Mary Jane Beatty, CDP

Sister Mary Jane Beatty entered the community from St. Alphonsus parish in Wheeling, WV, where she was taught by the Sisters of Divine Providence. It was her seventh-grade teacher, Sister Francine Barsh, who's joyful and free spirit caught her attention. This lead her to recognize that becoming a Sister is what she wanted to do.

Sister Mary Jane earned a Bachelor’s Degree in history from La Roche College, a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Duquesne University, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh.

Sister Mary Jane began her ministry as a teacher. She taught at St. Sylvester in Brentwood, PA (1964–65), St. Margaret in Green Tree, PA (1965–70; 73–75), Nativity in Broughton, PA (1970–73), St. Rose of Lima in Altoona, PA (principal,1975–82) and Providence Heights Alpha School in Allison Park, PA (part-time,1982–83). From 1989 - 2023, Mary Jane ministered at Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry in Pittsburgh as a part-time Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. The last three years were spent helping the Counseling Staff and Interns address integrating spirituality as part of the counseling process. 

It was in 1982 that she began her involvement in a series of internal ministries in the Community. She ministered as the first Director of Kearns Spirituality Center (1982-93), Formation Director (1983-87), Divine Providence Foundation (1993-1995), (2002- 2019), Member of the Provincial Council (1995-2001), and Archivist (2019- Present).

Mary Jane describes herself as contemplative and fun-loving. Her contemplative side is nourished by daily prayer, meeting with her Spiritual Director and her collection of spiritual books, especially those by Thomas Merton. Her fun-loving side enjoys cooking, watercolor painting, exploring family history, playing games and watching sports, especially the Pirates.

When asked what aspect of religious life she finds most satisfying, she answered, "At this point in my life, I endeavor to embrace this quote from Thomas Merton, which is most helpful, 'You are shaped by the end you live for; you are made in the image of what you desire.'" (from Thoughts in Solitude p.56)

CLICK HERE to make a gift in honor of Sister Mary Jane's 65th Jubilee.