Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh Benedictines · 2019-09-13 · Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh, continuing 1500 years of seeking God in Community, Prayer and Ministry. BENEDICTINES

A Culture of Giving

BenedictinesBenedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh

Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts

FRONT COVER – PAGE 1

St. Benedict Monastery SUMMER/FALL 2019 Bakerstown , Pennsylvania

theBenedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh

Year of Celebration AUGUST 2019 - AUGUST 2020

honoring 150 YEARS since our FOUNDING

2019 August 25, 2019 Opening Celebration Liturgy: St. Benedict Monastery Celebrant: Abbot Douglas Nowicki Cocktails and Dinner following Mass

Nov. 17, 2019 Giving Thanks – Invited Guests Dinner Special Guests representatives from former and current ministries and “daughter” houses

2020 March 21, 2020 Festival of Peace – Invited Guests Workshops Light Refreshments

May 2, 2020 Culture of Giving Gala Open to Public Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall at The Priory Ticket: Charge Cocktails, Dinner, Dancing

August 29, 2020 Closing Celebration Open to All St. Benedict Monastery No Charge High Vesper Service Celebrant: Prioress Food and music stations throughout the campus

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Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh

2 Find us on the Web at www.osbpgh.org

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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3Find us on Facebook

August 25, 2019 Year of Celebration Opening Event Mass and Dinner St. Benedict Monastery

September 21, 2019 Spiritual Spa Reflecting the Sacred, Every Woman’s Story

November 17, 2019 Year of Celebration Giving Thanks St. Benedict Monastery

December 3, 2019 Give Big Pittsburgh Online Day of Giving

Table of Contents

Mark Your Calendar

We are the Benedictine Sisters

of Pittsburgh, continuing 1500 years

of seeking God in Community,

Prayer and Ministry.

BENEDICTINES is a publication of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh, PA for families, friends and benefactors of the Community.

Managing Editor: Elizabeth Tamburri, DirectorJoann ZagorskiOffice of Community Advancement

St. Benedict Monastery3526 Bakerstown RoadBakerstown, PA 15007

Phone: 724-502-2600Fax: 724-502-2601Website: www.osbpgh.orgEmail: [email protected]

Cover photo: Tunisia El; photograph by Brian Bogovich

Inside cover: John Wimer, The Print Shop at Office Things

Please remember the Benedictine Sisters

in your will.

Growing in Relationship with God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Bits & Pieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6There's No Place Like Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A Day in the Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8With Culinary Grace & Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Director of Guest Services – Sister Lucille Snyder . . . . 11Culture of Giving Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12A Journey Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Our Heartfelt Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Why I Am Oblate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17You’ve Got a Friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Through the Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Memories of France and a Beloved SBA French Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Spiritual Spa – Every Woman’s Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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On a beautiful summer day in June, some 60 children from Holy Sepulcher Parish in Butler are enjoying Vacation Bible School. The walls of the school cafeteria are decorated in a safari theme and there is excited conversation echoing everywhere. The theme for the week is “Life is Wild. God is Good.”

In the midst of this scene you will find Sister Benita DeMatteis, who is Director of Faith Formation for Holy Sepulcher Parish. Despite her sometimes hectic schedule—which includes working with St. Killian Parish on back-to-back-weeks of Vacation Bible School this summer – she exudes the calm presence of a seasoned educator, a ministry she greatly enjoys.

In her earlier roles as a principal and an educational consultant, Sister Benita loved working to develop curriculum, but this ministry at Holy Sepulchur “is a little different, especially with RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). To help people find who they are in relationship with God is a beautiful thing. They help me to also grow in my spirituality and relationship

with God.” She also enjoys the teamwork in this parish-based ministry, adding that “with more heads there are different ideas, and God speaks through each one.”

She relishes the focus on development of self, spiritually and professionally, and brings that enthusiasm to work with her. She oversees many aspects of faith formation including Adult Faith Formation, Children’s Faith Formation, and Baptism classes. Acknowledging that young families are very busy, Sister explains that the faith formation staff is making a specific effort toward reaching these young families, using technology as appropriate to keep it flexible. “I know they want God to be part of their lives and we want to help them with that.”

