Pope Francis proclaimed a Year of Consecrated Life that began the first Sunday in Advent and will conclude Feb. 2, 2016. The Catholic Messenger asked members of religious communities in the Davenport Diocese to reflect on their ministry in religious life.
Sister Lucille Feehan, CHM
What year did you enter the CHM community? I entered the convent Sept. 8, 1955.
What inspired you to join the community? I was inspired by some of the sisters who taught me. I had the Humility Sisters all of my 12 years of school.
What ministries were/are you engaged in? I was a cook and baker at the motherhouse for many years.
What is your favorite Scripture? Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.
Who are your spiritual mentors? Father Scott Lemaster and Deacon Ed Kamerick.
Sister Kathleen Henneberry, CHM
What year did you enter the CHM community? 1960.
What inspired you to join the community? Vocation magazines that were distributed by my Catholic 4H leader. Also, the example of the Sisters of Mercy who taught me in high school.
What ministries were/are you engaged in? I was an elementary educator for one-half year and then for 17 years. Then I became a member of the CHM House of Prayer for one year. After that I attended St. Louis University in preparation for 31 years of parish ministry. Next, I was in ministry for our CHMs at Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston for two years. Then I was in ministry at our CHM Retreat Center “Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat” for two years. Now I am a part-time volunteer for our retired sisters at Humility of Mary Center in Davenport.
What is your favorite form of prayer? Sitting in quiet prayer, also praying with the daily Scripture as I take my daily walk.
What is your favorite Scripture? “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.”
Who is your spiritual mentor? A Sister of St. Francis in Dubuque.
Sister Joan Sheil, CHM
What year did you enter the CHM community? 1955.
What inspired you to join the community? The life and example of the sisters who taught at Marycrest College (Davenport).
What ministries were/are you engaged in? Various library positions, including 27 years as library director at Marycrest.
What is your favorite form of prayer? Reflective meditation of Scripture passages.
What is your favorite Scripture? The Psalms.
While it’s interesting to “meet” the sisters in these articles, I wish there were a little more “depth” to what each values about the consecrated life in community. The questions are just factual, the answers focus on the individual. What, if any value is there in living in “community” beyond having one’s needs provided? The 1960’s newly formed “principle of self-determination” definitely altered the traditional pattern of living on missions together. What is the fuller scope of “consecrated life beyond these bare-bone points?”