How did you experience "The Call?"

I did all the normal things kids do as they grow up--family activities, piano lessons, chores on our farm, 4-H, parties and dances with friends, etc.   I stared thinking about it in 6th grade, but didn't tell anybody for a couple of years.  I used to say an extra Hail Mary each night, for my brother who was in the war, and for finding the right way to go in my life--nothing too profound, really, but the Blessed Mother can help whole bunches.

When I was in 8th grade my teacher told the assiciate pastor she thought I had a religious vocation.  I don't know how she knew; perhpas there are certain earmarks.  It's like when I used to see one of our current seminarians, Scott Thomas, when he was in high school, serving mass at St. Catherine Village and I'd say, "Good morning, Father Scott!" and he never fussed against my saying so.  He'd say, "Well, it's possible."

I can't really put my finger on what drew me to this; it wasn't the particular experience of any one of the sisters who taught me.  I think it was more out of going to visit the convent where my older sister lived.  Back in those days we could visit her for a couple of hours at a time, and eventually, through those visits, I just had the idea "this is where I am going to come someday."

It just felt like I was supposed to be a part of that way of life.  When I'm asked this question by someone who is married, I say, "When did you decide to marry the person you did?"  Like them, it just felt right.

What has been your ministry?

I taught for 35 years, mostly in fifth and sixth grade, and usually in schools, though I also taught in diocesan and parish religious education programs.  I taught all subjects, including religion--helping children learn their prayers and practice their faith.

Then in 1991 I entered my current hospital ministry.  I think each of our lives evolve as we are on track with God, and this was the same; it was an evolutionary process, involving some additional training.

There are two sides to what I do now.  It is both bringing the Lord's presence to people and helping them to realize that he's already been there with them through it all.  It's a sharing of the Lord's love and support for the patients, their families, and the hospital staff--just being there for them in whatever way is needed.  And sometimes that's hard to tell until you are right there with them.

Any regrets?

Will you quote me if I answer?  (Laughs)  Living in religious life with other human beings has its ups and downs.  My older sister (also a religious sister) was a big help in that area; she'd say, "Well, remember we are only in an assignment for a number of years, and then it's on to the next one."  I was committed to sticking it out, through thick and thin.  I had plenty of time to think about what I was getting into before I made final vows--the promise to do this until death.

Some helps toward doing that have been the sacrament of Reconciliation and having a good friend, a fellow sister, with whom I could pour out my heart when things were difficult.  Ministry is a gift from God, a call.  You don't know exactly how it comes about, and when you accept it you accept its challenges, too, and you nurture it by prayer, reading, the sacraments, and relaxation, to keep yourself going.  Now I really like a quiet, contemplative "centering" kind of prayer.

How did and do you think about celibacy?

I was not sheltered from boys while growing up; I went to my junior and senior proms, for example, but I never fell in love with any one man.  There was never the strong desire to be married, though I did observe many good marriages.  What I have liked is that I can give my attention to many, many people without offending some one special person to whom I have made a commitment.

What do you and the other sisters do for fun?

We play cards and table games, watch movies on TV or at the theater, and we have a lodge by a lake we can go to.  I like to crochet, piece quilts, and even to get in the dirt and grow things!

 

What do your sisters wear?

We have four choices--a full, ankle-length habit (which some of the older sisters prefer), or a shortened modified habit like I wear, or a black skirt with a light colored blouse and no veil, or more recently the choice of "appropriate clothing."  I'm comfortable wearing the more visible sign of my habit.

Maybe it's selfish, but I like not having to worry about all the current styles of clothing or to get a perm in my hair!  But even our sisters who wear the less traditional garb are called "sister" by strangers sometimes.  Perhaps there's something about our demeanor.  And, of course, we have the option of wearing slacks or shorts when we are relaxing.

Any suggestions for others who are discerning?

You don't get a letter in the mail from God!  But you just think you might want to do something, and there also might be some reluctance, but then again you still want to--back and forth.  That urge won't go away.  I think God always gets us where we need to be, if we just listen a little.  Find your own way to pray about it, to say, "God, help me become the person you want and need me to be."