Sister Dolores Jean McLaughlin. CSJ

Sister Dolores McLaughlin was a Sister of St. Joseph for sixty eight years and an amazing presence to the people in St. Christopher’s Parish for fifty-one years.

Dolores grew up In Brooklyn and attended St. Joseph High School where the faith nurtured by her parents, Theresa and John, grew stronger. She wholeheartedly responded to the call to live her baptismal commitment as a Sister of St. Joseph

Supported by her community of sisters  at St Christopher’s, life was about the relationships she formed. Dolores loved children. As a teacher and as a principal she ran a tight ship, teaching respect and showing how everyone should treat one another as they would want to be treated. Known to be always available, Dolores would be present to families suffering the tragic loss of a child and sharing whatever she had to help someone in need.

After Dolores finished her time as principal, she continued to serve the people of St. Christopher’s as a Parish Associate, in faith formation, as Eucharistic Minister, in the Ministry of Consolation and as an endearing presence in the parish.

Dolores had deep faith and trust in the God who created her and nurtured her all of her life. She loved all of God’s creation, all persons, creatures and the flowers that graced each season.

As Dolores faced her recent health challenges, she put her trust in God asking for the courage she needed, confident in God’s goodness and protection to calm her and put her mind at ease. She wrote to her faithful God praying for those who would care for her and asked God to restore her health so that she could serve for the rest of her life..

All who knew Dolores knew her faith, the power of prayer and her love of all creation. I think it is significant that Dolores died in a time when people of all faiths are celebrating the Season of Creation. It is a time to renew our relationships with our Creator and all creation through repenting, repairing and rejoicing together. It is a time to join with our sisters and brothers in this ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home.

We honor Dolores and thank her for witnessing to the unity she encouraged and enabled with her life. As we have known Dolores, we must imitate her deep faith, caring ways and compassion for all in need. In that way, we will remain united with her for all time.

Sister Dolores Jean McLaughlin. CSJ died on September 17, 2020 in the 68th year of her religious life.