Beyond buildings, toward mission

Time brings change but the mission of religious life remains steadfast

by Sister Elise Cholewinski

I was sitting on a bench on the beautiful lawn behind our convent. It was Labor Day and I realized that it wasn’t a time for reading, which I had intended to do, but a time for reflecting. It was on a Labor Day many years ago that I walked up the front sidewalk of St. Francis Convent, opened the door and stepped inside, beginning my journey into religious life. As I sat there, I looked to my left where, in the distance at the top of a hill, that building once stood. That building held many memories of a young and growing community, energized and excited by the Second Vatican Council, ready to adapt to change and challenge. As I looked to the left, I had a good view of our newer, smaller convent.

A feeling of sadness crept over me as I acknowledged that there are far fewer Sisters now, and we are preparing for a very uncertain future. Finally, my eyes focused on what was right in front of me. A small orchard at the far end of the lawn was producing the crop of apples and pears. The huge field beyond it had growing corn that was nearly ready to be harvested.

It’s not about buildings; it’s about mission, about expanding our charism, about proclaiming the Gospel, about reaping a harvest through perseverance.

Something to think about, as we celebrate with our Jubilarians this month. And I happen to be one of them!