Sacred Heart Convent of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield has a history dating back more than 150 years.
“In 1873, six sisters were sent from Springfield, Kentucky, to Jacksonville, Illinois,” SHC administrator Becky Woiwode said. “They carried with them the itinerant spirit of St. Dominic De Guzman of France, who lived and preached about God in the 13th century. Leaving behind the comfort and security of their Kentucky home, these women courageously journeyed into the unknown.”
The group originally had hopes of one day returning to Kentucky, but an unexpected revelation led the sisters to believe they had been sent to establish a separate and independent congregation.
“With courage and faith, each sister freely signed her name to the document establishing a new congregation,” Woiwode said. “What began in uncertainty became a bold act of trust and commitment.”
In 1893, with the congregation growing, the sisters relocated their Motherhouse to Springfield where SHC remains today. To continue their ministry, the sisters became educators, principals, health care personnel, social workers, pastoral ministers, hospital administrators, nurses, canon lawyers, campus ministers, parish leaders and literacy center directors, to name a few. They also advocate for systemic change on the local, national and international levels.
At SHC, 83 coworkers assist the sisters so they can focus on their ministry and calling. The Motherhouse Convent includes an infirmary where elderly sisters receive compassionate care from nurses and nursing assistants. In addition, coworkers serve as housekeepers, laundry personnel, cooks, dietary aides, maintenance and groundskeeping personnel, receptionists, IT professionals, human resource specialists, communications staff, finance personnel, archivists, administrators and mission advancement office staff.
“When coworkers are asked what they love about working at Sacred Heart Convent, the responses are remarkably consistent,” Woiwode said. “They speak of the respectful, compassionate and appreciative way they are treated.”
The sisters are deeply committed to their coworkers’ growth and well-being. Programs are in place to support continued education to help coworkers advance in their chosen professions. This effort is fueled with encouragement and financial assistance from the sisters. Flexible scheduling allows coworkers to pursue education without sacrificing their livelihood.
“Sacred Heart Convent is a place where coworkers stay because it is fair, just and supportive,” Woiwode said. “The pay and benefits reflect that fairness, but the true reward is the environment itself: peaceful, respectful and profoundly generous.”
Even sisters who are technically retired continue to contribute with unwavering dedication. It’s not uncommon to receive a daily blessing or hear a sister break into song during a visit to the office or infirmary.
“These moments bring joy, peace and a deep sense of belonging,” Woiwode said.
One of the significant achievements this past year was the expansion of the sisters’ SDART program, which stands for Springfield Dominicans Anti-Racism Team. The sisters also unveiled an effort to support their coworkers called Thrive.
“This initiative helps coworkers overcome obstacles in their personal and professional lives,” Woiwode said. “Whether assisting with resource information, such as child care, transportation to work, housing support or payroll rent deductions, the sisters are committed to ensuring that every coworker has the opportunity to succeed.”
Additionally, the sisters launched a free tutoring program for coworkers’ children and grandchildren. This gift is deeply meaningful since many of them are retired teachers and principals.
Looking to the future, SHC remains committed to providing the care and services that will allow the sisters to continue their ministry for years to come. Together they stand ready to support women who discern a call to join the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, ensuring that this legacy of faith, service and community continues into the next generation.
This article appears in Best Places to Work 2026.