Sr. Regina Bechtle, SC

"If I believe that God is every-where, I can find many ways to lean in God’s direction.": The January 2012 of Living with Christ features an article by Sr. Regina Bechtle, SC, titled, "Pay Attention to the All-Surrounding Presence!" Living with Christ has made her article available online in their sample PDF version, which is available here. Scroll down to the 8th page of this publication to read Sr. Regina's article in which she helps us to find ways to incorporate prayer into our lives.

Jubilees:  On September 17, 2011, our Sisters celebrated the Jubilees of their entrance to the Congregation. We are grateful for their combined years of dedicated service to the betterment of others. Learn which Sisters celebrated September Jubilees »

Sr. Carol De Angelo Joins GreenFaith’s National Fellowship Program: GreenFaith, an interfaith environmental coalition, announced today that Sister Carol De Angelo, SC (SCNY Coordinator of Special Projects), has been named a GreenFaith Fellow and will join the 2012 Class of the GreenFaith Fellowship Program. GreenFaith's mission is to educate and mobilize diverse religious communities for environmental leadership. The Fellowship Program is the only US comprehensive education and training program to prepare lay and ordained leaders from diverse religious traditions for environmental leadership. “We’re thrilled to welcome Sister Carol De Angelo to the Program,” said Rev. Fletcher Harper, GreenFaith’s Executive Director. “We look forward to working with her to support her growth as a religious-environmental leader.” Read more »

World Aids Day, December 1, 2011: Generations of Sisters and Daughters of Charity learned by heart that the central purpose of our vocation was to honor Jesus Christ by providing him “every temporal and spiritual service in their power” in the persons of the poor whom they served, including those “who through shame would conceal their necessities.”

Passed down from Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac to Elizabeth Seton, these words took flesh in the Sisters’ courageous service in time of epidemics like cholera, yellow fever, and influenza. In the late twentieth century, another plague blanketed the world with fear and shame – HIV/AIDS. Once again, Sisters of Charity were ready to respond to the grace of the moment and to honor Christ in the suffering members of his Body.

December 1, World AIDS Day, reminds us of the courage and compassion of those who ministered to persons with AIDS.

Read more about the Sisters of Charity of New York
and Associates in AIDS ministry »

The Sisters and The Students Giving Thanks: On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, the College of Mount Saint Vincent Offices of Student Activities and Campus Ministry hosted a Thanksgiving dinner at Pastorini Hall for the Sisters of Charity. Director of Student Activities Dwayne Jones, Stephanie Balentino, and Railyn Pou joined Sister Cecilia Harriendorf, SC, Fr. Chris Keenan, OFM, and Matt Shields from the Office of Campus Ministry, and 30 students in greeting the Sisters and guests, which included college administrators and staff.

Over 60 Sisters were treated to an evening that featured dance and singing performances by Dolphin Dolls and Words, (both student clubs headed by Joey Saldoriga), a challenging trivia game, and even a raffle. The students paid tribute to the Sisters as the founders of the College of Mount Saint Vincent and thanked them for their service and dedication throughout the years. The Sisters in attendance were truly delighted to have this opportunity to share the evening and a wonderful meal with the students. On behalf of the Sisters of Charity, Sister Helen McGovern thanked the students for all their hard work in creating a most enjoyable evening.
Click to view photo gallery »

Sister Mary Anne Garisto, Director of Sisters Hill Farm, attended a rally outside Gov. Cuomo's office in Manhattan on Monday, November 14, 2011. Representing New York Interfaith Power and Light, an interfaith environmental action group, Sr. Mary Anne and others expressed their concerns about the dangers of HVHHF (high volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing, also known as "fracking").
Read more »

SCNY Associate Jack Marth, co-executive director at POTS, wrote an article for The Daily News published Wednesday, November 16, 2011, about Thanksgiving and the growing needs of our Bronx neighbors.
Click to read »

Scarves for women in the Congo: This “thank you” was received by S. Faith Colligan, DC from S. Deodata Bunzigiye, an Ursuline in the Congo. Sister Faith is the UN connection who, with S. Marie Combo, SCL, motivated the Charity Federation to Collect Scarves. SCNY and SCNJ Sisters, associates, friends and colleagues collected five boxes of scarves!!!

