'The Gift of Years' book shared by fans of Chittister across globe

Judy Russell
·5 min read

Within the past two weeks, the Oshkosh Public Library e-newsletter included a video of approximately 23 minutes, during which several library staff members reviewed some of the books they have read and why they were recommending them.

After watching the video I remembered that a friend in Omro asked me to give her a list of my favorite books written by Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, whom I quote often in this column because of her spiritual insight. I’m still in discernment about that list, but I know that among my top three will be “The Gift of Years – Growing Older Gracefully.”

That book, which has been translated into at least 26 languages, still is a bestseller and favorite among individuals, book clubs and church groups. Several people, including myself, turn to it time and again to re-read it, slowly but surely. My own copy has several passages I underlined in the past.

So, I was happy to read a letter, written to Chittister, from someone who just recently discovered “The Gift of Years.”

The letter, quoted in Chittister’s weekly column, goes like this:

“Dear Sister Joan,

“I know I am a little late to the party, as your wonderful book, 'The Gift of Years,' came out in 2008, so I hope it is not too late to send some fan mail. I stumbled upon it at the end of a very stressful passage of my life recently, and it has really been a wonderful gift to me. I have been taking some long walks of late, and have listened to (the) audio book version, while doing so from start to finish four times. I then decided I would get the print book, and am enjoying it again even more.

“Thank you for your insight and your artistry in choosing the exact right words. I am turning 70 next month and your book has given me a whole new way to think about the future. You know that old game of ‘If you could invite six famous people, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would they be?’ I have to say, you would be at the top of my list. Thank you so much! Very best regards, BC.”

Here are upcoming church and religious events for the Oshkosh area:

  • Happy 90th Birthday greetings to Father Joe Mattern, founder of Casa Esther, the Catholic Worker House in Omro. Father Joe, whose birthday was Jan. 3, presided at a Mass of Thanksgiving held in his honor at St. Mary Church in Omro on his birthday. Among other things, he attributes his longevity to music, athletics, his priestly ministry, and eating onions! Several family members and other friends were present for the Mass and reception afterward.You can send a greeting to Father Joe at Casa Esther, 320 N. Webster Ave., Omro, WI 54963.

  • Calvary SonRise of Oshkosh will host its second annual Fundraising Gala for Honduras on Jan. 27. Chef Ryan Nolan will create a five-course meal, and King’s Conquest will give a concert. King’s Conquest was a 2023 winner in the Best Christian Band category of the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards. Calvary SonRise is at 222 Church Ave. Doors for the Jan. 27 event open at 6 p.m., the meal is at 6:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit oshkoshgala.com or call 920-312-7511.

  • St. Mary Church in Winneconne will have a Winter Mingle event on Jan. 27, starting after the 4 p.m. Mass until 8 p.m.. Adults will gather in Kaudy Hall for a social hour with hors d’oeuvres, beverages and desserts. Children will gather in the lower level of the church for pizza, a movie and various activities. Winter Mingle is sponsored by the Parish Council.

  • Father James Kubicki, SJ, Spiritual Director at St. Francis de Sales Seminary in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, will be the guest speaker at the Oshkosh Esto Vir program on Saturday. The event, which begins with registration at 7 a.m., will include Mass, breakfast, and Kubicki’s on “How What We Believe about the Eucharist and Mass is Expressed in How We Celebrate.” Esto Vir meets in the chapel at the Mother Teresa Center at Father Carr’s Place 2B, 1062 N. Koeller St. A free will offering is accepted for the program.

  • The next free Community Breakfast, sponsored by First Presbyterian Church in Oshkosh, will be 8 to 10 a.m. Jan. 27 in Magnolia Hall at the church. All individuals and families are welcome to come for a meal and meet new friends.

  • The Noisy Offering being taken up at Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh on Jan. 21 will be used to buy bus tokens for guests at the Day By Day Shelter in Oshkosh. Guests use the tokens to get transportation to medical appointments, work, and other places to keep warm on these cold days. The collection at Peace is sponsored by its Mission & Outreach Team.

  • People who attend the 5 p.m. Masses on Saturday or Sunday at St. Raphael Church in Oshkosh are welcome to partake in a cookie social after the Masses. The cookie socials were scheduled to start this weekend.

  • If you ordered pizzas from Wesley United Methodist Church in Oshkosh, remember that pickup is 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Saturday. Volunteers will start making the pizzas at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. The church is at 761 Florida Ave.

Thought for the Day: It’s when we don’t have everything we want and it doesn’t make any difference that we know we’re happy.

Judy Russell of Oshkosh writes about happenings at area centers of worship. To submit news for her consideration, email oshkoshsubmit@thenorthwestern.com with the subject “Church news.” Deadline is 5 p.m. Mondays.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Sister Joan Chittister books remain favorites for Russell, others