Facilitators and Spiritual Directors

I am living proof that God is never done with us, having joined the Sisters later in life. I’ve had the privilege to minister at Saint Gertrude High School in Richmond before coming back to Bristow to direct our Place of Peace Columbarium ministry. Most recently, I’ve added this BSC ministry, assisting in the coordination of the programs, workshops, and retreats. I’ve been amazed at how many different ways Benedictines offer hospitality and am humbled to get to be part of so many ministries. I look forward to welcoming each of you to the many spiritual programs we are planning. Come see!

I enjoy spiritual direction and facilitating workshops and retreats. Here is where I get the opportunity to share my enthusiasm about the mystery of the spiritual life and the Benedictine Way. My areas of interest are Benedictine spirituality, visio divina, creative expression, SoulCollage®. My training in spiritual direction was at the Center for Spirituality and Justice, Bronx, NY.

At the Benedictine Spirituality Center, I enjoy meeting people of all different faith traditions and walks of life. I hope to respond to the needs of those coming to us. 

I just celebrated 60 years of profession in my monastic community here at Bristow.  These years have been blessing and I love to talk about the values of monastic life as found in the Rule of Saint Benedict.   Liturgy is very important to me and my community so providing learning and experiences on the liturgy as set forth by Vatican II is a passion for me.

For many years I have given presentations on Benedictine life and liturgy in parishes and here at home. My education includes degrees from Marymount University, Marywood University, and The Catholic University of America, where I completed a master’s degree in liturgical theology. Over the decades I have served as Prioress, Formation Director, Vocations Director, and teacher – all privileged ways to serve Christ in others. Currently I minister with the community as Sub-Prioress and Formation Director and continue my long-standing role as music accompanist at our liturgies.

I am originally from California and had an established career working to provide housing for low income families but God asked me to do something else. So I entered monastic life here. Since becoming a Benedictine Sister, I have received many opportunities to dwell with God’s love, to learn and appreciate the gifts every person has. It has been a growth in understanding the dignity of every human being. I have led retreats, being bilingual one of them in Spanish. I have given First Friday talks, and provided talks in other churches. I facilitate a Spiritual Book Club where we meet monthly for book discussions. Another area of interest is social justice and as part of our monastery’s Peace and Justice Committee, I strive to be aware and respond to current issues. We also work on providing support to local non-profits.

I made Perpetual Monastic Profession with the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia
on September 4, 2021. Prior to entering the community, I served in a variety of volunteer positions including Catechist, Retreat Facilitator, Spiritual Director, Ignatian Spirituality Project Facilitator, and I.C.E. Detention Center Chaplain. I am humbled to share my directees’ individual spiritual journeys. As a victim of God’s unconditional love, I believe the sacred is found in each person’s story. ​As a Spiritual Director I am blessed to listen and hold each story in prayer.

I have rich experiences as a psychotherapist, working in areas including grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Over the years, I have often facilitated and presented both locally and nationally on issues related to grief and loss. Presently, I am the Vocation Director for the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia and on the leadership team for mycommunity. As Vocation Director, I maintain a YouTube site with videos called “Benedictine Bytes” where I interview different sisters who share their vocation stories and also do reflections on my daily Lectio Divina.

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dominican College in Blauvelt, NY, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University.

I found my way to the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia in 2022.  Many years ago, struggling to meet the demands of life as a working wife and mother, I turned to the Lord for His unfailing help.  I longed for someone to accompany me on my faith journey.  It took years for me to find my first spiritual director, but I now believe the Lord sent me this time of waiting to kindle my desire to accompany others.  I consider it a great joy and deep privilege to help others grow in holiness by drawing closer to the Lord.  

 My husband and I have been married for over 30 years and are blessed with two beautiful adult children.  I am a scientist and educator, and love to spend time outdoors and volunteering in my community. My certificate in Spiritual Direction is from Divine Mercy University