Sister Sue Fazzini – a conversation with KDKA Radio’s Michael Bartley on volunteer service – on Good Friday 3-29-24

(10-14-22 photo) Sister Audrey Quinn (Benedictine Sister), Michael Bartley (KDKA Radio Pittsburgh), Sister Sue Fazzini (Benedictine Sister)

Michael Bartley previewed the roster of guests for the Good Friday Evening Show on 3-29-24 with a focus in volunteer service.

Michael  introduced Benedictine Sister Sue Fazzini as a native Donora PA. She worked at SCI Greene – Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for 17 years. Michael discussed the Emmy award winning WQED  “Change of Habit” documentary with a segment on Sue filmed at SCI Greene among 1500 inmates.

The population of Catholic nuns in Western PA and across the United States is a quarter of what it was in the late 1960s. But even with their numbers dwindling and local convents shuttered, the revered Sisters aren’t complaining or giving up, they’re actually reinventing themselves. WQED’s Michael Bartley takes you to several local orders of religious women to show you where they’re working and how they see the future of Sisters.

Sue talked about her work as Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program counselor and supervisor following the Benedictine sisters devotion to a life of service.  She mentioned volunteering at Habitat for Humanity, Heart ‘N Sole of Greene County,  and foster care of over 160 children with Sister Audrey Quinn.  Sue’s parents were a big influence on her volunteer life, noting her parents volunteered even while working full time jobs.  Sue comes from a family of 10, not unusual many years ago. Benedictines not able to volunteer  will pray for the sisters out in the field.  Audrey and Sue resided in Greene County for many years working with families living in rural poverty. They recently moved back to Pittsburgh at the Benedictine Sisters Convent in Bakerstown PA because their Greene County home required too many expensive repairs they could not afford.  Audrey and Sue looked for local Pittsburgh volunteer opportunities and found Hello Baby serving meals to new mothers.

Michael shared statistics about volunteering across the USA and in Pennsylvania. Sue talked about volunteering at Computer Reach (thanks Sue!) and volunteer opportunities via Pittsburgh Cares. Michael mentioned East End Cooperative Ministries (EECM) and young dedicated volunteers from Duolingo and the Mormon Church in Pittsburgh. Sue reinforced that volunteers receive more than they give … a sentiment many understand. Sue closed the segment talking about Marita Garrett’s Free Store in Wilkinsburg PA.

Michael and Sue talked about volunteer outreach challenges and the Rule of Benedict and treating every day as if it were to be your last by “keeping death daily before your eyes” …

Michael and Sue talked about  service to others with a shout out to Andrea Carelli of PNC Bank (now retired) with several examples her great work in Greene County.

Posted on 3-30-24 with permission of Michael Bartley and Sister Sue Fazzini