Our Indianapolis community was energized by youthful enthusiasm on January 11 – 13. Megan Schneider, Kate Beard, Brogan Drumm and Taylor Miles arrived on Friday, January 11 at 5:30 p.m. accompanied by Sarah Striebich, the Campus Minister of the Newman Center at Ball State University. The four young women live in community at the Newman Center and assist Sarah in her ministry to the students on campus. They came to us to experience a day in the life of a religious. Sarah realizes that these young ladies are very eager to do the will of God and are open to whatever or wherever the Lord is calling them to be. Since they have been asking a lot of questions about religious life, Sarah contacted us to see if our community might offer them some insights.
Arriving late on Friday afternoon, the four immediately began their weekend of prayer and action: supper; Holy Hour; conversation about discernment with Msgr. John Duncan, our Chaplain; closing with Compline. On Saturday, they were in the Chapel at 6 a.m. for meditation and Morning Prayer. After having their breakfasts, they were assigned to dining rooms to help the Little Sisters serve breakfast to the Residents. Each of them related to our elderly Residents with ease. Soon, we joined together with Residents and visitors for Rosary and Mass, and then served the Residents’ main meal at noon.
The regular pattern of prayer and work needed something more, a way to understand why and how each Little Sister became aware of her call from God to live this blessed life. In our recreation time, each Little Sister shared the story of her call and vocation, helping the young women to see that, although completely unique, each path has led to service to Christ in the Elderly.
The Activity Department scheduled a “Door to Door Treat” for each Resident in the afternoon; the young women had the opportunity to visit the whole house, offering each Resident a favorite ice cream treat. Later, their reflection on their visit continued over a relaxed pizza dinner with the community. One said she does not want “to live a mediocre life” and sees the deep value of the lives of the Sisters. Another admitted it was hard to get up early, but “the thought of serving the elderly in need” motivated her to jump out of bed.
The women were in the Chapel by 6 a.m. for prayer. Later, several readied Residents for Sunday Mass by fixing hair, to the delight of the Residents. Their time with us ended too early. As a community, we feel blessed to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Ball State Newman Club on this exploration. May God bless our joys and sacrifices this weekend.
January 11-13, 2013: Discernment Weekend