How Being a Catholic Sister Helps Me Help Them

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By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

I have the privilege of teaching preschool in a Catholic school that serves middle- to low-income families. Our families are mostly Latino (over 50%), and the same percentage of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

It’s a privilege to serve families of diverse economic and ethnic backgrounds. Continue Reading

How to Be True to Yourself

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By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

“We live in a world that talks about individualism and then expects everyone to conform – in styles, in priorities and in ideas.(Sister Joan Chittister, Following the Path)

How ironic, to herald individualism as a badge of honor but expect everyone to be just like us. Let me tell you, choosing religious life gets you off that wheel fast. Continue Reading

Called to be Sowers of God’s Words

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By Sister Marianne Burkhard, OSB

Watching Pope Francis on his visit to the United States, I marveled at his finding the right words and the right tone for all the different audiences.

One of the commentators, David Brooks from the New York Times, said he was sure that the Pope’s visit brought many people estranged from the Church back to a church, to a Mass, and that their seeing and hearing him might actually change their lives. Continue Reading