that will have her working as the liaison between the archdiocese and the many religious communities ministering in the region.
With a background in social work and education, Sister Mary Elizabeth brings a unique skill set to a position that requires her to be the primary communicator between the archdiocese and religious orders.
“I’m very excited to see the work of the Holy Spirit being done by the congregations and to serve as their ears, eyes and voices,” said Sister Mary Elizabeth, who also serves as superior at the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia’s house in Catonsville. “In this diocese, we are blessed with a multitude of charisms that permeate the culture.”
She said some of her goals in her new role are:
- streamline communications between religious and the archdiocese;
- get to know what religious orders need from the archdiocese and her office;
- assist in formation and education for vocations, especially for individuals who are not members of an order such as consecrated virgins and hermits;
- explore ways to bring religious communities together to share the joys of consecrated life.
“Religious work is very hard and religious are extremely busy people,” Sister Mary Elizabeth said. “If there’s any way I can be of service to them, that’s what I want to do. If I can find ways to relieve any stress for any of the people I serve, that will make me very happy.”
Archbishop Lori, who reached out to the Dominican religious community about filling the role, is delighted to welcome Sister Mary Elizabeth. She follows Father Thomas Dymowski, a Trinitarian who left the post a year ago to serve as pastor of St. Lawrence Martyr in Hanover and Resurrection of Our Lord in Laurel.
“We are excited to have her on board,” said Archbishop Lori in a statement extolling her background in social work, education and capital campaigns.
The archbishop said Sister Mary Elizabeth’s commitment to her religious community spans more than 39 years, “exhibiting her dedication and passion for service.”
“She will work to identify (religious) needs in association with the archdiocese, promote their participation in pastoral planning and provide information and referral services as needed,” he said.
Sister Mary Elizabeth, who holds degrees in social work and education, spent the last 20 years as principal of St. Henry School in Nashville, Tenn. She said when approached by her order’s superior about the new ministry, she was excited about the opportunity.
“Archbishop Lori has always been a great friend to our order,” said the Joliet, Ill., native who is eager to learn more about Maryland seafood as well as the Orioles and Ravens while maintaining her passion for the Chicago Cubs and Bears. “I would do anything I can to assist him and the religious communities here.”
She said she has a love for architecture and old buildings; so Baltimore’s inner-city structures have helped ease any transition from her community’s home base in Music City.
She also has enjoyed her daily interactions with Baltimoreans experiencing homelessness.
“Let me tell you one thing, the homeless in Baltimore know how to greet a sister,” she said. “I enjoy meeting people where they are in life. I’m so humbled by my daily experiences with them.”
In her first few months, she plans to visit all of the religious communities in the area.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know their many charisms and serving those communities in any way that I can,” she said.
Email Gerry Jackson at gjackson@CatholicReview.org
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