Novice Mission Experience

Sr. Karol Ann has started her mission experience and will be located at the Franciscan St. James Hospital Convent in Chicago Heights, IL for the next 2 months.


The 5 novices will all be going to separate 'satellite' convent locations.  They had a sendoff from the Mother House in Mishawaka, IN January 16. For a 2-month stay Sr. Karol Ann packed a small duffel bag, a "carry-on" suitcase, and a tote bag with books. Ah, to live so simply. Her room, though still small, has about twice the storage of her room at the Mother House.


There is also another Franciscan St. James Hospital in the Chicago area at Olympia Fields, which is about 5 miles from the Chicago Heights hospital. Sr. Karol Ann will be spending time at both hospitals.  In a normal week, Sr. Karol Ann's writes that her work week will be the following:


    Monday morning:        Cancer Institute - Mammography @ Olympia Fields Hospital
    Monday afternoon:      Cancer Institute - Infusion Center @ Olympia Fields
    Tuesday, Thursday:     Finance Department @ Chicago Heights Hospital
    Wednesday morning:   Lullaby Birthplace Nurse's Station @ Chicago Heights          
    Wednesday afternoon: Chicago Waiting Room @ Chicago Heights
    Friday morning:           Business Transformation Department @ Olympia Fields
    Friday afternoon:         Guest Services Guest @ Olympia Fields


A varied set of experiences indeed! The first week, Sr. Karol Ann spent a lot of time with Sr. Petra, who is on the leadership team as Mission Representative. She described Sr. Petra as so smart, so articulate, well respected, always standing up for the Franciscan mission, and doing such a good job of greeting each person while walking through the hospital. Sr. Karol Ann enjoyed attending several leadership team meetings and better understanding the overall hospital mission.


In addition to her other daily activities, Sr. Karol Ann will participate with the other Sisters at the convent in the following prayer schedule:


    Monday-Friday:
          6:10 am - Morning Prayer (Convent Chapel)
          6:45 am - Mass (Hospital Chapel)
          5:30 pm - Adoration (Convent Chapel)
          5:40 pm - Evening prayer, recreation
    Saturday:
          7:15 am - Morning Prayer
          7:40 am - Leave for Mass (at a local parish)
          5:00 pm - Evening Prayer, rosary
    Sunday:
          8:30 am - Morning Prayer
          9:00 am - Mass (Hospital Chapel)
          4:00 pm - Holy Hour, Evening Prayer


Needless to say, Sr. Karol Ann will stay active!