Left to right: Sister Roberta Salah, SSJ, & Sister Catherine Loughran, CSJ, during a Bethany Bus outing.

Traveling Together:

Connection, Care, & the Bethany Difference

By Jean Spera

When Bethany’s new Dodge Ram first hit the road, the odometer read just 123 miles. Since then, each mile has become a prayer in motion — filled with music, shared laughter, quiet moments, plenty of snacks, and the simple comfort of being together. Careful planning and attention to safety accompany every journey, allowing us to travel with confidence and peace of mind. With room for thirteen passengers, including four wheelchairs, the Bethany Bus has become far more than transportation; it is a means of connection and belonging; it’s our doorway to the wider world.

Sisters on a Bethany Bus outing!

Our first adventure in March was a “Shamrock Run” for McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes. Irish music had our Special Care Unit residents singing along without missing a beat. On another early trip, riders brought back Dunkin’ coffee and Munchkins, transforming snack time into a joyful 1950s-style dance party.

When Chapel Mass isn’t available on Wednesdays, we often take faith on the road.

During these outings, Justin, our skilled driver, keeps everyone safe and secure, while Renee, our graduate nurse, attentively cares for each resident’s needs.

When Chapel Mass isn’t available on Wednesdays, we often take faith on the road. Visits have included the Fatima Shrine in Holliston, and Catholic TV in Watertown, where Bishop Reed welcomed us to record the Easter Mass and tour the studio (with a McDonald’s stop on the way home, of course).

We’ve also enjoyed cultural and contemplative outings. The Davis Art Museum at Wellesley College impressed us with beautiful, accessible art—and even a few sheep on campus — a reminder of God’s presence in both the expected and unexpected! A visit to Mount St. Mary’s Abbey delighted chocolate lovers and offered a peaceful time of prayer and chanting with the Cistercian nuns, followed by pizza and a just-in-time return for Happy Hour.

In addition to Castle Island Outings and a visit on the 24th anniversary of 9/11 to Framingham first responders, one summer day took us to Broad Hill Farm, where lavender fields met wide skies. Sitting beneath an ancient crab apple tree, we sipped lavender lemonade and cookies and learned about the plants in bloom. Each person left with a bouquet in hand, carrying home not only fragrance, but a sense of peace and gratitude for a day well lived.

Our Bethany bus trips remind us how joy often lives in ordinary moments and draws us into God’s presence in both expected and unexpected moments. They are clearly a part of the Bethany difference!