Marlene Luffy, CDP

Sister Marlene Luffy entered religious life from St. Basil parish in Pittsburgh. Her parents, through their prayer and example, modeled for her a reverence for life and she learned from them a respect for the sacred. It was in this environment that she grew in the development of faith and values. It greatly influenced her decision to become a Sister, as well as the Sisters who taught her, especially in high school. Sister Marlene felt a bit more comfortable with the possiblity, since her sister Maura had entered the Sisters of Divine Providence two years before her.

Sister Marlene earned her Bachelor's degree in Education from Duquesne University and her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Her ministries took her to Duquesne, Castle Shannon, Greentree, Detroit, Allison Park, McKeesport, Charleroi and Pittsburgh City.

Sister Marlene's ministry began in 1954, spanning a period of 65 years. It includes 17 years as teacher and 17 years as principal in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, except for one year teaching in the Archdiocese of Detroit. In 1988, she was certified in Parish Ministry. She ministered five years in parishes until 1993 when she was called to Catholic Charities to establish a program for "Training and Education," serving there for 15 years. Simultaneously, she earned certification in grief counseling. During this time, she initiated the Ministry to the Bereaved in the Diocese of Pittsburgh where she trained individuals and groups in parishes, as well as in other denominational churches in the surrounding areas. In 1995, she was elected to the board of the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved where she served for six years, including two years as president of the board. In 2001, she co-authored the first National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved Training Manual, used in dioceses in the United States.

In 2008, she was invited to join a parish staff to assist in a new initiative with a team of two priests, administering three separate parishes. For the next 11 years, and as roles and needs changed with various mergers, she served as Office Manager and Pastoral Associate at Epiphany Church (now Divine Mercy) in Pittsburgh. In 2019, through the grace of discernment, she resigned her ministry and returned to Providence Heights. During this transition time, she continued to minister to those who grieve and mourn the death of their loved ones.

One of the ways Sister Marlene is lives out the Community's charism is through ministry. She said, "It has been amazing to me how God has directed my life! From school assignments received through Community to other ministries to which I was invited, I felt the hand of God. I have been both challenged and blessed, in using my gifts in the variety of ministries for which I was prepared. As I reflect on the words of Jeremiah the prophet, 29:11 'For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord...plans to give you a future full of hope...' now do I realize how Providence has graced and guided me to the places where I was destined and needed. As I review my life, I have a sense of satisfaction and peace."

Sister Marlene describes herself as organized, thoughtful and determined. She likes musicals, current events, stories of good humor and circus elephants. Her favorite snack is red licorice.

CLICK HERE to make a gift in honor of Sister Marlene's 75th Jubilee.