Sister Mary Agnes Shannon papers, 1981 - 2021

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

1981 - 2021

Conditions Governing Access

Access is restricted

Biographical / Historical

Sister Mary Agnes was born Dolores Shannon on August 22, 1929 in Fall River, MA. She entered the Fall River Congregation February 14, 1948 and received the habit on August 25, 1954 when she was given the religious name, Sister Mary Agnes. She pronounced first vows on August 30, 1949 and final vows on August 30, 1952. During her years in the congregation she served in the following schools: St. Anne, Fall River, MA, 1947-1950, 1951-1952, 1959-1962; St. Peter, Plattsburgh, NY, 1950-1951; St. Francis Xavier, Acushnet, MA, 1952-1956; St. Peter High School, Plattsburgh, NY, 1956-1958; St. Bernadette, New Haven, CT, 1958-1959; Dominican Academy, Fall River, MA, 1962-1971; Bishop Gerrard High School, Fall River, MA, 1971-1976; and; Dominican Academy Elementary School, Fall River, 1976-1985 1987. She taught music and/or computer classes at the following schools for one or more years: Dominican Academy and Espirito Santo in Fall River, MA; Saint Anthony School in New Bedford MA; and St Francis Xavier School in Acushnet MA, 1987-2006. Sister served in volunteer work in the Fall River area Catholic Schools, 2006-. In addition to her teaching assignments, Sister Mary Agnes: was cheerleading advisor at Bishop Gerrard High School, 1971-1976; gave music lessons, 1985-1998; and was Minneapolis Educational Computer Curriculum (MECC) Coordinator for the Fall River Diocesan Schools, 1990-1997. Sister was a member of the American College of Musicians. She was: recognized as a “Community Leader in America” for work with student councils and cheerleaders; twice listed in “Who’s Who" in American Education; and received five Golden Apple Awards from the Fall River Herald News. She was also the recipient of several music awards. Sister Mary Agnes earned her BA from Regis College, her MA in Math from Boston College, and her MA in Physics from the University of Wisconsin.