Fifty-three religious sisters, brothers, and priests serving ministries in the Paterson Diocese were honored on April 12 for marking milestone anniversaries this year and dedicating themselves to the Church during the annual Jubilee Mass for Religious in St. Ann Church in Parsippany.
Jubilarians marked anniversaries in religious life from 25 years to 80 years. They represent many religious orders that serve in the diocese in charisms and ministries, such as education, healthcare, pastoral care, and mission work. Among the jubilarians was Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious, celebrating 25 years.
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Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney was the main celebrant of the Mass. He presented certificates and gifts to the jubilarians. Sister Lee and Kerry Timony, administrative assistant to the delegate for religious, assisted the bishop with the presentations.
Several priests concelebrated the liturgy, including jubilarians and Father Joseph Garbarino, pastor of St. Ann Parish and a diocesan priest. This year, the Mass was part of the diocese’s many celebrations for the Jubilee of Hope 2025, which the Universal Church is celebrating.
During the Mass, the religious jubilarians stood and recited together a renewal of commitment to consecrated life.
Sister of Charity Elizabeth Kremp, celebrating 60 years, delivered the first reading. Sister Eleanor Goekler, a Missionary Sister of the Immaculate Conception, also celebrating 60 years, led the congregation in the Prayer of the Faithful. Sister Theresia Rositha Fadhe, a Franciscan Sister of St. Elizabeth in Parsippany who is not at jubilarian this year, served as a cantor.
A reception at the Brownstone in Paterson followed the Mass.
Religious marking milestone anniversaries
80 Years in Consecrated Life
Sr. Jeanette De Sena, MPF
Sr. Marcella Riggin, SCC
Sr. Lucy Zanoni, MPF
75 Years in Consecrated Life
Sr. Patricia Bray, SC
Sr. Geraldine Canale, MPF
Sr. Marie Charitina Frabizio, SC
+Sr. Mary Lou Hayden, SC (Entered Eternal Life before Jubilee Mass)
Sr. Elizabeth Ann Holler, SC
Sr. Elsa Moore, SCC
Sr. Mary Jane O’Hare, SC
70 Years in Consecrated Life
Sr. Beverly Ann Bligh, SC
Sr. Mary Lawrence Cassidy, SCC
Sr. Carmen Morales, FMA
Sr. Beverly Ornes, SC
Sr. Angelina Pelliccia, MPF
Sr. Jean Raspolich, MPF
Sr. Patricia Reynolds, SC
Sr. Anita Louise Thompson, SC
65 Years in Consecrated Life
Fr. John Alderson, OFM
Sr. Catherine Altamura, FMA
Sr. Geraldine Anne Brady, SC
Sr. Mary Julius Dashner, SCC
Sr. Margaret Dincher, SCC
Fr. Richard Husted, OFM
Sr. Arlene Kollar, SSC
Sr. Mary Veronica Kulsar, SCC
Sr. Janet McLaughlin, SC
+Sr. Elizabeth Russo, FMA (Entered Eternal Life before Jubilee Mass)
Sr. Frances Salemi, SC
Sr. Betty Jean Takacs, MPF
Sr. Mary Anne Zito, FMA
60 Years in Consecrated Life
Sr. Margaret Conlon, SC
Sr. Kate Conti, SMIC
Sr. Esther Falzone, SCC
Sr. Eleanor Goekler, SMIC
Sr. Ann Hottot, FMA
Sr. Christina Marie Keelean, SMIC
Sr. Elizabeth Kremp, SC
Sr. Carol Makravitz, SCC
Sr. Saundra McKeta, SMIC
Sr. Rosemary Moynihan, SC
Sr. Mary Dolores Spano, SC
Sr. Judith Suprys, FMA
Sr. Maryanne Tracey, SC
Sr. Marlene Weitzel, SCC
50 Years in Consecrated Life
Sr. Rufina Delgado, FMA
Sr. Barbara Gondek, SSC
Sr. Teresita Teran, FMA
40 Years in Consecrated Life
Sr. Carol Ann Lockwood, SC
Sr. Geralyn Schmidt, SCC
35 Years in Consecrated Life
Sr. Margaret McCann, SC
25 Years in Consecrated Life
Sr. Theresa Lee, FMA
Sr. Ann Marie Paul, SCC
