Last spring, I attended the “Catholic Sisters: Advocates and Activists for Change” program. Because I attended Catholic school for 12 years, I am familiar with many Catholic ministries and their work. Going in to the talk, I was very much looking forward to hearing what the sisters had to say and what was unique about their work.

The first sister who spoke was Sister Jeanette Bussen who is the Director of Justice ministry for the Sisters of St. Josephs of Baden, PA. Sister Jeanette explained that each congregation has its own personal missions, which give them direction, meaning, and life. Her particular order has a rich history—it was founded in France back in 1650! Sister Jeanette’s talk related to the ideals of our class, as her ministry’s goal is to find injustices and ask the “why” questions, such as “Why are half the families in the United States supported by single women, 23% of which are living below the poverty line?” Her religious direction focuses are mainly to commit to live non-violently and also to affirm the dignity of all people. I thought it was very commendable that Sister Jeanette’s order has a presence in 53 countries and are also active at the international level. Two examples of current projects are People Against Trafficking Humans and Sisters Place, which are supporting housing communities that help homeless single-parent households achieve self-sufficiency.

The second speaker was Sister Michelle Grgurich who is the Director of the Catholic Department for Persons with Disabilities in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Sister Michelle explained the different kinds of disabilities people have, beyond the typical physically handicapped. Among theses are cognitive disabilities (autism, mental retardation, mental illness), hearing loss and deafness, physical disabilities, and vision loss or blindness. The kinds of services Sister Michelle’s ministry may provide are support in CCD classrooms, oral-deaf schools, sign language, interpreters for the deaf, WPXI interpreted TV mass, providing accessibility within the churches, large print, Braille, and making resources for ministry available to other people.

The third and final speaker was Sister Louise Grundish, who is an Activist with the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. Sister Louise explained the ministries she is responsible for, including running food banks, and helping single mothers by collecting and donating baby supplies. Another huge project that Sister Louise is involved in is in running St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality. This house originally provided homes and cared for single pregnant women who didn’t want the public to know they were pregnant. Because there is no longer a need for this type of service, the House of Hospitality now provides homes for homeless men.

I was very pleased to have the opportunity to attend this talk. Each woman had her own personal touch and focus, showing that all the work was equally important. Like I previously stated, I am familiar with many Catholic ministries, but never witnessed the activist outlooks these sisters possessed. These three women inspired and amazed me with their dedication to serving others, and because of them, I hope to become more involved in the community and serving those who are in need of help.

By Mallory Neubert

Mallory Neubert in an Excericse Science Major from Sinking Spring, PA, Class of 2008 who will be attending
graduate school at Thomas Jefferson University in the fall to study advanced practice nursing.