Catherine Mary Harmer, M.M.S.

Sister Catherine Mary Harmer, MMS, the daughter of the late Frances R. and John T. Harmer, died January 19, 2016, at the Philadelphia Protestant Home after a long illness. She was 83 years old. A graduate of Hallahan High School, Sister entered the Medical Mission Sisters in 1950, just one month shy of her 18th birthday. She made her First Vows in 1953, then began a life-long journey of learning and sharing. Sister received her B.A. Degree in Philosophy from Chestnut Hill College and her Master's Degree in Library Science from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She was awarded both a Master's Degree in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University. Sister taught Medical Mission Sister Novices in the Philippines and worked in medical records at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. She also was the librarian for the Community in Philadelphia and later served as its North American Sector Superior. In the early 1970s, Sister Catherine Mary became a professional consultant and facilitator to Religious Communities of Women, including her own, and to many other religious groups. She assisted many in their research and planning for the future. Sh...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

lso authored two well-received books, Religious Life in the 21st Century: A Continuing Journey into Canaan and The Compassionate Community: Strategies that Work for the Third Millennium. Sister Catherine Mary's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 28, at 10:00 AM at the Medical Mission Sisters' Chapel, 8400 Pine Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111. Gifts in her memory can be made to the Sisters at this address. Photos and tributes may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com