25 minute read
From the Alumnae Committee
Welcome! Spring is in the air; flowers are in bloom and the Memorial is here. It is chuck full of information — articles about past teachers & classmates, class notes, how to donate to the Bishop McDonnell Memorial Scholarship Fund, and information on our upcoming alumnae day. new high schools was instituted, my brother and I were already in high school and asked my parents why they were contributing since we would never use the schools. My mom’s reply was so other children could receive the wonderful Catholic education we did.
The thought of “paying it forward” was instilled in me at a very young age. I saw my parents giving what they could when it would have been easier not to give at all.
Our annual ALL YEAR Reunion is on Saturday, April 30. This year highlights the class of 1972 — their 50th anniversary. Please think about attending the reunion, you won’t be disappointed.
I’ve been asked recently why I donate and why I volunteer? Seems like two very simple questions which should have very simple answers — because I want to. However, that’s the easy answer. The real answer lies deeper.
I grew up in St. Augustine’s parish and as a child heard the story about how the church’s tabernacle was built. When I started working, I believed in giving what you could. Some may say what good is a dollar, or five, or ten — what difference will it make? You start adding the little donations and you have a very rewarding amount to help others.
This was the first time I came in contact with people donating. The Pastor asked parishioners to donate gems and gold to build the tabernacle — and people did. I thought “wow”! That was great, what generous people donating diamonds, emeralds, and other gems to make the tabernacle. That tabernacle is beautiful.
Donations can take many forms, not only money. Clothing — look in your closet, what may seem tired to you may be a treasure to someone else. Donate a pint of blood. Think of all the people you can help by donating a pint! Donations of clothing, blood, and organs do not cost anything but will give You can say I donate and volunteer because you a great feeling — and may help save lives. it makes me feel good, helps others, and Additionally, volunteering can provide a sense makes the world a better place — of purpose, pride, joy, and happiness. It’s a great way to meet people, learn new skills, one person at a time. and do some good. A simple conversation can brighten a person’s day — and yours too. Just about everywhere you go, organizations are looking for volunteers. Volunteer according to your schedule and interests. Volunteer an hour or donate a dollar; it will certainly make a difference. I guess you can say, I donate and volunteer because it makes me feel good, helps others, and makes the world a better place — one person at a time.
My Irish-born parents were an example. Every time the parish or diocese ran a capital campaign, my parents donated. When the campaign for the building of the So, now, grab your favorite beverage, find a comfortable chair, and begin reading the Memorial. Enjoy! — Mary Ellen Lavelle Murphy ’59
HEARING THE CALL OF CHRIST
SR. EMILY MASSE, OP ’58
by Maryann Stahl DeMaso ’60
Emily grew up and was a student at St. Kevin’s Parish in Flushing, NY. As a child she studied the piano, violin, and organ — and, she taught herself guitar.
After St. Kevin’s, Emily went to the Annex, called Little Bishop’s. Closer to home, this smaller school allowed her greater involvement in student events, less travel time, and she knew almost all the girls by name. She was a member of the cheerleading squad, the school Glee Club, and the Orchestra — by the third term, she was the Vice President of the Student Council.
Traveling to Bishop’s was an experience she’ll never forget. It was always fun meeting with her friends as they maneuvered through one bus and two trains going back and forth to school.
Moving to the main building on Eastern Parkway came with more students, larger classes, many new girls from varied neighborhoods (Montauk to Brooklyn), the ability to choose a foreign language,
and most importantly, her introduction to the five religious congregations who taught there. The Sisters of St. Joseph taught religion, Italian, Latin, and English; the Sisters of St. Dominic taught science, math, German, and Spanish; the Sisters of Mercy taught art, music, and library science; the Sisters of Charity taught history and home economics; and the Daughter’s of Wisdom taught French. What wonderful exposure!
Emily became a member of the school orchestra and began to hear the call of Christ. Sr. Jean Clare, OP sponsored her, as well as many other girls, on their journey to become a Sister of St. Dominic.
