Sister Nancy's OMG Blog

Oprah and the Nuns - What Was Missing?

2010-02-10T08:57:00.008-05:00

Did you have the opportunity to see yesterday's Oprah Winfrey Show? I received several phone calls, "Do you have your tv on? turn on Oprah...she has nuns on her program!" I was enroute in my car at the time so only managed to see the last few minutes of the show. That was enough to pique my interest so I stayed up past my bedtime to watch the second running of the show.

What are my thoughts and impressions of the show? In the big-picture-scheme-of-things I am glad that religious life had a venue in secular television land. I think the women interviewed from the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist were sincere in their enthusiasm and dedication in living out their call to religious life. Their reasons for the choices they made to enter, and why they continue to stay, were well articulated. It was very evident that they, no doubt, are good women - seeking God on a journey together.

All that said, I think that Oprah failed to present religious life in its total breadth and width and missed an opportunity to try to dispel the long-lasting stereotype of sisters. I kept waiting for something in the program to broaden the picture of "nuns" and present the other faces of religious life in today's world. Other than a few pictures flashed on the screen and a quick mention that there are other ways to live religious life, this never happened.

This may seem like a strange analogy, but I kept thinking about ice cream. Oprah only told us about vanilla ice cream. Vanilla ice cream is great. I like vanilla ice cream...but, think of all the other wonderful flavors of ice cream in this world. Why not talk about some of the other flavors? On several occasions, Oprah referred to what the sisters said and described it to the audience as "the way sisters live" or "a nun's life". Actually, she was describing the way the Dominican Sisters of Mary live out their charism and call on a daily basis. For those not familiar with religious life or who haven't had the experience of knowing many sisters, I fear that Oprah concretized the image of a sister into a singular one. Oprah's statements make a particular, unique reality seem as though it is exactly like that for all of us. The rest of us women religious have unique histories, traditions, lifestyles, and practices as well. Our daily lives look very different from one another's depending on the congregation from which we come.

I wish Oprah had done two things differently. The first, if only highlighting one community of sisters as she did, then provide a different framework for the audience, i.e., this is ONE way to live religious life... just like there are many ways to practice medicine, be a mom, be President of the United States, run a company or be a talk show host. Second, give her audience a chance to sample more flavors of ice cream - sisters/nuns come in all forms from cloistered to apostolic and everywhere in between and beyond. What a great educational opportunity this could have been. And, think of how much more the thousands of viewers could have learned.

Ice cream wasn't the only thing that came to mind as I reflected on what this program meant. On a much deeper level I immediately thought of the scripture (1 Corinthinians, 12: 4) "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same spirit". Religious life - each congregation and order -is a gift of the Spirit to the Church and world. Each one IS different. That IS the gift. One is not better than another and all are needed.

Wouldn't our Church and world be a happier, more just and peaceful place if we would all, first, become aware of the different flavors of ice cream, then learn to appreciate, share and celebrate the beautiful colors, textures and combinations we could create!

I am glad Oprah gave us a taste of religious life in today's world - vanilla is good. I hope she calls other religious women and invites them to her show so that more than vanilla is served!

Faith and Prayer in New Orleans

2010-01-19T12:54:00.010-05:00

When I asked the New Orleans volunteers what made the biggest impresssion on them during our service trip, I got a lot of similar answers. That people still have faith here is amazing... that people have a deeper, stronger faith than before the storm... it's just hard to understand.

Each morning and evening our days began and ended with prayer together. We gathered -sometimes using words, silence or music - to remember those with whom we would be working, those who had lost everthing, those who had been inspirations to us and those who were still waiting for a hand to reach down and pull them out of where they were now stalled and in despair. We prayed that, like Saints Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac and Elizabeth Ann Seton, we too, could be the bridge between those with resources and those without. We reflected on seeing Christ in the face of others and leaving God in our chapel to go meet God as we ventured out to do the work for that day. Together, we shared our epiphany moments and were united in a way ever-more meaningful than our actual physical work.

We weren't the only ones praying. The other sisters in the area were praying for us. Those assisting us at the work sites were praying. The homeowners were praying. How touching to know that the two women whose home we worked on and who fed us, made a visit to their church to pray in thanksgiving for what we had done and given to them. I wonder if they will ever realize how much they have given us by their example of prayer and faith.

Why Are You Still Going to New Orleans?

