The photo depicts Sister Maria, RSM presenting a Black and Indian Mission grant check to Ms. Phyllis Kittling, Office Administrator of Saint Henry Parish in Lake Charles, LA. August 8, 2024

Sister Maria Howell, RSM has been appointed Director of Cultural Diversity for the Diocese of Lake Charles, effective July 1, 2024. The position of Director of Cultural Diversity has been subsidized by the Black and Indian Mission grant for many years. Sister Maria was born and raised as a cradle Catholic in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her formative education was in the Catholic school system. Before entering Religious Life, Sister Maria worked for the airline industry as a customer service agent for twelve years.

Sister Maria joined the Religious Sisters of Mercy in 1992 and made her perpetual profession of vows in 2000. Since entering the community, Sister Maria has had the privilege to serve the Lord Jesus in many and various ways. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Portland and then a Master of Science degree in Social Work from Portland State University in Oregon. She has lived and served in Montreal, Quebec as a child protection agent and volunteered with community health programs. In Rome, Italy, Sister worked for the United States Bishop’s Office for Visitors to the Vatican, distributing tickets for papal events to thousands of pilgrims. In Tulsa, Oklahoma; Sister worked as a chaplain in a large Catholic Hospital. While assigned to Shaw Island, Washington, Sister Maria taught catechism and prepared youngsters to receive the sacraments. Before coming to Lake Charles, Sister Maria served in Saint Louis, Missouri, as an Events Planner for the Archdiocese.

Along with her duties as Director of Cultural Diversity for the diocese of Lake Charles, Sister Maria serves as Parish Life Coordinator Assistant for Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Sister Maria so admires the kindness and generosity of the people and looks forward to new adventures in Lake Charles.