Sisters Susan Bunde and Margaret Ann Murawski enjoyed a full circle celebration of this year’s Catholic Schools Week – first by revisiting their role as educators as they connected with eager students, and second as recognized guests at a Mass led by Bishop William Callahan.
On Monday, the sisters started the week by joining in a lively Q&A and sharing on the topic of vocation with K-4 grade students at Pacelli Catholic Elementary School - St. Stephen’s, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
In between peppering the sisters with questions such as “what is your favorite snack” (popcorn) and “what do you like to do for fun” (work jigsaw puzzles and play computer games), students also showed a deeper curiosity for religious life and what it means to have a meaningful relationship with God. Both sisters agreed that two of the more thoughtful questions asked were “How do you listen to Jesus” and “How did you know you wanted to be a sister?” The sisters noted they were used to being asked “Why did you become a sister,” but felt the distinction of how did you know was a bit of a different twist they had to consider.
In addition to the enthusiastic responses from the students, who were a little disappointed to be limited to asking the sisters only 10 questions, it was a special moment of reunion for some of the teachers. It turned out that the sisters had taught several of St. Stephen’s current teachers in high school. It was fun to see the students' surprised reactions.
Sisters Susan and Margaret Ann wrapped up the visit by gifting prayer cards, bookmarks and Mother Theresa stickers to the students. Before leaving, they were told the students would like to give them a blessing. The students held their hands out while the teacher read the blessing, which the sisters described as “very, very humbling.” In turn, the sisters offered a blessing upon the students too.
“There is a blessing from Mother Theresa that she used to use in the classroom everyday with the students, and so we did that,” said Sister Margaret Ann. “Sister Susan had a picture of Mother Theresa there and held it up so they could see who she was.”
On Friday, the sisters attended a concelebrated Mass with Bishop William Callahan at St. Bronislava Parish, Plover, Wisconsin. Sisters Susan and Margaret Ann presented the offertory gifts, receiving a blessing from the bishop.
Reflecting on the experience, the sisters noted they believed the conversation with the children helped the students see the human side of sisters and religious life.
“It was only 30 minutes, but it was very enjoyable and worthwhile for both of us,” said Sister Susan.