Sister Diane Brin, CSJ

Sister Diane when she worked in Rome, Georgia.

When Sister Diane Brin, CSJ reflects on her 66 years as a Sister of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kansas, she sees a lifetime filled with service and compassion.  

“What first drew me to religious life was the example of my very religious mother and the influence of the Sisters of St. Joseph,” she said.  Those early inspirations led her to a vocation that has touched countless lives. 

As a nurse and health administrator, Sister Diane found fulfillment in caring for others. “One of my greatest challenges was deciding where to focus my energy and talents,” she said. “There were so many needs to address.” 

For more than four decades, Sister Diane served in Rome, Georgia, where she helped plan, develop, and open a rehabilitation center for older adults in need of care.  

She also spent 25 years offering massage therapy and foot care for seniors, a ministry that often became deeply spiritual. “Many experiences felt like I was in a confessional or counseling office,” she said. “Spiritual encounters were too numerous to name. One woman became a convert to Catholicism. We remain friends to this day, many years later.” 

Sister Diane is grateful for new beds from SOAR!

Recently, a SOAR! grant helped the Sisters of St. Joseph purchase hi-low beds. This is a big change from the manual, hand crank beds. Now the Sisters can safely and independently operate the beds themselves, and this reduces the risk of injury.  

“This bed has been a saving grace!” said Sister Diane. “It is so comfortable, and I can have my head and feet up at the same time. It’s also much easier to operate myself.” 

In closing, Sister Diane shared words of wisdom that continue to guide her: “Meet people where you believe they are and be a faithful companion. We are all trying to live life as fully and peacefully as possible, even though serious challenges arise. Continue to be faithful through the ups and downs.”