Retirement Fund for Religious

“We are deeply grateful for the support of the Retirement Fund. For our small community of just 30 members, these contributions have lifted a tremendous burden and helped us plan for the future with dignity and care. The generosity of donors has been a gift to us—and we continue to feel its impact every day,” reflects Sister Barbara Mass, a founding member of the Sisters of the Living Word whose decades of service have centered on teaching, leadership, and spiritual formation.

Born on March 29, 1942, Sister Barbara grew up in Morton Grove, a suburb of Chicago, which was still a rural area during her childhood. The Catholic faith ran deep in her household. Her parents were early spiritual influences, and the sisters she encountered in Catholic school became role models she aspired to emulate. With one older brother and a younger sister, she recalls a childhood marked by faith, family, and strong community ties.

Sister Barbara attended Catholic schools throughout her education completing both grade school and high school before entering religious life in August 1960. She began her ministry with the Sisters of Christian Charity, where she served for 15 years before a pivotal transition.

In 1975, amid post-Vatican II tensions, Sister Barbara and others left their original congregation to form a new community rooted in renewed values. The Sisters of the Living Word were born from that vision, guided by the wisdom of founder Sister Annamarie Cook. Sister Barbara’s decision to join a new community was shaped by prayer, discernment, and a deep trust in God’s direction.

Her ministry journey included five years teaching elementary school, followed by two decades in high school classrooms where she taught religion and developed reading and study skills courses. She later served in leadership roles within her community for 10 years as well as mentoring younger members through formation work.

Even in retirement, Sister Barbara has never truly stopped ministering. She now prepares and distributes monthly prayer experiences via email to nearly 100 people, a ministry that took on new life during the pandemic. Her time studying scripture in Rome during formation, especially with Vatican II scholars, continues to shape her reflections.

Sister Barbara finds deep meaning in Eucharistic prayers, especially Prayer II’s reminder of the sacred call to minister in God’s presence. She notes that staying active and socially involved are the keys to a long and fulfilling life. “Each day is a gift to be used for prayer, service, and gratitude,” she says simply.