Jubilarians - Cleveland

Sister Virginia entered religious life on March 1, 1934 from St. Aloysius Parish in Cleveland. Sister recognized her affinity to hospitality early in her career, and worked as a housekeeper and cook in many schools and parishes including St. Agnes in Elyria, St. Augustine in Cleveland, St. Angela Merici in Fairview Park, St. Joseph Parish in Canton, St. Joseph Academy, St. Clement in Lakewood, St. Columbkille in Cleveland, St. Vincent de Paul in Cleveland, and at St. Joseph Center in Cleveland. She also volunteered at DePaul Infant Home from 1970-1986.

Currently, Sister Virginia is active in prayer ministry and resides at Regina Health Center in Richfield.

Sister Mary Thomas Byrne, CSJ
70 Years

Sister Mary Thomas entered religious life on September 8, 1938 from St. Ann Parish in Cleveland Hts. She began her long career in education teaching at St. Ignatius in Cleveland, and went on to teach at St. Augustine, St. Colman, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Anthony of Padua in Parma, and most notably, at St. Angela Merici in Fairview Park for 25 years.

Currently, Sister Mary Thomas is active in prayer ministry and resides at Regina Health Center in Richfield.

Sister Margaret Ogurchock, CSJ
(formerly Sister Johanna)
70 Years

Sister Margaret entered religious life on September 8, 1938 from Immaculate Conception Parish in Akron. She began her long career in education teaching at St. Aloysius in Cleveland, and went on to teach at many schools including St. Vincent de Paul in Cleveland, St. Agnes in Elyria, St. Angela Merici in Fairview Park, St. Ignatius, St. Joseph in Strongsville, St. Francis de Sales in Akron, and Epiphany in Cleveland. After teaching, Sister held a number of different jobs including transportation coordinator and driver at St. Joseph Center, service staff in the kitchen and receptionist at St. Joseph Center, and office worker at St. Joseph Academy.

Currently, Sister Margaret is active in prayer ministry and resides at St. Joseph Center in Cleveland.

Sister Theresine Cregan, CSJ
60 Years

Sister Theresine entered religious life on September 8, 1948 from St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Cleveland. She began her long career in education at St. Colman where she served for 13 years. She then went on to serve as principal at St. Rose for 4 years, Annunciation Parish for 6 years, and St. Ignatius where she served as principal for 13 years, and then as office manager for 2 years. Sister Theresine currently works as a receptionist at Poor Clare Monastery in Cleveland, as a tutor for Seeds of Literacy, and serves as a volunteer at River’s Edge at St. Joseph Center, where she also resides.

“My early education with the Sisters of St. Joseph at St. Vincent de Paul School and later at St. Joseph Academy left me with deep admiration for those generous and talented women and the desire to live the kind of life they were living. Their guidance in my development and formation, as well as the excellent education for life that they provided in my schooling, were gifts to me. As a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph, my life has been filled with blessings, joys and challenges. I give thanks to our God, Community, friends and family who have loved and supported me, accompanied me through life, calling me always to the “more”. Indeed, the “Lord has done and will continue to do great things for me”. For all gifts past, present and future, I am humbled and forever grateful.”

Sister Theresine Cregan, CSJ

Sister Patricia Finn, CSJ
(formerly Sister Marilyn)
60 Years

Sister Pat entered religious life on February 2, 1949 from St. Vincent de Paul in Cleveland. She began her long career in education teaching at St. Mary in Berea, and then at St. Ignatius for 8 years. She then went on to serve at St. Joseph Academy for 28 years where she served as teacher, assistant principal, and later principal. After leaving St. Joseph Academy, Sr. Pat went on to serve as principal and administrator at Cleveland Central Catholic High School where she stayed for 15 years. Currently, Sister Pat works in the archive office at St. Joseph Center in Cleveland.

“As a CSJ, my life has been filled with many experiences and a lot of change…all moving me forward to a richer and fuller life. I spent 52 years in the ministry of education and met so many wonderful colleagues from a variety of schools, committees, boards and communities. For this 60th jubilee, I want to celebrate the faith that began in my family, grew in my life in the CSJ community and continued in all the places I have served. I had the privilege of working with so many wonderful teachers, students, and faculty, and have been supported all the way by the CSJ community. I have been strengthened by God’s constant love and presence in my life and by those with whom I have journeyed.”

