In January 1954, she wrote to Mother Mary Francis asking for an opportunity to speak with her about her hope to be a MSBT. Mother Mary Francis responded that she would meet with her and within the month, Beth sent in her application for admission.
She entered the Novitiate in 1955 receiving the name Sister Joseph Regina of the Nativity. She professed first vows in 1956 and Final Vows in 1961.
Her first mission was a few months on the north Alabama missions. Then, in January of 1957, she was missioned to Massachusetts for a few years where she served in St. Patrick’s in Wareham and Holy Ghost in Attleboro teaching Kindergarten, CCD and Youth Clubs. In 1964 she went to Newark, NJ for three more years of service in Kindergarten, CCD and other pastoral work at St. Michael’s in Newark, NJ.
In 1967, there was a change of ministry to Catholic Social Services in Reading ministering in Foster Care and Adoption Services and living in Bethlehem. In 1971, she asked to return to her baptismal name, Elizabeth.
In 1971, she went south to Mobile, AL as a caseworker and worked on developing a Service Center to serve the black community. She served as a caseworker for two years in Harrisburg, PA then back to Mobile Catholic Social Services for a pilot program for Parish Social Ministry in a rural county.
In 1977, Beth went to Allentown, PA working in pregnancy counseling and Adoption Home studies.
Beth received her bachelors from St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia in 1974. Her CPE in 1980 and her Masters in Pastoral Counseling at Loyola Baltimore in 1980.
Beth served as Director of Health Care Services at the MSBT Motherhouse 1980- 83. Her great care and concern for our fragile and ill sisters was noted by Sr. Thomasmari Gore, her supervisor. Beth was missioned to St. Peter’s Medical Center in New Brunswick, NJ in the Pastoral Care Department where she served several years in the maternal and childcare units.
In 1991, Beth asked for a brief leave to take care of her uncle who was suffering with brain cancer. In the early, 90’s Beth served as Resident Director at Great Expectations, a home for pregnant women. She enjoyed this ministry very much. In June 1995, Beth’s contract with Great Expectations was not renewed. Her General Councilor at the time said this was difficult as she had worked hard. Some of the Board Members felt her contract should have been renewed.
Beth sent her resume to many agencies but she did not receive requests for interviews. Beth worked in a variety of jobs to support herself.
Beth was clear she could not live in community but she didn’t want to be released from her vows. After much discernment with the MSBT Leadership, a plan was worked out, which provided some support. She lived very simply first in Hillsborough, NJ and more recently in Manville, NJ. As she experienced more health issues Beth moved to an assisted living facility, the Lawrences, in Lawrenceville, NJ. Throughout her life Beth devoted her skills and education to serving the poor, the sick and those in need.
Beth had the great gift of having two wonderful brothers Paul and Matthew and a very supportive and caring family.