Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth

Mission Statement
Caritas Academy, Jersey City, New Jersey, is a Catholic secondary school for urban women sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. As a learning community, Caritas Academy is distinguished by a commitment to educational rigor and relevance as well as capacity-building to expand students’ options. We strive to build a faith based community, exemplifying and promoting mutual respect empathy, charity and justice for all, and service to the world.

Caritas Academy - The Unity of Two Schools
Caritas Academy, the newest sponsored work of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, stands on foundations that reach back into the early days of the congregation. Its students and many teachers, primarily drawn from the former Academy of Saint Aloysius and Academy of the Sacred Heart, brought two sets of cultures, traditions, and histories with them to birth a new school.

The roots of Caritas Academy extend deep into the rich soil of two former academies sponsored by the Sisters of Charity: one for over 140 years and the other for over 130 years. Many Sisters of Charity recall their days in either academy’s classrooms and halls as teachers or students or both.

New students fill the library and labs, the classrooms and cafeteria, and the gym and fields. There are new uniforms, symbols, and songs for new curricula, teams, and clubs. Yet, just as Caritas Academy occupies the building that once housed the Academy of Saint Aloysius, the new creation of Caritas springs forth from decades of dedicated, loving service and sacrifice of Sisters of Charity, lay teachers and administrators, alumnae, trustees, and friends.

Designed and dreamt into being by a Visioning Committee composed of trustees/advisors, faculty, administrators, alumnae, and community leaders, the mission of Caritas Academy is "a Catholic secondary school for young urban women. This learning community is distinguished by a commitment to educational rigor and relevance as well as capacity building to expand students’ options. We strive to build a faith-based community, exemplifying and promoting mutual respect, empathy, charity, justice and service to the world."

When gathered with a group of Caritas students recently to discuss their experiences of the school, the topic of the word "Caritas" arose. Students defined it as "family", "love", and "charity." "At first it sounded funny; it was Latin and hard to pronounce," Megan Marti ’08 said with a giggle in her voice. She became more serious when she added that it also symbolizes bringing together two schools: two schools united. Her classmate Tamicha Saint-Jean ’08 added that Caritas is "a home away from home."

Both Megan and Tamicha are beginning their senior year at Caritas. Megan, a member of the National Honor Society and Semi-Formal Queen, spent her first two years of high school at the Academy of Saint Aloysius. This was also the former school of Tamicha, who is a school ambassador and student leader. They were joined in the interview by Aileen Estrada ’08 and Nor Theresa Galang ’08. Aileen, also from the Academy of Saint Aloysius, is student body president this year as well as a member of the National Honor Society. Nor Theresa, yearbook editor and student ambassador, hailed from the Academy of the Sacred Heart.

All four students spoke of the challenge, difficulties, and pain of bringing together students from the two academies last fall. "In the beginning we didn’t mix," Aileen reported. She continued by recounting the time and effort expended by the faculty and administration to help people get along with each other. She admitted that, while some students are still not "over it", and have found it to be a quick transition, most have been able to "get over it", move on, and accept and embrace their new reality.

High praises went to the teachers who are approachable, experienced, and generous in offering extra help. "They don’t let you fail," exclaimed Aileen while Megan added, "They expand your creativity."

The students also commented on the ways in which their horizons and boundaries have been stretched through the experience of change. "You see how you’re different," Aileen reflected. "Not only were there new people to meet and new friends to make, but there were new interests, religions, and traditions."

Dr. Jane Selinski, principal of Caritas Academy, also spoke of differences as she recounted the early days of the school: "The world is made of differences; we grow from differences by acknowledging them." Last September two different schools, groups of people, and cultures came together under one roof. While some students delighted in the fact that they had many more friends, others spent time learning to be with each other. Jane added, "We tried to help students recognize that differences are part of life…we tried to help them learn to appreciate each other."

Dr. Selinski (or "Dr. Jane" as she is more familiarly known, came to Caritas Academy from St. Dominic Academy where she served as a Student Assistance and Family Counselor, an administrative position separate from the guidance department. Trained as a clinical social worker, she often functioned as a crisis counselor at St. Dominic’s, working with students, staff, and families. As principal she is able to use her gifts, integrating her experience and training in education, social work and spirituality. These are often tapped as she strives to "assess what is needed, assist individuals and groups to recognize their needs, and help them to move forward."

When asked what brought her to Caritas Academy, Jane responded with words such as "call", "rightness", and "desire." Her vision is to provide opportunities for young women, who are ordinarily without opportunities, for education, leadership, and service, thus promoting a deepening in their personal life in relationship with God to enhance our world."

Sister Carol Ann Lockwood, Director of Admissions at Caritas Academy, also feels called by God to serve in this new sponsored work of the Sisters of Charity. She is joined in ministry with Sister Maureen Mahan who serves as Administrative Assistant for Development. Several sisters share their talents and time as volunteers at Caritas: Sisters Mary Ann Tierney, Eileen Chamberlain, Margaret Shorten, Anita William, and Mary Ann Boyle. Last year Sister Jacqueline Carey was central to Caritas’ establishment and served as its Vice Principal.

The full-time and volunteer staff of Sisters of Charity are joined by many lay teachers and staff. Meg Botto, Art teacher at Caritas, is one who stands out as she has taught for 31 years in five different schools staffed by the Sisters of Charity. She speaks freely and naturally of the mission of the Sisters of Charity enfleshed at Caritas Academy: "The Sisters of Charity always reach out to those who need assistance socially, economically, and educationally." She believes that students are made to feel welcome and that Caritas is a place where they "study for their future to become young women of tomorrow… a total education for tomorrow in a city where life isn’t easy."

The birthing pains experienced by many during its first fledgling year have begun to yield to hope and new life. Sister Carol Ann Lockwood sees it in the eyes and hears it in the voices of the new freshmen and transfer students she introduces to Caritas Academy. Dr. Jane Selinski exclaimed, "We are beginning a great new year!" The seniors of Caritas express their hope in their desire to be able to "look back and be glad you went there." Megan Marti ’08 wants "everyone to form traditions for younger ones to follow."

Sister Ellen Dauwer

The students are pleased
about the ways in which
their horizons and
boundaries have been
stretched through the
experience of change.
Dr. Jane Selinski is very
supportive of the school’s
athletic programs.

The young women of
Caritas Academy are
delighted to all be
under one roof.

Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961 973-290-5345