Meet Pat Hudak, A CSJ London Associate
Come Holy Spirit, Renew the Face of the Earth.
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Pat Hudak
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The Sisters of St. Joseph and the C.S.J. Associates are the
living and visible presence of the Holy Spirit renewing the
face of the earth in each of their homes, parishes, cities,
the world. Through their commitment, "my commitment",
the charism of loving God and the dear neighbour is a living
reality. As an Associate with these faith-filled women, I
am continually nudged, prodded and pushed to live out the
charism in my own life, in my relationship with my family,
in my volunteer work for social justice and in my concern
for the environment.
Recently, we, the Associates adopted a ring with a lace
motif, symbolizing our commitment to weaving strands of love
through the charism. Many times throughout the day, I finger
my ring and pray for the Sisters of St. Joseph and my sister
Associates as they pray, struggle and weave strands of love
in their own lives, and I am often overwhelmed by the powerful
force of God’s Love that we are witness to in the world.
My journey to becoming an Associate began when I started
school and fell in love with Sister Aloysius, my Grade One
teacher. At eighteen, I entered the Sisters of St. Joseph
of London and walked with them for the next twelve years.
During those twelve years my faith deepened and I made friendships
that have lasted my whole life. The sisters, particularly
my classmates and those sisters that I studied and worked
with, have remained my closest and dearest friends. They have
been an extended family to me, my husband Mike, and our three
daughters. Two of our daughters, Kim and Kolleen, are now
Associates.
I often ask the question, "Why me, Lord? Why have you
given me so much – faith, family, a good husband, my
three daughters and their husbands, seven grandchildren, wonderful
friends, and the call to be an Associate?"
The answer always comes, "I have called you by name.
You are mine. I have chosen you. You have not chosen me."
Sometimes, when I’m tired and overwhelmed I think maybe
it would be okay to spend my retirement in Florida, and learn
to play shuffleboard, but…
I am an Associate called by the Holy Spirit to renew the
face of the earth.
Thank you, Lord, for loving me.
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