Happenings

Dear Donors,

It is with much gratitude that I as Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Divine Charity extend to you a heartfelt thank you for your recent donation to the annual St. Joseph Novena Appeal.  

In my capacity as Provincial I have seen for myself how much you who support our missions throughout the United States are appreciative of the Sisters.  You have witnessed the Sisters’ dedication, love and service and know that their prayers have supported you and your loved ones throughout the years.

The appeal generated $35,000 which was distributed to our ministries in Akron, Michigan and New York.  On behalf of the Daughters of Divine Charity I thank you for your continued support.

God Bless you and your loved ones and be assured of our prayers.

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Provincial Superior
Holy Family Province

Nothing brightens a day in the convent like a visit from children!

If you are reading this newsletter, you already know the love these women are capable of giving. You know what a sacrifice it has been in their lives not to have children of their own. But they have shared in the joys and         sorrows and everything in between in the lives of hundreds, maybe thousands of students, handicapped and elderly women, their personal families and friends… so in effect, their family circle might be larger than yours or mine. 

As the years passed , the number of young people visiting the convent faded. Thankfully, the students visit frequently during the school months filling the convent with songs, arts and crafts, smiles and hugs.

This photo was taken in early July 2019. It shows how even in their later years, our retired Sisters love deeply—and they know how to show it. 

This short visit began with rides for the kids on rollators with Sisters Marlene and Stephanie. From the dining room they rode over to the chapel where they   visited Jesus and shared a short prayer with the Sisters. Next, they headed to Sister Regina’s office for a special art project—painting a birdhouse! Then it was to the kitchen for freshly baked cookies with Sister Maltida, to make sure the little ones were up and ready for their next stop. 

So, next time you need a “place to go with the kids,” add the convent to your list. Just be prepared  for cookies, prayers and lots of hugs!

The Class of 1959 made truly lifelong friendships during their years at St. Joseph Hill   Academy. Not only did they have one of the most successful 50th reunions 10 years ago, but they even coordinated a substantial group to mark their 55th class  reunion.

During the summer of 2019, a small group reunited on Staten Island again! With a couple of “locals” from New York State, Connecticut and some long        distance travelers from as far as California, their group may have been small in number, but the bonds they shared of the course of their lives have kept their friendships close. 

With a small group, their goal was to gather at the new  convent to visit the Sisters and to see the renovated chapel.     Thankfully, Sister William  McGovern was available to serve as their tour guide, not only through the building and chapel, but also on their journey down memory road. 

Conversations covered days in classrooms, unusual     moments shared amongst students and their teachers, and how some of these student –teacher relationships grew into friendships. 

Overall is was a lovely    afternoon together at St. Joseph Hill culminating with delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, where the main course was served over stories about families, careers and enjoying retirement.

The Sisters  wish to remind all the graduates of St. Joseph Hill they are always welcome to come home and visit!

DAUGHTERS OF DIVINE CHARITY ASSOCIATES MAY CROWNING 2019.

It is with great sadness that we announce that our first Daughter of Divine Charity

Associate has been called home to Our Heavenly Father. Mrs. MaryJane Truckenbrodt’s

relationship with the Daughters of Divine Charity began as a parent of students at St. Joseph Hill Academy.

Mrs. T, as she was endearingly called, truly attached herself to the Sisters and their

educational ministry. She served as a forensics coach, a teacher and eventually as the first lay principal of SJHA’s elementary school.

Her devotion to her students was evident in the classroom teaching junior high science. Inspiring teens through discovery was not her only gift. Through her strong friendship with Sister Raimonde she found another way to help teenagers develop practical skills through public speaking.

Mrs. T spent hours with junior high students honing their speeches for the Eddy TV

competition and other public speaking opportunities.

Alongside Sr. Raimonde, bonded by their shared love for theater, speech and debate, she devoted her afternoons and weekends to the SJHA High School Forensics Team. Under the guidance of Sister and “Mrs. T” the team became recognized both locally and nationally for delivering “quality, not quantity.”

This team moto became a mantra for most former members of the forensics team, a reminder always to have confidence in one’s ability and training and a reminder to deliver one’s personal best in all endeavors.

Mrs. T will be remembered by the Sisters for all her contributions to their ministry in education. She will be fondly remembered by hundreds of students for her creativity in the classroom. Last, but certainly not least, her forensics team alumnae will honor her each time they stand in front of an audience delivering a presentation with confidence and poise.

God Bless you, Mrs. T.