2010-01-15T12:59:00.010-05:00

Several of the volunteers said that they were asked by their friends and family why they were going to New Orleans now. Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. It seems hard to believe that large parts of the city are still devastated. With a shaky infrastructure and many professionals leaving and not returning after the storm, the city is slow to recover. A group of us in the Sisters of Charity Federation take a group of young adult volunteers on a service trip each year to continue the recovery effort.

Driving around New Orleans is a bit like riding on an emotional roller coaster. Excitement over the growth and the building that's happening before our eyes; that pit-in-your-stomach feeling as we pass by the numerous homes and buildings still boarded up and untouched since the storm.

On one project during our trip, we worked with Mr. Earl. He was in charge of helping to repair Beverly's home. Beverly had been in Section 8 Housing until they re-read her application and realized she owned a home. She was forced to move back to this home but it wasn't ready for her. Like many others, the contractor that began work on her home started the job, got his money and left town before completing his work. She's been living there for a while now.

Beverly's yard still had debris from the hurricane. We spent the day clearing the yard, bagging the yard waste and miscellaneous items, removing trees and branches and lumber. Over the next few days, we also broke into smaller crews to take on some additional tasks. One crew, who dubbed themselves "the attic girls" put in Beverly's attic steps and floor. Now she will be able to store her belongings and make room for work to be done on the first floor of her home. Another crew worked with Mr. Earl to install a toilet and hook up the sewer line. Up until then, she had no facilities in her home. At the completion of this project, no words could describe the joy and gratitude she felt. A few, with steady hands, caulked around her windows and doors. The rest of the crew worked on painting the wrought iron on the front porch. A cosmetic job...a point of pride for the owner... as a child she remembered when her father had the wrought iron put in.

We enjoyed our work. We talked and laughed and sang. It was a privilege to be there. We got to know Beverly and heard her stories. She is a woman of great faith and hope. One volunteer said that talking with her helped to put perspective on his own problems and gave him an example of how to move ahead in spite of obstacles that seem overwhelming. Beverly gave all of us a new perspective. On our last day, some of the volunteers saw her coming out of her church. She had walked many blocks to get there as her car isn't working right now. When asked what she had been doing at church, she said praying in thanksgiving for the volunteers that had helped during the week. ....................Oh, by the way, her house is on Hope Street.

More Than Just A House

2010-01-13T16:59:00.005-05:00

We just returned from the Big Easy. Our service trip last week, to help Katrina Victims, was the first of five trips that we had our own place in which to stay. The House of Charity was only a dream and a hope until the first week of January 2010.

Thirty of us piled in to the House of Chairity in New Orleans. We were excited to explore the house - the sisters attending the trip had email descriptions and conference call conversations about the house - only pictures in our imaginations painted by Sister Monica.

Sister Monica, aka "the army of one", has courageously lead the house hunt and forged the path to New Orleans. She and two other sisters from the Federation will be joining together soon to live in the House of Charity. It's a house that has been formed from the Sisters of Charity Federation - a place of hospitality, intentional community living and prayer, and to be a presence to the poor. It is a new beginning and new things will emerge as the "house is lived into".

Our volunteers, mostly young adults in college, helped us celebrate the opening of the house. Eleven sisters from the Federation were part of the service trip - were happy to arrive on the feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Our prayer that evening remembered her courage and faithfulness. We prayed that our group be blessed with these during our week of service and that the House of Charity be blessed with the same.

One of the volunteers remarked that the House of Charity felt like home away from home. Indeed, it is more than just a house. I think Catherine Spalding, and all of our foundresses, would agree that the spirit of hospitality, so much a part of our charism, is alive and well in this new house. May it continue to be a home away from home to all who enter its doors.

National Vocation Awareness Week

2010-01-01T13:17:00.012-05:00

National Vocation Awareness Week

January 10-16, 2010

The observance of National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) began in 1976 when the Bishops' Conference designated the 28th Sunday of the year as the beginning of NVAW. In the 1997 this celebration was moved to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on January 10 in 2010, marks the initiation of Jesus into public ministry. At his baptism Jesus is named the beloved Son of God. With this celebration the faithful recommit themselves to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. They are also initiated through their own baptism to be the Beloved of God, commissioned to proclaim Good News with their lives.

Did you know?

Fifty-three percent of new members surveyed first considered religious life by the time they were 18 years old. CARA Study 2009

The U.S. bishops have named promotion of vocations to priesthood and religious life as one of their current "five priorities in their pastoral plan".

Walter Brueggeman defines vocations as "finding a purpose for being in the world that is related to the purposes of God."

