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Sister Stephanie Nolan, O.S.U.

Ursuline Sisters

Born Leonora Nolan on November 16, 1923 in the Bronx, Sister Stephanie entered the Ursulines in 1941 and professed final vows in 1946.  She earned a BA in English from the College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY, a MA in English from Fordham University, Bronx, NY and a MS in Religion from Fordham.  She earned a Pastoral Institute Certificate from Boston College.

She taught in schools in New York and Washington from 1943 until 1974.  She worked in parish ministry from 1974 until 1998.  She worked in Pastoral Ministry (RCIA) at Immaculate Conception Church, Tuckahoe, NY from 1998 until her retirement in 2003.

  • What attracted you to become a Sister?
    My experience of being born to a working class family of gentle parents who nurtured me in the faith and supported by the Ursuline Sisters in the parish school of Our Lady of Mercy proved to be fertile soil for my religious vocation.
  • As you look at your years of faithful service, what has been your greatest joy?  Your greatest challenge?
    My greatest joy is the opportunity I’ve had over many years to fulfill my love for scripture and to continue life-long interest in religious studies.  My greatest challenge:  to accept my own frailty and that of my sisters in a community lifestyle.
  • Can you share a story or some insight about a favorite time in ministry?
    In this period of retirement, I’ve been given the grace to experience a desire for the contemplative aspect of my vocation.  I am grateful to the Ursuline leadership for wise and long-term planning which provides me with the space and environment whereby I have time and solitude for contemplation.”
  • Each part of our life journey is touched by the holy, ad we in turn are asked to bring Christ to others.  Can you share a moment from your life?
    I continue to view aging as a gift and a call – as important as my first call to religious life.  This call does not deny the limitations of aging but presents the opportunity to reflect and discover the pattern that has developed over the years.
  • Do you have a word of wisdom you’d like to share with people today?
    God is with us in our journey every step of the way.  See His face in every person and circumstance.

This year, the Ursuline Sisters of the Eastern Province received a $16,000 grant from SOAR! to upgrade air-conditioning systems. Thank you! 

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