Sr. Mary Ann Carroll is shown a ceramic piece
painted by Sr. John Eudes Courtney (right).

Have you ever been engaged in a ministry where you hopped out of bed in the morning and went happily off to greet the day and whatever that day had in store for you? If so, you can appreciate why I love my ministry at the Mound. I am afraid that I no longer “hop” out of bed, but I am happy to begin my day and wonder what will be in store. My ministry as Prioress of the St. Clara Community (the independent community) at the Mound is different every day.

I am blessed because every day I relate to women who have faithfully lived a vowed life for many years. These women are so generous. Sisters who are in their 90s stop in and ask what they can do to help. Sisters call and say, “If you need help, just call me.” Our Sisters minister to one another in so many quiet and gracious ways.

I also feel blessed to be part of this community and participate in our prayer life. Our liturgist, Sister Mary Ellen Winston, OP (Gertrude), provides creative prayer opportunities for us every day.

It is also a privilege to accompany our Sisters to the gates of eternity.

We are blessed with thoughtful, generous, and caring coworkers. Our coworkers often speak of being here with their family.

Our needs are well addressed by our pastoral ministers, chaplains, health care staff, wellness staff, food service providers, and housekeeping and transportation staffs.

The Mound truly is holy ground, and I am happy to be here.

Sister Mary Ann Carroll, OP (Marie Richarde) St. Clara Community, Sinsinawa, WI

Sr. Helen Hurley (left) talks with
Sr. Marie Gerard Donovan.

There is a Sister in the Siena Assisted Living Community at the Mound who, when asked, “How are you?” responds cheerfully, “I am blessed.”

I asked her recently what she means by that beautiful explanation, “I am blessed.” Amusingly she said, “Well, I am in good hands, and it’s not with Allstate.” Then she went on more seriously, “I am so lovingly taken care of. I can honestly say that care is given and services done even before I ask for anything. I think the caregivers—be they nurses, aides, or pastoral ministers—can read my mind. How easy it is for me to spend time in praising and thanking God. I have so much to be thankful for.”

Essentially what that grateful Sister is saying is this: To bestow loving kindness or to be the receiver of loving kindness is a blessing.

Having reflected on that description of “blessings,” I can only echo my own blessing. What a privilege it is, as Prioress of the Siena Community, to minister among these blessed people: the Sister residents, the health care staff, the pastoral ministers, and the multitude of extended Mound staff who contribute to a holy, healthy, and happy life. We are blessed.

Sister Helen Hurley, OP (Marcellus) Siena Community, Sinsinawa, WI