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BenedictinesBenedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh

Monastic Women with Discerning Hearts

Fall 2013St. Benedict Monastery

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Humility That in all things God may be glorified

Living in Truth: Intrinsic to Ministry

Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh

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Humility: Living in Truth

Humility is defined by some as that habitual quality by which we live in the truth of things: the truth that we are creatures and not the Creator; the truth that our life is a composite of good and evil; the truth that in our littleness we have been given extravagant dignity. Humility is saying a radical “yes” to the human condition.

Thomas Merton says that “Humility is a virtue, not a neurosis.” One who is enveloped in humility does not act outside of socially acceptable behavior. A desert father is credited as saying that in life we need two stones. One says, “I am a worm”; the other says, “For me the universe was made.” Remembering both is living humility in truth. The essence of humility is not to make a big deal out of personal abilities, talents, and so forth. It doesn’t fuss about doing life and doing it well. However, it doesn’t deny the pleasure that comes in living a life well done either. It joyfully accepts affirmation without getting all puffed up about it because one knows from where all good comes.

St. Benedict got his ideas about humility from Jesus.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourself…Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…”

(Phil. 3-7)

Father Daniel Homan, OSB states it well when he says: “Humility is the opposite of humiliation. Humiliation denies the full dignity of humankind. Humility embraces the contradictions and glories of being human. We are the lost, we are the poor, and we are the weak. But we are also the found, the rich, and the strong.”

To help us live in the truth of who we are and why we have been created, daily saying this prayer composed by Father Daniel might be a help in going inward to be of better service for building up of the Kingdom of God:

Save me, God, from the distraction of trying to impress others. Save me also from the dangers of having done so. Help me to enjoy the praise I receive for a life well done. Help me to empty it gratefully into the ocean of your love. Teach me to learn from fair criticism, to hear it with a clear head, and to resist the urge to defend myself against it immediately. Give me good sense to remember that I’m not at the center of the universe. Free me from myself, my virtues, my powerful rightness. Lord have mercy. Amen.

From the PrioressBy: Sister Benita DeMatteis, OSB

LIVE MORE ABUNDANTLYExperience Benedictine Monastic Community

Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburghwww.osbpgh.org

3526 Bakerstown Road, Bakerstown, PA [email protected]

412-913-0531Sister Judith Nero, OSB

‘That in all things GOD may be glorified’.

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 Editors: Sister Evelyn Dettling, OSBAlison Serey

Contributors:Sister Judith Ann Criner, OSBSister Benita DeMatteis, OSBSister Evelyn Dettling, OSB Sister Susan Merrie English, OSBSister Shelly Farabaugh, OSBJohn M. Lally, CPA, MBA, CVA, CFFRosemary McLaughlinSister Judith Nero, OSB

St. Benedict Monastery3526 Bakerstown RoadBakerstown, PA 15007

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


Table of Contents

Humility: Living in Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Sister Shelly Farabaugh, OSB

Such a Move! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Rosemary McLaughlin

Jubilee: Joy and Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Sister Judith Nero, OSB

Hard Work Results in Beauty . . . . . . . . . 7

Basket Weaving with a Twist . . . . . . . . . 8 Sister Evelyn Dettling, OSB

Pap’s Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sister Judith Ann Criner, OSB

Annual Report for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Fiscal Year 2013 Alison Serey

Benefits of Charitable Giving . . . . . . .12 John M. Lally, CPA, MBA, CVA, CFF

70/30 Benedictine Bonanza: . . . . . . .13 And the lucky winners are…

Documentary to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Feature Sister Sue

Ministry News Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Sister Susan Merrie English, OSB

Please remember the Benedictine Sisters in your Will.

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Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Spiritual Spa: Prepare Your Heart To register, call 724-502-2600 and leave your name/s and a phone number.

December 31, 2013

Annual Peace Vigil: A Spirituality of CompassionFather Leroy DiPietroTo reserve a seat, call 724-502-2600 and leave your name/s and a phone number.

Spring/Summer 2014

Saint Benedict Academy All Class ReunionDate/s to be announced.

Prayer Work

Silence Speech

Sharing Keeping

Alone Together

Serving Advocacy

Local Global

Justice Peace


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Humility has a rich meaning since it comes from humus meaning earth, dirt. Actually, humus comes from plants and leaves that decay and form soil and makes things grow better. Humus makes plant life richer and more fruitful. So, what of living in truth? Truth speaks of fidelity, faithfulness, conforming to fact or reality. Maybe it can be said that when we live in truth we do not live in a fantasy world or that created by the media or our wants in a consumer society. The challenge of living in truth is much more about embracing our gifts, allowing our self to be planted wherever God leads us, and keeping our eyes on the prize of spreading the news of God’s reign on this earth through our ministry to and with others.

