Lives rooted in community - The Sisters of St. Francis

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Feature “W hat keeps me going is my dependency on God. If I didn’t believe he was doing it with me, I couldn’t do it.” The ‘it’ that Sister Eileen Magill refers to is her role as executive director of Christian Housing and Housing Management Services and site manager of Alverno Apartments, a 53-unit building for senior adults. Alverno Apartments and other Christian Housing buildings are subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Wearing these two hats keeps Sister Eileen quite busy in her care, concern, attention, administration and management of 12 buildings in the Pittsburgh, Pa. region and five neighboring cities.“I believe in this ministry because I believe in what it provides — a safe, affordable, community living for senior adults. It enhances their living. Their dignity is increased,” says Sister Eileen. “I enjoy the people, seeing them happy and safe.” With tears welling up in her 6 FrAnciscAn spirit p Sister Eileen Magill, center, enjoys a summer afternoon with residents of Alverno Apartments in Pittsburgh, Pa. Faith in God, community support empowers sister eileen Our ministry flows from prayer and our life together. sisters oF st. FrAncis constitutions, Art. 36 eyes, she continues, “Some people cry when they sign their lease.” Located next to the Western Pennsylvania regional house, Alverno Apartments offers easy access for Sister Eileen to attend daily Mass and to stay connected with the community. Even though she lives singly because of her ministry, Sister Eileen receives support from the sisters in a nearby local community. “They are very supportive. I spend time with them at least once a month, for holidays and other spontaneous gatherings.” Sister Eileen explains that being with this local community provides her with opportunities to share Franciscan spirituality and the latest books on Saints Francis, Clare and Bonaventure. “This stimulates me and challenges my life and enables me to keep going to serve others. Everyone is interested in what’s going on and wants to help. The sisters value my ministry and that is a big support.”
p Sister Mary Ann Mishurda, third from right, teaches English to Nuris and Rafael Ramos of the Dominican Republic , left, and Ursina and Rolando Ramos of Peru, right. Melissa York, third from left, assists. Joy in community and serving the poor We are called to the evangelical way of life as the foundation for our ministry. We work to build community with each other and with those with whom and to whom we minister. sisters oF st. FrAncis constitutions, Art. 37 “i t gives me great joy in serving the poor,” says Sister Mary Ann Mishurda who has ministered and lived in Lubbock, Texas for the past 14 years. Here she serves as pastoral associate at St. John Neumann Parish and teaches English as a Second Language (ESL). The nearest sister in community lives in New Mexico, one hour by plane or eight hours by car. So how does Sister Mary Ann maintain her connection to the community? Certainly today’s technological age provides many ways of connecting. Moreover, the sisters living in the southwest which includes, Texas, New Mexico and California, periodically gather in one place to discuss congregational issues. “We were very excited to have a face-to-face get together earlier this year and are looking forward to meeting again in November.” Maintaining our identity as Franciscans belonging to the same congregation happens because of such relationships. The miles fade away when a common purpose unites them. Participation in ministry is very fulfilling for Sister Mary Ann. “I see myself as a fruitful member of the community serving the parish community.” Sister Mary Ann describes St. John Neumann as a very vibrant parish that is known for its hospitality. Her involvement with the parish is quite extensive. She serves as eucharistic minister, lector, plays the violin and sings in the choir. Sister Mary Ann also finds it exciting to work with those in the RCIA program. “Sharing the faith is so uplifting,” she says. On Tuesdays and Thursdays Sister Mary Ann sits among people from places like Peru, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Spain and Colombia at the Patterson Library teaching English. “I just love it,” she exclaims with a smile on her face. It was her personal experience that compelled her to teach ESL. From her ministry experiences in Barquisimeto, Venezuela and Puerto Rico she says, “I realized what it is to be an adult in a society where English is not your language. So I try to make the people feel comfortable and make it fun.” She goes on to say, “I find joy in helping people speak better. They grow in selfesteem as they learn and understand the language. It is most rewarding.” Sister Mary Ann also serves as spiritual advisor for the San Juan Diego Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order which she helped establish. She is also part of a Franciscan Mission Committee which presents programs on spirituality in the area. Connecting with other Franciscan sisters in the area enables her to keep her Franciscan roots alive. Sister Mary Ann also makes her annual visit home to Pittsburgh and Johnstown, Pa. where she ‘catches up’ on the latest happenings with family and in community. feature continued on page 8 FAll 2011 7
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Lives rooted in community - The Sisters of St. Francis

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