July 5, 1929–July 15, 2020
Catherine Anne Murray was born on July 5, 1929 in Brooklyn, NY to John Murray and Belinda Finnerty Murray both immigrants from Ireland. Baptized at St. Paul’s Brooklyn, Catherine was one of five children. She attended Bishop McDonald Memorial High School then worked in the business world as a clerk typist. She was a member of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate for 3 1/2 years before entering in the community in 1952.
Reading Catherine’s letters reveals a humble person who depended greatly on the Holy Spirit. In her letter of application to Mother Mary Francis Taylor, she wrote, “I hope and pray that the Holy (Ghost) Spirit will inspire you to accept me to your beloved order and that He will give me the grace of perseverance to do His Holy Will.” She was accepted and took the name Sr. Joseph Maureen of the Holy Ghost. She returned to her baptismal name in 1968.
She professed First Vows in 1954 and Final Vows in 1957.
Her first few years were spent in Cambridge, then in Winchester at our brothers’ seminary where she was well loved and loved them in return. The bulk of Catherine’s ministry life was love and service in parishes as a Religious Educator and Parish Minister in Wareham, MA; Southington, CT; Uniontown, PA; McKees Rocks, PA; Dothan, AL; Fairhope, AL and Delisle, MS.
While her title was usually something like CCD Coordinator, her actual ministry included training of catechists, discussion clubs, home visiting and visits to nursing homes and hospitals. In addition, Catherine served as the Custodian in at least three of the Cenacles where she lived.
Sr. Catherine earned her Bachelor’s of Arts and Masters in Rel. Ed degree at Boston College completing her formal studies in 1982. She did this in the manner of so many MSBT; a course here and there, a few courses in the summer. She continually read and attended workshops to keep current in her field.
Sr. Catherine was always interested in learning more, in expanding her knowledge base for the sake of the mission and for the sake of the people with whom she served. In her mission assessment tools through the years she expressed a deep concern for the needs of the parents of the children with whom she worked. She has a desire that they learn and read more to deepen in and better understand their faith so they could better communicate it to their children and others. She believed strongly that her role was to encourage and support the lay people with whom she worked. To serve as a resource to them.
Through the years Catherine displayed gifts for living in community and collaborating with others well, particularly with Priests. She particularly enjoyed working with our brothers the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. She was, I think, easy going and considerate in her relationships. She was quite skilled in Irish dancing and loved to perform when possible.
In 2003, Catherine applied to the Berakah -Place of Blessing for a few months of sabbatical. In her application she described her experiences over the years and concluded by writing, “I have been happy in every mission I have been on, including its frustrations and challenges” enjoying it to the full.
After her sabbatical time, Catherine was asked to be the minister of Spiritual Life and part of the Motherhouse Team. She ministered to the sisters at the Motherhouse in this capacity eventually moving to part time Intra Community Service in 2008 as her energy and health declined. In 2010 Catherine was missioned to the Ministry of Prayer and in 2014 to Mother Boniface Cenacle at Wesley.
Catherine was warm and hospitable. She helped others feel welcomed and I’m sure that gift was extended to many people over the years, to the children and parents, priests and sisters with whom she lived and worked.
Think of the wonderful welcome she received into the presence of the Lord. Surely she was greeted by many family and friends.
We give thanks Catherine for your love and presence among us, for your dedicated service to the Catholic Church and for freely sharing with us the gifts that the Holy Spirit gave to you.