September 10, 2019

Two Sisters of St. Joseph celebrate golden jubilees with Mass, reception

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

Celebrating the 50th anniversaries of their religious lives are (left to right) Sisters of St. Joseph Catherine Zajac and Christine Lavoie. (IObserve photo/courtesy of Sisters of St. Joseph)

HOLYOKE – Surrounded by family and friends, two Sisters of St. Joseph celebrated 50 years in ministry, Sunday, Sept. 8 at Mont Marie Chapel in Holyoke.

Sisters Catherine Zajac and Christine Lavoie entered religious life on Sept. 8, 1969 at Mont Marie Chapel, taking on the mission of their congregation to unite neighbor with neighbor, and neighbor with God.

Father C.J. Waitekus, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Longmeadow, celebrated the special 1:30 p.m. Mass. Father Brian McGrath, pastor of St. Mary Mother of the Church Parish in Lee was the concelebrant.

Father Waitekus explained how both sisters lived out the commandment Jesus gave to his apostles in the Gospel reading, John 15:12: “This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.”

“How thrilled and happy and proud we all are to celebrate with these two wonderful sisters and their families 50 years each of service, of talents, of ministry,” said Father Waitekus in his homily.

The sisters chose the theme of “Forever Blest.”

“We were first blest with wonderful, loving parents and are still blessed with supportive siblings and extended families,” said Sister Lavoie, in her welcome.

“Between us, we have walked with three-year-olds and we have walked with 90-year-olds, all God’s precious children,” she continued.

Sister Lavoie entered the congregation from the former St. John the Baptist Parish in Ludlow. She was an elementary school teacher for 45 years, serving at St. Mary School in Longmeadow and Blessed Sacrament School in Holyoke. She later worked as a principal at the former Holy Trinity School in Greenfield and at St. Mary School in Westfield. She is currently the reading enrichment teacher and liturgical studies teacher at St. Mary Academy in Longmeadow.

“I had known for a long time that I wanted to be a sister. When I went to Cathedral High School I was sure it was the Sisters of St. Joseph. I saw them as great teachers,” said Sister Lavoie. She is currently the reading enrichment teacher and liturgical studies teacher at St. Mary Academy in Longmeadow.

“God has led me all the way,” she said.

Sister Zajac entered the congregation from St. Jerome Parish in Holyoke.

“I really am just happy to be part of such a wonderful community that’s doing wonderful works for the people of God,” said Sister Zajac. She taught at the elementary level for seven years at both St. Agnes School in Dalton and St. Mary School in Westfield.

Sister Zajac spent 18 years as an appointment driver for the Sisters of St. Joseph Retirement Community. She is currently the switchboard operator at the Sister of St. Joseph’s Carew Street Offices and volunteers at the Chicopee Senior Center.

“Sister Christine and Sister Cathy, we celebrate with you your 50 years of amazing service. Please know of our love and respect for you,” Father Waitekus said as he concluded his homily. The sentiment was certainly shared by all of those gathered to celebrate with the golden jubilarians.

A reception was held after Mass at the Mont Marie Senior Residence.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-TV22 NEWS and in the Berkshires Sunday mornings at 5:30 on Albany’s Fox 23, WXXA.