Sister Dorothy Marie Schnell, CSJ

This is my prayer: that your love may increase. Today we celebrate the life of Dorothy Marie Schnell who lived her life enabling others to discover God’s unconditional love in their lives.

Born to Marie and George, Dorothy grew up with her brothers, John and George, here today, and Walter, who shares eternal life with her now, in St. Stanislaus in Maspeth and attended Bishop McDonnell High School. Upon graduation, she entered the congregation and began her sixty-six years as a Sister of St. Joseph.

Dorothy earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science from St Francis College and a Master’s degree in Science from Fordham University. During those years Dorothy taught Science in Immaculate Conception in Brooklyn, Blessed Sacrament, St Theresa of Avila, Holy Name  and then in St. Anthony’s High School in Huntington. As a founding member of Bethel, our House of Prayer, Dorothy was drawn to Pastoral Ministry and began her beloved ministry in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Wyandanch.

Dorothy always sought to be well-prepared for whatever endeavour she undertook. Ministering to many Spanish parishioners, Dorothy studied Spanish at Molly College and spent three months in Puerto Rico to expand her experience. Involved in Parish Ministry she earned a Master’s Degree in Theology and Liturgy from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception.

Throughout her many ministries, Dorothy was supported by her dear friends S. Mary Florence McCarthy and our celebrant, Fr. Andrew Connolly and her faithful family and friends..  After 12 years in Wyandanch, Dorothy saw a new need and became Director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.

Dorothy reflected Paul’s thoughts to the Philippians and his confidence that “the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it.”  So many of you here today are continuing Dorothy’s good work because of her influence in your lives. Dorothy continued her pastoral ministry in St. Francis Cabrini in Coram, St. John the evangelist in Riverhead and in St. Paschal Baylon in St. Albans. In a few moments we will sing our entrance hymn: “What Shall I Render to the Lord.” Dorothy lived answering that question by responding to God’s call with her entire life and yes always humbly praising God’s name.

Sister Dorothy Schnell, CSJ died on March 8, 2019 in the 66th year of her religious life.