No slouch need apply

Photo Retrieved from the Catholic world Report

Religious life is not simply a matter of sitting around in the chapel and reciting prayers.  There is much work to be done, and sisters often pursue higher education to achieve the necessary qualifications for their ministries.  To think that women religious do not have demanding schedules would be mistaken.

Here are some examples of high achievers in the community where I am staying:

Sr. Edna took a Master's of Theology to work in Religious education in parishes and to become a spiritual director (kind of like a faith counselor).  She runs a spirituality center that has hundreds of retreatants and other visitors during the year.

Sr. Maggie wanted to work in missions in Mexico, so she spent time living there and studying the Spanish language.  Now she is completely fluent.  She opened a school for destitute children and now has 80 kids under her charge on a daily basis, along with a handful of volunteers.

Sr. Marietta plays five musical instruments and while well into her seventies maintains a full schedule of playing the organ for community masses and prayers and teaching a number of students of music.

Sr. Shirley was a science teacher for many years and runs programs for children about the natural environment and science at the Franciscan Earth Literacy center.  She designs the programs herself and teaches them throughout the year, including day camps in the summertime.

Sr. Marcia is proficient at the organ, piano, and choir direction and is employed by five  rural  parishes in their music ministries.

Get the picture?  So roll up your sleeves and get to work.