Even in her down time, Sister Benita is drawn to learning, and finds that her reading list is mostly professional reading. “I want to keep up with what I’m doing,” she notes. She also enjoys spending time with her family in Ohio, which is where she is headed after two busy weeks of Vacation Bible School.

By Joann Zagorski

Growingin Relationship with

God“To help people find who they are in relationship with God is a beautiful thing.”

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BITS& PiecesFriendly Faces

Lisa Christy CNA (FT) is a new face among the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh. Lisa has 3 children; one recently completed his tour in the Air Force and her youngest just graduated from high school. Lisa grew up in Tarentum but lived most of her adult life in Florida. Lisa moved back to Pittsburgh just in time to begin working for the Sisters.

Nancy Forbeck RN (PT) has been retired for several years. Nancy spent most of her “free” time caring for her grandchildren while both her son and daughter-in-law worked. Her children and grandchildren moved to South Dakota for new employment. Broken-hearted Nancy began looking 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.

New Website for the Sisters

Make sure you take a long look at the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh new website at osbpgh.org. 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.

Raffle Winners

Winners of the 2019 Culture of Giving Gala Raffles

9-day New England cruise: Martha Sprys Laux

50/50: Maureen McKinney

Gettysburg weekend: Rosemarie Weber

Winners of the 2019 Bonanza Raffle

30% winner: Mary Thomas

3% winner: Johanna Leonard

St. Benedict Plaque

Thank you, Sister Michael Mack for purchasing the new St. Benedict plaque that is posted outside the front doors of St. Benedict Monastery.

Gift Shop

The gift shop in St. Benedict Monastery is up and running again. Shelves are packed and Sister Mary David has the bins filled with Honeysuckle, Spiced Cranberry, Patchouli, Magnolia, Coconut Lemon Grass, Lily of the Valley, Lavender, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Sage, Cinnamon and Lime Mint scented soaps.



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 1 1 :00 we went to Mass together and then to dinner, where there was a lot of hugging and kissing, and even a few tears.

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 who 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 see how 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! Love, Peace and Blessings, Sr. Jeanne

There’s No Place LikeHome

Sister Benita DeMatteis and Sister Susanne Chenot

Sister Julie Makowski

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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.

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 Michele (Shelly) Farabaugh

A Dayin the Life



‘‘ ’’Now, with gentrification happening all over the city, to find even remotely affordable housing, people with fewer options must move to lower income neighborhoods near the suburbs. Unfortunately, public transportation to those communities is very limited, there are fewer well-paying jobs, and what is affordable may not be very good housing.

When asked how services today compare to those provided in the 70s and 80s, Sister didn’t hesitate. “I’m not so sure providers always prioritize or are as flexible as they should be. In most shelters everyone must leave in the morning and check in by a certain time at night. Well, if you find a job cleaning offices all night…you aren’t going to be able to check in by a certain time. In the morning, well a person must rest after working all night. It’s a missed opportunity for employment.”

Such is a typical morning for someone who has lived her life with energy and independence. Little Michele Farabaugh began babysitting at the age of 9 and as her biological sister, Sister Michelle, said, “Shelly has always been a caregiver. She does a very difficult job in a dedicated manner. She is a real gift to the people she works on behalf of.”

“Shelly” was a novice with the Benedictine Sisters of

Pittsburgh before taking a leave of absence that lasted

25 years. During her hiatus she obtained a BA in Psychology

and MA in Counseling at IUP before moving to Neon,

Kentucky (in 1987 Shelly returned to school and earned

her MA in Social Work). While working as a counselor in

an ecumenical program with a local Presbyterian church,

she also volunteered for the Glenmary Home Mission and

was later hired as the Executive Director of the Catholic

Community of Appalachia. From Neon, Michele moved

to Louisville where she worked in a Mental Health clinic

and Psychiatric Hospital. Being the only single sibling, she

returned to Pennsylvania to lend a helpful hand after her

father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Within one year

Michele returned to her home with the Benedictine Sisters

of Pittsburgh.

Monday thru Friday Sister Shelly returns home from

work around 5:00 – in time for Vespers. After supper she

reviews her spread sheet for the cars used by the Sisters and

coordinates vehicle registrations, inspections, maintenance,

purchases, etc. – a system she learned from her father. There

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

and surely must be the glory of God.

