Sister Rochelle Holly entered religious life from St. Mary Parish in Herman, PA. It was Sister Benigna Bumbernick and her teachers in grade school who most influenced her decision to become a Sister.
An educator for more than 30 years, Sister Rochelle ministered at St. Mary’s School in Ford City, PA (1961-62; 71-78), St. Isaac Jogues School in St. Clair Shores, MI (1970-71; 78-96), Archdiocese of Detroit (associate superintendent 1997-98), St. Veronica Catholic School in Detroit (principal 1998-2004) and Providence Heights Alpha School in Allison Park, PA (principal 2007-09; secretary 2011-12). She also served as the co-manager of St. Ambrose Manor in Pittsburgh (2010-11) and, since 2013, has served as the ministry coordinator at Providence Heights.
Of her life as a religious, she says, "I’ve had 65 plus years of amazing graces, beginning with first grade, when I experienced my first desire to be a Sister of Divine Providence and a teacher. All through the years, when obstacles would appear, an openness to Providence in my life cleared the way. I firmly believe that ‘Providence provides.’ And indeed it does, even when God seems to be writing with very crooked lines in our lives.
"I am totally amazed at how God in His Providence wanted me as a Sister of Divine Providence. As I reflect on events in my life, the following is prominent. In my fourth year of teaching, my ailing mother asked when I was coming home to help her. I spoke with the Superior and had planned on speaking to the Confessor about what to do, what course of action I should take. God took over. In March of that year, my mother went to her eternal blessings! I have always looked at this event as God telling me to stay in Community and here I am 65 years later."
Self-described as positive, empathetic and generous, Sister Rochelle enjoys reading, crocheting, and gardening.
CLICK HERE to make a gift in honor of Sister Rochelle's 65th Jubilee.