After graduation from Bishop McDonnell, Emily entered the Amityville Community in September, 1958 and was given the name Sr. Stephen Mary (her father and brother were both named Stephen).
Sr. Emily established and enriched many parishes. She taught the 4th grade at St. Pancras’ School, Glendale, followed by teaching at Good Shepherd, Marine Park, Sacred Heart School, Cambria Heights, and St. Joseph’s School in Astoria. Each experience was exciting and enriching and the children were adorable and bright.
Sr. Emily helped establish St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Bay Ridge which served a large number of Catholics in the area. It was made up of members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and Our Lady of the Angels. She served as Pastoral Associate there for 17 years.
Her musical and singing ability were noticed by the Diocese. She played the organ and provided music for the entire parish. She also served on the music committee of the Diocese for two terms.
Sr. Emily went on to become the Pastoral Associate at St. Columba’s in Marine Park; then the Religious Education Director at Holy Name of Mary Parish in Valley Stream.
Today, Sr. Emily uses her musical talents — including playing for all religious congregations at the Special Diocesan Jubilee. She plays guitar and created a choir made up of a number of religious congregations of the Brooklyn Diocese. Her enthusiasm and excitement for Christ and the Church rubs off. She still plays the organ, subbing often at St. Margaret’s in Middle Village and St. Stanislaus in Maspeth. And, she brings much pleasure by singing and playing the piano at Dominican Village for the seniors in residence there.
Currently, Sister is the congregation chair of the Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Commission (JPIC). Her focus is carrying out the Gospel imperative of Social Justice for our country and the world.
I am so blessed to have Sr. Emily in my parish, Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village, where she proclaims the Word as liturgist and sings at daily mass.
Sr. Emily is God’s gift to many parishes and a wonderful example of truth, love of God, faith, church, and all human life.
I am proud to call her my friend and my sister alumna of Bishop McDonnell’s.
IN SERVICE OF OTHERS
MARGARET (MARGIE) DOUGHERTY RUSSO ’69
by Mary Collins Macchiarola ’58
Recently, while Margaret Russo ’69 was discussing retirement with her son, her young grandson piped in, “Mimi, you will never retire!” A look at Margaret’s life and her extensive professional career of service seem to confirm her grandson’s thoughts.
Margaret (Margie) Dougherty Russo, born in Brooklyn to Irish immigrant parents Michael and Molly, is the ninth of 11 children. Working very hard to provide for their family, the Doughertys always instilled in their children a deep faith and a strong work ethic. Their belief that education was the key to success was responsible for most of Margie’s siblings pursuing higher education. Inspired by her mom, an avid reader, Margie developed a love of reading and learning at a very young age. After attending St. Teresa of Avila Elementary School, Margie was overjoyed at being admitted to Bishop McDonnell, especially since she was the youngest girl in her family and the first to attend Catholic high school.
Shortly after entering Bishop’s as a quiet, uncertain freshman, Margie met Sr. Sheila Browne, RSM, who invited her to join the school orchestra. Reluctant at first, because she had never played an instrument, Margie finally agreed when Sister assured her that she would be taught at school and at no cost. Margie began playing violin, and later, with the help of friends, she learned guitar. Margie was part of the music ministry at Bishop’s, and played for school liturgies, celebrated by Fr. Joseph Mondel. She also became part of a traveling folk Mass group, playing at liturgies at St. Teresa Avila, St. Benedict, and St. Bridget parishes. Music soon became a central part of Margie’s life.
Margie Dougherty Russo ’69 Friendships born at Bishop McDonnell are among the many blessings Margie cherishes today. Two fellow freshmen, Rosemary Jacobi ’69 and Phyllis Marra ’69 and her senior sister Pat Dodd ’68, are among many of her lifelong friends. Margie and her husband Anthony are godparents to Rosemary’s son, and Margie still does not make meatballs without thinking of Phyllis, who first gave her the know-how.
