Two Benedictines, Sister Phyllis Schleicher and Sister Mary William Hoffman, serve 15 parishes in Potter and McKean counties. They work in conjunction with the parishes, building relationships and responding to the spiritual needs of the residents. Their aim is to be a "presence to the people" in an area where the presence of religious women was previously unknown on a permanent basis. Sister Phyllis and Sister Mary William visit the people of the parishes throughout the area and they meet with resident pastors to determine the needs of the parishioners. Rural poverty, lack of resources, and unemployment are issues that affect the communities where the two sisters minister. Recent state funding cutbacks—involving small rural libraries and school districts already short on funds— have further reduced social services on which people in these communities greatly depend. Meals on Wheels and senior centers' funding also have been greatly affected. The sisters strive to bring the word of God to the people and to let them know that they are an important part of the Diocese of Erie. Programs such as the Christopher Leadership Program for Parishioners, communion services, enrichment days for women and scripture study/prayer gatherings are offered through Catholic Rural Ministry. A three-year commitment of shared funding from the Diocese of Erie and the three Communities of Women Religious established this ministry in 1999. Grants have provided additional funding for Catholic Rural Ministry, as well as fundraising efforts by the sisters and others. |
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