2024-2025 Lumen Christi Award finalist: Sister Lisa Maurer from the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota

Sister Lisa Maurer of the Diocese of Duluth, MN was recently named a finalist for the 2024-25 Lumen Christi Award, the highest honor by the Catholic Extension Society. This award is given “to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve.”

Despite her short stature, Sister Lisa is a prominent figure on the football field at The College of St. Scholastica. Serving as an assistant football coach, she mentors student-athletes using four core values: hospitality, stewardship, respect and justice, to guide the young men in life beyond sports. Sister Lisa facilitates discussions on real-life challenges among students, becoming a spiritual advisor and a figure of comfort for many.

Barbara McDonald, Ed.D, the College’s president, praised Sister Lisa for her consistent presence at practices and games, highlighting the deep connections formed with athletes. “Over the past nine years, she has attended daily practices and is on the sidelines at every game, home or away,” Dr. McDonald said. “Many of the players consider Sister Lisa their prayer partner and spiritual advisor, and she makes it a habit of checking in with the young men, particularly those who may be struggling with personal issues.”

Sister Lisa’s faith-driven efforts are celebrated by the St. Scholastica community, the Diocese of Duluth, MN and the Catholic Extension Society, showcasing the transformative power of faith in sports and broader life challenges.