Profiles in Charity

Joined the SCLs:  1987

What/who influenced you to become an SCL? 
The example I had of faithful love and “laying down your life for another” in my family. 


Ministries you've loved   
Building Vincentian bridges between the rich and the poor via fundraising but also between groups, countries like my trip to Armenia, etc. The connections are present…you just have to look, see and find them. In a whole different career, I have loved teaching freshmen and sophomores about God not just in Scripture or Intro to Catholicism but also in the everydayness of life stuff.  God is there if we only stop, listen and see with our heart and souls.  


What's special about being a Sister of Charity?   
Being connected to so many other Sisters of Charity via the Federation as well as those in other religious communities. The connections provided within the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth as well as within other communities allow one to connect needs, resources, services throughout the region, country or world as in my immersion experience in Armenia in 2000 as well as broaden one’s awareness of needs, ideas and issues internationally. It’s one BIG network. 

When I felt called by God, I looked for a community where Sisters supported each other in good times and in bad, were a part of each other’s lives, faith and works, enjoyed what they were doing and were willing to risk the adventure, challenge and call.  Being present to and taking time to be with each other amidst busyness is paramount.  Community is what helped many a spiritual "journey-er" throughout history from the apostles, founding Sisters and onward. Enduring the challenging times is easier when together or in having a Simon or Simone to assist.  I was attracted to a community that served locally, nationally and globally yet with a Mother House close to my home.


Your hobbies, other interests
Travel, international foods, History and Discovery channels, trivia, sharing the awe moments of life, asking “why and why not”, and making connections, swimming, dancing, meeting new people and sharing dreams of yet to be.  There would be no life without creativity!

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Joined the SCLs:  1953

What/who influenced you to become an SCL? 
 A desire to teach in Catholic schools.
 


Ministries you've loved   
I enjoyed teaching social studies/history in high school for 20 years.  Ten years of criminal justice ministry challenged my skills and community involvement.  Four years directing the Rural Ministry Education Institute brought me full circle back to my Montana farm roots.  Finally I have basked in the archives experience in the Diocese of Helena, Montana, for the past several years, digging up documents and helping Catholics make sense of the present. 


What's special about being a Sister of Charity?   
Our simplicity, care for the needy, dedication to women and children and our hospitality make us special.


Your hobbies, other interests
I enjoy reading, researching and writing genealogical reports, gardening, photography, cooking, playing cards, traveling, exploring the out-of-doors and creating photo slide shows.

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Joined the SCLs:  1965

What/who influenced you to become an SCL? 
I was taught by the SCLs through grade school and high school.  At home, my parents were great models of giving service to others.  I watched the Sisters who taught us having a good time while serving others and that appealed to me.


Ministries you've loved   
I am at heart a teacher.  I’ve spent 34 years in the classroom, mostly on the secondary level, teaching band, vocal music and theology.  I especially enjoyed working with students and putting on a musical every year. It’s a delight to watch young folks grow and develop their talents.
 


What's special about being a Sister of Charity?   
Having the chance to be with others who have chosen this lifestyle supports and affirms my decision to live the Vincentian charism. 


Your hobbies, other interests
I enjoy “making music” with others, fishing, quilting, hiking, reading, gardening…there’s never enough time to do it all. Presently, I play trombone with the University of Saint Mary Community Band.

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Joined the SCLs:  1996

What/who influenced you to become an SCL? 
Both my family and friends were very influential. My family taught me about love of neighbor and the beauty of volunteer service at a very young age.


Ministries you've loved   
Working as a campus minister both at the University of Kansas and at Cristo Rey Kansas City High School. It is a delight to journey with young people as they explore and deepen their relationship with God and self-knowledge.


What's special about being a Sister of Charity?   
We are a group of women that walk the walk and talk the talk. We take our vows seriously as we strive to be aware of and involved in our local and global world.  We use our individual and communal talents and resources to try to bring light to this world. 


Your hobbies, other interests
I enjoy being outside, water sports, quilting, spending time with my nieces and nephews, and just being silly and laughing with my friends.

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Joined the SCLs:  1956

What/who influenced you to become an SCL? 
At Cathedral High School, Helena, Mont., I met Sister Mary Dolorita Flynn who assisted me in enrolling at Saint Mary College (now the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, Kan.), and I became more aware of my vocation through my work and study at Saint Mary.


Ministries you've loved   
I've loved education, both teaching and working with faculty as a principal. My work in health care leadership was so compelling, challenging and growth-filled as I learned the many aspects of providing a healing presence, reflective of Gospel values as taught by Christ, to our physicians, staff and patients/families. Now as a chancellor for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Mont., I find the challenges of leadership in the Catholic Church in these times requires a prophetic voice; a prayerful, discerning and encouraging support to those in parish ministry; and an opportunity to live the consecrated life more fully in faith.


What's special about being a Sister of Charity?   
Being an SCL has provided the support and challenge of other SCLs to discover Christ in ever new and unknown faces and places. My intentional community of SCLs, even when living alone, has been part of an intentional community to be connected in service, support and prayer.


Your hobbies, other interests
I love watercolor painting and enjoy music.

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