Sister Ann Margaret MCarthy, CSJ

We gather to celebrate the life of Sister Ann McCarthy, a Sister of Saint Joseph for sixty-three years. Ann entered the Congregation on September 8, 1950 and at Reception she was given the name Sister John Capistran.

Her early ministry was as a teacher in elementary schools. She later served on the staff of the Diocesan Office of Education, became Principal of Bishop Kearney HS, and Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Albany. Finally she became Associate Dean of Education at St. John’s University.

Ann held a BA in Social Studies from St. Joseph College, an MA in Social Studies from Brooklyn College and an Ed.D in Social Studies from the University of Georgia. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and received the award as Woman of the Year from the Bay Ridge Professional Women’s Association. Ann also published articles and served as President of NYS Council of Catholic School Superintendents.

As a congregation we strive to bring God’s inclusive, reconciling love to all in need. We carry on the mission of Jesus to heal redeem and liberate God’s people where there is poverty, ignorance, and suffering from unjust structures. The Sisters of Saint Joseph believe in the power and presence of God ever active and creative in our universe. We are to be God’s presence to others. Ann responded to the stirrings of the Spirit in her own life and was a powerful and creative presence in multiple ways but especially in education. In her personal and professional life she taught as Jesus taught, making people aware of their giftedness and their inherent self-worth. In her own unique way, Ann influenced the lives of her beloved family as well as countless students and educators. She did this with great enthusiasm, professionalism, tremendous wit and her distinct smile.

To teach as Jesus taught means that we,too, must go out into the world of our time and address its ills. We honor Ann’s life today and we can insure her influence will live on if we work so others may develop their gifts and use them to bring the gospel message to our society.

Ann, we thank you and we celebrate the gift of your life to our congregation and to the multitudes who have benefited from your efforts. May you now enjoy the fullness of God’s peace and love knowing that your influence will live on through the lives you have touched.