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.”

Sister Shelly Farabaugh, House Manager Faith Quarles, and Shelter Director Envoy John Barnett

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Every day is a new day – and with it can come some wonderful surprises. After building a great relationship with the Sisters and catering the Founder’s Day picnic each August, John Marshall and his incredible staff are now providing the meals for the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh!

John is an avid and talented chef who began at Beatty Tech where he claimed 1st place in the state cooking competition (1978). He started running his first kitchen at age 20 and hasn’t looked back. His Gibsonia-based catering company – which is always in demand –

John Marshall Catering continues to receive awards for every facet of cooking.

John Marshall is known by many as a giving and generous individual. Though he never speaks of it, his generosity of spirit and charitable giving includes work on behalf of TRY – Together for Retarded Youth, the Cranberry – Noon Rotary where he oversees food boxes for victims of flooding, suicide prevention programs, and this summer John will travel to Guatemala with the Guatemalan Mission Group from Saint Richard’s Parish.

Comes to St. Benedict Monastery

Shavonne and John Marshall

Debbie Scott Eric Colleen Lexi Sean Elaine

WithCulinaryGrace andLoveJohn Marshall

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’’‘‘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,

has been busy answering requests for Bethany House.

Though Sister admits to having been timid as a young

girl, she shows no shyness in welcoming guests for

retreats or serving as greeter for Mass in the chapel.

“Our first guest in many months will be a long-time

visitor here for a Day of Reflection,” Sister Lucille

explains. While Bethany House is having needed repairs

completed, the guest will stay in the Monastery. Sister

Lucille will make sure she has everything she needs.

When asked about the nature of hospitality, Sister

Lucile spoke of the Sisters recent stay with the Sisters of

Charity of Nazareth at Saint Louise Convent (formerly

Vincentian Sisters of Charity). “The Sisters at Saint Louise

anticipated our every need. They just made a person

feel so welcome. I think all of us shared many joyful

moments with them. It was quite an experience first to

recognize our differences and then find ways to mesh

them for all of us. Friendships were formed.”

When asked about those things Sister missed the

most while away, there was no hesitation. “Oh, without

a doubt, praying the Divine Office. We had our area to

pray in as a Community, but I really missed our chapel.

As beautiful as the chapel was at Saint Louise, it seemed

to be more, maybe, formal? It is difficult to explain. I think

there’s just no place like home.”

Director of Guest Services, Sister Lucille Snyderwho says,

There’s No Place LikeHome

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2019 CULTURE OF GIVING

Gala

Find us on the Web at www.osbpgh.org12

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 Dr. Edward Kelly and his wife, Robyn Kelly

9 Arlene Flanagan Smigielski, Karen 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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Find us on Facebook 13

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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.

A Journey Home



The 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,

full-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 external), turn limitations into opportunities, find clarity and form a path to the future. They consider it a ministry of transformation.

Like a musical arrangement, and as united in vision as a team can be, they begin and finish each other’s thoughts about the program. “There is, as current health researchers define it, a ‘black plague’ in our society today which is the stress born from suffering – ours as well 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 others. How to find meaning in all of this.” Nodding in full agreement, Sister Evelyn continued, “This is about drawing the deep wisdom that is inherent in each of us at the core of our being and using that wisdom to find clarity, and see a path going forward unencumbered, communicative and empowered.” Sister Susan Merrie quickly joined in, “Yes, connected! Research has shown, meaningful connections lead to better physical health, mental health, and a longer life, but the sign of the times is disconnection. What is needed is a return to community, a new community, one built on spirituality and reciprocity. This program will give Women Religious the needed tools to be more effective leaders in influencing the society-wide conversation.”

Historically, Women Religious have been unspoken and unrecognized leaders in the Church. They gave meaning and definition to the words care and concern in the harsh realities of the frontier. It was the women religious, with little or no support, who opened hospitals, and founded

orphanages for abandoned children. Women Religious

were the first to open schools for females and did so long

before such education was thought of as important. They

were the first of the religious to work with the resistance

and hide Jewish individuals and families in World War II,

joined citizens on the front lines to protest the war in Viet

Nam, inequality, and segregation. While their numbers

may be fewer than previous years, they are, as the team

of three agrees, “…natural healers in the church. We are

needed more today than ever before.”

