Threshold Winter 2011

Live-In Volunteer Shares Gifts and Learns Monastic Values
by Marcia Ziska, OSB

What a surprise to receive an email inquiry offering a year of volunteer service! Yet that is how Lisa Tuholski began to explore coming to Sophia Center. In Lisa’s words, “it was the grace of the alphabet that Atchison came up early in the Google search for a quiet and contemplative environment.” A visit to our community over spring break confirmed the search engine’s choice.

As an undergrad at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., Lisa had wanted to do some volunteer service. However, weekly theater activities, being a campus tour guide and a marching band member were all time consuming tasks for her. There was little time to volunteer and no time to write, another life goal.

Unsure of her immediate future, Lisa welcomed the rhythm of monastery life. In embracing this rhythm she regained a sense of balance and had time to “sort things out.” Lisa’s service to Sophia Center was invaluable. Her computer skills and creativity served in designing brochures to promote the various retreats offered at Sophia Center. She introduced the staff to Twitter and Survey Monkey and updated the Sophia library catalogue.

When asked what she gleaned from her time at the Mount, Lisa stated that her values became crystallized. She spoke of knowing “what is important in life” and “what not to worry about.” She appreciated seeing how the sisters work and live together. She observed that, unlike most people, the sisters approach difficulties and challenges with a spirit of reconciliation. The Benedictine value of “welcoming everyone as Christ” is an attitude that Lisa will take with her.

Lisa took up residence at Marywood, living with Sisters Mary Rae Schrick and Alberta Hermann. Her enthusiasm of youth was a real gift to them and the community. S. Alberta stated that “she brought the spirit of a true Notre Dame alum to our house during the football season.” She found time for writing and playing her flute, which enhanced the Sunday Eucharist. In her free time she learned how to make pie under the tutelage of S. Susan Barber. As we bid her farewell in August, Lisa thanked us with several homemade pies.