Sr Edith Prendergast
1940 – 2026
Born: 26th May 1940
Entered: February 1959
Died: 1st April 2026
Sr. Edith Catherine Prendergast was born in Dromrue East, Cappaquin, Co. Waterford, to Richard and Catherine Prendergast (nee Walsh). Kathleen as she was known by her family was the second youngest of six children. She grew up on the family farm in a home where she experienced her first formation in faith and hospitality exemplified by her parents’ spirit of prayer and caring for those in need.
Prior to answering her call to enter the Congregation of the Religious Sisters of Charity in 1959, Edith worked as a civil servant for a brief period. Following her Novitiate formation in Dublin, Edith studied at the University of London’s Institute of Education where she was exposed to great works of art and literature. She also had the opportunity to visit many of London’s museums and exhibitions. During her time in London Edith also taught in some of the neighboring schools. Edith lived in the Sowerby Bridge and Hammersmith communities.
In 1966, Edith was missioned by the Congregation to California, where the RSC’s were ministering in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. She ministered as an educator in the following schools: St. Brigid of Sweden Elementary School in Van Nuys, Our Lady of Fatima in San Clemente and at St. Cornelius in Long Beach. She also volunteered as a catechist for the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD).
In 1972, Edith engaged in further studies in Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction. Following this, in 1973, she was appointed Director of Novices in the RSC California Region. This was a time of significant renewal and challenge in the Catholic Church. On completion of her term as Novice Director, Edith returned to the UK and ministered in St. Bernadine Girl’s High School as an educator and Retreat leader. During this time she lived in the Langley community. This experience gave her a vision for future possible ministry.
Edith returned to the US to pursue a master’s degree in theology at Boston College. On completion of her studies, she returned to California to discern her future ministry. During this time, she was invited by Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson, to consider a position at the Office of Religious Education at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. She accepted.
In her role as consultant for youth ministers, Edith presented as an inspirational mentor and spiritual leader to a large contingent of women and men, who were preparing for leadership positions in parish youth ministry. She was intuitive and could recognize the potential in others. She also empowered others and was a spiritual guiding force in the lives of many.
In 1987, Edith was appointed Director of Religious Education and became the first non-ordained person to hold that position. In her role as director, she was responsible for the organization of the Religious Education Congress which has taken place at the Anaheim Convention Center since 1970. She transformed and expanded the Congress into a globally recognized gathering where the numbers grew from 10,000 to 39,000 by 2013. This energized Edith’s spirit and her visionary leadership had a profound influence on all in attendance.
Her multicultural approach and inclusiveness of all age groups was characterized through the various liturgies and workshops presented. While ministering in the office of Religious Education, Edith also attended Claremont School of Theology where she earned a Doctorate in Ministry.
Edith retired from the Office of Religious Education in 2015 and enjoyed sabbatical time with family and travelling. After her sabbatical, she set up her own spiritual direction center at her community house on Edgemont Street, Los Angeles. She accompanied many on their spiritual journeys and enabled them to develop a deep relationship with God.
As Edith’s health began to fail, she derived great comfort from the many friends who visited and spent time reading her favorite poems with her. Some of Edith’s favorite poets included Sue Monk Kidd and Mary Oliver. In her book “Grace Abounds”, Edith quotes Sue Monk Kidd as follows:
“God’s love is so immense, so tender, so dazzling with joy that most of us have only felt the hem of it”. – Sue Monk Kidd.
May Edith, now fully experience the immensity of God’s love.
