Carondelet East Albany Province - Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
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Albany Province Carondelet East Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and CSJ Associates January 2021
They will perform all the
spiritual and corporal works
of mercy of which woman is
PERSPECTIVES FROM THE PLT capable.
—John P. Médaille, SJ
WE WELCOME JANUARY!
by Sister Rose Casaleno CARONDELET EAST
Vol. XXXI, #5, January 2021
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;
behold all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) www.csjalbany.org
A s we celebrate the arrival of 2021, I am sure you all are just as grateful as
I am, that 2020 has come to an end and we can see a new horizon develop-
ing. It will be a restart to life where we will once again be able to have personal
Director of Communications
Sister Mary Rose Noonan, CSJ
interactions, filled with welcomed celebrations. Although Jubilees have come
and gone without jubilant celebration, we will make up for that in the new year: Photographer
where together we will celebrate the new, mourn the losses, and move forward Sister Mary Rose Noonan, CSJ
in a positive direction, where we will continue to serve the dear neighbor.
Coordinator of Obituaries
Sister Mary Rose Noonan, CSJ
Over the course of 2020, the start of new and positive endeavors has emerged.
We look forward to joining others in working toward racial justice, and Justice Updates
addressing climate change and a political environment that seeks to unite and Sister Danielle Bonetti, CSJ
empower. As President-elect Biden has said, “Now it is time to turn the page, Province Justice Coordinator
as we have done throughout our history. To unite. To heal.” We know that in
Christ we can be rejuvenated and begin anew. Carondelet East is the monthly,
internal newsletter of the Albany
We have wonderful things to look forward to in 2021. A COVID-19 vaccine has Province, Sisters of St. Joseph
started to be distributed. We have voted as a community to move toward and of Carondelet. Its purpose is to
start the process of joining with Los Angeles, St. Paul and St. Louis to become provide a vehicle of communica-
one. As a new leadership team, we are excited about the future, our upcoming tion for congregational/province
gathering for celebrations, and working with each of you in developing a news with a particular emphasis on
stronger sense of God’s message not only to the Dear Neighbor but also in the acts of congregational chapter.
developing a stronger sense of the CSJ charism. It is our hope that we will join
with the rest of the world to renew care of the Earth, address racism at its core We welcome signed news informa-
and move toward a more kind and loving global world. tion relating to the congregation.
Please submit articles electronically,
The New Year comes with many blessings, but we also need to remember those not longer than one printed page.
Such material is subject to editing
of our sisters whom we lost to a terrible disease. Those sisters will also live in
and revision. The deadline is
our heart, and we will honor their contributions to us as a community as well as
9:00 a.m. on the first day of each
Sisters of St. Joseph. Like Heidi Willis has said, “We can choose to be affected
month unless otherwise stated.
by the world or we can choose to affect the world.” I believe that those sisters
who fought so hard this year chose to affect the world, and they did.
Old things will pass away and something new will emerge—new understand-
ings, new relationships, renewed faith in our political systems in our scientific
world, new hope in our tomorrows. Most importantly, my prayer is that our
nation will have renewed faith in humankind. Imagine again beauty in the
world—beautiful landscapes, people of all races happy and engaging with one
another, and laws being past that will help all. Cover Design
by Mary Rose Noonan, CSJ
(continued on the next page) stock.adobe.com #64547396
2 Carondelet East January 2021
Leadership Perspectives (cont’d) Advent Prayer via Zoom on Friday, Other Communal Celebrations and
December 18, at 7:00 p.m. Special Days for Which We Might Use
Hildegard of Bingen writes: “Don’t let
Zoom
yourself forget that God’s grace
Assembly Debrief The team discussed what other days might
rewards not only those who never slip,
The team had a follow-up conversation on be appropriate for using Zoom gatherings
but also those who bend and fall. So,
the Province Assembly and affirmed what as a way to connect with our sisters for
sing! The song of rejoicing softens hard
an excellent job Renée Adamany and prayer and support. Communal celebra-
hearts. It makes tears of godly sorrow
Debbie Timmis did. Overall, we have had tions and special days were suggested.
flow from them. Singing summons the
positive feedback. February 17, Ash Wednesday, is a
Holy Spirit. Happy praises offered in
possible opportunity. The PLT will ask
simplicity and love lead the faithful to
Governance across the Congregation – the Justice Committee if they would like
complete harmony, without discord.
Next Steps to plan an Ash Wednesday prayer via
Don’t stop singing.”
Joan Mary Hartigan will reach out to Sally Zoom.
Harper as to what are our next steps
We continue to live in hope during this
should be. The team recommends Christmas
time of year when the cold and snow will
bringing this topic to the Congregational Christmas will be different this year
lead us to the new life of spring to come.
Leadership Group formally by adding it to because of COVID. In order to simplify,
the agenda of the next CLG meeting in the team will distribute CSJ gifts to
In closing, I would like to suggest that we
February. The team supports engaging in employees/staff through the HR Office.
keep singing in our hearts until we can
ongoing conversation on how we shape The PLT agreed that our $5,000.00
gather together and sing with joy in
our future together, and this will be donation to Peru would be our Christmas
celebration of life and each other. Let us
pursued after the first of the year. donation.
ask the Holy Spirit to be with us as we
lead with love to the needs of our dear
Safety Concerns Event Dates 2020-2024
neighbors. Happy New Year! Let us sing
Sisters hoping to move to assisted living Dates for Jubilees, Assemblies, and
with joy!
at the PH will need to be enrolled in Community Weekend have all been
PACE and Medicaid prior to being scheduled.
Summary of Minutes
eligible to receive services from PACE at
Province Leadership Team
the PH. The team discussed how to Office of Mission Integration Update
November 30, 2020
provide care for sisters who do not reside There will be a committee to interview
at the PH. A process will be developed applicants.
Opening Prayer
for those living in non-PH local commu-
Sister Kay Ryan led us in prayer.
nities who may need Medicaid and Pace Province Boards/Committees
enrollment. A questionnaire will also be The team reviewed updates from the
Annual Meeting with the Associate
developed in regards to sisters’ health Agenda and Justice Committees, the
Team: CSJ Associate Pat Pilon and
needs. Emergency Relief & Homeless Preven-
Sister Marilyn Vassallo
tion Board and the Lifelong Development
Pat and Marilyn met with the team for
Quarantine Space for Sisters Who Live Board.
their annual conversation. They reviewed
outside the PH
the three financial accounts, specifically
There was a discussion about sisters not Ministry and Housing Updates
for the Associates (the Countess Ac-
living at the PH but living with others, The team reviewed updates on sisters’
count, the Brick Project and the Expense
who may need to find a place to quaran- retirements and housing changes.
