Celebrating Catholic Sisters Week 2025 at the Mount!

As we celebrate Catholic Sisters Week 2025, which fittingly begins on International Women’s Day, March 8, and runs through March 14, the Mount proudly recognizes the profound contributions of Sr. Patricia Tully, OP. For nearly 50 years, Sr. Patricia has dedicated herself to education, service, and faith formation, shaping generations of students. Her commitment to the Mount’s four Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and mission exemplifies the impact that Catholic sisters have had throughout history—especially in uplifting and empowering young women.

Lifelong Calling to Education

Sr. Patricia’s journey in Catholic education began at St. Aedan’s in Jersey City and led her to schools across New Jersey, including St. Elizabeth in Linden, Lacordaire Academy in Upper Montclair, and St. Matthew in Ridgefield. She later served as Vice Principal at Notre Dame Interparochial School before joining The Mount, where she has been a beloved faculty member for over a decade.

Living the Dominican Pillars

"I am happy to serve within the framework of the Four Dominican Pillars—Prayer, Community, Study, and Mission," Sr. Patricia shares. Her faith-driven approach and dedication to truth (Veritas) and love (Caritas) shape her work, making her classroom a place of openness, honesty, and care.

Nearly every Mount student passes through Sr. Patricia’s Religion class, where she not only teaches faith and theology but also imparts invaluable life lessons. Her classroom is a place of reflection, discussion, and personal growth. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore their beliefs, and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. With warmth and wisdom, she creates an environment where every student feels heard, valued, and supported. Through her guidance, Mount students leave her class not only with a greater knowledge of their faith but also with a stronger sense of purpose and a foundation for a life rooted in compassion and integrity.

Mrs. Christine Victori, Head of Ministry at MSDA, reflects on Sr. Patricia’s impact: "Sr. Patricia embodies the heart of the Dominican tradition. Her commitment to faith and education inspires both students and faculty to live with purpose, kindness, and integrity. She is a true blessing to our community."

A Mentor and Guide for Young Women

Teaching high school students has been particularly rewarding for Sr. Patricia. She values watching her students grow from timid freshmen into confident seniors and takes pride in seeing their success beyond the classroom. "I love hearing about their achievements after graduation and seeing them become compassionate, responsible individuals," she says.

Principal Dr. Karen D’Avino recognizes the lasting impact of Sr. Patricia’s work, and says, "Sr. Patricia has a remarkable ability to connect with students and help them see their own potential. Her presence at The Mount strengthens our mission and continues the legacy of excellence in Catholic education."

Beyond the classroom, Sr. Patricia plays a vital role in fostering a strong sense of community and belonging at The Mount. She mentors the Big Sister/Little Sister program, a cherished tradition where juniors are paired with incoming freshmen to help them navigate their first year with confidence. From the very first day of school to the year’s end, Big Sisters serve as guides, role models, and friends, ensuring that every freshman feels welcomed and supported. Through this program and countless other acts of kindness, Sr. Patricia helps make the transition to high school seamless, meaningful, and fun—one more way she strengthens the bonds of sisterhood at The Mount.

Students deeply appreciate Sr. Patricia’s presence and guidance. Annaliese Abboud ‘25 shares her personal experience: "Sister Patricia was my first teacher (Freshman Homeroom and Religion) here at The Mount. She greeted us with an open heart, showing us that the Mount was our home. I found solace sitting in her room during free period or CAP. Just being in her presence sets one at ease. Each person enters our lives for a reason. Her life here is an example of what it means to give of yourself selflessly for others."

Melia Hillman '25 echoed Annaliese's sentiments and said, "Sister Patricia has been a constant beacon of light. Since my freshman year, she has welcomed Mount students to the Dominican community, gracing everyone with a warm smile and ensuring everyone is included and feels like they play an essential role in our school. Without Sister Patricia, I would not have been able to have as much confidence in myself as she always cheers me on at every show, and I know she is always rooting for me. She is one of the kindest, most compassionate people I know, and I feel so blessed to have her both in my life and as an integral part of our Mount community."

These heartfelt reflections highlight Sr. Patricia’s profound influence on Mount students, her unwavering support, and the warmth she brings to the school community.

Celebrating Women of Faith During International Women’s Week

As we recognize International Women’s Week, it is a meaningful time to celebrate Sr. Patricia and all Catholic sisters, whose contributions have shaped lives for generations. Catholic Sisters Week (March 8–14) launches on International Women’s Day, underscoring the lasting impact of religious women in education, ministry, and service. Their dedication to faith and community has been a guiding force in uplifting others, fostering learning, and providing compassionate care to those in need.

At Mount St. Dominic Academy, Sr. Patricia’s legacy is one of nurturing both hearts and minds, fostering an environment where students feel valued and supported. Her unwavering commitment to education, faith, and service continues to make a lasting impact on the Mount community and beyond.