Sister Ruth Brings graciously responded to the invitation to share about herself, her missions, and her ministry. The School Sisters of St. Francis have had a great influence on Sister Ruth since her grade school years. In her own words, she takes us through the significant and meaningful events that have shaped her life:
“St. Francis Xavier Parish in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, nurtured many vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Throughout grade school, my teachers were School Sisters. I liked school and the sisters who taught me. The stirring to become a ‘sister like them’ began early in my grade school years.
The community I entered in the 1960s lived by very strict rules and prayed often. Sisters wore the full habit. While I was in formation, changes began to happen in the Catholic Church and religious life. I welcomed the changes, and still pray often.
I was most ‘like a School Sister’ when I was fully engaged in the community as a Provincial Assembly delegate and when I served as an Area Coordinator. I also felt the spirit ofcommunity by attending Spirituality Conferences and liturgies at St. Joseph Convent.
I have always felt encouraged, valued, and supported by our community leaders, especially during times of struggle and difficulty in my ministry. I am eternally grateful to them. The School Sisters helped form the values I hold today.
Early in my ministerial years, I discerned that I liked working with people, liturgy, and religion. I also discovered that I had a talent for organizing – people often told me so. For most of my years in ministry, I used my organizational skills to share the Good News of our faith with children, adults, and later in life, with seniors.
Many of those years I ministered with young children, and their parents. I especially enjoyed preparing them to receive the sacraments. I felt joy, love, and happiness when everything came together during the liturgical celebration. I had the privilege of preparing hundreds of children for their First Communion.
As I got older, I enjoyed ministering with elderly adults and the sick, often accompanying them and their family as they made their way to their eternal home. Being present at a death was a sacred moment, for their loved ones and for me.”
These memories and meaningful experiences have helped shape Sister Ruth’s deep dedication and identity as a School Sister of St. Francis. Thank you, Sister Ruth, for the impact you’ve made and the inspiring model you continue to be as you respond to God’s call and to the needs of our Franciscan community.