1. Catholic sisters in 19 th c. America

2. The American Catholic experience (19 th century) Minority group Minority group Experienced prejudice, hostility Experienced prejudice, hostility Compare to today? Compare to today? Largely immigrant Largely immigrant Prior to 1845, most Catholics in America were English Prior to 1845, most Catholics in America were English 1840s: Large wave of Irish immigration begins 1840s: Large wave of Irish immigration begins 1850: 5% of US population is Catholic 1850: 5% of US population is Catholic 1890-1920: large numbers of Italian and eastern European immigrants 1890-1920: large numbers of Italian and eastern European immigrants 1906: 17% of population is Catholic, the largest single religious group 1906: 17% of population is Catholic, the largest single religious group

3. Sisters as nurses Contributed to growth of profession Contributed to growth of profession For “respectable” women (note ethnic and class prejudice) For “respectable” women (note ethnic and class prejudice) Built up institutions Built up institutions Created curriculum Created curriculum Increased Protestants’ exposure to Catholicism Increased Protestants’ exposure to Catholicism Debunked stereotypes, rumors Debunked stereotypes, rumors Served in epidemics when others would not Served in epidemics when others would not Built up considerable resources, authority, opportunities in hospitals and social service providers Built up considerable resources, authority, opportunities in hospitals and social service providers