2006 VISION Vocation Guide

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Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters • Cloistered/Contemplative missionary congregation • Perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament • Choral Liturgy of the Hours • Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary • Intercessory prayer for Priests • Work and study

Divine Word Missionaries • Live in Multi-Cultural/International communities • Share the Word of God • Teach, that others may learn • Comfort those in need • Minister to the poor • Help others to grow

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Religious - Missionaries in St. Arnold’s family International • Men and Women • Missionary and Contemplative Divine Word Missionaries

History St. Arnold Janssen founded three religious communities.

Through action and contemplation, their missionary charism flows from a Trinitarian Spirituality.

Divine Word Missionaries, founded in 1875, have over 6,000 priests and brothers serving in over 65 countries around the world.

Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, founded in 1889, have over 3600 sisters serving in 45 countries, often in close cooperation with the Divine Word Missionaries.

Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, founded in 1896, live a contemplative life of missionary prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters

102 Jacoby Drive SW PO Box 380 Epworth, IA 52045-0380 1-800-553-3321 E-mail: dwm@mwci.net Website: www.svdvocations.org

Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters Vocation Office PO Box 6026 Techny, IL 60082-6026 1-847-441-0126 ext. 700 E-mail: sspsovm@aol.com Website: www.ssps-usa.org

Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters Mount Grace Convent 1438 East Warne Ave. St. Louis, MO 63107 1-314-381-2654 E-mail: sspsap@inlink.com Website: mountgraceconvent.org

• Devotion to the Holy Spirit • Diverse mission activities • Service to the poor • Advocacy for justice and peace • International/Multicultural communities

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Contents

VISION 2007 RELIGIOUS VOCATION DISCERNMENT GUIDE

Sisters A 20-something begins monastic life SISTER MARY CATHARINE PERRY, O.P.

76

Why be a sister today?

82

SISTER JENNIFER GORDON, S.C.L.

For Sister Jamie Phelps, life’s joys outweigh struggles LET GOD’S WORD OPEN THE DOOR TO YOUR HEART

Prayer & discernment Let God’s Word open the door to your heart SISTER ROSANN OCKEN, O.S.B.

Media review Lives that lead to God: Biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs JOEL SCHORN

10

How to tend to the seeds of your vocation SISTER MARGIE LAVONIS, C.S.C.

Vocation: A common calling, with unique twists

28

Religious life BENJAMIN ROSSI, MARIA FLICKER, AND JOSEPH PROKOTT 34

BISHOP ROBERT MORNEAU

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How God tricked Duc Pham into becoming a brother CLIFF TERRY

94

100

WHY BE A SISTER TODAY? 82

What does it take to be a good priest?

FATHER JIM KENT, O.F.M. CONV.

64

Where my call to priesthood has taken me

70

RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS 7

ADVERTISER INDEX 169

MEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH 145

WEB INDEX OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH 151

42

Brothers

BROTHER PAUL BEDNARCZYK, C.S.C.

58

MARK MOSSA, S.J.

What attracted us to religious life

Five reasons we need religious communities

22

86

The gift of brotherhood: What I wish people knew

From frat boys to fathers ELENA PERRI

SISTER ANITA LOUISE LOWE, O.S.B.

48

Priests

16

Four steps to hearing your call

FATHER DICK SPARKS, C.S.P.

LESLIE SCANLON

10

AND VOCATION-RELATED RESOURCES ONLINE AT WWW.VOCATIONGUIDE.ORG

COVER DESIGN & PHOTO T & J STUDIOS

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Publishers’ Note

Looking for the perfect match?

Celibacy is a witness to the world FATHER HENRI J. M. NOUWEN

H

122

Being Catholic Following Jesus: Be ready for some surprises LESSONS IN LOVE FROM CENTRAL BRAZIL 112

Missionaries Father Tom ventures to help where others no longer dare DANNA HARMAN

106

Lessons in love from central Brazil PHOTOS, SISTER MARIANNE SAIEG, O.S.F.;

FATHER RONALD ROLHEISER, O.M.I.

128

Hearts on fire: A Catholic approach to scripture SISTER BARBARA E. REID, O.P.

132

Religious life: A brief history SISTER MARY CHARLOTTE CHANDLER, R.S.C.J. 138

TEXT, CAROL SCHUCK SCHEIBER AND JOEL SCHORN

112

Celibacy Follow your passion SISTER DEBORAH L. HUMPHREYS, S.C.

116

The art of discernment How the Samaritan found his vocation GREGORY F. AUGUSTINE PIERCE

HOW THE SAMARITAN FOUND HIS VOCATION

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OW DO YOU get a line on your life’s calling? Author John Neafsey in A Sacred Voice Is Calling (Orbis, 2006) says, an “authentic calling brings together three things: what we most enjoy, what we are good at, and what others most need from us.”

VISION vocation guide, and the VISION websites, VocationGuide.org and VocacionCatolica.org offer you many opportunities to gain perspective on those three elements of your vocation.

In the profiles of those who have chosen consecrated life, you will surely recognize parts of yourself as you see how others determined the best way to follow their heart’s desires. In the community ads and listings you will learn about the many vocation opportunities available to you. And most notably this year, through our new online VISION Vocation Matching Service, you will be offered tools to help you clarify your preferences and narrow your search for the right vocation for you.

Living a life of love is the essence of a Christian vocation, says Pope Benedict XVI in his first encyclical, Deus, caritas est.

Determining the best way to live out this life of love is the essence of vocation discernment.

Many blessings as you seek your perfect vocation match.

—Patrice J. Tuohy

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THE ANNUAL RELIGIOUS VOCATION DISCERNMENT GUIDE

_5N SITIO EN )N TERNET SOLO PARA TI 3I HABLAS ESPA×OL Y BUSCAS UNA MANERA DE ENRIQUECER TU FE ENCONTRAR OPOR TUNIDADES DE EDU CACIØN SERVICIO SOCIAL Y FORMACIØN ESPIRITUAL O SEGUIR UNA VOCACIØN RELIGIOSA ENTONCES EL SITIO EN )NTERNET PARA TI ES WWW VO CACIONCATOLICA COM _6ISÓTANOS HOY WWW VOCACIONCATOLICA COM ES UN AlLIADO DE 6)3)/. Y PERTENECE A LA .ATIONAL 2ELIGIOUS 6OCATION #ONFERENCE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL RELIGIOUS VOCATION CONFERENCE Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C. PUBLISHER TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C. Patrice J. Tuohy (pjtuohy@truequest.biz) Daniel Grippo (dgrippo@truequest.biz)

EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Patrice J. Tuohy MANAGING EDITOR/PRODUCTION Anne Marie O’Kelley (amokelley@truequest.biz) MANAGING EDITOR/EDITORIAL Joel Schorn (jschorn@truequest.biz) CONTENT EDITOR Carol Schuck Scheiber (contenteditor@VocationGuide.org) ART DIRECTION T & J Studios ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Dianne Potter (dpotter@truequest.biz)

SALES Patrice J. Tuohy Dianne Potter CUSTOMER SERVICE 800-942-2811 mail@VocationGuide.org

VocationGuide.org

ONLINE SERVICES ideaPort, L.L.C. VISION is the annual publication of the National Religious Vocation Conference, 5420 South Cornell Avenue, Suite 105, Chicago, Illinois 60615; nrvc@aol.com; www.nrvc.net

! WEBSITE JUST FOR YOU )F YOU SPEAK 3PANISH AND ARE LOOKING FOR WAYS TO ENRICH YOUR FAITH lND OPPORTUNI TIES FOR EDUCATION SERVICE AND SPIRITUAL DIRECTION OR PURSUE A RELIGIOUS VOCATION WWW VOCACIONCATOL ICA COM IS THE WEB SITE FOR YOU 6ISIT US TODAY

WWW VOCACIONCATOLICA COM IS A 6)3)/. AFlLIATE OWNED

BY THE .ATIONAL 2ELIGIOUS 6OCATION #ONFERENCE

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© 2006, National Religious Vocation Conference Published by TrueQuest Communications, 806 West Washington Blvd., Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60607-2302, PHONE: 312-829-7200; FAX: 312-829-7400; E-MAIL: mail@truequest.biz; www.truequest.biz Printed in the United States. ISBN 1083-0804. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from TrueQuest Communications.

Manuscripts are welcome. For writer’s guidelines and other editorial inquiries, contact Carol Schuck Scheiber at contenteditor@VocationGuide.org Request additional copies online at VocationGuide.org; e-mail mail@VocationGuide.org; or call 800-942-2811.

For information on advertising, please call Dianne Potter at 800-942-2811.

VISION reserves the right to reject any advertising. All ads must be in line with the guide’s mission to promote religious vocations. The NRVC does not specifically endorse any advertisements.

VocationGuide.org VISION 2007

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religious sightings TALKING IS OVERRATED

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HAT DO YOU call a three-hour, nearly silent film about the lives of Carthusian monks in the remote monastery of Grand Chartreuse in the French Alps? A hit, that’s what. The documentary Into Great Silence played to packed houses in Germany and received rave reviews in 2005. “The film,” according to its website, www.diegrossestille. de/english/, “is an austere, next to silent meditation on monastic life in a very pure form.

No music except the chants in the monastery, no interviews, no commentaries, no extra material.”

Philip Groening, a German who directed the film, lived in the community for several months and took part in all aspects of the monks’ lives, leaving him with only two to three hours each day to work on the documentary. “When I left the monastery, I was thinking about what exactly had I lived through, and I was realizing that I had had the privilege of living with a community of people who live practically without any

fears,” Groening told the BBC. “They have the feeling that if something goes wrong, then it’s OK because it’s something that God wanted, and this is something that changed me.”

Asked about the monks’ simple, prayercentered, and mostly silent daily routine, Groening says, “I think they simply do it because they choose to become close to God. It’s a very simple concept, the concept is God himself is pure happiness; the closer you move to God, the happier you are.”

College students value spiritual quest

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IGHTY PERCENT of college students say they are “very interested in spirituality,” concluded a major study in 2005 by the University of California (see www.spirituality.ucla.edu/). Among the findings: 76% 74%

are searching for meaning/ purpose in life have discussions with friends about the meaning of life

81% 79% 69%

attend religious services believe in God pray

MORE PRIEST PREPARATION INCLUDES CEO TRAINING

S

OME SEMINARIES, such as St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, place great importance on getting priests ready to lead parishes, reports Associated Press writer Joe Milicia, because some become pastors within a year of ordination.

Sister Christine Schenk, C.S.J. executive director of FutureChurch, a Cleveland based group dedicated to parish reform, would like to see every seminary require courses in human resources, management, and community organizing. “Most priests want to be a VISION 2007

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priest because they want to be ministering to people,” says Schenk, “not because they want to be a manager.”

Father Brandan McGuire, 39, of Holy Spirit Parish in San Jose, California, was the executive director of an association in the computer industry before becoming a priest.

“Fundamentally, it’s exactly what I do now,” McGuire says. “You deal with lots of different people who have their own agendas, and you have to keep everyone unified on the same standard. And this standard is Jesus Christ.”

SILENT PARTNERS— The monks of the remote Grand Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps are the stars of the film Into Great Silence.

“IT’S NOT a very popular idea, but if you believe in God and you believe God made you, then God made you for a reason. At the end of the day it has to do with how you serve others. But you can’t serve others if you don’t know who you are.”

–Billy Corgan of rock band Smashing Pumpkins on discerning one’s vocation in The God Factor (FSG, 2006)

by Cathleen Falsani.

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religious sightings Communities take the law into their own hands

F

OR CENTURIES religious communities have ministered wherever they have seen a need to serve, whether it’s in classrooms, hospitals, shelters, or on street corners. In recent years “courtroom” has been added to the list. More than 100 sisters, priests, and brothers in the United States are also civil lawyers, according to Sister Margaret Taylor, R.S.M., former head of the Intercommunity Legal Conference.

The move toward practicing law as a form of ministry gathered steam in the 1980s, when many religious communities made a conscious choice to work for social justice. “Religious doing this are interested in finding the broadest way to effect systemic change on behalf of the marginalized. The law has the potential for doing a lot. It has the ability to establish rights,” says Taylor, an attorney involved in community development work in Philadelphia.

Other priests, brothers, and sisters are public defenders, child advocacy attorneys, elder lawyers, law professors, and immigration lawyers.

Kathy Chuston, O.S.F. is currently studying law at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Before she joined her community, she had worked as a court reporter and a legal secretary and had seen her share of unsavory lawyers, as well as those with a strong social conscience. Now, she says, “I see the practice of law, for myself, as a ministry, as a way to help those who are underrepresented by our legal system to gain assistance during a very vulnerable time in their lives.”

HEALING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

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CORE VALUES—Jayne Ader and Congregation of St. Agnes Sister Madeline Gianforte (right) have brought holistic healing to the poor of Milwaukee.

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OFOUNDED in 2002

by Jayne Ader and Madeline Gianforte, C.S.A., with help from the Congregation of St. Agnes, CORE/EL CENTRO, a nonprofit natural healing center operating in the heart of Milwaukee’s Hispanic community, is dedicated to making holistic healing available to all people, especially those who are underserved or face barriers in receiving healthcare.

“We passionately believe,” say CORE cofounders, “that the most effective healing happens when natural healing modalities are integrated with traditional medical practices and that all people deserve access to holistic healing.”

Among the CORE/EL CENTRO offerings are sessions in dance aerobics, massage, acupuncture, reiki, T’ai Chi, meditation, and yoga.

“At the heart of the center, say Ader and Gianforte, “is a belief system that all individuals have untapped energy at the core of their being that, when accessed, creates personal and global healing. CORE/EL CENTRO believes that through nurturing, listening, and responding to the deeper wisdom of the body, mind, and spirit, individuals can heal, empower, and transform themselves, their families, their communities, and the world.

In less than three years the demand for their services increased sixfold, and there are now more than 70 professionals providing services. For more information go to www. core-elcentro.org.

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religious sightings JESUIT TEACHES ARCHITECTURE WITH THE PERSON IN MIND

“THIS IS obviously a very serious proceeding, but as a product of Catholic school education, it’s every school boy’s dream to cross-examine a nun.”

T

“

HE STUDIO IS A HOOK,” says Father Terrence Curry, S.J. in describing the St. Joseph’s Studio College at the University of Budapest in Hungary. The architectural studio for students Curry runs allows him to introduce his concept of community design to Hungarian students and also to be a missionary.

The largely nonreligious college students are attracted to Curry’s energy and commitment. They routinely invite him out to the pub, and most showed up early and stayed late for his ordination. Even at the end of a long week coordinating an international seminar, Curry expounds on his ideas with the enthusiasm of a 6-year-old on a playground—swinging off one idea and jumping to the next.