The seventh chapter of the Holy Rule of St. Benedict, The Steps of Humility, begins: “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) This may sound like pious advice; but I assert it is more about the reality of the Christian existence than a mere admonition. We all return to dust in the end and add to the richness and fruitful plant life around us. But what goes on in between? One of our questions might be: how do we cooperate with God in our lives? This is the area where humility as living in truth is most evident. We can only be most fruitful when we “become all that we can be” as one advertisement recommends. There are other sayings - “bloom where you are planted,” and from St Peter: “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another” (1 Peter 4:10). This is the heart of what living in humility and truth means. I take the gifts God has given me and use them for others. This brings me into the deepest communion with God and with others. I am being altruistic—a characteristic that Americans like to identify with in times of disaster. And, I am doing it every day. How often does the rich soil get credit for the beautiful flowers that emerge? As Benedictines, we are called to be the fertile place where others can bloom and grow. In the past, that was often in schools or parish work. Now we are called to respond to the signs and needs of the time. We work in healthcare, education, social services, parishes, prisons, mental health and wherever we are

Find us on the Web at www.osbpgh.org

needed. Our ministries are determined in concert with the local needs, the gifts of the community members and in dialogue with the Prioress. Each Sister embraces her own gift that she might develop it and share it with others. Sometimes, embracing my own gift takes a lot of humility about what I am able to do physically, emotionally and spiritually. This acceptance of who I am enables me to be faithful to God’s call in my life, first in Baptism and then, for us, in our Monastic profession. We are each called to be fruitful and faithful. Most of us are not called to exalted occupations or lofty ministries but to be the steady ground upon which others can bloom their best creation. We may serve as encourager, support, healer, beautifier, organizer and comforter; all ways to bring freedom to others’ lives, and all roles that Jesus played at one point in his human life.

The best part of this call is that I share in the rewards of my giving. Recall to your mind the feelings when you take time to enjoy a beautiful scene in nature, or you are witness to a loving experience of reconciliation, or someone shares with you how you have touched their life. Often tears accompany these revelations; and we are surprised. I believe these are times when we resonate most deeply with God. Humility requires that we are available to experience the wonderful actions of God that occur in our lives. We are not so caught up in our plans and our solutions that we miss what might be in front of us. Inconvenience, patience, and unpredictability are present in working with people. The messiness of human life requires reverence for the truth, not the imposition of my expectations and desire for control. If you want neat and orderly, you better work with nuts and bolts instead of human beings. How often do we acknowledge and pray for the patience of God in our lives?

An experience I had a long time ago, reminds me of how enthusiastic I need to be about this call for humility, living in truth. In the course of our conversation my friend wondered, “Shouldn’t the passion we have for the Word of God in our lives be like a person who found a huge sale on a very desirable item in a store? How long would it take that person to tell all her neighbors about

Humility Living in Truth:

By Sister Shelly Farabaugh, OSB


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“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another”

1 Peter 4:10

this opportunity to save money? Do I get that excited about God’s call to me to spread the Good News? Do I live in excitement that I am able to assist others because of the gifts that I have been given?” I can actually help to make the world a better place if I do not get bogged down by my fears and hesitations. I think it is a little like looking around at Liturgy after the sharing of a sign of peace and you see smiles on people’s faces. These are often the smiles of connection.

If people are asked what is the most important aspect in life, the answer is often family and friends. The most important, the heart of life for us as Benedictine women, is also relationships. The relationship with God, that calls us into mystery and excitement about giftedness and sharing with others in ways that we cannot imagine. We cannot live in that divine relationship unless, like the Trinity, the love is shared. The image of being the humus, the rich ground of God’s life among people, and facilitating the fullness of life for all is captivating. That all people might be impelled to growth in love, to experience God in their lives— this is the glory of God. Humility: living in truth is taking what we are given by God and distributing it freely with our Sisters in Community and all those we meet so that God is more fully known on the earth through all people.

Intrinsic to Ministry

Home is wherever we’re together doing the work of the Lord

By Rosemary McLaughlin

The Monastery of the Sisters of St. Benedict presided over Perrysville Avenue for over 80 years. It looks almost European with its Germanic square brown towers and winding drive. It’s empty now, but its former occupants are not sad. In fact, all of the Sisters who used to call the Monastery home are happy and comfortable in their new home in Bakerstown.

Many of us girls, who attended St. Benedict Academy, feel a sad little twinge that our school and faculty no longer occupy the home we kept for them in our memories. We are heartened though by the fact that our beloved teachers are in a new, modern monastery that makes the best possible use of the community’s resources. The new facility, all on one level, is more efficient to heat and cool, and it provides safer footing for some of the Sisters, who won’t miss the steep stairs to the upper floors. Maintaining such a huge building had become a physical and financial challenge for a community that would rather channel its energies and resources into following the Rule of Benedict.

As always, the Sisters will continue their charism of prayer and hospitality, but it will be so much easier for them to get to chapel when everything is centrally located on one floor. While the old monastery’s long hallways were picturesque and almost medieval, heating them and traversing them on a daily basis felt wasteful.

