Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh Monastic Women with Discerning
FRONT COVER – PAGE 1
Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh Benedictines Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts
St. Benedict Monastery SUMMER/FALL 2019 Bakerstown, Pennsylvania
A Culture of Giving PAGE 2
Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh
the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh Year of Celebration AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020 honoring 150 YEARS since our FOUNDING 2019 2020 August 25, 2019 Opening Celebration March 21, 2020 Festival of Peace Liturgy: – Invited Guests St. Benedict Monastery Workshops Celebrant: Light Refreshments Abbot Douglas Nowicki Cocktails and Dinner May 2, 2020 Culture of Giving Gala following Mass Open to Public Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall at The Priory Nov. 17, 2019 Giving Thanks Ticket: Charge Cocktails, Dinner, Dancing – Invited Guests Dinner August 29, 2020 Closing Celebration Special Guests Open to All St. Benedict Monastery representatives from No Charge High Vesper Service former and current Celebrant: Prioress ministries and Food and music stations “daughter” houses throughout the campus
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Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts
From the Prioress
Dear Friends of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh,
Who would have thought on August 29, 1870, the date our community was founded, that “soon and very soon” our community would be celebrating a year’s worth of 150 years of service to God’s people? The number of years is remarkable!
What is more remarkable though is that as you read these lines you are one of those individuals who have in one way or another touched the lives of one or more Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh. And it is that path crossing that we celebrate. No community exists for itself and when our foremothers left Eichstaett, Bavaria, and Saint Mary’s PA, they traveled in response to a particular call. The early call was an invitation to educate German immigrants. The call evolved into invitations to ministries of many, many sorts and interaction with and blessings from many wonderful individuals.
As you read the various articles and see the numerous pictures you will encounter some of those whose lives intersect with ours today. During this special year of celebration, we will be telling many stories of our history from our current members as well as stories from those women who preceded us as members of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh.
And know that as the year moves on we will be praying for all those with whom we have been involved…and I am happy to say that YOU are one of those special individuals!
For being YOU, Thanks!
Blessings always,
Sister Karen Brink
______Z ______
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Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh Table of Contents
Growing in Relationship with God...... 5
Bits & Pieces...... 6
There's No Place Like Home . 7
A Day in the Life . 8
With Culinary Grace & Love...... 10
Director of Guest Services – Sister Lucille Snyder. 11
Culture of Giving Gala...... 12
We are the A Journey Home ...... 14 Benedictine Sisters Our Heartfelt Thanks . 16 of Pittsburgh, Why I Am Oblate...... 17
continuing 1500 years You’ve Got a Friend. 18
of seeking God in Through the Years ...... 20 Community, Memories of France and a Prayer Beloved SBA French Teacher...... 21 and Ministry. Spiritual Spa – Every Woman’s Story...... 22 Spotlight . 23
BENEDICTINES is a publication of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh, PA for families, friends and benefactors of the Community.
Managing Editor: Elizabeth Tamburri, Director Joann Zagorski Office of Community Advancement
St. Benedict Monastery 3526 Bakerstown Road Bakerstown, PA 15007 Mark Your Calendar Phone: 724-502-2600 Fax: 724-502-2601 Website: www.osbpgh.org August 25, 2019 Year of Celebration Opening Event Email: [email protected] Mass and Dinner St. Benedict Monastery Cover photo: Tunisia El; photograph by Brian Bogovich September 21, 2019 Spiritual Spa Inside cover: John Wimer, Reflecting the Sacred, The Print Shop at Office Things Every Woman’s Story
November 17, 2019 Year of Celebration Giving Thanks Please remember St. Benedict Monastery the Benedictine Sisters December 3, 2019 Give Big Pittsburgh in your will. Online Day of Giving
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Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts
Growing in Relationship with God
By Joann Zagorski
“To help people find who they are in relationship with God is a beautiful thing.”
