By: centraljersey.com
The parishioners of Hopewell’s St. Alphonsus Church bid a fond farewell to their beloved long-term director of Religious Education, Sister Rosemary Hendry, OSF, in late June. Sister Rosemary directed the parish’s RCIA and Religious Education programs for the past 14 years
In answer to the call of her order, she has moved to the regional house in Syracuse, N.Y., to live and work with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities as co-director of Vocation Ministry.
Sister’s final farewell Mass, a joyous celebration, was presided over by former pastor, the Rev. Dennis Apoldite, with newly appointed pastor, the Rev. Alex Enriquez as celebrant. Sister Joselle Orlando, OSF, was the leader of song. Gift bearers included Betty Clancy (Sister Rosemary’s sibling); Sister Michelle Marie Lister, OSF; Michelle Lister; Sheila Behrend (Sister Rosemary’s niece); and Kimberly Behrend (Sister Rosemary’s grand-niece).
Hawaiian native Sister Michaeleen Cabral, OSF, performed a liturgical dance. Readers included Sister Louise Alff, OSF, and Frieda Modaffare. Dennis Gangi and Colleen Gangi were eucharistic ministers. Siblings Sara, Nicholas, and Emily Galik were altar servers. The musicians, led by organist Bill Quigley, included Mary Jane Kent, Joseph Melillo and Art Zysk. The choir included Todd Crow, Morgan Gruenewald, Michele Seabrook, Tom Seabrook and Ron Wielenta.
During the weekend’s Masses, Sister Rosemary, with the help of Sister Mary Flynn, OSC, renewed her vows.
Immediately following the Mass, there was a luncheon, organized by Sue Hansen – with the help of many volunteers – and held in the church hall. Highlights included heartwarming speeches given by Sister Rosemary’s niece and grand-niece, the presentation of a certificate thanking Sister for her involvement in the Hopewell Council of Churches, and a rousing group song sung to Sister with much love by all in attendance.
Sister Rosemary was born in Philadelphia, the daughter of William and Rose (Gallagher) Hendry. Both her parents emigrated from Ireland, met here, married, and raised four children – Betty (in attendance), Bill, Jack, and Rosemary.
In her formative years, she attended St. Veronica Grammar School and Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia.
She also worked for one year as a general clerk in Temple Hospital Accident Dispensary and one year as an IBM keypunch operator at Sears in Philadelphia.
In September 1963, she entered the Sisters of Saint Francis in Syracuse, N.Y., and was invested with the religious habit in June 1964. She made her Final Profession in August 1971 and served as a teacher in Catholic schools for about 30 years and as a director of Religious Education for about 17 years, the last 14 at St. Alphonsus.
An accomplished Irish dancer and a cheerleader for her Philly sports teams, Sister also might be found parasailing high above the ocean.
– Lorraine Seabrook

