Pastor's Note

A WORD OF THANKS
December 10th, 2006

late at night as I reflect on my life, I find that I have been very blessed to have had great teachers, mentors, and others who have guided me in the ways of faith. These men and women lived their faith in such a way as to inspire me. Moreover, they talked about their faith and expressed their love of God in ways that made me want to do the same. Often they encouraged me in my own desire to accept the call to a religious vocation.
So today I want to say thanks to all those who guided me in years past. Among those who were so influential were the religious sisters (nuns) who taught me in grade school. I don’t think I will ever fully appreciate the impact their efforts made on my life.
Sometimes sisters of the past have become objects of criticism, ridicule, or tasteless jokes. No way could all those stories about people being hit with rulers really be true! What people easily forget is that sisters basically formed the Catholic Church in this country. Their tireless work in schools, their leadership in serving the poor, and their compassion in creating and staffing hospitals helped provide education, values, and discipline for many in our church.
These days, our students rarely get the chance to know a sister. Perhaps even their parents never had the privilege of learning from one of these fine educators. Yet sisters who taught in our parish schools have helped form many men and women who went on to positions of leadership in this country.
Last year, I had the chance to talk with Sister Iona, who taught me in the second grade (1954-55). She is now in her early nineties. (I thought she was old fifty years ago.) She is in a wheelchair and gets a little confused. But I found myself thanking her for helping me get ready for my first reception of Holy Communion. I wonder how many others’ lives she also touched.
Thank you, God, for letting such fine people come into my life, into our lives. Somehow, I know that future generations are counting on us to be the ones to inspire them in their faith lives.