Extending the Table

I’m blogging from a welcome table set up in an Acme parking lot. Piled high on the table are free faith and life-enhancing materials that our parish team sets out for any interested passerby. In the spirit of the new evangelization in the Catholic Church, extending the table includes such “street ministry.” No proselytizing in our mission here – we are just a simple presence, offering a connection or conversation, with our table visitors. 

 

Somehow, sitting at this table today, makes me think of all the tables that have been part of my life over the 50 years I’ve spent as a Sister of Saint Joseph: work tables, lunch tables, prayer tables, meeting  tables, and more. I think of all the persons who have gathered around them with me – to share faith, fun, agendas, food and drink, planning – all in some way, for the common good. So many relationships began, developed, and were renewed around those tables.

Especially core and enduring for me are the tables I’ve shared with Sisters of Saint Joseph. Around those tables, we’ve shared the daily and patient passage to community, not only for ourselves, but also for the life of the world. I feel a deep indebtedness to our sisters for the compassionate goodness of God that they have offered to me, to all persons, and to creation.

Recently, I spoke with one of our sisters who is recovering from a brain injury. At the time of our conversation, she was seated at a scrabble table with other residents in various stages of recovery. She exudes a healing presence at the rehab, a healing presence that obviously matters to all gathered with her at that table. Somehow, her healing presence matters to all of us.

On another occasion this month, at the dining room tables of our Motherhouse, our sisters led an “Offering of Letters Campaign.” They invited all who could come to the table to advocate for better child nutrition.

Extending the table responds to the call to discipleship. Extending the table emanates from the Eucharistic Table, the source of all grace and mission. As I sit comfortably outside the Acme today, words  that many Sisters of Saint Joseph treasure, come to mind:“How great is the love to which we are called; how deep the responsibility.” Yes, I do think we have a responsibility. There is a place for us and our Associates at many extended tables.

Sister Pat Kelly SSJ

Sister Pat Kelly enjoyed many years in educational and SSJ congregational administration ministries. She is currently the Evangelization Director at Saint Andrew Parish in Newtown, PA.