Leadership

Every four years we select leadership for the Albany Province. Using a process of reflection, discernment, and prayer, we call forth women to lead, encourage, invite, challenge, and inspire us to live our commitment with generosity and zeal.

Our current Province Leadership Team (2004 - 2008) includes:

Sister Anna Mae Collins

( acollins@csjalbany.org ) is a native of Syracuse, NY. Anna Mae has spent her years of ministry in the education field as a teacher and an administrator. She is presently the associate principal of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School in Utica, NY. The Sisters of St. Joseph have always responded with great love and compassion to the needs of our time. Reflecting on that statement, Anna Mae states, “I have been blessed with the opportunity to share in the life and ministry of very generous women who bring the message of unity and reconciliation to the world.” Anna Mae enjoys spending time with her family and friends and derives great enjoyment from sports.



Sister Johanne McCarthy

( jmccarthy@csjalbany.org ) is from Syracuse, NY, and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph after graduating from St. Anthony's High School. Johanne has spent most of her ministry years in administration of Catholic schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses and at the Provincial House in Latham. Presently, she is parish life director at St. Patrick's in St. Johnsville, NY. “I am most grateful for my vocation as a CSJ and overwhelmed with the many evidences of what we, together, as women of the Church, have accomplished and will continue to do for the dear neighbor .” Johanne enjoys time with family and friends and a good game of cards, preferably poker or pitch.

 



Sister Christine Partisano

( cpartisano@csjalbany.org ) grew up in Troy, NY in the shadow of St. Joseph's Seminary where our Sisters lived until 1962. Chris is a former math teacher, campus minister and Albany Diocesan formation director. For the sixteen years prior to this leadership term, she was involved in consultant work with many religious congregations internationally. Also, she is a retreat and spiritual director. “I really love being involved in the lives of groups and individuals who are God-searchers. I find hearing peoples' stories and dreams a real gift! It is a privilege to accompany others in life growth!” Chris is an artist and gardener. Both of these endeavors bring beauty to others. For 2004-2008, Chris will serve as a full-time member of the leadership team.

 


Sister Ranah Phelan

( rphelan@csjalbany.org ) is from Glens Falls, NY where she first encountered The Sisters of St. Joseph in her years at St. Mary's Academy. Ranah's ministry has been in Catholic education as both teacher and administrator, serving in various locations throughout New York and Massachusetts. Her love for children has always energized her efforts to make this world a little better one day at a time. Ranah experiences life with the Sisters of St. Joseph “as a privilege and a responsibility to our future … delineated in our unfolding efforts to become all of which woman is capable .” Ranah enjoys family gatherings, time with friends and trips to Maine.

 

 
Sister Mary Catherine Ryan (kryan@csjalbany.org) is from Syracuse, NY. Her previous ministries have included teaching and serving as director of the Family Life Office for the Diocese of Albany. Kay describes her life as a CSJ in these words: “My experience of the Sisters of St. Joseph is filled with generous women who bring the healing presence of Jesus to our world. It is the gift that my Sisters have shared with me. As a result I have become a better person.” Kay enjoys time with friends and her family, and reading just about anything, particularly fiction.



Sister Sharon Whellahan

( swhellahan@csjalbany.org ) is from Oswego, NY, and St. Mary's Parish where the first Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in New York State from St. Louis in 1858. Her ministries have included teaching, administration, parish ministry and rural outreach. Presently, Sharon is a pastoral associate at Historic Old St. John's Church in Utica, NY. “Being a Sister of St. Joseph is one of the greatest gifts in my life. It allows me, in a special way, to share God's love with others.” Sharon enjoys golfing, skiing, gardening and Syracuse University football and basketball.

 

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