Associate Spotlight – Katie Patterson

“Love one another.” – Katie Patterson

The Sparkill Dominican Associates are lay women and men who share in the mission of the Dominican Sisters, walking alongside them in their ministry of justice, peace, and compassion. Our Associates bring their gifts and spirit to communities in New York, Missouri, and beyond.

Today, we shine a light on Katie Patterson, a dedicated Associate in St. Louis who has been part of our community for the past eight years.

Inspired by her mother’s example, Katie began volunteering at a young age, living out the Gospel message to “do unto others…” Growing up in St. Louis County, she organized donation drives to support individuals experiencing homelessness—collecting toiletries, socks, and other essentials.

Katie’s journey as an Associate was shaped by her connection with Sisters Marie Daugherty, Carol Kopp, and Loretta—all of whom she met at Epiphany Parish and who shared her love for music. Their friendship and shared values led her to volunteer at the East Side Center, where she found not just a place to serve, but a spiritual home.

At the Center, Katie offers more than meals—she offers presence. Whether singing, playing games, reading Scripture, or simply sharing time, she meets people of all ages with compassion and joy. Her work with the Senior Women Group, in particular, has been deeply meaningful.

Being part of the Sparkill Dominican Associates has been a transformative experience for Katie. “Helping people makes me feel closer to Jesus,” she says. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she continues to serve with gratitude and love.

Katie’s message to the world is simple yet profound: “Love one another.” And we couldn’t agree more.

August 28, 2025

Sister Spotlight – S. Mary Ann Borrello

Professor Emerita at Suffolk County Community College (SCCC), Sister Mary Ann Borrello, OP, has spent a lifetime extending compassion and support, especially to students in need. With advanced degrees in anthropology and sociology, and scholarly expertise in Spiritism and Puerto Rican funeral customs, her true passion has always been helping others.

That passion took root in the 1960s while teaching at St. Rita’s Elementary School in the South Bronx, where she saw firsthand how poverty and hunger hindered students’ ability to learn. Later, at SCCC’s Brentwood campus, she recognized similar struggles among college students and took action.

Starting with a small Thanksgiving food drive in 1974, Sister Mary Ann launched the college’s first campus-based food pantry in 1976. Today, that pantry continues to serve students and families facing food insecurity—an issue she estimates affects nearly 30% of college students.

Known affectionately as a “campus hustler,” Sister Mary Ann inspired a culture of generosity. Whether organizing blood drives, forming the Angels Club to unite students and staff in support, or helping individuals with urgent needs, she was the one everyone turned to. “What do you need?” was always her first question.

One student, struggling to finish her final semester after her car broke down, credits Sister Mary Ann with helping her graduate. Today, that student is a teacher in Florida—one of many whose lives have been changed by Sister Mary Ann’s care.

Even in retirement, her work continues through the Sister Mary Ann Helping Hands Fund, which supports SCCC’s food pantries. In 2020, she expanded her efforts by launching the College-Wide Hardship Fund, offering direct financial aid to students facing unexpected crises. Now working toward a $50,000 endowment—already halfway there—the fund aims to provide lasting support for generations to come.

Grounded in faith and compassion, Sister Mary Ann believes in the goodness of people and the power of empathy. Her legacy lives on through every student nourished, every need met, and every life lifted by a helping hand.