As a Bishop’s student, Margie volunteered at the Convent of Mercy in Clinton Hill, a home for dependent children, run by the Sisters of Mercy. She visited almost every day to play, tutor, and help the children wherever needed. Inspired by her brother Jimmy, an amazing educator, Margie thought about becoming a teacher — and her work at the Convent of Mercy cemented the idea
for her. At the convent Margie felt called to work with young children, and to try to make a difference in their lives. At the Convent of Mercy Margie also met Alicia Zapata, RSM ‘70 (later her freshmen sister who became a Sister of Mercy who worked in the missions and became part of the leadership of her religious community). They remain friends, and Margie continues to be inspired by Sr. Alicia.
Margie attended St. Francis College, one of twelve women in the first class of females, at this previously all male college. After graduating in 1973, Margie married her Bishop’s junior and senior prom date, Anthony Russo, and began teaching at Nativity/St. Peter Claver that same year. Margie taught for three years and then spent the next ten years at home, raising and caring for her five children — while working nights and weekends at the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Family Life Office and at Victory Memorial Hospital. When her youngest child was four, Margie returned to teaching at PS 127 in Brooklyn. Margie earned a M.S. in Education, and a Leadership Degree in School Administration. Subsequently, she became an assistant principal at IS 259 Brooklyn and then principal at PS 160 Brooklyn — where she has been at the helm for the past eighteen years. Margie truly loves working each day with children, teachers, and families — all of whom consider her amazing.
Outside of school, Margie serves as Vice President of the NYC, D.O.E. Emerald Society and represents NYC elementary principals on the C.S.A. She has been privileged to participate in the Cahn Fellows Program for Distinguished Principals as an Ally, a Fellow, and an Alumni Advisor. She also serves on the Alumnae Advisory Board of Bishop McDonnell and supports the mission of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. Margie has been honored by the NYC, D.O.E. Catholic Teachers Association, Education Update, District 20 U.F.T., the Association of Orthodox Jewish Teachers of NYC Public Schools, NYC, D.O.E. Emerald Society, and the Francesco Loccisano Memorial Foundation.
Reading, music, and baseball are among Margie’s favorite pleasures. She stays active in her community as well and credits her success to her loving family and her Bishop McDonnell education. At Bishop’s, Margie learned to be selfconfident, developed her passions for music and writing, as well as her sense of social justice that led her to a life of service. She is ever grateful too for the enduring friendships made, and for the many sisters and lay faculty who taught and inspired her on her way.
Margie Dougherty Russo ’69, reading the book of the month, Speak Up, to a group of fourth graders.
Margie and her husband live in Brooklyn and enjoy spending time with their five children, Danny, John, Molly, Brendan, and Meghan Kate — and their eight grandchildren.
Praise, honor, and much credit to you Margaret Dougherty Russo for your many years in service to others. May your retirement — whenever it may happen — mark the beginning of a very long and truly wonderful new chapter, and may it be filled with much happiness and richest blessings. Ad multos annos, Margie!
AN OLYMPIC ATHLETE
CONSTANCE DARNOWSKI STOLL ’52
by Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67
Bishop McDonnell accepted Constance Darnowski from her parish of St. Stanislaus in Green Point, Brooklyn. First she attended Queen of All Saints Annex before attending Bishop McDonnell on Eastern Parkway in September 1950. Her two brothers, Vincent ’51 and Michael ‘54 were already attending Bishop Loughlin, so Constance wanted to go to the all-girls diocesan high school.
Both her brothers were members of the Bishop Loughlin track and field team and went on to St. John’s University. Later, Vincent was the President of Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, CT and Michael was a chemist for the Borden Company.
While attending St. Stanislaus, Connie joined the track team and competed in the 50-yard dash. This was the start of her love of track. Her father encouraged her and she began training. A member of the German-American Athletic Team noticed her and invited her to join. She was only 12 but was training with 15 and 16 year-olds. She began traveling to various meets. Her first one, in Texas, she won against eight other teams. Her passion for track was born!
Connie loved everything about Bishop’s, and said she would “pit her education against any school in the world.” Her father instilled in her she could achieve anything she strove to do.
