Sister Dolores Schorsch, OSB catechisms

Sister Dolores (Alma) Schorsch, 1896-1984 Alma Frances was born in Morris, Illinois on June 16th, 1896 to Anton and Maria Czagany Schorsch, immigrants from Hungary. She was the first of Schorsch children to be born in the United States. After finishing high school, Alma began her teaching career at Morris, Illinois and, later, at Norwood Park. She attended DePaul University obtaining several degrees in literature and science as well as a certificate in advanced piano. After teaching for a short time at DePaul University Alma joined the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago February 12th, 1922 and made her perpetual profession August 18th, 1926. Sister Dolores was quickly given many administrative responsibilities. Along with her brother Rev. Alexander P. Schorsch, Sister spent many years perfecting a religion course which resulted in a series of texts and workbooks covering the religious education for children in elementary schools. The course was used in schools across the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and China. In addition to writing A Course in Religion, Sister Dolores wrote Our Lord and Our Lady with her brother; narratives to accompany film strips, as well as many articles for religious magazines. She was principal of Saint Scholastica High School, Chicago and supervisor of the elementary schools. When she retired she continued to teach religious education classes in some parishes and was active in the ecumenical movement. She was the recipient of many educational accolades. Sister Dolores Schorsch observed the diamond jubilee of her profession in 1983. She died June 17th, 1984 of cancer at the age of 87 and is buried in All Saints Cemetery.