Sister Barbara Smith, ASC

Sister Barbara Smith, ASC, celebrated 50 years as a vowed member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ at Benedictine Living Community in Belleville, IL on July 1, 2024, and at the Wichita Center in Wichita, KS, on July 14. She made her first profession on August 17, 1974, and her final vows on April 13, 1980. She marked her anniversary with a Eucharistic celebration, followed by a reception at the Centers.

Sister Barb was born in David City, NE, to George and Minnie (Stevens) Smith. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Newman University, formerly Sacred Heart College, in Wichita, KS. She did post-graduate work at the University of Colorado in Greeley, CO. She received her Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Ministry in 2024 from Creighton, University in Omaha, NE.

Sister Barb’s service at Newman University included Campus Ministry as well as Director of Resident and Student Activities. For several years, she was a core member of the ASC Spiritualty Center at the community’s residence in Wichita.

For almost 25 years, Sr. Barb’s ministry was based in Crownpoint, NM. She served as co-administrator at St. Paul’s Catholic Church Mission. Her community service during several years in Crownpoint included being ASC Candidate Director in the Southwest.

Sister Barb served on the Native American Deaconate Lay Ministry Board in the Gallup, NM, diocese for more than 20 years. She was a member of the Crownpoint Volunteer Fire Department for most of her years in the area.

In 2006 Sr. Barb was elected to the U.S. Regional Leadership Team based in St. Louis, MO. From that position she was elected to the General Administration in Rome, Italy, where she served as a Councilor from 2011-2017. After a few years as a member of the Ruma Center Community Life Team, Sr. Barb was asked to be the Assistant Director of Novices at the International ASC Novitiate in Rome. She continues in that position today.