What Can a Sister Do?

This week, you are invited to...

Pray for vocations each day - espcially those discerning a call with the SCNs or a Charity Federation Congregation
Reflect on your thoughts, assumptions, attitudes and beliefs about vocations
Start a discussion about vocations and learn something during the discusion
Invite someone to discern about his/her call
Read the NRVC/CARA Report (Executive Summary) or an article about vocations
Watch the webcast on January 16th at 1pm

Fall has arrived...

2009-10-17T16:32:00.006-04:00

It finally stopped raining so I decided to take a break from work and get out of my office for a few minutes. I took a quick walk around the Motherhouse and here are the great fall colors that have arrived...

Taize Prayer

2009-10-14T10:58:00.003-04:00

Taizé prayer was started in Taizé, France in the 1940s by Brother Roger. It was an ecumenical prayer that elicited the community to join together in simple, sung chants repeated over and over. Silence was also important part of the contemplative prayer time.

We held our monthly Taizé prayer this past Sunday at Nazareth. Something happens for me each time I participate in this prayer. I often reflect on this experience and wonder why I find it so meaningful. I can’t quite put words to it, but I think it has something to do with holding still and making space for God. The real beauty and power comes about because others are also there – holding still, doing this space-making. I feel there is a harmony that takes place in our collective spirit. We are not relying so much on our words and action to connect with God, but on reaching for the presence of God and one another. In fact, I think that sometimes, our words may get in the way of experiencing God in our midst and our prayer. Words can lose their meaning as we rattle them off; memorized, unaware of what we are saying… or the words themselves don’t suit our liking - we can become blocked to one another and to experiencing God’s ability to transcend our finite attempt at using words and transforming our hearts – individually and communally. Perhaps the silence and the music of Taizé gives me/us an opportunity to move away from the noise that bombards, words that numb and movement of daily life that prevents us from seeing Christ in one another. I recall the words of Vincent de Paul, “If God is the center of your life, no words are needed, your mere presence will touch their hearts.” God’s presence is touching mine.

Appalachia... A Place Where Time Stands Still

2009-08-26T08:45:00.006-04:00

Up in Butcher Hollow the sun peaks through the trees about 11am. The tree cover is so dense it is like being in a different world. You are separated from the concrete and noise and get-it-done-yesterday attitude. The creek babbles past the house and the birds' voices are amplified beyond description. Nestled in these hollows are the people who quietly live with the land. The beauty is pure, untouched and the mountains stand as they stood hundreds of years before -time stands still.

A group of 16 young adults joined six sisters from the Sisters of Charity Federation on a service trip to Appalachia. We painted, tore down the foundation of a home that had been demolished, cleaned, dry walled, did a few repairs and even built a dog house. Going in, the purpose of the trip was to complete the jobs assigned to us at the homes of the different families. Coming out, it seems that was only part of our purpose for being sent there...

Time isn't the only thing that stands still in eastern Kentucky - so do the people. They stand still when they talk to you. It made a big impression on me. When anyone talked with me I noticed that they stopped, faced me and looked me dead in the eye. It felt very intentional. Maybe it's not; maybe it's just their way. It felt like people really wanted to listen to one another. It felt like people were genuinely interested in learning about what others were doing, thinking, feeling and needing. There were no conversations as we were walking down a hall or multi-tasking. The people whose homes we repaired were grateful for the work we did, but I think they were just as grateful for the time we spent sharing stories, getting to know each other and hearing about each others' worlds.

As we reflected together each evening, one thing kept coming up - the strong faith of the people with whom we worked and served. In an area of the country where economic poverty screams and acquiring basic necessities is a daily worry, the people still have faith that God will provide. They still believe in the goodness of others and they are deeply grateful for the many blessings they count in their lives. We learned a lot about need and want. We examined our priorities. We questioned our choices. We shared our experience of God. We prayed, and continue to pray, for those that touched us in a place where time stands still but God doesn't.

Road Trip to Inspiration

2009-07-15T09:03:00.004-04:00

Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you? Isn't it great when there are those moments in life when inspiration dances in and we are given a new opportunity to become better people - moms, dads, friends, co-workers, neighbors - or in this case sisters...

This weekend a large group of our sisters took a road trip to Colby, Wisconsin to attend the Final Vow Mass of one of our newer members, Sister Chris Kunze (left of priest in photo). We received soooooo much during our visit... warm hospitality from S. Chris' family and friends, LOTS of delicious food, cow milking seminars!, volleyball games(the sisters need to take some serious lessons from the Kunze family:), sharing of stories and laughter and, of course, we can't forget the CHEESE! There is always something special and life-giving when we are together as community to celebrate perpetual vows and this was just the beginning.

