Sisters of the Living Word
A community of women religious who advocate for the homeless, immigrants, the environment, anti-racism, and victims of human trafficking.
Jean Krieter, Annamarie Cook, Mary Ann Zrust
— First Leadership Team, August 1975
“As Jesus was sent by the Father in the power of the Spirit, so are we sent as Sisters of the Living Word. We reflect and affirm the Word in the world, the Word who continually frees the oppressed and gives new life.”— Mission Statement, 1978
Sent Into the World,
Rooted in the Word
Founded in 1975 in Des Plaines, Illinois, by Sister Annamarie Cook, the Sisters of the Living Word were established in response to Vatican II's call for religious life renewal. Sister Annamarie led 90 sisters in creating this apostolic community, emphasizing mutual respect, interdependence, and the use of personal gifts for the good of the Church and World.
The Sisters center their spiritual life on Scripture, viewing God's Word as providing essential wisdom for dedication to God and service of others. Their strength flows from regular Eucharistic participation combined with both solitary prayer and communal worship.
Today, the Sisters focus on the intersection of racism, migration, and climate crisis, examining root causes of injustice and working for systemic change. They endorsed the Earth Charter in 2006, pledging to protect Earth's vitality, diversity, and beauty.
“As Jesus was sent by the Father in the power of the Spirit, so are we sent as Sisters of the Living Word. We reflect and affirm the Word in the world, the Word who continually frees the oppressed and gives new life.”— Mission Statement, 1978
Three Pillars of Ministry
The Sisters of the Living Word ground their ministry in three interconnected commitments—advocacy, connection, and transformation.
Advocacy
“We advocate passionately for the voiceless, risking uncharted paths.”
— 1997Connection
“We weave a network of connections among diverse peoples and in dissonant situations.”
— 1997Transformation
“Rooted in the Word, we are impelled to be God's language, transforming the world.”
— 1997Five Guiding Principles
The Sisters of the Living Word are guided by five core values that shape every aspect of their life and ministry—from how they pray to how they serve.
Living the Gospel
Trusting in God's providence, sharing in mutuality with people who are poor and marginalized, working in collaboration, and searching for truth in dialogue with others.
Respect
Respecting the dignity of each person and valuing each person's word through the gifts of listening, presence, and compassion.
Life of Faith
Being rooted in God's Word as followers of Jesus and in communion with all people and creation.
Simplicity of Life & Care for Earth
Sharing our gifts and creating sustainable ways of living so all will have what they need.
Peace & Justice
Promoting the common good through systemic change and accompanying and empowering others to bring new life.
Where They Serve
Interpreting contemporary challenges through a scriptural lens, the Sisters see themselves as God's voice working to transform the world. They focus on the intersection of racism, migration, and climate crisis, recognizing that these issues are interconnected.
Immigration
Supporting 21st-century migration and advocating for immigrant rights
Anti-Racism
Dismantling systemic racism and working toward racial justice
Environment
Earth stewardship and care for our common home since 2006
Homelessness
Direct support and advocacy for those without stable housing
Human Trafficking
Victim advocacy and working to end modern slavery
Des Plaines, Illinois
Just northwest of Chicago
Learn More
The Sisters of the Living Word have been serving communities and advocating for justice since 1975. To learn more about their ongoing mission, ministry opportunities, or how to support their work, visit their official website.
For information about individual Sisters and their stories, log into Sacred History to explore their community archive.