By Sr. Phyllis Wilhelm, OSF
Special to Catholic Herald
Rural ministry is 'God's gift to me,' says Sister
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According to Sr. Phyllis Wilhelm, people in a rural setting depend on each other for support. 'I find the community I need with the other Sisters in the diocese and the associate members of my religious community,' she said. (Photo by Sam M. Lucero) |
As I take time to pray and reflect on my ministry in rural areas, I find that I have so much to be grateful for. Having no experience in large parishes or cities, I cannot begin to tell you which is better. However, I can tell you the smallness of most rural parishes lends a flavor of family and closeness that I will always cherish. As in most families, there are disagreements and partings, but the affection is still there.
In the Bayfield area, the population has fluctuated and economic opportunities have diminished over the years. Most of the people work at seasonal jobs for a minimum wage. Many owners of businesses exist from season to season, depending on tourists and God's grace to survive.
Working on and near the Red Cliff Reservation, we find the Indian Health Service and Food Distribution Center to be a wonderful asset for our people. The Health Center is open to all people with an available physician, eye clinic and pharmacy. The Food Distribution Center allows those on low income to receive a supply of food for the month.
All of this becomes more necessary as the economic base of the Bayfield area shifts. The poverty and economic instability of the area are reflected in the budget of our parishes. Living in a rural, economically unstable area causes one to become more inventive. As parish ministers, we live by faith that somehow God will help us to find money, strength and grace to continue.
Bishop Frederic Baraga came here in the 1800s using snow shoes and walking miles to minister to the people. He set the example of rural ministry for most of us. The Franciscan Fathers, the diocesan priests and Sisters have been around for more than 100 years. They have brought their own gifts and influences to the people.
In this cluster of diverse cultures, I have had the chance and challenge to be a part of the spiritual growth of the whites and Native Americans. Our parish liturgies are much like those in neighboring parishes with people coming together for weekend liturgies and special events. Our Native Americans offer us much in the spirit of prayer and tradition. Their respect for nature and their love of the Great Spirit is so like our Franciscan spirituality.
In a rural setting, we depend on each other for support. I live up in the northwoods, miles away from my religious community. This is at times a hardship. I miss the community gatherings and support. I chose to continue to minister here. I find the community I need with the other Sisters in the diocese and the associate members of my religious community.
Knowing almost everyone in our parishes, the town and reservation is a true gift. It is comforting to go into our churches and know almost every person by name.
As a woman religious, I hope that I reflect the important role of women religious in the church ... that women religious can serve as models of leadership for others ... that women religious can give visible witness to a consecrated life filled with peace and happiness.
What I find essential is to offer acceptance and love. As a Franciscan Sister, I hope that I can bring the gentleness and peace of St. Francis to the people. I hope to bring a spirit of prayer.
Evangelization is often accomplished through example rather than words. This is the challenge I find myself facing. Can I bring others to Christ and to the church by who I am and how I live? Rural ministry places me in contact with many small parishes which form our cluster. Each group has its own spirit and energy. They each energize me in their own way and, hopefully, I can give them the gift of myself in return.
Some ask me why I stay in ministry in the northwoods. Why not go back to Joliet and be with my Sisters? That is sometimes hard to explain. It is difficult to adequately describe the benefits of being here. I have found friends who are willing to walk a journey of faith with me.
My journey is walked with the people who share morning prayer and daily liturgy, those who come to the weekend liturgies to pray and sing, the Native Americans who share their traditions, the associates of my religious community, and the elders with whom I share evening meals at the elder center.
My journey is shared with those who have made Cursillo and come together weekly to pray. It is shared with those who come to our monthly family nights to share food, thoughts and prayer.
Rural ministry is my way of answering God's call to be with and to serve his people. Rural ministry is God's gift to me.
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2001