Sister Carolyn Schilling, ASC, celebrated 60 years as an Adorer of the Blood of Christ at Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows on Sunday, September 15, 2024. She made her first profession on July 1, 1964, and her final vows on June 29, 1969. She marked her anniversary with the Eucharistic liturgy, followed by a reception.
Sister Carolynwas one of four children born to Vincent and Viola Schilling in Mt. Vernon, IL. She received her bachelor’s degree in American Studies from St. Louis University in 1967 and her master’s in Religious Studies from Barry University in Miami, FL in 1976. She also earned a Certificate in Corporate Ministry from St. Louis University in 1987.
Sister Carolyn’s ministry began in Illinois in the Diocese of Belleville, where she taught for nine years in parochial schools, including SS. Peter and Paul in Waterloo, St. Adalbert and St. Regis in East St. Louis, Immaculate Conception in Centreville, and St. Bruno in Pinckneyville. She served as a Director of Religious Education for 10 years, including parishes in Pinckneyville, Dahlgren, Carmi, Benton, all in Illinois, and also in Daingerfield in TX, in the Diocese of Dallas. For six years she held the position of Pastoral Associate at Sacred Heart Parish in DuQuoin,
Following her position as Director of Community Life and Assistant to the Pastoral Care Director for the local ASC community in Ruma for four years, Sr. Carolyn moved into health ministry. She worked for four years with Human Support Services in Waterloo, IL, then with clients over the age of 65 as a Home Care Worker for Community Care Systems, Inc., in both Waterloo and Columbia. Her interest in Hospice care drew her to a part-time volunteer position in this field.
Sister Carolyn currently resides at Benedictine Living Community where she is Living Mission in Later Life.