March 9, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.

SISTER STORIES

SISTER STORIES
SISTER STORIES
Sister Grace Bacon, CSJ
I look forward to the fulfilling connections I am able to make every day. In March 2021, I was looking to do something different, so I started volunteering at the Tool Box in Watervliet, a thrift store specifically for tools. Many of the tools brought in carry stories with them and the past owners are always ready to share. Sometimes, people buy tools just because they hold a memory they do not want to let go of; others just come in to see what new items have been donated since they have last been in. No matter the reasoning behind everyone’s visit, the stories and connections make me thank God for the blessings that I have.

Sister Charla Commins, CSJ
I have been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for nearly 60 years. For 45-plus years, I have ministered as a social worker for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. For over three decades, I have served as the executive director of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

In my position as executive director, I oversee a wide array of services to the poor and vulnerable in the tri-county communities. I am also responsible for the fiscal oversight of the agency, including grant writing and fundraising discretionary dollars, exploring unmet needs in our service area, and relating to other community not-for-profit agencies to together convey our work against injustice and the reduction of poverty. I also sit on many boards of directors where we strive to be the conscience of our communities and government, sharing the challenges of deprivation to those who do not share this condition.

One of my most important roles is to provide a working environment where staff are inspired, supported and appreciated. I am passionate about the services they provide with compassionate, competent care, often in extremely difficult situations. Serving all people regardless of race, creed or lifestyle has allowed us to journey with people during the most challenging times of their lives and to witness their strength and resilience to get through those trying situations. It has been a gift and a privilege to journey with them and with our staff who serve them so well.

Sister Francine Dempsey, CSJ
As a partially retired sister, I practice ministry in two areas: social justice and writing (often I combine them). My social justice ministry happens through my membership in two groups: the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee (JPIC) of the Sisters of St. Joseph; and Women Against War, a Capital District lay women’s project that began with active resistance to America’s war against Iraq and has continued since then working to end America’s endless wars. The JPIC Committee works to spread information and action on Catholic Social Justice issues — for example, hunger, racism and other local and global problems. Both committees hold monthly planning meetings, after which members assist in the projects we select.

I love to write. I live that love as a ministry by publishing mostly personal essays about my sense of the links between social justice, social action and spirituality. Over the years, in pondering these concerns, I usually start with a question for God, as in an early essay, “What is this mentally broken Vietnam War veteran telling me?” or, most recently, “What is this pandemic chaos telling me?”

Sister Mary Ellen Putnam, CSJ
Growing up, I spent many hours working with my dad as a woodworker. His constant mantra was, “There is no such word as can’t; figure it out,” which has stayed with me all these years. I opened the CSJ Woodshop in 2000 and taught sisters woodcarving and woodworking. After closing the shop in 2016, I continue to use my talents in the Art from My Heart Studio, working on smaller wood projects. I am also a member of the Northeastern Woodworking Association (NWA), meeting weekly with other woodworkers.  Why do I love working with wood? Wood tells us its life/death cycle through its awesome grain patterns. There is an energy in wood that nourishes my body and soul, connecting me very deeply with my Mother Earth.

Also, during the COVID pandemic, I wrote five books of original poetry and photography. My purpose in writing these books was to bring the outside in for those who are unable to go out, again, my connection with nature. Writing poetry has always been the fruit of my daily meditations and reflection. I believe nature is God’s journal. I am so deeply grateful to my God for so generously blessing me with these gifts and talents.

Sister Mary Ann Rodgers, CSJ
These past seven years, I have been fortunate to minister at Shaker Pointe (Independent Senior Housing Community) as resident coordinator. More recently, I am blessed to live there as well. I have long believed that every experience prepares us for the next phase of our lives. Ministering here has called forth all of my gifts. Being a welcoming presence, engaging new residents into the Shaker Pointe Community, resourcing residents and families as we all face the challenges of aging in place, is truly an honor. The values of inclusivity, hospitality and community are at the core of being a Sister of St. Joseph.

The holistic lifestyle here enhances body, mind and spirit, enabling all of us to stay engaged in meaningful, purposeful living. As a woman religious I know how essential spirituality is to our personal growth, and there are a variety of ways to participate from lectures and religious discussions to meditation and monthly Communion services to name a few. Many of our Sisters of St. Joseph call Shaker Pointe home and being part of this community continues to keep our mission of caring for the dear neighbor alive and well.

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