Account). The 2021 Commitment
tine themselves apart from house mates,
Weekend will be held at its usually time,
should that become necessary. The PLT is Report Review
June 11-13, 2021. Sister Mary McGlone
currently exploring options. The team reviewed reports from the
will be the speaker on the topic of CSJ
Community Life Team, Facilities,
history. The associates are actively
Proposal To Use PH Studio Apartment Network Administrator and Unidine
looking for candidates, and they are going
as Prayer Space Dinning Service. As a special note, the
to reach out to broaden membership. They
A proposal was made by Clare Pelkey to CLT will put a message in Thursday
are hoping to work with Miriam Ukeritis
use the PH Studio apartment as prayer Updates to encourage sisters from local
and Mary Ellen Shirtz, our new vocation
space for the sisters. The team will revisit communities to call sisters in the PH
directors, to send new CSJAs their way.
this request when Covid-19 is over. during this time of COVID.
They continue to meet with area coordi-
nators via Zoom. They are holding an
3 Carondelet East January 2021
Summary of Minutes that have been “flagged” as engaging in in Thursday Updates, and sent to
Board of Trustees Meeting practices in conflict with the social committee and board chairs.
December 1, 2020 justice values identified in our province
investment policies. Conversation on Preparation for
Opening Prayer Meeting with CLT and Peru and
Kay led the group in prayer, “The Gift of Employee Handbook Agenda for February CLG Meeting
Hope” (Joyce Rupp, Out of the Ordi- Tracy Needham, director of administra- We discussed and suggested agenda items
nary). tive services and human resources, and preparatory materials for upcoming
presented revisions to the Employee meetings.
CFO Report Handbook. The board approved of these
The report consisted of the annual Audit changes. Meeting with Community Life Team
Review. Barbara Zielinski presented the Sister Libby represented the CLT and
audit of the Province and Provincial Medical Alert Pendant Funding provided a detailed overview of the many
House to the board. Tracy Needham, Sources responsibilities of this team. We thanked
director of administrative services, joined Tracy Needham and Don Bertoldi, and commended Libby and her staff on
us for the PH audit. The findings were network administrator, are reviewing the tremendous work they have been
clear, and she reported that the interac- options for updating or replacing sisters’ doing during these many months of
tion with staff was excellent. It was noted alert pendants. COVID-19.
that the PACE program has had a positive
impact on expenses for health care in the Christmas Gifts Federation Justice Position
Provincial House. The board determined the amounts for the We determined our province pledge for
Christmas gifts to employees and sisters supporting the new full-time Federation
Investment Committee: Two names were who work for the province. Justice Coordinator (JPIC) position.
suggested for membership on the
Summary of Minutes Investment Committee
Investment Council. Linda Birochik will
contact the two people and arrange for a Province Leadership Team We discussed ongoing plans/procedures
Zoom meeting in January with the BOT December 18, 2020 to add new members to the Province
with those interested in serving on the Investment Committee.
committee. Present
Rose Casaleno, Margie Edic, Joan Mary Employee Handbook
Health Care Hartigan, Kay Ryan and Diane Zig We reviewed and made decisions about
Margie Vincent was invited to the board recommendations for revisions to our
meeting to discuss enrollment in Medic- Guest Employee Handbook.
aid and PACE, and the topic of Health Elizabeth Cessions, Community Life
Care Proxies. Discussion focused on Team Director Ministry and Housing
those sisters not enrolled in Medicaid or We reviewed updates in ministerial
PACE, both those residing in the Provin- Community Weekend changes and housing requests.
cial House and in local residences. We explored planning for the 2021
Community Weekend in relation to a Mission Advancement Position
Linda Birochik and Catherine Interlicchio presenter, committee and budget. Our way A committee will be interviewing
presented the new figures for this year’s of gathering will be determined at a future applicants by Zoom.
health care plans for the sisters. The date.
board reviewed and approved the renewal Province Boards/Committees
for next year. Ongoing Education for PLT We reviewed reports from the Agenda
We will read and discuss articles from the Committee, Long Range Planning Board,
Social Justice Investment Decisions LCWR Occasional Papers at our upcom- Vocation Committee, Mediation Board
The board discussed possibilities for ing meetings. and Driver Assessment Board.
working more closely with Investor
Advocates for Social Justice (formerly Process for Chapter Future Directions Sponsored Ministries
Tri-CRI), of whom we are an affiliate, in We reviewed the suggested process We reviewed reports from The College of
relation to proxy voting and reviewing our affirmed at the November Assembly for Saint Rose, Shaker Pointe at Carondelet
province investment policies. sharing and reflecting upon the Chapter and the Carondelet Hospitality Center.
Future Directions. The process will be
The board reviewed and made decisions presented in the January Carondelet East,
based on concerns about corporations
4 Carondelet East January 2021
PLT Summary of Minutes
(continued)
CALENDAR: PROVINCE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Provincial House Departments
We reviewed reports from PH Adminis- January 2021
trative Services, the Community Life 11 Agrégée Meeting RC
Team, Facilities, the Network Administra- 12 IT Subcommittee Meeting (LRP) JMH, RC
tor, Unidine and the Vocation Office. 13 Power of Attorney Workshop DZ, ME
14 KEB Meeting DZ, ME
14 Shaker Pointe Executive Committee Meeting JMH
WELL DONE, 14 LRP Subcommittee Meeting KR
19 HomeLand Committee Meeting ME
GOOD AND FAITHFUL 24 PLT Meeting PLT
SERVANTS 25 BOT Meeting BOT
26 LRP Subcommittee Meeting KR
26 Property Stewardship Group Meeting (PSG) DZ
Sister Maria Joseph Cokely 27 Will Workshop JMH, ME
December 5, 2020 29 Group Meeting (PLT/CLT/Perú) DZ, ME
Sister Lamese Farhart February 2021
December 7, 2020
2 LRP Subcommittee Meeting KR
Sister Anne Lawrence Clark
December 7, 2020
Abbreviations
Sister Joan Harrington BOT = Board of Trustees
December 13, 2020 DZ = Diane Zigo
JMH = Joan Mary Hartigan
Sister Helen Leclerc KR = Kay Ryan
December 17, 2020 LRP = Long Range Planning Board
ME = Margie Edic
Sister Theresa Fournier PEC = Joan Mary Hartigan, Margie Edic, and Diane Zigo
December 18, 2020 PLT = Province Leadership Team (Joan Mary Hartigan, Margie Edic,
Diane Zigo, Rose Casaleno, and Kay Ryan
Sister Germaine Hilston RC = Rose Casaleno
December 20, 2020
Sister Maria Mercurio
December 20, 2020 Deaths (continued from the previous
column)) “I invite you to consider the
Sister Gloria DeCotis extraordinary experiences of
Sister Juanita Mary Meyer (LA) 2020 through the eyes of Advent,
December 22, 2020
December 22, 2020 Christmas, New Year’s and
Sister Joan Curley Epiphany as we look together
Sister Imelda D’Agostino (LA) towards a new beginning. As we
December 22, 2020
December 25, 2020 step into 2021 there may yet be
Margaret Piacentino, CSJA the presence of 2020 realities for
Sister Mary Constance Fitzgerald (LA) months to come. While it only
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020 takes a moment to change the
Sister Arline Eveld (SL) calendar page to 2021, we know
Joan Ryan, mother of Patricia (Patty) that the transformation to which
December 3, 2020
Ryan, CSJA, December 30, 2020 we are called will take a lifetime.