“My primary ministry,” he says, “is to work with people and engage them in the question of how we can make the building environment worthy of the human person.”

At St. Joseph’s Studio College in Budapest and at the Community Design Center he founded in Detroit, the local community gets

BUILDING COMMUNITY—Father Terrence Curry, S.J. and two former colleagues look over some building plans.

involved in designing or renovating buildings. Their involvement nurtures a sense of ownership that translates into final works that uplift and enhance, says Curry.

He clearly enjoys the challenge of witnessing to the faith in a post-communist country. And he loves being able to combine his passion for architecture with low-key evangelization. “People ask me, ‘How can you be a priest and an architect?’ And I say, how can I not?”

Program helps with life direction

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LifeChoices®, employs interviews, a spiritual OR YOUNG ADULTS in the U.S.,finding inventory, lifestyle examination, counseling, help with education and job training is mentoring, retreats, and workshops. one thing. More difficult is finding help in More than 1,500 understanding one’s talents people of all ages have used and spiritual gifts and how the program to move on to to use them. the next step in their lives. AlThat’s what Sisters Rita though many married people Schilling and Diana Rawluse the program, it was ings discovered when they originally designed for single researched the vocational men and women who are still needs of young people undecided about life’s major in the late 1990s. From choices. their findings, the sisters’ To learn more about religious community—the this free service, offered in Adorers of the Blood of SPIRITUAL MENTOR–Sisters Rita Schilling (middle left) and Diana English or Spanish, contact Christ—formed a ministry Rawlings (middle right), shown with 1-877-236-7377, ext. 1411 or that uses the Internet and phone conferences to guide Adorers’ vocation team members e-mail ascvocations@adorers.

Christi Cupp (top) and Lori Benge. org. Information is also online people through decisions at www.adorers.org/lifechoices.aspx. about what to do with their lives. The, program, VISION 2007

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–Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Collins, prefacing his questions to Sister Helen Prejean, C.S.J. in the corruption trial of former Illinois Governor George Ryan.

Prejean, who was serving as a character witness, was one of the advisers Ryan consulted before clearing Death Row in 2003 (Chicago Sun-Times).

“LIBRARIANS give us a scare.”

–Benedictine Sister Carol Hellmann of St. Walburg Monastery in Villa Hills, Kentucky after the sisters’ team lost to the Boone County library team in the annual Corporate Spelling Bee for Literacy. The three-time Benedictine champions fell in the last round when they couldn’t spell chimopelagic, referring to deepsea organisms (The Cincinnati Post).

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prayer & discernment GOD DESIRES to enter intimately into our hearts.

But God will knock and wait. With lectio divina we open the door and give God space in our hearts.

Lea este artículo en español en VocacionCatolica. org.

Read this article in Spanish at VocacionCatolica. org.

Let God’s Word open the door to your heart Praying with scripture can help you hear the voice of the Spirit stirring inside your heart and inviting you to break open the Bible and come to know God more personally.

BY

SISTER ROSANN OCKEN, O.S.B.

I

’VE ALWAYS WANTED to know how to pray with the Bible, but I never knew how to start,” Jenny told me after a retreat I had helped lead. She was so moved by her new experience of praying with scripture, she had tears in her eyes as she thanked me.

Jenny is not alone. There is an increasing desire among youth and young adults of the church to learn how to approach scripture in a personal, prayerful way. I sense the Spirit stirring inside our hearts, inviting us to break open the Bible in Sister Rosann Ocken, O.S.B. is vocation director for the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Norfolk, Nebraska.

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order to come to know God more personally.

What Jenny learned on that retreat was the ancient practice of lectio divina.

These Latin words simply mean “holy reading.” The practice of prayerful reflection on the Word of God has been around as long as men and women have known the Word of God. In time, however, a particular practice evolved and came to be known as lectio divina.

There are four “movements” of this prayer: lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio.

Preparing for holy reading Before taking up these four specific movements, it helps to mention some VISION 2007

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basic preparation pointers for the prayerful reading of scripture: • Place. Find a quiet time and place to pray. It helps when you can be consistent.

• Posture. Be relaxed and comfortable, but not in a posture conducive to sleep.

• Passage. Prepare your scripture passage before you begin.

• Prayer. Ask for the light of the Holy Spirit. This prayer can be as simple as: “Come Holy Spirit; open my heart to hear the Word of God.”

The four movements of lectio divina Lectio, “reading,” is the first movement of lectio divina. One begins by the slow and mindful reading of the scripture passage. It is usually better not to attempt to read large passages but rather 12

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to take only some verses. As you read, be alert to any word or phrase that seems to “come forward” for you.

I’ll never forget one day I was reading from Matthew 10 about the missioning of the 12 apostles. Because this passage is well-known, I proceeded without a lot of expectation—“Cure the sick,” and so on. Then, without warning, nine words seemed to light up in neon: “The gift you have received, give as a gift.” It was as though I had never seen those words before! It felt as if they were placed there just for me to see. This was clearly the place to pause and look more deeply.

Meditatio means “meditation.” We pause our reading to have time to reflect and ask, “God, what do you want to tell me in this?” Meditatio involves listening and requires desire and an intentional openness of heart. As soon as the words mentioned above came forward for me, I listened and realized, “Yes, I have been untrusting and insecure about my new assignment in campus ministry.” I found God telling me to believe that I have been gifted for the mission and that I should move ahead with trust.

Oratio: “prayer.” Once I became aware of God’s message for me, I broke into prayer. “God, why do I focus on my shortcomings? I want to trust your call and your gifts in my life. Help me to believe and share these gifts with others.” This prayer can be spontaneous or it can be formalized. The Spirit will speak in you.

Contemplatio. Contemplation begins once you enter a kind of wordless resting in God’s loving presence.

For me contemplatio is the quiet peacefulness I feel when I become aware of God’s total, unconditional love and acceptance of me. Rest in this space until you feel drawn to return to your reading.

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divina experience do not necessarily happen each time I pray with scripture, nor do they always follow in that sequence. There are times when the minute a word comes forward, the message is clear and I immediately move into prayer. Other times the reading calls me to reflect deeply and I stay predominantly with meditatio.

So, these four aspects are experiences that the Spirit guides you through.

Most important, be supple and trust the movement of the Spirit.

Sometimes when I pray with scripture, I feel intensely inspired.

Other times I walk away not feeling particularly touched in any way.

When I walk away uninspired, it

Most important, be supple and trust the movement of the Spirit. does not mean I have failed, nor has God failed me. Whether I am aware of it or not, God’s grace is always present and active in the Word.

Silvia, a woman considering religious life, has recently begun the practice of lectio divina. Even though she sometimes “feels nothing,” she realizes the particular grace of praying with scripture. She wrote this about her experience: “No human being can teach me what God tells me. The dialogue is personal. Before, I was following the signs of God. Now I have started to talk with God. . . . To talk with God is so simple. He is waiting to talk with you. Reserve some moments. He wants to tell you something important.”

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Choose a simple plan A simple plan for your reading helps you begin to stay focused. For beginners, I suggest the New Testament.

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Answering The Call

Men of faith. Followers of Mary. People of community.

Discipleship of equals. Leaders in mission.

For more information, visit us at www.marianist.com/vocations or call 1-314-533-1207.

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In particular, the gospels are the central part of Christian scripture, and the Gospel of Mark is a wonderful starting place. It is the shortest of the gospels and is sometimes called “the gospel on the go” because of Mark’s brief telling of the events of Jesus’ life. Mark is the first gospel written, and both Matthew and Luke borrowed from it when writing their accounts.

One option I suggest for regular lectio divina is to take up “continuous reading” of a book in the Bible.

Day after day simply take up your reading where you left off yesterday.

I like this way of doing my lectio; it provides continuity for me, and I can go at my own pace. When I complete a book, I date it with a sticky note and choose my next book.

Another plan for lectio divina, one that many of my friends use, is to take up one or more of the readings from the daily scripture readings for Mass. Many sites list the daily readings. One such example is from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: www.usccb.org/nab.

This site allows you to print out the actual scripture passages for any day of the month so there’s no need to look up a citation in the Bible.

A distinct advantage of using the daily readings is that eventually they include selections from almost all the books of the Bible. It is also helpful because the readings are chosen to reflect the celebration of each day’s particular feast or season of the church year. Some who pray with the daily readings also appreciate that it unites them with the worldwide church.

Listening to the voice of God We believe that scripture is the Word of God. This belief is a certainty that we cannot have with any other reading. But still, we realize that scripture was written in the context of a par14

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ticular time, place, and culture and is to be approached with this awareness. You might ask, “How does a beginner approach scripture without being misled?”

• Begin with a prayer to the Holy Spirit. Scripture is the Word of God and can only be opened with the help of God.

BROTHERS

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of the Christian Schools

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• Believe that God wants to communicate to you. Enter your lectio with desire, openness, and readiness to listen, rather than a pressing personal agenda. This opens you to let the Spirit be in charge.

• In your lectio divina, let God speak to you about you. A common trap on the spiritual journey is to get caught up in solving the problems of others rather than being personally open to hearing God’s call for oneself.

• You will know when you are on the right path when you find yourself becoming more peaceful, joyful, loving, kind, patient.

Jesus said, “You will know a tree by its fruits” (Matthew 7:16). You will begin to see the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26) growing in your daily experience. The transformation may be as slow and imperceptible as that growing tree, but also just as sure.

God’s desire “Here I stand, knocking at the door.

Whoever hears me calling and opens the door, I will enter their house, have supper with them and they with me” (Revelation 3:20).

We sometimes forget that God desires to come close to us, to enter intimately into our hearts. But God will not force a way. God will knock and wait. Sometimes the first step we have to make in opening the door is VISION 2007

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to set aside time and quiet ourselves enough to listen. With lectio divina we open the door and give God space in our hearts.

Another retreat participant I met recently, Anne, writes of her experience of this meeting. “I can best summarize prayer in my life as trial and error. Looking back, my error has revolved around not allowing myself to be with Christ. . . . .

“In the past I have failed to let him initiate attention to the deepest needs of my heart. . . . [Then] I met a group of beautiful and inspiring sisters who showed me how to pray in the lectio divina style. The first time I really tried it, I felt like my spirit was truly united to God! . . . Every day now I know I’ve been given new life when I pray with lectio divina, and I offer praises of gratitude that there is a better way to pray!”

May God’s Word open doors for you toward better ways to pray.

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prayer & discernment HAS ANYONE ever told you that you would make a good sister, brother, or priest? Many religious say that such a statement planted the seeds of their vocations.

How to tend to the seeds of your vocation You’re not alone in your confusion and uncertainty about where God is calling you. Look to an expert for advice on four common questions asked by discerners.

BY

SISTER MARGIE LAVONIS, C.S.C.

M

AKING A DECISION about a religious vocation—or any lifetime commitment for that matter—can be a scary experience. All kinds of questions dance around in our heads, and we want clear-cut answers.

There are common questions many discerners ask. Below is my attempt to answer four of them from the experience Sister Margie Lavonis, C.S.C., a former vocation director for the Sisters of the Holy Cross, is a freelance writer and also works in her congregation’s communication office. She writes a newspaper column for young adults called “The Cutting Edge.”

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of someone who served as a vocation director for the Sisters of the Holy Cross for several years.

What are some signs that indicate God might be calling me to priesthood or religious life?

I once heard a very simple answer to this question that I think is right on target: The speaker pointed to three good indications that a person might have a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.

The first is to have a deep desire to

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serve God and God’s people and to yearn for a deep relationship with God. All the baptized are called to service, but a person called to priesthood or religious life desires to give his or her whole self exclusively to God and to the service of God’s people.

Another sign or indication of a possible religious vocation is what people tell you. Has anyone ever told you that you would make a good sister, brother, or priest? Many priests and religious say that such a statement planted the seeds of their vocations. In many cases it got them to seriously think about priesthood or religious life.

In my case it was a sister who taught me history when I was a junior in high school. She told me I was a very giving person and asked if I had ever thought that God might be calling me to be a sister. Even though it crossed my mind, like most young people who went to Catholic school in those days, I had yet to get serious about it. Her question encouraged me to explore the possibility.

The third sign has to do with ability. Do you have the skills or the potential needed to live the life of a priest or religious? Do you desire to grow and learn? Are you able to get along with other people and be flexible and open to change. If you are someone who is closed-minded or who cannot relate to others or who has extreme difficulty learning, chances are that priesthood or religious life is not for you. Poor health and the inability to carry out the mission of a religious order may also indicate that you are not being called in that direction.

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discernment about the possibility that God might be calling you.

Is it OK to date while I am considering religious life?

Dating is an important part of discerning one’s life call. It is by dating that you discover whether or not you want to spend a lifetime with a special person in marriage. I definitely encourage all young adults to date and enjoy relationships with the opposite sex.

There is a point, however, when those who are seriously considering a vocation to the religious life or priesthood should stop dating. It would be unfair and deceiving to lead someone on who is seeking the right person to marry. Dating presumes someone is available and open to marriage. If you are not truly available because you are in serious discernment about religious life, then you should not date.

On the other hand, if you can’t seem to live without a serious relationship with the opposite sex, that also tells you something very important about yourself.

Then the next question usually is: “When should I consider myself a serious discerner?” I would consider you to be really serious if you have pretty much ruled out marriage and have a deep desire to make a life commitment to God and the church, or I would consider you to be serious if you are actively exploring various congregations and are in touch with a vocation director or another priest or religious who is giving you some guidance.

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need for certainty often prevents people from taking a leap of faith.

My answer to this question is that you do not have to be absolutely sure. Who is absolutely sure about anything? The time comes when a person has to make a decision one way or another. Actually, there is an old saying that not to decide really is to decide.

If you have done all your homework, have discerned responsibly with a spiritual director and a religious community, have the skills needed for community, and feel relatively sure you are called, then the next step is to go through the application process. Also, when you enter a seminary or a formation program, your discernment continues. You get plenty of time and guidance to help you more fully discover whether or not God is really calling you to live your baptism as a priest or religious.

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In a formation program you deepen your knowledge and experience of religious life and the community you enter. At the same time the community or diocese gets to know you and determines whether you are called to be a life member.

Rarely is one absolutely sure.

Most of the time the only way to know with some certainty is to take a risk and let God do the rest. If you find out it is not for you, so be it. At least you were responsible and tried to do what was right with the knowledge you had at the time. If you continue to sit on the fence, you will get nowhere fast! You are the only one who can take the necessary step. The main thing is to follow your heart and be open to God’s Spirit.

