Erie Benedictine Sister Marian Wehler and her companion in Catholic Rural Ministry, Sister Tina Geiger, RSM, take ministry to youth very seriously. Recently, the two sisters invited Sister Jacqueline Sanchez-Small, OSB, a millennial member of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, to join them in offering a Confirmation Retreat for 43 students from five parishes in the rural Pennsylvania counties they serve: Venango, Clarion, Forest, and parts of Crawford County.
It was Sister Jacqueline’s first time contributing to a CRM youth retreat. Not as far removed in age from the teens, the personal experiences she shared of the Holy Spirit’s gifts of understanding and wonder and awe in her life resonated with the teens who could then practice seeing the Spirit’s gifts in their lives.
“During a session on synodal-type listening and visioning, and the model of church that Pope Francis is encouraging, we heard a wide of variety suggestions for the future from these young people. It was encouraging to hear them imagining themselves in a future church,” said Sister Marian.
In a final activity, each table group studied a short summary of young person who has brought to life their passion for creating a more just world. Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmentalist who has challenged world leaders to take action on climate change, and Malala Yousafzai, a Paskistani female education activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 when she was 17, were two of the persons studied. Each group of teens then dramatized the young person’s story and identified the gifts of the Holy Spirit needed to make an important difference in the world. As the exercise concluded, one of the teen retreatants exclaimed, “I found out I have a gift! It was the first time I spoke in front of people. I thought I couldn’t do it. But I found my voice!” Such is the way the Holy Spirit works.
The sisters in turn receive fresh hope from the young people’s energy and enthusiasm on their spiritual journeys. Parents gathered with their teens in the church for quiet prayer time and the closing blessing. “At one time, there were many women religious serving in these rural areas. It is a privilege to be there now, if only, infrequently,” said Sister Marian. Elizabeth Beals, who coordinated the retreat, expressed her gratitude saying how much it means to her, other leaders, and parents for the sisters’ help and their presence with the young people.
“I really enjoyed meeting the people of the rural part of the Erie Diocese and was so impressed by Sister Marian and Tina’s dedication to being part of their faith lives,” said Sister Jacqueline as she reflected on the experience. “It is presence that is the heart of Catholic Rural Ministry.”
“We were asked to be women of hope,” Sister Marian said. “Catholic Rural Ministry has been an adventure in relationship building and offering hope,” confirmed Sister Tina. “Traveling to the various church communities giving youth and adult retreats, attending liturgies and parish events, it makes a difference to meet, listen and share with the people year after year.” The two sisters have been a spirit-filled presence in Catholic Rural Ministry many years.
