Sister Jane, born in Reading, Pennsylvania, first met the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia when she began her studies at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Jane soon realized that the sisters were influencing more than her study of nursing techniques and patient care. Three of the sisters were particularly influential: Sister Margarella O’Neill, the former Sister Theolinda, and Sister Bernard James (now all deceased). “Their acceptance had a great impact on my life—which helped my self-image and courage,” Sister Jane recalled. “Their life with God was what I was yearning for—although I didn’t really know it then.”
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Sister Jane chats with Sister Cecil Gabriel who seems to be enjoying her dinner. |
Jane earned her R.N. at St Joseph’s. After graduation she entered the congregation in 1965, professed her first vows in 1968, and later earned a BSN from Neumann University in Aston. Over the years Sister Jane’s ministry in healthcare took her to various hospitals in both Wilmington, Delaware and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Toward the end of 2001, she was working in the home healthcare department at St. Agnes Hospital in Philadelphia when she learned about an opening for an administrator at Assisi House. Interested in a change of ministry, Sister Jane applied for the position, was interviewed, and began her new ministry in February 2002.
A Typical Day at Assisi House
For Sister Jane, a typical day begins when the sisters gather for breakfast at 7:30 A.M. Morning rounds begin at 8:30 and Sister Jane visits the various units to check on the sisters and to learn of any special concerns. At 11 A.M. she joins the sisters for liturgy followed by lunch. The remaining hours are spent either at meetings, working in her office, or participating in the various planned activities: movies, outside entertainment, pet therapy, etc.
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Sister Jane checks with maintenance supervisor John Stufflet to make sure that all systems are running smoothly at Assisi House. |
And What About the Sisters at Assisi House?
Sister Jane described the sisters as gentle, prayerful, Franciscan women who have either chosen to come to Assisi House because they sensed that “it was time” or who were assigned as residents after a critical incident. “The sisters, on the whole, are gracious and grateful for all that you do for them,” Sister Jane said. “Yet they want to remain independent for as long as possible.”
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The sisters at Assisi House enjoy a variety of activities and celebrations. Here Sister Jane poses with Lady Liberty at the Fourth of July celebration. |
Presently the sisters are not admitted to Assisi House according to levels of care but plans are on the horizon for this type of procedure. “This will take time,” Sister Jane explained, “but we are working on what we need to set this in motion.”
When the sisters become residents of Assisi House, they are very conscious of the fact that theirs is a very special ministry—prayer ministry. For many people this is an unfamiliar concept. When sisters are in active ministry, their prayer life motivates their mission and their work. During retirement, the sisters who are missioned to prayer ministry have more time to reflect, to pray, and to support the work of the sisters in active ministries.
What About Your Ministry Enriches You Most?
For Sister Jane, ministry at Assisi House is about being sister with the sisters, about hearing their stories, and about providing them with the love and support they need—especially in the dying process.
“Assisi House is a holy place on holy ground because of the sisters who reside here,” she explained. “There is a peacefulness about the house. I never thought I would want to be at Assisi House but once you are here, you’re hooked—and it is Good!
