May 2005 - Sister Patricia Pfenning
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But it is here, 97 miles east of Portland, Oregon, in the craggy outpost of Dufur (population 500), that Sister Patricia Pfenning, SNJM, performs her "ministry of presence," with help from Catholic Extension supporters.
"I came here in 1998 with no idea of what I would be doing, except sharing the experience of a small town and a small town church," she relates with a warm smile. "I've learned over the years that it is the small talk -- the "willing to be with" -- that makes the difference in people's lives."
Given the stark statistic on hunger, Sister got busy right away in the St. Alphonsus mission parish's food pantry. She encouraged parishioners to bring food supplies, and whenever possible, money for toiletries, laundry soap, and other items that cannot be purchased with food stamps.
And before long, people began to show their appreciation for what Sister was bringing to the community.
One bright summer day during picking season, a fire broke out in an orchard and a woman who was working there had her hands badly burned and was unable to drive for several weeks. Sister Patricia drove her to therapy and doctor appointments when her husband, the orchard foreman, couldn't get away. He thanked Sister Patricia by giving her a bucket of cherries. Where food is scarce, a bucket of cherries is currency. And like everything else that comes Sister's way, it was shared.
Sister Patricia regularly takes part in "Potlatch" dinners for seniors from Dufur and surrounding areas. The term is Native American and means "sharing" (which is practically Sister's middle name) and she uses her time to minister to the seniors and "be present" to them - what they perceive as one of the greatest gifts a human being can bestow upon another.
Sister Patricia recalls being present for a 56-year-old man who was dying of abdominal cancer. She visited with him in the hospital.
"I learned what a privilege and grace it is to be with those in their last days," she said. During her time with him, she held his hand and sang softly to him. The family was very grateful and smiled through their tears.
Sister Patricia also brings her singing talent to liturgy. "I work hard to choose songs that will deepen the congregation's experience of the readings," Sister says. On her first Sunday, she was greeted joyfully with someone shouting, "You SING!" With 16 donated CDs of sacred music and a little synthesizer for accompaniment, Sister's music ministry is warmly welcomed in the spare mission chapel of Durfur.
She's very grateful herself for being able to bring the face of God to the people in this small rural town. She's glad for Catholic Extension's donors who help make her ministry possible, and she sees their efforts to support her are every bit as vital as her hands-on ministering to the needs of the people here. It's a community effort, grounded in faith, and carried out with love.
"It's the people who contribute to Catholic Extension who make it possible for me to be present t the people in Dufur," she says. My religious community is generous, but there are many of us to support since we are getting older. Without Catholic Extension, I don't know where I'd go for help."
We hope to continue to help Sister Patricia, so she can continue to help others. If you'd like to make a donation to support Sr. Patricia and other missionaries who work so hard to bring the Faith to deserving Catholics in poor and remote areas, please click here: Donate now, securely