A Life of Purpose: Sister Sandy's Story
Santa Maria Board Member Sister Sandy Howe didn’t take a traditional path to religious life, but every step prepared her to serve others with compassion and care. In this Q&A, she reflects on her journey, her deep ties to Santa Maria, and the meaningful relationships that continue to guide her work today.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background before becoming a Sister of Charity?
Sister Sandy: I’m what you might call a late bloomer. I was born in Michigan and raised Catholic in Kettering, Ohio. I worked in the medical field for 18 years—three jobs at once, actually! Emergency clinic, medical claims filing, and for a doctor. I was busy and active in my church, but in my mid-30s, I realized I felt like something was missing. Then, I went on a Life Awareness Weekend—a retreat for people exploring religious life. That’s when I felt a strong calling. I thought I’d join the Sisters of Charity right away, but they encouraged me to explore other communities first, just to make sure it was the right fit. In the end, I knew this was home.
Q: Where did your ministry work begin?
Sister Sandy: I started teaching 7th and 8th grade religion, but I felt called to live in community, so I moved to Cincinnati and eventually began working at Seton High School. I was there for 12 years. That’s actually where I first partnered with Santa Maria. I’d help connect students to service opportunities, and Santa Maria was one of the organizations we worked with! After that, I was asked to coordinate the Sisters of Charity’s Newcomers Transition Program. I had no idea what I was saying yes to—but I knew I was being called to say yes.
During that time, I was also invited to serve on Santa Maria’s board. It gave me a whole new perspective—to see all the programming and the reach of the organization. I also started volunteering when I could. It’s incredible to think that I’m now part of an organization founded by our Sisters, Blandina and Justina Segale — and that Sister Blandina could become a saint in my lifetime. That’s powerful.
Q: Has serving on Santa Maria’s Board of Directors shaped your view of leadership and community?
Sister Sandy: Absolutely. It’s made me see the big picture. People say it takes a village—and it really does. Santa Maria wouldn’t be what it is without its staff, clients, leadership, board, and community partners.
Q: What has it meant to serve both individuals and the broader community in this way?
Sister Sandy: It all meshes together. I can help families one-on-one, but being on the board lets me advocate on a systems level, too. I’m supported by my community of Sisters in every step, whether it’s prayer, conversation, or financial support. It’s a blessing not to be doing this work alone.
Q: Circling back to your work as a Sister of Charity for their Newcomers Transition Program, what was that first experience like?
Sister Sandy: Our first family came as refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo—mom, dad, and two little ones. We met them at the bus station and helped them settle into a house. We connected them with Catholic Charities, helped get them legal services, into school, to doctors—everything they needed to thrive. They now have a house in Hebron, Kentucky. They’re working, have green cards, and are studying for citizenship. It was a beautiful success story.
Q: What have been some of your most meaningful experiences working with these families?
Sister Sandy: So many moments—but one that stands out is being asked to be in the delivery room for four different moms. In their cultures, husbands don’t attend births, and they had no family here, so they asked me. It was an honor. One dad even said, “You’re her grandma now.” The kids call me sister, aunt, grandma—whatever feels right to them.
Sister Sandy with some of the families she serves as a part of the Sisters of Charity Newcomers Transition program
Q: What keeps you grounded while doing such emotionally demanding work?
Sister Sandy: I’ve learned that I can’t do it all. Last year, I hit a point where my own health suffered—my blood pressure and sugars were high, and I was overwhelmed. I had to learn how to say no and not feel guilty about it. Now, I even schedule “me days” on my calendar. I spend more time in nature, listening to music, and reading spiritual books. I try to unplug from social media, too—it helps protect my peace.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Sister Sandy: I love music—mostly Christian music—and I enjoy being in nature. I also love sports. You might find me at a Reds game or cheering on one of the kids I work with at a track meet. I also enjoy playing cards—Uno, Euchre, Five Crowns, you name it! And yes, the kids always want to play!
Q: What’s one thing you’d want others to understand about your calling?
Sister Sandy: I didn’t enter religious life until I was 36. I had lived a full life already, so my call was very intentional. Being a Sister doesn’t mean you don’t experience longing or difficulty. But I’ve never once felt like I should walk away. This life—this community—has been an incredible blessing. I’m not ready to stop anytime soon.