Nov. 19, 2014 Sister Annunciata Collins, principal of Augustinian Academy, Carthage, has been a Sister of St. Joseph for 50 years. A native of Watertown, she is the daughter of the late John and Rosemary Collins and a sister to David Collins who died in 1958 and to F. Hugh and Mary Ellen Collins of Gaithersburg, MD. She has two nieces, Megan and Bernadette. Sister is a graduate of Holy Family School and Immaculate Heart Academy, Watertown. Having been taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph, she knew that they were the community with whom she wished to pursue consecrated life. “They seemed so joyful and pleased to be doing what they were doing... teaching my classmates and me,” Sister Annunciata said. “They challenged us to do our best and they were willing to help us when we needed extra help. “Our teachers worked hard but they had time for fun, too,” she said. “They had fun with us and with each other.” She received her BA in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from SUNY Potsdam and an MA in Biblical Studies from Providence College in Providence, RI. She completed studies at Fordham University and SUNY Plattsburgh for NYS certification in school administration and supervision. Sister Annunciata has served in St. John's School in Morristown, St. Joseph's School in Massena, Holy Name School in Tupper Lake, Holy Family School in Watertown (where she later returned as Principal), Holy Name School, AuSable Forks (where she also served as principal), Sacred Heart School and Immaculate Heart Central School in Watertown. Sister Annunciata also served as pastoral associate in St. Cecilia's Parish in Adams, on the Leadership Council and as the Major Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Watertown. At present she serves as principal of Augustinian Academy in Carthage. She is also a member of the Diocesan Council of Consecrated Life and of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Sister says it is a joy to be a sister. She can't believe how fast the years have gone by and how many students and families she has known. Sister is grateful to all who have helped and encouraged her. Sister Annunciata recommends that persons considering religious life not be afraid to ask God to guide them and help them to choose the path which will lead them to become their best selves. “Don't hesitate to talk to a trusted adult, visit the motherhouse and a local convent,” she said. “Consider where you can best serve God and his people.” |