Sister Patricia Ann Lawless, CSJ

Patricia Ann Lawless entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 8, 1957 and at Reception she received the name Sister Mary Laurentine.

Her early ministries were as a teacher in the elementary schools of the Diocese. Meanwhile, she earned a BS in Education at Brentwood College, an MS in Science Teaching at Syracuse University, an MS in Education at Long Island University and certification in Biology, Chemistry and Guidance from New York State.

In 1974, she became a science teacher at St. Angela Hall Academy and then at Our Lady of Perpetual Help HS. From there she went on to be a Guidance Counselor at St. Ephrem School and then at Fontbonne Hall Academy.

Relationships are central in the life of our congregation and they were in Pat’s life as well. Love of God and neighbor without distinction characterizes our mission and Pat’s life. We are to be continually aware of God’s unconditional love for us and to be that love for others, especially the poor and needy in our world.

Yesterday the Church celebrated the feast of the Baptism of Jesus. We heard the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Thus says The Lord. Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased upon whom I have put my spirit.” Pat lived out her baptismal call through her intimate connection to the God whose spirit moved her to faithful and dedicated service influencing so many through her ministries as teacher and counselor. God grasped her and formed her so that her gracious presence revealed God’s great love in all of her relationships.

God upheld Pat in the many challenges life brings and especially during her last illness. She relied on God’s unconditional love for her and she continued to be a faithful and gracious revelation of that love to all around her. God chose her, upheld her and all of us here have great confidence that she now enjoys the fullness of life with her God who is very well pleased

Sister Patricia Ann Lawless, CSJ died on January 10, 2014 in the 57th year of her religious life.