The founder and CEO of the Parent Coaching Institute, Gloria DeGaetano, was recently notified that she was awarded a one-month residency from the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, PA. This writing competition emphasized the themes of justice and compassion—important initiatives of Sister Joan Chittister who is an outspoken advocate of justice, peace and equality—especially for women worldwide—and has been one of America's visionary spiritual voices for more than 30 years.
"I was thrilled and a little bit in shock," admits Ms. DeGaetano. "I'm working on a book about technology and families that has a different slant from my previous books. When I read about the competition, I decided to send in a proposal. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Sister Joan. She is one of the most influential religious and social leaders of our time. It is truly an honor to be selected." Ms. DeGaetano was given the option on which month she will participate and she chose March 2026.
The residency includes room and board at the Benedictine monastery where writers can be secluded, surrounded by nature and away from their daily routines. "I am looking forward to this type of disruption," adds Ms. DeGaetano. "It's a good disruption of 30 days away from the PCI office, even my home, to concentrate on my next book. On good days I can write 1,000-2,000 words. My goal is to write a majority of the first draft of the book while there. If all works as I am hoping it will, I should have between 30,000 and 50,000 words—hopefully most of them useful."
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie trace their beginnings to the Benedictine nuns at St. Walburg Abbey in Eichstätt, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1035. Sisters from there first came to St. Mary's, PA in 1852 to educate the children of the newly arrived German immigrants. They have a long history of supporting the poor and needy while advocating for social justice. The writers' residency is one of many of their ministries. Others include: Inner City Neighborhood Art House which provides classes in visual, literary, and performing arts to at-risk children; Benetwood Apartments that offers low income housing to elderly and handicapped persons; and Monasteries of the Heart, an online community bringing individuals together with Benedictine values.
The Parent Coaching Institute is recognized as an innovative leader for parent coach training, attracting highly skilled professionals to its year-long, on-line Parent Coach Certification® program. Offered in affiliation with Southern New Hampshire University, PCI's acclaimed distance-learning, graduate-level training program enrolls family support experts through an application process. Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Spring Term, to begin the end of February. Applications in before Dec. 31, 2025 receive a $500 tuition discount. Application deadline is Feb. 1. For more information or to download an application form, please visit https://www.ThePCI.org.
