Sister Beth Carrender

The Sisters in my home parish in Missouri were a great blessing to me while I was growing up and I always dreamed of becoming a Sister myself. In the 1980’s, I came to Pittsburgh to study spirituality at Duquesne University. At the time, I was a member of another religious community and I lived with the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh as a student Sister in residence. I grew to love the Sisters and their Benedictine way of life so deeply that I decided to transfer my vows and become a permanent member of this Community.

God’s faithfulness has been the foundation of my life and it has enabled me to do the things I’ve done, and share in the lives of so many wonderful people.

During my years in religious life I have ministered in education, parish ministry, formation and vocation work. I served the people in the Appalachian areas of Neon, Kentucky, and Phelps, Kentucky, as Youth Development Director for Letcher County Extension 4-H and as the Pastoral Associate of Jesus of the Mountain Catholic Mission in Phelps, Kentucky.

Currently, I minister as the coordinator for the Family Learning Center at the Homeless Shelter in East Liberty sponsored by the Salvation Army. I work with adults and conduct experiential learning programs for children during the summer.

My life has been abundantly blessed with these opportunities to serve God in so many different ways. The Benedictine Sisters have been a loving and stable support to me in all that I have been able to do over the years.

Religious life is like a good marriage; when you find the right match (Community) you can become all God calls you to be.