Sisters of IHM Foundation to Host Celebration
Benefitting Retired IHM Sisters on July 31st
Event will Recognize Spirit of IHM Award Recipients Dr. Jay Bannon, Tracy Bannon and Teddy Michel
Scranton, Pennsylvania — The Sisters of IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary) invite the community to their 2026 Sisters Celebration on Friday, July 31 at Nazareth Hall, Marywood University. The Celebration will honor the IHM spirit and support the retired IHM Sisters who continue to live the “IHM Spirit” with unwavering dedication — praying for those who need help. They follow the Congregation’s Mission Statement, engaging in actions that reflect on God’s unconditional love for all creation and the transformation of the world.
The Celebration will begin with a reception at 5:30 pm, followed by the program. A key part of the program is the presentation of the Spirit of IHM Awards to several exceptional individuals: Dr. Jay Bannon, Tracy Bannon, and Teddy Michel. Guests will also hear from IHM leaders and from the retired IHM Sisters.
Tickets to the event are $100 per person, with all proceeds helping with the care of the retired IHM Sisters. In addition to attending the event, individuals can honor a Sister, an award recipient, or a loved one by becoming an event sponsor. Sponsorships start at $25. “Many individuals choose to honor a Sister who taught them in school and made an impact on their life or the lives of their family members,” states Sister Ann Monica Bubser, IHM, Director of Development for the IHM Sisters. For further information on attendance or sponsorship, go to https://www.sistersofihm.org/2026-ihm-sisters-celebration/ or call 570-346-5431.
The event is hosted by the Sisters of IHM Foundation, established in 2013 to support retired IHM Sisters who require varied levels of care. “Costs are rising exponentially, and we rely on your generosity to help the Sisters care for the women who gave their lives in service, asking for nothing in return,” said Ann Rink, president of the Foundation Board. “This celebration is a chance to honor them and hear the stories of those who embody the IHM mission.”
About the Award Recipients
Dr. Joseph P. Bannon and Tracy Bannon exemplify the spirit of the IHM Sisters through their lifelong commitment to faith, service, and community. Dr. Bannon is a distinguished surgeon, educator, and leader whose career has advanced patient care and medical education throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, while Tracy has devoted herself to serving children, families, and those most in need through her work with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. Together, their generous leadership, compassionate service, and dedication to helping others have made a lasting impact on the region and make them truly deserving recipients of the 2026 IHM Spirit Award.
Teddy Michel embodies the Spirit of the Sisters of IHM through a life dedicated to faith, service, and community. As Director of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps of Northeastern Pennsylvania, he inspires adults age 50 and older to put their faith into action through service with local nonprofits. A former legal aid attorney and law clerk for the late Judge James M. Munley, Teddy has spent his career advocating for those in need while serving in numerous leadership and volunteer roles throughout the region. Alongside his wife, Cindy, he continues a lifelong commitment to helping others, making a lasting impact on Northeastern Pennsylvania through compassion, generosity, and joyful service.
About the Sisters
The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, Pennsylvania, are a community of Catholic women religious dedicated to God and service to God’s people. Founded in 1845 and inspired by the spirit of Saint Alphonsus, we participate in the redeeming mission of Jesus by celebrating and proclaiming the Good News of God’s unconditional love for all people. While currently serving in the United States and Latin America, the Sisters live their commitment by engaging in and sponsoring a variety of ministries that meet contemporary needs and foster the full development of human potential. For more information on the Sisters of IHM, go to https://www.sistersofihm.org
About the Sisters of IHM Foundation
The Sisters of IHM Foundation was established in 2013 to help the Congregation care for aging Sisters who have reached retirement age.