Sisters, Servants of the

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Malvern, Pennsylvania

Mission Advancement

where Mission Matters

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

— Ecclesiastes 3:1

Investing in Mission, Guided by Heart

For more than fifteen years, SEI has walked alongside the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary as their Outsourced Chief Investment Officer. What began as a professional engagement has grown into a mission‑driven partnership rooted in shared purpose: ensuring the Sisters’ ministries thrive today and endure for generations. “SEI has long admired the Sisters’ devotion to service, education, and Gospel values,” said Kathleen Oldfield, Financial Services Director at SEI. “Their work is carried out with compassion, grace, and a joy that brightens every room.”

Much of this collaboration takes shape through the IHM Investment Advisory Board, where SEI works closely with Sister Francis Michael, Sister Donna Shallo, Sister Mary Ellen Tennity, Sister John Evelyn DiTrolio, Sister Stephen Anne Rodriguez, and Sister Paula Buley. Together, they have built an investment and governance approach that honors the sisters’ religious and social values while supporting responsible, long‑term asset growth. The relationship is grounded in trust and shared stewardship.

“We invest with purpose,” Kathleen noted. “Every dollar helps us serve someone in need.” In recent years, SEI has also partnered with the Philadelphia Phillies to drive positive change across communities. When SEI learned that the IHM Sisters are enthusiastic Phillies fans, it felt like a joyful affirmation of the spirit that connects them all with faith, purpose, and a genuine desire to make an impact. “In many ways,” said Kathleen, “the story of SEI and the IHM Sisters is one of teamwork, heart, and a shared belief in building something that lasts.” SEI was most recently a gold sponsor of the annual Sippin' for the Sisters. As a gold sponsor, SEI donated $10,000 for Camilla Hall to purchase new beds and recliners for our aging sisters who reside there. SEI encourages other companies to support the Sisters, Servants of the IHM as it is a most rewarding corporate sponsorship.

Each place setting featured a handmade card from a sister at Camilla, thanking guests for their generosity. Guests were deeply touched by this kind gesture. Although many of the sisters at Camilla are ailing, they continue, in true IHM spirit, to think of others first.

Sister Mary Ellen led the gathering in prayer and offered heartfelt thanks for the donors’ years of support to the sisters and their ministries. Maureen Cislo, Director of Mission Advancement, introduced the Mission Advancement team, allowing donors to put faces to the names behind the letters and phone calls of gratitude.

Attendees were also treated to a video presentation highlighting the IHM Center for Literacy and its daily impact on underserved communities. Several sisters are missioned at the center, located in North Philadelphia.

Camilla Hall Administrator Julie Kozak introduced the superiors at Camilla Hall, Sister Christina Joseph Dolan and Sister Ann Raymond Welte, who expressed their deep appreciation for the donations that enable more than 200+ sisters to receive the care and comfort they deserve. Julie concluded the event with a video made just for the event, featuring the sisters of Camilla Hall thanking the donors.

As attendees exited, they had the opportunity to pose with their favorite sister beneath a banner that read, “We Love Our Donors.” And we truly do.

(Donors are invited to the Donor Appreciation Mass and Luncheon based on their annual giving level or participation as monthly donors. Monthly donations—no matter the amount—are especially meaningful, as they represent a steady and faithful commitment to the congregation. If you are interested in becoming a monthly donor, please contact Maureen Cislo, Director of Mission Advancement, at Maureen.Cislo@ihmimm.org.)

Continuing Lenten sacrifices after Easter helps our souls feel lighter

Easter is my favorite holiday of the year! I love the Easter readings filled with hope and promise, and the Easter hymns are so glorious. The verse “And the dead shall be awakened by the trumpet’s mighty blast!” brings it all home to me. It’s what we’re about.

While the hint of spring in the air adds to the joy of the Easter season, it’s not just a season of pretty flowers and hymns. It’s a great time to continue our Lenten resolutions and make permanent changes in our lives. The sacrifices we made during Lent can continue to bring us closer to Christ.

There is a beautiful swell of people at daily Mass during Lent; however, the number quickly dwindles after the Octave of Easter. Attending daily Mass can be a wonderful way to start your day all year long! Did you get into reading the Bible on a daily basis, listening to a podcast or watching a video series during Lent? If any of those devotions were meaningful to you, keep them going. Does your parish have any opportunities for adult faith formation? Now might be a good time to sign up. This is a great way to meet new friends while growing in your relationship with God.

Read the full article here

Sister Helen David Brancato, IHM, hosted a printmaking art workshop for students of the IHM Center for Literacy at her Gatehouse Studio on April 17th. Participants saw firsthand the transformative power of art. Literacy Center student, Ivelise (pictured far left), designed flowers, sharing that when life feels hard, she tries to shine as brilliantly as a flower.

The IHM Spirituality Center in Malvern, PA, invites women of all ages and backgrounds to participate in a scheduled silent retreat being held this Summer. The center offers private, directed, preached, and guided retreats. Each provides time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal, along with daily Mass, opportunities for confession, and delicious meals. Guests are asked to bring their own toiletries, while sheets and towels are supplied. A spiritual director can be arranged in advance for private retreats. Located on the peaceful grounds of Villa Maria House of Studies in Chester County, the center is surrounded by natural beauty and spacious walking areas that enhance the quiet atmosphere, as well as can be explored to spend time at for prayer. Click on the photo below for more information and how to register for a women-only silent retreat.

Sister M. Theresa Bernadette Meade, IHM

 4.18.2026

Sister Rosemarie Hagan, IHM

4.21.2026



Click here to view obituaries

Office of IHM Mission Advancement

230 IHM Drive

Malvern, PA 19355

missionadv@ihmimm.org