Sister Pat Finn, CSJ

Sister Mary McNulty, CSJ
(formerly Sister Cornelia)
60 Years

Sister Mary McNulty entered religious life on September 8, 1948 from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Cleveland. She taught primary school at Epiphany in Cleveland, St. Ignatius of Antioch in Cleveland, St. Joseph in Canton, St. Francis de Sales in Akron, St. Peter in Akron, St. Anthony in Parma, and St. Aloysius in Cleveland. From 1972-1977, Sister Mary served at Immaculada Concepcion Puerto de la Libertad Parish in El Salvador as a member of the Cleveland Latin American Mission Team. She later served in Human Services for the West Side Ecumenical Ministry and in the Welfare Department of Cuyahoga County.

Sister Mary is currently active in prayer ministry and resides at St. Joseph Center in Cleveland.

Sister Margaret Schuler, CSJ
(formerly Sister Benedict)
60 Years

Sister Margaret entered religious life on February 2, 1949 from St. Stephen in Cleveland. She began her long career in education teaching at St. Margaret Mary in South Euclid, and went on to teach at St. Wenceslas in Maple Hts., St. Francis de Sales in Akron, St. Peter in Akron, St. Bridget in Parma, and most notably, at St. Clement in Lakewood for 12 years. She also served as an administrative assistant at Our Lady of Angels in Cleveland for 4 years. After teaching, Sister Margaret worked as a salesperson at the Treasure Cove Thrift Store and at Bethany Corner Gift Shop, both in Cleveland. Currently, Sister Margaret works in the archive office at St. Joseph Center in Cleveland, where she also resides.

“Reflecting on my life as a Sister of St. Joseph goes back to when I was in the 5th grade at St. Colman School in Sister Regina’s room. I admired her right from the start and wanted to be a sister too. After graduating, I met Sister Lucy (Eugene), Sister Regis, and Sister Agnes Joseph. It was through Sister’s Lucy’s influence that I am a Sister of St. Joseph today and celebrating my 60th jubilee. Deo Gratias!”

Sister Margaret Schuler, CSJ

Sister Theresa Sullivan, CSJ
(formerly Sister Joseph Mary)
60 Years

Sister Theresa entered religious life on February 2, 1949 from St. Vincent de Paul in Cleveland. She began her career in education at St. Colman, and then went on to teach at St. Joseph in Strongsville, Immaculate Conception in Akron, St. Joseph in Canton, St. Vincent de Paul, and most notable, St. Ignatius for 9 years and later at East Cleveland Public Schools where she stayed for 13 years (1971-1984). After teaching, Sister Theresa served in pastoral ministry at St. Martin de Porres in Detroit, at Malachi House in Cleveland, which she helped to open, at St. Bernadette in Westlake, where she served for 14 years, and at St. Joseph Center in Cleveland. Currently, Sister Theresa is active in prayer ministry and resides at Regina Health Center in Richfield.

“When I graduated from high school, I was very excited in anticipation of my first real job in an office. My life was beginning to be filled with new friends, new adventures and many opportunities that caused great joy and happiness. However, there was this little agitation that kept creeping into my consciousness. After much thought, prayer and discernment, I gave into God and entered the Congregation of St. Joseph. Why this Community, I couldn't understand because I never wanted to teach. Now, 60 years later, I thank God for my wonderful years of teaching, realizing that there is nothing so rewarding as watching young people grow and become God's lovely creations!”

Sister Theresa Sullivan, CSJ

Sister Dorothy Turk, CSJ
60 Years

Sister Dorothy entered religious life on September 8, 1948 from St. Vitus Parish in Cleveland. She taught elementary school for many years at schools throughout the diocese including St. Clement in Lakewood, St. Wenceslas in Maple Hts., St. Francis de Sales in Akron, Immaculate Conception in Cleveland, and Immaculate Conception in Akron. She also served as a volunteer in Appalachia, a pastoral minister, mission director, and parochial coordinator for Risen Lord Catholic Church in West Virginia. Currently, Sister Dorothy’s ministry is to visit the sick and elderly of St. Augustine and Prince of Peace Parishes in Barberton, Ohio, where she also resides.

“My years as a Sister of St. Joseph have been filled with much gratitude and love for our Congregation. I am grateful to know so many wonderful sisters and to have lived with these gentle and humble companions in my many years of religious life. Being surrounded by the prayerfulness and apostolic zeal of the members of my religious community was one of the greatest gifts I have received. Along with them, I am happy to have shared in the teaching ministry in Catholic schools, in and out of state, in serving the poor in the hollows of Appalachia, and presently in visiting the sick and elderly persons in the parishes of our diocese. I thank God for having presented me with numerous opportunities where I could serve the ‘dear neighbor’. Our Generous Promises have also helped me to be more alert and to live more consciously in my service to others. Being ONE with the neighbor and with Earth is an invitation that will lead me to better witness a spirit of unity in our world. I am grateful to everyone who has been an inspiration to me, and I hope that I, too, will be a beacon of light as I continue my life as a religious in the Congregation of the Great Love of God.”

