MISSION & MINISTRY
The Sisters of the Living Word were founded in 1975 in response to the call of the Second Vatican Council for renewal of religious life. We are an apostolic community with Sisters serving in the U.S. in the Midwest and the South.
Our Name Is Our Mission
“As Jesus was sent by the Father in the power of the Spirit, so are we sent as Sisters of the Living Word. We reflect and affirm the Word in the world, the Word who continually frees the oppressed and gives new life.” (SLW Mission Statement, 1978)
The Sisters of the Living Word desire to joyfully bring God’s Word to others. Relying on Jesus, we prayerfully reflect on his Word to deepen our faith and strengthen our desire to spread this Word to others. We are open to new possibilities of evangelization to bring God’s Word to people in need.
“We advocate passionately for the voiceless, risking uncharted paths.” (Vision Statement, 1997)
“We weave a network of connections among diverse peoples and in dissonant situations.” (Vision Statement, 1997)
“Rooted in the Word, we are impelled to be God’s language, transforming the world as we lean into life’s unfolding revelation.” (Vision Statement, 1997)
The SLW invest some of their resources in BenefitChicago.org, which is a company that focuses on Impact Enterprises. An impact enterprise is a nonprofit or for-profit organization that uses commercial strategies to address a basic unmet need or to solve a social problem. We share this to encourage you to make socially responsible investments whenever possible.
Our Ministries
Youth and adult education
Judiann Derhake, SLW, and Jeannette Daniel, SLW, have made their Living Word Crafts available to teachers all across the country. For featured items and bestsellers, you can visit their very own webpage here.
Parish, campus, and diocesan ministry
Healthcare and visiting the elderly and prayer ministry
Retreat ministry, spiritual direction and counseling, prayer, and scripture experiences
Outreach to those who experience violence, racism, hunger, poverty, and homelessness
Our Heritage
Our Foundress, Sister Annamarie Cook, SLW, followed the call of the Church to a renewal of religious life, leading 90 sisters to found this new community in 1975. She believed that our lifestyle must clearly show the ideals which we profess. Following her lead we see contemporary world needs in light of the Scriptures:
“we wish to be more closely conformed to that humble, poor and chaste way of life which Jesus elected for himself and which Mary freely chose.” (SLW Constitutions, Article 2)
Sister Annamarie emphasized mutual respect and interdependence, an awareness of personal gifts, and the need to use these things for the good of the Church and World.
To read Sr. Genevieve Shea’s history of the first 20 years please click here.
Spirituality
We were founded on the strong belief that the Word of God which is inspired, cosmic and incarnate holds for us all the wisdom we need to live a life dedicated to God and the service of others.
Our strength comes from participation in the Eucharist. Our prayer includes quiet time alone with God as well as prayer together in Community.
