Main Content
Remembering our Holy Father Pope Francis
Dear Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Board Members, Parents, Students, Alumnae, Benefactors of St. Joseph Hill Academy and the Staten Island Community,
During these octave days of Easter and the promise of Resurrection we remember our Holy Father, Pope Francis in prayer for the repose of his soul. This period of reflection and prayer is a profound opportunity to honor the legacy of Pope Francis and to reinforce the foundation of our rich Church history for our families before the beginning of the conclave of Cardinals who will deliberate and elect the next successor of St. Peter.
Sister Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, for the Archdiocese of New York has announced that for the next five school days, students across New York will offer their prayers for the repose of Pope Francis's soul, beginning April 28th and continuing through May 2nd.
As Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Divine Charity and President of St. Joseph Hill Academy I too wish to encourage all of us to be united in this special week of prayer for Pope Francis both in school and at home. These are teachable moments allowing us to impart to our students the significance of our Holy Father’s death and the this events that will be follow in the election process of a new Pontiff. Pope Francis truly was a living example, the servant of the faithful and the poor who demonstrated this by his determination to be involved in the Holy Week Services and to be among God’s people on Easter Sunday, rejoicing and acclaiming that the “Lord is truly Risen”. Jesus, called Pope Francis home to his eternal reward on Emmaus Monday completing his earthly journey. Even in death, Pope Francis continues to give us an example of simplicity and love. His final resting place, that of the Basilica of St. Mary Major illustrates his deep devotion to our Blessed Mother and his trust in her ever-guiding hand and love throughout his papacy. Prayer was central to his life as he began his papacy stepping on to the platform greeting the people and asking them to pray for him and in turn he would be praying for them. We too must take the time now to pray for the repose of his soul.
Let us be joined together in faith through prayer and example as we continue the celebration of the Easter Season, leading us to the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost during this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope. This time of unity and reflection is a testament to our shared beliefs and commitment to the spiritual heritage that guides us as Catholics and draws us ever closer to Jesus especially as we the Daughters of Divine Charity will celebrate the 150th anniversary of our reconsecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on July 27th 2025.
May our prayers and actions be filled with joy, hope and strength as we remember the life and legacy of Pope Francis and pray for the Cardinals entrusted to the election of our new Pontiff.
With love, prayers and gratitude,
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C.
Remembering our Holy Father Pope Francis
Dear Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Board Members, Parents, Students, Alumnae, Benefactors of St. Joseph Hill Academy and the Staten Island Community,
During these octave days of Easter and the promise of Resurrection we remember our Holy Father, Pope Francis in prayer for the repose of his soul. This period of reflection and prayer is a profound opportunity to honor the legacy of Pope Francis and to reinforce the foundation of our rich Church history for our families before the beginning of the conclave of Cardinals who will deliberate and elect the next successor of St. Peter.
Sister Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, for the Archdiocese of New York has announced that for the next five school days, students across New York will offer their prayers for the repose of Pope Francis's soul, beginning April 28th and continuing through May 2nd.
As Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Divine Charity and President of St. Joseph Hill Academy I too wish to encourage all of us to be united in this special week of prayer for Pope Francis both in school and at home. These are teachable moments allowing us to impart to our students the significance of our Holy Father’s death and the this events that will be follow in the election process of a new Pontiff. Pope Francis truly was a living example, the servant of the faithful and the poor who demonstrated this by his determination to be involved in the Holy Week Services and to be among God’s people on Easter Sunday, rejoicing and acclaiming that the “Lord is truly Risen”. Jesus, called Pope Francis home to his eternal reward on Emmaus Monday completing his earthly journey. Even in death, Pope Francis continues to give us an example of simplicity and love. His final resting place, that of the Basilica of St. Mary Major illustrates his deep devotion to our Blessed Mother and his trust in her ever-guiding hand and love throughout his papacy. Prayer was central to his life as he began his papacy stepping on to the platform greeting the people and asking them to pray for him and in turn he would be praying for them. We too must take the time now to pray for the repose of his soul.
Let us be joined together in faith through prayer and example as we continue the celebration of the Easter Season, leading us to the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost during this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope. This time of unity and reflection is a testament to our shared beliefs and commitment to the spiritual heritage that guides us as Catholics and draws us ever closer to Jesus especially as we the Daughters of Divine Charity will celebrate the 150th anniversary of our reconsecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on July 27th 2025.
May our prayers and actions be filled with joy, hope and strength as we remember the life and legacy of Pope Francis and pray for the Cardinals entrusted to the election of our new Pontiff.
With love, prayers and gratitude,
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C.
