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.