those mischievous groovy sisters

I’m borrowing a page from Mark Mossa and starting a blog series called “those mischievous groovy sisters.” (Mark shares great stories about what “those darned Jesuits” are doing ministry wise).

I promised in an earlier post to share my write up for the province newsletter of our groovy sister field trip last weekend . In looking it over, I realized that while a big part of it was me being fed, entertained and generally taken very good care of by the Sisters in Eugene, the other big part of it was learning what cool things they’ve done and continue to do in the community. So I thought I’d share a bit of that in this first installment of “Those Mischievous Groovy Sisters.”

The Sisters of St Joseph of Peace first came to Eugene in 1936 at the request of some local doctors to save the ailing hospital. On July 7, 1936, four young nuns arrived from Bellingham, Washington, to take over hospital operations and serve as administrator, nursing superintendent, bookkeeper, and receptionist/admissions clerk. Over the years many Sisters have worked there. Today a lay catholic health organization administers the hospital in collaboration with the Sisters, but there are 2 Sisters on staff (Sr. Barbara & Sr. Aileen) who gave us the grand tour. I was especially impressed by their program of spiritual care and renewal for the employees. Employees take 2 paid "retreat days" a year! We also visited the site of the new state of the art hospital they are building in the neighboring town.

Sr. Monica showed us the clinic she started that provides medical care at no cost to patients who cannot afford medical care or do not qualify for government assistance. Care is provided by volunteer doctors and nurses and patients are treated with dignity and respect. An amazing ministry ... that Sr. Monica started after she “retired” from being an administrator with the hospital and health system. She’s just “retired” from the clinic, but is now volunteering there 3 days a week.

I really enjoyed my field trip to see the Eugene groovy sisters. Sr. Monica and her sister-sister (they’re blood sisters on top of being groovy sisters) Sr. Anita fed us yummy food and let us swim in the pool at their apartment complex. Sr. Barbara & Sr. Aileen also made us feel at home. We got a taste of what their daily community life is like.

More than that though, our visit gave us a chance to experience the history of the groovy sisters‘ ministry, and also to see how they (we) are looking towards the future in collaboration with the local community.