A story about Sister Josephine DePetro

Sister Josephine DePetro spent more than 20 years teaching in several Erie Diocesan schools that had her ministering with those she most desired to work with: youth. She also worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer for more than 10 years and was a Director of Religious Education. She facilitated many workshops on parenting skills and also offered counseling for parents.

Sister Josephine is a dedicated, year-round walker who takes to the pavement most days for a brisk hike around the SSJ and Saint Mary’s campuses which provides ample opportunity for some personal prayer and reflection time.

“I recognized a call (to religious life) in eighth grade when Fr. Daniel Lord told me that I had a vocation,” she shared. “I pushed it aside but prayed to know what I was to do. As a senior, it came back to me. I always wanted to work with children and the poor.”

Sister Josephine always enjoys the interaction she has with students who work at Living Center and she tries to keep up-to-date on their lives after they leave the Sisters’ employ. (She is pictured here with Nick Pompeani, a former front-desk receptionist.)

“I always wanted to help others,” said Sr. Josephine. “Our charism, ‘connecting neighbor to neighbor and neighbor with God, without distinction’ has kept me answering the call.”