A Minute with Sister Mary: Courageous Journeys

March 2022: Courageous Journeys

This blog is part of a monthly reflection series from St. Ann's Center CEO, Sister Mary Bader. Find more of these reflections by visiting the archive here: A Minute With Sister Mary.

If you are like me, you grew up hearing the following expression about March weather: “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” 

March begins – as the saying goes – when the late days of winter are still roaring strong. By month’s end, the early days of spring have (hopefully!) ushered in gentler weather.
 
“In like a lion” could certainly also describe the start of this year’s Lenten season. This week, St. Ann’s Center staff and residents marked Ash Wednesday with an intimate distribution of ashes in our Chapel. As we gathered, we also recognized that this first day of Lent fell against a backdrop of great need in our world – especially the need for prayers of peace for the people of Ukraine.
 
In the times – and the headlines – we live in, it can be hard to remember the small signs of hope that surround us daily. It can be difficult to recall that each day is a step along the journey – never a destination in itself.
 
Likewise, St. Ann’s Center is not a destination for the families who live here. Rather, their time with us is a step towards a future of stability, independence, and growth. Often, the young mothers who enter our supportive, transitional housing programs come from their own backdrop of great need and distress. Yet with time, space, and support from St. Ann’s staff, families move from a place of survival to a place of thriving as they plan for the future.
 
One young mother in our Hope House program recently moved herself and her children to their own apartment, after mom earned her C.N.A. certification and obtained a stable nursing job. We are amazed and thrilled for the next season of life for this family! 
 
While our families often seem to succeed overnight, their successes in fact happen through many small steps taken with faith and courage. Our mothers and their children continue to humble me and give me hope, especially as we all move through the next 40 days from Winter to Spring, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.
 
Thank you for making St. Ann’s work possible. Wishing you peace and comfort at the dawn of this Lenten season.

Gratefully,
Sister Mary Bader, CEO

About St. Ann's Center

Mission Statement: St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families strengthens and supports families on their journey toward stability. Inspired by Catholic social teaching and Gospel values, St. Ann's Center provides a nurturing community where families heal from the past, overcome barriers, and take hold of their future.

St. Ann's Center is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to lifting vulnerable children, mothers and families out of poverty and homelessness. Our innovative housing and support programs build upon a family's inherent strengths by providing the tools for life-long independence and self-sufficiency. St. Ann's serves families of all backgrounds and faith identities.

Want to Support St. Ann's Center's Work?

Thank you for considering a gift to help St. Ann’s Center’s work of supporting young, vulnerable women and children on their journey toward stability. Your donation will enable St. Ann's Center to meet the immediate needs of our families and will support the long-term sustainability of our life-changing programs.

Donate here: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter