Honoring Sister JoAnn Persch’s Life of Service

As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to honor someone whose life and legacy continue to shape our community: Sister JoAnn Persch.

Sister JoAnn was a towering force for immigrant rights—a woman who put her faith into action every single day. Formed by the deep moral clarity of the Sisters of Mercy, she embodied what true religious conviction looks like: not simply reading scripture, but centering the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors in everything we do. For me, crossing paths with Sister JoAnn—and with Sister Pat Murphy—gave me hope that within the Catholic Church were leaders who believed, as I did, that faith demands action. They showed that justice, compassion, and courage are sacred responsibilities.

Sister JoAnn lived those values fully. Even earlier this month, at 91 years old, she was still fighting—literally—in Broadview, standing with faith leaders denied entry into the ICE facility and holding Mass outside anyway. She was never afraid of a righteous fight. And she never, ever took “no” for an answer.

We first met years ago while fighting for Dreamers and DACA recipients when I was working on Marie Newman’s campaign for Congress. When I ran Marie Newman’s interfaith coalition, we worked side by side to push for more compassionate leadership across our community. And most recently, through Catherine’s Caring Cause, she continued centering the needs of immigrant families building new lives here in Chicago and across our suburbs.

This is faith in action. Sister JoAnn didn’t just talk about justice; she lived it. She confronted the systems that kept people in the shadows, and she stood with our communities when others shied away.

As our country navigates dark and uncertain times, I’m holding close the memories we made and the lessons she shared. I’m thankful for this community, for the people who refuse to accept injustice as normal, and for those—like Sister JoAnn and Sister Pat—who were unafraid to get arrested and put their bodies on the line for what’s right.

Tell the people you admire that you love them. You never know when someone will change your life—and Sister JoAnn certainly changed mine. Take care of each other, and have a warm, restorative Thanksgiving.

In her memory, I hope you’ll consider supporting Catherine’s Caring Cause and continue the mission so close to Sister JoAnn’s heart:

This initiative provides direct support and resources to asylum seekers, and carries on the work that Sister JoAnn dedicated her life to—building a more inclusive and merciful world, one family at a time.

Let’s honor Sister JoAnn by continuing her legacy: standing up, speaking out, and always fighting for the people who need us most.