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August 20, 2021Recently I talked about the difference between diocesan and order priests and the charisms of two of the order priests, the Dominicans and the Franciscans.
This week let's look at religious sisters. One thing that some people don't realize is that religious sisters are laypersons. Although they may take vows, they are not ordained. Deacons, priests, and bishops are ordained; religious men and women are considered laity.
The charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame is building community and educating, especially women and the poor. Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger founded the order in Bavaria in 1833; Mother Caroline Friess established the SSNDs in North America in 1847. Mother Caroline adapted the congregation to life on another continent, reading the signs of the times, and risking innovative response to the needs of the new world. She oversaw the establishment of more than 200 institutions, educating youth of all ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. She saw the importance of educating young women and established evening classes for women who worked during the day.
Another order of religious sisters are our neighbors, the Congregation of St. Joseph. Their charism is loving unity. It comes directly from Jesus’ prayer, “that all may be one” (John 17:21). The mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph is as relevant now, if not more so, as it was to the women who founded the congregation more than 350 years ago. As the world changes and its problems grow complex, the answer remains simple: live in profound love of God and neighbor without distinction. The Sisters of St. Joseph live, pray, and act to form loving relationships with themselves, community, Church, society and all creation. To achieve this they work together with others dedicated to prayer, service, social justice, consciousness raising, and systemic change.