The Mass, which was at S. Chris' home parish, was the central celebration and highlight of the weekend. Here's where the inspiration fits in... S. Chris' final "Yes" and her everyday "yes".

As S. Chris professed her vows during the liturgy, I thought about how much I admire her for making a committment, a final "Yes", at a time when there are so many options for living our lives in today's world. I am inspired by her everyday "yes" - how she lives her life of committment as a Sister of Charity of Nazareth.

One way we sometimes describe our life together is: Conversion in a Community of Mission. I believe S. Chris tries to make this come alive through her prayer, her attitudes, how she speaks with and treats others, her choices in local community life, what she does without, what she shares and her gratefulness for what she has. For me, inspiration usually doesn't come in big, noisy splashes, but in simple, steady streams - she is one that flows crystal-clear. I take this moment of being inspired, this opportunity to reflect on how I can be a better sister, a better community member.

Although we were there to celebrate S. Chris' "Yes", it wasn't just about S. Chris' vows... it's a community thing...we're all in it together with and for God. And so we, as a community, have a new moment and opportunity to reflect on how we live our lives together with our God and become a better community. Thanks, Chris, for your inspiration and the opportunity you have given us.

Who has inspired you lately and why???????

S. Nancy

The Gift of Belonging to a Community

2009-06-26T10:33:00.011-04:00

Recently, one of our sisters, S. Bernard Ann, went to God. A custom in our community is to allow anyone who wishes to share memories, reflections, stories, etc. about that sister at a prayer service. As I listened one of our sisters share a story, I thought of a song ... Standing on the Shoulders by Joyce Rouse.

She told of her experience as a young sister and first-year teacher at the school where S. Bernard Ann was principal. The story took place in the early 1950s in a school outside of Washington, DC. It was before civil rights; the sisters taught in this school that served only African American children. The remarkable story happened on a field trip to the capitol.

To the sister's amazement, S. Bernard Ann had carefully arranged the timing and details of the trip. When it was time for lunch the children ate in the government cafeteria. Had she not planned for this, they would not have been allowed to eat in any restaurant. Then, on the trip home they had a detour - a stop to visit a convent. The sister telling the story questioned why a bunch of kids would want to see a convent! What benefit would there be in stopping, what was the point? It quickly became clear - bathrooms. The children would not have been able to use public restrooms... so the visit to the convent had an ulterior motive!

S. Bernard Ann was concerned with making sure her students had a trip in which they had the same opportunity as any other children going on a field trip. She wanted them to have a smooth day; a day filled with learning... not uncomfortable situations or bad feelings. At the time, S. Bernard Ann may not have given much thought to the significance of her planning. It may have been just another way to meet the needs of the students of her school - nothing out of the ordinary for her. As I listened, I wondered if any of the students on that field trip ever realized and appreciated her efforts. What would the trip have been like had she not bothered to consider their needs?

To those sitting in church, listening to the story, it may have seemed like a small act of kindness or something everyone did in those days. To me it was more than that. It brought to mind the words in the song: ...I am standing on the shoulders of the ones that came before me... I am grateful for their vision and their toiling on this earth...we know by their efforts, things will be better in the end... I imagine our world if they hadn't tried, we wouldn't be so very blessed today...

Long before we claimed justice as a congregational value, our sisters were doing it. We have many of them to thank for their vision and courage. We would not be at the place we are today had it not been for sisters like S. Bernard Ann and many, many others - paving the way by doing what was right, loving, just and, at times, unpopular.

I've only been back at the Motherhouse for six months after living away for eighteen years. One of the greatest blessings I have experienced in this short time is being able to hear the stories that make up who we are today. In some ways it is overwhelming to think about being part of this congregation. I get to be a small part of this wonderful legacy of charity that has been passed on from countless generations. This legacy is a privileged place - full of hidden surprises, blessings and wisdom. As it says in the song, I hope I become "stronger for their courage" and "wiser for their words".

One of those days...

2009-06-10T15:18:00.003-04:00

Did you ever have one of those days? I had one yesterday. It all started at 6 am when I forgot my soap for the shower. I got to my office without any other other disasters and thought I had escaped rather easily.