Sister Dorothy Turk, CSJ

Sister Judith Cauley, CSJ
(formerly Sister Brian)
50 Years

Sister Judy entered religious life on August 30, 1958 from St. Margaret Mary Parish in South Euclid. She taught elementary school at St. Bridget in Parma and St. Ignatius in Cleveland, and served as Principal at Annunciation and St. Joseph Academy in Cleveland. She also served as a Parish Team Member at St. John Vianney Parish in Mentor and on the Administrative Team at Nazareth Academy in Parma Heights. From 1992-1995, Sister Judy served as Associate Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Denver, CO. She then served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Colorado Springs from 1995-1998. Currently, Sister Judy serves as the Associate Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago, where she also resides.

I am grateful for "the call" to be a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph which, for me, is both a mystery and an adventure. Looking in the rearview mirror allows me to see an abundance of unique opportunities for growth, service, learning and relationships that have blessed, shaped and brightened my path. This winding trail of bliss and blisters continues to strengthen my soul, deepen my awareness, stretch my hope and quicken my spirit with edges, excitement and engagement beyond my telling. After 50 years, I appreciate most of all the witness to love and trusted friendships I experience within the Congregation and beyond, making my CSJ journey colorful, expansive and life-giving at best. For all of this and more, I say THANK YOU God and all.

Sister Judy Cauley, CSJ

Sister June Hansen, CSJ
(formerly Sister Clare)
50 Years

Sister June entered religious life on August 31, 1958 from St. Joseph Parish in Strongsville. She taught elementary school at many schools throughout the diocese including St. Anthony of Padua in Parma, St. Rose in Cleveland, St. Thomas Aquinas in Cleveland, St. Clement in Lakewood, St. Joseph Academy in Cleveland and Holy Name Elementary in Cleveland. She also served as Principal at St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Peter in Akron. Currently, Sister June serves as the Archivist for the Congregation of St. Joseph at St. Joseph Center in Cleveland, where she also resides.

I grew up in an Irish-Catholic, Scandinavian-Protestant home and was equally influenced by both my parents. Church attendance and Catholic school were taken for granted by my Irish mother. However, I was as deeply affected by the example of my Protestant father who prayed on his knees every evening, and who dropped us off at church while he would go to “commune with nature”. I believe these influences have helped me see beyond rituals and regulations to the heart of what it means to seek God in my life and to serve others in that life. I am grateful too, that much of my ministry has been in the city, and that service I learned to treasure from my father’s example in his police work with youth. I came to religious life for several reasons. My Protestant father was a policeman, working in the Juvenile Bureau. He was impressed by many Catholic schools and by the sisters teaching there so I learned that this way of life was a good one. My cousin Patricia Finn was a religious, so the idea was not foreign to my family. And, the sisters at St. Joseph Academy definitely affected my decision, especially Sister Mary Gallagher.

When I was born, I lived at 3430 w. 117th St. Now I live at 3430 Rocky River Drive. Who knew?

Sister June Hansen, CSJ

Sister Priscilla Saxton, CSJ
(formerly Sister Andre)
50 Years

Sister Priscilla entered religious life on August 31, 1958 from St. Joseph Parish in Strongsville. She taught elementary school at many schools throughout the diocese including St. Clement in Lakewood, St. Rose in Cleveland, St. Mary in Berea, and St. Peter in Akron. After teaching, Sister Priscilla went into nursing and worked at St. Joseph Center Infirmary (then called the Motherhouse Infirmary) for 12 years. She then worked as a nurse at Euclid Manor and Baldwin Manor, both nursing homes, for a combined 23 years. Currently, Sister Priscilla works as a nurse at St. Augustine Manor, a nursing home in Cleveland.

Besides my parents, the Sisters who taught me at St. Joseph Academy were very influential in helping form my decision to join the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1958. Sister Mary Patrick Hastings especially was an inspiration to me, helping me discern my call to this Community. After I entered the Congregation, I was very fortunate in receiving education in both teaching and nursing. I feel that in living my life as a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph, I have been privileged to minister to our neighbors in both professions. Hopefully in the future I can continue to serve wherever there is a need.

Sister Priscilla Saxton, CSJ