By Joann Buhler | Special Contributor

Sister of St. Joseph Helen Clifton was honored Nov. 23 for her two decades of faithful service to St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck.

During a Mass of Thanksgiving and reception that followed, parishioners and friends paid tribute to Sister Helen who served many ways, but especially as a spiritual director who touched the lives of scores of faithful.

Deacon Vincent Rinaldi, pastoral associate for worship and evangelization, said “on my own faith journey I found her very insightful, spiritual, witty, and a very calming and reassuring voice of reason. She has been a true blessing in my life.” 

Long-time parishioner and retired New York school principal, Mafalda Coseglia emphasized “the important thing about her is that she lives the spirituality she preaches. She embodies many qualities of a truly spiritual individual, and they emanate from her.”

“She’s a good role model for young people – and for all people,” said Caseglia.

Born in Holmes, Pa., March 4, 1931, to Helen and Harry Clifton, the family later moved to Philadelphia where she attended Nativity B.V.M. Elementary School and Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls. In 1949, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill, Pa., to prepare for a religious life. During the next nine years she taught first grade at Our Lady of Victory, West Philadelphia, St. Andrew, Bayonne, and St. Joseph, Somers Point.  This was followed by teaching mathematics  for 15 years in Archbishop Prendergast High School, Drexel Hill, Pa., Cardinal Dougherty High School, Philadelphia, and Holy Trinity High School, Washington, D.C.  For the next three years she taught eighth grade at Epiphany Elementary School in Philadelphia.

After her work in education, she attended the Spiritual Center of the Sisters of St. Joseph where she studied the Ignatian Spirituality for giving retreats and spiritual direction.  She then became part of the administrative team of the Sisters of St. Joseph as an area delegate for the congregation, making visits to sisters in the Camden Diocese, Delaware County, Florida, Flourtown, Pa. nd Sinoe County in Liberia, West Africa.  After this service, she became a member of the General Council of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia.

Two decades ago Sister Helen was brought on board by former pastor, Father William Bausch, as a spiritual director.

In his homily at the Mass of Thanksgiving and in parish bulletin message, Father Jeffrey E. Lee, pastor, reflected on Sister Helen’s ministry, saying, “Our choices are made by searching for the deep recesses of our being…we never really arrive in our spiritual life. We are always journeying…to have a spiritual guide to walk along with us is a great gift… We are grateful to God for her presence among us and her steadfast witness to our Christian Spirituality,” said Father Lee.

Sister Helen was presented with a plaque from James Schatzle, deputy mayor of Colts Neck, who cited Nov. 23 as “Sister Helen Clifton Day.” Parish trustees Helen DeCerce and John Carlucci also gave her a gift in recognition of her dedication to the parish.

A visibly moved Sister Helen expressed words of gratitude to the St. Mary Parish community and told of her plan to relocate to St. Joseph Villa, Flourtown, Pa., a retirement facility for the Sisters of St. Joseph, where she will volunteer there as well as in the nearby St. Genevieve Parish.

As a Sister of St. Joseph, “I was drawn to be with Christ through his people,” she said to the parish community. “I have experienced the hospitality of God through you.”