Sister Rosemarie Baglivio

Rosemarie Baglivio grew up in Holy Family Parish in Park Slope. She and her two brothers attended Holy Family School staffed by the Dominican Sisters and Rosemarie did not know the Sisters of St. Joseph until she met them at Bishop McDonnell High School. She was attracted by their joyful spirit. After graduating from high school, she joined the congregation.

As a postulant, Rosemarie attended Brentwood College and then went on to St. Joseph’s College. During the time she was studying at St. Joseph’s, she lived at St. Francis Xavier Convent in Brooklyn.  When an opening was available, the principal of the parish elementary school invited her to join the faculty. Rosemarie accepted and went to teach the first grade. She remained at St.Francis Xavier for more than ten years, teaching the primary, middle and then upper grades. During that time, she earned an MA in Literacy and certification in Administration and Supervision from Brooklyn College.

Then, it was time to move on and Rosemarie applied to Bishop Kearney High School. She was accepted and remained at Kearney for ten years as a teacher of English and then as Assistant Principal for Academics.

From Kearney, Rosemarie moved to St. Joseph High School where she again taught English but also was involved in Admissions. She was at St. Joseph High School about three years when health issues forced her to leave active ministry.

Rosemarie moved to St. Ephraim Convent where she served for a time as contact person. When the convent closed, Rosemarie asked to come to Brentwood.

In Brentwood, Rosemarie continues to desire to be active and make her contribution. She is a willing worker in the Mission Advancement Office and is also sharing her skills as one of the secretaries to the Chapter Planning Committee. Soon she will begin to assist in the Finance office. The feeling of community she feels in Brentwood and the inclusivity among sisters and lay partners delights and energizes her. 

Rosemarie believes strongly in the future of religious life.  Although she realizes things will be different, she believes God will always call and some people will ralways respond. “Our charism is needed and active in our world,” Rosemarie says, “and it is evident in our awareness of the needs and our response through programs to help immigrants and refugees, farms which provide access to fresh vegetables to our local people, the good use of our property, and in the many ways we reach out to help.”

“I have found this a very happy form of life,” she says. “I have met so many wonderful people, sisters and lay people, who are trying to live as Jesus lived.” To younger people she says, “Listen to your heart and do it. Don’t be afraid.”

Do whatever you can do and do it in the best way you can.
Maxims of the Sisters of St. Joseph