My inspiration comes from Psalm 150: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Alleluia!
My parents were devout Catholics and raised us to love God above all else and to love every person no matter what his/her background. Our home and table were open to everyone — family, friend, and “stranger.” That philosophical way of life has stuck and continues to guide the way I live.
During 28 years with the Sisters of Charity of Rolling Hills, I was able to minister as a physical therapist doing home therapy, and as a 7th grade teacher in local Catholic schools. I developed and introduced special religious education programs; trained priests; established a summer camp for physically and mentally challenged persons in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; assisted Hispanic families and helped to re-settle Vietnamese refugees. I also worked in California Universities and in Bangkok, Thailand training teachers.
In 1991, I moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to teach in the education department of Aquinas College. It was here that I lived and worshipped with the Grand Rapids Dominicans and grew to love them and their way of meeting each person as a beloved child of God. I decided, after much discernment, that I wanted to live the rest of my religious life with them. After transferring, I was privileged to be missioned to Peru, Guatemala, Honduras, and the mountain villages of the Dominican Republic. I also served in Florida, New Mexico, Michigan, and Illinois. In those years, I mostly ministered with Hispanic persons as teacher trainer, pastoral associate, and director of religious education.
Now that I am retired due to Parkinson’s Disease, I am not retired. Do we ever really retire? No! I continue working as a receptionist at Aquinata Hall, and as a mentor with Hispanic prisoners through Crossroads Bible Studies. I am an active member of the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation, a contributing member of a variety of congregational committees, and a loving caretaker for my many plants.
Although “retired” Sr. Phyllis stays busy, working as a receptionist at Aquinata Hall, caring for her many plants, and sharing her voice for justice and peace.
