Day in the Life of a Sister
Living according to strict routine
In the early 1900s, this was a typical schedule for a Sister of the Sorrowful Mother, seven days a week. There were no vacations, and Sisters could only visit their families every five years. Reminiscing on this schedule, one Sister said, "Now that I look back, we DID do a lot of work. But it didn’t seem like it at the time."
4:20 a.m.
Wake-up bell
4:45 a.m.
In chapel for morning prayer and Liturgy of Hours
6-6:30 a.m.
Mass
6:30-7 a.m.
Quick breakfast and changing from black veils to white
7 a.m.
Take place at units (nursing and other medical disciplines, office, kitchen, laundry)
11:30 a.m.-noon
Change back into black veils and attend chapel; visitation to the Blessed Sacrament
Noon-1 p.m.
Lunch and free time
1 p.m.
Back to chapel
1-1:15 p.m.
Recite Stabot Mater (Mother standing under the Cross)
1:15-4:30 p.m.
Return to work wearing white veils
4:30-5 p.m.
Back to chapel and black veils for Liturgy of Hours
5-5:30 p.m.
Evening meal
5:30-7 p.m.
More work in units
7-7:30 p.m.
Recite rosary and other prayers in chapel
7:30-8:30 p.m.
Recreation (talking, crocheting, playing cards and checker, doing crafts and handiwork)
8:30-8:45 p.m.
Evening prayer in chapel
8:45-9 p.m.
Last check in units; lock up
9 p.m.
Back in room to retire for evening
