Former Religious Name: Sister Rosemary
Home Parish: St. Ann, Erie

Sister Mary Herrmann (formerly Sister Rosemary) was born in Erie, PA to Leo & Elizabeth Herrmann. She felt a desire to become a Sister from her earliest memories. When she began attending school, she knew that she wanted to become a Sister of St. Joseph. As she grew older, this desire developed into what she came to recognize as a call to religious life. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1960 from her home parish of St. Ann in Erie and professed her final vows in 1966.

Sister Mary attended St. Ann Elementary School and Villa Maria Academy in Erie before continuing her education at Villa Maria College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She later earned a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Boston University and received certification in Advanced Nursing Service Administration from the American Nurses Association.

Sister Mary spent many years at Saint Vincent Health Center, serving in nursing and patient services and later in administration as Executive Vice President. She also ministered as a nurse clinician at the Booker T. Washington Center in Erie. From 1989 to 1999, she served as Vice President of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Throughout her ministry, Sister Mary has shared her leadership and expertise through service to numerous organizations. She served on the boards of Saint Vincent Health System, St. Martin Center, Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, and Villa Maria Academy, and served as President of the Shankar Service Foundation.

Sister Mary co-founded the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network in 2000 and served as its Director for 11 years. She later served as President of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania from 2011 to 2019.

Her dedication to the community has been recognized through numerous honors. In 2004, Sister Mary was named one of the Mercy Center for Women’s Women Making History. She is also a past recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Award and has received numerous other community distinctions.

Throughout her life, Sister Mary has been inspired by the words of Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” She reflects that, amid the busyness of ministry and daily life, it can be difficult to find time for quiet and peaceful reflection. The words remind her to pause, let go, and become aware of God’s all-encompassing love.

Sister Mary credits the deep faith of her parents as an important influence on her vocation. She also appreciates the support of her brother, both when she was growing up and also today. No matter what difficulties they faced, they maintained a deep faith in God, and prayer was an important part of their lives. Their example of faith and prayer was passed on to her from an early age.

When reflecting on the many Sisters of St. Joseph who have exemplified spirit, courage, and vision, Sister Mary recognizes both the congregation’s great leaders and the quieter Sisters who serve faithfully behind the scenes. She believes that all Sisters of St. Joseph are women of courage in their own ways, living out the spirit of being one with God and one with their neighbor.

Through her years of nursing, leadership, community service, and ministry, Sister Mary has continued to live out that spirit of faith, courage, and love of neighbor as a Sister of St. Joseph.