Later in the morning, I went into Louisville for an appointment. I raced back to Nazareth so I would be on time for a conference call. As I pulled onto hwy 245, I saw several large, slow trucks and a line of traffic that I would soon join. Not too much further down the road I saw a man in bright green shirt with a stop sign on a stick. Not a good sign - road work ahead. And so I was late for my conference call.

After my call I walked out of my office and noticed a trail of black stuff. What is that? It was the soles of my sandals... disintegrating. They were some great old sandals but they had seen their day. I just hoped I could make it 'til the end of the day and still have some shoe left to walk upon. Well, I made it home and sent the sandals into the trash to shoe heaven. God rest their soles - sorry, couldn't resist that one.

After supper, I debated with myself for several minutes about taking a walk. I was really tired but I should really do the healthy thing, blah, blah, blah... So I talked myself into it. I drove to Nazareth and set out on my walk enjoying the peace and quiet and beauty. After my 40 minute walk I was ready to head home. Oh-oh! I had taken my house key off of my key ring instead of my car key. Now it was almost time to say a bad word! But, instead, I decided that I would just extend my walk and walk home to get another key - it shouldn't take that long and it was a nice night. Wrong! It took me an hour and I was beat after now walking for one hour and fourty minutes. Thank goodness one of the sisters with whom I live was home and took me back to pick up the car!

Now I am home and finally ready to crawl into bed. I forgot something... the laundry... it's still in the washer. Back downstairs and put everything in the dryer. Okay-now, laundry is finished and I finally go to sleep.

All in all, I still had a pretty good day. I used to get stressed over this type of stuff but I don't spend the energy on it now. I just think about how much I have. The kids I worked with at Covenant House used to talk about just wanting 3 hots and a cot (3 meals a day and a bed to sleep in). I have that and a lot more. That thought alone stirs up feelings of gratitude and wipes away all the stress of those little bumps in the road. What do you think about that helps you re-frame when you have one of those days?

Nancy

What is a Sister??????

2009-06-05T08:59:00.005-04:00

Over the years I have been asked this question many times. When I worked at Covenant House for the past 18 years, a homeless shelter for teens in Fort Lauderdale, many residents had never heard of a Sister or had never met one. They had a lot of questions about what my life was like...

They almost always began with the question, "Do you have kids?" then..."Do you have a boyfriend?" then..."Can you date?" then...you can imagine the rest! When I answered their questions I tried to be open and honest about my life - both the gifts and the challenges. We had some really interesting conversations and many times I learned as much as they did!

Sometimes, the staff with whom I worked would ask me questions about my life. The new staff would say, "Are you really a nun?" And I would reply, "Well, technically, no." A puzzled look... "The other staff told me you are a Sister. "Yes, I am a Sister, not a Nun." Another puzzled look... "What's the difference?"

I would go on to explain that many people use the terms interchangeably (and that I really wasn't offended if I was called a nun!). In very simplified terms, a nun remains in a cloister or monastery and usually has a ministry of prayer. She usually doesn't go "out into the world" very often. A sister also has the ministry of prayer and is active in the world by doing works of charity. For example, our sisters, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, minister in various places and settings. Part of our specific charism is to meet the needs of the times. Since times and needs change, we change what we do in order to help people. We are educators and work in social services. We help people affected by HIV/AIDS and those struggling in domestic violence situations. We minister to those in need of the basics... clean water, food and shelter and we minister in the church. And many, many more ways...

There are other differences between nuns and sisters. If you are interested in learning more, just google nun vs. sister and you'll see lots of options to explore.

Do you have a question about the life of a sister or want to share your comment? I'd love to hear from you. Have a great weekend!

S. Nancy

I am not spam!

2009-06-01T12:45:00.004-04:00

It has been twelve days since my first post. They were making sure that I am not showing up as spam! So now that I have been approved, I will be appearing more often. Sorry for the interruption...

I went walking on our grounds this weekend. I like to walk near one of our lakes. It is very peaceful there. The honeysuckle is in full bloom right now. Walking along the lake and under the trees is like being surrounded by aromatherapy from God. It was spectacular - what a unique and creative gift from God. What gifts have you received from God lately?

S. Nancy

And we're off …

2009-05-21T14:22:00.010-04:00

Welcome to my blog! This is my first post. I'm the Vocation Director for our Province and am hoping to connect with people who have questions about being a sister.

It's a beautiful day here at Nazareth, KY - our Motherhouse. Wish I could show you the great view from my office! Here's a pic of our church - St. Vincent's. Hope your day has been life-giving!

S. Nancy