Sister Ellen Marie Ryan (LA) Let us begin anew, together, as we
Addison (Addi) Sinclair, age 8, great- look to a future filled with hope.”
December 19, 2020
grandniece of Sister Rosemary Endres, —Carol Zinn, SSJ, LCWR
December 29, 2020 Executive Director
Sister Susan Smith (SP)
December 21, 2029
5 Carondelet East January 2021
From the Province HomeLand Committee Guidelines for Chapter Future
HOMELAND COMMITTEE TO SPONSOR ANOTHER TERRACYCLE BOX AT THE PH Directions Sharing Process
by Sister Diane Zigo (PLT)
by Sister Clare Pelkey
O ver the past year, the HomeLand
Committee has initiated a recycling
effort for used writing pens that ordi-
Bic, Burt’s Bees, Colgate Oral Care,
Herbal Essences, Ocean Spray Bags,
Rubbermaid Food Storage, just to name a
A t the November Assembly, delegates
affirmed a process suggested as a
way for us to keep the Congregational
narily would have been thrown in the few. Chapter Future Directions before us. We
trash. Through an environmental website agreed that the Fall Forum responses on
whose name is TerraCycle.com, we have In the near future (when we are once again the many ways that Sisters and Associates
filled 2 of their boxes with disposable eating in the Dining Room and as reported are engaging in actions to move these
pens that will ultimately be re-purposed in recent Thursday Updates), the commit- directions forward need to be regularly
as another product altogether. tee will be bringing out another shared and affirmed. The PLT have
TerraCycle box. This one is for empty developed guidelines for a sharing
The idea of creating a way to turn waste potato chip bags, those that are available process that can be done at CSJ/A
into environmentally friendly products, for our meals. Details will follow once all gatherings during the coming year.
originated with a young woman who is in place for use of the TerraCycle box.
became ‘the girl with the jar’ when she A synthesis of each month’s sharings will
‘made history’ by fitting 8 years of all the Zero Waste Box™ platform (purchase be published in Carondelet East. We
waste she had created in one mason jar! required): TerraCycle’s Zero Waste invite you to consider being a member of
This ultimately led to the creation of Box™ platform allows you to recycle a small pool of writers who will take turns
TerraCycle whose efforts have had a almost any type of waste, from your synthesizing and writing up each month’s
global impact in 21 countries, with coffee capsules to complex laboratory submissions. If you are interested in
statistics that report the results thus far: waste. Choose the waste stream you’d being a writer, please contact Lisa
PEOPLE RECYCLING —202,831,611; like to recycle; purchase your preferred Ciamacco-Davis in the Province Leader-
WASTE RECYCLED — 7,762,174,415; box size; collect your waste; and send it ship Office.
MONEY earned FOR CHARITY — to TerraCycle to be repurposed. Shipping
$44,806,327. is included. Zero Waste Boxes are Suggested Process for Chapter Future
available for purchase via the Zero Waste Directions During Meetings
Some of the companies that are working Box website and through many major PLT Recommendation approved at
with TerraCycle in the United States are: retailers. November Assembly 2020
Note: This process may be inserted into
the meeting’s opening prayer or may be
done afterwards.
Please choose a “secretary” who will
record responses from the group.
1. Read slowly the Statement of Future
Directions:
Striving to be beacons of hope, we
commit to:
• Respond to the crisis of Earth and
global warming,
• Deepen awareness of our complicity
“Jesus is coming, and work toward dismantling
and the road to interlocking systems of oppression,
meet him is clearly • Articulate and authentically live our
marked: it passes vows in ways that witness and speak
through works of to today’s realities
charity.” • Walk with women as we claim our
—Pope Francis voice and work toward an inclusive
church and society
6 Carondelet East January 2021
Guidelines for Chapter Sharing
(continued from previous page)
• Use our collective voice to
accompany others in speaking their
truth
As we move into these commitments we by Pat Hunt, CSJA
will
• Make all decisions through the lens C ontinuing our series on how CSJ Associates share our spirituality and how
we, too, are “called together for the life of the world,” associates were asked
to use each of their monogram initials and choose a word or phrase starting with
of unifying love
each one to describe how/why it relates to our shared CSJ/CSJA charism. This
• Embrace the spirit expressed in
month’s CSJ ABCs belong to Binghamton Associate Gloria Novobilski.
Vatican II
• Implement Laudato Si
• Expand and deepen our partnerships GOODNESS. The goodness Our Lord has blessed
• Use a variety of communication me with.
media
2. Then ask participants to share on one of JOY. The joy in my life I have been blessed with.
the following questions, or create a
question of your own:
• What line or phrase is inviting you to NATURE. The beauty of each day that brings me
go deeper right now? joy and happiness. I enjoy nature and the four Gloria Novobilski
• How do you find yourself living into seasons of each year.
these future directions?
3. Submit a brief summary of responses Thoughts from the PH trust they are gently bringing several of
to Lisa Ciamacco-Davis immediately our sisters home. Each time a sister dies,
following the meeting so you do not by Sister Fran Gilchrist
it brings the rest of us together in a
forget. here’s a cute story circulating around deeper way, praying for her, her family
T one of the local parishes, Our Lady of and her friends. We share stories, most of
The Assumption. A family was gathering them with a tender smile. Precious pieces
around the baptismal font for the baptism of our common history come to the
of the new baby. The font was a waist- surface and our life stories are frequently
“Today, the Magi story high, garden-like pool of water and the mingled in ways that surprise us.
combines with our reading six-year-old big brother was leaning over
from Isaiah to remind us the water. He said to his father, “Daddy, The PACE Program offered a presenta-
that Emmanuel is still where are the lobsters?” That child has tion today on mental health in general. I
waiting to be discovered been to too many restaurants! just finished praying a very meaningful
in what we might think prayer via Skype with the Delatour
are the most unlikely All of you know what has been taking Community, Rita Duggan and Kate
places and by the most place here at the PH over the last few Arseneau. What a great way to reach
unlikely people.” weeks. The guardian angels of several of across the world, even to Peru. A blessed
—Mary McGlone, CSJ our sisters have visited frequently, and I 2021.
