Sister Carole MacKenthun named Citizen of the Year
April 10, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.
A beloved teacher for 56 years in the Dioceses of Trenton and Metuchen, and already well-known for her impact in the classroom and beyond, Mercy Sister Carole MacKenthun was just recently named 2025 Citizen of the Year by the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Father Damian McElroy, pastor of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, and Sister Carole MacKenthun pause during a 2024 Journeys with Sister Carole summer camp. Courtesy photoThe award, which has been in existence over 15 years, began as a way to honor hometown heroes or people who serve their communities in an extraordinary way, and highlights a Spring Lake resident who has dedicated time through volunteerism and service. Sister Carole was selected “in recognition of her extraordinary dedication, lifelong commitment to education and profound impact on both our local community and beyond,” said Liz Capone, executive director of the chamber.
This year’s award will be presented on May 8 during a dinner at The Breakers on the Ocean.
BE INSPIRED: Mercy Sister Carole MacKenthun makes children's education a personal mission
A Sister of Mercy for 61 years, Sister Carole, 79, earned her undergraduate degree at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, and subsequently received a master’s degree from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey), Ewing. She continues to teach part-time in St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, serving as the school’s spirituality coordinator.
“I find it very important that I have made a difference in the Spring Lake Community as well,” Sister Carole reflected. “The values of faith, compassion, service, and generosity that I try to develop in the children also ripple out into the larger community and make it a better place to be. Just as a pebble dropped in the lake creates ripples that go out for miles and continues to create change, this is what I have attempted to do as a Catholic educator today by witnessing and loving the children I teach and the people and families in the Spring Lake Community!”
Sister Carole MacKenthun, left, with Donna White, St. Catharine School principal. Courtesy photoIn addition to teaching and authoring multiple volumes of religious education materials, Sister Carole has supported the education of schoolchildren in Uganda through her Mission of Mercy project for many years, benefiting St. Kizito’s.
"Having worked here in the parish for over 30 years, Sister Carole has literally touched the hearts of many generations,” said Father Damian McElroy, pastor of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake. “Whenever I travel, and people hear I am from St. Catharine's Parish, they invariably ask about Sister Carole. She is a wonderful lady who brings a gentle, joyful holiness to everyone she meets. We are blessed to have her living and ministering to our entire community."
“Those of us who are blessed to know Sister Carole have a living example of someone who loves like Jesus,” said Donna White, principal of St. Catharine School. “In her everyday interactions, Sister Carole is warm, gentle, and always eager to help. Everyone who meets her finds an instant friend, greeted with a warm smile and a witty sense of humor.”
Her daily contributions, White said, are just as significant as her better-known outreach.
“She is everyone’s favorite resource for spiritual counseling, prayers, scapulars, Mass cards and rosaries,” she noted. “Her Thursday prayer groups are welcoming spaces for participants ranging from 5 to 90 years old. Whether we are joyful or sad, she shares in our emotions, offering comfort and support.”
White said the St. Catharine community is “beyond grateful” to have Sister Carole as their “example of God’s love.”
“Sister Carole truly walks in the footsteps of the Lord, showing us how to be like Him.”
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A beloved teacher for 56 years in the Dioceses of Trenton and Metuchen, and already well-known for her impact in the classroom and beyond, Mercy Sister Carole MacKenthun was just recently named 2025 Citizen of the Year by the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Father Damian McElroy, pastor of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, and Sister Carole MacKenthun pause during a 2024 Journeys with Sister Carole summer camp. Courtesy photoThe award, which has been in existence over 15 years, began as a way to honor hometown heroes or people who serve their communities in an extraordinary way, and highlights a Spring Lake resident who has dedicated time through volunteerism and service. Sister Carole was selected “in recognition of her extraordinary dedication, lifelong commitment to education and profound impact on both our local community and beyond,” said Liz Capone, executive director of the chamber.
This year’s award will be presented on May 8 during a dinner at The Breakers on the Ocean.
BE INSPIRED: Mercy Sister Carole MacKenthun makes children's education a personal mission
A Sister of Mercy for 61 years, Sister Carole, 79, earned her undergraduate degree at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, and subsequently received a master’s degree from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey), Ewing. She continues to teach part-time in St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, serving as the school’s spirituality coordinator.
“I find it very important that I have made a difference in the Spring Lake Community as well,” Sister Carole reflected. “The values of faith, compassion, service, and generosity that I try to develop in the children also ripple out into the larger community and make it a better place to be. Just as a pebble dropped in the lake creates ripples that go out for miles and continues to create change, this is what I have attempted to do as a Catholic educator today by witnessing and loving the children I teach and the people and families in the Spring Lake Community!”
Sister Carole MacKenthun, left, with Donna White, St. Catharine School principal. Courtesy photoIn addition to teaching and authoring multiple volumes of religious education materials, Sister Carole has supported the education of schoolchildren in Uganda through her Mission of Mercy project for many years, benefiting St. Kizito’s.
"Having worked here in the parish for over 30 years, Sister Carole has literally touched the hearts of many generations,” said Father Damian McElroy, pastor of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake. “Whenever I travel, and people hear I am from St. Catharine's Parish, they invariably ask about Sister Carole. She is a wonderful lady who brings a gentle, joyful holiness to everyone she meets. We are blessed to have her living and ministering to our entire community."
“Those of us who are blessed to know Sister Carole have a living example of someone who loves like Jesus,” said Donna White, principal of St. Catharine School. “In her everyday interactions, Sister Carole is warm, gentle, and always eager to help. Everyone who meets her finds an instant friend, greeted with a warm smile and a witty sense of humor.”
Her daily contributions, White said, are just as significant as her better-known outreach.
“She is everyone’s favorite resource for spiritual counseling, prayers, scapulars, Mass cards and rosaries,” she noted. “Her Thursday prayer groups are welcoming spaces for participants ranging from 5 to 90 years old. Whether we are joyful or sad, she shares in our emotions, offering comfort and support.”
White said the St. Catharine community is “beyond grateful” to have Sister Carole as their “example of God’s love.”
“Sister Carole truly walks in the footsteps of the Lord, showing us how to be like Him.”