VOCATION OFFICE E NEWSLETTER JULY 2018

Do not be afraid...

JUST HAVE FAITH.

Resurection of Jairus' Daughter by Vasily Polenov

Inside this issue:

July 2018

JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES SPIRITUAL REFLECTION ON MK 5:21-43 SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION SUMMERTIME APOSTOLIC TRIPS UPCOMING RETREATS

FAITH AND JESUS' HEALING POWER Mark

5:

21-43

In this passage, two things move God: suffering and faith. When Jesus is approached by a man who believes He can heal his suffering daughter, He sets out at once. Along the way, a suffering woman's act of faith draws out the healing power within Him. Still by Jesus' side, the father witnesses this miracle which strengthens his faith against the impending blow of the news of his daughter's death. He must have been shaken, for Jesus assures him, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." For it was one thing to have faith that Jesus could cure her, quite another to believe that He could raise her from the dead.

It was as if the desire of these two individuals provided the atmosphere in which God’s healing grace would have its greatest freedom. To one, he could say, "Daughter, your faith has saved you." To the other, He could have said, "Your faith has saved your daughter."

This image found in the catacombs of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter in Rome prefaces the section on sacraments in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

"The sacraments of the Church now continue the works which Christ had performed during his earthly life (cf.

1115). The sacraments are as it were 'powers that go forth' from the Body of Christ to heal the wounds of sin and to give us the new life of Christ (cf. 1116)."

God still desires to pour forth this healing upon all His children. May we have the faith to approach the sacraments often as fonts of this healing and saving power.

Recommended Reading THE

GIFT OF FAITH BY FATHER TADEUSZ DAJCZER

The Gift of Faith looks at faith in an unconventional way, yet is rooted in a sound theology of the spiritual life. In this book, "the genius of a theologian of faith as well as the charisma of a spiritual director are clearly visible"...

It is the fruit of many years of teaching and over thirty years of experience as a spiritual director with a great number of people. This book is a response to the desire of many seeking deep interior spirituality. With simplicity and clarity, the author engages the reader's attention and awakens their yearning to experience God and to follow a specific path of sanctification.

"Since it is through faith that we penetrate into the life of God, into the life of Jesus Christ, then it is through this same faith that God begins His own life within us.

The purpose of our faith is for us to think as Jesus Christ does— to allow Him, who is living in us through faith, to use us, think within us, and live in us."

Click on the image above for a link to order the book.

JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES

Sister Mary Sharon, O.P. Sister Mary Augustine, O.P. Sister Mary Jordan, O.P. Sister Henry Suso, O.P. Sister Mary Brigid, O.P. Sister Mary Gertrude, O.P. Sister Mary Madeline, O.P.

Silver Jubilee JULY 7, 2018

Alaska Catholic Youth Conference Anchorage, AK

St. Luke the Evangelist VBS, Dahlonega, GA

Sacred Heart of Jesus VBS, Wadsworth, OH FOCUS Training University of Mary

St. Lawrence VBS Fairhope, Alabama

This summer, our sisters participated in and helped at over 35 camps and conferences in 23 states. This is a blessed way we can serve in parishes where we are not normally present during the school year.

On all our journeys, we meet incredible people doing tremendous work for the Catholic Church and for the Lord in their communities.

Spreading the Good News in Summer!

More Summer Blessings The end of July abounded in blessings. We celebrated the Perpetual Profession of ten sisters, the First Profession of eleven sisters, and the reception of the habit for our newest novices. We were also blessed to spend much time enjoying one another in community. Â Please look for more details and pictures of these events in our next newsletter!

Retreats at St. Cecilia Motherhouse Jesu Caritas Weekends October 5-7, 2018 February 8-10, 2019

Vocation Retreats November 8-11, 2018 January 10-13, 2019 March 7-10, 2019

for single, Catholic women, ages 17-30 FOR MORE INFORMATION SR. PETER MARIE*615.256.0147*VOCATION@OP-TN.ORG