August 2007 - Sister Francine Schuster, ASC
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| Sister Francine Schuster, ASC |
Sister Francine, a nurse and midwife, has a gift of compassion and a tender approach that makes these vulnerable teens feel safe -- sometimes for the first time in their young lives. She sets them on a healthful path that helps ensure that their unborn children are cared for and nourished in the womb, and provides lessons on self-esteem and independent living that represent the first steps toward self-sufficient motherhood.
Casa San Jose receives no state funding, so finding the resources to care for up to 12 young expectant mothers presents a real challenge for Sister Francine. She is grateful to receive some assistance from Catholic Extension to give hope to these troubled young ladies.
"They really want to keep their babies, and they love them - it's just that they feel hopeless to provide for them," Sister Francine said. "They feel wounded and damaged, and need so much love themselves - and it's wonderful when we work with them and see the self-esteem grow and watch them take on more responsibility. In a lot of cases, they have been thrown out of their homes for getting pregnant."
A highlight, Sister Francine said, is when a young lady finishes her GED - or when one gets admitted to college. "These girls have been put down so much in their lives that it feels wonderful when they accomplish something -- especially something that will help their child, too."
What is troublesome to Sister Francine is the perception of God that some girls have when they come to Casa San Jose. "It seems that God is not a personal God to them," Sister Francine says, shaking her head. "In many cases they have never gone to church, and they are in survival mode, so it's hard for them to grasp and believe that God will take care of them. But He surely will."
Sister Francine is active in her community, and has the girls help out with her food pantry and gets them involved in neighborhood outreach. She has even taught a few to drive a car - another useful life skill.
"The best days are when we are sitting around the dinner table like family - laughing and acting silly," Sister Francine said. "And then it hits you -- these girls have never had this. Hopefully, their children will."
Sister Francine needs items like baby clothing, diapers, medical care, and furniture, such as cribs and rocking chairs.
Sister Francine and many other dedicated missionaries work hard to bring God's comfort to America's poor and struggling Catholics. Will you consider helping them with a gift today? Please donate now securely. Thank you.