At Bishop’s Connie played varsity basketball for two years, and at the same time, trained with the track team — sometimes getting home after 7 p.m., with homework still to complete. It was a busy schedule, but Connie was thriving in a school she loved and extracurricular activities that she enjoyed.
Connie represented the United States in the 80-metre hurdles event at the 1952 (Helsinki) and the 1956 (Melbourne) Olympics. In the 1952 games, she was joined by another
Bishop’s student, Marjorie Larney ’55, who competed in the javelin event. Connie says she still gets emotional remembering marching in the opening day ceremonies and wearing the United States custom-made red, white, and blue outfits.
Members of the Class of 1952 at Miller Ridge in LI, celebrating their collective 80th birthdays in 2014.
At the Olympic trials in 1952, Connie won the 80-metre hurdles in 11.8 seconds — one-tenth of a second off the American women’s national record!
She was proud to be a member of the U.S. Olympic teams and was happy with her performances — said she had “respectable times” (she sure did).
After the 1956 games, Connie did not want to put her life on hold for another four years so she focused on continuing her education attending St. John’s University School of Education. After graduation, she taught high school math, was a guidance counselor, and finally settled in as a principal in Plainview, CT before retiring.
Connie is blessed with five children, eight grandchildren, and recently, a great-granddaughter. Connie keeps herself quite busy. She enjoys bocce and luncheons with the Women’s club. The near future includes planning an event for her community.
The Class of 1952 keeps in touch. They attend various luncheons, and reunions; a few years back, they held an extra-large 80th birthday celebration for themselves (see above)! They annually send out Christmas cards signed “Sister Memorialites”. These girls have maintained the friendships they made over 70 years ago. Their next gathering, celebrating their 70th anniversary, is being planned for June 12 at Jonathan’s Restaurant in Garden City Park, LI. They’ll start the afternoon with Mass celebrated in the restaurant, followed by lunch. On a very special note: Since Connie supports Loughlin, she purchased a raffle ticket at the 25th Anniversary Lion Lancer Golf Outing this past June at Inwood Country Club and was the lucky winner of the grand prize — $5,000!
Congratulations Connie on both your win and your amazing Bishop’s spirit!
LINDA INEUS ’18
A BISHOP McDONNELL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
MEET LINDA INEUS ’22
by Michael Hagan, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications, Providence College
reprinted with permission from Providence College News February 15, 2022
Pictured above: Linda prays in St. Dominic Chapel with Dominican friars and fellow students. Left of Linda is Rev. Bolger, OP, chaplain of Providence College. Photos: Chris Judge. Loughlin graduate and Bishop McDonnell scholarship recipient Linda Ineus ’18 was recently featured in an article in the Providence College News. In the article, Ms. Ineus shares her journey to Providence College, her faith, involvement in Campus Ministry (as its president), and future goals. She is an example of why you give to the Bishop McDonnell Scholarship.
Linda Ineus ’22 (Brooklyn, NY) is a campus leader in both service and scholarship. The biology major and theology minor is president of Campus Ministry. She is one of three recipients of the Ronald and Janet Stride Family Scholarship, which provides full tuition, room, and board to three alumni of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Stride’s alma mater. Linda is also a member of the Dance Club and Student Alumni Ambassadors.
Tell me about your path to Providence College. My senior year of high school, I wanted to stay close to home in Brooklyn. I didn’t really see myself leaving the New York area, much less going somewhere three and a half hours away. My guidance counselor suggested I take a look at Providence College, mentioning a scholarship opportunity. I was skeptical, but I interviewed for the scholarship. It was offered to me, and suddenly, I had a choice to make.
How did you make that choice? I was very involved at my high school, and admitted students day at Providence was the same day as a retreat at school. I chose the retreat. So I never ended up visiting or touring PC. I looked around the website and thought, “I guess I can see myself there.”
What were your first impressions of the college when you finally did get to campus? My first time on campus was the summer First Day in Friartown program. And to be honest, I was still cynical. I was excited to start something new but sad to leave home. of whom had experiences and feelings similar to mine.
