Bishop Burbidge Celebrates Sisters' Appreciation Day
 On Saturday, September 17, 2011, the Most Reverend Michael F.
Burbidge met with consecrated Women Religious of the Diocese for
Sisters’ Appreciation Day, an annual day of prayer, dialogue and
recognition of the role Sisters play in spreading God’s Word and
serving His people. The event, held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in
Raleigh, began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Burbidge.
Concelebrating were Msgr. Jerry Sherba, Vicar Judicial and
Chancellor of the Diocese, the Bishop’s Delegate to Religious
Serving in the Diocese and a member of the Diocesan Council of
Religious; and Fr. John Forbes, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes.
In his homily, the Bishop spoke of the Sisters as
exemplifying the words in the day’s Gospel, “embracing the word of
God with a generous and good heart and bearing fruit through
perseverance.”
“More than ever,” he said, “it is essential that
we help the people we serve to understand and to embrace the gift of
perseverance. There are so many voices in our world telling people,
‘At the first sign of struggle in pursuing a goal, move on.’
“The example of your life,” the Bishop told the
Sisters, “will help others to focus on Jesus Christ and...to reject
the voices of this world and embrace the gift of perseverance.”
At the Offertory, the name of each of the Sisters
was read, followed by the number of years she has offered her
service in the Diocese of Raleigh.
Following the Mass, the Sisters gathered for a
discussion with the Bishop, each speaking in turn about the ideals
and the people who energized them in their ministries. Luncheon
followed the discussion.
Above:
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge speaking with the Consecrated Women
Religious during annual appreciation gathering.
Below:
Sr. Kieren Williams, IHM, Pastoral Administrator of Holy Trinity
Church, Williamston, shares an inspiring moment in her ministry. Sr.
Marie Renee Murphy, IHM, (left) and Sr. Barbara Marie Cady, SU
(right).
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