Why does the vocation director I’m talking to want me to have a spiritual director?

To put it simply, spiritual direction helps you to see the action of God in your life. A spiritual director, who holds everything you share in confidence, facilitates this process. You are free to say whatever is in your heart. This includes your joys as well as your doubts and fears.

Choose a person who is a good listener and to whom you can relate well. A spiritual director can help you look at your relationship with God, discover ways you can be more in touch with God’s action and presence in you, and truly discern what God is calling you to do in your life.

You might now be thinking about how one finds such a person.

One way is to ask vocation directors for suggestions. Another is to contact your diocesan vocation office or ask a priest or member of a religious community for some names.

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Rarely is one absolutely sure. Most of the time the only way to know with some certainty is to take a risk and let God do the rest. of people until you find one who relates to you the best. Your spiritual director does not need to be a priest or religious. Many laypeople serve as spiritual directors. You will know in your heart when the right person comes along.

After you find a person, then what? Sometimes it can be a little scary when you first begin. A big concern is often about what you are going to say. A good spiritual director will ask you some questions to begin the sharing. Usually you talk about what has happened, especially in your prayer life, since the last time you met. In a way it can be kind of like faith-sharing. Also, he or she will probably give you some guidance on ways to deepen your relationship with God. One thing to remember is that it takes time to build up a relationship with your director. Don’t judge the person by what does or does not happen in your first session. It is good to meet on a regular basis—at least once a month. Sometimes the meetings can occur more often in the beginning when the director is trying to get to know you and while you are trying to decide whether or not this person is for you.

Finally, God is the one who gives us our vocations. That is why it is so necessary to have an objective person to help us see what God is doing in our lives.

In all ages

For all ages

By all ages The Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida Sister Elizabeth Weber 8560 North 76th Place Milwaukee, WI 53223-2634 414-354-9233 elizabeth@scsja.org U.S. Province: www.scsja.org International: www.suoredellacarita.org Enter #060 at VocationMatch.org

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prayer & discernment

This guy may be too hip or otherwise not right. Maybe if I got rid of the earring?

YOU ARE LIKELY to hear God’s call several times before you realize who is calling.

Your task is to listen, to listen well, and, once you’ve heard God’s voice, to follow it.

Four steps to hearing your call Throughout the ages, people have struggled to understand God’s call to them. Four basic steps of discernment—becoming aware, gathering information, making a decision, and looking for confirmation of your choice—can help.

BY

SISTER ANITA LOUISE LOWE, O.S.B.

H

OW DO YOU HEAR God’s call in your lives? How do you understand what you hear?

These questions have been asked throughout the ages and continue to be asked by all who seek to discern God’s presence and call in their lives. If you look at scripture, you find several examples of people struggling to understand God’s call to them.

Sister Anita Louise Lowe, O.S.B. has been director of vocation ministries for her community, the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana, since 1999 and has worked in vocation ministry since 1997.

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Consider the story of the call of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10). Samuel was a young boy serving in the temple when he heard a voice calling his name. He assumed this voice was that of the priest, Eli. Eventually, Eli realized that Samuel was hearing God’s voice calling to him and instructed him to respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Samuel needed Eli to tell him that the voice he heard was God’s. He didn’t recognize God’s voice on his own.

Or consider the story of Andrew and the other disciple when they were with John the Baptist. John sees Jesus walking by and points out, “Behold the Lamb of God.” With that the two disciples of VISION 2007

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John follow after Jesus and become his disciples (John 1:35-40). They needed John the Baptist to point out Jesus to them. Then, they could follow and respond.

When you seek to discover God’s call in your lives you enter a time of discernment. The dictionary defines discern as: to separate, to sort out, to sift through. Discernment, then, is a time of sifting and sorting. Religious discernment is also a time to see with the eyes of your heart so that you can choose life in God. It is a time when you allow yourselves to be open to God’s will, and it is an opportunity to allow your hearts to guide your mind more than only trusting your own reasoning.

What do you hear?

While discernment has many parts, I would like to suggest four basic steps in any time of discovering one’s vocation. The first is a call to become aware. You are called to listen to God, to yourselves, and to those around you.

If you are to listen to God, then prayer is essential. You need to take time to be in conversation with God, to ask God for help and guidance.

You have only to look to the life of Jesus to see the prominent place of prayer in discernment. As you read the gospels you find that before every major decision Jesus went off alone to pray. He did this prior to choosing the 12 apostles, and he spent much time in prayer as he prepared for his Passion and death.

While you need time alone, you also can find God’s voice in the voices of those around you. Your call is not for you alone. While you may grow personally and your relationship with God may develop as a result of your call, your vocation is always a call for others, a call to be of service to others, a call to pray for others.

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Gail, a young woman considering religious life, says, “Without the voices of others, I know I would not be where I am today in my spiritual process. God has sent me ‘voices’ throughout my life, people that I may have only known for a short time and others whom I have known for a long while. I feel so alive and filled with love when we have spiritual talks. It is their voices echoing mine that bring light and peace into my life.”

Embracing the Challenge of the Gospel Prayer

Community

What do you need to know?

The second step in discovering your vocation is to gather information and investigate the many options in front of you. Nicole says, “As I discern God’s call in my life, I find that the perspective and input from people who know me in a vast array of settings helps to gain deeper insight and self-knowledge. For each person whose life path has connected with my own, I have been enlightened to my weaknesses as well as uncovered some of my hidden strengths.”

Discerning a call to religious life is a two-way street. It calls for mutual discernment—on the part of the individual as well as the community. Just as with marriage, entering a religious community involves two parties, and both are called to be open and honest in order to discern if God is calling someone to join this particular community or not.

During this step it can be extremely helpful to have a spiritual director, someone with whom you can share your prayer, your relationship with God, your questions, and your fears. A spiritual director can help you sort and sift and discover where God may be leading you. Jennifer recalls how her own spiritual director has helped her and challenged her in her discernment of a vocation: “My spiritual director introduced me to communities that I would not

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have necessarily visited and to new ways of praying and worshiping our God. He encouraged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone to truly be what God had created me to be.

He has helped me to be the best ‘me’ I could be.”

If you are discerning a call to a particular community, part of this step involves conversing with the community’s vocation director. “It is a real blessing to find a vocation director whose only agenda is to listen and to help you listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit within you and the respective community,” Hillary says. “One such vocation director I met with really helped me to probe both myself and the life which I was discerning. She never pushed me one way or the other, but through many visits and conversations, I found plenty of affirmation and encouragement to stay open to this calling.”

Where is God leading you?

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Discernment calls for patience on all our parts. There is usually not a quick answer to the various questions posed. You need to take time to pay attention to the Spirit’s movements within you. Eventually though, you do need to choose—to make a decision. This is the third step of discernment.

This step calls you to choose what you sense to be God’s will as you can best understand it at this moment. You can’t expect your decisions to be always right or that you will be 100 percent certain when you do make your decision. Rather, you are called simply to make the decision that you believe will lead you to become the most loving person you can be, to become the person God created you to be.

What happens now?

The fourth step of discernment fol24

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lows this time of making a choice, and it is a critical step in the process.

You look for confirmation of your choice. While prayer needs to be an element throughout the process, it is vital during this time. You have made a decision.

While some may support you in your choice, you may also encounter those who disagree with your decision and try to persuade you to do otherwise. At these moments it is important to pay attention to what happens within you. Do you

find your choice weakening, or do you find it strengthened, even in the face of adversity? Sometimes such negative reactions actually can help strengthen your resolve.

If, however, after making a choice, you find yourself feeling more and more uneasy or even get sick physically, you may need to look more deeply again. Is this a simple case of the “jitters”? Or is your body trying to tell you that you’ve not made a good choice?

Again, at such moments, the guid-

Follow the four-step process

T

AKE THESE STEPS as you go through the process of discernment:

1. BECOME AWARE Questions to ask yourself: Has anyone ever suggested that I might want to consider being a brother, a sister, or a priest? Has someone invited me to be active in ministry? Has anyone recognized gifts and talents in me and called them forth? Do I acknowledge that these voices could be the voice of God leading me toward my vocation in life? How do I sift through all of it?

How do I discern God’s voice in the midst of the cacophony around me? What do I hear? To whom am I listening? How much time do I spend in prayer? Have I asked God for assistance as I strive to listen for my vocation in life? What do others have to say to me, about me?

2. GATHER INFORMATION AND INVESTIGATE THE MANY AVAILABLE OPTIONS Questions to ask yourself: What are my gifts? Where am I best suited to serve?

What motives are driving me in my choices? Where am I resisting God’s invitation?

3. CHOOSE WHAT YOU UNDERSTAND TO BE GOD’S WILL Questions to ask yourself: What is the most loving choice I can make? What is the choice that will help me be most fully myself?

4. LOOK FOR CONFIRMATION OF YOUR CHOICE Questions to ask yourself: What happens within me? Is there peace, even in the midst of some doubts? What happens when I share my choice with other people? Do others say, “Oh, I can see you as . . . .”? How do I understand negative responses that occur within me? How do I interpret negative responses that I receive from family members or from friends? How do I listen to these guides?

Do I seek to find God’s voice in the voices of those who know me and who love me? Do I take any criticism or concern as an opportunity to examine my motivations and find myself strengthened rather than weakened in my resolve?

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You are invited to the greatest ADVENTURE of you life where you will find countless possibilities to serve God and His people.

“Jesus went from town to town evangelizing, helping children and the poor… just as I feel I must do.”

— Alphonsus Maria Fusco, Our Founder

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ance of a spiritual director is imperative. A lack of confirmation may be a call to reconsider my choice. Such a time of reconsideration may, then, lead me to a different choice. Or it could simply point out some areas in which I’ll need to find extra support as I continue living out my previous decision.

Lynn is a member of a large family and has a grown son herself.

She recently told her family that she is considering a call to religious life.

She said, “My son was surprised. But over time he seems to be OK. My

You also need other people to help you sort out the fruits of your prayer, to help show you the way to follow God’s call.

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father is a good old Irishman who just couldn’t contain his pride. . . .

My mother is not so happy about this at all. . . . She can’t see, as I do, that everything I’d be doing as a sister would be by choice and would make me happy; that it wouldn’t be a sacrifice. . . . I have told some of my close friends [because] I really needed to do so. . . . Most of them don’t understand it at all. But they are so supportive and see it makes me happy. Most of them have the same questions that I’ve already asked. That’s great, because it gives me a second chance to talk about my own concerns.”

While discernment requires that you spend time alone in prayer and conversation with God, you also need other people to help you sort out the fruits of your prayer, to help show you the way to follow God’s call. As members of the body of Christ, you need one another to uncover your talents and abilities. You need the VISION 2007

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other members of the body to assist you on your journey and, at times, to show you the way. We are all members of a community, a family of faith.

Your discernment in life, therefore, leads you naturally into that community, not away from it. God uses those around you to lead you, to guide you, to spur you into action.

Listen well Discernment takes a lot of energy.

Listening is not easy! Like Samuel, you are likely to hear God’s call several times before you realize who is calling. But, with the help of your friends, your families, and your communities of faith, you can find where God’s call is leading you. Your task is to listen, to listen well, and, once you’ve heard God’s voice, to follow it as did the disciples of John—following Jesus who asks each of you, “What are you seeking?”

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prayer & discernment MY BEST word to describe discerning or finding one’s vocation in life is fit.

Vocation: A common calling with unique twists Finding your vocation in life means discerning what works together for your wholeness and holiness.

BY

FATHER DICK SPARKS, C.S.P.

D

O I HAVE a religious vocation?” Of course you do!

But it may or may not be to priesthood, the convent, monastery, or religious life. Everyone has a vocation, a calling from God. In one sense it is a universal calling—to wholeness, holiness, health, and fulfillment. In another sense, your particular vocation in life is unique to you.

At one time I was very suspicious of folks who’d talk about having a dream or a vision in church or just an overwhelming feeling of peace coming over them as some vocational decision was made. Now I’ve become more respectful that vocational calls come in a variety of ways. Most of the time a person does not have a vi-

Father Dick Sparks, C.S.P. is a Paulist priest ordained in 1978 and loving every minute of it.

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sion of angels hovering over one’s bed or hear voices from the bell tower. Joan of Arc did. But most of us aren’t Joan of Arc or Saint Francis of Assisi.

A good fit My best word to describe discerning or finding one’s vocation in life is fit. Does this particular way of life, lifestyle, or kind of work fit me and my personality?

That’s true of the decision to be married or single. It’s true of the decision to go on for higher education or technical schooling or right into the job market.

How does each of the options “feel”?

What do I “think” will make me happiest? I don’t mean happiness in a simplistic, smiley-face sort of way. But what job or career or lifestyle will give me peace, a deep-down sense that I am where I belong, that I make a difference?

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religious life? It’s partly a matter of logic, weighing the pros and cons, filling in the blanks. But vocation is also a matter of feelings, intuitions, prayer, checking it out, seeking the input and response of others, and, finally, listening to your own heart and gut. Here’s where sometimes one may hear a voice or have a profound experience, a dream, or a vision. But most people do not get such “lightning bolt” answers.

Getting to know you

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sister, a brother, a monk, or a lay minister in the church. Does it “fit”?

Do I “belong”? A priest-friend of mine says that years ago someone told him, “You know you don’t have to become a priest! God wants you to be happy. If ‘religious life’ doesn’t sound as if it will make you flourish (i.e., be happy), then likely God is not calling you to be one.” My friend says that he simply needed 30

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that kind of freeing permission: “You don’t have to become a priest!”

The question to ask yourself and to ask God is, “Do I want to become a priest (or a sister, brother, monk, or lay minister)? Does this kind of life fit me?”

It’s as simple and complex as that. How do I know if it’s right for me? How do I know if God wants me to become ordained or vowed in

For most of us who are priests, sisters, brothers, and lay ministers, the process of discernment is identical to that of any person trying to decide what to do with their lives. What are my interests and gifts? What seem to be the needs and talents required in the field I’m contemplating? Can I spend some time visiting with people who live that lifestyle? Observe them? Maybe even “practice” their profession or lifestyle, doing an internship of some kind?

All of this data is part of one’s discernment process. There are also counselors—in religious life we tend to call them spiritual directors or even confessors. These folks don’t have the answer for each of us, but they are trained to help us “listen” to God and especially to our hearts and our gut instincts.

Remember discerning a vocation is not a once-and-for-all or a one-size-fits-all proposition. Deciding to enter a postulant or novitiate program is not the same as deciding that I will become a nun or a priest.

Entering seminary or some formal religious formation simply means that I’m willing to take a further or deeper look. Investing a year or two of my life in theological education, spiritual growth, and ministry practice is not wasted time. If it helps confirm me in my vocational calling, then it’s an investment in VISION 2007

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my future ministry and life.

