Benedictine Obedience Brings Out Unknown Gifts

Sister Carol Jean VanDenHemel is completing her fifth year as freshmen and sophomore English teacher and coach of the debate team at O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls.

   “I’ve learned,” she writes, “that community obedience sometimes means  that  others  sees  gifts  in you that you cannot see yourself.” She thinks of Sister Jacquelyn’s request of her, after making  profession, that she teach at Cedar Catholic in Hartington, NE, and “I grudgingly did as I was  asked.” Much to her surprise, by the end of the first semester, she was wrapped up in the energy of the students and caught up in the enjoyment of teaching.

   After that year she was assigned to O’Gorman, and “I struggled through my first years. The size of the school, new subject areas, and community life away from the monastery were real challenges.” “I couldn’t put into words to others what my commitment of obedience in Benedictine life meant, but I knew it was more than just doing as I was told; it was trying to find the gift of why I was at O’Gorman and what my prioress and others saw in me that I couldn’t see.”

   At right, Sister Carol Jean shares Kealey Bultena's joy in being semi-finalist in the Lincoln Douglas debate at the state debate tournament.  Kealey is a junior at O'Gorman High School, Sioux Falls.

   “While seeking God’s presence there, I found gifts I hadn’t imagined. I found the gift of loving freshmen and sophomores. They challenge, giggle, tell stories, make philosophical statements, and amaze me—all before lunch.” “If I hadn’t stayed at O’Gorman, I probably would never have become a debate coach. The activity that five years ago frightened me the most is now my greatest joy. I celebrate with the winners, console those who lose, and try not to grumble when the students get what they think is a raw deal.”

   Carol Jean grew up in Woonsocket, SD, with her parents, Jim and Shirley, and two younger sisters, Joy and Lisa.  She also grew up with a large extended family of relatives and knew that she would always want to be a part of a large family.  “There was no one inspiration in my discernment," she says, "only journey."  She met the Benedictine Sisters while attending Mount Marty and I felt at once that I had met another large family."  She became an Oblate and continued her association while attending Northern State University.  In Aberdeen she found a spiritual director in Sister Lorraine Weires, "who was firm, fun and a friend on my journey, and she helped me take the final leap of faith and join the community."

   "I believe obedience has brought me closer to God's gifts, helping me become who he has meant me to be."