obtaining three college degrees, owning two homes and living in Kentucky for over 15 years but I know that my heart never left the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh. My older blood sister, Sr. Michelle, belongs to this community and so I never lost touch.

Now that I have returned, I know I am where I am meant to be and the journey to this place was God’s way of calling me. Two of us from our original novitiate group are still in the community--Sr. Judith Ann Criner and myself. When I reached 25 years of Monastic Profession, Sister Judith Ann celebrated 50 years, so we  celebrated together.

Professionally I spent many years as a clinical social worker , most recently  doing one-on-one counseling and working with The Salvation Army’s Family Homeless Shelter in Pittsburgh. 

One of my favorite parts of the Rule of Benedict is the first word "Listen" and the last words "we will make it." Silence and listening are critical to accepting God's word, work and love in our lives. In the second century, St. Irenaeus taught that the “Glory of God is a person fully alive.” This has been an important motto in my life and work as I seek to follow St. Benedict’s Rule.

I love to read, sing, and play the piano and organ. I enjoy talking with people in casual settings – more over a cup of coffee/tea. I like to work crossword puzzles, play cards, scrabble and play games on the computer. I enjoy movies and taking walks.

My favorite part of the Rule is the Prologue and Chapter 72 (Good Zeal). From my having been the Prioress for 12 years Chapter 64 is pretty worn out because I read it almost every day. I love to read anything that is Benedictine – especially Joan Chittister’s books.

The community has helped me to become the person that I am today. My parents certainly were the primary “formators” but the community continued to encourage my development in various ways. Every time I became comfortable doing a particular ministry, I was challenged to try something new. Because I was willing to say “yes”, I have had wonderful experiences and met amazing people who have had a profound impact on my life.

Click to learn more about Sister Roberta's ministry of Leadership and Life Coaching.

of creation. The words automatically come season after season, year after year.

 On a more practical level is the prayer for a strong back and knees! During the growing season I would rather be gardening than most other things. As a result of gardening, I have been blessed to meet other gardeners who are more than willing to share plants, experiences and ideas. 

 The learning never stops. And finally, besides the physical benefits of being outdoors, I find working in the garden very relaxing. The stress of a hard day at the office is forgotten as I weed, prune or move plants. I always come away refreshed and renewed.