"I do not know how to describe the joy expressed by the women receiving the scarves (songs, prayers and thanksgiving). The scarves were distributed to women's groups Fazila and Amkeni which are part of the ALPHA UJUVI COLLECTIVE.(This group which has helped 80,000 people in the area of literacy)recently won an award from UNESCO. http://www.osutildonk.org/english/AlphaUjuviCongoViceProvince.shtml

Amkeni and Fazila are just two examples among the fifty organizations and groups that make up the ALPHA UJUVI COLLECTIVE. And even these are not all the women in both groups who have been served. Therefore, we believe that this gesture is just the beginning for these women who express many needs that require mobilization and synergy of efforts at all levels.

Once again thank you very much to all those who have mobilized for the action of scarves, and all those who continue to support us in various ways to restore hope to these women scarred by the horrors of war."

Combatting HumanTrafficking: One of the most egregious human rights issues is Human Trafficking or Modern Day Slavery. Some estimate that internationally close to 1 million children are victims of exploitation in the commercial sex industry every year. Human Trafficking is a 32 billion dollar industry across 161 countries.
Read more on the Polaris Project website »

The Sisters of Charity of New York have been part of a 30 member NYS Coalition of Religious Congregations called NY-CRC-STOP, endhumantrafficking@yahoo.com. The purpose of this group is to promote education, advocacy and provide safe housing. As part of the coalition and supporters of LifeWay Network and all those who work to end slavery in our time we are proud to circulate the following information.
More about LifeWay Network Programs »

Memorial Mass: On Sunday morning, November 6th, the Sisters of Charity celebrated Mass to honor the Sisters, an Associate and former members that passed away during the past year at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Mount Saint Vincent College. Father Christopher Keenan, OFM, D, Min., celebrated the liturgy.

Sister of Charity President, Sr. Jane Iannucelli, welcomed families, friends, Sisters and Associates who came together on this beautiful morning to remember twenty Sisters, one Associate and three former members. As the bell was tolled, a family member or close friend presented a photo of each deceased loved one, which was then placed on the side altar for the duration of the Mass.

A brunch reception followed the Mass, providing time for all to share memories of their loved ones.
Please click for photo gallery »

100th Birthday: On Friday, November 4th, the family and friends of Sister Anne Mary Regan joined the Sisters at the Convent of Mary the Queen to celebrate her 100th birthday! A paraphrase of the “Valiant Woman” from Proverbs 31 was the toast for the new centenarian, who was touched by the love and tributes bestowed upon her on this special day. All gathered joined in singing You’re Beautiful, sung to the tune of You’re A Grand Old Flag.

Sr. Anne Mary’s favorite meal was lovingly prepared by the staff for the occasion: turkey with all the fixings. Also at Sr. Anne’s request, the staff also prepared traditional strawberry shortcake biscuits for dessert, her dish featuring special 1-0-0 candles.

During the celebration, Channel 12 News arrived to interview Sr. Anne Mary. During the interview a plaque from New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner was presented to Sister Anne Mary by John Fugazy (nephew of Sr. Irene Fugazy), which congratulated and commended her for her loyal devotion to the team.

On Monday, November 7th, Sisters and Associates gathered at the Convent of Mary the Queen for an open house reception to celebrate Sr. Anne Mary’s birthday one more time. As Andy Bower played Happy Birthday on the piano, Sister Anne Mary danced into the community room, much to the delight of all gathered. The staff joined together to prepare another lovely spread for the lady of the day, complete with three separate cakes in the shape of 1-0-0.
Please click for photo gallery of both celebrations »

Nancy Kellar Honored at Celebration: YORKVILLE -- Nancy Kellar, SC, was honored by her Class of 1954 on Saturday, September 17, 2011, at a dinner-dance as part of a year-long celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel.
The class presented her with a "Certificate" acknowledging her Golden Jubilee as a Sister of Charity.

