Sisters of Saint Joseph celebrate 40th Anniversary in new Convent
Forty years ago on May 30, 1976, the Sisters of St. Joseph moved from the Motherhouse on 362 West Main Street, Watertown to the new Motherhouse on 1425 Washington Street. We celebrated this anniversary with a special Liturgy. How blessed we were to have Fr. Richard Kennedy, MSC as the celebrant and homilist. There were 9 priests who concelebrated this joyous event. Following the Liturgy, there was a luncheon, a slide presentation of special events of the last 40 years and sharing of stories and memories of the move and experiences of these past years. We were so very grateful that Frank Brockway, Contractor (Sister John Mary's brother) and Steve Derouchie, Consultant for the project were able to be with us. They were surprised to see so many changes since 1976. James and Betty Coughlin, long-time friends of the Sisters of St. Joseph were also guests. The Sisters of St. Joseph sincerely give thanks to generations of so many friends and benefactors who have supported us with their time, talent, monetary gifts and presence in our home. Today, we renew our desire to carry forward our charism into the world, to nourish and to strengthen God's people through the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, especially in this Year of Mercy. We share with you our day with more memories!
(Description and pictures-compliments of SSJ Facebook page)
(Description and pictures-compliments of SSJ Facebook page)
Fr. Richard Kennedy, MSC celebrates 50th anniversary, Oct. 4, 2017
By Deacon Kevin Mastellon
Watertown – Missionary of the Sacred Heart Father Richard Kennedy shared several memories during his homily at his anniversary Mass at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Watertown Sept. 24.
Most memorable was his joy of two assignments to Sacred Heart as parochial vicar then pastor, a total of 22 years.
He does not currently work in the Diocese of Ogdensburg but his love for the parish he led for so many years drew him to celebrate his anniversary here.
In between his assignments to Watertown Father Kennedy took a study sabbatical, was assigned missionary work in Padua, New Guinea and served as a high school principal in Ohio.
All that was faith filled, he said, but it was clear as he reminisced of his 50 years of priesthood that his love was parish presence.
Father Kennedy was ordained Sept. 30, 1967 and is currently director of a retirement home for retired MSC priests and brothers in Pennsylvania, but said that he longs to be back in a parish.
“Nothing is as fulfilling as being a parish priest,” he said. “The families and individuals I have met in my priesthood; the people I have been privileged to know and minster to have helped me grow as a person; as a priest." Then recognizing his true leader, Father Kennedy thanked God and said "where he leads me, I am prepared to go."The priest intimated that he might eventually be back in the area to lead the parishes at the western end of the Jefferson Deanery (the Roman Catholic Community of Cape Vincent, Rosiere and Chaumont,). He has offered to succeed Father Pierre Aubin when Father Aubin, also a Missionary of the Sacred Heart, chooses to retire. Missionary of the Sacred Heart Jonas Tandayu, the current pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, concelebrated the anniversary Mass and Deacon John Trombly assisted.
A reception for Father Kennedy followed the Mass.
Fr. Richard Kennedy, MSC celebrates 50th anniversary, Oct. 4, 2017
By Deacon Kevin Mastellon
Watertown – Missionary of the Sacred Heart Father Richard Kennedy shared several memories during his homily at his anniversary Mass at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Watertown Sept. 24.
Most memorable was his joy of two assignments to Sacred Heart as parochial vicar then pastor, a total of 22 years.
He does not currently work in the Diocese of Ogdensburg but his love for the parish he led for so many years drew him to celebrate his anniversary here.
In between his assignments to Watertown Father Kennedy took a study sabbatical, was assigned missionary work in Padua, New Guinea and served as a high school principal in Ohio.
All that was faith filled, he said, but it was clear as he reminisced of his 50 years of priesthood that his love was parish presence.
Father Kennedy was ordained Sept. 30, 1967 and is currently director of a retirement home for retired MSC priests and brothers in Pennsylvania, but said that he longs to be back in a parish.
“Nothing is as fulfilling as being a parish priest,” he said. “The families and individuals I have met in my priesthood; the people I have been privileged to know and minster to have helped me grow as a person; as a priest." Then recognizing his true leader, Father Kennedy thanked God and said "where he leads me, I am prepared to go."The priest intimated that he might eventually be back in the area to lead the parishes at the western end of the Jefferson Deanery (the Roman Catholic Community of Cape Vincent, Rosiere and Chaumont,). He has offered to succeed Father Pierre Aubin when Father Aubin, also a Missionary of the Sacred Heart, chooses to retire. Missionary of the Sacred Heart Jonas Tandayu, the current pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, concelebrated the anniversary Mass and Deacon John Trombly assisted.
A reception for Father Kennedy followed the Mass.