Bishop Weisenburger honors Sisters with Mass & Luncheon
Story and photos by Karen Bonar, editor of The Register
Along with 10 priests, Bishop Edward Weisenburger celebrated Mass May 3 in recognition and appreciation for religious sisters serving in the diocese.
Bishop Weisenburger said the annual event is something he enjoys.
“To be able to pray with and for you is such a blessing,” he said during the opening moments of Mass.
During his homily, the bishop reflected upon the past, present and future, with a focus on gratitude.
“I have gratitude for what you have been, what you are today and what you will do in the future,” Bishop Weisenburger said.
The luncheon had a light-hearted air to it.
“Ladies, this purse goes with my shoes, but it’s still not mine,” Bishop Weisenburger said as he brought a purse in that one of the sisters left in a pew following Mass.
The annual Mass and luncheon is something many of the sisters said they are excited to attend.
“We’re all aging,” Sister Shirley Meier, CSJ said. “It’s important to keep in touch with those that are younger and meet sisters from other communities who are here.”
In all, about three dozen religious sisters from both the CSJ community and the Madres attended the event. Following Mass, members of the chancery staff and priests served the sisters lunch.
Sister Doris Marie, the pastoral associate at St. Mary in Ellis, said she thinks an event to recognize religious communities is important.
“I think it’s important for the younger people to see religious,” she said. “That there is a value to the religious life.”-