- August 3, 2020 Community
By Jenny Beatrice, Director of Communications
On June 30, Sister Kathleen Karbowski retired from her 18-years of service supporting the sisters at Nazareth Living Center as part of the Community Life/Health and Wholeness Team. The CSJ community is most grateful for the loving care she has provided to so many sisters. In this interview, we asked her to reflect on her years of service.
What surprised you most in those early days on the job?
When I first started working as the Community Life coordinator with our sisters at Nazareth, I was surprised at how many looked at me as being their “superior” since the title clearly stated “coordinator.” So I was often surprised when a sister would come in and say, “Well I thought I better check this out since you’re the superior.” I would try to clarify that.
How did you approach the job?
In meeting with our sisters, I always tried to affirm them, encourage them to do as much as they could do for themselves, and to say “yes” to whatever they asked for. I learned that many of them had suffered over the years. I tried to help them heal and find comfort in their last days.
What was challenging?
It was challenging to learn the new vocabulary that came with the job because I had spent all my previous ministry in education. I had to learn the jargon. But the nurses and social workers were patient with me.
These last months have been especially difficult because we couldn’t celebrate jubilee and haven’t yet been able to thank and praise God for our sisters who died during this pandemic. It will be a glorious time when we are able to celebrate again with each other.
What was most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of the job was getting to know, love and serve with our sisters. They are full of life and each one is different. I think that may be one of our charisms … each of us reflects different gifts from God and each of us has been willing to share them with others as best we can.
Of all you have brought to the role, what do you think was your greatest gift?
Of course, I was blessed to be able to share my gift of a sense of humor. If you don’t have that, don’t even think of trying to relate to other people and don't bother getting out of bed each morning.
I grew up in a family that loved to laugh and liked to be with one another, and I found that to be true at Nazareth, too. I had a number of sisters tell me over the years that the only reason they came to our monthly community meetings was to hear my jokes at the end of the meeting (and for some, it was to get a donut).
What will you miss?
I already miss going to work, meeting with our wonderful staff and truly being with the sisters. It was always a gift to visit with each one, to meet their families, to listen to their struggles and how they were dealing with them, whether it be with relationships or health concerns. Often we could find some way to alleviate their pain and concerns.
Over the years, what wisdom about aging have you taken to heart?
What I have learned over the years is that aging is difficult. Besides the aches and pains that come physically, it is difficult to lose those you love to death. It is hard to experience your body no longer able to do what was so easily done in the past, to give up ministry (especially if one was involved with people for long periods of time) and to have to say goodbye to people, places and things that gave such comfort and joy.
As you move on to a new period in your life, what do you come away with?
I have been so blessed during these past 18 years because of the blessings I have received from our sisters and staff. They have been very patient with me, laughed at my jokes and 99.9% were a joy to work with and to be with. Many have promised to pray for me, and so it is with great trust and joy that I face my future and my aging.