On a Friday in May, second graders from Madonna Catholic Regional School spent the morning asking our Sisters questions about their favorite animals, books, foods and what they like most about being a Sister of St. Joseph.
The group interviews – a highlight of the day for both Sisters and students – were part of a First Holy Communion retreat to the Motherhouse that included a prayer service, gardening, crafts and lots of laughter.
The students started the day by visiting the Chapel for a prayer service organized by their teacher, Ms. Sarah Wray, daughter of Kathy Fletcher Wray who directs St. Joseph Spirituality Center and serves as our Worship Coordinator. While carefully lighting a candle, each child proclaimed their desire to follow Jesus and walk as “a child of the light.”
Following the prayer service, the students joined Luke Badaczewski, Coordinator of Grounds and Environment, outside to plant flowers. With muddy hands and joyful hearts, they braved raindrops and worms to help beautify the landscaping at the top of the Stations of the Cross pathway. Then, they happily toured the grounds and visited the chickens with “Farmer Luke.”
“Are we going to meet our Sisters now?” one girl asked Ms. Wray enthusiastically as they walked toward the Motherhouse.
Sisters Frances Hurley, Patti Young, Dorothy Pashuta, Ann Francis Hanley, Callista Williamson, Natalie Lann and Elizabeth Hart awaited them in the dining room. Once divided into small groups, the students began to ask questions like, “Where is your favorite place to find Jesus?” and “Do you like any sports?”
After the interviews, the Sisters helped the second graders finish a craft project before lunch. One girl summed up her visit to the Motherhouse by telling her classmates, “I don’t want to leave this place!”