March 2016 – Redeemer Ministry Corps

“But go to my brothers and tell them,
‘I am going to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God.’”
Mary went and announced to the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord,”
and then reported what he had told her.” – John 20:17-18

In today’s Gospel reading, Mary Magdalene is the first to encounter the Risen Jesus and is given the important task of informing the disciples that Jesus has risen. When I read this Gospel I am reminded of the important role that Mary Magdalene and many other women play in the Church.

I am so fortunate in my ministry and my home to be surrounded by faithful men and women who enlighten and inspire me! And after reading today’s Gospel, I reflect particularly on those inspiring women in my life:

Ashley, our RMC, who had the courage to say YES to a year of service and the unknown, giving fully of herself to others in a new ministry, a new city, a new community
Many of the senior Sisters of the Holy Redeemer, who never “retire” but instead evolve their ministries to support others in prayer and hospitality

The patients with whom Ashley works at the Southampton Women’s Health Center, who show such courage in the face of a difficult diagnosis
Petra, a former RMC and Postulant with the Sisters, who recently served as a panelist at the Voices of Faith Conference in Rome, which addresses the role of women in the Church

Thank you for sharing the Good News of our Risen Christ in your words and deeds!

On March 6, we welcomed a group of 9 people from Michigan State University for their Alternative Spring Break experience. During the week, the students learned about and carried out the mission of the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer and Redeemer Ministry Corps. Service sites include:

Drueding Center – a transitional housing program for women and children
S.P.I.N. – providing services and support to adults and children with intellectual, developmental and autism spectrum disabilities
Inglis House – a specialty nursing care facility providing long-term, residential care for adults with physical disabilities
Redeemer-Lafayette – an independent and skilled nursing facility for older adults
Cradles to Crayons – providing children ages 0 to 12 with the most important basics of life at no charge

On Thursday, a special dinner was held in honor of National Catholic Sisters Week. The students were able to discuss vocations with the Sisters over a “taste of Philly” dinner, which was followed up by a prayer service and evening of sharing.
We are so grateful that the students have shared their time and talents with us, and we wish them the best as they finish their semester at MSU!