70th Jubilarian
With the help of God’s grace, Sister Jane Keegan celebrates her 70th Jubilee with deep gratitude, reflecting on a life of ministry shaped by experiences she could never have imagined or planned.
For this native of the Bronx, the Sisters of the Divine Compassion have been a vital presence in her life since she attended grade school at St. Frances de Chantal, then Preston High School and eventually Good Counsel College where she graduated as an English major. Sr. Jane later earned a Master's degree in Theology/Religious Education from Providence College. Sister also earned several postgraduate certifications in teaching, religious studies, film study, and human relations.
Sr. Jane's ministry began at St. Lawrence O'Toole in Brewster where she taught first grade for five years. Her transition from teaching first graders to high school seniors at Our Lady of Good Counsel Academy (GCA) was a shift Sr. Jane found both challenging and energizing. At GCA, her role expanded beyond the classroom to include serving as Head of the AV Department, teaching film study, directing plays, and for five summers, participating in Summer in the City, an Archdiocesan anti-poverty program in Harlem, NY, an experience that moved her deeply.
After six years at GCA, Sr. Jane was re-assigned to John F. Kennedy High School in Somers, with its co-ed environment offering a completely different dynamic. Adapting quickly, Sr. Jane served as Head of the Religion Department and Director of the Drama Club. Sr. Jane fondly remembers all of the wonderful musical productions at both GCA and Kennedy, but especially treasures Camelot.
After a decade at Kennedy, Sister Jane's ministry took a new direction. She interned at William H. Sadlier Publishing Company, Inc. where Sister helped develop a study guide for religion textbooks. Following the internship, Sr. Jane found herself in uncharted waters, having been invited by the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers to serve in a newly developed position as their Mission Education Coordinator. In that capacity, Sr. Jane traveled extensively, giving diocesan workshops and helping educators integrate social justice concepts into their existing curricula. Sister eventually returned to Sadlier, where she served as a copy editor for print and online publications. While there, Sr. Jane also launched an online newsletter for teachers.
Recognizing her diverse experience, the Sisters of the Divine Compassion invited Sister Jane to work for the RDC Community, first as a grant writer, and later in planning events. As the Associate Director of Development and External Relations, Sr. Jane played a key role in strengthening community engagement, creating enduring initiatives such as the RDC Golf Classic, the Mother Mary Veronica Legacy Society, and the Good Counsel College/College of White Plains annual Reunions. In addition, Sr. Jane initiated annual pilgrimages to foreign countries, guiding groups to destinations that included the Holy Land, Fatima, and Italy to name a few. She also served on the RDC Leadership Team.
Even in retirement, Sr. Jane remains actively involved in community life. She helped launch Founders’ Day of Giving, the RDC's first online fundraising campaign, is a Golf Classic Committee member, and contributes to several Advancement efforts. Sister is a member of the RDC Social Justice Board, and volunteers at Wartburg, where she lives.
Sr. Jane enjoys spending time with family and friends, hosting patio parties, and playing Words with Friends online, though often losing games to her former students. Above all, Sister Jane is grateful to God for her vocation as a Sister of the Divine Compassion, not only for the wonderful experiences, but also for the incredible people she has had the privilege to know through her varied ministries.
