“A relationship with God and service to others leads to a life of happiness.” Sister Trish Tyler, the latest speaker in the Inspire series at DuBois Central Catholic School, shared her story with the students. Her hope is that through her talk, students will become more aware of the ways God works in their lives. Her original life plan was not to become a religious sister. She set out to become a champion horse rider. After years of work and countless hours learning to ride competitively, she finally accomplished her goal of becoming a Grand Champion Showman. Once she reached the pinnacle of her career, though, she was surprised by the emptiness she felt inside. As she tried to determine why she was so unhappy, one answer stood out to her. Her original goal was a shallow one.
Sister Trish credited the good friendships in her life for helping her to see a new path for her life. At her friends’ urging, she decided to join Mercy Corps as a volunteer. For three years, she ministered on the Navajo reservation in AZ. “Life experiences and friends gradually led me to a love of God and a deeper faith. Desire for service to others gives purpose in my life.”
After her years as a volunteer, Sister Trish entered the Sisters of Mercy and began ministry at Mercyhurst University, where she also completed a BA degree. Now she is co-director of the Rural House of Mercy, “a traveling ministry that goes out to people in numerous small towns and villages throughout the Greater DuBois area of the Erie Diocese. Sr. Trish and Sr. Margaret minister to those who are economically poor, sick or dying, struggling or lonely.”
Sister Trish shared that through all these changes, she learned many important lessons. Learning how to discern those who have your goodwill at heart leads to truly meaningful relationships. Good friends are those who push you to be better. The most important thing she would like students to remember is that friendship with God and service to others leads to a life of happiness. We thank Sister Trish for sharing this profound message with our students!