Sisters Joseph Fillenwarth and Ann Casper: What does it mean to you to be a Catholic Sister today?

Note: Here is the fourth blog in our series celebrating Catholic Sisters Week, which concludes on March 14, 2020. During the week, many sisters will share here on our blog what being a sister means to them. Sister Joseph Fillenwarth and Sister Ann Casper have written the fourth of such blog posts below.

Sister Joseph Fillenwarth, director, Providence Food Pantry

To be a Catholic sister today means I have to live my life fully as a dedicated Christian. My life is not any different from any other Christian. We are all called to live a life filled with Love! As a Catholic sister, I feel I was given the privilege to living my life in a special way with my vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. My vows give me the freedom to live each day in greater service to others. I feel I have an obligation to set a good example to others as how to live a life fully dedicated to serving others with love He has asked of us.

Today, as religious sisters, we can’t expect the habit to set us apart, but our way of life should be an example for others to follow our actions into full service and love for all. Jesus said, “Follow Me!” and we have to be ready to do our best and answer the call. It isn’t easy! But we have ALL been given the invitation!

Pray for our young people today, that they may answer His call and “follow!”

Sister Ann Casper, Providence Community Cemetery Minister

Being a Catholic sister today means that I am part of a religious congregation (not a solo presence or a solo voice) who values a life of prayer, simplicity, single-heartedness and listening to God’s call.

Being a Sister of Providence is just icing on the cake because our community is vibrant, creative, joy filled and lives a sense of mission that is undaunted.