Sisters of Christian Charity welcomed to new home at St. James, Basking Ridge

In a historical moment, St. James Parish in Basking Ridge, joyfully celebrated the opening of a convent for the Sisters of Christian Charity, who are serving in the parish. On Oct. 26, Monsignor Sylvester Cronin, pastor, celebrated Mass to mark the opening of the convent. Father Greg Zannetti, parochial vicar, and Monsignor William Fadrowski, retired priest in residence, concelebrated the Mass. At the conclusion of the Holy Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was, for the first time, placed in the tabernacle in the newly renovated convent.

During his homily, Msgr. Cronin spoke about when the sisters were first invited to St. James in 2015. Sr. Mary Edward Spohrer, then-Provincial Superior, said there were no sisters available at that time, and advised the people of the parish “to pray, get out of the way, and let the Holy Spirit work.” After years of praying, the Lord answered them. 

“Having religious sisters living on our campus is historic,” said Msgr. Cronin. "The last time religious women lived on the property of St. James, Basking Ridge, was in the year 2000. The Felician Sisters of Lodi, NJ, were in ministry here from 1964 - June 2000."

While the Sisters of Christian Charity have been in ministry at St. James since 2016, this is the first time they will live on the parish campus. Six sisters currently serve on the staff, with four of them living in the newly renovated convent. Sr. Joann Marie Aumand, Provincial Superior, and Sister Esther Falzone, a member of the provincial council, attended the Oct. 26 Mass. Following the Holy Mass, the resident sisters prepared a delicious meal for all. 

To learn more about the biography of their founder and the beginning of the congregation, according to the Sisters of Christian Charity, visit their website at https://scceast.org. 

The Sisters of Christian Charity invite any woman who may be discerning a call to Consecrated Religious Life to contact them here.