We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved + Sister Barbara Jean Yost who departed this life on Tuesday, January 8, 2008
in the fifty-seventh year of her religious life Funeral: January 11, 2008, at 3:30 p.m. O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to the perfect light . As the liturgies moved toward Epiphany, Sister Barbara Jean steadily became weaker. As the Magi, the seekers and astrologers, had studied the heavens, followed the star and found Jesus, Sister Barbara Jean too had been preparing herself to enter the presence of the God whom she had served so faithfully. Geraldine Elizabeth Yost left her family, especially her twin sister, and her home in Ohio at the age of 20. Called by God to religious life, she investigated various communities and, as she learned more about them, she was drawn to the Sisters of Divine Providence. The parish priest who had known her for six years recommended her, writing, “She is a rather quiet, retiring girl by nature, but pleasant and friendly.” How true his words were! From her earliest days, Sister Barbara Jean generously served wherever she was sent and in whatever way she was needed. In her first years of ministry, she cooked for sisters on various missions and, then, for more than forty years, she lovingly provided for the community at Providence Heights . Guided by a deep faith, attentive to the invitations of a loving God, and committed to a life of prayer, Sister Barbara Jean lived each moment fully. Building strong relationships with her sisters, she looked for the best in others, encouraging and affirming them as she shared ministry and community life with them. Her good humor and dry wit often cheered her sisters as they faced the experiences of each new day. Sister Barbara Jean continued her family relationships over the years as well. She kept strong ties with her extended family as her siblings married and their children grew. She knew and cared deeply for each of them, spending time with them as she could. In her quiet retiring manner, Sister Barbara Jean was a seeker, living her consecration, entrusting herself to the God of Providence, and faithfully supporting her sisters in community. Open to God inspirations, she gave all she had, bringing her gifts to God and willing to give herself, without limitation. Those closest to her said Sister Barbara Jean was a “good example” and that her manner of living was a source of strength and inspiration for them. When Sister Barbara Jean's cancer was diagnosed, she struggled to face the unknown and to accept the suffering which came to her. In the same way as she had lived her life, she continued this final stage of her journey: quietly serving, patiently waiting and peacefully looking toward the bright star, the fullness of eternal life, as she sang within: guide us to that perfect light . Feast Day: December 4
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