On a beautiful summer day in June, some 60 children with God.” She also enjoys the teamwork in this parish- from Holy Sepulcher Parish in Butler are enjoying Vacation based ministry, adding that “with more heads there are Bible School. The walls of the school cafeteria are decorated different ideas, and God speaks through each one.” in a safari theme and there is excited conversation echoing She relishes the focus on development of self, everywhere. The theme for the week is “Life is Wild. spiritually and professionally, and brings that enthusiasm God is Good.” to work with her. She oversees many aspects of faith In the midst of this scene you will find Sister Benita formation including Adult Faith Formation, Children’s DeMatteis, who is Director of Faith Formation for Faith Formation, and Baptism classes. Acknowledging Holy Sepulcher Parish. Despite her sometimes hectic that young families are very busy, Sister explains that schedule—which includes working with St. Killian Parish the faith formation staff is making a specific effort on back-to-back-weeks of Vacation Bible School this toward reaching these young families, using technology summer – she exudes the calm presence of a seasoned as appropriate to keep it flexible. “I know they want educator, a ministry she greatly enjoys. God to be part of their lives and we want to help them with that.” In her earlier roles as a principal and an educational consultant, Sister Benita loved working to develop Even in her down time, Sister Benita is drawn to curriculum, but this ministry at Holy Sepulchur “is a learning, and finds that her reading list is mostly little different, especially with RCIA (Rite of Christian professional reading. “I want to keep up with what Initiation for Adults). To help people find who they I’m doing,” she notes. She also enjoys spending time are in relationship with God is a beautiful thing. They with her family in Ohio, which is where she is headed help me to also grow in my spirituality and relationship after two busy weeks of Vacation Bible School.
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Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh BITS & Pieces
Friendly Faces Raffle Winners
Lisa Christy CNA (FT) is a new face Winners of the 2019 Culture of Giving Gala Raffles among the Benedictine Sisters of 9-day New England cruise: Martha Sprys Laux Pittsburgh. Lisa has 3 children; one recently completed his tour in the 50/50: Maureen McKinney Air Force and her youngest just Gettysburg weekend: Rosemarie Weber graduated from high school. Lisa grew up in Tarentum but lived most Winners of the 2019 Bonanza Raffle of her adult life in Florida. Lisa moved back to Pittsburgh 30% winner: Mary Thomas just in time to begin working for the Sisters. 3% winner: Johanna Leonard Nancy Forbeck RN (PT) has been retired for several years. Nancy spent most of her “free” time caring for St. Benedict Plaque her grandchildren while both her son and daughter-in-law worked. Her Thank you, Sister Michael Mack for children and grandchildren moved to purchasing the new St. Benedict South Dakota for new employment. plaque that is posted outside the Broken-hearted Nancy began looking front doors of St. Benedict Monastery. for work, and on New Year’s Eve happened to see Sister Lizz’s ad for a nurse. Sister Lizz and Nancy spoke on New Year’s Day and now, with a new purpose, Nancy’s heart is on the mend. Gift Shop The gift shop in St. Benedict Monastery is up and running again. Shelves are packed and Sister Mary David has the New Website for the Sisters bins filled with Honeysuckle, Spiced Cranberry, Patchouli, Magnolia, Coconut Lemon Grass, Lily of the Valley, Make sure you take a long look at the Benedictine Lavender, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Sage, Cinnamon and Sisters of Pittsburgh new website at osbpgh.org. Lime Mint scented soaps. There will be easy-to-access points of contact; current information; the history of the Sisters; schedules for Mass and prayer; current news items and events; and SISTER KAREN BRINK’S BLOG!
ALUMNAE NEWS
The Class of 1963 will be holding their reunion at Wildwood Country Club October 12. Please contact [email protected] if you haven’t registered.
The Class of 1964 will hold their reunion Saturday, September 19, at the Rochester Inn at 505 Rochester Road in Ross Township. Reach out to (412) 364-8166 – Uniforms and gym suits are NOT mandatory!
The Class of 1967 will be holding a 70th Birthday Party on September 14 at The Chadwick in Wexford. The deadline for reservations is mid-August. Join us! Respond to [email protected] (724) 822-5089.
