Recent News

Sister M. Valeria Osterrieder, OSB
January 19, 1917 - July 28, 2010

Sister M. Valeria Osterrieder slipped away quietly July 28, 2010 at St. Benedict Monastery, Pittsburgh, PA. Sister was 93 years old, and had celebrated the 75th year of her Religious Profession this year.

The fourth of five children, third daughter of Joseph and Anna Schock Osterrieder of Pittsburgh, PA, Sister Valeria was born on January 19, 1917 and was baptized as Mildred Clara at St. Mary Church in Pittsburgh on January 28, 1917.

Mildred Osterrieder entered the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh on June 23, 1933. She was invested as Sister M. Valeria July 1, 1934, made her first Profession on July 11, 1935, and her final Profession on July 11, 1938. Sister participated in a celebration of Consecration in 1954, celebrated her Golden Jubilee marking fifty years of dedicated service in 1985 and her Diamond Jubilee of sixty years in 1995.

Most of Sister Valeria’s active years were in Catholic Schools as teacher, principal and tutor in the Dioceses Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and Altoona-Johnstown. She also taught for ten years at St. Benedict School in Canton, OH. As a teacher, Sister Valeria was caring for her students, but taught with an expectation of no-nonsense. In 1988, Sister Valeria left the classroom to begin volunteering at Saint Benedict Senior Center. Into her 90’s, she kept active as much as she could.

Soft-spoken and friendly, Sister Valeria was strongly dedicated to the Benedictine life. Even with failing eye-sight, she remained faithful to daily prayer. She was an avid card player, enjoyed watching Jeopardy each night. She took an interest in everyone around her and never forgot a birthday or a nameday.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Joseph and Clarence, and sisters Marie and Armella.

>> Click here to read the Eulogy for Sister Valeria

Sister Amy Westbrook Professes First Vows

During Vespers on Saturday, July 3, 2010, Sister Amy Westbrook professed her First Vows. Sisters and special guests attended the ceremony and the dinner that followed. For more photos of the celebration, please visit our Facebook Fan Page.

Sister Amy entered the Community and became a Postulant two years ago. During the first year, a Postulant lives in the Community and works in a ministry. Next, she enters into Novitiate, which is a year of spiritual study and growth. Her Profession of First Vows follows at which time she returns to ministry, and after three more years, her Monastic Profession of Final Vows. Women interested in learning more about religious life should contact vocation directors, Sisters Roberta Campbell and Shelly Farabaugh, at listening@osbpgh.org.

Sister Mary Catherine's 50th Jubilee!

On Sunday, July 4, Sister Mary Catherine celebrated her 50th Jubilee, the anniversary of her Monastic Profession. Asked about her dedication to religious life, Sister Mary Catherine said, "At my mother's 'churching' service (the blessing of new mothers and babies reflective of the purification ceremoney of new mothers during biblical times), she dedicated me to the Blessed Mother. From then on, my mother's devotion to Mary rubbed off on me!"

Click here to read more about Sister Mary Catherine. To see more photos of the Mass and the dinner that followed, please visit our Facebook Fan Page.

Sister Mary Catherine upon renewing her vows.	Sisters Michael, Donna and Mary Catherine singing "Our Lady of Knock," a song about the appearance of the Holy Mother in Ireland.	Long-time friend and professional piper, George Balderose, provided selected tunes for the celebration.

Sister Susan Merrie

Sister Susan Merrie, who developed the Fully Alive Leadership and Life Coaching practice and ministry, took part in the Mentoring Children of Prisoner (MCP) National Conference in New Orleans on April 7-9, 2010. Sr. Susan Merrie and her colleague, Donna Billings presented, “Generations at Work: What You Need to Know to Lead and Coach in a Multigenerational Workplace.” This workshop focused on understanding the relationships between the different generations and how that influences the workforce

The National Mentoring Children of Prisoners Annual Conference brings together grantees from over 200 MCP programs across the country to share three days of networking, learning and skill-building. It offers multiple opportunities to discuss current issues and trends in working with youth, providing mentoring and working with families affected by incarceration.

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