Arrival in New York

In spite of a heavy snowfall on April 15, 1858, the parishioners of St. Mary’s in Oswego, New York, gave a warm, cordial welcome to four young sisters who had arrived from St. Louis, Missouri. They had been invited by Reverend Joseph Guerdet, pastor of St. Mary’s Church, to teach the children of local immigrants. The sisters were placed in a three-story building housing a convent, school and an orphanage, and they began their service immediately.

Mother Agatha Guthrie

Mother Agatha Guthrie (pictured) became the first provincial superior of the Albany Province. Among other things, she oversaw the development of elementary and secondary schools. By the early 1960s, 75% of the active sisters were involved in education.

First Provincial House

The first Provincial House in Troy, New York opened.

Hospital opens

St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, New York opened.

Two colleges open

Sister Mary Blanche Rooney, CSJ co-founded The College of Saint Rose in Albany, recognizing a need for higher education for women.

St. Mary’s School of Nursing also opened during this year and remained open until 1987.

Carondelet Educational Center opens

Our sisters began teaching children with learning and speech disabilities through Carondelet Educational Center.

Vatican II Impact

The impact of Vatican II led to an expansion in sisters’ roles and ministries. Sisters adapted to the changing times and became directors of religious education, organized centers for social services and assisted in forming lay leadership.

Carondelet Music Center opens

The Carondelet Music Center opened. During it’s 25 years of existence, the center engaged over 200 students, ranging in age from 3 to 88, eventually closing in 2017.

Eddy SeniorCare PACE

In January 2020, the senior program known as the Eddy SeniorCare PACE (Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly) moved into the Provincial House to begin holistic care for our sisters and our Dear Neighbors (the residents of Albany and Rensselear Counties).