Sr. Bernie Says Her First Vows

For several years during discernment and novitiate, Sr. Bernadette Claps has been quite a blessing to the Sisters of Bon Secours.  It is with a warm welcome and excited anticipation that we celebrated her First Vow Ceremony! 

Sr. Bernie Claps says first vows as a Sister of Bon Secours.

Sr. Bernadette “Bernie” Claps first entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Bon Secours in 2006. Her previous  experience in social work, counseling, pastoral care, and administration, as well as continued learning and spiritual growth within the congregation, has allowed her to serve the community in which the Sisters of Bon Secours are a presence by providing “Good Help to Those in Need®.”  

Drawn to the Sisters of Bon Secours charism of compassion, healing and liberation, Sr. Bernie has been able to use her professional skills in several ministries including the Women’s Resource Center of Bon Secours – a drop-in center for homeless and at-risk women, the dialysis unit at Bon Secours Baltimore Hospital and at Bon Secours Senior Apartments where some residents need supportive services so that they can remain in their homes.

Sr. Bernie is also preparing through formal studies for the ministry of spiritual direction.  “God is in the midst of those in need and my work assists individuals in claiming their dignity and moving towards more self-sufficiency and liberation,” says Sr. Bernie. “The values that the Sisters of Bon Secours live out are very much those with which I connect. I feel called to live out these values in my ministry and my interaction with others.” 

Since making her first vows, Sr. Bernie has begun a three year integration period of living religious life that will lead to making final vows of chastity, poverty and obedience within the Congregation of Sisters of Bon Secours.