Retirement Fund for Religious

“I am truly, truly grateful for the assistance provided by donors. I am glad that someone thinks about the religious,” says Sister Brenda Cherry, 84, a member of the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Halethorpe, MD. “It is important to support our elderly sisters, brothers and religious order priests who have dedicated their lives to serving others.”

Born and raised in Catonsville, Maryland, one of eight children, Sister Brenda attended Catholic schools, and was taught by Oblate sisters.

She credits her parents, particularly her dad, who lived a faith-filled life, for inspiring in her a deep love for the Lord. But it was the Oblate sisters themselves who solidified her decision.

“I was just impressed, the way they were around for me to talk to. They were so different, which impressed me,” says Sister Brenda. Her history teacher introduced her to becoming a bride of Christ, which she later followed.

Sister Brenda entered the Oblates on September 8, 1957. She has spent her entire ministry in education, teaching students of various ages in schools throughout Baltimore, Washington DC and New Orleans. During that time, she spent 16 years as a principal.

Even today, Sister Brenda still works at the Mount Providence Child Development Center, which is run by the Oblates and caters to children aged six weeks to five years old.

She loves her job and feels that working with children keeps her young and active. Her favorite Psalm is Psalm 100, which she learned in a public school in the 4th grade and has recited every day since.

Sister Brenda believes that positivity and making others smile are the keys to happiness. She has always been active and keeps herself busy by being around people who have the same goals and values as she does.

She notes, “Our religious don’t retire; they just fade into glory, continuing to serve one year into the next.” And that is exactly what Sister Brenda intends to do.