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Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts
Dear Family and Friends, On Monday, June 17, the wonderful maintenance men at St. Louise Convent carried all our luggage from our bedrooms to the cars and packed them - and it was raining! They had a great system going. At 11:00 we went to Mass together and then to dinner, There’swhere there No was Place a lot of hugging and kissing, and even a few tears. Like By 1:30 all the cars had left for Bakerstown carrying at least a driver and luggage for two Sisters. Some cars had a passenger as well. Life Pittsburgh took Sr. Christine from Vincentian Home, and all our Sisters Homewho go to Life Pittsburgh, back to Bakerstown. By about 2:30, we were all here, having been welcomed and assisted by the FireDEX staff (restoration company) and our lay employees. Our administrative team had prepared welcoming surprises in our rooms, and the OCA director and assistant had a beautiful basket of white and purple petunias waiting at the front desk. After Vespers at 5:00 we had a wonderful, festive dinner prepared by our new food service, John Marshall Catering. By 9:00, most people were probably in bed. It was a happy homecoming and we are glad the saga of January 31 is completed. Now we will seeSister Juliehow Makowski God continues. It had been a wonderful experience of community and friendship building, and those bonds will last forever. But we are glad to be home! We are still a million times blessed and are grateful to the Vincentian Sisters at St. Louise forever! "All will be well, and all manner of things will be well." - St. Hildegard of Bingen …and it is! Sister Benita DeMatteis and Sister Susanne Chenot Love, Peace and Blessings, Sr. Jeanne
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Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh A Day in the Life Sister Michele (Shelly) Farabaugh
By Elizabeth Tamburri
It was one of those great city days in East Liberty. The streets were crowded with Pittsburgh’s millennials riding bicycles, groups of friends running, and plenty of people shopping. But, for Sister Michele Farabaugh, going since her usual wake-up time of 5:30, it would be another day spent indoors working on behalf of those whose lives are wavering on the razor-sharp edge of need. “I try to do the best I can,” Sister says, and the minute one steps into the world that is her office, you have no doubt that she does.
Sister “Shelly” Farabaugh, as she is lovingly known, is the social worker for the The Salvation Army in East Liberty. The location is a homeless shelter for any blend of family make up. A woman waiting to speak with Sister, has been living in her car. Her daughter is staying with a friend and has told her mother she doesn’t want to live in a shelter. The stigma is far too frightening. The shelter doesn’t provide for individuals so without her daughter she is ineligible for services. With a frustration shared by every social worker Sister explained, “Some years ago, the Powers-That-Be said we were going to cure homelessness by 2015. In 2014 they changed the definition of homelessness to refer to only those ‘living on the street’ but that isn’t always the case. Some people, especially those with children, bounce from place to place – couches and rooms with friends, family, neighbors… or live in their cars. They’re every bit as homeless as someone on the street.”
A sad look came into Sister Shelly’s eyes. “Fifty percent of our clients are under the age of 30. And the problems have changed. At one time there was a migration to the suburbs and the lower income populations remained in the city.
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Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts
Homelessness could happen to anyone – job loss, illness, fire or natural disaster. Often the factor for some people is family or friends who can assist financially, or act with resources. Many folks I deal with have either exhausted those resources or don't have the luxury of their presence in their lives.”
Now, with gentrification happening all over the city, to “Shelly” was a novice with the Benedictine Sisters of find even remotely affordable housing, people with fewer Pittsburgh before taking a leave of absence that lasted options must move to lower income neighborhoods near 25 years. During her hiatus she obtained a BA in Psychology the suburbs. Unfortunately, public transportation to those and MA in Counseling at IUP before moving to Neon, communities is very limited, there are fewer well-paying Kentucky (in 1987 Shelly returned to school and earned jobs, and what is affordable may not be very good housing. her MA in Social Work). While working as a counselor in ‘‘ an ecumenical program with a local Presbyterian church, When asked how services today compare to those she also volunteered for the Glenmary Home Mission and provided in the 70s and 80s, Sister didn’t hesitate. “I’m was later hired as the Executive Director of the Catholic not so sure providers always prioritize or are as flexible as ’’ Community of Appalachia. From Neon, Michele moved they should be. In most shelters everyone must leave in the to Louisville where she worked in a Mental Health clinic morning and check in by a certain time at night. Well, if you find a job cleaning offices all night…you aren’t going and Psychiatric Hospital. Being the only single sibling, she to be able to check in by a certain time. In the morning, returned to Pennsylvania to lend a helpful hand after her well a person must rest after working all night. It’s a father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Within one year missed opportunity for employment.” Michele returned to her home with the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh. Such is a typical morning for someone who has lived her life with energy and independence. Little Michele Monday thru Friday Sister Shelly returns home from Farabaugh began babysitting at the age of 9 and as work around 5:00 – in time for Vespers. After supper she her biological sister, Sister Michelle, said, “Shelly has reviews her spread sheet for the cars used by the Sisters and always been a caregiver. She does a very difficult job in a coordinates vehicle registrations, inspections, maintenance, dedicated manner. She is a real gift to the people she purchases, etc. – a system she learned from her father. There works on behalf of.” are countless games of Scrabble, swimming as often as possible, meetings of the Spirituality Team, and work at the front desk. Still an avid reader, Sister Shelly was the little girl with a huge stack of library books – she was also the little girl who often had to pay that .25 overdue book fee.
