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Sister Nancy Elizabeth Doran, S.S.C., has been appointed director of the Manhattan Regional Catechetical Office
The appointment, which became effective on Oct. 1, was made by Sister Joan Curtin, C.N.D., the director of the archdiocesan Catechetical Office.
Sister Nancy Elizabeth succeeds Sister Catherine Ryan, F.S.P., who retired from catechetical ministry after nearly 40 years on Aug. 31.
Sister Catherine was named the first regional catechetical director for Northwest Manhattan and the East Bronx in 1986. Several years later, she assumed responsibility for all of Manhattan.
In 1977, she introduced the first leadership training courses for parish directors and coordinators of religious education.
Last year, Sister Catherine received the Catechetical Office’s Good Shepherd Award for outstanding leadership, compassion and wholehearted dedication to Jesus the Good Shepherd.
Sister Nancy Elizabeth has more than 30 years of experience in catechetical ministry, beginning as a catechist. She has served as director of catechist formation in the archdiocese since 2004. She is also director of religious education at Holy Name of Jesus parish in Otisville, where she was coordinator of religious education, 1992-2000. She also served as director of religious education at St. Francis of Assisi in West Nyack, 2006-2016 and 2000-2004.
As Manhattan regional director, Sister Nancy Elizabeth serves as the liaison between archdiocesan Catechetical Office and the 63 parish religious education programs in Manhattan. She implements the office’s vision, policies and programs in each parish while keeping the office attuned to the diverse needs of the Manhattan parishes. She also provides catechetical resources guidance on catechetical issues and other assistance to Manhattan’s deans, pastors, directors and coordinators of religious education, and other leaders. She will visit each parish, pastor and religious education program at least once in a three-year cycle.
She also will assist directors and coordinators in their own professional development. She guides the catechist formation and certification program for parish catechists, and encourages the directors/coordinators to enroll in the Catechetical Leadership Program for archdiocesan certification. She holds monthly meetings with the directors and coordinators, and builds a community of faith and spirituality among them.
She is a graduate of Empire State College and holds a master’s degree in religious education from Felician University in Lodi, N.J.
She professed first vows with the Society of the Sisters for the Church in July.
She is the widow of Paul Duran, the mother of a daughter and two sons, and grandmother of three.
