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Meet 21 Women Leading Ignatian Ministries

When Dr. Linda LeMura was named president of Le Moyne College in 2014, she became the first lay woman to hold that position at an American Jesuit college or university. Today, there have been eight more schools added to that list. “I’d call that progress!” Dr. LeMura says.

That huge increase — one to nine schools with a female president in less than a decade — reflects the growth of women’s leadership across the Ignatian family. This expansion is evident in every area of Jesuit ministry: colleges and high schools, retreat centers and parishes, social justice organizations, Jesuit governance, and national networks.

This Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the work of just a tiny percentage of the women leaders who serve the church and the world through their leadership in Jesuit and Ignatian ministries. These leaders shared a bit about their work and how Ignatian spirituality shapes their lives. They also offered their perspectives on ways the Jesuits can continue to improve how they welcome, empower and support women leaders.

“Welcoming women (and their half of the talent pool) into leadership can’t be passive, a matter of mere politeness. It requires learning about the range of obstacles still facing women — from the grueling experience of being constantly underestimated, to the shocking level of violence in the home against those who do not obey. Until our institutions move beyond denial, they will continue to squander the talent of women and be complicit in a great injustice.”
Tania Tetlow
President of Fordham University

Women Leaders in the Ignatian Family

Cheryl Archibald
Cheryl
Archibald
Institution St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church
Title Parish Life Coordinator
Location St. Louis

In a few sentences, what does your job entail?
I sit in the seat of the pastor. The work is to service this local parish community by sharing my gifts of administration, pastoral leadership and pastoral care. 

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite work is journeying with people and providing pastoral and administration leadership through the lens of a woman. 

What is one of the challenges you’re facing right now?
One challenge is lack of resources needed to ensure the parish is successful. 

What are some of the lights and shadows you’ve experienced as a woman working in partnership with a men’s religious order?
I found the men’s religious order open and supportive of working in partnership with women. Although, most see it as relieving the burdens required to serving a parish versus a true partnership. 

How does Ignatian spirituality shape your approach to work?
Ignatian spirituality invites me to pause and discern and/or reflect on the work in front of me, as well as invite me to examine the work and interactions of each day to further form me. 

How could the Jesuits and the church as a whole foster women’s leadership more effectively?
Decisions are already made before we are aware of them. It would be more effective if we are at the table from the beginning. 

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