Home parish: St. Bernard, Bradford, PA

Sister Jude Marie Talerico, SSJ, has devoted her life to education, caring for others, and sharing her faith with those around her. Raised in a family whose faith and generosity helped shape her vocation, she felt a connection to the Sisters of St. Joseph from an early age. She attended Catholic schools from first through twelfth grade, where the Sisters who taught her became important influences in her life.

Sister Jude Marie recalls that the seeds of her vocation were planted in fifth grade by Sister Mary Pascal, her favorite teacher, who made learning an enjoyable experience. During high school, Sisters Virginia Ann and Mary Carmel also influenced her through their cheerful personalities, loving guidance, and willingness to help whenever she needed them. Although her call to religious life became clear during her high school years, the example of these Sisters had already helped prepare her for the journey ahead. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on August 28, 1957.

Education became a central part of Sister Jude Marie’s ministry. She taught at St. John, Blessed Sacrament, St. Joseph, St. Paul, and Sacred Heart schools in Erie, as well as St. Brigid School in Meadville and Holy Rosary School in Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania. Through her work as a teacher, she shared her love of learning with generations of students. She also served in the care of baby boys at St. Joseph’s Home, extending her ministry beyond the classroom to the youngest and most vulnerable. Later on, Sister Jude Marie served as a substitute teacher for the Erie Diocese and volunteered at Marycrest in the Community Living Center. Her involvement in education and community life reflects her enduring desire to support others and remain active in the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Sister Jude Marie draws inspiration from Ecclesiastes 3:1–15, particularly the passage, “There is an appointed time for everything.” She finds meaning in its reminders to recognize the gifts of daily life, enjoy the fruits of one’s labor, and remain open to God’s direction. She also connects the passage’s imagery of tearing down and building, scattering and gathering, with the Sisters of St. Joseph’s call to surrender to God and remain open to the action of the Holy Spirit. For her, these teachings reflect the ongoing journey of religious life and the call to grow continually in union with God.

Her faith was deeply shaped by her parents and her Italian grandmother. Sister Jude Marie remembers her grandmother’s devotion to prayer, recalling that she often saw her with a rosary in her hands and remembers her attending early morning Mass. Her parents also provided a powerful example of faith and sacrifice. They made significant efforts to ensure she could attend Catholic schools, even postponing the purchase of a new car to help cover her educational expenses. Their love and generosity left a lasting impression on her and helped nurture the faith she carries into her ministry.

Through her years of teaching, caring for children, and serving her community, Sister Jude Marie has lived a vocation shaped by faith, gratitude, and openness to God’s call. Her story reflects the lasting influence of family, dedicated teachers, and a spiritual life rooted in prayer and trust in God’s plan.