At St. Joseph’s College, we’re inspired by the women religious who dedicate their time and energy to the institution. During National Catholic Sisters Week 2019, consider taking time to learn more about some of the sisters who help make the College community what it is.
Meet the Sisters
S. Miriam Blake, C.S.J.
Assistant Professor of Child Study
“Initially, I entertained the idea of working as a foreign missionary in an orphanage or a school. All through elementary and high school, though, I worked closely with the Sisters of St. Joseph. After graduating high school, since I was leaning toward teaching as a career goal, I was encouraged to consider this community because, at the time, most of the Sisters were involved in education. After many years as an elementary school teacher, principal and associate superintendent, I find it heartwarming to now be working with so many future educators who are interested in — and determined to — share their gifts and talents with others.”
Took her final vows: 1969
Started at St. Joseph’s College: 2006
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S. Margaret Buckley ’55, C.S.J., Ed.D.
Field Placement Coordinator
“When I joined St. Joseph’s, I taught methods courses and supervised student teachers. Working with students who were preparing to be teachers was a great way to spend my life. Most students were idealistic and highly motivated. Later, I became the dean, and that presented opportunities to work with faculty, develop curriculum and create new programs. I was fortunate to work with many talented and dedicated people. Now I am retired, and I work part time coordinating fieldwork for students.”
Took her final vows: 1964
Started at St. Joseph’s College: 1969
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S. Mary Ann Cashin, C.S.J.
Assistant Professor of Child Study
“At St. Joseph’s College, I am part of a community of women and men who are committed to the mission of the College and the success of their students. Over my years here, I have grown in deep appreciation for the vision and courage of the Sisters of St. Joseph who founded St. Joseph’s College over 100 years ago. They spoke out for women who were not welcome at other institutions of higher learning and put their words into action. Their determination must have been extraordinary. I am thankful to be walking in the footsteps of the great-hearted Sisters of St. Joseph who have gone before me.”
Took her final vows: 1970
Started at St. Joseph’s College: 2000
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S. Karen Donohue, C.S.J.
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs
“From childhood, I was surrounded by women religious, from Catholic elementary school through high school. I always thought there was more to life than making myself happy, and I was very interested in social justice and the plight of the poor at a young age. I was particularly influenced by a Sister of St.
Joseph who taught me in high school. Sister Edyth Fitzsimmons was genuine, supportive and interesting, and she still is today. Those connections with teachers, family and plenty of religious sparked a desire within to try to be the best version of myself, to change the lives of others for the better and to be some sort of comfort for people. We are all human and make plenty of mistakes, have flaws and failings, but after over 45 years of being a C.S.J., there are no regrets.”
Took her final vows: 1977
Started at St. Joseph’s College: 2000
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S. Joanne Forker, C.S.J., Ed.D.
Lecturer of Child Study
“The College has been a part of my life since I was a student in Brooklyn in 1970. I began teaching part time in the child study department in 1976, when [SJC Long Island] was located in Brentwood on our motherhouse grounds. When it came time for us to move to Patchogue, I actually transported part of the library collection in the trunk of my car! I continued teaching part time until 1981, when I joined the department as a full-time instructor until 1989. I just completed 28 years of high school administration, and I am happy to return to the Patchogue campus where it all began almost 40 years ago. I love the College and what is has done for so many young people and nontraditional students here on Long Island. We have a proud history, and I couldn’t be prouder of my Congregation and the enormous influence we have had on higher education.”
Took her final vows: 1977
Started at St. Joseph’s College: 1976
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S. Suzanne Franck, C.S.J., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Director of the Academic Advisement Center
“In high school, I met the Sisters of St. Joseph and was inspired by their passion for teaching, support of high school students, and the joy and peace they shared with each other and throughout the school. Also, their generosity of helping people in and out of school, their efforts of social justice and being such down-to-earth people touched my heart and stirred my spirit, empowering me to respond to the nudge from God I felt deep within to enter religious life as a Sister of St. Joseph. I have grown in many ways and have had so many wonderful and amazing experiences as a member of St. Joseph’s College.”
Took her final vows: 1984
Started at St. Joseph’s College: 1995
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S. Jane Fritz, C.S.J.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
“I enjoyed teaching math and science in a parish school, until S. Virginia Therese Callahan invited me to study computer science and to start the new Department of Mathematics/Computer Science at the College. This was a new field at the time, and S. Virginia Therese was such a woman of vision that I could not say no to her. I have been so fortunate to work with wonderful people whom I consider to be like family. Even more rewarding are the students I have been fortunate enough to teach. I am so proud of the wonderful people they have become. So many of them continue to carry out the Mission of the College.”
Took her final vows: 1970
Started at St. Joseph’s College: 1984
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S. Nancy Gilchriest ’83, SSND, Ed.D.
