Sister Rita Kane, SSJ

Sister Rita Kane is a Sister of Saint Joseph of Buffalo. She entered the order in 1937 and was professed in 1942. “The Sisters’ great spirit of charity, and the need to pull people upwards and help them grow in Christian principals attracted me to the order,” said Sister Rita in a telephone interview. “Being able to live out the Gospel life doing the work of Jesus is a central presence in our community.”

Sister spent much her life in ministry as a teacher and later principal at various diocesan schools in Western New York. As she spoke of her work, especially with young students, Sister Rita underlined the importance she and the Sisters place in being honest and non-discriminatory. “Every one of my students received equal attention, regardless of the status of their family.”

From 1963 to 1966, Sister served as mistress of Postulants. She recalls that was a very challenging time with all that was happening within the Church and in religious life. “We were both learning together, and there is a binding force in that” she says. This year, the group celebrates 50 years and Sister Rita remains close to them.

Since 1987, Sister has been active with the alumnae of Mt. St. Joseph Academy and is moderator for the group. The alumnae meet two or three times a year and hold a large luncheon each year. The group raises funds for the Sisters, and, as Sister Rita notes, the great love and respect they have for the Sisters of Saint Joseph is a joy.

Sister Rita has high praise for what Pope Francis is doing, and his leadership “to help restore all of us to the original care and love of both the Church, and the care of the whole planet and all those in it.”

When asked for a piece of wisdom about aging with grace, Sister Rita, who is now 98, says that a cheerful outlook is vital.

We give thanks for Sister Rita and all the lives she has touched, the love she shares, and for her prayers for the world!

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Buffalo in Clarence received, a 2015 SOAR! grant of $10,000 to purchase a buffet unit. The unit will be installed this spring and will make it easier for Sisters needing assistance to get their own meals and ensure their food remains warm.