Continued on page 15



Jubilee: Joy and SongBy Sister Judith Nero, OSB

Sr Carolyn Kunzler, OSB Sr Alice Rock, OSB Sr Jeanne Ubinger, OSB Sr Rose Budicky, OSB Sr Donna Wojtyna, OSB

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I was thinking about our Sisters who are celebrating their Jubilees this year and I happened to glance at the calendar on my wall which features one of God’s small but great gifts to us—birds. I really love these little creatures, unique, colorful, diverse in every way and each has its own song and message for anyone who listens. I realized that our Jubilarians are like this, too. Sisters Carolyn for 75 years; Alice, Jeanne and Rose each for 60 years; and Donna for 50 years have sung their own unique song of life and fidelity. They carry the gospel of love and service, joy and compassion to many people and places in varied and splendid ways. What has been constant in each life has been their song of love to the Divine Presence in every place: chapel, classroom, garden, workshop, art room, chemistry lab, business office, assisted living residence, resource development office, center for people with disabilities.

Wherever they are in ministry, they convey God’s unconditional love for all and invite people of every age and circumstance of life to look to the Light of Christ. Their song, like birdsong, is a joyous celebration of their life and love.

______________________Z______________________

After 75 years of vowed life, Sister Carolyn is glad that, “God has given me the grace to spend my life in service and prayer. Teaching was a great gift and I spent almost 40 of my 50+ years of teaching at St. Benedict Academy. Even now in retirement, I draw great strength in celebrating the holy days of the church, especially Holy Week and Easter. I pray for the people of the world and comfort and console the distressed with phone calls.”

______________________Z______________________

Sister Alice says of her 60 years in the Lord’s service, “I have found peace, joy and satisfaction in my twenty years of teaching. After those years I was blessed with the privilege of serving my Sisters in administration in the Community. Now for the last nineteen years I have had the greatest pleasure of working with God’s special people, adults with intellectual disabilities. What more could a person ask for out of life? I am so grateful to God for all of this.”

_____________Z______________________

“Gratitude fills my heart,” Sister Jeanne says, “for the blessings of prayer and Community that have brought me to this milestone, my 60th anniversary of vows. I have loved all of my ministries, especially teaching. I experienced great spiritual growth during the years I was Secretary for the Community and Director of Oblates. I remember with great joy being a chaplain at ManorCare. What a great opportunity to have learned so many skills and walked with people in their time of difficulty. Now working in resource development, I love to reach out to others with pastoral care and compassion. Each of these 60 years has been a joy to me.”

______________________Z______________________

Sister Rose worked in a bank in Carrolltown, Pennsylvania, before coming to the monastery. She says, “I brought my experience in financial work with me. After making my vows, I taught religion and business subjects at Geibel High School in

Wherever they are in ministry, they convey God’s unconditional love for all and invite people of every age and circumstance of life to look to the Light of Christ.



Hard Work Results in Beauty

Blue skies with big, white, puffy clouds, bright warm sun and cool breezes made July 25, 2013 one wonderful day just to be alive. Even more, it was a day filled with blessings for the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh as enthusiastic, energetic and experienced helpers cleared away several years of overgrown brush on our new property.

Diane Magliocca, campus minister for Slippery Rock University, organized the group of volunteers from St. Peter’s Parish in Slippery Rock and the university. They worked from mid-morning to late afternoon and took a break to enjoy lunch in the monastery dining room with the Sisters. Their labor of love cleared away a jungle of weeds and revealed a space of quiet beauty.

The Benedictine Sisters greatly appreciate the joy and generous spirit of these dedicated people who gave so freely of their time and service.

Connellsville and St. Benedict Academy. Later, I was appointed to serve my Community as investment adviser and as treasurer. Celebrating the Eucharist, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, and living with my Sisters in Community have filled my life with blessings and joy.”

______________________Z______________________

For Sister Donna, the past 50 years as a vowed Benedictine are a gift. She says, “I am filled with joy in being of service to others. Giving my time and energy to others has never been a burden. Fifty years of Benedictine life have energized me to share the talents God has given me with my Sisters and with anyone I have known. I bless God for my passion for life, love and beauty. I praise God for the goodness shown to me.”

Not only have these Sisters served well with many gifts and in many places, they have witnessed to joy in simplicity of life – living with the freedom of “the birds of the air and lilies of the field.” Their life of prayer has nourished their gifts and their commitment to ministry, enabled their fidelity and increased their joy. May we all take heart in the witness of their lives.


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

Basket weaving is an ancient monastic tradition to which our Sister Donna Wojtyna has given a new twist. Weaving baskets was one of the ways monastics supported themselves while remaining centered in quiet and in prayer for all people. Sister Donna believes that learning the art of basket weaving greatly enhances life skills as well as artistic ability, so she is always looking for opportunities to reach out to new students, especially those who, because of financial difficulties, would be unable to participate in the programs at the Basket Creations Studio located at St. Athanasius Community Center. Fortunately, scholarships made possible by a grant awarded from the Adele & Thomas Keaney Charitable Foundation through the PNC Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee are opening doors for several groups of new basket weavers.

In early May, Sister Donna offered scholarships for a basket weaving workshop to members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Sister offered instruction and guidance as the Big Sisters and a Big Brother assisted their younger sisters and brother in this ancient art. One of the little sisters commented, “This was a great way to have fun and learn patience in doing something brand new. I have a pretty basket with beads and feathers to take home.”

Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs, sponsored by the Felician Sisters, is also benefitting from the scholarship fund. Sister Donna and the Felician Sisters are working together for the good of at-risk children in Mooncrest. Sister Donna shares the discipline and skill of basket weaving with elementary students in this after-school program that provides a faith-based, safe, comfortable, and secure environment. In learning these new skills, the youngsters also grow in respect for themselves and others and have fun in the process. Twelve year old Andrew said, “I like how we got to choose the color of our basket and, best of all, seeing it finished and ready to go at the end of the class. I would like to get to make another basket.”

The scholarships also enable Sister Donna to dedicate time to students from Girls Hope of Pittsburgh, a nonprofit, nondenominational organization sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden, which assists girls who are at risk academically. Sister Donna collaborates with the Sisters

Weaving Baskets, Weaving Life

By Sister Evelyn Dettling, OSB

of St. Joseph who sponsor Girls Hope, a program which provides young women at risk with a value-centered, family-like home life and a quality education through college – the primary requirements to break the cycle of poverty, abuse and neglect. One teenager announced, “I really liked knowing I could use beads of different colors and feathers in my basket. It was different and fun, and it really kept my hands busy.”

A newly formed group of students who are home schooled also participate in the scholarship program offered by Basket Creations.

Sister Donna’s ministry has been greatly enhanced by collaborating with these groups and organizations. Sister Donna says, “I enjoy working with new groups. The classes are special events for me because the sense of accomplishment that the students derive from creating their own baskets shines in their eyes and smiles. I know that what they are learning here is an important part of other necessary life skills.”

The grant from the Adele & Thomas Keaney Charitable Foundation enables Sister to introduce this ancient monastic discipline and art to many young people whose lives are enriched through learning this art form.

“ I enjoy working with new groups. The classes are special events for me because the sense of accomplishment that the students derive from creating their own baskets shines in their eyes and smiles. I know that what they are learning here is an important part of other necessary life skills.”

Sister Donna Wojtyna

Sister Donna and “Little Sisters”

Pap’s Picture

By: Sister Judith Ann Criner, OSB

As I sat in a small nook of the new monastery working on scheduling, Sister Mary Damian Thaner wheeled herself to the doorway and stated, “I am so happy to know that Pap’s Picture has found such a wonderful new home.”

I looked up from my work with a quizzical expression since I had no idea of who Pap was or that we once had his picture. (As archivist and amateur photographer, there have been many photos/pictures to cross my path, but none that I could identify as Pap’s.)

Sister Mary Damian went on to say that she was thrilled when she read the article that appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette regarding the painting’s return to Johnstown.

When she mentioned Johnstown, the puzzle began to come together. I realized that she was referencing the painting of the Blessed Virgin that our Community recently donated to 1901 Church in Johnstown. Due to the relocation of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh from Ross Township to a smaller monastery in Richland Township, the very large formal painting could no longer be displayed. It took almost a year to search out a new home for this survivor of the 1889 Johnstown Flood. Through the combined assistance of the Heinz History Center and the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, 1901 Church was contacted as a possible donation site. 1901 Church is a nonprofit organization that is entrusted with three historic Roman Catholic Church buildings in Cambria City, Pennsylvania: Saint Columba, Immaculate Conception and Saint Emerich.

The Benedictine Sisters had received the painting after the Johnstown Flood because it had been commissioned by the father of our Community member Sister Benedicta Stibich. Sister Benedicta’s

father, Joseph Stibich, had been drafted into the Union Army as a member of the 67th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company C on November 18, 1864 and served under Captain George Urwiter. During his 9 months of service, he participated in many battles and skirmishes, including the final campaign, and was present for General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox.

Having left eight children and a wife in Johnstown and being a religious man, Joseph vowed to commission a painting to the Blessed Virgin if he returned home to care for his family once more.

Joseph did return home and he kept his promise. He commissioned a painting of the Blessed Virgin and it hung in St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church in Johnstown in honor of Mary, Our Mother, and in gratitude for his survival of the Civil War. The painting was located behind the main altar until the disastrous

day in 1889 when waters burst from the dam and tore through the streets, homes and buildings of this Cambria County town.

I asked Sister Mary Damian why she referred to the painting as “Pap’s Picture.” She told me that when it was hung in the music room of the Ross Township monastery, one of the Sisters wheeled the elderly Sister Benedicta into the room to see the painting. As Sister Benedicta looked upon the Blessed Virgin and the angels, she remarked in a soft, tremulous voice, “Pap’s Picture.” Her pap Joseph Stibich’s painting in honor of Mary had survived the Great Johnstown Flood and had come to St. Benedict Monastery for her to see once again.

Now the painting has returned home to Johnstown, Cambria County, where it can continue to gain recognition for a devoted man’s gratitude for the Blessed Mother’s intervention and blessing at a perilous time in his life.