7 Carondelet East January 2021
Christmas Giving at St Joseph’s Academy, Baton Rouge
by Sister Chris Pologa
T he St. Joseph’s Academy community
helped brighten the holidays for
many members of our community.
Classes, clubs, teams and departments
came together to serve the dear neighbor
this Christmas season through a number
of holiday outreach projects coordinated
by Sister Chris Pologa.
classes made and decorated drawstring
The freshman class collected items for cloth gift bags which they filled with
nursing home residents, including no-slip crayons and coloring books. The bags
socks, large-print books, highlighters and were donated to St. Vincent de Paul.
edible treats. They added handmade These students also made beanies for the
Christmas cards to the gift bags. Gift bags tiny patients in the neonatal units at Our
were also given to our Senior CSJ Sisters. The SJA Beta Club held its annual toy Lady of the Lake and Woman’s Hospital.
Sophomores collected for Volunteers of drive, collecting 30 bags of toys for St.
America’s Foster Children Christmas Vincent de Paul and other local shelters. The Latin Club participated in The Chapel
project and St. Vincent de Paul, donating Members also raised $1,000 in donations Baton Rouge’s “Out of the Box” food
socks and new or gently used books. for the Sweet Dreams Shelter.
Sophomores also sent notes to the Sisters
of St. Joseph in the retirement center on The SJA/CHS Black Box Company
Hundred Oaks. The junior class collabo- adopted a large family through Catholic
rated with LSU to collect books for Charities’ Community Comes Together
inmates, and seniors collected toiletries for Christmas program. The SJA cheer-
for the Bishop Ott Center. leaders and their families donated more
than $1,300 in gift cards to help three
The Student Council hosted a Cozy local families in need.
Clothes Drive to collect new and gently
used coats, sweaters, jackets and
sweatshirts for St. Martin de Porres
Catholic Church in Lake Charles. Their
generosity will provide warmth during the drive. Club members collected more than
chilly Christmas season for those 30 boxes of food for the Greater Baton
impacted by recent hurricanes. Rouge Food Bank. Each box contained
enough food for several meals.
During this sacred season, may we all
share the joy of Christ’s birth through our
loving service.
The Respect Life Club invited students to
make Christmas cards for patients and
frontline workers at St. Jude Hospital.
The National Honor Society made
Christmas stockings for residents of
nursing homes.
Students in Amy Neck and Linda
Weimer’s family and consumer science
8 Carondelet East January 2021
ONE DAY TO THE NEXT
Awake before dawn
long before anyone else is awake
the house is still
my mind is not
this morning thoughts rise DEATH
like morning mist rising
the mist carries me Who are you death?
carries me to places I have been You have traveled with me over the
places of beauty healing and inspiration years as I watched so many die.
carries me to times when before dawn What do you look like, death?
the sight of rising mist lifts my spirit What words will you say when you come to me?
comforts and inspires me
I pause am one with the mist I ask you death, are you the face of
as it moves across the pond at the priory God I long to see?
am one with the mist Is your purpose to lead me into the
rising along the Mohawk as I journey home. arms of my Creator?
Are you LOVE that I have cloaked in fear?
Awake long before dawn
today the stillness is different Death, I ask you,are you my God who embraces me,
drapes drawn I am wrapped in darkness and welcomes me lovingly into my
I remember the mist rising eternal home?
I go there in my mind
today I go there for strength and for courage Mary Ellen Putnam, CSJ
allow myself to be wrapped in it
comforted and caressed by it
I wait awhile
rise from the wingback chair
and move into the day with trepidation
let the memory of mist pond and river
accompany me and give me strength
I must walk the tightrope of emotion
stretched across a deep darkness
that defies description
a cavernous void of loss and grief.
Laura Bufano, CSJ
Prompt: Repetition and Cadence
or Repetition for Cadence (p.61)
Revised, December 14, 2020
9 Carondelet East January 2021
Meet Noriko Kuroki, Grace Alive in Connection,
Our Newest CSJ Candidate Openness and Flexibility
L ast month, Noriko Kuroki arrived in
Los Angeles from her native Japan to
continue her discernment about religious
A few years ago, while Sister Sally
Harper, CSJ, was working with a
Peruvian intercongregational committee
life. As a candidate, she has the opportu- on human trafficking, a Good Shepherd
nity to live, pray and share life with sister on the committee asked if she
sisters and others who associate with the could help one of their guests. Hanna,
community. Additionally, Noriko will an Ethiopian mother living in one of their
participate in a monthly class on Zoom residences, spoke some English but no
with our other candidates in LA and Spanish, and the sister wondered if Sister
Albany, led by various sisters in the Sally might find someone the woman
Noriko Kuroki
congregation. Even in the midst of the could talk with in English. That led to a
pandemic, God continues to call women relationship between Sister Anne Davis,
to vowed life with us. active and sensitive to the needs of the CSJ, Hanna, and Hanna’s daughter, Betty.
present day. And then I started to learn the
We asked Noriko a few questions so we charism and the history of the congrega- Little by little, Sister Anne learned that
could get to know her better. Please keep tion. The more I learn, the more they Hanna had been a refugee most of her
her in prayer as she continues her attract me. life, fleeing Ethiopia for Kenya and
journey! eventually South Africa. Hanna married,
What is your favorite movie? My and in 2015 was forced to flee xenopho-
Hometown: I was born in Tokyo in a favorite movie is Life is Beautiful. And I bic violence in South Africa, traveling
Buddhist family with two younger sisters. watched the new movie Just Mercy on the with then 3-year-old Betty. Although she
We went to a Catholic elementary school airplane. It touched me a lot! was promised passage to the U.S., the
in Tokyo, and only I was baptized among trafficker moved them by air to Brazil,
us. Tell us an interesting fact about your- by bus to Peru, and again by air to
self. I have lived in Sudan and Bali in Guatemala. The trafficker abandoned
Tell us about your educational back- Indonesia. One is a Muslim country and mother and child at the Guatemalan
ground. I graduated from Gakusyuin the other is a Hindu island. And I have met airport, taking their documents with him.
