Sister Anne Doherty, S.P., (May 6, 1928 – February 3, 2013) was an American religious sister, educator, professor and psychologist. She served as the Superior General of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, from 1981–1986. During her term, the Constitutions of the Sisters of Providence gained papal approbation.[1]

Sister Anne Doherty, S.P.
Born
Teresa Anne Doherty

(1928-05-06)May 6, 1928
DiedFebruary 3, 2013(2013-02-03) (aged 84)
Burial placeSisters of Providence Convent Cemetery, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana
Alma materSaint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Catholic University of America
TitleGeneral Superior of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
PredecessorSister Loretta Schafer
SuccessorSister Nancy Nolan

Early life

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She was born Teresa Anne Doherty in Indianapolis, Indiana, to parents Patrick and Hannah Byrne Doherty and attended St. Philip Neri Parish.[2] She entered the congregation on January 9, 1946, and was professed as a full Sister of Providence on August 15, 1953, with the religious name Sister Dennis.[3]

Doherty graduated with a bachelor's degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 1963 and later went to Catholic University of America to earn a master's degree in psychology (1966) and a doctorate in clinical psychology and counseling (1969).[4][5]

Ministry

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Doherty spent time ministering as an elementary educator in Indiana and Illinois and then went on to teach at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Weston School of Theology and Martin University.[3]

She also practiced psychology at several clinics in Vigo County, Indiana, including a stint as director of Clinical Services at Katherine Hamilton Center from 1972–1979.[3][6] Her clinical interests included families with children as well as treatment of sexual abuse victims and offenders. She also directed attention toward the rural poor, leading to her testifying before a 1977 Congressional Hearing on Aging regarding the needs of elderly in rural areas.[7]

Doherty began her term as general superior in 1981. She coordinated the building of Karcher Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and began renovation of the Church of the Immaculate Conception (Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana). She also oversaw the sale of the Immaculata College property in Washington, D.C. After her term, Doherty worked as a tribunal advocate in the Diocese of Monterey, California, and the Diocese of Gary, Indiana.[4]

In 1984, Doherty was presented the President's Award from the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Indianapolis for exemplifying Catholicism and Irish heritage.[7]

During her last years, Doherty lived with Alzheimer's disease.[7] She died at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on February 3, 2013, and is buried in the Sisters of Providence Convent Cemetery.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Sister Anne Doherty". Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Archived from the original on 8 June 2010. Retrieved December 22, 2009.
  2. ^ "Sisters of Providence celebrate 60 years with congregation". Tribune Star. December 29, 2006. Retrieved February 8, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d "Sister Anne Doherty". Tribune Star. February 6, 2013. Retrieved February 8, 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Sister Anne Doherty (1981-1986)". Sisters of Providence. Retrieved February 8, 2013.
  5. ^ Doherty, Anne (Jan 1970). "Influence of parental control on the development of feminine sex role and conscience". Developmental Psychology. 2 (1): 157–158. doi:10.1037/h0028596.
  6. ^ "ABM Club To Install New Members". Terre Haute Star. 29 March 1972. p. 12. Retrieved 6 November 2014 – via Find My Past.
  7. ^ a b c Casper, Ann (February 7, 2013). "Commentary: Sister Anne Doherty". Retrieved February 8, 2013.
  • Logan, Eugenia (1978). History of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods: Volume II. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana: Sisters of Providence.
Catholic Church titles
Preceded by General Superior of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
1981 - 1986
Succeeded by