Sister Catherine McDonnell papers, 1968 - 2013

Sub-Series — file_cabinet: 3

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

Creation: 1968 - 2013

Conditions Governing Access

Access is restricted.

Biographical / Historical

Sister Catherine was born Catherine McDonnell on September 26, 1945 in Westmont, NJ. She entered the Newburgh Congregation on August 30, 1964 and received the habit on June 15, 1965 when she was given the religious name, Sister John Edward. (She began using the name, Sister Catherine after Vatican II). She pronounced first vows on June 17, 1966 and final vows on August 15, 1971. During her years in the congregation she served in the following schools: Saint Mary, Passaic, NJ, 1968-1971; Academia San Jose High School, Bayamon, PR, 1971-1974; Immaculate High School, Danbury, CT, 1974-1981; Pope Pius XII High School, Passaic, NJ, 1981-1983; and Paul VI High School, Clifton, NJ, 1983-1986. Sister was principal at Saint Anthony School, Hawthorne, NJ, 1986-1995, and administrator of Corpus Christi Parish in Chatham, NJ, 1995-1999. She was elected to the Dominican Sisters of Hope leadership team, 1999-2002, and then elected as Prioress, 2003-2009. Sister Catherine earned: her BA in Elementary Education from Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY; her MS in Science from Villanova University; and her MS in Religious Studies from Catholic University.