By: Bill Mayfield, Communications Intern

Sister Susan Chase has been a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 62 years. She is very wise and a great storyteller. Her ministry as a spiritual director is a testament to her wisdom and knowledge. She was trained to be an evocative spiritual director, which is a little more personal. Sister Susan’s goal during spiritual advising is to guide the person to God through their struggles. She was also a biology teacher at the University of Saint Mary for many years. Though some might see science and God as things that conflict, Sister Susan stated, “I don’t believe that there is a conflict because there’s only one truth.” 

The most challenging part of becoming a spiritual director for Sister Susan is no longer teaching. Being a teacher was something that she loved and did for more than 30 years. Another challenging part about being a spiritual director is not putting your judgment on the person and understanding that their relationship with God is unique, and another person might not understand it. “It may take 15 years to see what God is working on with some people,” Sister Susan stated. 

Being a Sister and a spiritual director goes hand in hand, and this has helped Sister Susan in her ministry. “Being a sister, we have had so many opportunities to grow in our faith and understand that we are not going to understand who God is fully; but God is in everyone, so you should respect the person.”

Being a Sister for 62 years, a teacher for over 30 years, and a spiritual advisor, Sister Susan leaves some advice for those who want to follow a similar path as her. “It’s important not to do it till you have life experience. Experience is the best teacher…and motivator; wisdom comes from experience with both highs and lows. You have to practice to listen.”