Sister Marie Morgan’s journey from education to the healthcare system is rooted in her passion to serve as a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.
Connecting to the religious community at a young age, Morgan was introduced to the Sisters through school. She graduated from Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School in Lafayette, where many of her teachers were members. Following high school, she enrolled at Purdue University but soon felt a deeper calling that led her to the convent.
“The sisters were my teachers for several of my elementary years and again in high school,” Morgan said. “I was always around them, and I loved their devotion to St. Francis and the Eucharist. There was a goodness about the sisters that deeply attracted me. Then, of course, I felt the call — I truly believe God called me to this path.”
Morgan started her career at Sacred Heart Elementary in Fowler, Indiana, before continuing her education at Indiana University South Bend, where she earned a degree in general studies with a focus on secondary education. She was later presented with the opportunity to study in Rome, where she spent five years at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum, earning a bachelor’s degree in fundamental theology and a master’s degree in spiritual theology.
Upon returning from Rome, Morgan began teaching theology courses at Marian High School in Mishawaka, where she spent 19 years — 12 of them as head of the theology department. However, just over a year ago, her career took a surprising turn.
“That was my world — theology for high schoolers. I had been in education my entire career until the summer before last when I was reassigned to our healthcare system,” Morgan said. “I was elected to a leadership role in the community, which shifted my focus, and I transitioned into the healthcare system.”
Today, Morgan serves as the senior vice president of mission and ethics at Franciscan Alliance. After working in education for so many years, the switch to working in the healthcare system brought significant changes.
“The first year felt like trying to drink from a fire hose — it was a whole new world,” Morgan said. “I’ve been in the convent for 33 years now, and I’ve been around hospital sisters for a long time, so in that sense, it felt familiar. Actually working in it, I had so much to learn — and there’s still so much I’m learning.”
Morgan finds great fulfillment in her new role and is inspired by her colleagues’ commitment to their mission.
“Their mission is to serve and heal as Christ did,” Morgan said. “They hold firmly to that belief and have committed their lives to it. There are so many faithful people here.”
Outside of work, Morgan has a passion for technology and enjoys reading, especially psychology textbooks. She recently earned a master’s degree in psychology with a focus on human services from Divine Mercy University.
Whether in the classroom or the healthcare system, Morgan feels grateful and blessed to continue the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis to serve as part of the Michiana community.
“When you teach for so many years, you meet thousands of people,” Morgan said. “Everywhere I go, there’s someone who says hello because this community is so close-knit. I cherish the many friendships I’ve built here.”