So how has your involvement in Peer Ministry and Campus Ministry more broadly evolved over time? I realized quickly that a lot of people don’t know how to talk about their faith, or even that they can. Giving them a space for that when they come to college is one of the most important things we can do. And that’s why I kept getting more involved as a Peer Min coordinator my junior year. And then, going into senior year, it took a lot of prayer and thought, but I applied for Campus Ministry president — the role I serve in now. It’s a big responsibility, but it allows me to give back to an organization that has given so much to me.
The hardest part was when my family left on Move In Day. We went to the Welcome Mass, but then had to say goodbye. My brother repeatedly told me, “It’s not goodbye. It’s see you later. You’re going to be fine. You’ll make friends.” But it felt like so many of my peers already knew each other. I didn’t really feel at home at first.
When I applied for president, I didn’t know where the path would lead me, but I’m so happy that I did. We’ve accomplished so much this year. Ministering to people is great, but “Be who God meant you to be and as a leader, seeing the joy that my peers in Campus Ministry bring to you will set the world on fire.” others is even better. It brings me a lot of joy. — St. Catherine of Siena
When did you begin to feel more at home? After months of just doing the work I needed to do and taking the bus home many weekends, I took Father Michael’s advice to join Peer Ministry. I sort of waded in at first — didn’t go to all the meetings. But the people were really nice, and that’s where I started to feel at home.
And once involved, you were pretty hooked, right? You were a Peer Ministry leader before long. Yes, at the last Peer Min meeting of the semester, my leader told me, “You should apply to be a leader.” I did so on a whim and didn’t tell anybody. I got the role, and everything really clicked at spring
Linda on campus at Providence College.
semester leadership training. Everyone was so genuine, caring, and kind. They wanted to get to know me, and I wanted to get to know them. When we’d talk, they’d recall specific things I mentioned in conversations before. It was so clear that they cared.
How did that experience in Peer Ministry impact your overall experience here? It gave me genuine friendships. Midway through my first year, I thought I might transfer. By the summer after my first year, I couldn’t wait to come back for year two. And it didn’t disappoint. One of the best parts of sophomore year was guiding first-year students, some How does your perspective as a Black, Roman Catholic woman inform your faith and ministry? There’s strength in being Black and being Catholic. I can offer up much in prayer, and I have hope that God will help us through whatever struggles we experience. I’m all the more thankful for my ability to witness to and advocate for others. I’m also thankful for the women leaders at Providence College who have paved the way for leaders like me.
In my junior year, someone pointed out that I was the only Black person in Peer Ministry leadership, suggesting that I had a special responsibility to help bring people of color to the church. That didn’t sit right with me. I turned the question around; said we need to ask why many
people of color are uncomfortable in the church. We need to meet them where they are. And this can’t be done by one person or one group within the church.
At Campus Ministry, our policy is that all are welcome. You don’t need to be a practicing Catholic. You don’t need to be Catholic or Christian at all. You just need to be willing to be a friend. God means for us to have friends.
You study biology and theology. Do you find that inquiry in either discipline informs the other? I arrived a declared biology major, but I found theology so exciting when I took a course on Catholic Social Thought with Father Albino. I learned so much about this area of the church’s tradition and teaching that was until then unfamiliar to me. Experiences like that inspired me to add a theology minor.
Theology and biology intersected in my independent study with Father Nic. We studied biomedical ethics. Understanding the biology helped me to understand the theology, and understanding the theology deepened my appreciation for the biology.
In a Campus Ministry Instagram post, you quoted Saint Catherine of Siena: “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” What does this mean to you? God is calling you to be yourself. We set the world on fire through little things. Being there for people, praying with people. Offering up our struggles to God. Thanking him for everything beginning with waking up. Start little fires. They will grow into a greater flame.
You graduate in May, so I have to ask: What’s next? My goal is to become a pediatrician. I’m going to take a gap year or two while I study for the MCAT. I hope to work an entry-level research position in the meantime.
