We invite readers to send short stories about the ways in which their lives have been personally blessed by the life and work of priests and religious in our diocese.

By Karina Fabian

Sister Judy Lund sees her life as one full of opportunities. The Wisconsin native joined the Sinsinawa Dominican order in 1953 not only because of their great spirit, but also because of the wide range of ministry opportunities.

She chose teaching, which has led her to teach grade school, high school and college in Illinois, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Texas. She’s also served on the provincial government of the Sinsinawa Dominicans, providing spiritual formation for those in transitional times.

For the last 11 years, she has been in Montana, at St. Matthew Elementary School in Kalispell, where she currently teaches religion and science to fourth and fifth graders. She loves teaching, she said, especially “watching the light bulbs turn on” when a child suddenly understands. She also loves being able to provide opportunities to find learning exciting.

Teaching in Montana had provided her with a special opportunity as well. Originally here for a sabbatical after her provincial government duty, she stayed on to help her aging parents, Cliff and Irene Lund. They were active Catholics, and in the 1960s volunteered with parishes in Bolivia with medical and youth programs. “My father was always interested in causes for truth and justice. The Church was always part of my life,” she remembered. Their influence led her to serve God as a religious.

When Mr. Lund had a stroke and needed extra care, she found service in a new way, caring for him and her mother, helping them make the transition to living in a nursing home, and being there for them until their deaths. As an only child, this was especially important to her.

“It was a tremendous privilege for me,” she said. “I’m grateful to the Sisters of Mercy for giving me the opportunity to work here (at St. Matthew’s) while I was caregiving.”

Sister Lund said that in her day, opportunities to serve within the Church were limited to being a religious. There are more options for women now, but she feels religious life is just as viable as it was in the ’50s and very rewarding. “There are many opportunities at many levels of service, plus the opportunity to be connected with women who have the same spiritual goals – there’s bondedness and support for what’s most important.”


Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 19, No. 10, October 17, 2003.