Sr.
Karen Pourby’s journey to becoming a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia
followed a somewhat circuitous route. She grew up in Binghamton, New York,
where she attended public schools. During those same years she also attended
parish CCD classes. After graduating from Broome Technical Community College,
she entered the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, an Italian congregation. She went through the typical formation
program—even spending her canonical year of novitiate and the year prior to
final profession in Italy. “This was a whole new adventure,” she explained. I
was the first and only American in the community. The hardest challenge at
first was the language.” Karen later attended and graduated from East
Stroudsburg University and earned a degree in elementary education.
So…how
did Karen meet the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia? During her years in
Easton, Pennsylvania, she lived near Easton Catholic Elementary School. The
school was staffed by three congregations of sisters, one of which was the
Franciscans. “A new school years was approaching and I needed a job,” Karen
recalled. She visited the principal (our Sr. Kathleen Groome) and was offered a
position teaching fifth grade. The initial connection was made and Karen’s work
in education began.
In
1987 Karen transferred from the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul to the Sisters of
St. Francis of Philadelphia. She explained her decision and the journey that
led to and confirmed her decision to transfer. “I honestly must say I loved the
Angelics. However, there was a struggle within me over a two year period where
I sensed a difference in my relationship with the sisters, with God, and with
life. I knew I still desired my religious vocation—but not where I was in this
present state. I felt lost. I had spent time with the Franciscans. I attended
retreats at the Franciscan Spiritual Retreat Center in Easton and felt a
renewed spirit every time I was there. I always had a deep sense of admiration
for St. Francis’ life and teachings. I found myself reading more about him and
the Franciscan way of life. Through much prayer and discernment, I asked God
for some kind of an answer as to which direction I should follow. And
then I had a dream. I was on a high mountain and suddenly I began falling. I
had no control. I passed out and fell into “something.” When I came to, I was
in the arms of St. Francis. I had my answer. I left the Angelics and entered
the Sisters of St. Francis. It was one of the hardest things I had to do. Yet I
feel this is where God wants me to be. I have no regrets.”
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| Sr. Karen (center) meets with Sr. Clare Wieckowski (left) and Sr. Michelle O'Brien to review new updates from Medicare. |
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| Sr. Karen talks to an employee at Heilman Auto Repair about one of the congregational cars. |
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| Sr. Clare D'Auria asks Sr. Karen's advice about an incident with the congregational car that she drives. |
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| Sr. Karen checks out schedules for online driving courses and AARP driving courses for sisters over 70. |
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| Sr. Karen check the tire on one of the congregational cars. |
She
researches and publishes schedules for sisters required to take update courses
either online or in classes. Each issue of our Community New publication carries Karen’s “Car Corner” article containing
helpful tips and reminders—plus a car-related joke which demonstrates her ever
present sense of humor! In addition to car-related activities, Karen also
assists with medial insurance matters and budgeting. She finds everyday a new
adventure, especially with the ever-changing insurance companies. And in spite
of challenges, she feels blessed in this “different” position. “I’ve gotten to
know many of the sisters and I do my best to meet their needs. I’ve learned a
lot and truly appreciate my coworkers. And I’ve learned patience—realizing that
I have to be on an even keel to deal with everyday situations.”
Karen’s
life experiences—her willingness to journey into the “unknown,” her ability to
cope with challenge, and her wonderful sense of humor—all, I assume, do much to
maintain that sense of living on an even keel. They also, without a doubt,
reflect the Franciscan heart that “drives” her life!
I enjoyed "meeting" Sister Karen Pourby in this post and hearing about her life and her current job working with the congregation's cars and helping coworkers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Terra! You would probably enjoy meeting her also--she has a tremendous sense of humor and had me laughing the entire time I was working on this article!
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