Sister Mary Anne is a native of Syracuse, NY.  She and her younger brother, Robert, grew up in a section of the city known as Eastwood. Taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet at Blessed Sacrament School, Mary Anne responded to the call to join them in religious life.  She entered the religious community in September of 1958 and professed final vows in August of 1966.  During this time she continued her education at the College of St. Rose in Albany where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.  Later, she completed a Masters Degree in Education at SUNY, College at Cortland, NY.  From 1963-1983, Sister Mary Anne taught in several of the elementary schools of the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses.  That 20-year period found her in various locations in New York State:  Troy, Utica, Syracuse, Oswego and Binghamton.  From 1983-1996, Sister Mary Anne directed a faith formation program for youth at Our Lady of Angels Parish in Endwell, NY.  Her interest in other forms of parish ministry began there with the opportunity to become involved with the RCIA, the Human Development and Liturgy Committees, visitation to the homebound and adult faith formation.  From September 1996 to May 1997, Sister Mary Anne had the opportunity for some "sabbatical" time at BERAKAH Spiritual Center in Pittsfield, New Hampshire.  This was a treasured time for prayer, leisure, study and travel as well as being enriched by meeting new friends, both religious and lay, from all over the world.  The courses and workshops in Scripture, Theology, Prayer, Spirituality, Church and Ministry, provided further growth and renewal.  Upon completion of her time at BERAKAH, Mary Anne was fortunate to be able to be part of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in May of 1997.  This was truly a blessed and unforgettable experience!  Pursuing a call to parish ministry, Sister Mary Anne joined the staff here at St. Pius Tenth in August of 1997.