- June 2, 2020
Ellen made her initial commitment as a CSJ associate on March 17, 1995, and her ongoing commitment on September 8, 1999. She resides in Natick, Massachusetts.
How does it feel to be celebrating 25 years as an associate?
This is more of a commemoration, a time of revisiting and discovering my roots in the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph. It is interesting to explore spending many years as a vowed member and many years as an associate. At this point of commemoration, I seem to feel the need to think in a forward-facing manner and that there are likely many forms of living a life rooted in God—association is one form. It is the form for which I am grateful.
Why did you decide to become an associate?
It was a way to maintain connection to a spirituality, a faith orientation that was already deeply part of me. It was a bit of an adventure to see where this new form of being in relationship would lead. I think the truth for me is that it was an opportunity to be grounded in a spiritual ancestry that was expressive of my being.
What is it about the CSJs that you love so much?
The idea of “living a life hidden in Christ” and other spiritual (Eucharistic) constructs that I find in the writings of Fr. Medaille are at one with inner orientations I experience. This opportunity is a refinement of beliefs developed as a child. So the spiritual refinements embedded in the legacy of the congregation resonate within me. It may be old-fashioned, maybe not, but the notion of the mystical body of Christ does hold me and fascinate me. It is "mystical"—something to experience—and something that dances in mystery. So it is part of me and how I operate. I was drawn to community and working together to celebrate liturgy and the liturgical cycle. I still am.
What is your ministry? Tell us a bit about it.
I am a nurse, and I do health economics and outcomes research in a small consultancy group. I bring both clinical and epidemiologic knowledge to the projects we do. I also do background exploration for friends to help them with healthcare decisions and even just to frame up conversations to have with caregivers so they are empowered and experience a little control. At heart, I am a geek or maybe a nerd, but medical science is fascinating. So, anything I can do to help someone with this geeky curiosity I have is joyful for me.
Are you involved in any volunteer work?
I am a Eucharistic minister for a skilled nursing facility. This is likely the greatest privilege in life. I am also an ombudsman for another skilled facility. Many residents have challenges with mental health, physical health or both. I strive to make sure there is no abuse and also residents get to enjoy simple things like sports games. I check on their food and campaign to get their holidays well celebrated. The best thing is to help a resident find their voice and problem-solve for themselves.
How do you live out the CSJ charism in your daily life and work?
So I live way out "in the world." I hope I am good and compassionate and competent in my life. I know that any virtue that might be manifest in me comes from that basic "hidden-ness" and participation in the mystical body. I think we each have gifts and mine, perhaps, is mentoring others. It has always seemed important to help young nurses and, now, young researchers, reach deep inside and find their gifts and competence and use them for the betterment of our world. I do see the challenge of blending the household life with living a life hidden in God to be important to the longer-term extension of the special mission in the CSJ charism.
What are your hobbies?
Recently, I have been dabbling with photography. I have created a couple of books. Taking photos of birds and flowers are my favorites.