University in Tokyo and majored in students from many countries. Each one After some days in limbo, Hanna and
philosophy, especially Japanese Bud- had a different culture. I am very familiar Betty were remanded to Peru, their last
dhism. I worked at the university and with Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and place of embarkation. From there, they
language academy as a Japanese language other religious or non-religious people. got help from the Good Shepherd Sisters.
instructor. Most of my students were I like to go to new places to meet people
from Korea, China, Vietnam, Nepal, and learn about different cultures. Eventually, Hanna’s husband was reunited
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. I loved them with them in Lima, and Hanna found work
very much and still keep in touch with Life would not be as fun without what? in a hotel and rented a one-room apart-
some of them. Adventure. It doesn’t need to be the type ment. They were surviving—until COVID.
like Indiana Jones. To meet new people, Hanna’s husband left the country in search
What attracted you to the Sisters of St. to learn new things, to eat new foods, to of work. When she couldn’t pay the rent,
Joseph of Carondelet? I was attracted to read new books, everything is an adven- the hotel allowed her and Betty to take up
the life of the Sisters of St. Joseph of ture for me. residence in a storage space. Unbeknown
Carondelet first. They seemed to be very (article from “We Are Carondelet) to Hanna, the hotel was keeping afloat by
housing people with COVID. Hanna
became infected and could no longer
work. By now her daughter was 8, her
“Never go ahead of grace by an imprudent eagerness, but quietly husband was out of touch with them, and
await its movements and, when it comes to you, go along with it she had nowhere to go.
with great gentleness, humility, fidelity and courage.”
At first, Sister Anne was simply a com-
—Maxim 84, The Maxims of Perfection, Jean-Pierre Medaille, SJ
panion, someone to talk to, someone
Hanna could call “friend.” Knowing
Hanna’s plight, Anne wondered if she
10 Carondelet East January 2021Grace in Connection Jeanne Marie Named Federation
(continued from page 10) Assistant Novice Director
could do more. She took the situation to
her local community in Canto Chico (a
neighborhood of Lima), which consists of
T he U.S. Federation of the Sisters of
St. Joseph has named Sister Jeanne
Marie Gocha as assistant novice
Sisters Maria Elena, Mary Luz, and deirector.
Yolanda. They decided they could do no
less than take the family in. Sister Jeanne Marie is a Sister of St.
Joseph of Carondelet, Albany. She
Now Hanna and Betty are part of the participated in the Federation Novitiate in Sister Jeanne Marie
sisters’ local community. Although they Framingham, MA from 2001-2002.
do not share the sisters’ morning prayer 11 years as an elementary school admin-
and conversation time, the whole group Jeanne Marie holds a bachelor’s degree in istrator.
eats together and shares all that is entailed French and secondary education from
in community living. Betty helps set the Holy Family University, a master’s Following her work in education, Jeanne
table, takes responsibility for leading degree in Youth Ministry/Religious Marie joined the Albany Province
grace before meals, and is doing a good Studies from LaSalle University and a Leadership Team and completed a 7-year
job of teaching her mother Spanish. The master’s degree in Catholic School term in August 2020.
two of them are waiting for COVID Administration from Boston College.
restrictions to be lifted so that they can She has served as the novice director for
take the next step in their journey: She taught in elementary and secondary the Carondelet congregation since
traveling to Canada where Sisters of St. education for most of her life, spending February 2018. (Federation release)
Joseph and the Diocese of Peterborough
are ready to sponsor them as refugees.
As the sisters reflected on their experi-
ence, Sister Yolanda noted how God had
been working for years to gather this
special community. (In fact, Yoli met
Hanna even before Anne did while doing
an internship in psychology!) Sister Mary
Luz commented that all of this could
come about because they had the graces
of apertura y flexibilidad—openness and
flexibility. She said that Hanna’s experi-
ence touched her deeply because she
herself was a migrant who left rural,
mountain life to live in the city. “I know
what it’s like,” she said. Sister María
Elena Cáceres then added, “We need the
dear neighbor in order to grow. We need
to let ourselves be evangelized by them.
I thank God for having put people in our
path who have done so much to help us
grow as women religious.”
Refugees and trafficked people are forced
to be open and flexible. That is but one of
the gifts Hanna and Betty have brought the
sisters. Sister Anne may have summed it The Baton Rouge Associate Community had a drive-by Christmas
all up when she said, “This is an experi- parade to wish the Sisters of St Joseph a Merry Christmas at their
ence of living the Gospel—in union with Retirement Residence. Pictured are Sister Chris Pologa with
Jesus who said, ‘I call you friends.’” Sister Carol, a resident.
(article from “We Are Carondelet)
11 Carondelet East January 2021Sister Maria Joseph Cokely, CSJ In 1995, Sister Maria co-founded the
1927 ~ 2020 Catholic Charities Transportation
Program for the Sick to meet the needs of
Born in Schenectady, NY, on October the ill and elderly who had no means of
5, 1927 getting to medical appointments and
treatments. The same year, she received
Entered the Congregation on the Edward H. Pattison Citizenship Award
September 15, 1948 from Rensselaer County Chamber of
Commerce for her commitment to
Entered the Novitiate on March 19, improving the lives of individuals through
1949 community involvement. In 2016, Sister
Maria received the Lifetime Achievement
Professed Final Vows on August 15, Award from the Capital District Senior
1956 Issues Forum for her many years of faith-
based service. In 2017, she was awarded
Died at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, the Centennial Medallion from the Albany
Latham, NY, on December 5, 2020 Diocese in honor of her service to
Sister Maria Joseph Cokely Catholic Charities.
by Sister Mary Rose Noonan
As we Sisters of St. Joseph were called to
S ister Maria Joseph Cokely, CSJ, 93,
died Saturday, December 5, 2020, at
St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham.
responded to the call and went to Peru in
1964. She served as a nursing instructor
and director of nursing service in Hospi-
do from our start nearly 400 years ago,
Sister Maria responded in all her minis-
tries to the ever-changing needs of the
She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of tal Militar in Lima, as professor of world and to our call to bring unity and
Carondelet for the past 71 years. nursing at Santa Maria University in reconciliation to God’s people. Sister
Arequipa and as a staff nurse at Posta Maria was impelled to reach out to
Sister Maria, baptized Anne Jane Cokely, Medica del Pilar (out-patient clinic), also advocate for those in need and she did so
was born in Schenectady, NY, on October in Arequipa. After 15 years in Peru, Sister with passion, experience and hope. She
5, 1927, daughter of the late Leland Maria returned to St. Joseph’s Provincial leaves us a legacy of recognizing the
Joseph and Amalia Lindner Cokely. After House in Latham where she served as crucial need for systemic change and of
graduating from Mont Pleasant High supervisor of the infirmary floor and bringing unity to a divided world in a
School in Schenectady, Sister Maria cared for the elderly and sick sisters. welcoming, loving and compassionate
attended The College of Saint Rose for way; we will miss her dearly.
two years. On March 19, 1949, she In 1982, Sister Maria began her work in
entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. the city of Troy as a minister to the Sister Maria Joseph is survived by her
Joseph in Troy, NY, and professed final elderly and homeless in St. Anthony’s nieces and nephews: John (Maribeth)
vows on August 15, 1956. Parish. That experience gave her an Coughlin, Joan (Anthony) Sestito, Susan
opportunity to become acquainted with (John) Malone, and Carol (Brian) Van
Sister Maria received a bachelor’s degree the particular needs of Troy, especially in Vorst; their families; many friends; and
in nursing from the College of Mt. St. the areas of emergency food and shelter, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet,
Vincent, a master’s degree in nursing homeless outreach and rapid rehousing. with special mention of her beloved
education from St. Louis University and In 1983, Sister Maria and Sister Rita friend, Sister Rita Shawn McClaskey.
a doctorate in health organization and Shawn McClaskey founded Joseph’s In addition to her parents, she was
research, also from St. Louis University. House in Troy to provide emergency predeceased by her sister and brother-in-
shelter and support services. In 1985, law, Doris and Dr. John Coughlin.
