Sister Martha Thomas Baier (Phyllis) entered religious life from St. Basil parish in Carrick, PA. Her father was a great influence on her vocation. “He always said that I would be a Sister,” she said. However, the Sisters at St. Basil’s High School inspired her to do the best thing with her life -- to become a Sister of Divine Providence. “The Sisters at St. Basil’s High School always encouraged me to keep praying for my vocation. Their influence and kind words encouraged me in my faith.”
Sister Martha received a bachelor's degree in education from La Roche University, a master's degree in education from Duquesne University (including a degree as a Reading Specialist) and a master's degree in administration. She taught grade school for 14 years -- St. Bonaventure in Glenshaw, PA (1959-69), St Mary in Ford City, PA (1960-62), St. John in Monaca, PA (1962-65), St. Ambrose in Pittsburgh (1965-66) and Alpha School in Allison Park, PA (1966-73) -- and was an administrator for the next 43 years -- St. Mary in Beaver Falls, PA (1973-80), St. Mary in Herman, PA (1980-98) and Ave Maria in Ellsworth, PA (1998-2012). From 2012-2014, Sister Martha was a Pastoral Associate at Ave Maria Parish in Bentleyville, PA. Since 2014, Sister Martha has been the Spiritual Director at Greenlee Funeral Home in Beallsville, PA. She says, "It is quite a different ministry, in helping, listening, praying and comforting the deceased family. My life as a Religious is always in my heart to help others whenever and however I can."
She said of her life as a Sister, “In my heart, I knew that God was calling me. My faith and prayers helped me complete my dream the day I became a woman religious and professed vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for life. Help me to be open to the Spirit in working collaboratively with my sisters in community and supporting each other in the future as a Sister of Divine Providence.”
Self-described as dependable, caring and charitable, Sister Martha enjoys sewing, playing bingo and watching TV game shows.
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