JOYS OF FRANCISCAN SERVICE
by Sister Ruth May, OSF
It was on a farm in Illinois that my story began. I think that St. Francis would have loved tending the
five-hundred chickens, the dairy herd, the horses, the many pigs that delighted in the mud holes, the
cats, the dogs, the fields of corn and grain and hay--all the life on the farm; . What a grand time it would
have been for Francis--and so it was for me. I wasn’t always eager to gather the eggs, watch the cows
eating grass along the road, or put hay in the barn, but I did love to go to school and the Sisters of St.
Francis were my teachers. It was one of them that welcomed us to come to her classroom on a Sunday
afternoon and “help” her. I was gifted by the wonderful Franciscan hospitality, excellent teaching,
especially in religion, Bible History and social skills. As God’s instrument, this Sister asked me if I had
ever thought of becoming a Sister. From that moment I started to give it some thought and prayer...and
here I was after four years of public high school.
I was blessed with good teachers and teacher training from St. Clare/Cardinal Stritch College. I loved
little children, so four years of teaching first grade was just for me, even when it meant having sixty
pupils in the classroom...all in Grade One.
I was about to begin another grade for my 5th year but when I arrived at the school I was told, “You
aren’t supposed to be here!” I was to return to Milwaukee and start my fifteen years at the Cardinal
Stritch Reading Clinic along with summer teaching in the Graduate Program, where I supervised teachers
in Reading Practicum. The latter came after I had obtained my own Master’s Degree in Reading from
CSC. These Grad students were eager to learn all they could and then go out and teach others to read. I
loved working with students who were so motivated.
The same was true of adult students who were just learning how to read. A father needed to learn so
that he might be able to read to his child, who was in second grade. A mother needed to learn to be
able to read the prayers in church, read signs, get a driver’s license, and help her grandchildren learn to
read.
Children were eager to learn as well. I remember the 7-year-old who came many miles; on the way here
he would listen to the radio. When he arrived, he would dictate the news he had heard and I would
type it for him and he would read it for me. It might be the weather report, the scores of a game, or a
daily newscast...it was a success for him when he could read it. I recall him standing at the door at the
end of class and saying, I wish I could kiss you. One gets many rewards. A nine year old came from
Kenosha. He was extremely shy, would not talk, and was not able to read. It took one semester and
then all of a sudden he opened up like a flower. He would come whistling and loved to hide from the
teacher so I would make a fuss looking for him in the Reading Clinic. He was no longer withdrawn and
his family were thrilled. Jimmy was ready now to move forward in reading.
Helping others to read the word, and the Word, is a vital part of being Franciscan. Joy is my favorite
word and one of the special traits of St. Francis, since JOY is God-life in the soul. Living at Stritch with all
the Franciscan women who molded the lives of students was a source of inspiration for me. Then there
were the men and women students who were so eager to learn: it’s one of the things that made Stritch
a place where I loved to be, to work, to share with others, to gather memories, to inspire, to bring
happiness and joy to students.
In 1971, I was called to Administration for eight that was years on the Executive Council of our
Congregation. When completed, I was given a choice of “what next?” I always wanted to be a
receptionist and was thrilled to return to CSC Learning Center where I became a receptionist, secretary,
and bookkeeper for the next five years, welcoming all who came through the door...students, parents,
Stritch students, faculty members, and strangers. It was a joy, and to share Franciscan hospitality, joy
compassion as they related their stories or whatever the need might be.
The next eleven years had a different focus but I was still able to share Franciscan values, now as local
coordinator of the retired Sisters at St. Ann’s Health Center and St. Francis Community. The name Ruth
means Faithful and Friend and so I remain to my God, who is Rock, Refuge, and Good Shepherd to me. I
was called to be faithful and friend to all the Sisters I have served, whether it is shopping for them
making popcorn, calling Bingo or listening, praying for them--visiting them, whatever it might be. I am
always aware of the words to Ruth in the Book of Ruth in the Bible, “Do not glean in any other field but
stay here with my women servants.”
When I walk through the halls of CSU, the memories rush in on me and they are filled with gratitude and
peace. I thank God for the privilege to have served here and I ask God to bless Stritch with a long future
of giving to those who seek the knowledge and virtue united that will make each of them better citizens
and Christians for now and eternity.