Sister Philomena Marie McCartney papers, 1973 - 2012

Sub-Series — file_cabinet: 2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Record Group: This collection contains records from all the sisters who make up the DSOH. It includes their personal papers, publications, artistic work, photographs, diplomas, ministry history etc. The Dominican Sisters of Hope were founded in 1995. The group includes members of the former Newburgh Domincan, Fall River Dominican and Ossining Dominican Communities. The sisters work and minister in various ways including community organizing, social work, education, environmental advocacy, and retreat ministry.

Dates

1973 - 2012

Conditions Governing Access

Access is restricted.

Biographical / Historical

Sister Philomena Marie was born Phyllis McCartney on October 27, 1935 in Cortland, NY. She entered the Newburgh Congregation on September 9, 1957 and received the habit on June 11, 1958 when she was given the religious name, Sister Philomena Marie. She pronounced first vows on June 17, 1959 and final vows on August 21, 1962. During her years in the congregation she served in the following schools: Saint Lawrence, Lindenwold, NJ, 1959-1960; Saint Rose, Haddon Heights, NJ, 1960-1965; Assumption, Fairfield, CT, 1965-1969; and Sts. John and Paul, Larchmont, NY, 1973-1974; She was principal at Saint Joseph, , Bayonne, NJ, 1969-1973; and at Saint Paul, Jersey City, NJ, 1974-1979. Sister continued on at Saint Paul as assistant principal, 1979-1980, and then as principal, 1980-1993. Following a sabbatical year, she became the director of the religious education program at St. Benedict Parish, Newark, NJ, 1994-1995, and also assumed the music ministry for the parish. She was elected to the first leadership team of the Dominican Sisters of Hope. She served first on the council 1995-1999, and then as Prioress, 1999-2003. While on the council, she continued to serve as pastoral associate for religious education at St. Benedict’s. Sister Philomena Marie has been principal of Visitation Academy, in Paramus, NJ, 2004-, and continues the ministry at St. Benedict’s on weekends. Sister Philomena Marie served on a number of boards, including the Founding Board of the San Miguel School in Newburgh, Mount Saint Mary College Board of Trustees, and the Paramus Catholic Board of Education. Sister Philomena Marie was a nominee for the NCEA Distinguished Principal Award in 1989 and received the National School of Excellence Principal Recognition Award in 1988. She participated in the World Congress on Special Education at the University Sterling, Scotland. Sister Philomena Marie earned her BA in Elementary Education from Mt. St. Mary College in Newburgh NY, and her MA in Administration from Fairfield University.