Sister Laura Bufano to return to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Congregational Office in St. Louis
By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer
For 57 years, Sister Laura Bufano, CSJ, has served God as a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet. If you ask her friends, she said, they will tell you that she is compassionate, creative, and fun to be with. Relationships are very important to her. She is a faithful friend and an attentive listener.
“Everything speaks to me of God’s presence,” said Sr. Laura, who will return to St. Louis as a member of the leadership team for Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in early January.
It is her collaborative spirit, keen sense of community, her vision and mission rooted in gospel values and Catholic social teaching that make her a leader who recognizes the gifts of others and encourages them to share those gifts. It is this insight that draws colleagues and community members to her.
For nearly 24 years, Sr. Laura served the Syracuse Diocese in various roles, including co-director of Church/Vocations, director of the Office of Liturgy, vicar for Pastoral Leadership, and associate director of Pastoral Planning.
Tom Andino, director of Deacon Formation for the diocese, has worked with Sr. Laura for over 20 years. In all those years, he said, Sr. Laura has been a collaborative mentor and a guiding light who shares her wisdom with others.
“What I love about being in meetings with her is that she works to ensure everyone is heard. She pauses when needed for reflection, prayer, and intercession, and works for consensus-based decision-making. She has helped me grow through her patience, kindness, and humor,” Andino said.
Danielle Cummings, chancellor and director of communications, added that Sr. Laura is a warm, spiritual leader who has been, and continues to be, a gift to the diocese. “Her approach to all things is collaboration, which has truly strengthened the work and results of the ministries of the diocese.
“One will often hear her ask: What are the possibilities? From that question, it is as if a door opens and new thoughts, ideas, and vision come through, and people in her presence begin to see the immense value of working together,” said Cummings. “Sr. Laura is a steady force that many have come to rely on. I believe the only way to show our gratitude for her leadership is to carry on what she has modeled.”
“To say she will be missed is a tremendous understatement,” added Andino. “She shines at collaboration, and I think in her absence, we are all going to have to work a little harder to ensure that collaboration in its best form continues.”
Those who know of Sr. Laura’s supportive, inclusive, and open-minded leadership skills also know that she is a gifted poet. She uses poetry to reflect, inspire, and praise God. In her poem, “What Gives Me Joy,” Sister writes, “ … I lead with heart and rejoice in possibility, strive to be present to the person in front of me, accompanying them on their journey, hold a mirror up to their gifts, love to see them shine … ”
When asked what message she would like to share with our readers, she responded, “Pay attention to everything because God is not going to miss an opportunity to get our attention.”
When Sr. Laura was asked about being called to serve in St. Louis, she said she had to pay attention to what other people were saying to her and about the gifts she could bring to the team and to the Congregation at this time.
“Moving forward as missionary disciples takes courage, patience, and perseverance. We have to move in a positive way on this journey. Our work is not done yet.”
