Better Together: Sharing our Journey

During an opening discussion at the Resource Center for Religious Institutes conference last Fall, a speaker referred to the following gospel selection (Luke 3:1-3):

Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, 2and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means.

In doing so, he highlighted the idea that the women were supporting and providing for the apostles. He found that particularly relevant as women religious are still today going forth and offering support, stewardship, and ministry. As the speaker said, “Women have always been taking care of things.” 

So, as women religious today need to face a changing and uncertain future, they are called to “take care of things,” to provide support for themselves, each other, and those who benefit from their ministry. Sisters must make decisions, develop plans, and take actions to ensure that their legacies live on and all women religious can continue living a meaningful life of purpose and ministry until their final days. The beautiful part is that women religious are absolutely capable and prepared to chart this new course. Sisters have been charting a course their whole lives. From founding congregations, to the evolution of causes and ministries, to new ways of managing congregations, sisters simply get things done. 

As we face new challenges ahead, we all—vowed and laity alike—can draw on the strength, history, and perseverance of women religious everywhere. We can stand on the shoulders of those who have made difficult decisions and put their trust in God and each other to find a new way. We can move forward confidently knowing that women religious have been taking care of things all along.

Women religious are called to dedicate their lives to the church, and through a process of learning and experience and commitment, take sacred vows. That calling and the corresponding commitment is a singular, incomparable experience. However, many of the lay staff working with these sisters have experienced their own calling. We don’t commit in the same way, but we share the passion and dedication and hopes and worries that accompany the uncertain and changing future for women religious. 

As I interact with many lay staff, I find that each person has a story behind their journey to their role with a religious institute or a deep, caring passion for helping their sisters find ways to manage forward so they can continue with their various ministries. From the lawyer who committed to law school only after discovering she could make a difference for religious institutes, to the finance manager who saw how he could put his many years of corporate experience to use in improving efficiencies and business management so the congregation could continue with their ministry that otherwise would have been discontinued, to the congregation director who comes back day after day with a deep breath and big smile to nudge forward practical and efficient management practices to a hesitating community, these lay staff are inspired and inspiring. 

Some years ago, I redirected my career to work with professional associations and nonprofits. In 2017, I earned my Certified Association Executive certification granted through the American Society of Association Executives. I dedicated the rest of my career to working with these mission-driven, volunteer-led, staff-run organizations. Knowing that what I did every day was contributing to the organization’s mission and having the privilege and honor to work with volunteers passionate about that mission made me work harder, try more, and do better. 

There came a time when I wasn’t feeling that same enthusiasm and wasn’t feeling particularly inspired by mission. Having moved on and searching for a more inspiring organization, I responded to a posting for a role within a congregation. As I met with the hiring committee of sisters, I felt myself finding a home. These women were so smart, the work they were doing was so important, and I wanted to help! 

After the second interview I got a phone call letting me know they were declining to offer me the position because they felt I was overqualified. However, the sister who called me said she might know of something else on the horizon. I thanked her for the opportunity convinced nothing would come of it. Soon after, though, she called back and told me about this new entity called the Wisconsin Religious Collaborative and asked if I might be interested in applying as the executive director. She sent me material to review. With each additional paragraph I grew more and more excited. I just couldn’t believe I could be a part of something like this! 

Of course, I applied for the job and met more amazing sisters through the hiring process. I jumped at the offer and dived in immediately, reading everything I could get my hands on and I’ve been loving the work every single day. I truly believe I was called to this role. Too many things had to line up for this to happen to believe it was anything but meant to be. I get to apply all my previous experiences and training to expand on what nine trailblazing sisters started. I am invited into the broader conversation of what will be an evolution of women religious. And I get the honor and privilege to work with these women and many more people, both vowed and laity, who are called to face the future together.

The Ladysmith Servite Sisters have found a new way of being community during the coronavirus lockdown. Each Monday afternoon at 3:00 o’clock the Sisters log in to Zoom for an hour of sharing news, coping tips, laughter, and prayer.

I invited the Sisters to the first such gathering on March 23. I wasn’t sure how many would – or even could – show up, since most had never used Zoom before. To my delight, more than half the community logged in, and each week a few more Sisters join. Some gather around the same computer, others participate singly, and a few join by phone.

During the first call Sister Cecilia filled us in on the condition of Sister Mary John, our oldest member at age 101, who was in hospice care. That evening Sister Mary John went home to God. At the next Zoom gathering, we heard from our Sisters in Ladysmith about the private graveside service they held for Mary John. Sadly, we also heard about the final days of our next oldest member, Sister Mary Lucy, age 95. While Zoom could not replace the experience of the community coming together to celebrate their lives, it was comforting to be able to share the stories of their passing and our memories of their time with us.

A little later into the call someone said, “Sister Margaret, tell us a joke.” Margaret didn’t skip a beat. “Did you hear the one about the germ?” she asked. “Never mind, I don’t want to spread it around.”

Sister Dominica told of her neighbors, who stop in from time to time – keeping their distance, of course – asking if she needs anything. Sister Kateri told us, “I’m not bored. I have to be doing something for someone. I made 72 Easter cards for the kids in school.” And Sister Ann Marie announced that she had picked up the guitar for the first time in six years.

Now, after four Zoom calls, the Sisters have become comfortable with the new technology. The conversation at these weekly meetings flows back and forth, with the ease of a friendly living room gathering.  It’s a wonderful way of staying together while staying apart.