The St. Ephrem Community and the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood are mourning the loss of a dear friend, sister and associate. This week, our dear Sister Pauline returned home to God.A Josephite Sister for more than 50 years, Pauline was the director of our parish's Spirituality Center.
She was the backbone of our bereavement ministry, spiritual direction program, centering prayer sessions, faith formation programs and coordinator of all our Advent and Lenten Retreats and Prayer Services.
An upbeat member of our staff, Pauline could have always been counted on to roll up her sleeves and dive into any project that passed her way. She also led and coordinated small faith sharing groups and a book review club. She had a great sense of humor and was always willing to give a person a chance to express themselves.
Tonight, I had the opportunity to speak with our Pastor, Msgr. Peter Kain, who rushed home from his annual retreat. We fondly remembered her as a true "Gentle and prayerful woman" who touched the lives of so many people.
I first met Pauline over ten years ago when I started to become active in parish ministry. Without her knowing much about me, she offered me a chance to run a devotional series on the "Lives of the Saints." I never forgot the opportunity but more importantly, I was grateful for the confidence she expressed in me. Later on we worked together on the Liturgy Committee as well as the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion ministry.
She touched just about every aspect of parish life. Pauline was able to encourage and guide so many women and men to become active in lay ministry.
Since the end of last year, she battled her illness with great dignity. Never looking for sympathy, she desired only prayers. I was extremely grateful she was able to share my joy on Ordindation day this past May. (Photo: Pauline and I enjoying a moment at my ordination reception)
Although we are all going to miss her, her prayerful and dedicated spirit is alive and well in our community. Please remember Pauline, her family and her Sisters in your prayers. "Requiescat in pace"
2 comments:
Dear Deacon Stucchio,
Thank you very much for taking the time to chronicle some of Sr. Pauline Day’s work accomplishments during her time with St. Ephrem’s parish. While Sr. Pauline, or as I knew her, “Aunt Pauline”, certainly shared some of her working experiences with me, you have certainly provided more details than I had been previously aware of and I’m grateful for you doing so. It has certainly been a difficult time for everyone who knew and loved Sr. Pauline, but through remembrances such as yours, it certainly helps us through the grieving process, as we can gain a better perspective of what a wonderful and courageous woman Sr. Pauline was. God Bless you, all of the parishioners of St. Ephrem’s and the especially all of the Sisters who were such a large part of her life.
Keith T. Day – Sr. Pauline’s Nephew
Keith - thank you so much for your kind words. I am glad I was able to help during this most difficult time. Your aunt was a beautiful woman, she taught me and countless others so much about ourselves, our potential and how to minister to God's people. After I finished writing this post, I realized how much more she accomplished. I will miss her tremendously. Please know that you and your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
God's blessings always, Dcn Tony
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