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2007 Jubilarians
The year 2007 is a Jubilee Year for 13 Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
(Click on the Sisters' name to read her bio)
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60 years Parents’ names: Hugh Chisholm and Lillian Vears Chisholm Date and Place of birth: 8/30/25 Watertown, MA Education: St. Peter Elementary School, Watertown, MA 1939 Watertown High School, Watertown, MA 1943 The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (X-ray technology) 1953 Catholic Hospital Education for Radiologic Technology 1960, 65, 67, 69, 71 Home Parish: Sacred Heart, Watertown, MA Year Entered: 1947 Final Profession: 1952 Current Ministry: Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge, Receptionist Past Ministries and approximate dates: Sister Rose Marie taught at Sacred Heart School, Erie (1947-1951); was an x-ray technician and supervisor at Spencer Hospital, Meadville (1951-1977); Superior of St. Joseph Convent, Meadville (1973-1975); x-ray technician at Titusville Hospital, Titusville (1979-1981)and Orthopedic Associates of Meadville (1981-1993); receptionist at Villa Maria Conference Center, Erie (1994-1998); and coordinator at the Sisters of St. Joseph Community Living Center, Erie (1994-2001). She presently serves as receptionist at Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge, Erie (2001-present). What reading, psalm, spiritual teaching or liturgy most inspires you? Why? Daily Liturgy and the Gospels of St. Matthew. Is there another person – clergy, religious or layperson – whose faith has deeply touched or guided you over the years? Why? The deep faith and the teachings of my parents. Also the Sisters I met during my school years. When and how did you hear the call to religious life? For many years I had an interest in religious life, but it was until after graduation and talking with my parish priest that I fully realized that this was how I wished to spend my life.
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Formerly Sister Helen Therese 60 years Parents’ names: Stefan Valentine Fedorko and Anna Paralic Fedorko Date and Place of birth: 7/10/29 Johnsonburg, PA Education: Holy Rosary, Johnsonburg, PA 1943 Johnsonburg High School, Johnsonburg, PA 1947 Villa Maria College, Erie, PA BS Elementary Education 1956 Temple University, Philadelphia, PA Early Childhood Education, Summers 1966-67 University of Illinois M.Ed. 1968 Oxford University-St. Ann’s, England British Education 1972 Catholic University of America, Washington, DC PhD. Curriculum/Instruction 1978 Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Infant/Toddler Workshop 1979 Home Parish: Holy Rosary, Johnsonburg, PA Year Entered: 1947 Final Profession: 1953 Current Ministry: Wellness Coordinator, Sisters of St. Joseph Community Living Center Past Ministries and approximate dates: Sister Rose Anne taught at St. Patrick (1947-48), Sacred Heart (1948-50), St. John 1950-59)and St. Peter Cathedral (1959-61) schools in Erie as well as Maryvale Pre-School, Erie (1961-70). She also ministered at Villa Maria College, Erie (1961-73); Catholic University, Washington, DC (1973-78); in the East Coast Migrant Headstart Program (1978-79); Holy Childhood Association (1979-81); Marymount University (1981-83); Campus Minister, Edinboro University, Newman Center; Our Lady of The Lake Parish, Edinboro (1983-86); Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington, DC (1986-2006); Fort Myer, Arlington, VA (1988-2006) and St. Patrick’s Church, Washington, DC (1988-2006). Since 2006, she serves as Wellness Coordinator at the Koch Health and Wellness Center, Sisters of St. Joseph, Erie. What reading, psalm, spiritual teaching or liturgy most inspires you? Why? John Paul ll's "Crossing the Threshhold of Hope" has given me inspiration, support and hope for the future and my mission. I quote the passage which speaks to the SSJ love of neighbor," Man (woman) affirms himself most completely by giving of himself. This is the fulfillment of the commandment of love. This is also the full truth about man (woman) a truth that Christ taught us by His life, and the tradition of Christian morality, no less than the tradition of the saints and of the many heroes of love of neighbor, took up and lived out in the course of history." Psalm 23, "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. And I will live in the house of the Lord, forever." will be my forever inspiration and aspiration. Is there