Grace Rief

In 1975 I followed God’s call to be a Sister of the Living Word. Our charism, “life/life-giving” stimulates me to give new life to others. Trained to be a teacher, I was committed to elementary education in Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana, and Michigan. I also taught (ESL) at St. Ita School in Chicago. Subsequently, my community asked me to be Hospitality Coordinator at our Center in Arlington Heights. Four years later it was time to “let go” and prepare for something less taxing.

As I faced retirement/volunteering I felt challenged once again. After much praying and listening I was ready to go where God called.

In January 2002 I moved to Rush Barton Senior Living Residence in Chicago, a public aid housing facility. Because of its location near schools and hospitals, there are opportunities for volunteer work. On my second day there, I was asked by one of the housebound residents if I would bring them Communion. Because there were no ministers or priests scheduled for services, residents had to make their own arrangements. I found a local priest who comes monthly to offer Mass, and I conduct a Communion Service on the other Sundays. A grateful resident remarked, “There really is someone who can still make us happy.”

The requests of the residents assure me of my commitment to our Mission Statement. Being a Eucharistic Minister bringing Communion to the residents, preparing and conducting Sunday prayer services, and offering help to the elderly in sundry ways is how I am sent to affirm the Word who continually frees the oppressed and gives new life.

Mission Experience

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