The skills learned in the Leadership and Life Coaching

program will be beneficial to Women Religious of all ages

and to everyone who comes into their lives. From Sisters

in community, to parish ministry, to places of leadership –

the skills learned strengthen all ministries.

“I have one former student using her coaching skills

with a fourth-grade basketball team.” Said Sister Susan

Merrie. For Women Religious, numbers don’t seem to matter

either – they have repeatedly shown (Benedicta Riepp,

Walburga Dietrich and Maura Flieger – the founding

mothers of Benedictine Sisters in America) that they don’t

have to be many to be powerful.

For Women Religious interested in enrolling in the

two-year program, more information can be obtained by

contacting Sister Roberta Campbell at (724) 502-2585

or [email protected]. The application process

includes a college degree or equal life experience, a letter,

and telephone interview.

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Find us on the Web at www.osbpgh.org

SponsorsUPMCSt. Vincent College & SeminaryPittsburgh Magazine

DonorsBarnes Tax Associates, LLCGallagher Fiduciary Advisors, LLCHoly Sepulcher Catholic ChurchNeighbors North Catholic CommunitySweet B’s Sweet ShopThe Print Shop at Office Things

Master of CeremoniesPeggy Finnegan

Raffle DonorsAllegheny County ParksAlpaca PalaceAndy Warhol MuseumAnonymous St. Benedict Academy AlumnaArsenal Bowling LanesArthur MurrayBirch Beauty BarBuhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa; Tara - A Country InnCarnegie Museums of PittsburghCheesecake FactoryCranberry Highlands GolfDave & BustersDebbie KatichDolores ZunicDouble Wide GrillDoubleTree Hotel CranberryEden Resort, LancasterFairfield Inn & Suites, McCandless First Watch CaféGervasi Vineyard Hampton Inn, Smallman Street Harbor Hotel, Chautauqua LakeHarold’s Flower Shop

Healthy Pet ProductsHeinz History CenterHome DepotJerome BettisJohn Marshall Catering Legume BistroLeone Animal Supply CenterLowe’s Home ImprovementLucille Ball & Dezi Arnaz MuseumMadia Photography Max's Allegheny TavernMerle Norman, CranberryMiller's MustardMineo's PizzaNational AviaryNational Comedy CenterPage Dairy MartPanache BoutiquePennsylvania Macaroni Co. Pittsburgh Botanic GardenPittsburgh Children's MuseumPittsburgh Glass CenterPittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh Public TheaterPittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh Zoo & PPG AquariumRenaissance Hotel PittsburghSarris ChocolateScally's GolfSewickley Spa Sisters PlaceSmoke BBQ TaqueriaSt. Victor ParishTennis VillageThe Priory HotelThe Skin CenterTony Rufffolo, WPXI News PhotographerTrinity JewelersWal-Mart, Gibsonia

Our heartfelt thanks…to the following businesses and individuals who supported the 2019 Culture of Giving Gala

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Find us on the Web at www.osbpgh.org16

I suppose it all began when I called Sister Evelyn to help with the Farewell Days when the old Saint Benedict Academy building was being sold. It was such a welcoming committee; we reminisced about the great

SBA days of high school. I made new friends and enjoyed all the planning. However, the best part was coming to the monastery – the peaceful and loving feeling when I walked through the door. I continued to come to the monastery for the All-Class Reunion meetings, now in a new home in Bakerstown. I had the same feeling when I walked in the doors – peace – I left my baggage on the outside and felt the calmness upon entering. I wanted to be a part of this wonderment; I wanted to take my spirituality to the next level to carry this peaceful love with me every day.

Into my life came Sisters Linda Larkman and Lizz Matz and the Oblate program. I did not feel I could make this commitment. After all, I had not been the perfect Catholic, and didn’t have a good prayer life. I attended several weekend retreats and was working to be the person God wanted me to be. When I came home, I usually fell back into being a weekend prayer. Too busy to pray!

Coming to the monastery gave me the sense that with God I could do anything. I wanted to be a part of this, and I wanted to share my hope with others. I wanted to pray every day with a community holding the same desires. But to be an Oblate? I wasn’t worthy.

