Mission is more than ministry

So often I think of “ministry” and “mission” as synonymous, both meaning “work” or “job.” As a candidate, conversations with sisters have challenged me to broaden my understanding of mission to include the other pillars of Dominican life: study, prayer, and community. 

Investing relationships of love, trust, and mutuality with one another to build community offers a powerful witness.  In the broader culture as productivity-oriented Americans, our identity is closed tied with what we do from nine to five.  When we meet someone for the first time, we generally tell them our job title, and ask them theirs.  We tend to define ourselves on what we do rather than how we are with one another.  Of course ministries – teaching, preaching, social justice work, direct service, legislative advocacy – are important for apostolic women and all committed Christians. 

However – especially in our polarized nation and world – our relationships with each other are equally important.   As Catholic Christians who profess belief in God as Trinity – perfect, mysterious, self-giving love between Creator, Christ and Spirit – we have a model of community and right relationship.  To be “on mission” is not only to work to build a holy and just church and society in our work, but also in community. 

How do you live the fullness of mission – including and beyond what you do during the work day?

Rhonda Miska

Sinsinawa, WI