Sister Roseann Velas

Originally from Bethlehem, Pa., Sister Roseann Velas entered the School Sisters of St. Francis from SS. Cyril & Methodius Church in 1973 and professed first vows at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem in 1975.

She was drawn to the community by the Sisters who served in her home parish and taught her at the former St. Francis Academy in Bethlehem, Pa., especially Sister Anita Kuchera.

“I enjoyed being around the Sisters and doing things with and for them,” she recalls. “Those were good years.” Ultimately, she was grateful for her mother’s suggestion that she attend college before entering religious life. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Kutztown State College and a master’s degree in library science from Villanova University.

Over 49 years as an educator, Sister taught and served as principal at parish grade schools in the Pennsylvania towns of Hellertown, Emmaus, Palmerton, Bethlehem, and West Lawn, as well as in the New Jersey communities of Closter, Denville and Guttenburg. In 2013, life came full circle when she returned “home” to SS. Cyril & Methodius to teach at Holy Infancy School.

“I have always loved being with the children and seeing them grow through the years,” Sister says. “Children have a way of keeping you alive. I think I have learned much from them, and they have influenced my growth as a person.”

Her own personal and spiritual growth continues even today, she says, through prayer opportunities, spiritual direction, retreats, and creative experiences with poetry and art. “Through the guidance of wisdom figures who have touched my life, I have grown in my relationship with God and with others.”

Today, Sister Roseann serves as her community’s archivist and ministers at The Catholic Community of St. Matthias in Somerset, N.J., where she is active in both the church and school. “Evangelization is key to my outreach,” Sister Roseann says. “Here at St. Matthias, I have chosen service opportunities which I enjoy. When there is a joy, it becomes contagious and reaches out further than one can imagine.”