“Living in the life-giving community of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill and ministering as a nurse has been a gift, always calling me to live in the presence of God,” reflected Golden Jubilarian Sister Kathleen Gallagher. “In this ministry, I have had the opportunity of seeing, listening, and touching the Face of God. I love my life.” Known to most as “Sister Katie,” the Pittsburgh native entered the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill from Holy Innocents Parish on September 8, 1964.

Currently, Sister Katie serves as the Program Director/Nurse at Elizabeth Seton Adult Day Care at the Monahan Center, Greensburg, where she enjoys interacting with her clients and their families. In addition to evaluating client status and overseeing care, Sister Kathleen conducts admission interviews, supervises employees and volunteers, and ensures that service standards comply with objectives defined by the Pennsylvania State Agency on Aging. Sister Katie is honored to assist in maintaining quality of life for those she serves.

Prior to her ministry at the Seton Center Adult Day Care Center, Sister Katie’s 45-year nursing career included service at Green Meadows (now known as Emeritus) of Latrobe; Saint Ann Home, Greensburg; Rendu Services, Fayette County; Caritas Christi, motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, Greensburg; and Assumption Hall, the sisters’ former infirmary and retirement home, Greensburg. Pittsburgh area facilities where she served include Divine Providence Hospital, Pittsburgh Hospital/Forbes System, Roselia Foundling and Maternity Hospital, and Saint Francis Hospital. She earned a Licensed Practical Nurse Diploma from Saint Francis Hospital, a Registered Nurse Diploma from West Penn Hospital School of Nursing, a Pastoral Associate Certificate from Mercy Hospital, and a Certificate in Gerontology from La Roche College, all in Pittsburgh.

A vibrant member of her community, Sister Katie has served as a member of the Sisters of Charity Network for Lifelong Learning. She enjoys community gatherings, spiritual reading and meditation, football, and most of all, music, which brings great joy to Sister Katie’s life. She serves as a cantor and sings with the Sisters of Charity Community Choir. “Sharing music gives me the opportunity to reflect my love of life and the beauty that surrounds me,” explained Sister Katie. “I believe joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.”

Music is a gift Sister Katie shares with her family members who, according to Sister Katie, “have reflected a deep, simple, and loving faith in God, through good times and bad.” Her family and the Sisters of Charity who taught her influenced Sister Katie’s vocation. “Entering the Sisters of Charity has deepened that [family] faith and my relationship with God. I believe that God is always with me, a presence of love and care,” Sister Katie related. “This belief helps me to remain faithful.”

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