Sister Kathryn Huber

Prioress from 1989-1998

Sister Kathy grew up on a family farm near Starlight, Indiana, the seventh of eleven children with parents who were “committed Catholics.” When she and her two sisters went to the Academy in Ferdinand, her mother said that the pickles and cucumbers paid their tuition. In 1956, Sister Kathy entered the Ferdinand Benedictines and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from St. Benedict College. Other degrees were a Master’s in Elementary Education and Administration and a Master’s in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University of Chicago.

She was an elementary teacher for seven years, and an elementary principal for fourteen years. She then became the Director of Programs at Kordes Enrichment Center for seven years before becoming Prioress. After her two terms as Prioress, she was elected as the Federation President for the Federation of St. Gertrude for two terms, nine years altogether. She then returned to working in the Spirituality Ministry at the Monastery giving retreats, workshops, talks and doing Spiritual direction.

Part of Sister Kathy’s personal philosophy of leadership and decision-making is the idea of “shared wisdom.” “We all have a piece of the wisdom,” she explains, “and it’s our responsibility to share that wisdom with the group.” Hospitality has always been a big part of Sister Kathy’s life. In an interview, Sister Kathy said “people find serenity and peace here, not because of the building, but because of what the sisters stand for—the sisters’ hospitality, the warm welcome that I hope every stranger and guest always find here. When you come to visit the Monastery, you will find that Sister Kathy lives her beliefs. She gives tours of the Monastery Chapel and is one of the welcoming and greeting people coming for prayer and Mass.