My supervisor at Providence Medical Center was Sister Kathleen Kircher, SNJM. Her leadership and guidance were not just better than the eight direct supervisors I had at Deere & Company, but they were a source of inspiration and respect. It was Sister Kathleen who first drew me to the SNJM charism. Her dedication and commitment to her work were evident, and I was inspired to learn more about SNJM associates and to be affiliated, despite my initial belief that men from a different Christian Religious denomination would not be considered for SNJM association.
Sister Kathleen encouraged me (she actually paved the way) to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree. She asked me to join a D.Min group that Sister Cecilia Ranger was forming. While working towards the D.Min. degree, I learned that I indeed would be welcomed as an associate. I had learned about Marie-Rose Durocher and asked about becoming an associate. SNJM’s charism resonates with me because it indeed helps me see the signs of the times and shows me how to react to them.
What continues to draw me to the SNJM charism?
I continue to be drawn to the SNJM charism by their focused stands to address the ills of this world; i.e., child trafficking, racial prejudice, and a place to discuss these and water. This is more than lip service. We study and put programs in place to correct those places where justice is ignored. We live in desperate times, and these subjects are the focus of our books and our encouragement to take action to address these issues. SNJM provides subjects without fear. The purpose of the studies is to move us to action.
What are the areas of your ministry?
Partners in Hope – American Baptist Missions to Mexico (4 Trips – worked in the slums; microloans and medical clinic construction)
Chaplain at Providence Hospital
Chaplain at Serenity Hospice