another person – clergy, religious or layperson – whose faith has deeply touched or guided you over the years? Why? My dear mother's example of profound faith exerted the greatest influence on my religious upbringing, and guided me through the many years. When my father died she kept all the family together with love and prayers and smiles and home-made bread. God and Church always came first with mom, and I thrived on the joy that came with that love and devotion to our religious observances. One very fine layman whose faith deeply touched me stands out in my working years. Louis Freeh, While Director of the FBI, frequently walked up the street, without security guards, to participate in the early mass at St. Patrick's church. He is a man of honesty, fairness, justice and integrity, always exhibiting fine catholic values. I was humbled by his deep respect for me, the FBI nun, and I regarded him as a true man of the faith. I cannot name any one religious in particular, but I have been blest with the guidance of many fine sisters and priests. When and how did you hear the call to religious life? As a child in the Johnsonburg Holy Rosary elementary school, I admired the kindness and gentleness of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was inspired by their religious teaching and guidance. At times, I thought I would like to be one of them, and that desire grew through the years. Growing up during the World War If years, seeing four brothers off to War, and experiencing the sacrifices, prayers and tears, as well as the joys of returning heroes, I was deeply impressed with the faith and dependence upon God, through it all. I wanted to give my life to serving this wonderful generation of faith-filled people of God, while at the same time, nurturing God's love in my own. Answering the call to the Religious life was the best and only way to fulfill these aspirations. And so it has been, in joy and peace. |
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60 years Parents’ names: Arthur Frank and Marie Kloecker Menz Date and Place of birth: 11/10/25 Erie, PA Education: St. Joseph School, Erie, PA 1939 Villa Maria Academy, Erie, PA 1943 Villa Maria College, Erie, PA BS Elementary Education 1958 Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA M.Ed., Social Studies 1971 St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY History (30 credits) 1959-64 Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA 6 Graduate Credits, History Home Parish: St. Joseph Parish, Erie, PA Year Entered: 1948 Final Profession: 1953 Current Ministry: Retired Past Ministries and approximate dates: Sister Mary Arlene taught at Holy Rosary (1948-49, 1973-74, 1974-77 - library), Blessed Sacrament (1949-51, 1969-70), St. Andrew (1954-57), Our Lady of Peace (1970-73) and Villa Maria Academy (1959-61, 1968-69, 1977-82 - clerical) schools in Erie; St. Mary, Reynoldsville (1951-52), St. Brigid, Meadville (1952-54); St. Agatha, Meadville (1957-59, 1961-65 ); and St. Francis High School, Clearfield (1965-68). She also ministered at Saint Vincent Health Center (1982-93) and Villa Maria Center, Erie (1993-94). She volunteered at the Erie Historical Society (1994-95), Villa Maria Academy and Erie City Mission (1995-97), all in Erie.
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60 years Parents’ names: James Francis and Luella D. Mulligan Date and Place of birth: 4/2/25 Meadville, PA Education: St. Brigid, Meadville, PA 1939 St. Agatha, Meadville, PA 1943 Villa Maria College, Erie, PA BA English 1947 Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI MA English 1958 Home Parish: St. Brigid, Meadville, PA Year Entered: 1947 Final Profession: 1953 Current Ministry: Teaches at Cathedral Preparatory School, Villa Maria Elementary School and Gannon University, Erie. Past Ministries and approximate dates: Sister James Francis taught at Saint Peter Cathedral (1948-49), Holy Rosary (1949-50) and Saint Andrew Elementary (1950) Schools in Erie; Saint Leo High School, Ridgway (1950-56); Villa Maria Academy, Erie (1947-48); Villa Maria College (1954-81) and Saint Mark Seminary, Erie (1981-82). She presently teaches at Cathedral Preparatory School (since 1982) Villa Maria Elementary School and Gannon University, Erie (since 1982).
When and how did you hear the call to religious life? I can answer when – perhaps in my early teens –but how is a bit nebulous, but receiving inspiration at home through my mother and father for whom “religious and priests were God’s chosen people.”
