Sister Carol Ann Terlicher, S.S.C.M.

For 49 years, Sister Carol Ann Terlicher has been a member of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Her journey to becoming a Sister began while she was a student at Andrean High School in Merrillville, Indiana. There she was influenced by the joyful witness of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius who taught her there.

“They knew Jesus Christ,” Sister Carol Ann recalled. “One of them, sensing my own longing to know Him more deeply, invited me to consider religious life. Her personal invitation to ‘come and see’ still touches my heart to this day.”

Sister Carol Ann spent nearly 20 years teaching elementary students across Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Illinois, New York, and Indiana. Among her many assignments, the one that she cherished most was teaching freshmen theology at her alma mater, Andrean High School, from 1996 to 2015.

One moment in particular stands out from those years. A student once told her he did not believe in God. Years later, he reached out and invited her to witness his reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

“My students were living reminders that we are all still learning from Christ, the Master Teacher,” she said.

Today, Sister Carol Ann serves as the local coordinator at Maria Hall, the Sisters’ retirement facility in Danville, Pennsylvania.

The Motherhouse grounds span nearly 100 acres, and many of the aging Sisters face challenges getting around. Thanks to a recent SOAR! Grant, the community purchased enclosed mobility vehicles, allowing the Sisters to more easily participate in daily life.

In her current role, Sister Carol Ann serves as one of the driving instructors for the Sisters. “While the vehicles remain on the Motherhouse grounds, operating them takes a bit of getting used to,” she said.

Sister Carol Ann is happy to say that the Sisters are grateful for the vehicles. Sisters can pray the Stations of the Cross outside, visit the Basilica and the Adoration Chapel, and enjoy community life. They are especially looking forward to the upcoming Summer Festival in July.

“Living fully one day at a time is challenging, yet God provides the daily bread we need.”

As she reflects on her life and ministry, Sister Carol Ann offers a final word of wisdom:

“Take to heart the words of the prophet Jeremiah: ‘For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe, plans to give you a future full of hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)