Rachal's Mission Story - St. Cabrini Senior Sisters Residence

Philadelphia, PA

Spring 2009

“I leave this journey and continue to the next with a renewed sense of mission and purpose, a deeper relationship with God, and a determination to stay true to myself and to continue seeking God.”

My journey started a few years ago with initial whispers from God…. a call to change. I felt a desire to leave my things behind and give back to God in gratitude for all the numerous blessings He has given me throughout my life, and most importantly, I desired to grow in relationship with Him. After several phone calls to various volunteer organizations, I was struck by the director of CMC. She was open to dialogue with me and helping me on my journey, whether it continued with CMC or another group. Her generous and loving spirit had an impact on me, and was unique from the other programs I contacted. I was also attracted to the importance placed on the spiritual experience in addition to the service experience. Living in community with religious was important to me, and after looking at the open positions, I felt drawn to serving at the Senior Sisters Residence.

My time with them has been so fruitful and life-giving. They each have a unique journey to share. The roles I served were as a driver, and volunteer and activities coordinator. The focus was being present to the sisters, rather than on the job function I was performing. This was something new for me. I lived in community with them, and we shared evening prayer.

This has really been a time of spiritual growth and nourishment for me. I have been blessed with many opportunities for retreat and reflection. My relationship with God has grown and formed through these, the sisters and the help of a spiritual director. I have learned and practiced the discernment process, and experienced new ways of praying. I have grown in knowledge about myself and clarified/re-affirmed my values. I now realize the importance of my presence over what I do and that mission is everywhere. Silence, solitude and simplicity have resonated with me throughout this time.

Challenges I experienced were part of the interior workings God was doing and the self-discovery that was happening. Exposure to religious life, and the terms: discernment, vocation and “call”, have led me to realize that I have not openly included God in the plans for my life. I now have the tools and initial guidance to properly, openly, and prayerfully seek God’s will for my life…the unique mission that He created me to fulfill.

I leave this journey and continue to the next with a renewed sense of mission and purpose, a deeper relationship with God, and a determination to stay true to myself and to continue seeking God.

Michelle's Mission Story - Mother Cabrini High School

New York, NY
August 2008- June 2009

“I've learned that ministry isn't something that we always DO, but many times, it's more of who we are in relation to others - Ministry is Relationship.”
Just Another Day at MCHS…

After working at my mission, Mother Cabrini High School in Washington Heights, NYC, I could tell story after story of special or touching moments between students, faculty, staff, complete strangers, and me. However, I’d like to share this one story with you and connect it to one of the important lessons I learned this year.

In mid-February, we had a Stress-Relief Retreat sponsored by the Mission Leaders, one of the clubs I moderate. During one portion of the retreat, students could choose to do a variety of stress relieving activities. Fingernail painting was one of these options. As I sat down with a group of the ladies, Melida, a junior who became active in Campus Ministry this year, turned to me and said, "Miss, can I ask you a question?"

I laughed and jokingly responded, "Of course!... Unless it has to do with politics or math!"

She smiled, but as fast as it had appeared, it dissolved into a serious expression. She quietly lowered her brush into the bottle of her magenta polish and met my gaze: "Miss, were you close to God when you came here?" Melida’s direct question took me aback, I must admit.

I responded by explaining that although my relationship with God was strong in August, it had grown stronger after this ministry year. "Sure," I had said, "Jesus and I talk and I listen – sometimes I do more talking than listening, though. But this year, God’s shown me just how gentle and full his love is for us. And he’s told me this through students like you. So, it’s totally grown stronger this year."

Melida seemed satisfied. She broke into an enormous grin, nodded, and said, "Good. Because I think you’ve gotten closer to God, too." With that, she returned to her attention to her fingernail polish.

"That’s it?!” I thought to myself. "Really? Shouldn’t a question of that caliber be followed up by some philosophical discussion or treatise of some sort?" I stared at Melida, but her concentration had turned to comparing colors with her classmates. So, left to my own thoughts, I stood up and continued my rounds to the next group of students.

One of the most rewarding gifts of being a missioner is the lesson I've learned about the nature of ministry itself. I've learned that ministry isn't something that we always DO, but many times, it's more of who we are in relation to others -  Ministry is Relationship. Presence within these relationships is often more important than what we do - it's all about loving and allowing ourselves to be loved. Within that framework, the single most important relationship in our lives is our relationship with God-- all others will fall into place behind that. In learning to love ourselves in the way that God loves, we naturally become more accepting of our own flaws, as well as the flaws in others. There's so much healing involved! It's hard to love ourselves as God loves us, because we're SO GOOD at believing the lie that we're not good enough. God loves us absolutely and completely! We don’t have to prove ourselves or compete for attention in this relationship. I still don’t understand it and on some days, still struggle to accept that love.

Nevertheless, when we allow ourselves to freely love ourselves and love others as God would, those around us notice. They may not voice it in a way that is as direct as a question like Melida’s—they may not even tell you at all. But that’s just it - because Ministry is Relationship, and relationships are made up of connections, we never know just how far those connections (be they greetings, long discussions, a smile, glance, wave, daily interactions) may bring the light of Jesus to others. In turn, I was refreshed and given light from Melida’s affirmation and presence. So praise the Lord!

Anne's Mission Story - Cabrini Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation

New York, NY
Aug ’08 – June ‘09

While discerning what to do after college, I knew the Lord called me to serve. By the grace of God, I applied and was accepted to Cabrini Mission Corps! Going into the year I was looking forward to simply loving and entering deeper into my prayer life. The Lord truly allowed this to happen.

Being missioned at the nursing home was a challenge. However, I firmly believe where there is challenge; there is opportunity for great growth. Witnessing the suffering of the residents day in and day out weighed heavily on my heart. I found myself wanting to ‘cure’ them of their suffering and alleviate them from all their pain. I wanted so much for them to know the deep love of Christ as I knew it in a very personal way.

I took this struggle to prayer. I asked the Lord ‚why‛. Why the suffering? Why the pain? All I know is that the Lord suffered. He surrendered completely to the will of the Father, was scourged, was crowned with thorns, was ridiculed, spat at, carried the cross and was crucified. Why did the Lord endure this pain? The only answer is love. The suffering was not the Lord’s final answer. The suffering is answered with the Resurrection! There is hope – there is an end to the pain. Daily, I was reminded of the life to come – of the lasting peace, joy, love that awaits all of us. What a gift! It is such a gift how the Lord has allowed me to experience a deep joy and peace in suffering. The only way to approach suffering is with love. Love is the way the Lord approached suffering and look what happened.

Love truly is powerful. It crosses all barriers of culture and religion. I will remember the Eskimo kisses with Lena, the kisses on the cheek from Lulu, writing down my conversations with Joe, Macsymilian calling me his angel, Sophie’s singing and holding Mr. Greene’s hand. Love is reciprocal. No matter how much we desire to love and serve others; love is always reciprocated. The Lord has showered me with His graces and blessings and I am forever grateful. I am forever grateful for this opportunity I have had to grow, discover, discern, surrender, accept, give, receive and love.

Thank you!