s. catherine (kate) filia

50th Jubilee
Sister Catherine (Kate) was born, baptized and confirmed in All Saints Parish in University City, Mo. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1961 and was received into the novitiate in 1962, receiving the name Sister Joan Thomas.

A graduate of Rosati-Kain High School, Fontbonne College, Case Western Reserve and Colorado College, she has a bachelor’s degree in French and a master’s in teaching foreign language.

Sister Kate taught at Valle High School in Ste. Genevieve (1973-1985) and St. Louis Preparatory Seminaries North (1985-1987) and South (1987-1991). She also served as moderator of the student councils in those schools.

Sister was the administrative assistant for the St. Louis Province Office and office manager and secretary at Our Lady of Life Apartments in St. Louis. She also taught in high schools in Denver and Chicago.

Since 2000 Sister Kate has been an administrative team member for CSJ Care, providing home services for the elderly and working in collaboration with other home care agencies in the St. Louis area. 

Sister Kate is also a certified reflexologist and offers classes in reflexology, spirituality and wellness. She is a docent at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Carondelet, providing tours for visitors, doing research, and writing articles about the early American foundation as well as the history and spirituality of her community.