September 9, 2026

Formerly the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Ogdensburg, Sister Kathleen Murphy celebrates 70 years as a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities this year.

Her jubilee will be celebrated at a service planned for 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, at Our Lady of Peace Church in Clarence, New York.

Sister Kathleen began her years of ministry as a teacher at St. Leo’s School in Amherst, New York, in 1959.

For the next 30 years, she served as a teacher and principal at various schools throughout western New York. In 1989, Sister Kathleen became district superintendent for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Rochester. Seven years later, she became the superintendent of schools in Ogdensburg.

Sister Kathleen left education to help establish and serve on the faculty of the Haden Institute, home of the Mt. Carmel Spiritual Direction Program in Ontario, Canada.

Today, Sister Kathleen resides at Fredonia Place of Williamsville, New York, a suburb of Buffalo.

She serves her fellow sisters as the chair of the continuing Franciscan formation committee, continues to facilitate retreats in Franciscan spirituality, and serves as a spiritual direction to individuals seeking to develop a closer relationship with God.