THE FLAME OF LOVE
MEDITATION FOR PENTECOST
SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2025
Written by Anne-Louise DePalo
As I began writing this meditation for Pentecost, the page of my Magnificat opened to the Sequence "Veni, Sancte Spiritus." The following lines struck me:
"Come Holy Spirit,
You the soul's most welcomed guest,
Where you are not,
We have naught,
Heal our wounds and strength renew,
Bend the stubborn heart and will,
Guide the steps that go astray,
Give them your salvation Lord,
Give them joy that never ends."
I found myself reading the above lines over and over and praying with them. For me, asking for healing, strength, and bending my stubborn heart and will spoke to me. What touches you?
I researched this beautiful hymn, (sometime referred to as The Golden Sequence) sung in praise of the Holy Spirit. It is attributed to Pope Innocent III and to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Stephen Langton who is known for naming the chapters in the Bible. It is only one of four medieval sequences authored in the twelve hundreds which was incorporated in the Holy Roman Liturgy and is sung before the Gospel on Pentecost. It is considered a masterpiece of Latin sacred music. The Sequence in celebrating the Holy Spirit and Birth of the Church perfectly reflects the readings of the Mass.
John 20:22 "Receive the Holy Spirit.”
John 14:24 “The Advocate the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name and remind you of all that I told you.”
Psalm 104:30 “Lord, send out your spirit and renew the faith of the earth.”
Romans 8:9 “If the spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead this spirit will give life to your mortal bodies, through his Spirit that dwells in you."
For me the sequence captures the essence of the Holy Spirit. The Advocate, the Healer, the Prompter, the one who guides and shows us how to live, love, and sanctify our lives. The Spirit teaches us how to love as Jesus loved. The Holy Spirit is the communion of love between the Father and Son. Saint Theresa of Calcutta said, "The Spirit is the burning flame of God, love in action."
The Spirit is what gives us life, energy, and breath. Saint Hildegard of Bingen understood this to her very core. She described her relationship with the Trinity as, “I am a feather in the breath of God.” Are you allowing the Spirit to guide your life and choices? Are you surrendering to God’s will for your life? The Spirit is like a moth to a flame, bringing us closer to Christ. As we get closer to the flame of love we feel the heat as we are purified and stripped of all that keeps us from becoming more like Christ.
The Sequence is a prayer to the Holy Spirit for his help to be open to God's love, heal us, form us, and to accept God’s gift to us. The Holy Spirit wants to make a home in our souls. As Pope Benedict XVI beautifully explains, “The Holy Spirit is the gift of God and is the presence of God.”
We are imperfect beings and by our selfishness, self-centeredness, and pride we can often block the work and grace of the Spirit. Through our Baptism we carry the Spirit in our souls. Sin and our missteps block the Holy Spirit's work and presence within us.
As Christians and future saints, the purpose of the spiritual life is to fan the flames of the Spirit, protect it, and shield it from anything that is not of and for God. How do we do this, you may ask? Through frequenting the Sacraments particularly, the Sacrament of reconciliation and receiving the Eucharist as often as possible and through prayer, silence, and practicing virtue.
"The perfection of a soul is measured by the docility to the Holy Spirit, " wrote Archbishop Luis Martinez in his beautiful treatise on the Holy Spirit aptly named "The Sanctifier."
The Holy Spirit allows us to love and to become more and more like Jesus, so we can be conformed to His will and glorify Him by our lives. This is a tall order, but for those who desire to experience God’s love, joy, and to be transformed nothing else matters.
I pray you seek the intervention of the Holy Spirit before entering into prayer and to ask for his guidance and strength to answer what He asks of us. Perhaps pray the Golden Sequence. The Church grants a partial indulgence for anyone who prays the Sequence at sunrise or sunset or at the beginning of or conclusion of a workday or before or after meals. It is true gold and a treasure for your soul.
St. Joseph Hill Academy High School Principal Position
Title
St. Joseph Hill Academy High School Principal
Location
850 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10305
Description
Founded by the Daughters of Divine Charity, St. Joseph Hill Academy High School is seeking a Principal beginning the 2025-2026 school year, to uphold its legacy and mission of preparing its students, spiritually, academically, physically and socially, to become confident, independent women ready to meet society's challenges.
Applicants should be a Catholic in good standing with the Church who are mission driven leaders who will implement Catholic doctrine throughout the school’s curricular and extra-curricular activities while advancing the school’s vision of academic excellence and the legacy of the Daughters of Divine Charity.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field
- Master’s degree in Education, Leadership, Management or related field (Preferred)
- State certifications/license as a school principal or equivalent (Preferred)
- Applicant should have at least 5 years teaching experience and 2 years of administrative experience overseeing faculty or academic administration.
- Possess strong leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills while inspiring, motivating and interacting with Faculty, the Board of Trustees, Parents, Students, Alumnae and other stakeholders.
- Familiarity with state and federal education regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Fosters a Catholic Christian atmosphere and spiritual dimension of St. Joseph Hill Academy High School, especially as these pertain to areas of responsibility
appropriate to the Office of the Principal in administration and organization in coordination with the President.
