Sister Elizabeth Sheehy celebrates 60 years as a CSJP

In May, Sister Elizabeth Sheehy (standing) was the guest of honor at a Jubilee celebration at St. Charles Church, North Hollywood, CA, where she has been involved with marriage preparation and other parish programs.

Sister Liz at the Jubilee celebration, June 9th, 2007

Sister Elizabeth Anne Sheehy grew up in Kerry, Ireland and crossed the ocean in 1947 to join the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace at their New Jersey novitiate.  She earned her B.A. at Seton Hall University and began her teaching career in New Jersey – her first classroom, in Penns Grove, held 62 second-grade children, including four sets of twins. 

After a year teaching in West Virginia, Sister Liz moved out west to become Principal at St. Genevieve School, Panorama City, and later at St. Didacus in Sylmar.  Loved by her students for her warmth and lively interest in their lives, Sister Liz also nurtured the careers of many teachers, a work she continued during three years with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Department of Education as Elementary Level Supervisor. 

Sister Liz happily returned to direct service in 1979, as Campus Minister, Counselor and occasional teacher at Alemany High School in Mission Hills, California.  After 20 happy years at Alemany, she began a new ministry, counseling couples in the marriage preparation process at St. Charles Church in North Hollywood, California.  Sister Liz says at this Jubilee time, “I can honestly say  that over this lifetime, I have experienced the overwhelming and unconditional love of God.  The vows, of poverty, celibacy and obedience have been a constant reminder of the privilege which is mine to be able to walk in the footsteps of so many holy and generous women, both in our community and in other religious orders."

Sr. Liz with her friend, Bishop Stephen Blaire, at the St. Charles celebration.

Sr. Liz with her sister, Brigid Hughes (left) and Province leader Andrea Nenzel (right)