Special thanks to Shelly Johansson of The Johnstown Area Heritage Association (JAHA) for researching and initially writing about the history of this painting. JAHA is a nonprofit, membership-based organization dedicated to preserving and presenting Johnstown’s unique history to the nation through high-quality educational, cultural and recreational experiences. It owns and operates several museums in the Johnstown Discovery Network, including the Johnstown Flood Museum, the Frank & Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center, Wagner-Ritter House & Garden, and Johnstown Children’s Museum.

For more information on JAHA programs, museums and events, visit www.jaha.org.For more information on 1901 Church, Inc., visit www.steeplesproject.org.


“Pap’s Picture” survived the Johnstown Flood


Annual Report to Benefactors

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✛ Hundreds of students in Catholic schools and universities receive a quality Catholic education and strong faith formation through the ministry of

• Sister Karen Brink, Principal, St. Teresa of Avila Elementary School

• Sister Bridget Reilly, Guidance Counselor, Quigley Catholic High School

• Sister Roberta Campbell, Professor of Education, Carlow University

• Sister Susan Merrie English, Co-Director, Professional Coach Certification Program, School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, Duquesne University

✛ Hundreds of parishioners are inspired and assisted by the ministry of

• Sister Irene Moeller, Pastoral Associate/Parish Social Minister, St. Teresa of Avila Parish

• Sister Rosalyn Soller, Adult Education, St. Teresa of Avila Parish

• Sister Susanne Chenot, Pastoral Associate at St. John the Baptist Parish in Scottdale, PA

• Sister Janet Barnicle, Parish Service Volunteer at St. John the Baptist Parish in Scottdale, PA

✛ Today, 250 hours of personal life coaching are provided annually pro-bono to individuals of limited income by Sister Susan Merrie English, MCC.

✛ Prisoners in Greene County receive professional counseling and education from Sister Susan Fazzini, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist.

Partners of St. Benedict,

Because of you, the following ministries impact the lives of individuals and families living in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Thank you…The Benedictine Tradition LIVES…Because of you!

✛ Women and men in Greene County receive food, shelter, and psychological and spiritual support each year through Sister Audrey Quinn, the director of the Salvation Army Service Center.

✛ Sister Audrey Quinn serves on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities and Community Action Eldercare, and on the Access and Promotion sub-committees for Greene County Food Partnership in Greene County.

✛ Thirty senior citizens receive a full range of services including a hot lunch and educational and recreational programs five days a week through Sister Georgine Schweers, Site Manager at Center North Senior Center.

✛ Thirty-two clients at Mercy Disabilities Services receive the professional and loving care of Sister Alice Rock and Sister Joann Hothersall 6 hours a day, 5 days, a week.

✛ Men and women are touched each week through the dedication of Sister Michelle Farabaugh at UPMC Health Plan Behavioral Health Services.

✛ Thirty-five children and adult students receive instruction in the arts at St. Athanasius Community Center from Sister Donna Wojtyna and Sister Dolores Conley.

✛ Fifty or more prayer requests are received via the Sisters’ Web site each week from people all over the world, while an estimated 10 more are requested of the Community by mail and by phone.



Because of escalating costs associated with printing and mailing, to be good stewards of your gifts the full list of our benefactors for fiscal year 2013 is available online at osbpgh.org. To have a paper copy sent to you, call 724-502-2600.

Soon you will also find online a report on the success of our capital campaign including a list of campaign benefactors. A formal book of recognition will be completed and put on display in March 2014 at which time all campaign benefactors will be invited to an open house at the new monastery. A final capital campaign report will be mailed to campaign benefactors in April 2014.

All Benefactors are always welcome to visit the Sisters at the new monastery, to attend Mass and Vespers. For the current schedule, visit www.osbpgh.org or call Sister Evelyn at 724-502-2599.

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Unrestricted Gifts

n Mail Appeals $ 143,880.00 57%

n General Mail $ 28,112.00 11%

n Spiritual Bouquets $ 5,403.00 2%

n Wills & Bequests $ 5,159.00 2%

Restricted Gifts

n Greene County Mission $ 1,745.00 1%

n Basket Creations Ministry Grant $ 10,000.00 4%

n Retired Sisters $ 49,594.00 20%

n Gifts In-Kind $ 6,444.00 3%

TOTAL $ 250,337.00 100%

USE OF ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS

n Ministries & Support of Sisters $ 168,998.00 67%

n Restricted Expenditures

n Greene County Mission $ 1,745.00 1%

n Basket Creations Ministry $ 10,000.00 4%

n Retired Sisters $ 49,594.00 20%

n Management & Fundraising $ 20,000.00 8%

TOTAL $ 250,337.00 100%

For a full list and descriptions of ministries,

please visit us online at

osbpgh.org



By John M. Lally, CPA, MBA, CVA, CFF

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


Benefits to Charitable Giving

You probably know that you can receive an income tax deduction for a gift to a charity if you itemize your deductions. But there is a lot more to charitable giving. For example, you may be able to indirectly benefit a family member and a charity at the same time and still get a tax break. Or you may be able give appreciated property to a charity without being taxed on the appreciation. These benefits can be achieved, though, only if you meet various requirements including substantiation requirements, percentage limitations and other restrictions. We would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to some of these requirements and tax saving techniques.

