Reflection by Sister Ellen

I officially began at St. Al’s on July 1, 2004 and it has been a real gift to me. On September 15 ^th, 2015 I celebrated fifty years as a member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the majority of my ministry has been in the Diocese of Marquette in Pastoral Ministry.

At St. Al’s my ministry is varied. Much of it is a ministry of presence and prayer. I am involved in marriage preparation to help couples enhance their relationship by discussing important topics including communication, problem-solving, religion, dual careers, parenting, intimacy, finances, etc.

Connected with the pre-marriage sessions, I do a variety of counseling: spiritual direction; marriage counseling; and just listening to students who are suffering from many different issues.

Each week I lead RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) sessions to help those interested examine the teachings of the Catholic Church. We use the Lectionary for the Sunday Masses as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church. More often than not, this results in the people entering the Catholic Church. There is a “team” that is supportive of this process and often they learn as much as those on the investigative journey.

Within the Diocese I do a number of retreats at the Diocesan Retreat Center, Marygrove. These are both directed retreats (generally based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius) and guided retreats for women.

Along the way, I am a listening ear and a supportive heart for students, “year-round parishioners,” and parents.