…not because we did not want to visit War, WV, but rather, we simply ran out of time. On Sunday, Srs. June Fitzgerald, Pat Dual, and I drove to Powhatan, WV, to visit Dominican Sister of Peace Binh Nguyen, OP, who ministers in McDowell County, WV, in four parishes that share one priest. We wanted to see what kind of work she does and to see what the possibilities are for some of the women who are discerning with us to spend a week or two in ministry with her. Continue reading →

In the Gospel of Luke 10:29, at the beginning of the story of the Good Samaritan, we hear the question posed to Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus then tells the now familiar story of reaching out to help a stranger in need. We know that our neighbor includes all peoples no matter how far or near they live. Yet, sometimes I don’t reflect this in my life, my choices, and my words.

When Pope Francis visited our country last month, he focused a good bit on care for each other, care for the earth, and the common good. I felt challenged to look at how I live and if I am living the Gospel imperative to care for and love each other or if I just pay it lip service. Francis emphasized that the family is the microcosm of this care and love that I/we are called to live. So, I ask you, “Who is your family?” I ask myself, “Who is my family?” Continue reading →

As an introvert, I often wonder and agonize over whether being a listener and being present to others is enough. Formulating and speaking my thoughts does not come easy for me and my natural bent is to listen, hopefully, assuring the other person that they are heard. Perhaps being a lifelong hearing impaired person has encouraged me to listen deeply. Of course, there are blessings to not being able to hear too and I am certainly guilty of turning my hearing aids off to enjoy moments of silence. Continue reading →