Chair and Associate Professor of Education
“I consider myself very blessed because SJC has been a part of my life twice — as a student and as a teacher. I was very involved as a student on the Brooklyn campus: in Student Government, Chapel Players, the Folk Group, Religious Affairs and Political Affairs, to name a few. These activities allowed me to grow in the areas of dedication, commitment, leadership, collaboration and fun! As a faculty member, those qualities that were nurtured in Brooklyn have come to fruition on Long Island. I am who I am because of God’s blessings that I found at SJC.”
Took her final vows: 1994
Started at St. Joseph’s College: 2006
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S. Pat Manning, C.S.J.
Assistant Professor of Art
“In September 1980, I arrived at the newly established St. Joseph’s College Patchogue campus as the sole full-time member of the art department. I have served there for 39 years as associate professor, and as chair for more than 25 years. Over these years, which represent half of my lifetime, I have found fulfillment of my lifelong dreams and aspirations. This experience at SJC has allowed me to grow personally and professionally as a teacher, communicator and artist. Reaching out to students, helping them to develop their artistic talents and communication skills hopefully has enriched their lives as much as it has mine.”
Took her final vows: 1966
Started at St. Joseph’s College: 1980
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S. Grace Edna Rowland, C.S.J., Ph.D.
Professor of Communication Studies, Director of the Clare Rose Playhouse
“My dream of converting a run-down caretaker’s cottage on the grounds of the newly established campus of St. Joseph’s College into a theatre space similar to the charming barn-like New England playhouses, which I have always loved, became a reality in 1983. I met a man with the same passion for theatre. Together with Clare Rose, a successful businessman, an old house was converted into the Clare Rose Playhouse, named for the man who turned the dream into reality. Directing musicals here affords me marvelous opportunities to build confidence and self-worth in young people and to see them grow and flourish.”
Took her final vows: 1965
Started at St. Joseph’s College: 1981
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S. Mary Sivillo ’67, C.S.J.
Coordinator of Student Placement for Child Study
“I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. After being a principal in three different elementary schools, and closing the last one (Angela Hall), I was invited to St. Joseph’s College to fill a need in the child study department. Having worked with elementary school children for about 45 years, meeting and working with college students was a new and wonderful experience. It opened my eyes to new and exciting experiences, which continue even today. I have been blessed with thousands of students, along with their families throughout my religious life, and for this, I am grateful to God and to St. Joseph, who has been my patron all these years.”
Took her final vows: 1959
Started at St. Joseph’s College: 2000
Be Inspired
Between March 11 and 14, St. Joseph’s College students, faculty and staff are invited to learn more about the Sisters of St. Joseph, their history and their efforts in social justice. SJC Long Island will host events each day related to the Sisters; SJC Brooklyn will honor the Sisters during a special St. Joseph Day Mass on campus on March 13. Each of the SJC Long Island events is during Common Hour in the McGann Conference Center, unless otherwise specified.
Monday, March 11: CSSJ Mission from Le Puy to the World
Speakers: Tatiana Belanich ’19, Veronique Mathieu ’18 and Associate Director of St. Joseph Worker Program Brooklyn Vetter
The presentations reflect the mission and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph from the time of its roots and how it is lived out today through the St. Joseph Worker young women. Materials will be on display, as well as a replica of the original Le Puy kitchen, constructed by St. Joseph’s students. Lunch will be served. Le Puy, France, is the birthplace of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Tuesday, March 12: Justice in Our Times
Speaker: S. Susan Wilcox, C.S.J., Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation Coordinator, C.S.J. Brentwood
S. Susan’s presentation focuses on the issues of justice in our time, among people and with creation. Enhancing our understanding of the issues of justice, as well as the human induced environmental concerns, will hopefully lead to acceptance of, and responsibility for, change. The discussion will include action steps that can be taken. Soup and bread will be served.
*Please bring a non-perishable food item for a food drive.
Wednesday, March 13: St. Joseph’s College/Sisters of St. Joseph Day
Mass and Renewal of the Vows of the Sisters Working at St. Joseph’s College and the Blessing of St. Joseph’s Bread
Academic department representatives will present a brief written reflection on the mission of St. Joseph as reflected through their department.
Wednesday, March 13: St. Joseph’s Day Mass
SJC Brooklyn Mass Followed by Luncheon
The Sisters of St. Joseph will be honored during a Mass at SJC Brooklyn in the Kennedy Chapel in Burns Hall. A luncheon will follow in the Parlors. Please RSVP to Christian Branch at cbranch@sjny.edu.
Wednesday, March 13: Film, “Radical Grace”
6 p.m., Room N129
“Radical Grace” follows the stories of three nuns who believe in justice so deeply, they’ll risk their place in the church they love to be true to their faith. From the halls of Congress to Saint Peter’s Square, follow the sisters as they shake up the Catholic church and American politics. The film is both an exploration of the American Catholic church at a critical turning point and an intimate portrait of the transformative power of personal conviction.
Thursday, March 14: Nuns on the Bus
Speaker: S. Janet Kinney, C.S.J., Executive Director of the Partnership for Global Justice at The United Nations
Learn about the issues addressed by the Nuns on the Bus who travel across the country to raise consciousness and challenge people to grow in awareness and action around justice issues. Light lunch will be served.
