Nancy Kennelly, CJ has been a member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (now the Congregation of Jesus) for more than 70 years. Her ministry has included teaching and formation, as well as a remarkable experience working with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where she helped incarcerated individuals rediscover hope and direction. She later served as IBVM Executive Director during a time of significant transition, along with leadership roles in school administration, a term as General Councilor, and 23 years as Pastoral Associate at St. Elizabeth Seton in Orland Park, Illinois. After an unexpected call, she spent 12 years as a hospice chaplain at Palos Hospital, accompanying patients and families with compassion. Today, Sr. Nancy is a joyful member of the Mercy Circle community in Chicago, where she enjoys reading, helping plan funerals, and participating fully in community life.

Mary Novotny is a Mary Ward Companion living in Phoenix, Arizona, where she and her husband, Bill, have made their home for more than 50 years. Together they have four grown children and a beloved granddaughter, Nora, who brings great joy to their lives. Raised in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the oldest of ten children, Mary was educated by the Presentation Sisters through high school before earning a degree in Sociology from the University of South Dakota. While she cherished her years as a stay-at-home mother, her longstanding interest in social work found expression through generous and consistent volunteer service.

Mary volunteers at SS. Simon and Jude Cathedral, with St. Vincent de Paul, and with the Kino Border Initiative, a bi-national Jesuit ministry that fosters renewal and resilience among migrants in Nogales, Mexico. Her favorite ministry, however, is with the Companions of Mary Ward in the Phoenix area, where she helps coordinate gatherings and programs that nurture connection and spiritual growth. A natural people-person, Mary loves bringing others together, traveling with Bill—especially to visit Nora—and living the words of Mother Teresa: “We cannot all do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

Julie Stapleton, CJ  is Chicago-born and a lifelong resident,  She currently serves as a minister of care for the Congregation of Jesus and for a local parish. She is a member of the Earth Care Committee at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Naperville, Illinois, reflecting her commitment to ecological responsibility and faithful stewardship. Julie has ministered in Final Vow Formation and served on the Vocation Team in Wheaton, Illinois. Her earliest ministry was teaching in elementary schools staffed by the CJs in Chicago. She later earned a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois and treasures the 12 years spent at the Wheaton Early Childhood center.

One of Julie’s particular joys was serving as one of 40 ambassadors connecting Mary Ward Sisters worldwide via Zoom—often with translators—as they built relationships across cultures in preparation for their 2025 merging. She treasures her daily walks and time spent outdoors. At home, she delights in creating warm, beautiful spaces for the Sisters with whom she lives, engaging in lively book club conversations, and offering practical, compassionate support to those in need.