Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

How do we change, but remain the same? The Core Values of Felician Village include “Transformation.” This value is about following the Holy Spirit, encouraging open minds, hearts and discussion in fostering new ideas for continual growth and flourishing. Change is necessary to move forward. As a community, we need to understand the change, what might be lost if we remain static, and what is required for us to move forward.

It has been more than a week since we celebrated the 138 years of service of the Felician Sisters at this ministry and their departure. We are a Felician Sponsored ministry moving forward, but there is a gap where the Sisters were. Though small in stature, the three women who served here in recent years were huge in impact. And now, we must transform. We must continue to fulfill the mission of Felician Village in a new way.

The first days of this new situation have required us to shift our roles. Because we have been well prepared for change, we are able to adapt here. The Sisters have instilled the Felician charism into all that we do here. So, moving forward and carrying that mission out on our own is clearly possible and is happening.

I think of churches that have stood the test of time. Buildings that are hundreds of years old have been built to remain places of sanctuary for the faithful for the ages. The spire may need repair, but it still points us to heaven. The cemetery needs continual care to help us remember the faithful who have passed into eternal life before us. The pews may need care to comfortably seat those present in the church to praise God and seek God’s support and love.

We are moving through the change effectively because we have been prepared. We have been aware of what it means, and we desire to continue the beauty of this ministry in the path that the Sisters have laid for us. We have the knowledge to accomplish the mission through a willingness to have important dialogues about continuing the healing ministry of Jesus by providing compassionate care that respects the dignity of each person we serve. Change is expected. Constancy is required.

Blessed Angela: “Thank Him humbly for this grace and do not cease to praise Him in your hearts!”