Sister Mary Teresa LaBrake (Sister Maria Goretti) Seventieth Jubilee
Written on: April 22, 2021
Sister Mary Teresa was born in Winthrop, a small town in northern New York, where she and her thirteen siblings helped with chores on the family’s 165-acre farm. She attended St. Mary’s School in Ogdensburg, New York, staffed by the Grey Nuns. After becoming a Grey Nun and spending several years teaching in elementary school, she volunteered to replace the Principal at Immaculate Conception School in Eden, New York, on a temporary basis. This led to similar positions at St. Rose of Lima School in Buffalo and Ogdensburg Catholic Central School. The Diocese of Ogdensburg is geographically large so when Mary Teresa became Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese, she was often on the road visiting from one school to another. When her father became ill, she lived with and cared for him, all the while continuing her ministry. She found great fulfillment in her position as Pastoral Associate in the Cathedral Parish in Ogdensburg. There, her interaction with parishioners brought her great joy. After moving to Holy Redeemer Lafayette in Philadelphia, she continued to use her pastoral skills to reach out to residents there through visits and phone calls.
In reflecting upon my 70 years as a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart, I am extremely grateful for my parents, who allowed me to enter our Grey Nun Community at the age of 17 and to the Grey Nuns for providing me with the education needed for my career. My prayer has always guided me in decision making and I felt God’s guidance in moving from a school setting to the position of Pastoral Associate in the Cathedral in Ogdensburg. My educational skills were needed also in the Catechumenate Program and in Adult Education Programs. It was while ministering in the parish that the Lord drew me into His care and concern for the sick in the hospital, nursing home, or homebound. I am especially grateful for my Grey Nun sisters, and for bishops, priests, deacons, family members, and the many lay people who have loved, guided and walked with me on my journey.
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Congratulations! Seventy years of blessings for all who know you and love you. There are no words to express how much I miss you!!! May God bless you in a special way this jubilee year and always!
Celina Lashomb Burns
Congratulations! You lived a full life of service!
God’s Blessings,
Colleen Luckie
Sister Mary Theresa. Congratulations on your 70th Jubilee of doing Christs’ work in the world!!
Congratulations Sister Mary Teresa!!
Todd and I miss seeing you at the Cathedral and Notre Dame churches!
We love you and pray daily for you!
Previously I sent a private message to you congratulating you on such a milestone…. Through the years I remember how you would visit Grandma LaBrake and it would be such a special time – Other times Mom and I would be at the farm to see you when you visited. It always felt special…. As a parent of adult sons myself, I know better understand the joy and pride of your parents at your successes and service to your Community. It continues with your siblings now. May you have many more special years to bring you such joy as you serve your Community and the people in your life. Lovingly with prayers, cousin Dee.
My Dear Sr. Mary Teresa,
I congratulate you on 70 years as a Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart! And thank you for all you have done over the years for the Diocese of Ogdensburg especially as a Pastoral Associate at the Cathedral where we first met. I thank God for the influence you’ve had on my life, as I do not think I would be a deacon of the Church without it! Please know we will always miss you and pray for you every day! May our Lord bless you and keep you, this day and always.
Congratulations to you and all celebrants that are celebrating honorable milestones. I am very proud and honored to call you my Aunt Teresa. Love you and God bless!
Congratulations to the pride of Lisbon, Sr. Mary Teresa and thank you for all your service to the people of Ogdensburg from the Potsdam Associates.