Former Religious Name: Sister Cordelia

Home Parish: St. Joseph, Oil City, PA

Sister Rosemary O’Brien, SSJ, has dedicated her life to education, pastoral ministry, spiritual formation, and accompanying others in their faith journeys. Through her years of service in schools, parishes, and the leadership of the Sisters of St. Joseph, she has helped individuals and communities deepen their relationship with God and recognize the connections that unite all people.

Sister Rosemary was born on January 22, 1939, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, to James P. and Ann Romaniszyn O’Brien. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1958 and professed her final vows in 1964. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College in Erie in 1968 and a Master of Arts in Sacred Science from St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, New York, in 1975. She also studied through the Institute of Pastoral Care with InterChurch Ministries of Northwestern Pennsylvania from 1980 to 1982 and pursued further preparation in spiritual direction.

Sister Rosemary began her ministry in education, teaching at St. Andrew School, Villa Maria Grade School, and St. Patrick School in Erie; St. Bernard School in Bradford; and Bradford Central Christian High School. From 1966 to 1978, she served at Villa Maria Academy, where her responsibilities included theology and business instruction as well as part-time clerical work. Through these assignments, she shared her faith and helped students grow in knowledge and understanding.

In 1978, Sister Rosemary began serving as a pastoral minister at St. Patrick Parish in Erie. From 1981 to 1985, she served on the Sisters of St. Joseph Formation Team and as associate director of the SSJ Spirituality Centre, helping support the spiritual development of others. She later became director of religious education at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Harborcreek, serving from 1985 to 1993. She continued her ministry at the parish as a pastoral minister, initially part-time and later full-time, through 2003.

Sister Rosemary also contributed to the leadership of the Sisters of St. Joseph. She served part-time on the SSJ Leadership Council and later as secretary of the SSJ Leadership Team. From 2003 to 2007, she was a member of the SSJ Congregational Leadership Team. Following this period of leadership, she took a sabbatical in 2007–2008 that included further study and a mission experience among Native American communities in the Southwest. In 2008, she began her ministry in spiritual direction, adult faith formation, and pastoral care, continuing to accompany others in their spiritual journeys.

Throughout her life, Sister Rosemary has drawn inspiration from Scripture and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Among the words that sustain her are Jesus’ assurance, “I am with you always,” and the invitation to “Seek first God’s reign over you, God’s way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides.” She also finds direction in the congregation’s call to move toward a profound love of God and neighbor without distinction. These teachings remind her of the unity and connectedness of life and inspire her to express that understanding through relationships, ministry, and care for others and creation.

Sister Rosemary credits her mother as one of the most significant influences on her faith. She remembers her mother’s uncomplicated spirituality, honesty, resilience, and ability to celebrate the ordinary. Her faith in God and devotion to Mary sustained her through difficult and challenging times, and she faced life’s changes with grace. The example of her mother, along with the faith and service she encountered throughout her Catholic education, helped shape Sister Rosemary’s own vocation.

Her call to religious life unfolded gradually. Although she began considering the possibility during her senior year of high school, she did not seriously explore it until two years after graduation, when an interruption in the familiar direction of her life led her to question her future. She decided to test whether religious life was the right path for her. Looking back after decades in the Sisters of St. Joseph, she affirms that it was the right choice.

Through her ministries in education, pastoral care, spiritual formation, and congregational leadership, Sister Rosemary has sought to live out her vocation by helping others recognize God’s presence in their lives. Her continued commitment to spiritual direction and adult faith formation reflects her desire to foster deeper relationships with God, with one another, and with all creation.