Who We Are

Sister Mary Jo Mutschler, SC

A native of Pittsburgh, Sister Mary Jo Mutschler entered the congregation of women religious on September 8, 1961, from Saint Joseph Church, Mount Oliver. Now in her 50th year of religious life, Sister Mary Jo serves as the assistant superintendent for elementary schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, a position she held since 1997. In this capacity, she oversees Catholic school administrators, coordinates curriculum updates and staff development, and provides support and guidance to local parishes and schools on the implementation of diocesan-directed educational and faith formation programs.

Sister Mary Jo gained valuable insight in providing vital support to the schools she supervises from the early years of her education ministry. She served in the Pittsburgh and Greensburg dioceses as teacher, principal, curriculum director for mathematics, and educational consultant from 1963 to 1982. As an administrator and educator, Sister Mary Jo has encouraged students, teachers, parents, principals and staff to grow and respond to the grace of God at work in themselves and others. Although she acknowledges that Catholic schools are challenged to secure financial resources to help families in need seeking Catholic education, Sister Mary Jo finds great joy in experiencing the presence of God at work in Catholic schools.

Prior to assuming administrative responsibilities, Sister Mary Jo accepted several special assignments throughout her religious life. In 1989, she was elected general councilor and vice president for mission and ministry for the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, a position she held until 1997. From 1985 to 1991, Sister Mary Jo was the director of Greco Institute, an adult education center of the Diocese of Shreveport, Louisiana. Sister Mary Jo served as liaison, facilitator, and adjunct faculty at Loyola University from 1985-1989, and she was a graduate assistant and adjunct professor at Fordham University from 1982 to 1985. Sister Mary Jo served internally on various congregational teams and committees and was a board member for numerous educational and social service institutions.

Sister Mary Jo’s dedication to serving the Church was recognized in 2009 with the Manifesting the Kingdom Award. This award was presented by the Diocese of Pittsburgh to honor those who demonstrate Jesus in their lives through their ministry. In reflection of her 50 years of religious life, Sister Mary Jo said, “Believing Catholic education is an avenue for families to break the cycle of poverty, I spend my life endeavoring to help provide opportunities for families to enrich their lives both spiritually and academically in Catholic Schools. Hopefully, that will enable and encourage them to use their gifts to serve one another. Recognizing the gifts and talents of others is very edifying. In my ministry, I am most grateful for the many opportunities I have had to see the grace of God in action.”

 

If you would like to make a donation in honor of  Sister Mary Jo's Jubilee, please click on the Donate Now button on the left.