NC - 2023 - Spring

Sr. Barbara Frances Samp | Diamond Jubilee — 75 Years
Celebrating her 75th year in religious life, Sr. Barbara Frances Samp grew up in Chicago
and attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic parish.
She was attracted to the Sisters at an early age, but soon forgot about it. “My mother
passed away when I was in sixth grade. I never gave thought of going to the convent even
though I helped the Sisters in church and admired them, but never thought much of being
one,” said Sr. Barbara Frances.
Then, a letter between her father and the local superior soon changed the course
for Sister. “[One day my father received a letter from] Sr. Jolanta who told him I had a
vocation. She included what I would need when I entered the convent and that I should
go to the convent on Aug. 10, 1946. This was two months after I graduated from eighth
grade. My father read the letter, handed it to my sister, and said to her, 'Get her what she needs.' We went shopping and
on Aug. 10, I presented myself at the convent in Chicago, and here I am 78 years later.”
Holding a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in secondary education, in addition to certifications
in NTSCU Library LMS and Advanced Bible Studies from Catholic University, Sr. Barbara Frances has accounted for 57
years in education and an additional 16 years devoted to Bible studies ministry. Her community would describe her as
a passionate teacher who is gracious and quite organized. After serving 65 years in Texas, Sr. Frances now resides in
Philadelphia and values the “family spirit of caring for each other” as what is most important about the CSFN charism.
“[Though I am no longer as active as I used to be] I live out our charism [these days] through leading a Bible study for
the Sisters at Mount Nazareth and praying for all families and their needs.”
Sr. Noemi Tereszkiewicz | Diamond Jubilee — 75 years
When asked what she would like people to know about religious life, Sr. Noemi
Tereszkiewicz joyfully reflects, “It has been a blessing cup full of graces received
throughout my [years of] formation and ministries.”
Born in Ford City, PA, Sr. Noemi and her family moved to McKees Rocks, PA, and finally
to Lawrenceville, PA where her family established Frank’s Bakery. “My parents and siblings
had hearts of gold, full of love and sacrifice and generous toward me and all those whose
lives they touched.”
Following her high school graduation in 1945, Sr. Noemi went to work in a law firm in
Pittsburgh and entered the Community in 1948. Much of Sr. Noemi’s ministry had been
devoted to nursing. She ministered for 25 years at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in
Altoona, PA, and for 10 years at Ohio Valley General Hospital School of Nursing. Sr. Noemi was a staff nurse, supervisor,
and director of the School of Nursing.
In addition to her nursing ministry, Sr. Noemi also taught CCD to first-graders, hosted the Calix Society once a month
for recovering alcoholics and their wives, and served as a Eucharistic minister and lector to her religious community and
also at the prison in Pittsburgh.
“I have experienced the beauty and saintliness of God’s people in many varied ways. My heart is filled with love and deep
gratitude as I recall the reciprocal sharing of talents and skills, faith, and spirituality with religious and lay persons.”
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2023
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