Sr. Kim Marie Jordan, OSB

Sister Kim Marie Jordan made her Perpetual Monastic Profession on March 10, 2012. The ceremony celebrated an eight-and-a-half-year formal journey into monastic life that has included triumphs such as contributing to the Monastery’s capital campaign and returning to college to study social work.

“I learned to let go and let God speak to me. You really have to do that in religious life. A lot of times this call from God is not even in your own understanding. When I made First Profession, I realized that actually understanding my call wasn’t necessary. I don’t know why God chose me. What was necessary was being open to the spirit of God that flows within me. It goes back to the Rule of Benedict: to listen.”

“My first job at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center was as a critical care social worker – a highly rewarding job that allowed me to say at the end of each day, ‘I made a difference in someone’s life.’” Later, she served as the hospital’s Patient Advocate, stepping forward and speaking on behalf of our patients and families. She strove “to act in a positive way and to be cooperative, caring, and knowledgeable. One of the most difficult things a person can endure is hospitalization for a serious illness. As an advocate for the needs and resources for our patients, I remember that my passion for helping people began with the core values of social work – the equality, worth, and diversity of all people, respect for individuality, privacy, and dignity.”

Sister Kim Marie also finds a connection between social work and the Monastery of St. Gertrude’s vision statement: Prayer Awakens. Justice Impels. Compassion Acts. Thy Kingdom Come. “Our vision statement is really what social work is all about,”

Sister Kim returned to the Monastery in 2020 and currently serves the community as Director of Ministries.