The concept of the Lord opening and closing doors has been obvious throughout my life. As I write this reflection I start by rejoicing and thanking God that this coming year marks 45 years as an MSC. What a gift this has been and what a journey it has been for me over these years – a journey which has taken me to Australia, Chicago and Seattle serving in the nursing field. In the late 80s, while in Seattle, I really had a strong desire to serve in prison ministry and was fortunate enough to have been given a position as prison chaplain in Washington State where I have served over these last sixteen years.

However, this past year I began getting some strong “nudges” from the Spirit inviting me to consider moving on in my journey in another direction --- a freedom that would open to me new possibilities of service and wonderful surprises in my life. The door of having some time off to take a mini – sabbatical provided me this opportunity. It has been a new and wonderful experience and has provided me time to develop my many interests as well as spend more time with my father whose health is fragile but stable.

As many know, I have been involved in Catholic Charismatic Renewal for over thirty-three years. I am now free to become more involved especially in the area of Intercession. I conduct the weekly hour of Adoration at the Catholic Charismatic Office and help to coordinate the monthly time of adoration and intercession, better know as the Burning Bush Initiative.

Early this year I was asked to be the Spiritual Director for the Legion of Mary. This has been a very good fit for me. The organization is based on the spirituality of St. Louis de Montfort and the total consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is one of the largest lay organizations in the world. I am now free to not only attend the weekly meetings but also the monthly archdiocese meetings.

This summer I attended a week long workshop on part one of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Sr. Mona Hallock and I are beginning the catechetical certificate course, so we will be able to teach CCD. I also plan on attending a local Eucharistic Marian Conference.

A special interest of mine for many years has been the Pro Life movement. I now volunteer one afternoon a week at the Angelorum Pregnancy Crisis Center and have been asked to prepare chastity talks for teens. Early next year I will be giving a presentation at Villa Academy in Seattle. I am also involved with my Dominican local parish, so much so, that I am often asked if I am a Dominican sister. But not to fear, my Cabrini links are strong.

Each day, I find that God the “Master Sower” presents me with new and exciting possibilities. As a matter of fact, as I write this reflection, I will shortly be interviewed for a new position. I will just wait and be patient….waiting for this “new” seed to be planted somewhere in the Seattle area and I ask for your prayers that the field that I am planted in will bear much fruit.

Sr. Renee Kittleson, MSC - Seattle, WA

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Stories of the Heart: The Missionary Sisters are as diverse as the ministries in which we work. We are educators, nurses, social workers, campus ministers, pastoral care workers, spiritual directors, and administrators. We invite you to share in our stories.