When Joyce Roman looks back on the beginnings of the Albany Association of the Ladies of Charity, she remembers a simple phone call that would help shape the future of the organization for generations to come.

 

It was the fall of 1969 and Bishop Edwin Broderick was installed as the Bishop of Albany. Around the same time, St. Pius X Church in Loudonville, NY, had recently been completed and became the first church in the Diocese to be consecrated by Bishop Broderick. Prior to coming to Albany, Bishop Broderick had served in New York City, where he established a chapter of the Ladies of Charity. Inspired by the ministry and impact of that organization, he recognized the need for a similar chapter in the Diocese of Albany and set out to establish one.

 

His first call was to Nancy O'Connor, a parishioner at St. Pius X.

 

Bishop Broderick asked Nancy to help make his vision a reality. She, in turn, reached out to Joyce and together they invited Janet Hans, Anne Scripps, and Anna O'Brien, all St. Pius X parishioners, to gather at Nancy's home. Around the dining room table, the six of them—five women and one determined bishop—began discussing what it would take to build a new organization dedicated to serving those most in need.

 

Those early conversations soon became regular meetings at the Chancery on State Street in Albany. From the beginning, Bishop Broderick was clear about the mission. The Ladies of Charity would devote their efforts to supporting St. Catherine's Center for Children while also building an organization that could grow throughout the Diocese.

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This support, however, would require resources.

 

The group's first fundraising efforts reflected the creativity and determination that would become hallmarks of the Ladies of Charity. One of their earliest successes was a cocktail party with a silent auction, co-chaired by Joyce and newly installed member, Jane Walsh, at the Chancery.  Joyce still laughs when she remembers one particular detail.  She and Jane visited a local antique shop and asked if they could borrow an antique baby carriage and doll to decorate the event. The display became a memorable centerpiece, helping create an elegant atmosphere that contributed to the fundraiser's remarkable success.  "It brought in a significant amount of money," Joyce recalls with pride.

 

Not long afterward came another unexpected opportunity.

 

Father Downs, then Director of Catholic Charities, asked Joyce if she would represent the Albany chapter at the National Catholic Charities Convention in Miami, Florida. With young children at home, the trip required careful planning, but Joyce knew it was important.  She traveled with Jane Walsh, Sister Serena Branson, DC, who had been brought to Albany by Bishop Broderick to become involved with Catholic Charities, and another Daughter of Charity, Sister Jude. Sister Serena served as the convention's keynote speaker, an honor that reflected both her leadership and her growing influence within Catholic Charities.

 

Before leaving Albany, Bishop Broderick had one request.  "Look up the Ladies from New York," he told Joyce.  She did—and the experience became one of her favorite memories. The New York members welcomed Joyce and Jane warmly, sharing stories about Bishop Broderick, for whom they held tremendous affection and respect. The two groups enjoyed a wonderful dinner together.  Later that evening, back in their hotel room, Jane looked at Joyce and laughed, "Now we have to take them to dinner tomorrow!"  The moment still brings a smile to Joyce's face.

 

Back home, Bishop Broderick never stopped looking for ways to expand the organization. After being recommended by her pastor in Schenectady, Bishop Broderick reached out to Marianna Gatta in Schenectady, who successfully recruited women throughout that area. Soon afterward, the Ladies of Charity began recruiting women from Delmar as well.

 

In those early years, membership was by invitation only. Many invitations were extended to prominent Catholic women throughout the Diocese, and receiving one was considered both an honor and a responsibility.  The invitation read: "Membership is open to all Catholic women in the Diocese of Albany who wish to serve the people in their respective communities through volunteer work in agencies or with individuals."

 

Over time, however, the organization evolved. Joyce believes one of its most important decisions was opening membership to anyone who wished to serve.  It became less exclusive and more welcoming.  That change, she believes, helped ensure the organization's continued growth.

 

As the years passed, the Ladies of Charity broadened their outreach while remaining true to their founding mission of serving those in need. In addition to their longstanding support of St. Catherine's Center for Children, members devoted countless volunteer hours to what is now known as Community Maternity and, later, to Mary's Corner. Community Maternity, led by Sister Maureen Joyce, became an important partner in the Ladies' ministry of service. Although Joyce is not certain, she believes Sister Maureen first learned about the Ladies of Charity through Bishop Hubbard, a connection that helped strengthen the organization's growing network of charitable outreach.

 

For Joyce, Mary's Corner marked another turning point.  When the first location opened in Cohoes, more women became interested in joining because they could volunteer directly in the ministry's daily work. Joyce proudly counts herself among the very first volunteers there.

 

When asked what has kept the organization thriving for more than five decades, Joyce doesn't hesitate.  It's the mission.  She is especially proud of the many lives the Ladies of Charity have touched through financial assistance, volunteer service, and compassionate outreach. While Mary's Corner remains central to the organization's work, Joyce hopes future generations will continue expanding their support to other charitable organizations throughout the community.

 

Reflecting on the people who helped shape the Albany chapter, Joyce quickly returns to Bishop Broderick. "We should always remember and be thankful to him," she says.  Without his vision, she believes, the organization might never have existed.

 

She also hopes today's members never lose sight of the close relationship the Ladies of Charity have shared with the Daughters of Charity. Sister Serena Branson, in particular, holds a special place in Joyce's memories. Her leadership, guidance, and commitment helped strengthen the organization during its formative years.  Joyce even suggests renaming the Branson Fund the "Sister Serena Branson Fund" as a lasting tribute to her remarkable legacy.

 

She also encourages every member who has the opportunity attend the National Ladies of Charity Convention.  So much can be learned by seeing what other chapters across the country are doing.  It reminds us that we are part of something much bigger. 

 

As Joyce looks toward the future, her hopes are much the same as they were around Nancy O'Connor's dining room table more than fifty years ago.  She hopes the organization continues to welcome new generations of women who are eager to serve. She values the importance of the Albany Association maintaining its independence and was pleased to hear that its application for 501(c)(3) status was moving forward.  Most of all, she hopes the Ladies of Charity will never lose sight of their purpose.

 

From a handful of women gathered in one home in 1969 to an organization that has served countless individuals and families throughout the Capital Region, the Albany Association of the Ladies of Charity continues to demonstrate what can happen when compassion is paired with commitment.  For Joyce, that legacy is something worth celebrating—and, even more importantly, worth carrying forward.