Speaking on behalf of the Class, Philip Wilson compared Nancy with Eddie Robinson, the legendary football coach at Grambling University.
"When Eddie Robinson broke Bear Bryant's record as the winningest coach in NCAA football history, a cub reporter asked him 'How does it feel, Coach?' Robinson replied, 'Son, I have two records that are better than that.' The reporter started to stutter but before he could say anything, the coach continued, 'I've been married to the same woman for over fifty years and I've had the same job for over fifty years.' End of interview. Nancy Kellar has equaled that - and more."

Sister Joy Pellegrino, SC

Congratulations to Sister Joy Pellegrino, who celebrated her 25th Anniversary on Saturday, October 15 at the House of Prayer in Scarsdale. The simple, inspiring ceremony was attended by Sister Jane, sisters, family members and friends who witnessed Joy renew her vows. A festive dinner followed the ceremony with the hospitality of the sisters at the House of Prayer. Thank you, Joy, for your past twenty-five years of service in the mission of charity through your various ministries.

The Fall session of the Congregation’s “Project L.I.G.H.T” English as a Second Language program began its 6-week run on Sept. 26. This is the third year of our FREE classes which enable speakers of other languages to improve their English and their prospects.
   Volunteers are sought to help students; no prior teaching experience or second language necessary. The next session of this program is set for March 2012. If interested in any aspect of this program, contact the program coordinators at 718-549-9200 x 219 or email them: Sr. Mary Lou McGrath or Luz Reyes Devine.

Sisters Attend Grassroots Meeting in Halifax: Ten Sisters attended the Federation Grassroots Gathering in Halifax this past August 19–21. Left to right: Sisters Rita Nowatzki, Theresa Courtney, Mary Tommasino, Bernadette Brennan, Marie Paula Holdman, Mary Benedict, Nancy Kellar, Mary Ann Daly, Pauline Cinquini, Regina Bechtle.

Sister Profiled: Sr. Trudé Collins, AKA Sr. Thomas, SC, was profiled in the New York Daily News by reporter Patrice O'Shaughnessy. Sister celebrates her 60th anniversary as a Sister of Charity of New York this month. On Sunday, September 4, a Mass was held at St. Athanasius Church to celebrate Sister’s 60 years as a nun and her decades of service to this needy South Bronx area. Read this article online »

Sister Profiled: Sr. Cecilia Harriendorf was featured in the September issue of Woman’s Day magazine (p. 65). In the article “I Made Over My Retirement,” Sister tells how she joined the Congregation in 2002 after producing a spiritual public affairs TV show for 30 years.
   Sr. Ceil, as she is familiarly known, has been the director of campus ministry at the College of Mount Saint Vincent for six years, a vocation she calls “a wonderful gift.”
   The interview also has been posted to the magazine’s web site » Woman’s Day has 3,800,000+ readers monthly. 

Sister Honored: Sr. Claire E. Regan received a Gold Spike Award from the Louisiana Orphan Train Society (LOTS) on July 16. She was a guest speaker at the annual gathering of friends and relatives of LOTS who were grateful that their ancestors had been sent west by The New York Foundling. (Sister wrote about her first visit to the Orphan Train Museum in Opelousas in the fall 2010 issue of Vision.)
   This award has double meaning for Sr. Claire. In addition to its connection to the Congregation’s history, it is a dear token of her father who repaired track for the NYC Transit Authority for 32 years.  

Ministry Anniversary: Sisters Margaret Ellen Burke and Nora Cunningham founded The Center for Renewal and Education (C.O.R.E.) in 1991 after discovering unmet laity needs in Sullivan County parishes. In 1999, these two Sisters expanded their ministry into Orange County.
    C.O.R.E. has prepared many men and women to train others to serve in ministries such as Eucharist, Word, Baptismal Catechumenate, Bereavement and R.C.I.A. Hundreds others have benefited from courses in Scripture, Christology, Social Justice, Liturgy and other forms of spirituality. Sisters Margaret Ellen and Nora have contributed significantly to the role of the laity in the Church.

