Sr. Mary Ann McPartland, CND – 60 Years of Dedication and Joy!

“I’m a Bronx kid,” says Sr. Mary Ann McPartland with a smile. She spent nine formative years at the CND’s Villa Maria Academy in the Bronx – from grammar school through high school. Three years after graduating, she followed a deeper calling and entered the Congrégation de Notre Dame. Over the years, she earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees – laying the groundwork for a long and meaningful ministry.

Her early teaching took her to Vermont, Illinois, Connecticut, and New Jersey. She taught academic subjects and religions education to students from both Catholic and public schools. “I loved teaching­ especially middle school,” she says. “Every day was something new.”

But her heart found a permanent home at St. Philip Parish in Norwalk, CT, where she ministered for 40 years – 15 as Director of Religions Education and 25 as Pastoral Associate. A trusted presence in the parish, Sr. Mary Ann often led wake services, helped families plan funerals, and prepared young couples for their children’s baptisms. “I was truly the pastor’s associate,” she reflects.

Now 83 and retired in Bridgeport, CT, she still finds joy in creativity – dabbling in pastels and playing piano for herself. In 2024, she celebrated 60 years of religions profession.

“St. Marguerite courage inspires me,” she says. ‘‘Nothing stopped her.”