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Formerly Sister Carmelita 60 years Parents’ names: Gerald McNelis and Katharine Judermanns McNelis Date and Place of birth: 9/9/1929 Erie, PA Education: St. Andrew School, Erie, PA 1943 Villa Maria Academy, Erie, PA 1947 Villa Maria College, Erie, BA Education 1958 John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH MA English 1965 Awards/Accomplishments: Seizing the Catholic Moment in Catechetics, Franciscan University (Certification) Teaching Skills Institute, National Teacher Education Program (Certification) Enabler of Ministries, John Carroll University (Certification) Ministry Training Services, Focus on Leadership, Denver, CO Pastoral Leadership Training Institute, Toledo, Ohio Creative Insights in Psychology in Religious Ed - Assumption College, Wooster, MA Family Learning Teams, Silver Springs, MD North American Forum on the Catechumenate, Chicago Rhetoric, Marquette University and University of California
Important Influences in Life: John Main Seminars: Ireland, Canada, England, Vermont, Malaysia Madonna House, Combermere, Canada Wellsprings, Glenn Falls, NY House of Prayer Movement Home Parish: St. Andrew, Erie, PA Year Entered: 1948 Final Profession: 1953 Current Ministry: She presently teaches Christian Meditation at the Community Living Center and at the SSJ Poustinia in Erie. Past Ministries and approximate dates: Sister Mary Kay taught at St. Joseph’s Home (1948), St. John School (1948-49), St. Peter Cathedral Center 1949-52), Villa Maria Academy (1961-71)and Villa Maria College (1987-89), in Erie. She also taught at St. Brigid (1952-56) and St. Agatha High School (1956-59), in Meadville; and St. Bernard High School in Bradford (1956-59). She was Director of Religious Education at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mercer and at St. Mark the Evangelist, Erie (1977-85). She also served as Director of Religious Education at Fort Dix, New Jersey (1989-91)and Fort Riley, Kansas (1991-93); as consultant in the Office of Christian Formation, Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio (1995-96); Pastoral Minister at Our Lady of Peace, Erie (1985-87) and St. Michael Church, Penn Yan, NY (1996-99). She presently teaches Christian Meditation at the Community Living Center and at the SSJ Poustinia in Erie (since1999) What reading, psalm, spiritual teaching or liturgy most inspires you? Why? The spiritual teaching that has most transformed me over the past 25 years has been Contemplative Prayer, the second path of prayer practiced by all 5 major faiths. I was taught discursive meditation in my early years. But I did not know the practice of silent, still prayer of the heart, the long-time mystical tradition of our Church which was almost underground during the past few centuries. Since my "retirement, " in 2000 after 30 years in religious education and parish ministry , and 20 years in our schools, I have committed my life to the practice and teaching of this prayer to adults, young people, and children at our Community Living Center, the Poustinia on West 8th Street and in many parishes and schools. I believe contemplation belongs to the heart of the Church, not on its fringes, and is a dimension of Christian tradition that must be recovered if the Church is to be renewed. Is there another person – clergy, religious or layperson – whose faith has deeply touched or guided you over the years? Why? Dom John Main, an English Benedictine (1926-1982) has been my teacher and mentor since I read his book, Word Into Silence, in the early 80's. He learned to meditate from an Indian monk in Malaysia and his prayer spread around the world, today into 1,500 small meditation groups in 110 countries since his opening the first Christian Meditation Center in London in 1975. He taught "In contemplative prayer we seek to become the person we are called to be not by thinking about God, but by being with God." His praying theology of our indwelling God has helped me live more contemplatively, more aware of His presence in my every day life. I desire oneness with God. Karl Rahner says, "The Christian of the future will be a mystic, or he will not be a Christian at all." When and how did you hear the call to religious life? I was a freshman in college and chairperson of our spring prom. I enjoyed pretty clothes, dancing, eating out, and my boyfriend of the moment. I really looked forward to that evening, but later that night as I removed my orchid corsage and my yellow marquisette gown, I was startled with the thought, "Is that all there is?” I was aware of a deeper longing for something that I knew I had to seek, and at the same time wanted no part of. I fought my vocation for many months. I wanted the good things of life. To give myself completely to Christ and to the service of the people of God was a long and painful discernment, but God "seized" me. Since I went to the Villa, the Sisters of St. Joseph guided my steps to the SSJ novitiate next door. |
