Who We Are

Sister Patricia Laffey, SC

 

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sister Patricia Laffey entered the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill on September 8, 1961, from Resurrection Parish, Brookline. Now in her 50th year of religious life, Sister Patricia currently serves as principal of Saint Agnes School in Pittsburgh.  A principal since 1980, she served in the Diocese of Pittsburgh at Seton La-Salle High School and Sacred Heart Elementary as well as in the Diocese of Greensburg at Saint Paul School and Greensburg Catholic Middle School.  From 1963 to 1980, Sister Patricia taught at seven elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school in the Dioceses of Greensburg and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania and the Archdioceses of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland.

Sister Patricia’s longest assignment was her seventeen-year ministry, from 1988-2005, as principal at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Shadyside. In 2005, Sister Patricia accepted the Catholic Identity Award at the National Catholic Education Association convention on behalf of Sacred Heart School for its work in promoting a vibrant, loving, and dynamic Catholic identity. Sister Patricia has enjoyed success in organizing school programs to optimize opportunities for the children to learn and the staff to develop. While she recognizes the challenge of balancing organizational strengths and weaknesses, she has found it exciting to work with others in planning for the best possible outcomes with new approaches and resources. 
      
Sister Patricia earned a bachelor’s degree in English along with state certification for both elementary and secondary English from Seton Hill University. She received her master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her principal’s certification from Duquesne University. In addition to her education ministry, Sister Patricia served on the Sisters of Charity General Chapter when it was held in Korea in 2002.

In reflection of the past 50 years, Sister Patricia says, “I am grateful to all those with whom I have served in various schools over the years and especially to the many parents with whom I worked as principal on school boards, parent-teacher guilds, athletic boards, newsletters, Middle States committees, and so many other committees. Together, we were able to make a difference for the students.  I try to say ‘yes’ to the many ways that I see God at work in my life, which, to me, includes saying ‘yes’ when people come up with great ideas. My favorite prayer remains ‘I look to You, O Lord, to be my strength this day.’ I thank God for the many graces in my life and for the many wonderful people I hope to know better when we meet again in eternity.”

If you would like to make a donation in honor of  Sister Patricia's Jubilee, please click on the Donate Now button on the left.