Home parish: St. Joseph, Sharon, PA

Sister Linda Fusco felt drawn to God’s call throughout her life, although it took time for her to fully recognize where that call would lead. Born in New York City, she was baptized and received her first sacraments at St. Ann’s Parish. In 1966, her family moved to Farrell, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from Farrell Area High School. She continued her education at New Castle Business College, earning a diploma in executive secretary studies. Before entering religious life, Sister Linda worked in several fields, including as a secretary, sales clerk, bookkeeper, and in sales and accounting.

Sister Linda’s desire to deepen her relationship with God and serve others began years before she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph. Around 1980, she began considering the possibility of joining a religious community. Drawn to the Sisters of St. Joseph because of their mission of unity, she learned about the congregation’s Associate Program and became an Associate after attending meetings where she explored the Sisters’ charism and spirituality. She actively participated in community meetings and celebrations, gradually developing a deeper connection to the congregation. By 1991, she recognized that she was being called to something more.

A directed prayer weekend became an important moment in Sister Linda’s discernment. While praying with Scripture, she reflected on Jesus’ question to the disciples of John: “What are you looking for?” Her response was that she was looking for “more of God, more of me, and more ways to serve God and other people.” When her spiritual director asked whether she had ever considered entering a religious community, Sister Linda began a period of deeper discernment. She eventually realized that God had been calling her for a long time, even when she had not fully recognized it. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on March 1, 1992, from St. Joseph Parish in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and professed her final vows on September 22, 2001.

Sister Linda entered religious life as the mother of a 19-year-old son, who supported her decision wholeheartedly. She speaks proudly of his encouragement, noting, “Not many people can say, ‘my mother is a nun.’” Her journey into religious life reflects her willingness to respond to God’s call while embracing the important relationships and responsibilities in her life. Today, she is also a grandmother, and the love and support of her family continue to strengthen her vocation.

Education has been an important part of Sister Linda’s ministry. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Gannon University in Erie in 1998 and received the Paul Dobruchin Award for her love of learning. She served as a teacher at Blessed Sacrament School in Erie for over 25 years, dedicating herself to the education and formation of young people. Her commitment to learning and teaching reflects her desire to help others grow both academically and spiritually.

In addition to her classroom ministry, Sister Linda has been involved in religious education and parish life. She taught religious education at Our Lady of Fatima and St. Ann’s in Farrell, as well as St. Joseph’s in Sharon. At St. Joseph’s, she also served on the liturgy committee and as a lector. For several years, she was a member of the board of directors of Dwelling Place, a house of prayer in Sharon. Her commitment to the life of the Church has continued through her involvement in vocation ministry and committee work.

Sister Linda began serving on the Diocesan Vocation Committee in 2007 and has attended workshops at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago related to vocation ministry. Through these experiences, she has continued to support the discernment of others who may be exploring a call to religious life. She is also an active member of Holy Cross Parish in Fairview, Pennsylvania, where she serves as a lector.

Throughout her years as a Sister of St. Joseph, Sister Linda has found strength in the love of God, the support of her religious community, and her family. She believes deeply in the call that brought her to religious life and finds that experiencing God’s love continues to affirm her through the daily ups and downs of life. Participation in programs offered by the Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph has also strengthened her identity and deepened her understanding of her vocation.

One of the Scripture passages that inspires Sister Linda comes from Ephesians 3:20: “God working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.” These words reflect her trust in God’s presence and the possibilities that unfold when a person remains open to divine guidance. They also speak to her own journey, which developed gradually through prayer, discernment, and a growing desire to serve.

Prayer remains central to Sister Linda’s spiritual life. She finds that spending time in prayer and reflection deepens her relationship with God, guides her decisions, and helps her experience God’s love and mercy. Each evening, she practices the Ignatian Examen, reflecting on the day and recognizing the ways she has encountered Christ. Ongoing spiritual direction also gives her an opportunity to share these experiences with someone who helps her discern where God continues to call her to grow. She encourages others to make time for prayer and journaling, particularly through the practice of the Examen.

For Sister Linda, religious life continues to be a journey of trust, growth, and service. She plans to continue teaching for now while praying for guidance about what God may ask of her in the future. Having discovered that God’s call had been present long before she fully recognized it, she remains open to where that call may lead. With faith in God’s love and the belief that God can accomplish more than she could imagine, Sister Linda continues to seek new ways to serve God and neighbor.