Re: Vicki and Lynn RE: ANN-MARIE - Chit Chat

December 31, 2001

Dear Vicki,

Actually, Tootsie, I don't think I'LL see a woman pope in my lifetime,

either, but the thought is sure nice. I smiled when I read about the

difficulty with up/down--this nun SITS for the entire Mass.

(Sometimes I stand up for the Gospel if I am not dead, but I don't kneel or

genuflect any more. I could do it with effort but it just adds unnecessary

wear and tear on the 'ole joints. I think God would rather have me put on

the mileage in the classroom and sit in Church.

Most of our Sisters attend Mass every day. We have a great chaplin who has

a small apartment here in our Provincial Center. Father Bill is super and

is only 50, so we are lucky for the daily mass. However, now for the

trick--most days it is at 6:30 a.m. (except the week ends). I don't get up

any more--I just need the sleep too badly. We have a Friday Mass with the

kids at 10:30 during school time, so that is nice.

It is one way I have had to change my lifestyle. Once I was " chatting "

about this point with our superior and told her " There are about 35 people

on my internet list you could interview, honey, and they wouldn't be getting

up, either! " I had a chance to educate her in rheumatic diseases (i.e., I

know I look fine, but I am not.)

Lynn--I've heard from others that the priests and nuns in St. Louis in the

50's, 60's, and 70's were something else! Maybe they all needed to run

around the Arch about 10 times a day. I think what is a challenge with ANY

institution is the " black and white " thinking. Morals and values become

absolutes, but sometimes in a way that leaves no room for common sense

(issues like divorce and birth control, I think). I guess I am extra

sensitive because I grew up in a a pretty abusive home where EVERYTHING was

black and white. It can easily anger me as an adult when I see it

elsewhere.

Anyway, enough babbling. Happy New Year. If the white smoke ever rises and

they elect me as the first woman pope, you'll be the first to know!

Ann-Marie

P.S. I DO like the little chair they carry him around on, though...nice on

the legs!!!

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