America's Largest Catholic Newspaper
Sister Catherine Ryan, F.S.P., who served in the archdiocese’s Catechetical Office for 33 years, died Aug. 16 at Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry. She was 87.
Sister Catherine served in the Catechetical Office, 1983-2016, and was a regional director, 1986-2016. Sister Catherine, one of the founders of the Catechetical Office, was named regional director for the vicariates of North Manhattan, Harlem and East Bronx in 1986 before being appointed regional director for all the vicariates in Manhattan several years later.
Sister Catherine received the Catechetical Office’s Good Shepherd Award in 2015 for outstanding leadership, compassion and dedication to Jesus the Good Shepherd.
“Sister Catherine was a faith-filled, tireless, professional religious educator who served as regional catechetical director for Manhattan where she was always available to give support, assistance and catechetical advice as needed to clergy, director/coordinators of religious education and catechists,” said Sister Joan Curtin, C.N.D., director of the Catechetical Office, in a statement.
“She was a familiar face at Manhattan parish’s First Communions, confirmations and various celebrations. Her life was spent giving her best to help make catechesis vibrant and to bring the families, the children and youth closer to Jesus.”
Sister Catherine served as director of religious education of Holy Name of Mary parish, Croton-on-Hudson, 1975-1980; dean of students and teacher at Ladycliff College, Highland Falls, 1971-1975; principal of Immaculate Conception, Irvington, 1967-1971; teacher at St. Joseph’s High School, Manhattan, 1966-1967; and senior child care worker and teacher at St. Joseph’s Home, Peekskill, 1951-1952 and 1959-1966.
Born in Manhattan, she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Peace in 1949 and professed final vows in 1956. She was formerly known as Sister Mary Thomas.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Ladycliff College, and a master’s in theology from Manhattan College, the Bronx.
Her brother, Edward Ryan, survives her. A Funeral Mass was offered Aug. 21 in Marian Woods Chapel, Hartsdale. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Yonkers.
