Sister Mary Catherine Seli, age 98, in her 80th year of religious life

SISTER MARY CATHERINE SELI, SC, age 98, was called home by God to eternal rest at the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill on November 30 in the 80^th year of religious life. Born in Pittsburgh on October 6, 1925, Sister Mary Catherine entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1943, from Holy Innocents, Sheraden.

Sister Mary Catherine was preceded in death by parents John G. and Emma C. (Bilovesky) Seli; three brothers, Monsignor John J., Robert C. and Reverend William, S.M.; and three sisters, Catherine Seli DiPerna,  Mrs. Elizabeth Basl, and Mrs. Genevieve Amon.   She is survived by a brother, Frederick V. Seli; two sisters, Mrs. Eleanor Hines and Mrs. Peg Zohorsky; nieces and nephews; and her religious community.

Sister earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Seton Hill University and a master’s in education and administration from Duquesne University.  Much of her career was spent teaching language arts to upper elementary and middle school students in the dioceses of Greensburg, Pittsburgh, and Tucson, as well as the Archdioceses of Baltimore, Los Angeles, and Washington.  She also served as principal at Saint Jerome School, Charleroi; vice principal at Saint Philip School, Crafton; and principal at Saint Therese School, Munhall.

In 1991, Sister Mary Catherine was appointed Assistant to the Archivist for the Sisters of Charity and in 1995 was appointed Archivist, a position she held until 2006. She spoke of her work in archives: “I enjoy being in an atmosphere which gives me a greater appreciation for the lives and accomplishments of our sisters.”

After her retirement, she continued volunteering at Caritas Christi in the Archives as needed. She also spent her days quietly in prayer, reading and sewing. The Sisters of Charity are grateful for the devoted care she received from the nursing staff and employees.

In reflecting on her life as a Sister of Charity, Sister Mary Catherine said, “I thank God for the many opportunities I have been given as a Sister of Charity to serve His people in a variety of ways and I also thank God for my family and the many persons who have supported me on my journey.”  

Rest in peace, Sister Mary Catherine, as your loving and faithful God welcomes you home to unite eternally with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Mother Aloysia Lowe, the Company of Charity and loved ones.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, December 3 at Caritas Christi, 129 DePaul Center Road, Greensburg, PA from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  A prayer vigil sharing memories in the Chapel of the Assumption will follow at 7:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am on Monday, December 4.

The funeral liturgy will be live-streamed; access through the link:  http://venue.streamspot.com/2af9eleb

Burial in the Sisters’ Cemetery will immediately follow Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Charity, DePaul Center, 144 DePaul Center Road, Greensburg, PA 15601.  For more information, visit the website, www.scsh.org.