Sister Maria served at St. Mary’s Hospital Sisters Maria and Rita established
(now St. Mary’s Healthcare), Amsterdam, Bethany Hospitality Center, also in Troy, Due to the continued health concerns
as an instructor in nursing and clinical a place where homeless persons could regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there
supervision. In the early 1960s, Pope drop in and receive a lunch meal and will be no public visitation or funeral
John XXIII called for all communities of wellness and hygiene services, and services for Sister Maria at this time.
women and men religious in the United socialize in a safe and relaxing atmo- A Memorial Mass will be scheduled at a
States to send members for mission sphere. later date
service in Latin America. Having com-
pleted her doctoral studies, Sister Maria
12 Carondelet East January 2021Sister Lamese Farhart, CSJ Carondelet. In addition to her parents, she
(Sister Marie de Montfort) was predeceased by her sisters, Olga and
Najla; and her brother and sister-in-law,
1922 ~ 2020
Dr. Edward and Marie Farhart.
Born in Gloversville, NY, on June 22, Due to the continued health concerns
1922 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there
will be no funeral services for Sister
Entered the Congregation on Lamese at this time. A Memorial Mass
September 15, 1945 will be scheduled at a later date.
Entered the Novitiate on March 19, St. John the Evangelist Alums
1946 Reflect on Sister Marie de Montfort
Professed Final Vows on August 15,
1951 A s members of the Class of 1961 at
St. John the Evangelist High School,
Syracuse, heard of the death of Sister
Died at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Lamese, several students commented on
Latham, NY, on December 7, 2020 Sister Lamese Farhart the impact she had made on their lives.
The remarks were sent to us by Sister
by Sister Mary Rose Noonan As a family member, she was a beloved, Sara Kirsch’s sister, Marty Roberts. Says
proud and caring sister and aunt. As a Marty, “It’s so good to hear so many
S ister Lamese M. Farhart (Sister Marie
de Montfort), 98, died Monday,
December 7, 2020 at St. Joseph’s
teacher, she was known for her fairness,
good judgement, business acumen and
unshakeable composure. As a Sister of St.
‘voices’ of old friends with whom I share
such wonderful memories.”
Provincial House, Latham. She had been a Joseph, she was deeply committed to the “Sister Marie de Montfort was a great
Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the mission of unity and reconciliation and nun. I took all the business courses
past 74 years. acutely aware that prayer nurtured and because of her and it paid off in my career
sustained her throughout life. Sister as a purchasing agent. I saw Sister many
Sister Lamese was born in Gloversville, Lamese was a Renaissance woman of years later at a dinner at some type of St
NY, on June 22, 1922, daughter of the sorts with talents and knowledge in many John’s Church function. She came over to
late Fred and Mary Farhart. After graduat- different areas of study; she enjoyed me and said, ‘How are you doing, Mr.
ing from Gloversville High School, Sister nothing more than a conversation on the Dooling?’ My reply was, ‘Sister, do you
Lamese attended The College of Saint focus of the Church or the future direc- remember when I turned in my final exam
Rose and graduated in 1944 with a tion of the Sisters of St. Joseph or the for bookkeeping and I said to you, ‘Sister,
bachelor’s degree in commerce. Upon need to dialogue about racism, or even don’t bother to spend a lot of time
graduation from Saint Rose, Sister offering her own political voice every looking at this because I know I got 100.’
Lamese taught business subjects at now and then! Sister said quickly ‘Yes, I do remember,
Ravena-Coeymans Central High School. Mr. Dooling, and I also remember that
To the end of her life, Sister Lamese you got the first question wrong!’ What a
On March 19, 1946, Sister Lamese continued to invest herself in the opportu- memory! God bless her. Jack”
entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. nities offered to her for personal and
Joseph in Troy, NY, and professed final spiritual growth. Her enthusiastic and (continued on page 23, col. 3)
vows on August 15, 1951. She pursued conscientious participation proved that
graduate studies in business education and losing interest and motivation is not
received a master’s degree, also at The inevitable as we grow older! Sister
College of Saint Rose. For 21 years, Lamese leaves us a legacy of faith and
Sister Lamese served as teacher and determination, and we will greatly miss
librarian in schools in the dioceses of her presence among us.
Albany, Syracuse and Honolulu, HI. She
also served as provincial secretary and Sister Lamese is survived by her family
leadership office assistant at St. Joseph’s whom she loved dearly: her nieces,
Provincial House. Cynthia Kahn, Katherine Miller and Mary
Beth Farhart; her nephews, Paul and
Sister Lamese was a woman of faith and Edward Farhart; their families; many Sister Marie de Montfort, 1961
wisdom, an educator, a mentor, a friend. friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of (Sister Lamese Farhart)
13 Carondelet East January 2021Sister Anne Lawrence, Clark, CSJ
1926 ~ 2020
Born in Syracuse, NY, on February 23,
1926
Entered the Congregation on
September 15, 1943
Entered the Novitiate on March 19,
1944
Professed Final Vows on August 15, Sister Anne at St. Mary’s Institute,
1949 Amsterdam in 1959
Died at St. Joseph’s Provincial House,
Latham, NY, on December 7, 2020 Sister Anne Lawrence Clark Among Sister Anne’s loves were her
family, the Sisters of St. Joseph and The
by Sister Mary Rose Noonan College of Saint Rose, and all three were
moved to St. Joseph’s Provincial House in
close to her heart, often in her conversa-
Latham in 1997, Sister Anne served for
Sister Anne Lawrence Clark, CSJ, 94, tion and always in her prayers. We will
the next 16 years as provincial archivist
died Monday, December 7, 2020 at St. miss Sister Anne dearly, but she will
and then as consultant to the archives.
Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. She always be an integral part of our cherished
had been a Sister of St. Joseph of heritage.