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Formerly Sister Mary Timothy 50 years Parents’ names: Timothy C. Donohue and Regina Hill Donohue Date and Place of birth: 7/26/1938 Bradford, PA Education: St. Bernard School, Bradford, PA 1952 St. Bernard High School, Bradford, PA 1956 Villa Maria College, Erie, PA BS Elementary Education PA Cert Elem. Ed 1965 St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY MS Education/Administration 1975 Home Parish: St. Bernard, Bradford, PA Year Entered: 1957 Final Profession: 1965 Current Ministry: She presently serves as Coordinator of Lifelong Mission for the Sisters of St. Joseph. Past Ministries and approximate dates: Sister Ann taught at Blessed Sacrament (1957-59), Our Lady of Peace (1959-60), St. Patrick (1960-62), St. John the Baptist (1962-63), Holy Rosary (1966-67), and Villa Maria Academy (1980-89) schools in Erie; St. Bernard, Bradford (teacher and principal 1968-70); and Notre Dame School in Hermitage (teacher and principal 1972-80). She ministered at St. Mary’s Home, Erie (1989-2001) and presently serves as Coordinator of Lifelong Mission for the Sisters of St. Joseph (since 2001). What reading, psalm, spiritual teaching or liturgy most inspires you? Why? My long history with Thomas Merton has been a significant inspiration to me. Any time I need nourishment I can go to Merton's writings and find something of value. Currently, I am deeply enriched by Psalms for Praying, an adaptation of the Hebrew Scripture Psalms, by Nan C. Merrill. She has brought the Psalms to life for me. These song prayers of the Bible, used for thousands of years, draw me closer to the God the Psalms present. Is there another person – clergy, religious or layperson – whose faith has deeply touched or guided you over the years? Why? My family and their faithfulness, especially in times of difficulty, have strongly contributed to my personal fidelity to the path God has called me. I didn't know it at the time, but while I was in High School I was profoundly touched by a woman, Anne Carlin, who encouraged the development of my spiritual life. Anne ran a small religious goods store in Bradford. There she had a lending library of spiritual books which she graciously recommended to me. When I returned a book she asked me to share with her what I had learned from my reading. Though she was not a religious Sister herself, she encouraged me to consider the religious life as a good way to be free enough to develop my spiritual side. When and how did you hear the call to religious life? Most likely I first heard the call to religious life faintly when I entered first grade at Saint Bernard School in Bradford. Throughout grade school I often toyed with the idea of service in the Church, but high school made me look a bit more seriously. During high school at St. Bernard I was particularly impressed with the seeming happiness of most of the Sisters, especially Sisters Catherine Ann, Virginia Ann and Mary Margaret. Still the call was not without doubts. After graduation from St. Bernard I went to Villa Maria College (sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph). It was during my Freshman year that I could no longer deny God's call to the Sisters of St. Joseph. When I entered I felt right at home. This was what God wanted me to be.
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50 years Parents’ names: Louis Grandinetti and Joanne Curcio Grandinetti Date and Place of birth: 3/13/1938 Bradford, PA Education: Second Ward School, Bradford, PA 1952 Bradford Jr. High School, Bradford, PA 1957 St. Bernard High School, Bradford, PA Villa Maria College, Erie, PA BS Elementary Education 1968 Siena College, Loudenville, NY 1970 Penn State University 1971 DePaul University, Chicago, IL 1970 Penn State - Beaver Campus, Monaca, PA Early Childhood Conferences 1976-2000 Gannon University, Erie, PA 2000-01, 2005 English as a Second Language University of California, California, PA 2002 Third Annual Children's Literature Conference 2001 Governor's Institute for Educator Partnership on Reading 2002 Awards and Accomplishments: Diocese of Erie Teacher Awards 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years Who Who's Among American Teachers Nominee 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 The Golden Apple Award - 2000 My Favorite Teacher Award - Mercyhurst Prep - 1998 Nominated for the Disney Teacher Award - 2006 Home Parish: St. Bernard, Bradford, PA Year Entered: 1957 Final Profession: 1963 Current Ministry: She presently teaches at Holy Rosary/St. John School. Past Ministries and approximate dates: Sister Ann Louis taught for more than 50 years in the Diocese of Erie at Blessed Sacrament (1957-58 and 1968-69), Holy Rosary (1958-59), St. Joseph (1960-61), Sacred Heart (1965-66), St. Paul (1966-67), Our Lady of Peace (1967-68), Our Lady’s Christian (1969-1997), and Holy Rosary/St. John Schools in Erie (2004-present). She also taught at St. Agatha School, Meadville (1959-60) and St. Francis School, Clearfield (1961-65). She was Coordinator and Instructor (First Reconciliation/First Communion) of PSR at St. Jude/OLCS, Erie; girl’s basketball coach and Director of Intramurals (K-3); Athletic Director; Student Activities Director; Director and Instructor of OLCS Summer Learning Program; did home visits to PSR and OLCS children and St. Joseph School. She also served as a Counselor at Camp Notre Dame. What reading, psalm, spiritual teaching or liturgy most inspires you? Why? The reading that inspires me the most is Isaiah 43:2,3,4. "I have called