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PEOPLE OF GOD
Students Inspired by the Happiness and Love of God in Personal Vocation Stories
Vocation Program Panelists - Back, Left to Right: Sr. Mary Lou Ibarra, Fr. Mike DePalma; Msgr. Bennett J. Voorhies; Brother Maximillian Mary Stelmachowski, Mr. Jeffrey Brewer. Front, Left to Right: Ms. Mary Therese Wyant, Ms. Jennifer Whitcox, Mrs. Jana Brewer. Also presenting: Deacon Kevin Maloney By Beth lUKeS, Serra Club Volunteer
In January, 56 confi rmandi from Our Lady of Annunciation Parish gathered to hear truelife vocation stories. A panel consisting of three clergy, two religious, two consecrated virgins, and a married couple gave accounts of their journey to their chosen vocations. Clerical vocations represented were the priesthood and the deaconate. A Franciscan Brother and Cannosian Sister spoke on the vocation to religious life. The event was sponsored by The Serra Club of Albuquerque. After the event, the confi rmandi were asked whether they learned anything new; whether the program was helpful; and what surprised and inspired them. Several said that “hearing personal testimonies from each vocation and having people actually come to us to explain their experience” was most helpful. To the question of whether they learned anything new, confi rmandi said they learned: “that being married is easier said than done; that religious still do fun things; that there is such a thing as being married to Christ without becoming a nun; that they [clergy, religious, consecrated virgins] were all like us when they were our age; that most [of the panelists] didn’t think they would choose the vocation that they did; that there are lots more vocations than I thought; that there are other vocations besides the priesthood and married life, and that marriage is a vocation.” As for surprises, the students mentioned being surprised by: “the brother talking about living in peace; the happiness of all the people; how devoted to God you have to be to become any of those
Godly people; some of the changes of heart the speakers had.” Students commented that they were inspired by: “how happy the people are and how strong they are in their vocations; hearing of the power of God through the priesthood; how they all followed their dream; the devotion to God that each of the speakers spoke about; how the people dedicated their lives to God and how in and with Him, their lives became better; learning that God is a part of our life no matter which vocation; the happiness from each vocation and each person knowing that is where they belong.” The program was given a thumbs-up for next year. A few wished that the panelists had shared more fun stories of their lives before choosing their vocations. Two students requested a shorter format; another thought that the audience should be involved more. Three of the students wrote to request that we “keep on praying for them.” To that end, let us pray that prayers for our youth grow in holiness and in number and that the vocations received lead to more compelling stories of happiness in service and love for God like those heard this past January. Parishes interested in hosting a similar program for youth are encouraged to contact Serra’s Vocations Program Volunteer, Beth Lukes, via email at bethlukes@hotmail.com. Readers who wish to join the Serra Club in supporting and fostering vocations can do so by calling Bob Calvani at 505.255.6400 or by registering online at www.serraclubalbuquerque.org. The Serra Club meets every fi rst Thursday at 6:15 pm at Our Lady of Annunciation in St. Magdalene Hall.
March 2012
Dominican Priest, Preacher, Composer, Singer, Comes to Albuquerque - Have Fun; Do Good! By KrIS cOFFey, VIce-chaIr Board of Trustees, D+E+I
The Dominican Ecclesial Institute (D+E+I) announces that the internationally renowned, Fr. James Marchionda, OP, is coming to Albuquerque again. “The Power of Preaching through Music” engages all participants in the lively presentation by Fr. Jim at the D+E+I annual Tea and Lumen Awards Sunday, April 29, 2012. Internationally: Fr. Jim was the featured composer at Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s funeral liturgy with “I Was Hungry” from his Harvest of Justice collection. Locally, Fr. Jim most recently led, together with Sr. Ann Willets, OP, a 2010 area-wide stewardship mission attended by members of more than a dozen local parishes, as well as people coming from California and Colorado. Successfully integrating the Dominican charism of preaching with a professional career in sacred music, Fr. Jim’s dynamic ministry, as preacher, speaker, conductor, singer and woodwind instrumentalist, is described as a “full-of-life celebration,” and takes him throughout the United States and abroad. Have fun, while doing good. Sign up for the D+E+I Tea at www.d-e-i. org or call 505.243.0525. • Enjoy a delicious three-course tea of sweets and savories at the newly upgraded Sheraton Uptown with plenty of parking – with your friends and colleagues. • Honor the Lumen Ecclesiae Awardee, as well as Lumen Gentium Awardees from throughout the Archdiocese, including your own parish. • Join in the diverse Silent Auction of foods, wine, travel, electronics and more. • Delight in the special tea pot collection auction. • And, be uplifted with Fr. Jim. Have fun, while doing good at this 16th annual fundraising event for D+E, which focuses on critical adult faith formation events and support in New Mexico. D+E+I sponsors various programs: • Catholic Business Forum (CBF) 2011-12 “Politics and Faith” six luncheons • D+E+I Dialogues: fall, 2011 “Healthcare and Spirituality” with international medical ethicist, Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP, Prior Provincial of the Central Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great. • D+E+I Discussions in dozens of parishes, enhancing adult faith formation programs • Advent and Lent parish programs utilized throughout the archdiocese See www.d-e-i.org to hear various presentations and learn more about D+E+I. Opportunities are available to be Underwriters, Decade Donors, Sponsors and in-kind Auction donors. Your investment in D+E+I enables its present and future. Tea Tickets are $50 and a table of ten is $475.
The 2012-2015 Emmaus Journey Set to Begin September September 2012 is the month when a new opportunity for ministry formation begins in the Albuquerque area. The opportunity, known as the Emmaus Journey, is a three-year process of spiritual, theological, and practical formation. It is billed as an intensive level course of study designed to form lay ministers for ministry in the Church. Thus this process of ministry formation is for those individuals who have at least a basic to intermediate understanding of Catholicism and who sense a call to some form of ministry. If this describes you, please contact Rita Lucero at the Catholic Center (505.831.8126) and she will provide you with more information on the formation process and how you may apply.