June 20, 2022

Sisters of St. Joseph hold Transfer of Leadership prayer service

REGIONAL
Story and photos by David Martin

 

HOLYOKE – The new Sisters of St. Joseph (SSJ) of Springfield Leadership team took office during a Transfer of Leadership Prayer Service at Mont Marie Chapel in Holyoke at 1:30 p.m. on June 19.

The chapel was filled to capacity on Father’s Day as family and friends of the Sisters of St. Joseph gathered to welcome the new team of officers.

New SSJ president Sister Elizabeth Sullivan said the process of electing leadership members is an excellent procedure that has always centered on the concept of prayer and affirmation of fellow sisters.

“We have pledged the commitment to work in regard to racism, ecology, climate change, and looking to create better relationships with the people of God in working with our church,” said Sister Sullivan.

The service began with a welcome by past SSJ president, Sister Maxine Schneider. Music was provided by Jennifer Gaffney. The incoming vice president, Sister Patricia McDonnell, said it was nice to have the service at Mont Marie Chapel because of her congregation’s deep roots and memories of formation there. Sister McDonnell was a member of the leadership team nearly 20 years ago and said there have been many changes since then.

“I look forward to being with our sisters as we are all aging and as we are exploring possibilities for how we retire, how we look to end of life care and being with our sisters who have so much wisdom that they can share with us,” said Sister McDonnell.

During the service, the transition of leadership to newly elected leaders took place. The previous leadership team, Sister Joan Ryzewicz, president; Sister Angela Deady, vice president; and leadership team members, Sisters Shirley Anne Campbell and Patricia Smith passed lit candles to the new leadership team, which includes Sister Denise Granger. Sister Granger also is a past leadership team member and said the service was very traditional.

“To hand the congregation over to a new group goes back well into the 1880s, where this has been a transfer of congregational leadership, so it is always nice to experience this,” said Sister Granger.

As the new team of SSJ officers stood before them, the congregation raised their hands and recited a Blessing of Leadership to them. Afterwards, the leadership team was offered gratitude and good luck through applause.

Leadership team member Sister Eileen Sullivan, biological sister to the new president, Sister Elizabeth Sullivan, said she was extremely humbled, surprised and grateful to be elected by group of her peers who wanted her for this position. She looks forward to working with her fellow team members.

“The fact that it is my sister and the other two sisters, Denise and Patty, we entered together so we know each other. I went to high school with them so it is a gift to be with them and they are fine women,” said Sister Eileen Sullivan.

After the service, a reception took place for all who attended.

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-22 NEWS.