Sister Mary Christine Taylor Retires

On the First Sunday of Easter, April 24, 1949, Sister Mary Christine Taylor knelt before the altar at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph (SSJ) in Watertown to be consecrated to God as a religious Sister of St. Joseph. The Most Reverend Bryan J. McEntegart, Fifth Bishop of Ogdensburg, received her into the Congregation.

For over 65 years, Sister Mary Christine has worked as one of the Church's most visible and accessible 'sisters' in Akwesasne. As academic dean of Mater Dei College, Sister Mary Christine first met the Mohawks of Akwesasne. In October 1972, Sister Mary Christine and Sister Mary Louise Fiedler affirmed that the Sisters of St. Joseph (SSJ) would bring college courses to Akwesasne. Subsequently, from January 1973 until Mater Dei College closed in 1999, the St. Regis Mohawk Mater Dei Branch Campus educated hundreds of Akwesasronon. In addition, Sister Mary Christine was asked by Mohawk Elders to help initiate the St. Regis Mohawk Office of the Aging and Meals on Wheels Programs, which now operates out of the Senior's building. Sister Christine also empowered Akwesasronon to earn a college degree in their Alcohol and Chemical Dependence Program at Mater Dei.

According to the St. Regis Mission, Sister Christine assisted in obtaining grants for the first medical clinic that has since expanded to the St. Regis Mohawk Health Services program. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Partridge House which today is still vital in helping victims of addiction.

Over the years Sister Christine's ministry included taking Holy Communion to Iakhihsohtha and Tsiionkwanonhso:te.

Sister Mary Christine wishes to extend her heartfelt thanks to all of the Akwesasronon whom she has been privileged to serve over 42 of her 65 years as an SSJ.

The St. Regis Mission wishes to extend a big heartfelt 'NIAWEN:KOWA to Sister Christine for her dedication to our community over the decades. Much joy to you in your retirement.'