As much as I missed home when I first arrived in New England, I’ve realized that it’s really not that far away. What felt like 10 hours my first year feels much closer now. So I may go back to New York, or I may stay in New England. I have great friends in both places, and I’m very thankful for that.
I am so thankful for the ways I’ve grown as a person in these four short years thanks to the people I’ve met here. I’ve had opportunities that I couldn’t have had elsewhere, and there’s only more to come.
BISHOP’S & BASKETBALL
by Phyllis Murphy Howell ’67
Helen Lennon, the first lay teacher hired by Bishop’s in 1926, acted not only as the gym teacher, but she also initiated the training for our first varsity team — basketball (after her marriage, she returned in 1954 as Mrs. Frank Berberich and continued working until her retirement in 1970). Although there were many after-school activities, basketball was by far the most popular. Many afternoons, one might find the gym crowded with students earnestly cheering on the team as they practiced with determination. The Bishop McDonnell spirit we so often hear about was evident early on. Even though the fledging team would play only four games that year, it had the opportunity to play as far away as NJ.
In 1940, basketball was the student’s favorite sport — bowling the second. Throughout our history, basketball was sometimes intramural; we played local teams without an official title of Varsity. Basketball is the only team spanning the length of 45 years at Bishop’s (it was disbanded for a year in 1943 due to the war where it was impossible to stay after school to practice or play games). It was probably hard for students to imagine it, but Sr. Jean Aquinas (assistant principal and teacher) played on the team during her four years as a student at Bishop’s.
In 1954, the team placed first in the Catholic High School Silver Jubilee Basketball Tournament where one Bishop’s student was the solitary player to score all of her free-throw shots. Success continued in 1955 when, under Mrs. Berberich, the varsity team defeated Fontbonne Hall for the first time in three years — finishing the season undefeated. A Junior Varsity team was added in 1956, and in 1959, the school decided to offer basketball to all students instead of just practicing with a chosen few. Thus, intramural teams were born. Students embraced them until the regular varsity teams were reinstated.
In 1965, in addition to the junior and senior varsity teams, the school formed a “second” team of alumnae — chosen by the Alumnae Association as a sure-fire way to raise money. They were no match for the varsity team and were defeated 33-17.
Although many attended games held in the gym, few realized the long hours of practice and hard work needed to win. One of the last fun events for the Class of 1969 was a game between the faculty and varsity team, although it was never a “real contest” with the varsity
Jonae Vernon ‘23, a Patricia McCarthy Burke ‘67 Scholarship recipient!
From the 1967 yearbook, Patricia McCarthy leaps for the ball in an action-packed game.
team quickly taking a resounding lead over the faculty, with a final score of 50-16. The students had a good time though the faculty might not have enjoyed it as much!
In 1970, Bishop’s played St. Brendan’s in a game, ending in overtime. The win was ours and Bishop’s was again undefeated. In general during the 1970s, the basketball teams were the pride of Bishop’s. By June, 1972, we captured first place in the Brooklyn-Queens Division.
The 1972 annual varsity faculty game was promoted as the faculty’s most promising chance of defeating the varsity because there now would be a male teacher playing, Frank Morelli. During the last quarter, it became apparent the faculty wanted to win at all costs. Teachers joined the game every five seconds — and not as replacements. By the end of the game, there were at least ten faculty members for each varsity girl. Despite stolen balls, unofficial baskets, and other faculty shenanigans, the varsity won. However, it was the “losers” that provided spectators with a wonderfully wild experience not to be forgotten.
THE PATRICIA McCARTHY BURKE ’67 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The varsity basketball team has been an important part of Bishop’s history. So, when Patricia McCarthy ‘67, a former member of the team, passed away in 2011, it was fitting her family and friends honored her with a scholarship in her name. The Patricia McCarthy Burke Scholarship continues today and is awarded annually to a female student at Bishop Loughlin who is involved in basketball. All donations go to the alumnae scholarship fund, but you can designate your donation to the Patricia McCarthy Burke ‘67 Scholarship fund.