Ministry Anniversary: The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton House of Prayer celebrated its 35th anniversary on June 12, Pentecost Sunday, the ideal day for a ministry which introduced many to Catholic Charismatic Renewal – a whole new way of praying, a better understanding of both the Bible and Christ’s life and teachings, as well as how to share this knowledge with others.
   Approximately 200 people joined in the celebration, including present and past members of the prayer group, parishioners, Sisters, SC Associates and friends. The event was marked by a rousing prayer meeting, fellowship and a light meal.  A wonderful journal was prepared in honor of this milestone; "Let Your Light Shine," is filled with photos, memories and messages of gratitude and appreciation for the many blessings associated with the House of Prayer.
     Over the 35 years, 18 Sisters of Charity of New York have lived in the House of Prayer, which currently is staffed by Sisters Mary Benedict, Bernadette Brennan, Pauline Cinquini, Nancy Kellar, and Mary Tommasino.
   Located in the convent of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Scarsdale, the House of Prayer has been described as the “power house of the parish.” But this ministry isn’t limited just to lower Westchester; the Sisters have taken it throughout the country and around the world!

Congregation Elects New Leadership: The Sisters of Charity of New York held their quadrennial elections on Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, 2011.

Click on photo to enlarge and see caption »

Sr. Jane Iannucelli, SC, was elected President of the Congregation.

Sr. Eileen McGrory, SC, is Assistant to the President.

Four Regional Coordinators were also elected:

• Sr. Kathleen Byrnes, SC
• Sr. Mary Ann Daly, SC
• Sr. Mary Kay Finneran, SC
• Sr. Dominica Rocchio, SC

The Congregation’s new leadership team becomes effective on July 1, 2011.

Sister Published: The April issue of Catholic Digest features an article on "Praying with the Vincentian Communities" by Sr. Regina Bechtle, SC. We are pleased to post it here in PDF form with the permission of Catholic Digest.

Spirituality & Wellness Day: Our third annual day of workshops covering aromatherapy, meditation, T’ai Chi, good eating habits and other practices that deepen spirituality and promote wellness and healing was held on April 3rd. Participants selected 2 out of 16 offerings. Workshops were conducted by our Sisters and colleagues experienced in these fields.

The spring session of the Congregation’s “Project L.I.G.H.T” English as a Second Language program began its 8-week run on March 25. This is the third year of our FREE classes which enable speakers of other languages to improve their English and their prospects.

Sisters Published: The winter edition of The Occasional Papers, published by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, featured a poem by Sr. Regina Bechtle, SC, and a photo and reflection by Sr. Margaret Egan, SC. See both now »

Congregational Assembly, Chapter of Affairs: The Sisters of Charity of New York convened for the first phase of their General Assembly, March 16 – 20. Delegates who were chosen to represent the Sisters and their Associates attended pre-Assembly meetings in preparation. An Assembly is held every four years and determines how the Congregation will meet the challenges of the next four years. This year’s theme is “Crossing the Threshold:  Igniting Charity Anew.”

Human Trafficking Forum: On International Women’s Day, March 8, our Sisters were among those who joined Sanctuary for Families for a forum that addressed the prosecution of traffickers and how to end the demand that fuels this industry. It was held at the CUNY Graduate Center in Manhattan.

Seton Spirituality Series:  Sr. Regina Bechtle, SC, led a brief reflection on preparing for Lent with St. Elizabeth Seton. It took place on February 23rd at Our Lady of the Rosary Church/Seton Shrine, 8 State Street, lower Manhattan, following the 12:15pm Mass.

Jubilees:  On February 2nd, eleven of our Sisters celebrated the Jubilees of their entrance to the Congregation. We are grateful for their combined 725 years of dedicated service to the betterment of others. Learn which Sisters celebrated February Jubilees »