Sister Anne was a forthright woman who
Carondelet for the past 76 years.
had the courage to speak the truth and the
Sister Anne is survived by her sister, Rita
strength to stand up for what she believed,
Baptized Eileen Marie Clark, Sister Anne Finn-Pereira of Cupertino, CA; her
but she did so with empathy and under-
was born in Syracuse, NY, on February brother, Jerry Clark; by many nieces and
standing. In all her relationships and
23, 1926, daughter of the late Raymond nephews and their families; and by the
ministries, Sister Anne was prayerful,
and Margaret Snyder Clark. As a young Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In
honest and direct but with a special dose
child, Anne moved to Binghamton with addition to her parents, Sister Anne was
of kindness for anyone in special need.
her family where they attended St. John predeceased by her brothers, Col. Ray
the Evangelist Church. Clark, Dr. Robert Clark, William Clark
Sister Anne’s work ethic, marked by
and John Clark; and by her nephew,
vision, focus, initiative and accountability,
Sister Anne graduated from Binghamton Robert Clark, Jr.; and by her dear friend,
served her well in every ministry she
Central High School, entered the novitiate Sister Bernarda Jaques.
undertook. As a teacher, she was knowl-
of the Sisters of St. Joseph on March 19,
edgeable, patient and compassionate. As
1944 and professed final vows on August Due to the continued health concerns
an administrator, she was blessed with
15, 1949. She received a bachelor’s regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there
strong organizational skills and the ability
degree and a master’s degree, both in will be no public visitation or funeral
to empower others to accomplish their
elementary education and both from The services for Sister Anne at this time. A
own responsibilities in a manner which
College of Saint Rose, and a doctorate in Memorial Mass will be scheduled at a
enhanced both individual and collective
special education administration from later date
growth.
Michigan State University.
For the first 20 years as a Sister of St.
Joseph, Sister Anne taught in schools of
the Albany and Syracuse Diocese. After
completing her Ph.D., Sister Anne began a
21-year career at The College of Saint
Rose where she served as instructor,
director of special education, associate
dean for graduate programs, dean of Sister Mary Lois Goldner, Maureen Murphy and Anne Lawrence reminisce on their
graduate studies and vice president of jubilee last year. It was 75 years for Sisters Mary Lois and Anne Lawrence and 60
academic affairs/provost. When she years for Sister Maureen.
14 Carondelet East January 2021Remembering Sister Anne Lawrence, Clark, CSJ
by R. Mark Sullivan
I first met Sister Anne in May of 1996,
shortly after I was appointed president
of The College of Saint Rose. I had driven
the least. She was so well respected by
the faculty and other administrative
colleagues at the college that I knew her
up to the Provincial House from presence during my first year would at
Poughkeepsie to try to convince her to least ensure my survival as a new presi-
become my new vice president for dent. She was on the one hand so support-
academic affairs. The previous vice ive of whatever half-baked ideas I pro-
president had resigned shortly after I was posed but on the other hand careful to
selected and thus I was about to start my dissuade me of ill-conceived initiatives
tenure without the chief academic officer. that might jeopardize my generally
This did not bode well. favorable launch into the presidency.
As a new president, I had so much to learn
Sister Anne had served as assistant vice about the college, its culture, its person- Dr. R. Mark Sullivan
president for academic affairs during alities, its opportunities and its con-
President Vaccaro’s final year in office. straints. Sister Anne had an uncanny
She was about to retire after a long and ability to offer advice and counsel that habit of stopping by my office between
distinguished career as a faculty member made sense and could stand the test of 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. each evening, urging
and administrator at the college. Her time. She was my protector as much as me to go home and spend time with
family and friends had given her an airline my confidante. Kathy. I remember how beautiful she
ticket to travel around the world, and she looked in her lavender raincoat, a gift
was looking forward to that incredible Together we set a course of stabilizing from an admiring colleague. I remember
experience. I felt very selfish about my the college finances, opening construc- visiting her often at the Provincial House
request given all that she had done for the tive dialogue with the faculty leadership during her retirement as we sat reminisc-
college and what she was looking forward on a host of issues and celebrating all that ing about our time together and her many
to in the coming months. was good about the college, its mission, contributions to the success of the
its students, its faculty and its founders. college over the years. I remember so
I was not sure I would be successful in As chief academic officer, Sister Anne visit vividly where she sat in the chapel
convincing Sister Anne to delay her presided over my inauguration and saying her prayers and where she dined in
retirement, yet I desperately needed her surprised me on that cool October the cafeteria enjoying her favorite
to stay on. I arrived at the Provincial afternoon by arranging to have my son Jay chocolate ice cream. I remember the
House that beautiful Saturday morning travel from Notre Dame to speak about caring loving concern she always had for
armed with a dozen yellow roses, a box of his father and the perfect match that was her fellow sisters and their welfare.
chocolates and whatever Irish charm I about to begin between the college and I remember her greeting Kathy and me on
possessed to convince her to see my way. me. our visits, a big smile on her face as she
We sat up front in the lobby and just wrestled her walker into submission.
enjoyed each other’s company for a short There are so many fond memories that I
while. Eventually, I popped the question have of Sister Anne and I working At the end of the day when we reflect on
and she demurred suggesting that we together during that first year. I remember those precious few who truly make us
spent some time praying in the chapel our visit to St. Louis to meet with other better persons because of their presence
together. Of course, I followed her lead presidents of CSJ-sponsored institutions in our lives, I will always remember Sister
up the corridor into her favorite space and and spend time at the motherhouse. Anne Lawrence Clark, CSJ. I know you
we sat in solitude for what seemed to be I remember traveling with her to the are at peace with God in heaven, resplen-
as long as a half hour. I silently prayed to funeral of the student who had died in a dent in your lavender raincoat, sharing
God that she would accept my proposal. fire off-campus. I remember the many love and wisdom with all.
I know she prayed as well, perhaps meetings we had with faculty leaders,
wondering how she could politely decline each of which went so well because of December 10, 2020
my offer while, at the same time, protect- everyone’s respect for Anne. I remember
ing my fragile ego. traveling with her to her hometown of (Dr. R. Mark Sullivan, the 8th president
Binghamton to visit with college alumni of The College of Saint Rose, served in
To my great surprise, she eventually said from that region. I remember her daily that role from 1996 to 2012.)
yes that morning and I was ecstatic to say
15 Carondelet East January 2021Sister Joan Teresa Harrington, CSJ
(Sister Mary Howard) her high energy, her lighthearted spirit,
her contagious laughter, her ability to be
1934 ~ 2020
nearly 100% present in the moment, and
Born in Syracuse, NY, on May 10, 1934 her heart waiting to welcome everyone.
Sister Joan enjoyed life’s happy moments
Entered the Congregation on with gratitude and faced life’s hardships
September 15, 1954 with courage and grace. She lived well the
special call of the Sisters of St. Joseph by
Entered the Novitiate on March 19, being a unifier and reconciler and
1955 epitomized the words of St. Francis of
Assisi: “For it is in giving that we receive
Professed Final Vows on August 15, and in dying that we are born to eternal
1962 life.”
