The congregation was founded after Vatican II with the intention of reframing the traditional vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty, as listening, loving, and serving.

[6] Upon completing her doctorate, Sister Evelyn moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, to teach English at St. Augustine's University, a historically black college.

[7] In 1976, Sister Evelyn left St. Augustine's University to start the Office of Peace and Justice at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh.

In 1981, Sister Evelyn left the Office of Peace and Justice and joined the North Carolina Council of Churches as a program associate.

According to their mission statement, the Council of Churches “enables denominations, congregations, and people of faith to individually and collectively impact our state on issues such as economic justice and development, human well-being, equality, compassion and peace, following the example and mission of Jesus Christ.” Sister Evelyn worked with the Council of Churches for nine years as an organizer, legislative lobbyist, and publications editor.

For example, after witnessing the shoddy living conditions of many farmworkers, she advocated for the creation of a sixty-unit housing development for migrant workers near the town of Smithfield.

The committee began by working for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and after its defeat continued to address issues of gender inequality.

She continued her work in criminal justice by lobbying for legislation to outlaw the death penalty for most crimes committed by minors under the age of seventeen.

Sister Evelyn also became involved in the environment movement by founding the Climate Connection: Interfaith Eco-Justice Network as a program of the Council of Churches.

Today, North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light works with congregations to discuss how the keeping and care of creation is a unifying theme in theology of major religions.

Sister Evelyn's home, Peace Hill, was a secluded log cabin in the woods where she lived with her dog, Paz.

Although plans for the monastery did not survive Sister Evelyn's death, a group continues to meet twice a month for contemplative silence, sharing, and fellowship.