If, however, I decide, or the leaders of my community help me decide, that this situation is not a good fit, then I can comfortably close that door and move on. I won’t be plagued for the rest of life with “I wonder if . . .” regrets. Discerning to “try on” a vocation is a good thing.

Time invested in life, love, faith, and learning is always time well spent.

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It takes two Finally, discerning a vocation to priesthood or religious life is similar to discerning a career move or a marriage commitment: It’s not a solo decision! God is a part of it. That’s true, but so are other people. If I think I’d be a good employee at Microsoft or some other major company, the people in that business also have a right to discern whether they want me, whether they think I belong.

If I’m planning to ask someone to marry me, that person has the right to agree with me or to say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Discerning what is best for us is largely our own choice, but not solely.

In seminary or religious life, the bishop, superior, novice director, rector, and other formation people are empowered by the church and by their communities to “look us over.”

No, we’re not beef cattle or chickens-for-the-plucking. But discerning whether we fit in and where we best belong is a two-way decision. Do I want them? Do they want me? And how is God weaving things together through all of this experience for my future wholeness and holiness?

Whatever you eventually decide—about a church vocation or a wider vocation in life—may it be a good fit. May you be happy in the deepest sense, finding where you best belong. That’s what God is trying to help you discern in God’s own subtle, graceful, loving way.

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Benedictines . .

he “Run while you have th

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. . a 1500 year tradition.

he h light of life.”

Rule of Benedict, Prologue

Living the common life under a rule and a prioress.

CULLMAN, AL vocation@shmon.org

NORFOLK, NE vocations@norfolkosb.org

FORT SMITH, AR vocationdirector@ scholasticafortsmith.org

ELIZABETH, NJ maritaosb@aol.com

GLENDORA, CA stlucysebrown@aol.com GRAND TERRACE, CA hsmonastery@prodigy.net COLORADO SPRINGS, CO swarzcolleen@hotmail.com ST. LEO, FL vocation@saintleo.edu

BISMARCK, ND vocations@ annunciationmonastery.org RICHARDTON, ND vocations@ sacredheartmonastry.com WARREN, OH agnes@netdotcom.com

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RAPID CITY, SD marg@ blackhillsbenedictine.com

ATCHISON, KS vocation@mountosb.org COVINGTON, KY bauerosb@yahoo.com RIDGLEY, MD smp52@juno.com CROOKSTON, MN ademers@msb.net DULUTH, MN mcshambour@duluthosb.org ST. PAUL, MN srlinda@stpaulsmonastery.org ST. JOSEPH, MN mholicky@csbsju.edu COLUMBIA, MO aliceob1@juno.com

WATERTOWN, SD vocations@dailypost.com YANKTON, SD eoconnor@mtmc.edu BOERNE, TX khiggins@ktc.com RIO GRANDE CITY, TX sisterfran2004@yahoo.com OGDEN, UT vocations@mbmutah.org BRISTOW, VA vocations@osbva.org EAU CLAIRE, WI vocation@saintbede.org MEXICO CITY, MEXICO jtmosb@hotmail.com

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religious life A DESIRE TO follow Jesus’ command to love and serve the least of our brothers and sisters is a common element that draws young adults to religious life.

What attracted us to religious life What does religious life offer young adults today? Does it still have appeal? To find out, we went to the experts: three young adults considering the possibility of religious life.

BY

BENJAMIN ROSSI, MARIA FLICKER, & JOSEPH PROKOTT

W

HAT DOES RELIGIOUS life offer young adults today? Does it still have appeal? To find out, we went to the experts: three young adults considering the possibility of religious life.

Benjamin Rossi: Seeking the simple life

Y

OU KNOW, BENJ, we live like monks.” This was how my roommate Dan described our lifestyle our senior year of college. The two of us lived in a small apartment and had adopted a rather simple way of life. We shared a car, a computer, and cooking responsibilities—even a bathroom. We would try to catch all of the free pizza 34

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dinners on campus and take advantage of all the sales at the grocery store. I can remember Dan turning in for bed some nights wearing a stocking cap and wool vest in an effort to shave a few pennies off our next heating bill. Nevertheless, we were very content with our routine in that apartment.

I did not become aware that living “like a monk” fit me, however, until I had a friend visit me. As Dan and I quietly sat in our apartment late one night, sipping hot tea to keep warm and reading for the next day’s classes, my friend said, “Are you guys happy living like this?” The question had never really occurred to me. It just seemed natural for me to be living in this particular way.

So, I responded with an authentic yes. Yes not only because Dan and I had VISION 2007

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Subject: Re: Re: Re: Questions

Finding your vocation isn’t easy, but finding someone to talk to about it can be. On your time. At your pace. And in whatever way you’re most comfortable. Visit us online at www.smmsisters.org or start a conversation

Sisters of St. Benedict St. Mary Monastery Rock Island, Illinois

with Sister Bobbi directly at rbussan@smmsisters.org or (800) 650-1257.

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a fun time together, but also because in this way of life there was freedom for me to be the person God wanted me to be. I was free to participate in service groups on campus and take service trips on my school breaks, free to volunteer at the homeless shelter, free to pray often, free to attend daily Mass. And that was the first time I recognized that I find great joy in living “like a monk.”

Although I did not join a monastic community (whose primary focus is prayer), my lifestyle in the Congregation of Holy Cross is monklike—in fact, religious life in many congregations is in some way monklike. All religious take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, which are really vows of simplicity. They are tools for clarity in a person’s life, intentional ways of keeping the focus on God.

There are many paths that lead to God. I’ve recognized my own gift of living simply, in a community, and I find deep joy in the path of the religious lifestyle.

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Community is the other essential piece of religious life in any congregation. To live in a community is to share your life with others, which is not always an easy task considering the multitude of personalities, in2:06:08 PM terests, and backgrounds one might encounter. As the Maroon Five song “She Will Be Loved” goes, “It’s not always rainbows and butterflies. It’s compromise that moves us along.”

In my current community at the Holy Cross novitiate, I live with 11 others as I prepare to formally join the community. We come from places like Montreal, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Montana, and our VISION 2007

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interests include Ph.Ds, the missions in East Africa, and parish ministry.

But we risk opening up to new ways of thinking and new experiences beyond the boundaries of our own comfort zones. Ultimately, we grow in the life to which God calls us.

There are many paths that lead to God. God created each person to come to know God in a particular way. I’ve recognized my own gift of living simply, in a community, “like a monk,” and I find deep joy in the path of the religious lifestyle. My hope is that this lifestyle will offer me the freedom to be the person God created me to be.

Benjamin Rossi is a 2003 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. After teaching high school math for a year, he joined the Congregation of Holy Cross in August 2004 as a candidate and became a novice in August 2005.

You are eagerly invited...

To meet the Benedictine Sisters at Sacred Heart Monastery

Come check us out!

See if we’re the place for you.

Visit us in person or virtually at our web site at: www.yanktonbenedictines.org

Come with us on the spiritual adventure of a lifetime.

For information, please contact: Sr. Eileen O’Connor Sacred Heart Monastery 1005 West 8th, Yankton, SD 57078 605/668-6000 - Email: eoconnor@mtmc.edu Enter #143 at VocationMatch.org

Maria Flicker: Drawn to joyful service

A

S A YOUNG CHILD, I remember hearing a missionary priest speak about his work. He served in the Philippines and described the work of the missions in a povertystricken area. I felt compassion for the people he described and wished I could help. Even at a young age, I distinctly recall thinking that perhaps God was calling me to serve the poor as a nun. My attraction to a life of serving God’s people stayed with me throughout my growing-up years.

As I became older, my desire to make service to God’s people my life’s vocation was strengthened by the example of Mother Teresa. She gave her whole life in service to God and the poor as a consecrated religious. Mother Teresa once said, “The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is love. The fruit of

WE ARE MEN who have freely chosen to live a life of love in faith and trust as disciples of Jesus Christ in the Brothers of St. Francis Xavier. We call one another to a contemplative stance and direct ministry with the poor and marginalized people.

BROTHERS AND VOLUNTEERS minister as missionaries and educators in North and South America, Europe and Africa.

For life commitment, contact: Br. Jim Connolly, C.F.X. 14 Earl Street Malden, MA 02148 E-MAIL: xavbrosv@yahoo.com For Volunteer Program commitment: Br. Michael McCarthy, C.F.X. 4409 Frederick Ave. Baltimore, MD 21229 E-MAIL: mmccarthy@ xaverianbrothers.org In harmony, small things grow

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xaverian brothers

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We are a monastic Community of Benedictine women whose lives are centered around the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours.

Through such diverse ministries as education, health care, pastoral work, outreach to the poor, spiritual renewal, and the arts, we are committed to helping create a more just and compassionate world.

For information and for a copy of our film “Sing a New Song” contact: mcshambour@duluthosb.org or (218) 723-6646 T H E

B E N E D I C T I N E

“When I think about my life now, I realize that I'm happier than I ever have been. I can’t think of any place that's richer to be than this Monastery, than this Community, than this life.”

Sister Joan Marie Stelman, OSB Perpetual Monastic Profession - 1999 Ph.D. candidate - University of Toronto

S I S T E R S

ST. SCHOLASTICA MONASTERY 1001 Kenwood Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 www.duluthbenedictines.org Enter #282 at VocationMatch.org

love is service. The fruit of service is peace.” To me, this crystallizes religious life. And in my encounters with religious communities, I have found these words both true and appealing.

The call to the consecrated life is a call to love in a particular way.

The relationships I have formed with sisters faithfully living out their vocation have had a large impact on me. I work for the Little Sisters of the Poor in one of their homes caring for the aged poor. When I first met the sisters and visited their home, I was immediately drawn to their joy and peace.

One of the sisters told me once how privileged she felt to care for older persons. In contrast to a soci38

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ety that says the elderly are useless, the sisters truly respect each person they care for. They take the time to listen to residents, to ask for their opinions. The residents know that if they need anything, they can ask a sister and she will help them.

The most beautiful example of their love is during the dying process. When a resident is dying, the sisters are right there praying with and for the dying person. This is especially beautiful if the resident has no family or if the family cannot come right away. The sisters make sure the person is as comfortable as possible and gets whatever he or she needs. Many residents pass peacefully from this life into the next surrounded by the sisters and their families.

I’ve come to realize that the source of the sisters’ peace and joy is Jesus. They have surrendered themselves to his love, and in doing so they radiate that same love and image of Christ. This love is what ultimately opened my eyes and led me to seriously consider religious life.

The desire to serve attracted me to religious life, but it cannot and does not explain why I am pursuing a vocation to the consecrated life.

As Saint Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:3, “If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

The call to the consecrated life is a call to love in a particular way.

Jesus has revealed his intimate love for me, and I believe he has called me to be his. The words of Pope John Paul II at World Youth Day in Rome give me courage to follow Christ and pursue my vocation: “If any of you, dear young men and women, hear the Lord’s inner call to give yourselves completely to him in order to love him ‘with an undivided heart,’ do not be held back by VISION 2007

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Daughters of Divine Zeal

doubts or fears. Say ‘yes’ with courage and without reserve, trusting him who is faithful to his promises.”

Maria Flicker is a senior at Bethel University pursuing a degree in nursing.

She works at the Little Sisters of the Poor Holy Family Residence as a nursing assistant while she discerns her vocation.

Come join us!

God calls us by name and leads us “The harvest is plenty but laborers are scarce . . .” (Mt. 9:32-37).

W

ORK WITH ZEAL to make everybody aware of Jesus’ concern for his fellow man. We’re committed to prayer for vocations, education, the poor, parish, and missions.

Write or call now:

DAUGHTERS OF DIVINE ZEAL E-MAIL: srdaisydz@yahoo.com 234 Franklin Street Reading, PA 19602 PHONE 610-375-9072

379 E. Manning Ave., Reedley, CA 93654 559-638-1916 PHONE 559-638-5542 FAX

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Joseph Prokott: Community living attracted him

A

S I CONSIDER the priesthood, it has been a journey I never thought I’d experience. After all, it wasn’t first on my list. In college I thought about marriage and family, a good job, and living well into the autumn of life with a good retirement. I started down that path, but I always had a sense that life was to take a different turn. I kept having thoughts of the priesthood. What was this about?

Sha re Our Spir it  Proclaiming the Gospel  Working for Justice  Empowering the Laity

Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters Vowed and Associate Members

Sr. Rose Ann Kaiser, Vocation and Associate Coordinator P.O. Box 109, Huntington, IN 46750-0109 260-356-0628, e-mail: voc@olvm.org or visit us on the web at: www.olvm.org 40

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These thoughts were present growing up, but they seemed more like distractions than a focus. I confided in a priest to help me get at the core of the matter. With him I was able to see more clearly the whisper of God’s calling. With that recognition, a peace and joy settled in my life that I knew could be from God alone.

What drew me to religious life were experiences I had during college. One was to live in Australia while being a part of NET Ministries Australia, a lay evangelization team.

During my time with NET I lived in community: praying, working in parish and campus ministry, and socializing with my brothers and sisters on the team. It was one of the toughest years of my life, yet it was rewarding because it was a year of service for the Lord. I was exposed to community living for the first time.

A few years later, I co-led a men’s household affiliated with St. Paul’s Outreach, a campus ministry organization. This was another chance to live in community with guys who were living out their faith and

I was able to see more clearly the whisper of God’s calling.

With that recognition, a peace and joy settled in my life that I knew could be from God alone. seeking their vocation. As I reflected on my vocation, I started to explore what priesthood was about. I was blessed to take pre-theology courses at a seminary and look into the diocesan priesthood. Through a series of events, a better knowledge of the life, and conversations with my spiritual director, I came to realize that the Lord was calling me to be a priest in a religious community.

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I didn’t know where to start. I knew of a few religious orders, but there are hundreds! Over the next three months of visiting websites, talking to vocation directors, and bringing my thoughts and findings to prayer, I narrowed down my search.

Later that year I went for extended visits to the communities I was drawn to. What better way to see than to be there? I got to observe the daily life, pray with them, and hear the testimonies of the priests and brothers. Each one of them was an inspiration.

After visiting with the different communities, I knew that this was the life God was calling me to. It is a life of prayer centered on the Mass and sacraments. It is a life attending to the needs of my brothers and sisters. It is a life recognizing the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and living them in union with Christ and his church.

