May I Call You Sister?

"Should I call you sister?" In many settings today I just go by Joan or by Joan Duerst OP.  In several situations in the past few months, however, people have said, "When you introduce yourself be sure to introduce yourself as Sister Joan Duerst."  One was when I was testifying at the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee budget hearing.  on behalf of the 11 x 15 campaign.(reducing the prison population in Wisconsin from22,000 to 11,000 by 2013)  " By introducing yourself as sister, they will know that you are a Catholic leader.  We want it known that people of faith are asking for programs for treatment rather than prison."

What does it mean to be called sister?  There are many times in my life when I was able to be sister to someone in special need of sisterly love and support.  One time I accompanied a woman from our apartment ministry to the hospital.  As she was filling out the admission papers, she asked if she could put me down as the emergency contact.  Relationship?  She wrote "sister."

What does calling me sister mean to you?  Jesus said, "My sisters are those who hear the word of God and do it". Luke 8:21.

Can we call you sister?

Sister Joan Duerst                                                                                                                                                  Monona WI