In 1817 the Sisters of Charity were sent by Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton to her native city of New York to care for orphans. The Sisters soon reached out to meet other needs in education, health care and social services, offering “every service in their power.” Their circle of care widened to include one immigrant group after another as New York expanded.
The Sisters’ ministries and works of charity with and for immigrants and others in need continue today. Two members of the religious community, Sr. Regina Bechtle and Sr. Mary McCormick, will share its history, heritage, mission and vision during a free public lecture: Widening the Circle of Care: Sisters of Charity of New York, 1817–2017, Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 2:00pm, at the Knights of Columbus Museum.
Sister Regina Bechtle, S.C., serves as a spiritual director, retreat leader, educator, writer and poet. She also co-edited the collected writings of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and has published numerous articles on the Sisters of Charity, religious life, leadership and spirituality.
Sister Mary Mc Cormick, S.C., is the Vocations/Novice Director for the community and is involved in charism-related writing projects, spiritual direction and retreat work. A former missionary in the Bahamas and on a Native American reservation in Arizona, Sister Mary does volunteer work at Casa Esperanza, a multi-service center serving immigrant women and men.
The Knights of Columbus Museum is open 10:00am to 5:00pm daily at 1 State Street in New Haven. Admission and on-site parking are free. Schools and groups are welcome. For more information call (203) 865-0400 or visit kofcmuseum.org.
N.B. Attached photos courtesy of the Sisters of Charity of New York (scny.org)
