U.S. province of Holy Cross Sisters drops age restrictions

Published: 2007-11-28

MERRILL, Wis. (CNS) -- Spurred on by the vitality of their elderly sisters and the congregation's motto that "The need of the times is the will of God," the Holy Cross Sisters have dropped the age restriction that prevented women over 50 from being considered for entrance to the congregation. "When we look at the energy and vitality of our elderly sisters ..., we know that for us retirement has a very different meaning because there is always something that draws us to bring the good news to others, even at the age of 90," said Sister Celine Goessl, provincial for the sisters' USA province, based in Merrill. The age restriction was dropped by a decision made at the sisters' provincial chapter last summer. The chapter asked vocation and formation personnel to rethink and rewrite the criteria for entering the community. Sister Kathy Wiesneski, director of vocations, said members of the congregation had seen around them "women of many ages who are seeking the 'will of God' in vowed religious life." She added, "Women tend to be able to productively work and minister longer."

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