I understand that the road I’m about to take isn’t easy. It means abandoning what is familiar and comfortable. I heard a deacon once say not to be afraid to abandon yourself to Christ. Let Christ have his way. It will cost us our egos, but not ourselves. In life I want to do only one thing: to follow Christ; to give my all. I have seen many of my friends follow that mantra, living out their lives in the vocation God has called them to. All of them have experienced delight and difficulty as they seek Christ in everyday life. I take heart in the words of Jesus and John Paul II: “Do not be afraid!”

Compassion has a human face.

T

he Sisters of the Good Shepherd approach each person with the same care of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We are guided by the principle that, “One person is of more value than a world.”

Through Action and Contemplation our mission of reconciliation impels us to promote justice and peace. Our vow of zeal, the heart of the Good Shepherd vocation, leads us to search out the wounded and those left behind by the world. We minister in all areas of human service, with a particular focus on the needs of women and children.

There are two ways that a Sister of the Good Shepherd can express her zeal for God’s people—apostolic and contemplative.

Is God calling you to love with the heart of a shepherd?

Joseph Prokott grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. While still in discernment as he wrote this article, he keeps in contact with The Community of St. John, hoping to enter the novitiate in the fall of 2006. During his time of discernment, Joseph also trained for the 2006 Coeur d’Alene Ironman.

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CONTACT: Sister Jean Marie Fernandez at 314-383-0300, or e-mail her at jmfernandez@goodshepherdsisters.org

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religious life

Lea este artículo en español en VocacionCatolica. org.

Read this article in Spanish at VocacionCatolica. org.

ICONS BY LYNNE TAGGART, HTTP://FREESPACE.VIRGIN.NET/G.RAMOS-POQUI/LYNNE/CARMELICONS/

MANY DOCTORS of the church were part of religious communities, including Saints John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, who were Carmelites.

Five reasons we need religious communities Knowing and working with a number of men and women in religious communities, I have found that they enrich our world with five qualities that clearly demonstrate why we need them.

BY

BISHOP ROBERT MORNEAU

I

DON’T BELONG to a religious community, but I’m deeply grateful religious communities exist. As a diocesan priest for 38 years and a bishop for 26, I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with a number of men and women in them. This work has involved the ministries of teaching together, working on retreats, and reaching out to those in need. By expressing my Bishop Robert Morneau is auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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gratitude for five of the qualities that I so often find in religious communities, I want to demonstrate why, at least for me, we need religious women and men.

1. WISDOM. So many Doctors of the Church—that is, the great spiritual thinkers and writers—are members of religious communities. The most recent Doctor, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897), has enriched the world by telling the story of her soul.

For Thérèse, God is a God of love and mercy. Her little way, doing every task with love, makes spirituality available VISION 2007

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IMPROVES SOLDIERS’ RANGE OF VISION. BUT ONLY A CHAPLAIN CAN HELP THEM FIND THE WAY.

Finding an enemy’s location is easy. Finding the Kingdom of God is a journey that can last a lifetime. To get there, a Soldier needs the daily positive presence of spiritual leadership. Whether you’re already ordained or still in seminary, there are opportunities for you to fill this role. Consider the call of a truly unique ministry.

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to everyone. And her suffering at the end of her short life, a suffering that involved intense doubt, witnessed to our world that faith lies far beyond intellectual nimbleness. Her famous statement—“After my death I will let fall a shower of roses. I will spend my heaven in doing good on earth”—has been verified by the many miracles attributed to her intercession.

Another wise person in religious life is Father Don, a contemporary professor and writer. He is a wise man; he knows “what is pleasing to God”—the heart of wisdom. His life is one of study and prayer. His knowledge and love of the Christian tradition is truly amazing. Even more impressive is his knowledge and love of his students. They learn as much from his presence and concern as from his words.

2. COMMITMENT. The human heart Enter #202 at VocationMatch.org

holds many hungers, and the lives of men and women in religious life address many of them. The hunger for meaning and depth and the hunger for intimacy and wholeness are four key longings. And then there is the hunger for commitment, to give one’s life in a total, sacrificial way.

Here we can turn to Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) and the Missionaries of Charity as an example of total commitment.

Nothing is held back. Mother Teresa reminds us: “God has identi-

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fied himself with the hungry, the sick, the naked, the homeless; hunger, not only for bread, but for love, for care, to be somebody to someone; nakedness, not of clothing only, but nakedness of that compassion that very few people give to the unknown; homelessness, not only just for shelter made of stones, but that homelessness that comes from no one to call your own.” Many religious communities demonstrate radical, total commitment to the work of the kingdom.

Sister Maria also exemplifies this commitment. She works in the

We need religious because they are willing to struggle with the human condition with honesty and courage. slums of Lima, Peru. This Franciscan sister has left family and homeland, security and comforts, to dedicate her life to the poor and to further God’s kingdom. Supported by her community, she gives totally of herself. Sister Maria was a student of mine many years ago, and even then I already saw in her eyes that look of generosity and dedication.

3 JOY. Scanning our culture and the world scene, with its hurricanes and wars, its violence and diseases, sometimes we are hard-pressed to experience joy. Depression and despair often reign in the hearts of many.

Religious life is not immune to these dangers, but, from my experience, I have found that a predominant mood of joy permeates most of the religious I have met.

Sister Pamela, for instance, works in a large city parish. It’s her smile that makes her an extremely VISION 2007

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attractive minister of the Lord. She delights in teaching, organizing, and reaching out to the poor. Her smile is contagious; her joy is exuberant. I have seldom seen a happier person.

She knows herself to be loved by God and God’s people. That experience of love is her joy, and she freely gives it away.

4. HOPE. Hope is the virtue of the “not yet.” It looks to the future with expectation that what God has promised will be fulfilled. Religious life is grounded in a promise—the promise that God will be with us forever. It is grounded in the promise of a new heart (Ezekiel 36:25-27), a heart of flesh and not of stone.

Brother Steve lives with a sense that change and conversion are possible. Indeed, he lives with a sense of endless possibilities. He has, as one person put it, “a passion for the possible.” His field of ministry

Say “Yes” Like Mary We are women of Vision, Passion, and Mission Serving: USA, Austria, Germany, Italy, Dominican Republic, Caribbean, and Brazil We offer a House of Discernment

Sisters SSM of the Sorrowful Mother Sister Theresa Gil ssmvoc@aol.com 918-355-5581 17600 E 51st, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 www.ssmfranciscans.org Enter #034 at VocationMatch.org

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In the World, we reveal ourselves

As followers of Francis and Clare of Assisi, we offer peace to a chaotic world, walk side by side with the poor, and live in harmony with Mother Earth. We are committed to promoting human rights and dignity for all, building community wherever we live, and healing our wounded universe.

Walk with us and experience our spirit.

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF LITTLE FALLS, MINNESOTA

For more information:

Sister Grace Skwira vocations@fslf.org • 320-632-0652

www.fslf.org

116 8th Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345 Enter #268 at VocationMatch.org

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is social justice. Not only does he touch individual lives in meeting their needs, he is deeply involved in changing social systems that hurt the poor. His community organizing is about the work of the kingdom.

And he never quits. Hope, for him, is a way of life.

5. STRUGGLE. We need religious because they are willing to struggle with the human condition with honesty and courage. As a church of saints and sinners, those in religious communities know the burdens of our human existence and have often articulated what it means to be human.

For many of us, Thomas Merton (1915-1968) is an example of what it means to be a struggling pilgrim.

His writings, which, more than 35 years after his death continue to sell in great quantity, trace the complexity of our relationship with God and the world. Merton wrote about being grateful to God for three gifts: “First, my Catholic faith; second, my monastic vocation; third, my calling to be a writer and share my beliefs with others.” Elsewhere, Merton describes himself as a pilgrim and an exile on this journey, never feeling at home on the planet. Yet he exercised his gifts amid great personal struggle.

Obviously religious sisters, brothers, and priests are not the only Christians with these five qualities.

I name them here because in my dealings with religious, I so often find they enrich our world with these qualities. I had the privilege of knowing the Carmelite poet Jessica Powers (Sister Miriam of the Holy Spirit). Her poem, the House at Rest (on the following page, inspired

by Saint John of the Cross, speaks powerfully of religious life, a life of discipleship, stewardship, and evangelization. It is always good to give a poet the last word.

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The house at rest On a dark night Kindled in love with yearnings— Oh, happy chance!— I went forth unobserved, My house being now at rest.

—Saint John of the Cross How does one hush one’s house, each proud possessive wall, each sighing rafter, the rooms made restless with remembered laughter or wounding echoes, the permissive doors, the stairs that vacillate from up to down, windows that bring in color and event from countryside or town, oppressive ceilings and complaining floors?

The house must first of all accept the night.

Let it erase the walls and their display, impoverish the rooms till they are filled with humble silences; let clocks be stilled and all the selfish urgencies of day.

Midnight is not the time to greet a guest.

Caution the doors against both foes and friends, and try to make the windows understand their unimportance when the daylight ends.

Persuade the stairs to patience, and deny the passages their aimless to and fro.

Virtue it is that puts a house at rest.

How well repaid that tenant is, how blest who, when the call is heard, is free to take his kindled heart and go.

From The Selected Poetry of Jessica Powers OR The House at Rest, published by ICS Publications, Washington, D.C.; The House at Rest published by Carmelite Monastery, ed. by Regina Siegfried, A.S.C. and Robert F. Morneau. All copyrights, Carmelite Monastery, Pewaukee, WI. Used with permission.

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CONSECRATION

CONTEMPLATION

COMMUNITY Carmel offers young women a life of deep prayer directed toward union with God, living in a small community where all share friendship with Christ and one another. A Carmelite joyfully offers the totality of her consecrated life for the Church and the world.

Solitude and community, prayer and work, silence and recreation—are all united to the unceasing prayer of the Risen Lord and His Eucharistic Sacrifice.

We invite you to find out more about this life of prayer, this life of love and apostolic fruitfulness.

Carmelite Monastery 59 Allendale Terre Haute, Indiana 47802 vocations@heartsawake.org www.heartsawake.org Enter #009 at VocationMatch.org

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media review

Lives that lead to God: Biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs COMPILED

BY JOEL SCHORN

V

ISION asked vocation ministers in the U.S. and Canada to recommend some of the best biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs they have come across. While we received more suggestions than we can print, what follows is a list of some good reading they passed along.

journey from a privileged childhood and education to his calling of poverty and service. The second half of the book contains a collection of addresses and talks to audiences around the world.

Visit Vocation Guide.org to view more recommended books for Catholic seekers.

IN THE FIRST part of I Call You Friends (Continuum) by Timothy Radcliffe, O.P., the former Master of the Dominican Order writes of his own Joel Schorn is associate editor of VISION.

THREE BOOKS about Saint Francis of Assisi bring to life the great saint for today’s readers.

Murray Bodo, O.F.M.’s classic Francis: The

Journey and the Dream (St. Anthony Messenger Press) tells

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Sr. Mary Kamara Molo, Kenya

Sr. Rosanne Popp, M.D. Houston, Texas

Sr. Marisa Revert Font Barcelona, Spain

Sr. Ricca Dimalidot Houston, Texas

Sr. Gerard Earls Long Beach, California

Walk a Mile in Our Shoes.

E

ach woman travels the path of spiritual life with a slightly different stride. Some are slower and more deliberate. Others are quicker and more spontaneous. In the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, we have all kinds. If you’re deciding the future of your walk with Christ, come see what it’s like in our shoes. Go with us only a mile. Or determine it’s the journey of your lifetime. For a brochure or DVD video on our international activities, call us at 713-928-6053.

Or visit our Web site at www.sistersofcharity.org.

VILLA

DE

MATEL

6510 LAWNDALE AVE.

SISTERS

OF

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77023

CHARITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD Serving with Gladness

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the life story of Saint Francis in a simple and lyrical way. God’s Fool:

The Life and Times of Francis of Assisi (Harper & Row) by Julien Green, translated by Peter Heinegg, is a warm and detailed biography.

Markus Hofer said of his book,

Francis for Men: “Otherwise We Need Weapons” (St. Anthony Messenger Press), translated by Sharon Therese Nemeth: “I have written for men who want to understand themselves better, who sense that there is more to being a man, and that this has fascinating dimensions.”

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ONE of the most influential religious memoirs VISION 2007

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of the 20th century, The Seven Storey Mountain (Harcourt Brace) is Thomas Merton’s story of how his search for peace and faith leads him, at the age of 26, to become a Trappist monk at Kentucky’s Abbey of Gethsemani, which he called “the four walls of my new freedom.”

RECENTLY published by vocation minister Sister Cathy Wright, L.S.J.,

Charles de Foucauld: Journey of the Spirit (Pauline Books & Media) includes a biography of the French monk who lived and died among the Muslim people of Algeria, whose spirituality guides several religious orders, and who was beatified in November 2005.

The second part of the book contains four guided meditations.

ONE OF THE MANY good biographies of Mother Teresa, the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, is

Mother Teresa: A Complete Authorized Biography by Kathryn Spink (HarperSanFrancisco).

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WE ARE DOMINICAN SISTERS FROM . . .

Grand Rapids, living in Michigan KSleziak@grdominicans.org

The Northeast Dominican Six, living in Jersey City mheadley@ophope.org

Great Bend, living in Denver teriop@msn.com

Sinsinawa, living in San Antonio marymacop@aol.com

Houston, living in Texas pcasey@domhou.org

Tacoma, living near Seattle teremontl@wamail.net Kentucky, living near Boston BudkaOP@juno.com

The Prisoner: An Invitation to Hope (Paulist Press) by Paul F. Everett tells the remarkable story of Jim Townsend, a convicted murderer who while in prison underwent an experience of healing and redemption that led to his becoming a Capuchin Franciscan brother.

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Visit our network of Dominican Houses of Discernment.

Take part in conversation, prayer and study.

Learn how your gifts and our ministry could work together.

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AMONG the several biographies of the late Pope John Paul II, one of the more prominent is George Weigel’s Wit-

ness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II (Cliff Street Books, 1999). For a perspective on the later years of John Paul’s papacy, see The Pontiff in

Winter: Triumph and Conflict in the Reign of John Paul II by John Cornwell (Doubleday).

TWO RECOMMENDED books on Edith Stein, the Jewish woman who became a Carmelite sister and died in a Nazi concentration camp, are: Meet Edith Stein by Cynthia Cavnar (Servant Publications) and

Self-Portrait in Letters, 19161942 by Edith Stein, Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, translated by Josephine Koeppel, O.C.D. (ICS Publications).

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USING oral histories of Italian Jews and Catholics,

Yours Is a Precious Witness: Memoirs of Jews and Catholics in Wartime Italy by Margherita Marchione (Paulist Press) describes how Catholics in Italy saved Jews during World War II. 52

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Etty Hillesum: An Interrupted Life and Letters from Westerbork (Henry Holt), contain the diaries and letters of Etty Hillesum, who celebrated life and inwardly resisted the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II before her death at Auschwitz in 1943 at the age of 29.

