Sister Mary McNellis

As a teacher for more than 60 years, Sister Mary influenced students in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, and in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. She was the leader of the Loretto Sisters in the late 1940s.

Until recently, she had been active in a variety of efforts supporting peace, social justice and interfaith causes.

She attends Mass at St. James Church where she occasionally brings forward the Communion bread and wine, her wheelchair pushed by a friend, Ruth Pickett, 97.

Sister Mary is one of several Loretto Sisters living in the Kansas City area. She shares an apartment with Loretto Sister Barbara Doak.

Sister Barbara describes Sister Mary as having a “rock solid faith that God loves each of us and will take care of us. So there is no need to worry.” She says, “Mary has a gift for relationships that underlies each of her many efforts.”

Sister Mary was born in Kansas City, the only child of Anthony Joseph McNellis and Hanora (Hannah) McFadden McNellis, both born in Ireland. The family lived in an Irish settlement near old Sacred Heart Church in the area now called the West Side.  Her father was a streetcar conductor. His work contributed to her strong feeling for working people.

Sister Mary attended Catholic schools, including Redemptorist School, and graduated high school from Loretto Academy. The building that for many years housed Loretto Academy for girls is now The Loretto apartment and special events building on 39th Street. In Sister Mary’s day, senior students lived at the Academy.

Sister Mary traveled to the Loretto Motherhouse at Nerinx, Ky., about 60 miles from Louisville, for her time as a novice.

Sister Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Webster University, then Webster College, a Catholic school for women, and a master’s in education from The Catholic University of America.

Following the Mass March 7,  St. James Parish will host a reception at St. James Place, 3936 Troost, south of the church. All are welcome. Sister Barbara suggests that those who wish to mark the day with a gift consider contributing to a “Carry Mary” fund the church is gathering to add an elevator to ease movement of people from the church to Marian Hall in the basement. St. James Parish marked its 100th anniversary in 2006.

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