Sister Shelly’s motto is, “The glory of God is a person fully alive.” (St. Irenaeus, 1:40 AD Book 4, Chapter 34, Section 7). But after spending even a few hours on a beautiful afternoon with Sister Shelly, a different reflection of her spirit comes to mind. In speaking about homelessness Sister had casually mentioned that with all the problems we face, and as difficult as life can be, how important it is for each of us to “pay attention and care for each other.” When you’re with Sister Shelly you recognize how few people are really paying attention, because she clearly is. And, in a world that for so many is a paradox of effort, sadness, and frustration, knowing she is there, somehow makes all the difference Sister Shelly Farabaugh, House Manager Faith Quarles, and Shelter Director Envoy John Barnett and surely must be the glory of God.
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Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh
With Culinary Grace and Love
John Marshall Shavonne and John Marshall Comes to St. Benedict Monastery
Every day is a new day – and with it can come some John Marshall Catering continues to receive awards for wonderful surprises. After building a great relationship with every facet of cooking. the Sisters and catering the Founder’s Day picnic each August, John Marshall is known by many as a giving and John Marshall and his incredible staff are now providing generous individual. Though he never speaks of it, his the meals for the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh! generosity of spirit and charitable giving includes work John is an avid and talented chef who began at Beatty on behalf of TRY – Together for Retarded Youth, the Tech where he claimed 1st place in the state cooking Cranberry – Noon Rotary where he oversees food boxes competition (1978). He started running his first kitchen for victims of flooding, suicide prevention programs, at age 20 and hasn’t looked back. His Gibsonia-based and this summer John will travel to Guatemala with the catering company – which is always in demand – Guatemalan Mission Group from Saint Richard’s Parish.
Debbie Scott Eric Colleen Lexi Sean Elaine
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Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts
Director of Guest Services, Sister Lucille Snyder who says, There’s No Place Like Home After four and a half months the Sisters are finally home and while ‘‘many are still in the process of unpacking and cleaning rooms, the flow of Benedictine life has resumed.
Sister Lucille Snyder, Director of Guest Services,’’ Vincentian Sisters of Charity). “The Sisters at Saint Louise has been busy answering requests for Bethany House. anticipated our every need. They just made a person Though Sister admits to having been timid as a young feel so welcome. I think all of us shared many joyful girl, she shows no shyness in welcoming guests for moments with them. It was quite an experience first to retreats or serving as greeter for Mass in the chapel. recognize our differences and then find ways to mesh them for all of us. Friendships were formed.” “Our first guest in many months will be a long-time visitor here for a Day of Reflection,” Sister Lucille When asked about those things Sister missed the explains. While Bethany House is having needed repairs most while away, there was no hesitation. “Oh, without completed, the guest will stay in the Monastery. Sister a doubt, praying the Divine Office. We had our area to Lucille will make sure she has everything she needs. pray in as a Community, but I really missed our chapel. When asked about the nature of hospitality, Sister As beautiful as the chapel was at Saint Louise, it seemed Lucile spoke of the Sisters recent stay with the Sisters of to be more, maybe, formal? It is difficult to explain. I think Charity of Nazareth at Saint Louise Convent (formerly there’s just no place like home.”
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2 2019 CULTURE OF GIVING Gala
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1 Cocktails in the courtyard 2 Cris Sharpley and Tunisia El demonstrate ballroom dances 3 The Sisters stand to provide a blessing on the gala guests 4 Tony and Catherine Zimmer 5 Sister Karen Brink, Prioress 6 Pat Tamburri, Carol Schaefer, Judy Spreng, Linda Piccirillo-Smith 7 Vince and Meagan Bond 8 2019 Culture of Giving Recipient 17 Dr. Edward Kelly and his wife, Robyn Kelly 9 Arlene Flanagan Smigielski, Karen 16 Buff, Angela Delune 10 Terry and Dolores Nypaver 11 Tony Ruffolo 12 Tania Grubbs and Mike Tomaro 13 Sister Judith Nero 14 Lisa Newcomb and Kevin Mullen 15 Barbara Kerr and Louise Sutton 16 Abby and Evan Perrone 17 MC Peggy Finnegan
Gala photos by Tony Ruffolo and Brian Bogovich
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Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh
A Journey Home Sister Roberta Campbell had dreams of opening a center of spirituality and education for women;
Sister Evelyn Dettling was seeking a way to continue to have deep meaning in her more mature years;
Sister Susan Merrie English had been intrigued with an idea for years.
