Sister Nora Sweeney

Sister Nora Sweeney, a member of the Daughters of Charity for the past 13 years, serves the poor of the Troy, NewYork area through the Roarke Center, founded by the Daughters six years ago.

“There was a tremendous need in the Troy area for a place where the poor could receive help and feel at home,” says Sister Nora. “Through our daily presence here, we are able to provide not only for their practical needs, but we are also able to affirm their dignity as gifts from God,” she adds.

Sister Nora and the other members of the service team at the Roarke Center provide meals, training and a variety of referral services to nearly 100 people each week. And according to Sister Nora, the need continues to grow.

Sister Nora, originally from Queens, New York, became acquainted with the Daughters of Charity not long after earning her undergraduate degree in social work. “I would say that my first impression of the Daughters was very positive,” says Sister Nora. “At the time I was discerning my future and what I saw in the Daughters was an emphasis on prayer, community life and a spirit of Joy,” she said. “They were so supportive of me and created room for me to ask questions and learn more about their life.”

When it comes to advice to those considering religious life today, Sister Nora is very practical. “Believe in yourself and be confident that God will lead you to the exact right place where your gifts will be put to use,” she said.