Leadership
Our congregational leadership team is comprised of three members: the Congregational Leader, First Councilor, and Second Councilor. Through their tireless service, dedication, initiative, and love for God and community, these Sisters guide and challenge our Congregation to be ever-present servants of God.
“Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.”
Sr. Judith Ann Karam
Sr. Judith Ann Karam was first elected Congregational Leader in 1993 after serving four years on the Council. Following her term, she was appointed CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System in 1998. She served for fifteen years, overseeing the Sisters’ sponsored ministries which included five hospitals, three foundations, services to the elderly, and community outreach ministries. In 2013, she resigned as CEO to again accept the position of Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity, a position she continues to hold.
Sr. Judith Ann entered the Congregation in 1964. After she entered, she attended Duquesne University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy. She took the State Boards and became a licensed Pharmacist, and started the first Clinical Pharmacy program in Cleveland at St. Vincent Charity Hospital. After several years, she went on to get a Masters Degree in Health Administration from The Ohio State University. Over the years, she spent a great deal of her ministry developing new hospitals like St. John West Shore, and working in administrative roles at St. Vincent Charity, Mercy Medical Center, and Providence Hospitals. She has received numerous awards, including the Cleveland Heritage Medal in 2023 and being inducted into the Ohio State Hospital Association Hall of Fame.
Sr. Kathy Andrews
Sr. Kathy Andrews was elected to leadership in 2017 and currently serves as First Councilor. Serving others is very integral to her call as a CSA Sister. Even though challenging at times, Sister says that it is always a privilege and a blessing to be part of the ministry of Jesus. Her past ministries include serving for eight years as the Local Leader for the CSA Community at Mount Augustine, Holy Family Hospice in Parma, OH, a previous eight-year term in Leadership, and serving on numerous boards and committees. Sister believes that ministry happens all around us even when we are not aware, and that the Spirit works over time at meetings for the good of the project as well as for the people involved!
Sr. Jane Lab
Sr. Jane Lab was appointed as a council member to the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine leadership team in September 2024. She finds it an honor to support her sisters in their role in religious life. In 1975 she became a certified board chaplain in the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, until she retired in 2022. She continues to volunteer at Edna House, through the Ignatian Spiritual Project that is designed to help people grow in their spirituality and St. Vincent Charity Health and Healing Hub where she and several other former caregivers and family members sort and prepare clothes for monthly distribution. She serves on the Sisters of Charity Canton Foundation and Centering Space, Boards.
Sister considers the privilege of ministering to God’s people in their time of spiritual and emotional need along with supporting their families’ members and loved ones.
“Come, O Lord, and stir our hearts. Call us back to yourself. Kindle your fire in us.”
― Saint Augustine of Hippo, Confessions of Saint Augustine of Hippo