Archbishop Cupich to preside at 40th Anniversary Mass of the Sisters of the Living Word (SLW)

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Chicago Catholic Archbishop Blase Cupich will preside at the 40th Anniversary Mass of the Sisters of the Living Word (SLW) at 2 p.m. on Sat., June 25 at St. Thomas of Villanova Church,  1201 E. Anderson Dr., Palatine. After the Mass, Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes will proclaim June 25 as Sisters of the Living Word Day in Arlington Heights. Reservations are requested (slw.slw.org) to attend the free reception.

The Archbishop will celebrate this milestone event with SLW, a trailblazing Arlington Heights-headquartered community of women religious. The community formed in 1975 after Vatican II. In response to contemporary issues, 90 nuns decided to leave their order and form a new order centered on leadership from within. 
 
“Back then, we ranged in age from 20 to 63,” said Sharon Glumb, SLW, one of three current leaders of the community. “We knew that we wanted to serve God in a 20th century way. We wanted to serve the needs of the day.” 

As 21st century sisters, the women - many of whom were teachers – will celebrate their four decades of service to the poor, the homeless, and the voiceless. The sisters focus on social justice issues such as aiding detained immigrants, supporting anti-human trafficking efforts, helping homeless families, and preserving the planet. 

“We’re active in schools, churches, and social service agencies in the Midwest and South,” said Glumb. “We help special needs children. We teach computer classes at libraries. We help at PADS and Catholic Charities. Our mission takes us to places of need. We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate our 40th anniversary.” 

The Sisters of the Living Word is an Arlington Heights, IL-headquartered religious community of women dedicated to sharing the Word of God through education, social, and spiritual services.