In Osborne, Kan.

(Published Feb. 27, 2009)
By Sister Beverly Carlin

Perhaps you remember the song “Where Everyone Knows Your Name” from the popular TV show Cheers. As I reflect upon growing up in St. Aloysius parish in Osborne this song continues to play through my mind. Oh, how true it was that “everyone knew your name” or the family to which you belonged. As one of eleven Carlin kids, they may have called me by one of my sibling’s names yet I knew that they were interested in what I was doing and concerned for me.

This care and concern for me and my family over the years has been evident in a variety of ways. The following is just a few of the many memories which come to mind:

….when we lost our family home due to a fire yet we experienced God’s tender care for us through the hands and giving hearts of our community.

…receiving my First Communion from Fr. Lonegan

….being introduced to the Saints and becoming captivated by them through the diligent teaching of Marcella Roach. I remember telling my classmates that we were all to become saints. I believe this is one of the early times in my life of my knowing that ALL of US are called to be HOLY.

…our CYO retreat/ski trip in Colorado which helped me to know Jesus more intimately.

…the wedding celebrations of family and friends in which they professed their vows as husband and wives.

….the funeral Mass in which we celebrated and offered prayers of thanksgiving for my dad’s life. I was overwhelmed by everyone’s support and care for us during this time.

….and having so many from home witness as I professed my final vows as a Sister of St. Joseph of Concordia.

The phrase “where everyone knows your name” speaks of belonging, being cared for, accepted and loved for you. The St. Aloysius parish community has helped form this within me. They have imprinted upon me is sense of belonging and being cared for when others “know my name”. The feeling of people “knowing” who I am is like a homing device for my soul. Unconsciously, I seek this sense of being known wherever I may be. Perhaps we all do because we are each known and cared for by God and thus it is then that our souls know they are at “home” in God.