Died at Samaritan Hospital, Troy, NY We will miss deeply Sister Joan’s
on December 13, 2020 presence among us but will treasure her
legacy of hospitality, generosity of spirit
Sister Joan Harrington and remarkable zest for life.
by Sister Mary Rose Noonan
Sister Joan is survived by her beloved
S ister Joan Teresa Harrington, CSJ
(Sister Mary Howard), 86, died
Sunday, December 13, 2020, at Samaritan
2011, Sister Joan retired to St. Joseph’s
Provincial House, Latham, NY.
family: three sisters, Susan Harrington,
Eileen (Casey) Smith and Ann (the late
Jim) McDonald; one brother, Charles
Hospital, Troy. She had been a Sister of Sister Joan was the second child born into (Mary Beth) Harrington; their families;
St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 65 a large, loving family and, if children her sister-in-law, Jean Harrington; her
years. might be molded by their upbringing, her brothers-in-law, Tom Hartnett, Larry
family life was a wonderful introduction Woods and Tim Nau; many friends; and
Sister Joan was born in Syracuse, NY, to community living and building healthy the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
on May 10, 1934, daughter of the late relationships. Sister Joan was faith-filled with special mention of her dear friend,
Howard and Mary Rauch Harrington. and fun-filled, prayerful and joyful. From Sister Ellen Spellman. In addition to her
After graduating from St. Anthony’s High her early years as a champion speed parents, Sister Joan was predeceased by
School, Syracuse, she worked for New skater and swimmer to her years in two brothers, Daniel and Howard
York Telephone Company for two years. ministry to her retirement days, Sister Harrington; and three sisters, Mary Lou
On March 19, 1955, Sister Joan entered Joan was a natural connector with an Woods, Gail Nau, and Kathleen Hartnett.
the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph innate gift of bringing people together and
in Troy, NY, and professed final vows on forming life-giving bonds. Due to the continued health concerns
August 6, 1962.
regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there
In New York State and Georgia and Ohio will be no funeral services for Sister Joan
Sister Joan received a bachelor’s degree and Alabama, as teacher, as principal and at this time. A Memorial Mass will be
in elementary education and a master’s as pastoral minister, Sister Joan brought scheduled at a later date.
degree in psychology, both from The
College of Saint Rose, and pursued post-
graduate studies in theology from
Springfield College in Mobile, AL.
For 28 years, Sister Joan served as
teacher and principal in schools in the
Albany and Syracuse Dioceses as well as
in the Dioceses of Atlanta and Savannah,
GA. In addition, she served as a pastoral
minister in St. Patrick’s Parish,
Adamsville, AL, and as director of
religious education in Our Lady of
Sorrows Parish in Birmingham, AL. In
Sister Joan Harrington during Christmastide 2012
16 Carondelet East January 2021Sister Helen Leclerc, CSJ armchair, Sister Helen was a detail-
oriented, knowledgeable and patient
(Sister Helen Marie Ange)
artist! Nothing pleased her more than
1942 ~ 2020 embroidering elegant table linens or a
personalized baby blanket or even an
Born in Saint-Théophile, Quebec, on
ancestry tree for gifts on special family
March 18, 1942
occasions.
Entered the Sisters of Charity of St.
Like St. Joseph, our patron, Sister Helen
Louis on August 26, 1959
preferred to stay in the background,
humble, reliable and hard-working; and
Entered the Novitiate on August 15,
like St. Joseph whose unpretentious,
1960
steady faithfulness earned him an incom-
parable role in salvation history, so has
Professed Final Vows on August 15,
Sister Helen’s devoted, unassuming and
1967
generous service to God’s people earned
her a unique role in the history of the
Transferred Final Vows to the Sisters
Sisters of St. Joseph. We will miss her
of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1980 Sister Helen Leclerc dearly.
Died at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, canonically transferred her perpetual Sister Helen is survived by her beloved
NY, on December 17, 2020
vows to the Sisters of St. Joseph of family, all in Canada: her brothers, Paul-
Carondelet. Emile, Germain, Gerard, Benoit, Roger,
by Sister Mary Rose Noonan
Real and Georges; her sisters, Anita
After her transfer of vows, Sister Helen Houle, Marguerite Leclerc, Cecile
S ister Helen Leclerc, CSJ, 78, died
Thursday, December 17, 2020 at. St.
Peter’s Hospital, Albany. She had been a
worked as a registered nurse and nursing
supervisor at St. Joseph’s Provincial
Leclerc, Marie-Ange Jolin and Madeleine
Larochelle; many nieces and nephews and
Sister for 61 years: a Sister of Charity of House in Latham, NY, served as a visiting their families; and the Sisters of St.
St. Louis for 22 years and a Sister of St. nurse and supervising nurse/program Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her
Joseph of Carondelet for 39 years. director in Schoharie County and later as parents, Sister Helen was predeceased by
a chaplain at Glens Falls Hospital. In her brothers, Joseph, Rosaire and Eugene
Sister Helen, baptized Helen Marie Ange 2004, Sister Helen became a seamstress Leclerc; and her sisters, Therese and
Leclerc, was born on March 18, 1942, in at St. Joseph’s Provincial House where Gisele Leclerc.
Saint-Théophile, Lévis, Québec, daugh- she used the skills she learned from her
ter of the late Odilon and Germaine mother to make beautiful custom curtains Due to the continued health concerns
Boutin Leclerc. After attending paro- and drapes for all the various size rooms regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there
chial schools in Saint-Théophile, Sister at the Provincial House. will be no public funeral services for
Helen entered the Sisters of Charity of Sister Helen at this time. A Memorial
St. Louis on August 26, 1959. She Sister Helen was a kind, gentle woman of Mass will be scheduled at a later date.
received her education as a licensed faith whose focus was on God, her family
practical nurse at Windham Regional and her community. Ever generous with
Technical School in Willimantic, her many gifts of nature and grace, she
Connecticut; her diploma as a registered was a caring, compassionate and respect-
nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of ful nurse who was committed to ongoing
Nursing in Elmira, NY; and her bachelor learning and dedicated to patient advo-
of science degree in nursing from SUNY cacy.
Polytechnic Institute in Utica, NY.
In addition, Sister Helen was an accom-
Sister Helen began her ministry as a plished seamstress, tailor, dressmaker and
teacher assistant and student teacher in upholsterer, and she was extremely
Redford, NY, and Plattsburgh, NY, and generous in sharing her talents. Whether
began her studies for nursing. She worked it was altering a hemline or sewing on a
as a staff nurse at two hospitals in button or repairing a broken zipper or Sister Helen Leclerc (left) and
Plattsburgh. In 1981, Sister Helen literally creating a new dress design or Sister John Loretta Sinnott in
tailoring a coat or reupholstering an the sewing room in 2010
17 Carondelet East January 2021You can also read