What was needed was the perfect quiet moment for these three spiritually in-tune women to have a conversation.
That moment came, and with it, the evolution of an inspiration.
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Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts
he chiseling out of form and structure took the Sisters two years of early morning weekly meetings, and countless interspersed efforts to complete their plan. Despite life and death sorrow, Tfull-time jobs, an operation and hospital stay, and the challenges faced when forming any innovative idea, three women, with the blessing and support of their Community, have opened the door to a new approach for ministry – Leadership and Life Coaching for Women Religious.
A firm believer in leadership and life coaching, Sister Susan Merrie says, “My belief in life coaching began years ago when I was an instructor at Indiana University. I knew I was best at one-on-one engagement with folks. I attended the Coaches Training Institute and it has been my pathway ever since.” The team of three believe, without hesitation, that personal coaching helps people identify their strengths and resources (internal and orphanages for abandoned children. Women Religious external), turn limitations into opportunities, find clarity were the first to open schools for females and did so long and form a path to the future. They consider it a ministry before such education was thought of as important. They of transformation. were the first of the religious to work with the resistance and hide Jewish individuals and families in World War II, Like a musical arrangement, and as united in vision joined citizens on the front lines to protest the war in Viet as a team can be, they begin and finish each other’s Nam, inequality, and segregation. While their numbers thoughts about the program. “There is, as current health may be fewer than previous years, they are, as the team researchers define it, a ‘black plague’ in our society today of three agrees, “…natural healers in the church. We are which is the stress born from suffering – ours as well needed more today than ever before.” as those to whom we witness.” Sister Roberta began, “Stress can, in a sense, paralyze us. We have no idea what to do, how to cope with our suffering let alone that of The skills learned in the Leadership and Life Coaching others. How to find meaning in all of this.” Nodding in program will be beneficial to Women Religious of all ages full agreement, Sister Evelyn continued, “This is about and to everyone who comes into their lives. From Sisters
drawing the deep wisdom that is inherent in each of us in community, to parish ministry, to places of leadership – at the core of our being and using that wisdom to find the skills learned strengthen all ministries. clarity, and see a path going forward unencumbered, communicative and empowered.” Sister Susan Merrie quickly joined in, “Yes, connected! Research has shown, “I have one former student using her coaching skills meaningful connections lead to better physical health, with a fourth-grade basketball team.” Said Sister Susan mental health, and a longer life, but the sign of the times Merrie. For Women Religious, numbers don’t seem to matter is disconnection. What is needed is a return to community, either – they have repeatedly shown (Benedicta Riepp, a new community, one built on spirituality and reciprocity. Walburga Dietrich and Maura Flieger – the founding This program will give Women Religious the needed tools mothers of Benedictine Sisters in America) that they don’t to be more effective leaders in influencing the society-wide have to be many to be powerful. conversation.” For Women Religious interested in enrolling in the Historically, Women Religious have been unspoken and two-year program, more information can be obtained by unrecognized leaders in the Church. They gave meaning contacting Sister Roberta Campbell at (724) 502-2585 and definition to the words care and concern in the harsh or [email protected]. The application process realities of the frontier. It was the women religious, with includes a college degree or equal life experience, a letter, little or no support, who opened hospitals, and founded and telephone interview.
