Meet Linda Mooney - CSJ London Associate
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Linda Mooney
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I have been connected to the Sisters of Saint Joseph since
my elementary years. I have known them as teachers, pastoral
ministers, administrators, social justice advocates, retreat
directors and friends. They have inspired me to believe in
God, myself and my neigbor by their example. They have modelled
what it means to be inclusive and loving when the world was
not. They have shown me a living, breathing Christ who is
deeply connected to this world. I have witnessed their varied
ministries and felt drawn to live their spirituality which
is a deep and profound love of God and love of neighbor without
distinction.
I have been married to Paul for twenty-nine years. We have
with six children. As I reflect, my life as a mom and a wife
has been about living the charism of unifying love for a very
long time. I wanted very much to share my love of God with
my family and have been given many opportunities to learn
the ministry of washing feet that all may be one and having
my feet washed too! I have also been called too many active
ministries within the church; working with youth, the elderly,
the sick, the engaged, preparing children for sacraments,
RCIA...Parenting for Peace and Justice, offering hospitality
to immigrants, and Development and Peace.
Six years ago, my spiritual director and I discussed the
associate life. I shared this vision with some women I felt
would be open to this calling. Within a year we were established
and we named our Simcoe group Bread and Roses. We are women
on a spiritual journey who seek ways to offer inclusive and
unifying love of the dear neighbor. We gather monthly to pray,
laugh, affirm, reflect and share our spiritual life. We appreciate
the challenge of examining our lives in light of the maxims.
We are now in the process of aligning the gifts of the associate
community and journeying toward collaborative work with the
sisters in meeting the needs of our dear neighbor in our various
communities whenever possible.
For four years, my work as a highschool chaplain has been
enriched by my commitment to the Associate life. Each day
I have the opportunity to listen and respond to God in countless
ways. So often I find myself waiting to receive whatever the
Lord sends. I pray for the courage, love and wisdom to receive
whomever and whatever crosses the threshold of my space at
work. I am in awe of the beauty I witness in the students
and staff of my school community. There are times when it
is not easy to live this spirituality and I do feel challenged
. Community has been a lifeline for me, community with my
fellow associates and the larger group of Associates and Sisters
teaches me so much about the truth of this calling and the
ability to trust.
As I travel along, I do have moments when I feel as though
I get it. I believe that the Spirit has helped me grow in
my understanding of the maxims and awareness of their potential
in my life and in the world. These moments are pure grace.
I am filled with gratitude for these glimpses of reconciliation,
inclusive love, and unity. There is much joy and hope living
the spirituality of the Sisters as an associate. May my weaving
and turning continue......
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