Is Service an Avoidance Technique?
When I don’t want to write a blog or weed or practice piano, I can usually think of a reason to avoid the activity. If I gave in repeatedly, you wouldn’t be reading this blog, the weeds would dominate, and the parishioners would hear sour notes. One idea that surprised me recently is that we […]
The Starting Gate
Recently I completed 55 years of religious life. While no one celebrated except me, I was content with a quiet Emerald Jubilee. Green, my favorite color, is associated with new growth. I felt ready for new growth of some kind, and I was blessed that the time coincided with packing for my annual retreat. Typically, […]
Always Looking Forward
You’ve probably noticed how the Gospels are forward-looking. Up ahead is eternal life. Of course, this is Jesus Christ’s modus operandi. His words pointed beyond. His thoughts were on His Father. Jesus based his decisions on the will of His Father. His Kingdom was not of this world. Looking forward seems to be a good […]
Solemn Profession
Recently one of our Sisters made her Solemn Profession. Part of the ritual within the Mass is a series of questions. For me, the most poignant question is “Are you now resolved to offer the total gift of yourself to Christ in love…and to persevere in it forever?” While the formation years were a time […]
When the Vegetables Burgeon
There is always a moment when the garden produce burgeons. Growth is so rapid, even the weeds can’t keep pace. The gardener hardly puts down her spade and trowel when the vegetables take over. Even the weeds can’t keep pace. Flaunting their beauty and flavor, the veggies become irresistible. Why wait? The gardener relishes the […]
A Most Profitable Endeavor
I haven’t written a blog for a month. I apologize to my readers. You see, I have been very busy making gold out of stones. You might think this is truly remarkable; however, it’s what we Sisters of Notre Dame have been doing since 1850. If you don’t believe me, read the letter written by […]
Caterpillar Steps
What are the next best steps for any group whether the universal Church, a government meeting, a town hall, a parent-teacher gathering, a trustees meeting, or a family discussion? I have no degree in human relations or psychology, but I have observed the caterpillar. The caterpillar is unpretentious. It moves forward slowly with care, balancing […]
Our Days of Encounter in Columbus
We Sisters of Notre Dame will soon be meeting in Columbus in person or via zoom. As I wonder what will happen there, I imagine—expect—to see the influence of Pope Francis. Over the past several years we have studied Laudato Si’ and have made integrity of creation part of our thought and lifestyle. Certainly sharing […]
Shocking Effect
“The Gospel needs to keep its shocking effect. . . It should always keep you on edge and never satisfied” (Tony Walsh, founder of Benedict Labre House). Hundreds of words have described the Gospel, but “shocking” seems …well, rather shocking! I imagine the first listeners of Jesus’ teaching were often shocked. “Love your enemies” Really? […]
We Keep on Keeping On
Today we celebrate the life of one of our sisters, the third funeral in three weeks. Have you heard/read that Catholic Sisters are diminishing in numbers? Math and shaking heads suggest we are a “dying breed” or a “species becoming extinct.” Not true! If we’re counting heads, we need to gather data from around the […]