Guided by the enduring values of the Sisters of Charity, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ is evolving our sponsorship framework to honor our mission of service and commitment to the common good.


The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­'s Sponsorship Transition

On September 14, 2022, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati announced that they are in the process of concluding the sponsorship of their five sponsored ministries, including the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­. This change is necessitated by the current realities of having fewer Sisters of Charity to serve its five sponsored ministries. 

For reference, in 1960, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati had approximately 1,600 Sisters.  Today, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati have less than 200 Sisters.  Unfortunately, these demographic challenges and the demands of active sponsorship require the Sisters to make a change, while remaining deeply connected to and supportive of the mission of all of their sponsored ministries, including the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­.  

As a result, the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ is exploring its future Catholic sponsorship options.  The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring that the institution remains Catholic, and, as of April 24, 2023, has decided to only consider sponsorship options that will permit the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ to remain a Catholic university after the sponsorship transition from the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati takes place.

Questions and comments about the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­’s sponsorship transition can be shared by emailing sponsorship.transition@msj.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­'s Sponsorship Transition

  What does it mean that the Sisters of Charity sponsor the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­?

The “sponsorship” of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ by the Sisters of Charity relates to the institution’s Catholic identity and certain governance matters.  It does not have anything to do with the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­’s finances or day-to-day operations. 

 

Sponsorship by the Sisters of Charity has permitted the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ to have a canonical relationship with the Catholic Church. The sponsorship transition requires the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ to explore other options for maintaining its canonical relationship with the Catholic Church.    

  Will the sponsorship transition change the day-to-day operations of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­?
No.  The day-to-day operations of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ will not change as a result of the sponsorship transition.
  What day-to-day operations at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ will be affected by the transition of the sponsorship?

None.  Currently, the Sisters of Charity maintain a limited governance role with: (1) up to 4 seats on the Board of Trustees, (2) approval of the hiring of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­’s President and appointment of members of the Board of Trustees, (3) approval of the annual operating budget, and (4) approval of certain actions of the Board of Trustees through reserved powers, such as approving large investments. 

 

With the sponsorship transition, the Sisters of Charity’s authority over these administrative operations will revert to the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Board of Trustees, as is typical with other private, non-profit universities.  The day-to-day operations of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ will not be impacted by the sponsorship transition. 

  Will the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ have any connection to the Sisters of Charity after the sponsorship transition?
Yes.  The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ is grounded in the spiritual values and vision of the Sisters of Charity and is committed to honoring that legacy.
  How does the sponsorship transition affect the finances of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­?
It does not.  The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ is and has been financially independent from the Sisters of Charity for many years.  The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ does not rely on funding from the Sisters of Charity to operate.  Consequently, the sponsorship transition will not impact the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­’s finances. 
  How does the sponsorship transition affect the property and real estate of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­?
It does not.  The Sisters of Charity own certain grounds on and facilities in which the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ operates. The lease agreements between the Sisters of Charity and the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ provide that the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ maintains control and use of these properties and facilities.  The lease agreements are unrelated to and not impacted by the sponsorship transition.   
  Who is leading the sponsorship transition for the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­?
The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­’s Board of Trustees has established a Sponsorship Transition Ad Hoc Committee, which will lead the institution through the sponsorship transition process. The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ community will be kept informed about the process and about key decisions made by the Board. The Sisters of Charity are working closely with the committee as well.  Questions and comments can be shared by emailing sponsorship.transition@msj.edu.
  Will there be opportunities for members of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Community to be involved in the sponsorship transition process?

Forums with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to learn more about the sponsorship transition process and to engage in discussions about sponsorship options are taking place.  Comments can also be shared at any by emailing sponsorship.transition@msj.edu.

  What options for future sponsorship are being explored by the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­?
The Sponsorship Transition Ad Hoc Committee has explored all sponsorship options available.  As of April 24, 2023, through its thoughtful discernment process, the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Board of Trustees has resolved that the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ will take one of two paths forward: (1) create a group of Catholic institutions of higher education to seek sponsorship through Vatican approval to remain Catholic, or (2) join an existing group of Catholic institutions of higher education who have already obtained sponsorship approval from the Vatican to remain Catholic.  Both of these sponsorship options will ensure that the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ remains a Catholic institution. 
  Is sponsorship required for the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ to remain Catholic?
As the sponsor of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, the Sisters of Charity have maintained the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­’s canonical relationship with the Catholic Church.  As an institution of higher education, to remain recognized as a Catholic institution by the Vatican, the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ must have a Catholic sponsor that is approved by the Vatican.   
  Will the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ change without Sisters of Charity sponsorship?

Over its 102 year history, the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ has evolved and transformed into the world-class living and learning community it is today.  Yet, our mission, vision, and values have remained constant. The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ is grounded in the spiritual values and vision of the Sisters of Charity and is committed to honoring that legacy.

 

The Sisters of Charity will provide resources and expertise to the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ as it moves forward in the sponsorship transition process.  While the Sisters of Charity sponsorship will eventually transition, its relationship with the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ will endure.