Sr. Angela McCarthy, CSJP

Journey of an Irish Wayfarer: Sister Angela is the youngest of eight children. Her parents placed God and the Church at the center of their family life, each in their own unique way. She recalls having a very happy childhood in rural County Armagh, Northern Ireland, where she also received her elementary and high school education. On October 17, 1953, she entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Newark (now known as “of Peace”) in Cabra, County Down, Northern Ireland.

In 1954, she journeyed to America aboard the Queen Mary. After spending five days in New Jersey, she arrived in Bellingham, Washington, close to midnight on September 10, 1954. Sister Angela was received into the community on March 19, 1955, and pronounced her first temporary vows on March 19, 1957. She attended Seattle University from March 1957 to June 1959, graduating with a B.Ed. On August 22, 1960, she pronounced her final vows.

From 1959 to 1974, Sister Angela taught in various grade schools and high schools in California and Washington State. In 1974, she took a year-long sabbatical at the Pontifical Seminary College in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland, earning a Diploma in Religious Studies.

In 1975, she became the Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Fairbanks in northern Alaska, a position she held until 1982. Upon her return to Washington State, Sister Angela served as Principal of Immaculate Conception Regional School in Mount Vernon from 1982 to 1994. During that time, she also earned a degree in Administration in 1984. She continued her ministry as Principal of Saint Mary School in Aberdeen from 1994 to 2000, and concluded her ministerial career as vice-principal, librarian, and liturgist for Saint Rose de Viterbo School in Longview.

Sister Angela retired in 2005 to Our Lady of Good Help Parish in Hoquiam, where she volunteered in various areas of parish ministry. On October 22, 2017, she moved to St. Mary-on-the-Lake.

In retirement, Sister Angela enjoys reading, knitting, completing jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her four-legged companion, “Guinness.” Every night from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., she faithfully joins Sister Agnes for Holy Hour. 😉