First, let’s take a look at the basics: Your charitable contributions can help minimize your tax bill only if you itemize your deductions. Once you do, the amount of your savings varies depending on your Federal tax bracket (charitable contributions are not deductions for Pennsylvania taxpayers and are rare within the 50 states). To get a current deduction, the charitable gift must be to a qualified organization and cannot exceed certain percentage limitations.

You need to substantiate your donations. Generally, a bank record or written communication from the charity indicating its name, the date of the contribution, and the amount

of the contribution is adequate. If these records are not kept for each donation made, no deduction is allowed. Remember, these rules apply no matter how small the donation. However, there are stricter requirements for donations of $250 or more and for donations of cars, trucks, boats, and aircraft. Additionally, appraisals are required for large gifts of property other than cash. Finally, donations of clothing and household gifts must be in good used condition or better to be deductible.

Gifts of appreciated property have their own rules and may provide significant tax savings to the taxpayer if the property’s current fair market value is higher than the tax basis in the property. “Basis” is the yardstick for measuring gain or loss and usually is the original amount you paid for the property. However, special basis rules apply for inherited property, property acquired by gift, and property for which depreciation deductions are allowable, such as property used in a trade or business.

For our purposes here, let’s focus on gifts of investment securities, such as publicly-traded shares of stock, with a fair market value in excess of tax basis that has been owned for more than one year. By example, say you bought the stock of ABC Company five years ago for $2,000 and it is now worth $8,000; assuming

you are in the 35% tax bracket, this donation will save you $2,800 in taxes. Alternatively, if you sold the stock, paid tax on the gain, and contributed the remaining proceeds to charity, your tax bill would be approximately $1,425 higher (capital gains tax) and the charity would have received approximately $1,425 less in value to do its charitable works. Contribution of appreciated property directly to the charity is a much more tax efficient means of funding your favorite charity. Special rules apply to holding periods of less than a year and if the property has depreciated in value.

There are other special charitable giving techniques beyond the usual gifts of cash and appreciated securities. These include, among others, a gift directly from your Individual Retirement Account to charity, a gift into a trust that benefits a charity, a bargain sale to a charity, a gift of a remainder interest in your residence, and a transfer to a charity in exchange for an annuity. These topics will be reviewed in future issues of Benedictines.

Mr. Lally is the founder and managing partner of Lally & Co., a CPA and business advisory firm specializing in simplifying and solving complex tax, accounting, and business issues. Mr. Lally has been a volunteer for the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh for over 15 years.

John M. Lally



Documentary to Feature Sister Sue

With special permission that is rarely given, award winning journalists Michael Bartley and videographer, Paul Ruggieri, visited SCI Greene, a maximum security prison for men in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania to interview Superintendent Louis Folino and Sister Sue Fazzini, OSB. They were then admitted into the prison to film Sister Sue as part of a documentary on the ministry of Women Religious in Western Pennsylvania.

For almost ten years, Sister Sue has worked at SCI Greene, where she facilitates treatment groups for addicts. The Therapeutic Community, a participative, group-based program designed to address addiction issues and to challenge destructive thought patterns, is the primary mode of treatment. Sister Sue’s work in the prison will be featured on Michael Bartley’s show “Experience” on WQED in November. Tune in to experience Sister Sue Fazzini in action!

Michael Bartley, Paul Ruggieri, Sister Sue Fazzini, OSB

Sister Benita, Joe and Marian Tain, Cathryn Terleski, and Sister Jeanne

70/30 Benedictine Bonanza 2013: And the lucky winners are…

This year’s Bonanza was special because it is the first time our Prioress has drawn the winning ticket in our new monastery. We are pleased to congratulate Marian and Joe Tain from Venice, Florida, for winning the $9,009 jackpot. When Sister Jeanne called Joe to tell him his name was on the winning ticket, she was pleasantly surprised to learn he and his wife were in Pittsburgh visiting Marian’s mother, Cathryn Terleski. The three of them came to the monastery to visit the Sisters and to receive their prize. Thank you, Joe and Marian, for your kindness and generosity in participating in the 70/30 Benedictine Bonanza 2013.

Second place winner was Julie Garcia from Centerville, Virginia, who won the beautiful basket hand made with love by Sister Donna Wojtyna, OSB. Julie is the niece of our late Sister Mary Ruth Miller. The third prize, a digital PhotoShare 7, was carried away by Betty Ann Murphey, St. Benedict Academy (SBA) alumna 1955, who lives in Somerset, Pennsylvania.

This year, we included three surprise gifts: $25.00 gift cards good at 18,000 different restaurants nationwide. And the lucky winners were: Helen Fitzpatrick, SBA alumna 1943, of Pittsburgh; Rev. Joseph U. Gerg, OSB of St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania; and Susan Pelusi, SBA alumna 1979, of Fort Myers, Florida.