I was going through a very dark time in my professional

life, but the Light prevailed; Sister Donna was offering Lectio

Divina (a slow, contemplative praying of the Scriptures), and

I moved through the difficulty with the help of these days

of prayer and listening with the ear of my heart. I honestly

don’t know what would have happened to me without this;

the devil had hold of me and I was filled with despair. (I still

pray for the “mean girls” when I go through a tunnel,

which was my promise the first night.)

I knew God was leading and I followed.

Many Monday evenings Sister Lizz shared and educated

me on the Rule, she explained with knowledge and love how

I can live this life. She nurtured the Benedictine way in me.

When I started this article, I said it all began when I

worked on the committee, but it truly began in first grade

with the Benedictine Sisters teaching me to love God, each

other and myself. The life they led showed me a way I can

live in community with God and all the others choosing to

lead a life in the Benedictine way of work and prayer.

I am taking time to pause and listen to my Lord’s call.

The prayer on my desk:

It is out of this quiet place that we will find the energy

and grace to move forward in the wisdom and faith,

guided always by the Spirit.

Why I Am OblateI knew God was leading and I followed.

By JoAnn Davis

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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“ 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…”

You've Got a Friend by Carole King

PAGE 18

Standing: Sister Shelly Farabaugh, Sister Michaelette Pavlik, Sister Michael Mack, Sister Charlene Reebel. Seated: Sister Michelle Farabaugh

Sister Annamarie Pavlik and Sister Karen Brink

Sister Barbara Helder and Sister Colette Baran

You’ve Got a

Friend

Sister Corinne Moeller and Sister Corrine Giel



DECEMBER 3, 2019DECEMBER 3, 2019Starting at 12AM on December 3

For questions please contact the Office of Community Advancement at 724-502-2599.

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

24 Hours to make a donation until 11:59pm on december 3rd

PAGE 19



Through the Years

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Saint Scholastica

Sister Dolores Conley and Sister Antonia Mango

Sister Christine Makowski

Front: Sister Rosalyn Soller, Sister Carolyn Kunzler, and Sister Christine Makowski

Back: Sister Lucy Stefanics and Sister Irene Mueller

Mother Adelgunda Feldman


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Saint 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

away 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.

Memories of France and a Beloved SBA French TeacherBy Susan (Miller) Bradbury

PAGE 21



Schedule:

9:45 am Arrival

10:00 am Prayer

10:30 am Large group presentation “Women of the Hebrew Scriptures”

11:00 am Small group reflection

11:45 am Break

12:00 pm Lunch

1:00 pm Large group presentation “Contemporary Women Saints”

1:30 pm Small group reflection and activity

2:45 pm Closing and blessing

PAGE 22

Reflecting the Sacred:

Every Woman’sStoryA Day of Retreat for Women

Women of the Hebrew ScripturesContemporary Women Saints

Each Woman Present Here

The Glory of God is Each Woman Fully AliveCome with a friend.

Reflect on the gifts God has entrusted to each of us to bring God’s reign among us.

Presented by the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh.

September 21, 201910 am to 3 pm Saint Benedict Monastery

RSVP by September 11Sister Shelly Farabaugh724-502-2591



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 Sue Fazzini

SPOTLIGHT

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.

PAGE 23



U.I.O.G.D. – Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus! –

‘That in all things GOD may be glorified’.

LIVE MORE ABUNDANTLY

Experience Benedictine Monastic Community


www.osbpgh.org3526 Bakerstown Road, Bakerstown, PA 15007

[email protected](724) 502-2605

Sister Karen Brink, OSB

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PAGE 24 – BACK COVER

OPENING EVENT Sunday, August 25, 2019

The Priory

GIVING THANKS EVENT Sunday, November 17, 2019

FESTIVAL OF PEACE EVENT Saturday March 21, 2020 St. Benedict Monastery

GALA Saturday, May 2, 2020

The Priory

CLOSING EVENT Saturday, August 29, 2020

St. Benedict Monastery


CELEBRATING

150 Years

ofMINISTRY

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Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh Benedictines · 2019-09-13 · Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh, continuing 1500 years of seeking God in Community, Prayer and Ministry. BENEDICTINES