What’s it like to live in a Community? Read this conversation to find out!

A group of Sisters relatively new to Community life were discussing one of their favorite topics: Community…

Patsy: "Community isn’t always easy, but I do know that I couldn’t serve the poor at the homeless shelter if I didn’t have the Community to come home to. Yesterday was such a difficult day. It was supportive to be able to come home and share it with another Sister. She was helpful, just by giving me a listening ear."

Lan: "I know what you mean, Patsy. I had a friend who was sick in my country of Vietnam. The other Sisters didn’t even know her, so I didn’t think they would really even care when I told them she was sick and would probably die. But they did. They wanted to know all about her and prayed for her. When she died, they gathered and had some special prayers for her. I felt connected with the Sisters in a very special way that night."

Angie: "I’ve learned so much in Community that I never would have learned otherwise. I’m trying to be more flexible and to keep my sense of humor in all situations. Although growing isn’t always easy, the Community is a great teacher."

Kirsten: "Community has helped me to grow, too. I have been enriched by living with different personalities, temperaments, and sometimes even different cultures. Some of the Sisters I live with I never would have chosen as my companions, but I am learning to see the good in them and am learning to accept others who are different from me. For me, Community is a school of love, where God is teaching me how to be a loving and caring person. I think I’ll be a life-long student in that school!"

All the Sisters joined in laughter.

Patsy: "Community is sometimes challenging. I’ve learned that Sisters are human, really human, with all the weaknesses and foibles of the human race. But God’s grace is working in us, so saying you’re sorry and forgiving is a very important ingredient in Community life. Each day in Community is a new beginning. We pray together, we share our joys and sorrows, we share our faith, and each day we take responsibility for doing our part to build Community—it’s awesome, really!"

Lan: "And let’s not forget the FUN! We had so much fun last week at a Community gathering. Some of us were dancing, some were playing cards, and some were just sitting talking. When I went home, my heart was full of gratitude for God’s blessings."

Kirsten gently reminded the group that the topic of Community couldn’t be exhausted in one short visit.

Kirsten: "If I’m going to be any good to Community tomorrow, I’ve got to live a balanced life. For me right now, that means getting some rest! This sharing was renewing. Thanks, everyone!"

Lan: "And for me, I need to spend some time with the Lord, or I won’t be able to visit the elderly tomorrow. I appreciate this time of sharing. Your friendship has been a gift to me."

Patsy (jumping up): "I need some exercise. We’ll have to schedule another time to get together to continue this discussion. Does anyone want to join me in a brisk walk?"

Angie: "I’ll come with you, Patsy. I didn’t feel like exercising, but having your company will give me the motivation I need. That’s what Community is all about!"

For more about living in Community, click here.

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