We are grateful to all who participated in this year’s Bonanza. Because of you, our 70/30 Benedictine Bonanza continues to be a tremendous success. With your help, the Sisters continue to touch the lives of hundreds of people annually through their many ministries in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Blessings and peace to all of you!


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By: Sister Susan Merrie English, OSB

MinistryNews Briefs


The Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh seek to live the truth of the Benedictine charism (the spirit that forms the life of a community of women religious and underlies each community’s defining statement and mission), found in the Rule of St. Benedict and articulated in Call to Life, the constitutions of the Federation of St. Scholastica (a canonical structure that incorporates independent Benedictine Women’s monasteries into a union for the purposes of networking and providing support and advancement of the Benedictine charism). The Sisters “seek God through cenobitic life, prayer and work, attending to the gospel mandate of service and mission, listening daily to God’s call and responding with good zeal.” In humility, our Sisters continue to grow and serve according to their calling and their abilities throughout life. Sometimes that service is what we call “internal” ministry (service within the monastery) which makes it easier for other Sisters to spend their time and energy to serve outside the monastery. No matter what the type of service or mission, internal or external, our Sisters seek to live the gospel through a common life known as a monastic life, accepting the truth of what is present, no matter how big or how small.

Sr. Anne Lazar, Sr. Donna Wojtyna, Sr. Marcia Koluder, Sr. Mary Edward Skovran, Sr. Mary Kay Easley, Sr. Monica Silan, and Sr. Nancy Booth displayed and sold their hand crafted items this summer at the St. Athanasius Festival in West View, the St. Teresa of Avila Festival in Perrysville, and the Richland Township Festival.

Sr. Audrey Quinn, Director of the Greene County Office of the Salvation Army, is busy helping children and families in need. Thirty five children attended summer camp and over 100 children and senior citizens will benefit from warm winter clothing provided by Project Bundle Up. Sister Audrey also organizes Produce to People, a monthly food distribution program assisting between 500 and 600 families.

Sr. Barbara Helder and Sr. Judith Ann Criner are ministering full time to elderly parents while managing part-time internal ministries at the monastery.

Sr. Benita DeMatteis, Prioress, represented the Community on July 13 as one of five panelists at the St. Richard’s Parish Council day of reflection entitled “Wisdom: Life in the Spirit.”

Sr. Benita DeMatteis, Sr. Bridget Reilly, Sr. Evelyn Dettling, and Sr. Susan Merrie English attended a meeting of the Federation of St. Scholastica in St. Leo, Florida in June. This meeting was designed to help Sisters continue to develop and express the Benedictine charism of community, prayer and work, and to help Communities develop ideas for new ministries, and to help create networks of support to increase the effectiveness of ministry outreach.

Sr. Benita DeMatteis, Sr. Bridget Reilly, Sr. Elizabeth Matz, Sr. Judith Nero, Sr. Lucille Snyder and Sr. Raphael Frank, attended a meeting conducted by Sr. Pat Buranosky, OSF of the Catholic Cemetery Association on how to perform Committal Services to bury the deceased. They will now be able to perform ceremonies at Bakerstown and other cemeteries as they are needed.

Sr. Beth Carrender is a teacher in the Infant Room at the Alli Aligator Learning Center. She works with babies age 6 to 12 months old.

Sr. Bridget, Guidance Counselor at Quigley Catholic High School, spent the summer preparing student schedules for the fall term, and enrolling new students.

Sr. Dolores Conley provided summer art workshops for children at St. Athanasius Community Center. She offers individual and group classes for adults and children in a variety of media including quilting, wood burning, painting, and paper making. Contact Sr. Dolores at 412.716.0057 or at [email protected].

Sr. Donna Wojtyna continues to offer basket making classes to home schooled children and children from impoverished families at the St. Athanasius Community Center. These classes are funded in part by

a grant from the Adele & Thomas Keaney Charitable Foundation through the PNC Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee. The grant also funded two spiritual retreats offered in August. To participate in classes, workshops, place an order for a custom basket, or schedule Sr. Donna as a speaker, visit www.osbpgh.org or contact Sr. Donna at 412.592.5654 or at [email protected].

Sr. Irene Moeller, pastoral and social minister at St. Teresa of Avila Parish, attended a workshop for Ministry to the Bereaved at St. Paul Seminary in April.

Sr. Judith Nero represented the Community at the Convent Crawl sponsored by the PRVC (Pittsburgh Religious Vocation Council) June 28-29. Participants visited four religious communities to learn more about consecrated life. For information about the next Convent Crawl or to privately inquire about consecrated life, contact Sister Judith at 724-502-2595.

Sr. Judith Nero served with other vocation directors of the PRVC as facilitators of a retreat for students of Serra Catholic High School and in March, she hosted Girl Scouts from St. Sebastian’s for a tour of our new monastery and addressed their questions.

Sr. Judith was also a spiritual companion at the Busy Persons Retreat at Robert Morris University in January and at LaRoche College in February.

