Sr. Sheila McGrath, OSB

Sister Sheila McGrath, OSB

Sister Sheila (Margaret Mary) McGrath, OSB, was born in Peoria, IL, on October 13, 1934.  She attended grade school at St. Mark’s Grade School and graduated high school from Our Academy of Our Lady in Peoria. 

While attending the reception of two high school classmates into St. Mary Priory in Nauvoo, Sheila was drawn to the welcoming, joyful and prayerful Benedictine Sisters, and she decided to join the community.  Sr. Sheila entered the community on October 3, 1953 and made her perpetual professional on August 25, 1958. 

Sr. Sheila received a bachelor’s degree in Education from Marycrest College, Davenport, IA; and a master’s degree in education, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.        

As an educator, Sr. Sheila taught grade school at Benet Hall and Sts. Peter and Paul, both in Nauvoo; St. Columba, Chicago; St. John’s, Clinton; and St. Joseph’s, Ivesdale.  She also taught on the high school level at St. Mary Academy, Nauvoo, and Bergan High School, Peoria, IL.   

Sr. Sheila served as formation and vocation director in her community from 1975-1984.  As Subprioress in both Nauvoo and Rock Island, Sr. Sheila served three different prioresses for a total of 5 terms covering 20 years.  She also ministered as Hospital and Hospice Chaplain in Quad City hospitals for 12 years.       

Sr. Sheila enjoys walking, reading, music and traveling.  Reflecting on more than 65 years of monastic life, she shared:

    Life is a journey and in my Benedictine community, these Sisters are mentors and friends who help me to “Listen with the ear of my heart to God’s message to me, to seek peace and to prefer nothing whatever to Christ.”  (RB)