Sister Margaret Mary Returns to Big Apple after 37 Years

Father Pete and Sister Margaret Mary

Sister Margaret Mary O’Doherty returned to her Dominican Motherhouse in Sparkill New York after 37 years living at Rocky Boy Indian Reservation with ministry also in Box Elder and Big Sandy.

Sister Margaret was invited to come to Rocky Boy in 1983. She had been teaching at a girl’s High School in the Bronx. It was an adjustment for her to come to Montana from the Bronx, and it will be an adjustment to return to New York. Sister Margaret became part of the communities she served for those 37 years. Sister participated in the Sun Dance and Sweat Lodge. She was honored by being given her Indian Name, “Center of the Universe Woman”. In her final week at Rocky Boy she was blessed at the Sun Dance by the leaders and participants.

Sister Margaret Mary started teaching about Jesus in 1983 in her home. Then as more children gathered, they move to the church. After St. Mary’s church building was consumed by fire this past December, the children gathered again in her house. Sister was liturgist and led the music in all three parishes during her ministry and visited the sick and homebound regularly. At Rocky Boy and Box Elder, she taught religious education and taught “Positive Action” two days a week at Box Elder School.

Thank You, Sister Margaret Mary, and “May God be with you till we meet again.”

Submitted by Father Peter Guthneck