St Rose Sisters Celebrate Golden Jubilee Of A Religious Life

St Rose of Lima parishioners joined to honor Sister Mary Ellen Genova, CSFN, and Sister Thaddeus Rajca during the church’s noon Mass on Sunday, June 5.

The sisters renewed their vows during the Mass, and were then surrounded by the St Rose family for a reception in the church’s gathering hall following the service.

Sister Mary Ellen was born in Glen Cove, N.Y., and raised in Roslyn Heights, N.Y. Her parish was St Aidan’s in Williston Park, N.Y. She attended St Aidan’s Elementary School and Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, N.Y.

While a student at Sacred Heart Academy she volunteered at St Christopher Babies’ Home in Sea Cliff and fell in love with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, admiring their dedication and love for the children under their care.

She began working at St Christopher’s while still in high school. Following graduation, on September 8, 1961, she entered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Sister Mary Ellen holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, a master’s in counseling from Fairfield University, and a two-year graduate certificate in spiritual counseling and direction from the Diocese of Bridgeport.

She has served in ministry as an educator in elementary and high schools, child care worker and cottage mother, music and liturgy director, parish and school business manager, and pastoral associate. At St Rose, she is in ministry as a pastoral associate, specifically as director of pastoral outreach and as coordinator of outreach ministries.

“I owe my religious vocation to God, to my parents, and to the encouragement of my sister and brother,” said Sister Mary Ellen. “But I owe my perseverance for these past 50 years to God; to he prayerful and challenging spiritual directors I have been fortunate to have had; to my family, relatives, friends, and to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth who have loved, prayed with, and supported me in all my decisions; to those with whom I have worked; and especially to those whom I have had the honor and privilege to minister.”

As a child growing up in Utica, N.Y., Sister Thaddeus was very fond of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth who staffed the elementary school. It was at Holy Trinity School that she realized God was calling her to Nazareth. Also, her parents provided a loving, God-centered environment that gave her the inspiration to dedicate her life to God and to the Church.

On September 8, 1961, Sister Thaddeus entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, thus beginning her journey as a CSFN. She graduated from Nazareth Academy in Philadelphia, then earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, and then a master’s in administration and supervision from Fairfield University.

In 1965 Sister Thaddeus began her educational ministry, teaching elementary school, then high school, and then becoming principal. She began her congregational ministry in 1984 as superior; became provincial secretary in 1986, and then secretary general-councilor in Rome, Italy. She presently serves as director of St Rose Preschool.

“As I reflect on my 50 years n Nazareth, I offer a deep prayer of gratitude to God for all the graces and blessings bestowed upon me,” Sister Thaddeus said. “I am also thankful for the constant encouragement given to me by my family and friends, and from my Sisters in community.

“Our charism [gift of grace], ministry to families, has enabled me to reach out to families through these 50 years, and to spread the Kingdom of God’s love to everyone I meet,” she added.