The Sisters of St. Joseph are deeply grateful for the many benefactors who support our mission and our ministries. Their generous spirit helps us enhance and expand our services to all realms of human life, especially the poor and vulnerable. In gratitude for our many kind benefactors, we remember them in prayer and at Mass in the Motherhouse Chapel. Every Wednesday, many of our Sisters gather in the chapel for a prayer service in honor of our patron, St. Joseph, and in appreciation for our benefactors. Perhaps, you might wish to share in these weekly prayers with us:

Sister Mary Conrad Pens Prayers for Our Benefactors

"Her Prayers Flow from Pen to Heart"

With the grace and discipline of an artist, Sister Mary Conrad Rufer daily takes pen in hand and meticulously inscribes the names of the Congregation's many friends and their prayer intentions in the treasured St. Joseph Book of Prayer.

For each name that she lovingly records, Sister whispers a prayer.

For the past six years, the "retired" 84-year-old Sister hand scripts the names of our benefactors and their prayer intentions, including those enrolled in the St. Joseph Memorial and Tribute Honor Rolls. The book, which last year numbered 258 pages, is displayed in the Motherhouse chapel where Sisters can read the intentions and offer their prayers.

"I have so much gratitude for the people for whom I pray . . . It's amazing because all of these people have been influenced by our Sisters," she says. "I even recognize the names of some of my former students."

Sister Mary Conrad's smooth and polished penmanship, no doubt, was honed over nearly four decades while teaching elementary pupils at eight different schools. A 1959 graduate of Duquesne University's music program, she also taught piano, organ and choir. She still corresponds with former students who credit her with helping them realize their gifts in music or in writing.

From 1973 to 1996, Sister Mary Conrad directed religious education programs for children, teenagers, and adults at three different parishes.

Sister Mary Conrad's devotion to our benefactor and friends is an extension of her deeply prayerful and pious life. Like clockwork, she offers morning, afternoon and evening prayers. She also sets aside a "holy hour" each day to offer prayers in the chapel for the individuals and intentions recorded in the St. Joseph Book of Prayer.

"I can't imagine not praying. It's so much a part of my life," says Sister. "The good Lord has answered many of my prayers."

-- Winter 2002

©2009 Sisters of St Joseph - Baden
1020 State Street, Baden PA 15005
724.869.2151 | 412.761.3700 | Fax: 724.869.3336
Feedback, questions and comments are welcomed at csjprbah@stargate.net