Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Postulant Mary Jane reflects on a recent mission experience at St. Benedict Convent, Cambridge, Ohio.
I went on a weeklong Mission Experience in Cambridge, Ohio. It was my first time on mission and I had a such an enjoyable and exciting time. The Sisters I had the pleasure meeting were Sr. Carol Juckem, Sr. Sharon Paul, Sr. June Smith, and the Local Director Sr. Helen Marie Paul.
All the Sisters were incredibly kind and welcoming towards me. Not only were the Sisters amazing but it was amazing to tour their convent. My favorite room in the house was their chapel, because it was round.
It was amazing to see how all the Sisters do so much for the community and they in turn also use their time to help each other in times of need.
I had the opportunity to be with Sr. Sharon when she visited the nursing home and offered communion to the residents. It was amazing to see how Sr. Sharon connected with all the patients and knew what to say. Sr. Sharon also took me see two basketball games at Bishop Rosecrans High School in Zanesville, Ohio. There not only did I enjoy the game, I was able to witness the generosity of the Zanesville fans when a kind couple bought us two bags of popcorn.
The most memorable time for me in Cambridge was the Epiphany party at the parish. There I met a large number of the parishioners, the food was delicious, and the parish priest Fr. Paul was very kind and had a phone full of jokes.
There was even a prize drawing and my ticket number was called. I won the book A Case for Jesus by Brant Pitre. Right at the end of the party there was singing of Christmas carols. I felt it was a good end to the Christmas celebration. I couldn’t have asked for a better first-time mission experience, and I won’t forget that a cute second grader said to me that I would make a good Sister. With the help of Jesus, I pray I will one day be a good religious Sister.
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