Sister Anastasia Young was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan.  She is a member of the Society of the Sisters of Social Service (SSS), a Society of Apostolic Life whose charism is the Holy Spirit and whose spirituality is Benedictine.  Sister served in her community’s administration for two terms as General Director, 1991 – 1995; 1995 – 1999, and three four-year terms as General Counselor.  She is presently on the General Council.

Anastasia holds a B.A in Religious Studies and Sociology from McMaster University in Hamilton, ON. and a Master’s degree in Theology obtained at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, specializing in Liturgical Studies.  She served in retreat ministry for a total of 34 years, the most fulfilling time of her ministry as a Sister of Social Service:  three years in Los Angeles, twenty-seven in Hamilton at Holy Spirit Centre that was owned and operated by her Community, and four years in New Brunswick at Villa Madonna Retreat House as Program Director.  Sister was also engaged in Parish social work for three years at St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Toronto.  Within the large scope of her service in these areas Sister has utilized her gifts and skills through a network of various diocesan, educational, community and social organizations, ecumenical outreach, training and working with lay volunteers, and her connection with Religious Communities through the Canadian Religious Conference.

Sister Anastasia is a teacher of Christian Meditation, having become involved with this practice since her initial meeting with Father John Main OSB in Los Angeles in 1978 and 1979.  She introduced this form of contemplative prayer at Holy Spirit Centre in 1983 and continued its practice with meditators on a regular weekly basis and annual Meditation retreat until the Centre’s closure in 1999.  She initiated Christian Meditation into the spiritual program at Villa Madonna Retreat House in New Brunswick whose weekly practice continues.  Sister began a Meditation group in Regina upon her appointment to the Archdiocese in 2005 which is held each week at the Sisters of Social Service residence.

Sister has a natural talent for music that has been a major factor in her life and ministry.  Her administrative, leadership and people skills have been on-going areas of development and formation as a Sister of Social Service.  Extensive travel has broadened her perspective on various cultures, traditions and social concerns.

In June, 2005 Sister Anastasia accepted the position of Director of Pastoral Services for the Archdiocese of Regina, Saskatchewan.  What Sister believes are the two greatest needs in our contemporary society and in the church today are spirituality and leadership.  Anastasia is attempting to respond to this in her efforts at renewal through the various departments she oversees in pastoral services.  This is carried out in a pioneering spirit, with a positive attitude, and in joy, which are characteristics of her Religious Community.  Her deep commitment and love for her Community through the consecrated life, her love for the Church, her prayerfulness and her passion for life equips her for the challenges and opportunities she meets on a daily basis.