Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden
2022 JUBILARIANS
Sister Maliya Hock, CSJ
75th Jubilee
Though she softly describes herself as “self-contained,” Sister Maliya Hock felt called to live “in service to others” as a student at Mount Gallitzin High School. She and her sibling, the late Sister Francis de Sales Hock, were taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph at St. Titus in Aliquippa and experienced the richness of their mother’s deep prayer life.
Sister Maliya nurtured the hearts and minds of children in the Pittsburgh and Altoona-Johnstown dioceses for more than five decades. She recalls fond memories of teaching third through sixth grade at St. Joseph in Natrona during her first year as an educator. She returned to St. Joseph several years later to teach high school science to many of those same students.
She also ministered as a teacher at Annunciation in Pittsburgh; St. Joseph Academy in Ebensburg; St. James in Sewickley; and as principal at St. Bede, St. Raphael, and Nativity schools in Pittsburgh.
An ardent reader of poetry and historical novels, Sister Maliya’s caring presence instilled a love of learning that encouraged her students to overcome obstacles in the classroom and beyond. She remains grateful for the “help of God” to carry the charism with her each day.
Sister Ruth Bearer, CSJ
70th Jubilee
Describing religious life as “a challenge filled with peace and joy,” Sister Ruth “Paulus” Bearer was an educator for 10 years before becoming the first sister in the Congregation to receive a master’s degree in social work.
From 1967 to 1974, Sister Ruth was Associate Director of the Social Work Department at Georgetown University Hospital, and subsequently served as Supervisor of Social Services in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. In 1981, she became Associate Director of Focus On Renewal, and seven years later, was elected to the Congregation’s Leadership Team. She later returned to F.O.R. to serve 18 years at its family health center.
A prolific writer of prose, Sister Ruth authored a book on the history of F.O.R in 2018, and for at least 30 years has creatively expressed her life experiences in a compilation of writings called “Ruth’s Rambling,” a constant source of reflection for her.
For her commitment to serving vulnerable neighbors through F.O.R. health centers, Sister Ruth was awarded the diocese’s Manifesting the Kingdom Award in 2009. Ten years later, the Education Room of F.O.R.’s Hilltop clinic was dedicated in her honor. Quiet and unassuming, Sister Ruth says, “God nudged me slowly and gently into places where I had never been. Each place was gift.”
Other 2022 Milestones
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listed below, please click here.
65 Years
Sister Carmelita Augustine, CSJ
Sister Barbara Ann Balog, CSJ
Sister Norma Bandi, CSJ
Sister Mary Kay Hammond, CSJ
Sister Elizabeth Hart, CSJ
Sister Marjorie Kelly, CSJ
Sister Cecilia Marie Kulik, CSJ
Sister Dorothy Pashuta, CSJ
Sister Michelle Prah, CSJ
Sister Mary Agnes Spampinato, CSJ
60 Years
Sister Judith Maroni, CSJ
Sister Judith Kenaan, CSJ
Sister Anne Clifford, CSJ
Sister Patricia Young, CSJ
Sister Mary Susan Connell, CSJ