Graced Moment: Catherine Callaghan, Helena Mayer, and Patricia Phillips

In October 2024, the American Province launched Graced Moments, where every month, a Holy Child Sister shares a “grace-filled” experience that has influenced her life. The project flows from the Society’s mission “to help others to believe that God lives and acts in them and in our world."

Graced Moment from Holy Child Center, Rosemont, Pennsylvania

We thank Holy Child Sisters Catherine Callaghan, Helena Mayer, and Patricia (Pat) Phillips for offering this month's “graced moment.”

Feel free to leave a comment for Sisters at the bottom of this page. 

Click the audio player to listen to Sister Helena Mayer read the
reflection or see the text below. Enjoy!

 

Last month, the art therapist, Andrea, asked us to recreate an art rendering of Christ parting the seas. For this project, we used watercolors and 5 x7 canvases. Afterward, our group discussed the project, including the colors we chose or our interpretations.

During this project, we found God’s grace through art. We hope you do, too.

Image above right: The art therapist, Andrea, and Holy Child Center's Director of Life Enrichment, Linda Cusano, with Sisters Catherine, Pat, and Helena.

Catherine Callaghan, SHCJ - At first, the image scared me…the waves look strong; he might not make it. But then I see the power of the person – Jesus – rising above. This man is terrific. I’m no longer afraid. I am not alone. God is with me.

Helena Mayer, SHCJ - In this painting, I see Christ inviting us to follow him. I also see the Holy Spirit at work knowing that out of darkness comes light! We need the Holy Spirit for strength.

Patricia (Pat) Phillips, SHCJ - When I look at this image, I see water and I find water to be calming and peaceful. With God at my side, I am also calm.

About Holy Child Center - After serving a lifetime of teaching, serving the poor, providing spiritual guidance, and advocating social justice, Holy Child Sisters retire from active ministry to Holy Child Center, where they live independently or with assisted and skilled care. The Sisters continue to minister through prayer, and many continue to serve the larger community by visiting the sick, offering pastoral services to area parishes, or volunteering at Holy Child ministries. During all stages of life, Holy Child Sisters dedicate their God-given gifts and talents "to meet the wants of the age."

 

"It is not presumption to have hope and joy
and confidence in God's grace."

-Venerable Cornelia Connelly

4 Responses to “Graced Moment: Catherine Callaghan, Helena Mayer, and Patricia Phillips”

  1. Evelyn Thompson

    Congratulations! I remember Pat phillips from Regina Mundi! She was very kind to everyone! Now we’re all getting a little older, but we need our hobbies! You have painting, but I still continue teaching languages every day on Zoom. It keeps me in touch with students in the outside world! Thank God for technology! This is a lovely care home and also my old school! I came here when I was eight years old as a boarder!

  2. Marcia Sichol

    Very inspiring images! If Christ’s intention was not only to calm the sea, but also to calm the soul, you three have shown us how Christ accomplished this in us! Thank you, Helena, Catherine and Pat!💕🙏🏻

  3. Susan Slater, SHCJ

    I liked these three shorter reflections because they prompted me to also do my own reflections on whatever piece of scripture I happened to be praying with at the moment. What was I feeling, sensing, or desiring? How was this a moment of grace for me? How did the art enhance it or help me to realize the grace in the moment?

  4. Mary Michaud

    Dear Catherine, Pat and Helena,
    Thank you for sharing your graced moments. Each thought nurtured a caring presence of the Lord in your lives as well as in mine.
    I also enjoyed your art expressions.
    Shalom, Mary