Sr. Margaret Gaffikin, FSP was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland to parents, Gerard and Mary Gaffikin, and grew up in Queens, New York alongside siblings, Tria Reuss, the late Stephanie Vaccaro, and Gerard Gaffikin. She attended Catholic school her entire life, always feeling positively influenced by the sisters she had as teachers. It was during  high school when Sr. Margaret said she felt drawn to looking into religious life. She had the opportunity to work in New York City and travel before entering the convent in 1966.

As part of her ministry with the Franciscan Sisters of Peace, Sr. Margaret has worked as a childcare worker, an elementary school and high school teacher, and a Formation Director, companioning young women who entered her community. She has served as a Pastoral Associate in New Jersey and New York parishes, and was the Congregation Minister (president) for her congregation for eight years. Sr. Margaret is beginning her twelfth year of teaching at Immaculate Heart Academy. She said she feels both blessed and grateful for the opportunity to pause and celebrate 50 years as a woman religious.

“My vocation is a gift that has given me many opportunities to develop into the person I am today through God’s graces,” she reflected. “It has been a privilege to serve the people of God in the variety of ministries over the years. So many people have touched my life—especially the students I have had the pleasure to teach."

Sr. Margaret said the young women she encounters each day at IHA continue to energize her and inspire her with their generosity. She feels they mirror a future of great possibilities for both the church and the world. “We need women of faith and commitment who will stand up for their values, especially when they are counter-cultural,” she shared. “How fortunate I am to be among the administration, faculty, and staff who are committed to passing Gospel values to those young women entrusted to our care."

As she celebrates this milestone anniversary, it is Sr. Margaret’s hope to continue to teach the Catholic faith. “What more could I ask for?” she said. She wishes to continue to challenge the young women at Immaculate Heart Academy, not only to be the person that God intends them to be, but also to pass on to others the many gifts they receive as IHA students.