Sister Regina Ann Brummel

(Published Dec. 26, 2008)
As Sisters of St. Joseph, we celebrate June, 2008- June, 2009 as our 125th anniversary in Concordia, Kansas. Answering God’s call requires a joyful heart and glad willingness to serve wherever we are needed, and hundreds of us have responded over the years.

I am grateful to be among those called. As a young woman graduating from SS. Peter and Paul High School in Boonville, Missouri, I initially had other plans for my future. Something about the Sisters of St. Joseph attracted me, however, and I realized that the only thing that would give true meaning to my life was a close relationship with Jesus. Through life in the community of Sisters and real efforts to grow spiritually, I have come to understand who Jesus is for me.

I know Jesus as He who has called me to be his friend, partner, and sister in leading others to God the Father. I still remember the day in my seventeenth year when I was first struck by the scriptural message that God wants to have a family of many sons and daughters, and that Jesus is my brother. This means that I, since my baptism, have been part of that wonderful family. It took a moment of faith and inspiration to realize that this was the whole meaning of my life.

When I accepted His call to join the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kansas, I knew that Jesus wanted to deepen my life purpose in a special way. He has called me to use my God-given talents in helping other people to realize that we are truly happy only when we search for union with the Father through His Holy Spirit. We can do that only by following our brother, friend, and partner, the Son Jesus.

At Christmas we celebrate His birth and our adoption into His family. We Sisters of St. Joseph have worked so that our sisters and brothers can live with dignity. We have educated and healed, and continue our commitment to bring peace through justice wherever we are in the world.

Our 125th anniversary in Concordia, Kansas is a moment of rebirth. We invite others to follow Jesus with us wherever we can serve His people, and look toward a vibrant and joyful future as Sisters of St. Joseph.