She is beautiful.  She is caring and willing to give everybody a second chance.  She listens to everybody.

Darrell RuckerSt. John Center guest

I have been associated with Sr. Kathleen from the very beginnings of St. John Center.  Since space is limited, I’ll simply say that she has been the heart and soul of St. John Center in terms of the atmosphere she has created and maintained all these years.  St. John Center is a place of safety, of caring and of true concern for our clients.  This is not a small accomplishment in light of the huge diversity of our clients and the limited resources available to St. John Center over the years.  Thank you, Sr. Kathleen, for all your contributions to St. John Center and to the wider community!

Larry OttoFounding board member and 22-year volunteer  

She’s like what my grandmother was to my family.  She is like a matriarch.  When she’s gone she’ll be missed and that spot will never be the same. 

Harold BlackburnSt. John Center guest 

I have known Sister Mary Kathleen Sheehan for many years and worked closely with her for thirteen years at St. John Center. Above all her many gifts to God's people I have always been touched by her tireless efforts to make  a better life for those most often over-looked or neglected in our world.

Sister Pat Worley, SCN 

There's a quote from the Methodist minister, John Wesley, that has always reminded me of Sister Mary Kathleen:  "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."  I can't think of a more fitting description of the good work Sister Mary Kathleen has done in our community for more than two decades.  It's impossible to count how many lives she's touched, and I am certain that her generosity and spirit have inspired others to give of themselves as well.  I wish her the best of luck. 

Jerry E. Abramson Mayor of Louisville Metro 

I've been a journalist for more than 40 years, and in all that time I've written about some wonderful people, and a few scoundrels, of course. But I've never met anyone I enjoy writing about and working with more than Sister Kathleen Sheehan.  She has a soul full of values we all should emulate.  She is committed to doing good; she is steadfast in her loyalty to those in our world who most need her help. 
I once wrote that she has the determination of a terrier, and I meant that as a compliment.  Sister Sheehan is not afraid to speak truth to power and in today's society that has become something of a lost attribute.  So let me salute this remarkable woman for her courage and her commitment; for her faith and her fortitude. I wish her happiness in her retirement, though I'll be very sorry to see her leave St. John's. Most importantly, however, I want Sister Kathleen to know that I feel blessed to have made her acquaintance.

Glenn Rutherford,Assistant EditorThe Record  

Sr. Kathleen’s leadership in serving the homeless in our community has been example to follow.  She clearly understands the needs of those experiencing homelessness and will move mountains to address those needs. 

Marlene GordonExecutive Director, the Coalition for the Homeless  

Having witnessed Sr. Kathleen's work for over 15 years I have been many times amazed with her ability to balance the very necessary need to enforce the rules at St. John with her tremendous compassion for the guests she serves.  At her very core she is a giver who has inspired many to give more of themselves for the benefit of others.

Alexander C. CameronBoard of Directors  

When I think of Sister Kathleen, I think of a shining example of the true charism of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Her fidelity and determination against all odds in a very difficult ministry has always inspired me. She reminds me of the words of another champion of the poor, Mother Teresa, when she said "fidelity, not results" motivated her. Well, Sister Kathleen as been faithful and has seen results! She has not only helped and inspired many of God's most vulnerable, but also the city as a whole. She is a "martyr" in the truest sense of the word, meaning a "witness." As one of my seminary professors put it, "Martyrs shut up and put up!" She didn't just talk about homelessness, she did something very positive and concrete about it. She has every right to be proud of the great work she has done and the programs she has built up and leaves behind.  I am very proud of her and what she has done for Louisville. God bless her big heart!

Rev J. Ronald Knott  

Sister Kathleen has been very instrumental.  She keeps everybody quiet and in line.  She makes a difference.  She is going to be missed.

James Cunningham St. John Center guest  

Sr. Kathleen has an unequaled ability to combine true compassion and care with a disciplined and focused toughness.  Her passion for the needs of the disadvantaged is evidenced in word and deed.  She speaks out eloquently and courageously for justice but also acts on those words.  We at the Cathedral also appreciate her commitment as a lector and as a trusted advisor for our own Social Concerns Outreach programs.  We hope we’ll see even more of her now.

Fr. Bill FichtemanPastor, the Cathedral of the Assumption  

It is a privilege to acknowledge the 22 years of service that Sister Mary Kathleen Sheehan has given to St. John’s Center and those it serves.  As a Sister of Charity of Nazareth (SCN) Sister Mary Kathleen embodies our Mission Statement by illustrating that she is “impelled by the love of Christ … to work for justice in solidarity with oppressed peoples, especially the economically poor….” Her witness challenges all SCNs to strive to live out our mission statement, just as her witness challenges civic and church leaders to make decisions based on justice for the most vulnerable in our society.  The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

Western Province Leadership Team:  Judy Raley, SCN (Provincial); Brenda Gonzales, SCN (Vice-Provincial); Adeline Fehribach, SCN (Vice-Provincial)

A few years ago I ran into Sister Kathleen downtown on her day off.  She said she was going to a homeless meeting and I thought of all the long house she spent helping the less fortunate.  She truly is a special person.

Chris HamiltonSt. John Center guest    

The call of every Sister of Charity of Nazareth is a call of compassion for the poorest among us.  We are very grateful that Sister Mary Kathleen has given of herself many years serving the men at St. John’s and  raising her voice for so many who have no voice.  We pray that her witness may cause others to reverence the dignity of all persons and to support the homeless in their efforts toward independence.

SCN Congregational Leadership Team:  Sisters Shalini D’Souza, Julie Driscoll, Barbara Flores and Mary Serra Goethals 

I have always regarded Sister Mary Kathleen Sheehan as the epitome for responding to Christ's command to love the poor.  Her care for the homeless of Louisville, in the service that is unique to St. John's Center, has been a bright light for our community.  We are blessed to have leaders like Sister Kathleen.  She has taught us the importance of both love and professionalism in the care of the poor.  May God abundantly bless Sister as she retires from the direction of the Center after so many fruitful years of ministry.  

Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P. , Retired Archbishop of Louisville 

It is a joy to speak in praise of Sister Mary Kathleen Sheehan as she prepares for retirement in the near future.  In my brief time as Archbishop of Louisville, I have come to hear of Sister Mary Kathleen's great witness to those most in need.  Her wonderful service at St. John's Center stands as a clear icon of service to the least of our neighbors as Christ has commanded of us.  Recently I shared a panel on the topic of poverty with Sister Kathleen at the Cathedral of the Assumption and heard first hand of the passion of her commitment and of the generous spirit in which she has acted.  I salute Sister Kathleen and ask the choicest of blessings upon her .

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz , Archbishop of Louisville