50 Years

Sr. Claire McQuilkin, fmm

In 1973, Sr. Claire was sent to St. Michael’s Navajo Mission in Arizona as local coordinator where she conducted the Indian Clinic and worked at Fort Defiance Indian Hospital. In 1974 she returned to Kennedy Hospital for the initial opening of the Pastoral Care Dept. In 1975 she went to Mass Rehab Hospital, Boston MA as a Chaplain. In 1976 she trained for 1 year at St. Mary’s Medical Center in SF, CA as a Chaplain. She then returned to Mass. Rehabilitation Hospital as a Chaplain and Field Education Supervisor.

For five years, Sr. Claire worked as a Research Nurse for Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA on 2 studies for the causes and treatment of diabetic blindness.

Then for two years she attended Boston College for a Masters in Pastoral Ministry. Ater which she completed one Quarter of Clinical Pastoral Experience at West Roxbury Veterans Medical Center.

Sr. Claire was missioned to Hamilton GA in 1987 where she worked at Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, Warm Springs GA. Here she planned, conducted and synthesized the results of a research project called “Chaplaincy Intervention, It’s Value in a Rehab Setting” for Frank C. Ruzychi, Executive Director. The project's purpose was to get State funding for a Chaplain and this was granted. While in GA, Claire took another CPE quarter at Tuskegee AL. VAMC Hospital.

From 1988-1991 Sr. Claire was employed as a Chaplain and Staff Educator at St. Francis Hospital, Columbus GA.

In 1991 she was asked to come to Bethany Retreat House, North Providence RI, where she assisted the Director, Josephine lozzo, in planning and coordinating retreat activities. In 1993 she went to the Rockridge Community in San Franciscan, CA to care for a terminally ill Sister. While there she worked at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral in Chinatown. In 1994, she attended the 4 month Program at Grotta, Italy.

In Sept. of 2000, Sr. Claire was missioned to Roslyn Community and served as Sacristan for several years.

Her present, various ministries are volunteering at the Hospital Information Desk, keeping convent computers functioning, receptionist and driver for Sisters’ appointments. She cares for the house plants and walks the dog. She praises the Lord for 50 wonderful years!