My golden years are full and meaningful. Ministry happens in so many ways. Trying to “organize” what life is at this point I have divided ministry into four categories.

First of all, I continue to relish parish ministry. In the parish (St. Frances X. Cabrini Parish on Roosevelt Island, NY) there are so many opportunities to be present to parishioners and to share in their daily lives, especially during moments of joy and sorrow. We have had several funerals of parishioners recently and the challenge of being consoler and griever never leaves.

My favorite parish ministry is preparing parents for the Baptism of their children. This is a real faith-sharing moment. Parents are asked to say why they are having their child baptized; what their own Catholicism means; and how they will bring their child up in the Catholic community of the parish. Some bonds are formed and it is a delight to see the children as they grow in years and faith. Just recently, a newly baptized child was in church with his parents and his parents were explaining to the boy that “this is the Sister who prepared us for you to be baptized.” (The child is about 4 months old!) One parent gave me a candle to remember her child’s baptism, including the date. I promised to pray for that child on the anniversary of his baptism each year.

The second ministry I enjoy tremendously is sharing the Enneagram. It is a phenomena I never tire of – watching people grapple with their shadow selves and coming to terms with what growth in spirituality means for them. My most memorable experience was giving the Enneagram to a group of married couples in a parish. It was like they had known all along that there were differences, but now could put a name to them. I feel truly blessed that God has put this instrument in my hands for the past twenty one years.

The third ministry (if it can be considered ministry) is being the INNKEEPER for our house at Seaside Park. I put this under the title of hospitality. Through this “job” I have met so many down to earth people – maintenance men, plumbers, carpenters, etc. On most occasions they feel “invited” to help the sisters and have a sense of ownership of our house!

The fourth ministry is an on-going one – participation in Province life. At this time I am a member of the steering committee for Strategic Planning. It is a challenge and a joy…..a challenge because it demands intense focus; it is a joy because it is a collaboration for our future.

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