 Mary Ward Center is a mission of the Sisters
of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary that
began in 1999 in South Chicago. The Sisters choose
to remain present to the poor and multi-cultural
people in the city where they have had a long-standing
presence in several high schools and parish grade
schools. In addition to teaching English as a
second language, each Sister also prepares students
for GED and citizenship exams. ESL tutoring takes
place solely on an individual basis. Computer
classes are available in small groups. |
Mission Statement of the Mary Ward Center
Our mission is to create new possibilities
for the people of South Chicago by providing opportunities
for educational development. In the spirit of Mary
Ward, founder of the Institute, the Center recognizes
the individual worth of persons and journeys with
them to foster their true potential.
 Sister Pat Pendleton
Before coming to Mary Ward Center, Sr. Pat had
been active in a wide variety of I.B.V.M. ministries.
For ten years, Sr. Pat worked with the poor as
Director of Religious Education in the West Indies.
Besides her teaching ministry, Sr. Pat also enjoys
reading and listening to music and going out with
friends.
 Sister Mary Howard Moriarty
In addition to teaching English as a second language
to our Hispanic students, Sr. Mary Howard also
teaches classes in basic computer skills. Prior
to coming to the Mary Ward Center, Sr. Mary Howard
taught in San Bernardino, California. Her other
interests are socializing with friends, doing
crossword puzzles, reading and working on the
computer.
 Sr. Lorraine Crawford
After twenty-one years as Pastoral Associate of
the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet, Illinois,
Sr. Lorraine came to Mary Ward Center anxious
to be involved in work that is very different
from that of a Pastoral Associate in a parish.
Long walks, cross-country skiing and dinner with
friends are special times in Sr. Lorraine’s
life.
History
From 1892 to 1998, IBVM’s
have educated thousands of grade school and high
school students
on the
south side of Chicago. As times changed and the
sisters left their schools and parishes, their
love for the south side prompted them look at other
needs of the people in the area.
A search committee
studied various sites and suggestions and decided
that English as second language might
aid the people in the South Chicago neighborhood.
With the help of the Claretian Fathers and many
volunteers, Sister Rosemary Lynch and Pat Pendleton
opened Mary Ward Center in 1999.
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