The Benedictine Sisters of Yankton, SD

“Versatile” well describes S. Barbara McTague as she moves from morning ministry to kindergartners at Roncalli Elementary School to afternoon ministry to the homebound of Sacred Heart Parish in Aberdeen, SD. As the second oldest of nine, she learned responsibility and versatility early in life that has been S. Barbara’s trademark throughout her 33 years of Benedictine living.

S. Barbara is grateful to her good Mount Marty high school friend who invited her to meet her Yankton Benedictine teachers. “I met the sisters and fell in love with them,” S. Barbara says. Being drawn to the peacefulness of the monastery she requested and was granted entrance in August 1966.

S. Barbara has put to good use her B.A. in elementary education and M.A. in religious education into a very successful 20-year teaching career in six parish schools in SD and NE. Since 1991 her ministry has been in her present dual role in Aberdeen.

Both the elderly and the young love and cherish S. Barbara’s presence among them. “I have learned much wisdom from the elderly and a real acceptance of taking life as it comes. The children offer much wisdom, too, and lots of laughter.” This year her school is focusing on the Benedictine values of peace-making and peace-keeping.

S. Barbara spreads Benedictine hospitality as a sower sows seed. “I try to share the Gospel by my daily encounter with Christ through prayer and community life with the sisters with whom I live.” S. Barbara’s talents have been shared with several organizations. She has served on the monastery council and on numerous committees. She serves on the board of Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen.

Participating in the 1997 six-week Rome experience for Benedictine women was a special highlight of her life. “To walk the path of Benedict was an experience I will never forget. And I so appreciated visiting Maria Rickenbach convent in Switzerland where our sisters originally came from.” About the 2002 General Chapter of the Federation of St. Gertrude she said. “I love meeting other Benedictines anytime, anywhere.”

S. Barbara’s hobbies include biking, reading, and visiting with family and friends. About life in general, she says, “Being a Yankton Benedictine has been a blessing to me in so many ways.”