you by your name, you are mine. .. ,. ..I am Yahweh, your God, your Savior . You are precious in my eyes, You are honored and I love you. .." At my Silver Jubilee Liturgy I sang this song. The year before the Jubilee I practiced singing the song; and it has been and still is a part of me. Is there another person – clergy, religious or layperson – whose faith has deeply touched or guided you over the years? Why? My parents and grandmother were foremost in the teaching, nurturing, and practicing of my religion and faith. As a young child from a small town and from the public school, the Sisters made an impression upon me. Two sisters visited our home at my sister's wake. From then on I had the desire to go to St. Bernard School. As a high school student, Sr. Virginia Ann, Sr. Mary Carmel, and Sr. Mary Margaret made a deep impression on my life. The sisters were always visible and supportive to the students at functions, such as basketball games. They were open and available to all -before and after school. When and how did you hear the call to religious life? At a young age, my sister and I both decided to be sisters. This was accepted and nurtured by our parents. It lived on in my thoughts and prayers growing up. |
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Formerly Sister Joseph Therese 50 years Parents’ names: Date and Place of birth: Education: St. John the Baptist, Erie, PA 1953 Villa Maria Academy, Erie, PA 1957 Villa Maria College, Erie, PA 1966 Fordham University, New York, NY 1972 Gannon College, Erie, PA 1972 Addiction Counselor Certificate 1989 Ongoing Counseling, Drug and Alcohol and Housing Seminars Awards & Accomplishments: Women Making History 1995 McCauley Housing / Advocacy Recognition 2001 Missionary - Tanzania East Africa 1983-88 M W E D I – Arusha Diocese Erie DAWN - 1995 First collaborative Inter-congregational Ministry RSM, OSB, SSJ The Papal Cross pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Home Parish: St. Luke, Erie, PA Year Entered: 1957 Final Profession: 1965 Current Ministry: She presently serves as a Housing & Family Advocate for the Sistersof St. Joseph Neighborhood Network. Past Ministries and approximate dates: Sister Phyllis taught at Our Lady of Peace (1957-58), Villa Maria Elementary (1958-59) and Blessed Sacrament (1962-66) Schools in Erie; St. Leo School, Ridgway (1968-69); and St. Bernard School in Bradford (1961-62). She taught Religious Education at Meadville Center (St. Agatha, St. Brigid and St. Mary, Meadville; St. Bernadette, Saegertown, 1969-71) She ministered as the Parish Religious Education Coordinator at Holy Rosary Parish, Erie (1972-78); and as Assistant Religious Education Director for the Erie Diocese (1978-83). As a Missionary, she served as Director of Religious Education in Arusha, Tanzania (East Africa) (1983-88); and Co-Director of MWEDI, Teacher Training Program (1983-88). She served as a Treatment Specialist at Community House for Women, Erie (1989-95). She served in Leadership for the Congregation (1989-95), was Executive Director of Erie DAWN (1995-2006) and presently serves as a Housing & Family Advocate for the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network (2006-present). What reading, psalm, spiritual teaching or liturgy most inspires you? Why? Matt. 25: 31-46 and John 17: 20-21. Sisters of St. Joseph Constitutions – Chapter on Ministry (very profound for me) Is there another person – clergy, religious or layperson – whose faith has deeply touched or guided you over the years? Why? The Sisters of St. Joseph as a group of women epitomized God’s call to me. Their dedication to God and the works they did together for others influenced me. I consciously remember thinking how much more I could do for God if I joined with other women and together we could make a difference. My parents raised us to care about others and love God and the Church. They lived that belief and so it was very natural for us to follow their lead. When and how did you hear the call to religious life? I can remember very clearly when I heard God’s call to be a Sister. It was at my Junior year’s annual retreat at the Villa where I made my decision to enter religious life and become a Sister of St. Joseph. Seized by love is a beautiful way of describing the strong call to religious life and the peace that came to me after I made the decision to enter the Sisters of St. Joseph. Seized by love – to accept God’s love and to love God in return. We realize that our heart is completely spoken for – by God, and that we freely respond with an offering of our whole life. (falling in love with God) God initiates this experience. We say “yes”. |
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50 years Parents’ names: Andrew Mittal and Mary Dacey Mittal Date and Place of birth: 12/21/39 Education: Sacred Heart School, Sharon PA 1953 Brookfield High School, Brookfield, OH 1957 Villa Maria College, Erie, PA BS Elementary Education 1972 Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA Education credits 1970 Diocese of Erie - Religious Education 1958 Diocese of Columbus - Religious Education 1967 Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Education credits 1969 Home Parish: Sacred Heart, Sharon, PA Year Entered: 1957 Final Profession: 1965 |
