By As Sister Sarah Crotty walks through the Focus On Renewal Community Center, she doesn’t get far before she is stopped for a question, a prayer, or a hug.
“The number one thing for me is presence and listening. I do a lot of listening.”
Sister Sarah, a nun with the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Baden, was trained as a social worker and worked in the public sector and in health care before joining Focus On Renewal 10 years ago. Her upbringing and her faith lead her to serve others.
“My Christian faith teaches me that all people are worthy and all people matter and all people are images of God. The social justice piece of Catholic teaching was always big with my parents and it got passed onto me.”
Focus On Renewal has been serving the McKees Rocks community for over 45 years. For much of that time, a nun from the Sisters of St. Joseph has served at the organization.
“I’m just the latest in a long line. We are committed to this ministry and dedicated to the neighborhood,” said Sister Sarah.
The community center is busy most days with those looking for a hot meal. The center offers free lunch five days a week and a food pantry two days a week. For a community where 33 percent of families are below the poverty level, the center is an essential lifeline.
“Everyone should enjoy the same privileges and opportunities that life affords. Everyone should know that they are loved, respected and welcomed, and that they are not alone. That’s why I am drawn to this ministry,” Sister Sarah added.