For over 30 years ,Sister Benita Nicholas was a familiar presence at Holy Childhood, an agency for intellectually and developmentally disabled persons, where she ran the Adult Day Training Program.

Sister entered the Congregation from St. Mary’s Parish in Auburn. “I was in the seventh grade at St. Mary’s School in Auburn when I knew that religious life was my vocation,” she said. “The Sisters at St. Mary’s were welcoming women of laughter, fun and playfulness–and they were very good teachers. It was their lifestyle that drew me to the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

“Like the Sisters who first influenced me, I have always been involved in education–first as a teacher and then for many years as supervisor of the Adult Day Training Program at Holy Childhood. I have loved all of my ministries.”

In addition to working at Holy Childhood, Sister Benita taught at Holy Rosary and St. Stanislaus schools in Rochester, and St. James in Waverly.

After moving to the Motherhouse, she was actively involved in Congregational fundraising projects. She now continues her ministry of prayer and presence.

Sister Benita says her Sisters in community inspire her to do what God calls her to do. “In my community I continue to be surrounded by faithful women, willing to give their very best in service to all God’s people.”