Sister Barbara Helder

In the summer of 1974 I drove up the long driveway leading to the large house of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh for the first time, in awe of its size, not knowing what to expect once I got inside. In the three days I spent that weekend, having fun relaxing with some of the Sisters, walking the peaceful grounds, praying and celebrating with the Community, just being with and seeing what the Sisters do and who they are, I knew in my heart that this Benedictine Community was a good fit for me. I knew because it felt right, deep down inside where God was speaking, though I barely knew at the time who God was for me.

In the years since that first visit, I have never regretted my decision to make this place my home. I grew a lot here. My Sisters showed me what it means to love and serve others in the simple, everyday tasks of caring that life puts before us. They showed me what it means to go beyond myself and live with prayerful dedication and thankfulness. Those who challenged me made me stronger in faith. In resisting the challenges, I was called from within to question my motives and values, to soul-search and deepen in my commitment. Because of them I became a better person. In my years in Community, my Sisters have helped me to discover where I fit within this group of women. These are the people I want to grow old with. They encourage and support and affirm. They are examples to me. They are friends. They are family.

I love the values that are part of the Benedictine way of life: simplicity, stewardship, prayer, community, service, peace, reverence … these values never grow old, never become out-dated. One of things I like most about Benedictine spirituality is its truth that God is found in the everyday happenings of life. God is not distant, but as close as the smile I see on Sister Monica’s face, as close as the faithfulness of Sister Norma to daily dishwashing, as close as the Sisters who push wheelchairs to the dining room, as close as the Sisters who give the extra mile in service.

I can truthfully say, after all these years of Benedictine living, I cannot imagine myself doing anything else that would be as fulfilling and right for me.