Sister Shirley Stockus, SSND, worried about her decision to retire from teaching. How would she find a ministry to replace it, and to allow her to share her whole self like teaching had done? Volunteering at a soup kitchen or food pantry was important, but Sister Shirley needed something more. A few months into her retirement, Sister Carolyn Jost, SSND, called.
"She asked if I was ready to do something new," Sister Shirley says. "I said, 'Oh, my, yes.' Then she told me about Exodus."
Exodus World Service is a Chicago-area nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those who have often been forced to flee their countries with no more than the clothes on their backs. These refugees arrive in Chicago empty-handed and frightened. Exodus helps get them settled and on the path to recovery.
"Sister Carolyn asked me to consider tutoring refugee children. I immediately agreed, and here I am, three years later, loving every minute of it. It's the most wonderful thing that's happened to me."
Although Sister Shirley has worked with several families, she continues to work with her first as well. They include parents and two children who walked three days together across an African desert to escape the torturous violence of their homeland. The children's trauma is still evident.
"There is so much more to helping them than just academics. They need to know they are safe and loved. I've worked hard to win their trust."
That was not easy. The pandemic was in full roar, so contact was only online. But Sister Shirley's persistence - showing up every Saturday on the screen, listening, loving, present - began to be returned with happy and eager responses. When Covid restrictions were finally lifted, Sister Shirley met the family in person at their meticulously cared for yet humble home. They welcomed her in with hugs.
"I've come to know the whole family, and am helping however I can. Mom wants to become a citizen, so I'm helping her jump through those hoops and learn what she needs to know. I bring games and art activities along with academics for the children. I love them all so much."
To say Sister Shirley's new ministry fills her heart would be an understatement. It's where she belongs now.
"Everywhere I go in Chicago, I see immigrants camped out. It's heartbreaking. I'm not able to help all of them, but I'm so blessed to be able to give to these families. They are a gift to me. I am receiving much more than I am giving.
"It's not work for me. It's just joy. Pure joy."