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Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh
Our heartfelt thanks… to the following businesses and individuals who supported the 2019 Culture of Giving Gala
Sponsors Healthy Pet Products UPMC Heinz History Center St. Vincent College & Seminary Home Depot Pittsburgh Magazine Jerome Bettis John Marshall Catering Donors Legume Bistro Barnes Tax Associates, LLC Leone Animal Supply Center Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors, LLC Lowe’s Home Improvement Holy Sepulcher Catholic Church Lucille Ball & Dezi Arnaz Museum Neighbors North Catholic Community Madia Photography Sweet B’s Sweet Shop Max's Allegheny Tavern The Print Shop at Office Things Merle Norman, Cranberry Miller's Mustard Master of Ceremonies Mineo's Pizza Peggy Finnegan National Aviary National Comedy Center Raffle Donors Allegheny County Parks Page Dairy Mart Alpaca Palace Panache Boutique Andy Warhol Museum Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. Anonymous St. Benedict Academy Alumna Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Arsenal Bowling Lanes Pittsburgh Children's Museum Arthur Murray Pittsburgh Glass Center Birch Beauty Bar Pittsburgh Pirates Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa; Pittsburgh Public Theater Tara - A Country Inn Pittsburgh Steelers Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Cheesecake Factory Renaissance Hotel Pittsburgh Cranberry Highlands Golf Sarris Chocolate Dave & Busters Scally's Golf Debbie Katich Sewickley Spa Dolores Zunic Sisters Place Double Wide Grill DoubleTree Hotel Cranberry Smoke BBQ Taqueria Eden Resort, Lancaster St. Victor Parish Fairfield Inn & Suites, McCandless Tennis Village First Watch Café The Priory Hotel Gervasi Vineyard The Skin Center Hampton Inn, Smallman Street Tony Rufffolo, WPXI News Photographer Harbor Hotel, Chautauqua Lake Trinity Jewelers Harold’s Flower Shop Wal-Mart, Gibsonia
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Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts
Why I Am Oblate I knew God was leading and I followed.
By JoAnn Davis
suppose it all began when I called Sister Evelyn to help I was going through a very dark time in my professional with the Farewell Days when the old Saint Benedict life, but the Light prevailed; Sister Donna was offering Lectio Academy building was being sold. It was such a Divina (a slow, contemplative praying of the Scriptures), and welcoming committee; we reminisced about the great I moved through the difficulty with the help of these days SBAI days of high school. I made new friends and enjoyed of prayer and listening with the ear of my heart. I honestly all the planning. However, the best part was coming to the don’t know what would have happened to me without this; monastery – the peaceful and loving feeling when I walked the devil had hold of me and I was filled with despair. (I still through the door. I continued to come to the monastery pray for the “mean girls” when I go through a tunnel, for the All-Class Reunion meetings, now in a new home in which was my promise the first night.) Bakerstown. I had the same feeling when I walked in the doors – peace – I left my baggage on the outside and felt I knew God was leading and I followed. the calmness upon entering. I wanted to be a part of this Many Monday evenings Sister Lizz shared and educated wonderment; I wanted to take my spirituality to the next me on the Rule, she explained with knowledge and love how level to carry this peaceful love with me every day. I can live this life. She nurtured the Benedictine way in me. Into my life came Sisters Linda Larkman and Lizz Matz When I started this article, I said it all began when I and the Oblate program. I did not feel I could make this worked on the committee, but it truly began in first grade commitment. After all, I had not been the perfect Catholic, with the Benedictine Sisters teaching me to love God, each and didn’t have a good prayer life. I attended several other and myself. The life they led showed me a way I can weekend retreats and was working to be the person God live in community with God and all the others choosing to wanted me to be. When I came home, I usually fell back into being a weekend prayer. Too busy to pray! lead a life in the Benedictine way of work and prayer.
Coming to the monastery gave me the sense that with I am taking time to pause and listen to my Lord’s call. God I could do anything. I wanted to be a part of this, The prayer on my desk: and I wanted to share my hope with others. I wanted to It is out of this quiet place that we will find the energy pray every day with a community holding the same desires. and grace to move forward in the wisdom and faith, But to be an Oblate? I wasn’t worthy. guided always by the Spirit.
Special thanks to all my teachers – past, present and future – for leading me to be an Oblate. I am an Oblate to love God and others and to hear His voice amid the busyness around me.
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Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh
You’ve Got a
Sister Annamarie Pavlik Friend and Sister Karen Brink
Sister Corinne Moeller and Sister Corrine Giel
Sister Barbara Helder and Sister Colette Baran
“You just call out my name And, you know, wherever I am I'll come running To see you again Winter, spring, summer or fall All you've got to do is call And I'll be there, You've got a friend…” Standing: Sister Shelly Farabaugh, Sister Michaelette Pavlik, Sister Michael Mack, Sister Charlene Reebel. Seated: Sister Michelle Farabaugh You've Got a Friend by Carole King
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Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts
DECEMBERDECEMBER 3,3, 20192019 Starting at 12AM on December 3
24 Hours to make a donation until 11:59pm on december 3rd An anonymous SBA alumna will provide the matching funds for our campaign Closer to the date, we will post a link to the Give Big Pittsburgh page on our website (obpgh.org) and Facebook page
For questions please contact the Office of Community Advancement at 724-502-2599.
