Sr Pam Grime: A call to vocation later in life

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Sr Pam Grime was a late starter to religious life when she first began to explore the possibilities of joining the Sisters of Charity.

1. When did you know you had a vocation?

I attended a function to celebrate the arrival of the first sisters in Australia. During & after this mass I knew I had to try religious life and with this group.

2. How did your family react?

My family was shocked and not happy. I was in my late thirties and had a good job and was seemingly quite settled.

3. What was the process like then of joining the Sisters of Charity?

It was an exciting, long and challenging process. When I first applied it was Chapter year, so I had to wait for a new Leadership the following year. I lived in community in Sydney for a year and then in Melbourne for three years before novitiate in Sydney for two years.

4. How many joined with you, how many left?

Just me

5. You were a nurse – what were you keen on pursuing?

I had been nursing for years so this is my first love. I did lots of different ministry in novitiate with RSC Outreach. I have midwifery and coronary care certificates.

6. What is the major difference you see in Religious Life compared to when you first entered.

Since I have only been an RSC for twenty years or so, the main differences are our community/living and more diversity in ministry.

7. What was your most challenging time?

Temporary commitment which was six years was my most challenging time. During this time,initial formation process was being reviewed by the congregation and there seemed to be a lot of misunderstanding and confusion around how it should be done. It was good experience for me to get to know the Sisters and be working full time again. However, I moved about a dozen times before final profession and there were ministry challenges also.

8. Was there a time that was more than usually rewarding?

My first ministry as a professed sister was palliative care nursing at Sacred Heart Hospice for about three years and this was very rewarding.

9. When people discover you are a Religious Sister, what is their reaction?

Peoples’ reactions vary but usually they are surprised and very interested to hear my story.

10. What do you see as the future for apostolic life in Australia?

I am sure apostolic life will always be in Australia,not sure in what shape and/or form. At this time we are living with many questions. We may be called to join with other groups or to something very different.

THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
When we have so much to praise the Lord for, we must not complain.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
True affection is to rejoice in the happiness of our dear ones. Never allow a sentiment of resentment to enter into our hearts.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Pray, reflect and consult – and may the divine spirit direct all to God’s greater glory.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
May our dear Lord Jesus fill your hearts with His own love. Amen!
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We must have patience with others as He has patience with us.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Under every difficulty try to pray fervently.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We have much to thank Him for, even for those little drawbacks on our comforts and conveniences.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Do pray that justice may be accomplished in peace and that truth may prevail.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Go on now as steadily as you can, relying on the Divine assistance and fear not.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
What we do ought to be done well.

The Sisters of Charity acknowledge the First Peoples and traditional custodians of this land where we live. We respect, value and honour their history, culture and spirituality. We are committed to standing in solidarity and to actively working for justice, peace and harmony in this land.

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