Sisters Saving Resources
The Sisters were asked how they are preserving the Congregation’s resources while living common life. Below are some of their responses.
Sister Nora Schaefer, OP (Cyril), and I had two cars at our disposal, which at one point seemed necessary since our ministries were in different towns. When I no longer traveled to Moraga, [CA], and when the fee for our extra parking space went up 50 percent, we decided we could manage quite easily with one car. We use public transportation when necessary, walk more often, and save on gas. We eliminated the parking fee, car insurance, and car maintenance, and reduced our “carbon footprint”—all in one blow! We’ve also been recycling material at a recycling center instead of leaving it at the curb. We’re reimbursed for our effort. Not royally, but still it’s another small way to economize.
Sisters Kaye Ashe, OP (Keverne), and Nora Schaefer, OP Berkeley, CA
Conference calls now replace personal meetings, which save on travel money. I use e-mail as frequently and conveniently as possible rather than telephone calls or postal mail. This saves on phone bills, postage, envelopes, and stationery. I eat healthy foods moderately to avoid the need for medical appointments that increase bills that are not covered by insurance. I tweak my personal budget to increase the amount of money sent monthly to the common fund.
Sister Barbara Hubeny, OP (Antonino) Conway, MI
When eating out (infrequently), friends and I always use 2-for-1 coupons. I also limit my trips to the store. If I need something, I either change my menu, improvise, or do without.
Sister Virginia Pfluger, OP (Marie Florence) San Jose, CA
My response is not so much due to the economic challenges but to save Earth. I do think they overlap. I use a cloth bag for groceries and other shopping items. In the summer, I use a fan, not air conditioning. I car pool whenever possible, always use both sides of a piece of paper, and use cloth napkins instead of paper ones. I bike in good weather to run errands (for groceries and books I take a backpack). I unplug many appliances, buy second-or third-hand clothes and household items when needed, use an old towel at the front door to keep out cold air, and wash clothes in cold water only. I can mention that my electricity bill is down about $4 a month.
Sister Stella Storch, OP Fond du Lac, WI
I have canceled my newspaper. The only things I miss are the funnies and the puzzles. The rest I get on National Public Radio. On March 27, I started my training for the Census Bureau. I will make over $13 an hour for counting and will get money for gas as well. We even get paid for the training sessions. Of course it’s just a temporary job, but every little bit helps.
Sister Elaine Taylor, OP (Bartholomew) St. Petersburg, FL
The local market is within walking distance from where we live so we do not use gas. We watch ads for both groceries and cleaning materials. We purchase the cleaning materials when they are on sale. We use coupons for department stores when we need something in those stores. Our refrigerator door always has coupons on it. We use the free senior public transportation card that we have whenever it is feasible. We are so aware of companies being downsized or people who are unemployed. We pray for them daily.
Sisters Colleen McNicholas, OP (Mary Avia) and Mary O’Donnell, OP (Mary Colum) Elmwood Park, IL cont’d on p. 14
I have been trying to watch my use of the car and occasionally take the bus to school, which also includes several blocks of walking. Now that the weather is better, I will be able to do that more often.
Sister Patty Gallagher, OP (Gereon) Oak Park, IL
I am not spending on a vacation other than a home visit and Community Days at the Mound. I am foregoing some clothing/shoe purchases I had wanted but can do without for another year.
Sister Yvonne Feeney, OP (Marie Immaculee) Dripping Springs, TX
The common life has always played an important role in my life. My good stipend presently enables others to work with the economically poor and/or helps provide for our retired Sisters. I have been well educated by our Congregation, and I want to do my share for the common good.
My apartment warms up very quickly when I come home from work, so I now lower the thermostat to 52° during the day. I saw my utility statement drop significantly. With my northern exposure and the use of a ceiling fan, I do not plan to use the air conditioning much this summer.
Sister Laura Goedken, OP (Bernal) Davenport, IA