Sister Veronica Schueler, FSE
Sister Veronica Schueler credits her parents for awakening her to social problems and the needs of underprivileged persons early in life. Her skill in writing has helped her give voice to the voiceless in society and her ongoing personal concern for those treated unjustly has provided a natural base for her religious ministry. Sister Veronica earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in writing from the University of Pittsburgh and a Masters degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven. During her fourteen years in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, she worked in the field of corrections as a correctional officer and case manager. Early in her religious formation in the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, she worked in the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Danbury, Connecticut. At that time it was unusual for prisoners and staff alike to see a woman in a religious habit working in the federal prison.
After first vows, Sister Veronica was asked by Mother Rosemae Pender, Mother General, to enter the field of law to provide legal assistance for the Community in the future. Sister Veronica graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, in 1993, and was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1994, followed by admissions to the bars of Connecticut, Minnesota and Maryland. During the next six years she worked at private firms in Minnesota and Maryland to gain legal experience.
From 2004 to 2016 Sister Veronica served as a staff attorney at the St. Frances Cabrini Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance of Catholic Charities of Galveston-Houston. She supervised the Family Visa Program which provides free or low-cost assistance to persons needing help with family immigration or deportation defense. She makes public presentations on immigration issues. Her legal expertise is also valued by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist as she provides assistance, research and consultation on legal matters. In 2016 she moved to Boynton Beach, Florida, to be part of the Franciscan Community serving St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. In 2017 she was named Vice Chancellor for the Diocese of Palm Beach.
With her local Community in Houston at the University of St. Thomas, Sister Veronica joined in the work with students, staff and faculty of the University, coordinating service projects and participating in student discussions and activities. She shared with them a lifelong love of learning about languages, culture, history and world events.