Photo of Sr. Sue Paweski

Sue Paweski

Sue Paweski has been a Sister of Providence of St. Mary of the Woods since 1998. Most of her professional life has been in education, both in elementary schools and in adult education in several universities, primarily in admissions. For 10 years, she has ministered in the advancement office of her congregation. Currently, she serves in pastoral ministry at St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy, St. Giles parish in Oak Park, Illinois. 

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Sue Paweski es hermana de la Providencia de St. Mary of the Woods desde 1998. La mayor parte de su vida profesional la ha dedicado a la educación, tanto en escuelas primarias como en la formación de adultos en varias universidades, principalmente en el área de admisiones. Durante 10 años ejerció su ministerio en la oficina de desarrollo de su congregación. Actualmente, sirve en el ministerio pastoral en la parroquia St. Catherine of Siena–St. Lucy y St. Giles, en Oak Park, Illinois.

By this Author

Auschwitz still speaks. Are we listening?

Labeling the “other” as vermin and a list of horrid names sets the stage for a loss of freedom and liberty, to say nothing of the loss of humanity. The images of Auschwitz-Birkenau are seared on my soul.

A bird perched on a bare branch in the woods (Unsplash/Soonam Wooeser)

'We have to do something!': Our faith calls us protect creation

The blessing of combining parishes is the wealth of experience that people share in new ways. At our combined parish, that has reenergized initiatives to restore our common home, Earth, and to act on climate change.

A sign for peace and love (Unsplash/Jon Tyson)

The bold Beatitudes are a road map to reconciliation

How do we begin a journey to understanding so that we can move forward as people who are united in love and compassion rather than greed and selfishness?

Migrants select clothing and blankets at the Migrant Ministry by the Catholic parishes of Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago. (Sue Paweski)

'The borders came to us,' and we must answer the call

Migrant Ministry provides food, clothing and aid to migrants in Chicago. It also enables the Oak Park community to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and care for one another. This is what justice calls us to do.

hands molding clay on a potters wheel

Merging parishes and creating community

Nothing new is created without love, creativity and courage. When we refuse by staying in our comfortable space, we lose the opportunity to expand our spirituality and experience newness. 

 

Knitting (Unsplash/Hello I'm Nik)

Knit one, pray too

The approximately 30 members of St. Giles' Prayer Shawl Ministry knit and crochet shawls for those who are in need of comfort and healing. There are no limits to the requests for the loving warmth of a shawl.

A sculpture of the risen Jesus is pictured in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. The author calls the work by Harry Breen "unlike any depiction of the Resurrection that I had ever seen." (Sue Paweski)

Seeing a jumping-off point with new eyes

When I am dancing, the music's rhythm takes me out of myself into another plane. I "see" and hear only the music. That brings me to the sculpture of Jesus in our Church of the Immaculate Conception at St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

"Christ's Appearance to Mary Magdalene after the Resurrection" by the Russian painter Alexander Andreyevich Ivanov. (CNS/Wikimedia Commons)

Celebrate St. Mary Magdalene and her brave witness to the Resurrection

St. Mary Magdalene's single dedication was to Jesus and his message. Faithful in all circumstances, she is a model of resolve, dedication and compassion. We all continue to celebrate her legacy of faith.

The tree survives because it has adapted to the intruder — the cables. (Sue Paweski)

What the truth of a tree taught me during this pandemic

There is no thought of life returning to pre-pandemic times in a year or so. An awareness of the fragility of life is making an indelible mark on our souls. I wonder how our lives will continue to be changed.

A depiction of St. Joseph cradling the infant Jesus while Mary sleeps is seen in a stained-glass window at St. Patrick Church in Smithtown, New York. (CNS/Gregory A. Shemitz)

A year for the 'creatively courageous' St. Joseph

I am elated that Pope Francis has proclaimed a year for St. Joseph. I have a special devotion to St. Joseph because he reminds me of my father, who was a steady, faithful presence in our family. Joseph has that same aura.

Who do you say I am?

Surrender and transformation