Sr. Karen Brink, principal at St. Teresa of Avila School, secured a grant for $50,000 from the A.J. & Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust in March to be used for tuition assistance and facilities enhancement. In April, Sr. Karen chaired the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools visiting team at St. Benedict School in Carrolltown, Pennsylvania. This was the first school our Community developed soon after our founding in 1852. Sr. Karen also presented an evening of reflection at Incarnation Parish as part of their year of faith activities, and she continues to crochet scarves for the women at Bethlehem Haven.

Sr. Raphael Frank serves as a volunteer at St. Richard’s Parish, Shellhaas Funeral Home and St. Barnabas Nursing Home in Richland Township.

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Sr. Roberta Campbell and Sr. Susan Merrie English minister part-time to their elderly mothers while working in full-time ministries.

Sr. Roberta Campbell was awarded a summer contract at Carlow University to help reorganize the Department of Education using a High Performance Learning philosophy. In addition to her regular teaching duties, Sr. Roberta is the certification officer responsible for certifying new teachers who are trained at Carlow University.

Sr. Rosalyn Soller writes articles for “In Touch,” a publication of St. Teresa of Avila Parish. She also conducts bible study and prayer classes with various parish groups throughout the year.

Sr. Susan Merrie English was nominated for the Community Outreach Award from the Pittsburgh Coaches Association at the Midwest International Coach Federation Conference this June in Minneapolis. This award nomination recognized Sr. Susan Merrie for the collaborative coaching projects she has developed between Duquesne University and the Pittsburgh Coaches Association, and various

The Perrysville Avenue location was close to the City, and in the past, the Sisters ministered to seniors, women in transition, newly arrived immigrants, and the homeless. Some of these ministries will continue, but others, like giving retreats, providing bereavement counseling, assisting with funeral arrangements and helping in local parishes will begin. The new location will provide opportunities for more and different ministries.

In the new location each sister has her own cozy room off one of the main hallways named for the strong women of the Benedictine tradition: Saints Mechtilde and Walburga, Saints Hildegard and Gertrude. One of the Sisters said, “I feel so at home here! The old monastery was home, but it was never homey. Now

community groups including the Latino Immigrant Community, Dress for Success, and Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania.

Sr. Susan Fazzini and Sr. Audrey Quinn continue to organize the annual Heart and Sole Program which provides 450 – 500 children with a new pair of shoes to start the school year. Numerous schools and churches in Waynesburg and the greater Pittsburgh area assist with this project.

this is homey!” It felt even more like home when the familiar statues of Saint Benedict and Saint Joseph were transported from the former monastery and installed on the grounds at the new monastery.

Inside there is a welcoming lobby, a beautiful chapel containing many of the art works and treasures of the old chapel, a sunny dining room, efficient offices, work rooms, and a wellness center. There is plenty of pleasant outdoor space for meditation, reading, or socializing around the barbeque. A roomy guest house is situated at the bottom of the drive, and it will be the site of future overnight retreats. The entire area has a quiet bucolic serenity that suits its purpose and reminds visitors that this was once all farmland.

Sr. Sue Fazzini serves as an instructor for the “Impact of Crime Class” developed by the Department of Corrections and Office of Victim Advocates. The program involves bringing victims of violent crimes into prisons to talk with the inmates about the impact the attack had on them and their families emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually.

Like the Church itself, the Benedictine Community has never been about being a building. This Community is whole and happily united in pursuing God’s work in a new vineyard.

Members of the Community and the Benedictine Tradition Lives Steering Committee attended the formal blessing of the new monastery on Saturday, September 14, 2014. The President of the Federation of Saint Scholastica, Sister Glenna Smith, OSB, presided. The Sisters hosted an open house for volunteers of the Benedictine Tradition Lives Capital Campaign the next day, and campaign benefactors will be invited to an open house in March 2014 when the formal Book of Recognition will be complete and on display.

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Sr. Linda Larkman is completing her training in Clinical Pastoral Education through the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy and is currently serving as a chaplain in her internship at Shadyside Hospital.


Home is wherever we’re together doing the work of the Lord Continued from page 1

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Homecoming: St. Benedict and St. Joseph

On May 22, 2013, exactly one month after the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh arrived in Bakerstown, the statues of St. Benedict and St. Joseph journeyed from the old monastery to our new home and made our family complete. What an exciting day it was! About 10:00 a.m., a huge truck with a gigantic boom and carrying the precious cargo, carefully maneuvered into position at the north end of the property. Several hours after opening the coffin-like box, harnessing St. Joseph and gently swinging him through the air, the beloved statue that had graced the former monastery grounds for 50 or more years was safely secured on its base. The process was then repeated with the statue of St. Benedict which now stands at the southwest end the property to welcome all who come up the driveway. It was a day of rejoicing for all the Sisters—a sign that this lovely new place is truly St. Benedict Monastery and we are all together in our new home.

Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh3526 Bakerstown RoadBakerstown, PA 15007

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PAIDST. MEINRAD, INPERMIT NO. 16

U.I.O.G.D. – Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus! – ‘That in all things GOD may be glorified’.

St. Benedict

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