For more than two decades, Sr. Marguerite Bartling, has walked alongside women at Good Shepherd Gracenter in San Francisco as they worked toward recovery, renewed confidence and a hopeful future.
On September 20, Gracenter honored Sr. Marguerite with its 2026 Amazing Grace Award during the Transforming Lives Gala. Gracenter’s highest honor recognizes individuals whose service, leadership and compassion have made a lasting contribution to the organization and the women it serves.
“I am most grateful for all the people who came into my life during those 23 years,” Sr. Marguerite said. “First of all, the sisters who were part of the mission of the Good Shepherd in San Francisco. Next are the brave women who came and continue to come to Gracenter.”
A Mission that Stayed with Her
Sr. Marguerite first came to San Francisco in the early 1990s, when she was serving as a group mother with teenagers in Memphis, Tennessee. When Gracenter needed a sister to help with its relatively new drug and alcohol treatment program for women without resources, she said “yes.”
“I fell in love with the mission of Gracenter and helping the women realize how precious they each are in the eyes of God,” she said. “I watched them grow, thrive and in turn strengthen their families and become contributors to their communities.”
After leaving San Francisco to care for a family matter, Sr. Marguerite returned to ministry in 2009. Sr. Mary Catherine Massei, then province leader, invited her to return to San Francisco to see how she could help out. She served first as program director and later as executive director, continuing in that role until her retirement in April 2026. During her leadership, she strengthened relationships with Gracenter’s Board of Directors and Good Shepherd Guild, and she helped expand the facility with a computer lab and additional bedroom space. For Sr. Marguerite, however, the women themselves remained at the heart of the mission.
“I believe the most rewarding part was being a small part of the mission that totally accepted each woman for who she was and offered her opportunities to grow, become confident in her personhood and choose a path of recovery,” she said.
A Legacy of Gratitude
Sr. Maureen McGowan, regional leader, attended the gala and saw firsthand the lasting relationships Sr. Marguerite built.
“It was beautiful to see how deeply people love Sr. Marguerite and how much they care about Gracenter,” Sr. Maureen said. “Many supporters shared that they have been coming to this event for years, some for as many as 20 years. Their continued commitment was inspiring.”
As Sr. Marguerite reflects on her retirement, she often returns to St. Mary Euphrasia’s words, “Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” After more than two decades of service at Gracenter, she carries that gratitude with her as she begins a new chapter and Gracenter welcomes new leadership.
A Future of Hope
Following a three-month national search, Dr. Karen Leslie Hernandez has been selected as executive director. A Bay Area native, Karen brings more than 20 years of experience in interfaith peacebuilding, restorative justice and direct service, including work with women, housing programs and faith-based partnerships.
Her experience, along with her commitment to helping women heal and rebuild their lives, offers a strong connection to the mission she now leads.
“I have always been pulled toward missions with direct services,” Karen said. “Is there anything more important than empowering, encouraging and supporting women to heal and grow? I am certain I will learn more from the women at Gracenter than they could ever learn from me.”
As Gracenter looks ahead, Sr. Marguerite’s hope is that sisters, partners-in-mission, staff, volunteers, donors and supporters will continue bringing the love of the Good Shepherd to the women Gracenter serves and their families.
