spacer

spacer

Linda Riggers, SNJM

Looking back over 60 years, I recognize the many graces that have come to me from my childhood in Spokane through to where I am currently residing, in a residence in North Seattle. In my early years, my views were shaped by the people of diverse cultures my family hosted and fostered, and music became a means of spiritual expression and connection. My elementary years in public schools were followed by attending Holy Names Academy where I considered religious life after encountering Sisters who cared about their students and, I observed, enjoyed being together in shared purpose.

Entering religious life in 1963, I joined 32 others in my “set” at Marylhurst, Oregon. Grace came through our shared experiences and idealism. The grace of my college years when I returned to Spokane to complete education was a developing concern for justice in society and for Earth, Our Common Home. And the amazing SNJMs I encountered there remain models which have grounded me as I moved out in ministry.

Throughout my service in Catholic elementary schools in the Pacific Northwest – Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Ontario (Oregon), I met extraordinary students and parents. I continued to grow in my understanding of how diverse we are, and how we are all such a mix of goodness and frailty, how much better we are when we are in solidarity with each other. My pre-retirement nine years at Seattle’s Holy Names Academy graced me with an understanding of how much the world needs young women who think and speak for themselves and are grounded in universal values. Interspersed with my experience in schools, I served for 17 years on SNJM leadership teams, based in Spokane for two terms and in Longueuil, Quebec, for another. My deepest satisfaction was in supporting and helping to implement what team members and all members of our Congregation articulated. My single year of parish ministry in Oroville/Tonasket and the many summers I enjoyed teaching religious vacation schools in rural towns throughout Washington have carried their own blessings.

Retiring from compensated ministry five years ago, I have found many new ways to support and strengthen local communities: building solidarity and care in our neighborhood and in my parish family, interfaith activities, bringing together and visiting other Sisters in the area, participating on SNJM committees and “book clubs,” connecting with friends and former colleagues, simply trying to be one of the “connectors” in activities that respond to the purpose of our Congregation as it is currently expressed on our website: Liberating life through education and the promotion of justice. And grace still abounds… I am grateful.