IN Salvador Witness: The Life

and Calling of Jean Donovan (revised edition, Orbis Books), author Ana Carrigan recounts the journey of Jean Donovan, one of the four American churchwomen murdered by Salvadoran troops in 1980, from the affluent suburbs of Connecticut to the jungles and refugee camps of El Salvador. The author also coproduced and directed a film about Jean Donovan, Roses in December, which received an Emmy nomination, a Christopher Award, and was the basis for this book.

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AS A YOUNG doctor, Sheila Cassidy went to work in Chile and became caught up in the terrible injustice of that country—injustice that finally led to her own arrest, imprisonment, torture, and expulsion.

Audacity to Believe (Collins World) is her account of her experience.

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THROUGH fresh and informal portraits of seven women mystics from Clare of Assisi to Thérèse of Lisieux,

Enduring Grace

by Carol Lee Flinders (HarperSanFrancisco) shows people today how they can make peace with sorrow and disappointment and bring joy and transcendence into their lives.

IN Conventional Wisdom (Wasteland Press), Deborah L. Humphreys, S.C. introduces the reader through poetry to compelling stories of women, specifically religious sisters.

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MANY discussions of American teenage life overlook religion, yet most American teens say that religious faith is important in their lives. Soul

Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers by Christian Smith with Melinda Lundquist Denton (Oxford University Press) describes what is going on in the religious and spiritual lives of American teenagers, what they believe, their religious practices, and their relationship to traditional religion.

101 Inspirational Stories of the Priesthood by Patricia Proctor, O.S.C. (St. Anthony Messenger Press) provides a glimpse of the joy and fulfillment of a deep relationship with God experienced through the ordained priesthood.

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Community stories Many vocation directors recommended biographies of their community’s founders or the histories of their community:

Havoc in Hunan: The Sisters of Charity in Western Hunan, 1924-1951 by Mary Carita Pendergast (College of Saint Elizabeth Press).

Bernard Ward’s A Heart for Africa:

A Life of Bishop Daniel Comboni tells the story of the founder of the Comboni Missionaries.

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What is the path through life that God is asking you to walk… to sow seeds… to bear fruit… ?

We invite you to explore the possibility of walking with us.

WE ARE UNITED

WE ARE DIVERSE

GOD AND SERVICE OF THE CHURCH FRANCISCAN SIMPLICITY AND JOY

IN CULTURE

IN OUR LOVE OF

IN MINISTRY

IN OUR EFFORTS TO LIVE IN

IN SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND TALENTS

IN OUR DEDICATION TO THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM POVERTY

Over 100 years of sharing a life of prayer, community, and ministry.

FRANCISCAN SISTERS of the ATONEMENT 41 OLD HIGHLAND TURNPIKE, GRAYMORE, NY 10524 845-230-8200 • VocationMinistry@graymoor.org

www.graymoor.org

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The Story of Victory Noll II relates the history of Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters from 1980 through 2004 (the first volume, Story of Victory Noll, covers the years between the beginning of the congregation in 1922 through 1980).

Copies are available for a nominal shipping free from Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters, P.O. Box 109, Huntington, IN 46750-0109.

The Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus offer the autobiography of their foundress, Venerable Mother Teresa Casini, available from the Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Villa Maria Teresa, 50 Warner Rd., Hubbard, OH 44425.

Forever Yes: The Story of Lucy Filippini by Giacinta Basile and Geraldine Calabrese (Dorrance) narrates the story of the founder of the Religious Teachers Filippini.

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In Witness to Integrity by Anita M. Caspary (Liturgical Press), the former Mother General of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters and president of the Immaculate Heart Community gives her first-person account of the historic dispute between the I.H.M. Sisters and Cardinal James McIntyre, archbishop of Los Angeles, in the late 1960s.

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Jeanne Jugan: Humble So as to Love More by Paul Milcent recounts the life of the foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Blessed Jeanne Jugan. Father

Ernest Lelièvre: A Short Life is the story of a priest who was a great help to the Little Sisters at its beginnings. Both books are available from: Publications Office, Little Sisters of the Poor, 601 Maiden Choice Ln., Baltimore, MD 21228 The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ have published Penniless Millionaire, a life of their foundress, Blessed Mary Katherine Kasper, by P. Robert Quardt, S.C.J. It is available from Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Ministry Center, P.O. Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513, 574-936-9936, www. poorhandmaids.org.

For more information on the founders of religious communities, see the community ads and descriptive listings in this guide or link to community websites through www.

VocationGuide.org.

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! " # $ $ % ! " % $ ! " & $ $ ' %

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priests

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER STEVE MCDERMOTT

FATHER MIKE Spitzer, Father Steve McDermott (photo at left), and Father Paul Stenson (below), all belonged to the same fraternity at Temple University in Pennsylvania.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER PAUL STENSON

From frat boys to fathers Three Sigma Pi brothers follow a similar path from the fraternity house to a “much greater fraternity”—the priesthood.

BY

ELENA PERRI

I

F YOU ASK Father Steve McDermott about his college days, he readily admits some shameful moments. A member of Sigma Pi Fraternity at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he and his fraternity brothers had a habit of hitting golf balls from the roof into nearby low-income housing projects.

“Sigma Pi was a major drug house at the time,” says McDermott, who serves at Maternity B.V.M. Parish in PhiladelElena Perri is a freelance writer who lives in Havertown, Pennsylvania. She is a former copy editor of The Catholic Standard and Times, a weekly newspaper published for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

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phia. “The day I was supposed to move in, the frat house caught on fire.” A space heater that ignited sawdust from a building project caused the fire.

His interest in the party-and-pranks frat house lifestyle started to wane after a 1989 trip to Medjugorje in Bosnia andHerzegovina, where the Blessed Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to six children on June 24, 1981. A radio-television-film major at Temple, a friend asked McDermott to help produce a video for the Oasis of Peace religious community, which is based in Italy.

“When I came back from Medjugorje, I just started really growing up, and I was getting tired of the frat house scene,” says McDermott. Shortly after returning, VISION 2007

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Join us in prayer, community & ministry

FATHER STEVE MCDERMOTT helps young adults connect to the church.

We are the

Priests of the Sacred Heart, Catholic brothers and priests living and working together in community.

Contact us at: 800-609-5559,

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he attended a presentation about the church’s teaching on sexuality and natural family planning (NFP).

The talk “just completely pancaked me,” says McDermott. “I was emerging from the fraternity stage of my life and growing deeper in my faith. Up to that point, there weren’t too many talks that really just inspired me. The church’s teachings on the beauty of our sexuality and NFP absolutely blew me away. I wasn’t ready for that. It was just phenomenal.”

The presentation inspired him to learn more about his Catholic faith, and McDermott began attending night classes in the religious studies program at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. “That was such a huge boost for me,” he says. “I was really learning my faith like I never did before. I thank God for the teachers I had there. They were wonderful.”

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advantage of his increasing knowledge of the Catholic faith by inviting him to teach religious education classes and assist with the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program at his parish.

The 11 o’clock Mass club As McDermott continued growing in his faith, he and Mike Spitzer, who pledged with Sigma Pi in 1987, became friends. “Mike at that time was starting to get back into his faith,” says McDermott, who was ordained in 2003.

“Mike and I would go to Mass together; no matter how hungover we were, we’d always make sure we were up to go to Mass,” he says. “It was funny because when we were going to Mass, other people started to catch on. Late Saturday night Mike would say, ‘11 o’clock tomorrow?’ People would ask, ‘What’s 11 o’clock?’ We’d say, ‘We’re going to Mass tomorrow.’

We had no problem saying that in a room full of our fraternity brothers. Then guys would come up to us and say, ‘Would you get us up, too? I want to go with you.’”

McDermott says that because of their commitment to going to Mass every Sunday, he and Mike eventually had nine fraternity brothers going with them. “I thought, ‘That speaks a lot about community, real brotherhood, and positive peer pressure,’” says McDermott.

He made a return trip to Medjugorje—this time with Mike Spitzer in 1990. The opportunity to make this pilgrimage became a pivotal moment in Mike’s life and his future discernment of a vocation to the priesthood. It was during the pilgrimage with McDermott that Mike says he surrendered himself to God in such a way that he was willing to accept whatever God wanted from him, including becoming a priest.

“I had not been open to that level of commitment prior to that time,” says Spitzer, who was ordained in 1998. “I definitely wanted to set my own course and make my own decisions and did not trust God enough to ask Him to guide me.”

Spitzer, who served at Queen of Peace Parish in Ardsley, Pennsylvania and as a teacher at Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, PennVISION 2007

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sylvania, is now a student at the Redemptorist school of moral theology, the Accademia Alfonsiana in Rome.

(The school is named for the patron of moral theologians and confessors, Saint Alphonsus Liguori.) He has earned a sacred theology licentiate degree and is pursing a doctorate in moral theology, which deals with issues such as biomedical ethics, human sexuality, and social justice.

The tragic death of one of his fraternity brothers, Spitzer says, was another of several events that helped him search for deeper truth and meaning in his life and relationship with God. “The rosary, reading scripture, and the sacraments of Confession and Communion became much more important to me after my 20th birthday,” he says. “Retreats, as well as conferences and prayer groups centered on Marian devotion, helped to root me in the search for truth and the desire of communion with God.” Spitzer says McDermott was the first one to give him a push to visit St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, which trains priests for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and other U.S. dioceses. “He told me we’d at least get a couple free meals if we went for a day,” says Spitzer. “No college student living in a fraternity house is foolish enough to turn down free food.”

And one more makes three Two Sigma Pi brothers becoming priests is pretty amazing, but the story doesn’t end there. A third fraternity brother and future priest, Paul Stenson, followed a similar path from the fraternity house to the priesthood.

Stenson says he experienced an “intellectual awakening” during his sophomore year at Temple. After this experience, he had a spiritual awakening that changed his life forever. Stenson had already moved VISION 2007

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into the Sigma Pi fraternity house when it went up in flames. “Talk about a sign,” he says with a laugh.

After losing everything he owned in the fire, he moved into an apartment with some friends.

“I moved right around the corner from Doc Holiday’s, a local bar,” says Stenson, of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania. “It was just insane.

That semester I got a 1.5 [GPA] and had dropped some classes.”

One of Stenson’s high school friends was attending Drexel University in Philadelphia, and they would see each other on the train or subway. “I always saw him reading, and finally he started to feed me books,” says Stenson. “When I got turned onto reading, I had an intellectual awakening. I quit the frat and just 61

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FATHER MIKE SPITZER (at right) with Fr. Burette, a friend and Eastern Rite priest from California, vested for the funeral Mass in Rome of Pope John Paul II.

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put my mind to college. I didn’t stop partying, but I did get out of the frat house. There was no way I was going to get out of college and still be in the frat.”

Stenson, who graduated from Temple in 1988, says his spiritual conversion began after his mother and sister visited Medjugorje in 1989. “The following year I went around Thanksgiving,” he says. “Mc62

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Dermott was there, too, but we didn’t know it at the time.”

He says it was at Medjugorje where he experienced the universal church for the first time. “That was my first time out of the country,” says Stenson. “Being in a place where you’re sitting on a mountain and the rosary is being said in five different languages and attending a Mass that you can follow even though it’s

in Croatian, that was my first taste of the universal church, and it was powerful.”

Upon his return Stenson joined young adult prayer groups in the Philadelphia area that were instrumental in his continuing faith development and vocation discernment.

“I had the chance to be really immersed in being taught and learning [about the Catholic faith],” he says.

“There was no way I could have done it on my own.” Stenson says it was also important to form friendships with other young adults “where the foundation was Christ and being Catholic.”

While discerning his vocation, Stenson also prayed the rosary with his family and developed a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Divine Mercy chaplet and novenas.

Stenson says he has consecrated his priesthood to Mary. “She was the one who came and brought me back home,” he says. “It took a mighty strong arm, but mothers have that.

They care. She had a tough job, but she did it.”

Ordained with Spitzer in 1998, Stenson says he loves being a priest and using the communication skills he learned in college to bring people to God. The priesthood, he adds, VISION 2007

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is not more difficult than the vocation of marriage. “That’s what some young people think, how hard the priesthood is. That’s a falsity that needs to be washed away.”

He encourages young people to develop their identity in Christ first.

Once you know who you are in Christ, then the other things take care of themselves.

You’ll be able to hear where Christ is leading you.

“Many young people, guys especially, try to form their identity with their job,” he says. “Once you know who you are in Christ, then the other things take care of themselves. You’ll be able to hear where Christ is leading you—to marriage, to the priesthood, but it’s got to be an option. You have to ask our Lord, ‘What is going to bring you more glory in my life?’”

For those discerning a vocation, McDermott recommends developing a prayer life and working with a spiritual director. “That’s where you’re going to hear God talking—through your prayers,” he says.

While these priests joined the same college fraternity, Spitzer says they’re now part of a “much greater fraternity, the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ.”

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priests A PRIEST needs to be able to laugh at himself and at the joys and absurdities of the world.

To laugh is to acknowledge a gift from God. Lea este artículo en español en VocacionCatolica. org.

Read this article in Spanish at VocacionCatolica. org.

What does it take to be a good priest?

Being a priest is an awesome honor and responsibility. To be of service to others is to be a channel of God’s grace, and that is the heart of this special vocation.

BY

FATHER JIM KENT, O.F.M. CONV.

A

FEW YEARS AGO I was at a reunion of extended family members I don’t often see. While talking to my cousin and her husband, their 7-year-old came and sat on his lap.

At a break in our conversation, little Megan leaned toward me and said: “You’re the priest, right?”

“That’s me.”

“Good,” she said and her eyes flared with anticipation. “Tell me everything

Father Jim Kent, O.F.M. Conv. is a Conventual Franciscan Friar. He has served as vocation director for the Province of Our Lady of Consolation for 12 years. He now also serves as vicar provincial.

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you know about God.” I was overwhelmed by the wonder and hunger of this 7-year-old. Of course, there was not enough time—now or then—to tell her everything I knew about God. And her asking reminded me that what I know about God will always be quite limited. But as a priest I’m committed to learning all I can about our God and then sharing it with others, especially through the sacraments.

To be a good priest starts first and foremost with that relationship with God—to learn and experience as much as possible, to love and be loved by a God who is both immanent—with us— and intimate and transcendent—beyond us—and all-knowing. It’s an ongoing and VISION 2007

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life-giving process with many facets, and it always begins with prayer.