- Ensure compliance with state/federal regulations and school board policies.
- Review/Develop and enforce policies and procedures.
- Evaluate and supervise the performance of teachers and staff.
- Collaborate with staff to develop and implement curriculum and instruction.
- Monitor student progress and make necessary adjustments to improve student achievement.
- Communicate regularly with parents and the Hill Community.
- Manage the school budget and allocate resources appropriately.
Requirements:
Interested applicants should submit by June 11th a cover letter with resume and references by email to: Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C. at [email protected].
Salary:
Salary range: $90,000 - $110,000
Remembering Our Mother’s Living and Deceased on Mother’s Day
We ask our Blessed Mother to guard and protect all our Families, our Nation which is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to lead us all closer to her beloved Son Jesus.
Have a great Mother’s Day 2025 shared with family and friends filled with gratitude and love beyond all measure wrapped in Our Blessed Mother’s mantle of Love.
May Mary, Queen of the May, shower blessings upon you and your families especially good health. May she intercede for your needs and intentions.
Love and Prayers,
Sister Mary and the Daughters of Divine Charity
Wednesday, May 8, 2025, was an amazing unbelievable day for the Catholic Church and the entire world as we waited with much anticipation as the Conclave of Cardinals gathered to continue the election process for our new Vicar of Christ.
To our surprise we watched by midafternoon the white smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel into the blue skies along with the magnificent sound of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica resounding the message that a new Pope has been elected. We anxiously waited for the moment of the official announcement of his name and his presence on the balcony for the first time addressing the thousands in St. Peter’s square to hear that Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, was elected as the 267th Bishop of Rome. The first American Pope who was taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
We heard his first words to the world: “Peace be with all of you.” He asked the faithful to pray with him a “Hail Mary” to our Blessed Mother for her guidance and help, that the Church might remain a beacon of truth and hope for all God’s children.”
With thanks to almighty God, and for the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit we the Daughters of Divine Charity pray together with the Universal Church and ask that you join us in praying for our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV:
O God, who in your providential design willed that our Church be built upon Peter, whom you set over the other Apostles, look with favor, we pray, on Pope Leo XIV, our Pope and grant that he, whom you have made Peter’s successor, may be for your people a visible source and foundation of unity in faith and of communion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Prayer taken from the Collect of the Mass for the Pope – The Roman Missal, 3rd edition.)
St. Joseph Hill Academy
850 HYLAN BOULEVARD *STATEN ISLAND, NY 10305-2021
TEL: (718) 447-1374 * FAX (718) 447-3041
Principal Search Posting
Principal of St. Joseph Hill Academy High School
Founded by the Daughters of Divine Charity, St. Joseph Hill Academy High School is seeking a Principal, for the 2025-2026 school year, to uphold its legacy and mission of preparing its students, spiritually, academically, physically and socially, to become confident young women ready to meet society's challenges. Applicants are practicing Catholics who are mission driven leaders with prior relevant experience with school administration, fiscal and strategic planning who possess excellent communication skills while inspiring, motivating, and interacting with Faculty, Parents, Students, Alumnae, the Board of Trustees, the Staten Island Community and other stakeholders to advance the school's vision of academic excellence. Salary range: $90.000. - $100.000. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter with resume and references by May 16th to:
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C. at [email protected]
Divine Mercy Sunday
Quotes from St. Faustina’s diary to reflect on:
“Patience, Prayer and Silence --- these are what gives strength
to the soul.”
“Faith and prayer are invisible but they can make things possible.
God’s part is to wonders;
Ours is the simplest part to trust and pray.”
“He who knows how to forgive prepares for
himself many graces from God.
As often as I look upon the cross,
so often will I forgive with all my heart.”
(Diary 390)
“My mercy is greater than all the sins of the world.”
(Diary 485)
“For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
Come, Let us Adore Him!
. . . The angel said to the shepherds “Do not be afraid for I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:11-12
As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior,may we know the joy and wonder of that Holy Night like the kneeling shepherds knew and rejoice in the gifts of Christmas that is . . .
Christ’s LOVE, and JOY,
Graced with His PEACE, and filled
with His Presence in the Eucharist.
In Gratitude and LOVE the Daughters of Divine Charity are remembering all of you and your intentions in our Novena of Masses beginning on Christmas Day. Thank you for your support and generosity throughout the year.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Joyous, Happy, Healthy New Year 2025 filled with many blessings during the Jubilee Year of Hope which begins this Christmas Eve 2024 until January 6, 2026.
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C. and Sisters
Support the Daughters of Divine Charity – Donate Online Today
Donations are not just for the Sisters’ day to day activities. Your contribution benefits the ministries they support, like St. Joseph Hill Academy, assisted living, work with the special needs, and helps the Sisters live their legacy daily.