Nuns have fascinated me since I was first introduced to Sister Mary Paulinda, a young, pretty nun who was my kindergarten teacher. She must have rethought her vocation more than a few times as I was not thrilled about going to school, and I missed my mother terribly for those few hours we were apart each day. Eventually my stomachaches subsided and I quit crying.

I remember a classmate asking her if she had hair under her veil, this was when nuns wore a very traditional habit covering all but their face and hands. She answered, “What do you think we have, feathers?” Quite honestly, we weren’t sure. Nuns were mysterious people who seemed elevated above the rest of humanity. We never saw them perspire, even in their heavy clothing, and we never saw them eating. They sort of gracefully glided through our lives with a certain mystique. It was said they were in the world, but not of the world. We assumed they were exempt from the human condition.

Today it’s not unusual for adults to say they’ve never met a nun. Growing up Catholic in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, we knew many nuns, but circumstances are different now. The number of young women entering or remaining in the convent has rapidly declined and there aren’t as many nuns to know. Most of the younger sisters wear secular clothing, although others still prefer the traditional habit, or a modernization of it, and recognizing a nun is not so simple.

When Sister Paula, of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception on Heading Avenue in Peoria, entered the convent in the ‘60’s, there were some 125 sisters in her order. Today there are 39. She says the sisters want people to know about them. “We plan activities to increase our visibility in the community. There is much misinformation out there, and we want to go out and meet people and let them know we’re here.”

The sisters have lived in the Peoria area for over a century. They serve in areas of education, adult literacy, campus ministry, social work, spirituality, and care for the elderly. One of them is licensed to practice massage therapy. Through their prayer ministry, the sisters remember their church and its leaders, and the needs of people in the community.

Sister Paula is president of her congregation, a position she was elected to for a four-year term. “We are a corporation and congregation. We are self-sufficient financially, and we make certain we are financially responsible. Many people generously help us and we must be responsible. We lead a simple life, and are frugal in our spending. We are constantly monitoring our savings so sisters can be taken care of until their death. They stay with us until they die.”

It’s that sense of community that is a hallmark of a sister’s life. “We live in community to support each other,” says Sister Irene Marie, who entered the convent in 1966. “You don’t live by yourself. This is another way to serve God and use your talents. For us, this is where we feel really fulfilled.” She emphasizes God’s gifts of free will and the ability to decide, and sisters are women who have decided to form a relationship with God through prayer and community life.

Both sisters are grateful for the fulfillment they have found in religious life, but they also say they could have been successful businesswomen. They believe God called them to the religious life, and they responded to that call.

“We enjoy life and what we’re doing,” says Sister Irene. “Our way of life is unique and we are suited to it.” Sister Paula emphasizes how sad it would be to live a life one is not suited for and doesn’t enjoy.

Today’s world often touts retirement as the great payoff for years of working, while the sisters explain, “we don’t really retire. We might change jobs, but we’re always working for the good of others. Even when we’re incapacitated, we pray. This is a powerhouse of prayer.”

Sister Concepta Marie, 83, is a lovely example of a sister who’s changed jobs and modified her activities, but is far from retired. She was the pie maker extraordinaire and cook, and she loved selling for fundraisers, but increasing years and health concerns changed her course of action. Now she concentrates on making pizzeles, Italian wedding cookies, which she can do from a seated position. And she prays for her sisters, her family, and the community. “Prayer is paramount,” says Sister Irene. “People just call and ask sisters to pray.”

While many believe the sisters have a direct line to God, there are some issues that they deal with much like everyone else. Finances, building repairs, and monetary and health concerns are also part of religious life. The sisters and their Development Office sponsor a fundraising dinner each year, complete with a silent and live auction. One of the items up for bid was a day of self-renewal. I was the successful bidder last year and scheduled my stay, it could include an overnight, for April. I looked forward to the visit knowing I would enjoy the experience.

Some family and friends expressed surprise about my wanting to spend the night at the convent, but for me the visit was worth even more than I bid. My visit began on a Wednesday when I arrived for 5:00 Mass. Sister Betty Jean was my most gracious guide and host. After Mass and evening prayers, we enjoyed dinner in the dining room with the other sisters, and later I visited the archives room and found a copy of my First Communion Catechism. Immediately I was transported back to second grade and memorization.

My accommodations included a private sitting room, bedroom and bath, and were quite comfortable. Morning mass the next day was an early 6:45 a.m. and Sister Betty Jean delivered on her promise of a wake up knock, and even brought me a cup of coffee. I had the opportunity to visit with the sisters, and their friendliness and humor are evident. I never forgot they were sisters, but I never felt like I had to be on guard about what I said. They are most hospitable.

The sisters are very diverse in their work, their personalities, and how they decided to become sisters. One was an aeronautical engineer before entering the convent. Two sisters will soon celebrate 70 years of being involved in the community from when they started high school until the present. One sister said, “I knew had to try it. I could never say yes to something else until I tried religious life.” More than one expressed the happiness they’ve experienced and said, “I’ve never regretted a day of it.”

They shared stories of their families. We’re close to family members, another thrust of our community,” I was told. They talked of sometimes being asked to do certain jobs, and they agreed, not certain they’d like the work, and later discovering the job was a terrific match for them. They can talk sports, computers and technology, some more than others, and they understand they are part of something much bigger than themselves.

They take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, but their individuality is honored, and they’ve freely answered God’s call. They don’t live in dire poverty, concerned about the next meal, but they also know how to live in community and share and work for the benefit of all. “My” is not a common word in their vocabulary.

The sisters invite inquiries, and they’ve opened their convent to visitors, even being on the West Bluff Tour of Homes, and hosting an Open House. They participate in the West Peoria 4th of July Parade. They have a website:www.westpeoriasisters.org

They’d like to increase the number of women who become sisters, and they want all to share in God’s kingdom. They strive to serve their neighbors and each other and to share God’s love.

Their convent is a visible sign of faith, love, and commitment in our world.