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Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh
Through the Years Saint Scholastica
Mother Adelgunda Feldman
Front: Sister Rosalyn Soller, Sister Carolyn Kunzler, and Sister Christine Makowski Back: Sister Lucy Stefanics and Sister Irene Mueller
Sister Dolores Conley and Sister Antonia Mango
Sister Christine Makowski
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Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts
Memories of France and a Beloved SBA French Teacher
By Susan (Miller) Bradbury
aint Benedict Academy brings to mind so many happy memories for me, even 45 years later. We were the last senior class to wear the traditional class ring, which I still have. I recently learned that the teacher I admired most and feel so much gratitude for passed Saway in 2015. I’d like to share my thoughts. I studied French with Theresa Melnick (pictured). She told us that if we were still in her French class in our senior year she would take us to France. It was not an easy bar to reach; she was a tough teacher. If memory serves, there were 7 other classmates who made the trip with me. I studied and saved every dollar I earned for four years to go to France. Spending years dreaming of and working toward something taught me a life lesson that still guides my life.
The places I’ve travelled to since generally pale in comparison to my memories of Paris in April of 1974. It was a defining event for me. When Notre Dame was damaged by fire recently, I readily shared my experience of that great cathedral. I remember climbing the 350 stone stairs to stand eye-to-eye with the gargoyles and look out on Paris as they had for five centuries. I remember more about those 10 days than any other time period.
Saint Benedict’s was a safe and nurturing place to grow and learn; and it also served as the gateway from which I caught a glimpse of how big the world was and yet how much like home it could be. Saint Benedict’s and Theresa Melnick gave me both the security of standing on their firm grounding and the exhilaration of the first flight. Years later, all I can say is thank you.
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Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh
Reflecting the Sacred: Ever y Woma n’s
StoryA Day of Retreat for Women
September 21, 2019 Women of the Hebrew Scriptures Contemporary Women Saints 10 am to 3 pm Saint Benedict Monastery Each Woman Present Here RSVP by September 11 Sister Shelly Farabaugh 724-502-2591
Schedule: 9:45 am Arrival 10:00 am Prayer The Glory of God is 10:30 am Large group presentation “Women of the Hebrew Scriptures” Each Woman Fully Alive 11:00 am Small group reflection 11:45 am Break Come with a friend. 12:00 pm Lunch Reflect on the gifts God has entrusted to 1:00 pm Large group presentation each of us to bring God’s reign among us. “Contemporary Women Saints” Presented by the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh. 1:30 pm Small group reflection and activity 2:45 pm Closing and blessing
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Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts
SPOTLIGHT
Sister Sue Fazzini
Sister Sue Fazzini completed the Victim Offender Dialogue training program and now serves as a VOD facilitator in the state of Pennsylvania. The training was held at the Office of the Victim Advocate in Harrisburg.
VOD is a victim-initiated program and includes extensive preparation for both the victim and inmate by a trained volunteer facilitator. The facilitator prepares both the victim and the perpetrator of the crime for a face-to-face meeting and provides subsequent follow up.
It's an opportunity for the victim/survivor to ask questions about the crime, tell the inmate how it affected their life and can empower the victim/survivor to hold the inmate directly accountable.
This face-to-face meeting is held in the state correctional institution housing the inmate or in a safe, private setting within the community if the person is on parole.
Sister Alice Rock enjoyed a visit from Kara Bokiski in June. The two have shared a special friendship ever since Sister Alice babysat Kara as a child.
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■ Please remove my name from the Benedictines mailing list.
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OPENING EVENT LIVE MORE ABUNDANTLY Sunday, August 25, 2019 Benedictine Sisters The Priory Experience Benedictine of Pittsburgh Monastic Community GIVING THANKS EVENT Sunday, November 17, 2019 CELEBRATING Benedictine Sisters FESTIVAL OF PEACE EVENT of Pittsburgh Saturday March 21, 2020 150 St. Benedict Monastery www.osbpgh.org 3526 Bakerstown Road, GALA Bakerstown, PA 15007 Saturday, May 2, 2020 [email protected] Years The Priory (724) 502-2605 of Sister Karen Brink, OSB CLOSING EVENT MINISTRY Saturday, August 29, 2020 St. Benedict Monastery U.I.O.G.D. – Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus! – ‘That in all things GOD may be glorified’.