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Nun Ministries, Careers, and Callings
Catholic nuns today often have many, many different careers throughout their life. We have a saying in our IHM Congregation that comes from one of our founders, Louis Florent Gillet: “I desire to be everywhere when I see so many needs.” This spirit pervades all that we do, and often means that we end up doing many different kinds of things throughout our life.
Sometimes we take on a ministry because our congregational leaders (superiors) ask us to consider it. Other times we become aware of a need and are inspired to address it. We pray and talk it over with our nuns and decide together what to do. Many nuns also experience what you do in terms of having a passion (e.g. promoting literacy, caring for the sick, catechizing young people) and entering the job market to find a position in which we can minister.
My nuns are no exception to having multiple careers or callings throughout their religious life. I’d like to introduce you to my Sister Margaret Chapman, IHM, who currently serves as president of Compassionate Companions, Inc. in Michigan. Here’s her story.
P.S. This interview is a result of my Nun Questions post.
Your Questions. IHM Sisters respond.
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I think when you say nuns have different careers, you were probably meaning different nuns have different careers. My cousin, Sister Cornelia O.P., began as a teacher, went to nursing school and then went to Africa where she worked in a hospital and then became a nurse/midwife. In her retirement she has served at a receptionist at an AIDS hospice. Those are only the careers I know of.
Julie,
Thanks for addressing this issue on your blog. I, for one, have had many ministries during my 18 years as a nun. All of them were where God wanted me to be, using the gifts and skills I possessed at the time. Each one prepared me for the next ministry on my journey. I can’t think of a more rewarding way to spend my life than furthering the mission of Jesus as a religious. It is an exciting life!
Sister,
I would like to know where two nuns who taught me in the 1950- 1960 are. or if they are still alive.
They are. : Sister Mary St. Patrice and Sister Mary Rose Patrice
I’m sure by now they have died, but I would like to know for sure.
Thank you,
Gladys
Hi Gladys, We’d be glad to help you. But we need to know if they were IHM Sisters and what school you went to and in what city. Thanks!
Hello,
I have always had the desire to become a nun. I am 58 years old and live in Corpus Christi, Texas. Perhaps I am too old now. I have a Ph.D. in Counseling/Psychology and currently work for the Navy which has become very unsatisfactory. Something inside of me keeps pulling me to check on becoming a nun. I just think I am too old now to pursure that life long dream. What would you recommend?
Hi Linda, Thank you for writing. Check out this comment I wrote recently as it addresses some of your concerns. I also encourage you to contact me via email too because there may be some other opportunities. Blessings to you and hope to hear from you.