Prayer and preaching Prayer is the anchor for any priest.

His personal prayer is a time of solace and silence in God’s presence. It is also a time of words—words spoken in the manner that best nurtures that priest’s relationship. The crucial element is that the priest actually spends time in personal prayer. It might seem odd to make this point, but the constant demands of ministry and the many occasions for public prayer can easily cut in on one-on-one time with God. When Cardinal Joseph Bernardin was archbishop of Cincinnati, he came to realize—through the help of three young priests—that he needed more quality time with God. He decided to dedicate the first hour 66

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of each day to prayer and meditation. With all the demands of being a shepherd to a large flock, it was that hour, he later wrote, that sustained him throughout the day and made him a good priest and bishop.

Personal prayer always informs and enriches public prayer, and vice versa. For a diocesan priest, the ancient regimen of psalms and prayers in the Liturgy of Hours is primarily a private prayer. For priests who belong to a religious order, it is a prayer prayed with members of his community. The Liturgy of Hours is the prayer of the church, a linchpin to other public prayers and liturgies, and it is essential for priests in developing a deeper relationship with God. The most common and important prayer in the life of a priest is the Eucharist. It is here that the priest stands most noticeably in persona Christi, “in the person of Christ.” No one can be a good priest without realizing the centrality of

the Mass to our faith and celebrating its sacred mysteries with care and thoughtfulness. I find it humbling and awe-inspiring to preside at the Eucharist.

When he celebrates the Eucharist, a priest must be prepared to give homilies rooted in wisdom and inspiration in a manner that is most him. The good priest realizes these few minutes can be so very important in the life of a congregation.

They cannot be taken for granted.

To be a good priest you must make an effort to be a good homilist. This comes from the fruit of prayer—both private and public—and a commitment to work at it.

The right stuff Certain attributes and attitudes help a person make the most of priesthood. First is an openness to growth.

We are a pilgrim church and people, and a priest must be open to walking where God beckons. A priest

Do you have what it takes to be a priest?

Do you spend time in prayer?

Are you willing and able to grow in your prayer life?

Can you dedicate yourself to learn what it takes to be a priest, both in

seminary studies and lifelong learning?

Would presiding and preaching at the Eucharist motivate you to do it well?

Are you committed to grow and meet whatever God may bring your way?

Have you encountered God in the midst of disappointments and set-

backs?

Do you enjoy doing things for others?

Would others say you have a generous heart?

Can you laugh at yourself? Do you?

Do you find humor in everyday life?

Do you have strong, healthy relationships in your life?

Can you face the cross and find it a way to resurrection?

If you can answer these questions in the positive, answer the call.

God will do the rest.

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will be called upon to take on new ministries in new places. At times he will find great success and other times utter failure—and he needs to learn from both. Ordination is not an end but a beginning to grow in new ways. Growth can be exciting and painful, and a priest has to meet that opportunity with an openness of mind and heart.

A second attribute of an effective priest is embracing the human condition with the eyes of faith. Priesthood involves joyfully celebrating new life at baptisms and weddings, and sharing the grief of those who mourn the loss of loved ones. Priesthood calls you to be with the infirm and imprisoned, the poor and the rich, with those whose faith is strong and those who live in doubt. A priest is drawn into church and social conditions he can’t control. He might minister in a setting of growth and expansion, or one of diminishment, mergers, and closings. He might be assigned to a rural parish, one in the inner city, or one in a burgeoning suburb. He might need to learn a new language and culture or labor on through scandals and setbacks that are not his doing. Through all the highs and lows, he must see God’s grace at work in the world with his sights set on the Kingdom and its fullness.

Generosity is another key attribute. “The best priests I know share the virtue of generosity,” says Father John Stowe, moderator of the curia and vicar general for the Diocese of El Paso, Texas. “Their world is bigger than themselves, and they are truly dedicated to ministry.” These priests realize ministry is not about stroking their own egos but about caring for souls. “A healthy self-understanding and a generous spirit,” says Stowe, “are the real marks of greatness and excellence.”

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ing, a sense of humor is essential to keep everything in perspective. It’s healthy to laugh, and a priest needs to be able to laugh at himself and at the joys and absurdities of the world.

It might be a comment from an uninhibited child or a wisecracking senior. To laugh is to acknowledge a gift from God and admit our own human foibles and limitations.

A good priest must be at home in his own skin. This allows him to be content with his time alone, treasuring the quiet he has to himself whether he wants it or not. He must know—and accept—his strengths and weaknesses.

“To be a faith-filled priest, one must be aware of not only his gifts but also areas of growth—and not be afraid to admit them to himself and others,” says Father Miguel Briseño, retreat director at Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, New Mexico.

“He must have a willingness to listen

to others and be present to them.”

Don’t go it alone Good priests have a capacity for friendship. Family and friends help put everything in proper perspective.

I have found great support in visiting and vacationing with college friends and others who know me apart from my ministry. The same holds true of my family. My parents and siblings, their spouses and children have kept me rooted in who I am, sometimes quite pointedly. One time my mother announced to the family that because I was elected vicar provincial (leader of a section of my religious community), I had a new title, Very Reverend. One of my brothers responded, “We’ll just call him the Very Jim.” These relationships with family and friends, peers and mentors are indispensable for living a happy celibate life. A good priest avails himself of 67

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and nurtures this intimacy. It is so important to his life of celibacy. To grow in trust with another mirrors that trust and intimacy he has with God. A final attribute of a good priest is dedicated service to others. “A deep sense of service to the church and all people, along with a deep faith, is what lies at the basis for meaning in this very special vocation,” says Father Tom Merrill, pastor of Assumption Parish in Richfield, Minnesota.

“Nothing gives me greater joy than to have served others, especially at a significant or difficult time in their lives when they were at a crossroads.”

A channel of God’s grace All priests have occasion to serve others and in so doing be reminded of how God works through them.

This truth hit me profoundly in the second year of my own priesthood. I received a call late at night to come to a hospital in a distant town to 68

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help a family deal with a death.

When I arrived, I was met by two doctors who filled me in on the situation. Earlier that evening a 13year-old girl had died quite suddenly from a tumor. The family was so distraught they refused to allow the hospital staff or funeral director to do anything else until a priest came.

With the local pastor out of town, it took four hours to locate a priest, so they were glad when I arrived.

These doctors introduced me to the family. We talked for a while and then went into the room where their daughter lay. We prayed together and silently. I blessed and anointed the body of this 13-year-old, and we prayed some more. Eventually, we went back out into the family area.

They talked about their daughter’s life and all she had meant to them.

After a couple of hours, they felt comfortable enough to allow the hospital to move forward. I said goodnight and prepared to leave.

The two doctors were still there and walked me out to my car. Once in the parking lot I turned to them and said, “I must tell you something.

On behalf of the family and the church I want to thank you for being there with this family in their time of grief. I know you could have been home with your own families hours ago, and I appreciate your going above and beyond the call of duty. It was such a comfort to them.”

The physicians nodded, and one of them took my forearm and said, “Your words are very kind, but let me say something to you. As doctors we get to do some amazing things. We help people overcome diseases and ailments and return to full health.

Sometimes we even resuscitate people and bring them back from death.

But no matter what we do, eventually all of our bodies are going to wear out. What we do—however good—is only temporary. But what you do as a priest is about tending to the soul.

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And that’s eternal. So we thank you for what you do.”

Chills ran down my spine at his words. And I understood quite clearly and distinctly what this doctor had said—and not said. He did not say that I, Father Jim, had all the right things to say to this family and did all the right things. Not at all. What he

To be of service to others is to be a conduit of God’s grace, and that is the heart of this special vocation. was saying was that what I represent in the person of Jesus Christ speaks much more powerfully than anything I can say or do. It reminded me of the awesome honor and responsibility of what it means to be a priest. To be of service to others is to be a conduit of God’s grace, and that is the heart of this special vocation.

Answer the call Writer and speaker Gil Bailie tells the story of a priest friend who, newly ordained, lived with an elderly priest.

“At breakfast one morning my friend asked him, ‘Father, when did you decide to become a priest?’ The old priest said, ‘When I got up this morning.’ ” Priesthood begins by answering the call. Not only the call to enter seminary or formation but to keep answering that call every day of one’s life. While priesthood calls us to reveal God’s presence to others, priests also know that God always stands before and behind and beside them.

A priest is never acting alone, never relying entirely on his own attributes, for God’s continuing miracle is to fill the world with grace by working through human hands.

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priests IN THE FACE of each challenge, in the face of each moment of joy, and in the face of each heartbreak, there have come new moments in which God has invited me to choose priesthood again.

Where my call to priesthood has taken me I didn’t fully realize it at the time, but my choice to become a Jesuit and a priest so many years ago was only the first of many choices on the path of becoming who God wants me to be.

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BY

MARK MOSSA, S.J.

HEN SOMEONE asks me, “Why did you become a priest?” I imagine they are looking for a simple answer, the story of that crucial moment when God made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. This is why I find the question so hard to answer.

Mark Mossa, S.J. is completing his studies for priesthood at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1997 and will be ordained a priest in June of 2008. Mark’s blog, “You Duped Me Lord,” http://markmossasj.blogspot.com, was voted “Best Blog by a Seminarian” in 2006. He is coeditor of Just War, Lasting Peace: What Christian Traditions Can Teach Us (Orbis Books, 2006).

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There was such a moment, of course, but over the years I have also experienced several such moments. Then, I hardly knew what I was getting myself into.

Indeed, had I known, I most surely would have refused. Thanks, God, for the offer, but I think I’d just rather take the cannoli.

The work of becoming a priest hasn’t been a 24/7 funfest. It’s been, well, work.

I’ve had to change myself. I’ve had to change my expectations. I’ve had to learn to trust in God, especially at times when he didn’t seem to appreciate all I’d given up to do this! Most of all, I’ve had to learn how to have my heart broken, by risking pain and pride for the sake of another.

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“I grew up an Air Force brat. Later I worked in the hospitality and retail industries before becoming an X-ray tech.

Then I heard about the Alexian Brothers.”

LAWRENCE KRUEGER ALEXIAN BROTHER

Like most other young men, Lawrence Krueger tried a few different careers before he discovered the job of a lifetime. Encouraged by his grandmother Elsie who had observed his easy going nature and concern for others, Larry attended a parish sponsored vocation event where he learned about the Alexian Brothers.

Larry found the Alexian Brothers and their commitment to healthcare a cause he could support wholeheartedly.“The Alexian Brothers really cared about what they were doing, and I felt really comfortable with that,” he said.

As an Alexian Brother, Brother Larry has experienced a few more jobs, planning one of the first assisted-living facilities for persons with AIDS in Chicago, caring for the elderly in New Jersey and Tennessee, and serving two terms as the Provincial for the Immaculate Conception Province.

Brother Larry is fulfilling his life’s mission through ministry with the Alexian Brothers.

What is your life mission?

To find out more about becoming an Alexian Brother…

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Servants of the Paraclete

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E ARE a religious congregation of priests and brothers who dedicate our lives to Christ by assisting fellow priests and brothers who are in need of psychological, spiritual, and vocational help. Founded in 1947 by Father Gerald Fitzgerald, s.P., our Congregation has helped more than 4,000 clergy through residential programs based on Eucharistic adoration, psychological and spiritual counseling, fraternal life in common, and fidelity to the Church.

Currently this ministry is being carried out in the U.S. and the Philippines.

IF YOU ARE interested in finding out more about the Servants of the Paraclete, please contact us.

You will receive a warm welcome.

PETER LECHNER, S.P. • 314.965.0860 x22 (U.S.) www. peterlechner@yahoo.com theservants.org PAUL VALLEY, S.P. • 314.965.0860 x25 (U.S.) PHILIP TAYLOR, S.P. • philiptsp@yahoo.com (S.E. Asia) SERVANTS OF THE PARACLETE • 13270 MAPLE DR. • ST. LOUIS, MO 63127

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As I have done for you This lesson came quickly in my first year of priestly formation. I was assigned to work in hospice care, and I was terrified. I’d had little experience of death in my life up to that point.

So, at first, I tried my best to avoid the dying people. But, it turns out, this is kind of hard to do in a place where all the people you are ministering to happen to be terminally ill.

Eventually, I got up the guts to actually talk to some of them, and soon I couldn’t imagine what I had been afraid of. I was invited into a world of family, friends and fond memories, reminiscences and regrets. I marveled at how immediately I could come to care so deeply for someone in just a few days. And I wondered if what I was doing was worth it when I had to endure the pain of that person’s death just a week or two later.

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As I grew more comfortable with what I was doing, I began spending a lot of time with Sarah. Sarah had her lucid and not-so-lucid moments, which meant at times I was just the nice young man visiting with her or helping her eat. At other times I joined her on a privileged journey through her family history as she mistook me for a nephew or a grandchild. Everything went smoothly in this way until one day Sarah asked one thing more: Do you rub feet?

It was like in the movies when that pleasant soundtrack that has been playing in the background suddenly goes quiet and the actor turns to the camera with a look of horror. I looked down at her old, twisted feet, looked up in horror at an imaginary camera, and thought, “What? Are you crazy?” Yet, before I knew what I was doing, my hands were already reaching.

Somehow, in that split second, I’d realized that this moment was far more important than that initial moment of invitation. Somehow my hands and heart knew before my brain did that if the answer to this question was no, it was time for me to go home. If the answer to this question was no, so was the answer to the question of whether or not I could be a priest. Who knew that a dying old woman would teach me so much about what it means to be a priest? The pain of Sarah’s death was tempered by gratitude for the gift she had given me.

As I’ve allowed myself to enter intimately into the lives of the sick, the dying, and those who might stop loving me if I told them the truth about myself or, worse, about themselves, I’ve felt the ways in which the joy of love can lead to the pain of loss, and that this is a condition of my yes to God. My experience of becoming a priest has been more challenging, more heartbreaking, and more wonderful than I could ever VISION 2007

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In fear, a gift It’s not always so obvious where and how these choices will come. God faithfully offers me opportunities to choose priesthood anew. One of the most recent of these opportunities came during my work on a 3-day silent retreat for students at Loyola University in New Orleans, where I taught for two years before continuing with my studies.

Before the retreat began, there was the usual silly banter. “I don’t think it’s possible for me to be silent for three days!” “What if there’s an emergency, can I talk?” But things grew a little more serious when Kate, one of the first students I’d VISION 2007

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have imagined at the beginning.

In the face of each challenge, in the face of each moment of joy, and in the face of each heartbreak, there have come new moments in which God has invited me to choose priesthood again. Immediately after the question of whether I could be a priest to the dying came the question of whether I could open my heart to severely handicapped children their parents and society had discarded.

