Associate Spotlight Spring 2024

Anna P. Navatta, an associate of the Caldwell Dominicans, is the Director of Community Relations for Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS). The Mission of NNJLS is to ensure equal justice for individuals experiencing poverty. NNJLS is a private non-profit public interest law firm that provides free legal help in civil (non-criminal) matters to underserved individuals and families experiencing poverty. The firm also works to increase the public’s knowledge of their rights through community legal education. Anna has been with NNJLS for over 40 years, carrying a full caseload and presenting at numerous “Know Your Rights” events. She attributes her longevity in the often-difficult work of serving the poor to her Dominican roots.

Anna attended Sacred Heart School in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. She was educated by Sister Mary Kathleen Malarky, OP, in the first grade and Helen Gerity in the third grade. Anna remained close friends with her teachers and would often seek their guidance in a variety of matters. She was always impressed with their prayerful approach consistent with their Dominican charism. 

Anna attended Lyndhurst High School, Rutgers University-Newark College of Arts and Sciences, and Seton Hall University School of Law. Once she entered law school, she once again reached out to the Sisters of Saint Dominic for assistance.  Needing a quiet place to study, Sister Loretta Marie Kruger, OP, then principal and superior of Sacred Heart School, allowed her to study in the convent’s sitting room and even gave her a key so that she could come and go as her schedule allowed.  Spending many late nights studying law in the convent, Sister Madeline Sorge, OP, would bring her coffee and cookies. “Without the kindness of the Sisters of Saint Dominic, I may not have made it through law school,” Anna commented.

Anna has been an associate for over 26 years. She is grateful to associate Helen Gerity, Sister Mary Kathleen, OP, and all the other joyful Dominican sisters who encouraged her to join the congregation as an associate. She serves on the Board of Trustees of Lacordaire Academy, a school sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, and participates in a number of events coordinated by the Caldwell Dominic associates. Anna said, “It has been a wonderful experience allowing me to interact with the sisters and deepen my spirituality. The influence of the good sisters has allowed me to truly live out the Dominican charism of service in both my professional and personal life, and for that I will be eternally grateful.”