Dec. 10, 2014 I am a native of County Donegal, Ireland, the oldest of four children to the late Edward and Ellen Sweeney. I have two sisters and a brother. I entered the Sisters of St. Joseph September 7, 1963. I received the habit on June 24,1964 and made final vows August 29,1969. In the Ogdensburg Diocesan Catholic Schools, I taught in Sacred Heart School in Watertown, St. Mary's School in Ticonderoga,St. Joseph's School in Dannemora, St. Agnes School in Lake Placid, Holy Name School in AuSable Forks, St. Patrick's in Watertown and Holy Family in Malone. I was assigned as Superior of our Motherhouse for six years and was involved in the General Administration of the Sisters of St. Joseph. My ministry at the Motherhouse, Teaching Ministry and Pastoral Ministry each brought its own joy and blessings in my life. I thank God for my family who taught me the importance of praying, as I was growing up and for supporting me in my vocation. I am very grateful to the Sisters of St. Joseph who provided the opportunity to study and receive a Bachelor's degree from Chestnut Hill College, Pennsylvania and a Master's degree from Duquesne University in Pennsylvania. My education and religious life helped me to appreciate the hard work and sincerity that I witnessed working with people whom I have served in my ministry. These fifty years have been grace-filled with many blessings and opportunities to see God working in my life. Sister Maureen Sweeney, celebrating 50 years of religious life, was honored by St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Church in Massena, where she currently serves as pastoral associate, for her jubilee. She is shown above with pastor Father Mark Reilly. |