A Day in the Life of a Sister

Sister Monica Laws, OSF

V.P. Mission Integration

Hospital Sisters Health System

Springfield, Illinois

My day begins and ends probably much like your day. The alarm clock goes off and I stir from the warmth and comfort of my bed, and begin the day’s work. At the end of the day, I kick off my shoes, slide my feet into cushy slippers, and make ready for the next day. Unless of course the next day happens to be Saturday in which case, I turn off my light.

My ministry with Hospital Sisters Health System fosters relationships. The people with whom I interact daily appreciate the friendly exchange and it makes our work area enjoyable. There is always a friendly competition between Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers football fans as well as Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fans in the System offices.

My evenings vary. Sometimes, I volunteer with Mission Outreach sorting and packing donated medical supplies that will benefit clinics around the world. On other occasions, I volunteer at a local shelter. Depending on the need, I make sandwiches, bring cocoa mix or help serve the evening meal. The gratitude of the women and men in line reinforces the need we all have for a kind word and a reassuring smile.

I share a duplex with another Sister. Some evenings I prepare dinner, and she walks across the front porch to my door. Other evenings, I join her in her home. At the table we are nourished through food and fellowship, the news of the day and congregational happenings. Our evening concludes with prayer and faith sharing.

Relationships – with God and my neighbors – like a fine thread unite all that comes my way.