Could I overcome fear to know and love the child living in silence and a wheelchair?

And the questions kept coming. For four months in Mexico, could I risk the embarrassment of my broken Spanish in order to enter the lives of orphaned and troubled boys there? Instead of passing him by, could I offer enough time to the homeless man in the White Castle parking lot to realize that, far more than food, he only wanted me to pray with him? Could I overcome my desire for everyone to like me enough to stand before a room full of people and offer them a challenge from the gospel that they may not want to hear? These are just some of the choices I’ve been blessed with.

Our priests and brothers ministering in parishes and schools give witness to Jesus Christ in our modern world.

Vocation Ministry 1212 East Euclid Avenue Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847.398.0685 www.viatorians.com

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met at Loyola, and whom I liked immediately, expressed her concerns about her upcoming military assignment. A senior in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), she never imagined she’d face the possibility of being sent to war. My heart grew heavy at the possibility of this bright, friendly, and always cheerful young woman landing in a war zone. That weekend, too, I was pondering my next assignment. I had to write a letter to my Jesuit superior explaining why I felt ready to move on to my final years of study for priesthood.

The next day, Kate asked if she could speak with me. We sat together on the porch swing of the retreat house, and she shared with me her fears about being sent to Iraq.

I listened as she tearfully told me the whole story. I asked questions, I probed, wondering if there was a way out for her. I could feel myself

M O N K C O N T E M P L A T I V E

Trappist Cistercian

A small self-supporting community in the Ozark foothills of Missouri.

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person, an awful, distorted version of Kate, not her true self.

She expressed my fear, too, that this beautiful young person might be so damaged. I wished I could promise her she wouldn’t. I once thought that as priest I would be able to tell Kate, and others in similar situations, that there was no need to fear, that God would make it all OK. But it came home as strongly to

Though I am sometimes tempted to think otherwise, I honestly can’t imagine any other choice than priesthood.

Enter #046 at VocationMatch.org Teacher Scholar Doctor Lawyer Actor Pastor Artist Retreat Director

Counselor

Spiritual Director

What’s in your heart?

Sometimes our hearts desire more than a job.

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ready to do anything on her behalf to get her out of this danger. There was no way she could pay back the scholarships she had received, and she also didn’t want to disappoint her instructors (she was among the top in her ROTC class).

I was forced to ask a question of myself: Could this be God’s will for her? It wasn’t a question I wanted to entertain, but though I would not speak it to her, it was a question I had to allow into the conversation. I already knew all too well the surprising ways in which God’s will might be realized in us, even if this one seemed a long shot.

Kate described her fears, and I realized that I could not save her from whatever might happen, so I just listened. As I listened, I was struck by what she was afraid of. It was not the war, really. It wasn’t even dying. Rather, it was the fear that she might return from the war another

me in that moment as it did in that moment with Sarah that in reality being a priest was instead what I already found myself doing—being there, listening, and even crying a little with Kate. It’s not about me making promises for God. It’s about me being the presence of God for Sarah, for Kate, and for all who come with their problems, their fears, and their pain, even if I can’t fix them, even if I can’t save them.

And it is also being present with people in their joys, as I was when weeks later Kate told me of her new assignment—not in Iraq.

And though I am sometimes tempted to think otherwise, I honestly can’t imagine any other choice than priesthood. When I do stand at the altar to pray with and on behalf of the people of God, I know it will only be possible because I was able to say yes to rubbing a dying woman’s feet and to listening helplessly to a young person’s fears and responding to God’s invitation in spite of my own.

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Alone on a Sunday evening

O

N SUNDAY EVENING, when I am finally able to grab the church key and lock up, a strange feeling comes over me. You would think that I would just want to leave quickly so that I could get back to my room, change my clothes, and either get on with my free afternoon or crash on the couch with a pint of ice cream. Instead, I’ll lock the church doors and then sit in that quiet, sacred space I have grown to love.

I cherish those moments of sitting in that space alone. Everything around me looks a little beat-up.

Wedding flowers are already starting to wilt. Bulletins that were probably read during my homily are strewn all over the pews and floors. Hymnals have not been returned to the racks. Cheerios crackle underfoot, a sign of the amazing number of toddlers fed in order to keep them quiet during Mass.

The smells of candle wax and stale perfume linger in the air.

The church is profoundly quiet at those moments. Yet I feel what can only be described as a palpable energy in the air. I think of this energy as all the prayers—silent, spoken, sung, sobbed—that so many people have offered over the weekend

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and that have yet to dissipate. I sit there and let it all swirl around me until finally I am able to quiet myself, just as the church has quieted itself .

At that moment, I seem to hear an almost inaudible sigh escaping in thanksgiving to the heavens.

Did it come from me? Or was it released by this space, which has been made sacred by all who worshiped in it on this day?

At those times in my church, I become aware of God’s peace surrounding me, and I realize that this is the right place for me to be—and to have been in all day. I am grateful God has placed me here at this parish, grateful for all that we do here together, grateful for all that has happened among the people who have shared this sacred space with me. In spite of my long day and my need for rest, I need first to be in that empty church. In its echoes I find a deeper rest, and I can’t leave just yet. I don’t even want to.

—by Father Dominic Grassi Excerpt from Still Called by Name by Dominic Grassi (Loyola Press, 2003). Reprinted with permission of Loyola Press. To order copies of this book, call 1-800-621-1008 or visit www.loyolabooks.org.

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sisters

A 20something begins monastic life

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SISTER MARY CATHARINE PERRY, O.P.

HOLY MASS and chanting the Divine Office each day kept me focused and strengthened.

I realized God was inviting me—an energetic, talkative, curious, adventure-loving young woman—to give myself totally as a contemplative nun. He was calling me to share in the work of evangelization in a silent, hidden way that even I would often not understand.

BY

SISTER MARY CATHARINE PERRY, O.P.

M

Y VOCATION to the contemplative monastic life was the biggest surprise of my life. It’s a surprise I’ve not yet gotten over nearly 15 years after crossing the enclosure threshold on a cold, dark, rainy day in January of 1991.

Sister Mary Catharine Perry, O.P. is currently the novice mistress of the Dominican Nuns of the Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary, Summit, New Jersey, www.op.org/ nunsopsummit. She has written articles for many magazines and journals. Her first novella, Amata Means Beloved, was published by iUniverse in 2003 and is available at www.amatameansbeloved.8m.com.

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I was blessed to have received the call to give myself to Christ as a religious at a very young age. I always wanted to teach children. I saw myself wearing a black habit, teaching third or fourth graders, and this thought brought me peace and joy. But two years in the novitiate of a congregation that included many teachers brought me to the realization that God was calling me—an energetic, talkative, curious, adventure-loving young woman—to something else. He was inviting me to give myself totally as a contemplative nun. He was calling me to share in the work of evangelization in a silent, hidden way that even I would often not VISION 2007

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ou walk y s y alo a s ne ho ?

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www.fspa.org membership@fspa.org 888-683-FSPA (3772) 912 Market Street La Crosse, WI 54601-8800 Enter #030 at VocationMatch.org

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understand. I would not be wearing a black habit covered with chalk dust but a white habit, often speckled with stains from the kitchen.

Accepting my cloistered vocation was not easy, but in saying yes to the Lord I slowly became filled with a quiet joy. I was in love, and the One I loved would never abandon me. Like anyone in love I thought these feelings would always last! When I was a kid my mom had an old copy of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux’s autobiography Story of a Soul. The cover showed a painting of Saint Thérèse standing in the convent passageway, holding a crucifix with roses strewn all around and her habit regally trailing behind. I admit now that I sometimes thought that was how my life would be in the monastery!

Crossing the threshold

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At my entrance ceremony, I panicked at the last minute while kneeling at the communion rail waiting for the “enclosure” door to open. Entering the enclosure—a non-public part of the monastery—is a symbolic movement signaling a commitment to the community. My moment of panic as I entered gave way to a deep knowledge that “here have I chosen to dwell” (Ps. 131:14). The conviction that Christ wanted me here in this monastery supported me in the initial days of feeling new and awkward.

Suddenly, I was part of a community of sisters who were basically strangers to me, although they welcomed me with open arms and open hearts. Conversations at recreation (our relaxation time together) were filled with unknown people, places, and events. In coming to this monastery in Summit, New Jersey I felt like someone who had been carried off from a familiar place to another planet! Learning new ways and customs, I suddenly felt as if I didn’t know how to do anything.

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THE AUTHOR WORKS in the monastery kitchen with another sister.

And I quickly learned that “where two or three are gathered together,” there the towels and dish clothes are folded differently!

During the years of my preparation to formally enter the community, I had classes in many different subjects relating to monastic life. Several sisters in the monastery taught them.

These classes in the vows, history of spirituality and monasticism, prayer and lectio divina—the spiritual reading of scripture—liturgy and scripture provided a solid theological foundation for my monastic life, although I must confess that I often wholeheartedly agreed with our constitutions that say that study is a form of asceticism, or self-denial!

The nuns in training, or novices, were in charge of running our community print shop, which boasted two motorized pre-Civil War presses and an offset. I was the last in a long line of sisters to be trained in the art of offset printing and typography, setting type by hand. I loved every bit of it, even though it would sometimes mean that another sister and I would have to miss recreation or take turns keeping the press running while the other went to meals. The creative process nourished an important part of me, and I found myself trying to hold back the tears the day VISION 2007

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we sold our presses to go into digital printing. (Fortunately I belong to a community that sees the importance of creative expression, and later I learned how to weave.)

Probably the most difficult thing to adjust to was the struggle to get up early in the morning before 5 a.m. and to stay awake. At that time we prayed the rosary in a darkened choir after morning prayer. I would sometimes find myself falling asleep while standing during the psalms.

One day the verse, “In the morning let me know your love, for I put my trust in you,” leapt off the page and into my heart. This would be my last prayer at night as I drifted off to sleep. “Make me know your love,” expressed my trust that the Lord would give me the grace to keep up the struggle. Fifteen years later, I now rise at 4:30 a.m. to take the 5 o’clock hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. It’s the best part of my day—even if sometimes I fall back to sleep for a few minutes.

Wrestling match We live a life in community, supporting each other toward holiness, but the contemplative life with its silence and priority of prayer brings about a radical confrontation with

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COME, BE BUILT INTO LIVING STONES With our International Community: U.S.A., Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, and Portugal

The Franciscan Sisters of St. Paul, MN 1388 Prior Avenue South St. Paul, MN 55116 651-690-1501 maryldolezal@yahoo.com sisterpatcasey@yahoo.com

www.askmotherrose.org Request our FREE vocation newsletter or information packet, or come visit!

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the self. It was no different for me.

Like Jacob who wrestled with the angel the whole night, I found myself being challenged by both living in community with 20 other women and by the Lord in prayer. I came to see my true self, and it wasn’t a pleasant experience. In my relationships with the other sisters I began to see how often my supposed generosity was really a mask for selfishness and self-centeredness. I slowly began to see how important it was for others to think well of me or even that I be thought “special.” I wondered (and sometimes still do) if I would ever grow in patience. I was often discouraged.

The early monastic spiritual leaders of the desert said that the monastic life is a battlefield waged against our pride, the world, and the devil. Much as the angel displaced Jacob’s hip, monastic life is not a life for the timid but for those willing to let Christ Crucified wound us by displacing the “hip socket” of our self-centeredness so that he can transform us. “You desire truth in my inward being,” Psalm 51 says, and for a long period of time it was through the words of this psalm that the Lord slowly purified me of the false image of myself and my false desires.

I was happy in the monastery and convinced that God wanted me here—so why did my whole life seem like a mess? This purifying phase of religious life is scary, and sometimes I thought I couldn’t stand another minute of it. God’s grace does make this stage of formation possible, and in time it bore fruit in a great freedom and a deeper, self-giving love.

Formed by Christ One day, another novice and I were taking a walk. I was moaning about some new painful revelation about myself. It seemed that the longer I was in the monastery the more faults 80

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to Christ through religious profession.

Holy Mass and chanting the Divine Office throughout each day kept me in focus and strengthened me.

Ever so slowly as I moved through the preparation process to take final vows, I began to get a glimpse of what living in freedom and in love meant. I slowly began to experience it in a way I never imagined possible.

Yes, I was in love in my first days in the monastery, but it was more an infatuation. Now, as the community became my community, I realized that the expression of the love for my Beloved was to be measured by my love for my sisters in Christ. I began to see that fidelity was not in one grand pronouncement of vows but in choosing every day to surrender to Christ and approach each day doing everything with love.

Sister Mary Catharine’s daily schedule in the monastery

M

ONASTIC LIFE is structured around the Divine Office, a set of prayers based on the psalms, scripture, and the changing church seasons. The Office is prayed several times a day. In between praying the Office, the community works to support itself and has periods for relaxation and personal study and prayer.

5:20 5:50 7:15 11:30 12:00 1:30

3:00 3:30 4:00 5:30 6:15 7:00 7:45 8:30

Rise Lauds (early morning prayer) Interval for personal prayer, study, and breakfast Mass, followed by Thanksgiving and the Office of Terce (mid-morning prayer) Work Rosary and Sext (mid-day prayer) Dinner Dishes and optional recreation Profound Silence—a time without conversation for siesta, spiritual reading, quiet work, and other activities Office of Readings and None (afternoon prayer) Interval for prayer and study Work Vespers (evening prayer) Supper Study Recreation Compline (night prayer)

In addition to the above schedule, during the day sisters are scheduled for 30 minutes to an hour of praying the rosary and Eucharistic adoration, which they call “The Adoring Rosary.” Three nights a week they have adoration all night, taking turns.

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The world needs you.

needs

I had. “Sister,” she said, “you’re being formed.” “I’m not being formed,” I whined. “I’m being flattened!” and with that we both burst out laughing.

Formation is about being chiseled, molded, refined, and purified

by Christ in the Paschal Mystery of his death and resurrection. However, I wanted to be in charge and do it my way, which is why I often felt that I was being flattened and not formed.

Jesus was saying to me, “Trust me, I know what is best for you because I love you.” I was saying in effect, “I will not let you go until you bless me,” wrestling with the Lord as Jacob did with the mysterious angel. Jesus was inviting me to let him truly be Lord over my life, but I wasn’t giving in without a fight! Yet, no matter how difficult formation often seemed, I never wavered in my desire to belong

FRANCISCAN SISTERS

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sisters THERE ARE SO many unmet needs in our world, and the beach on which we walk is covered with starfish.

Somehow, though, we work together to fling them back into the sea, and that makes all the difference.

Why be a sister today?

I am a sister because it helps to know that I am not alone in my longing to make a difference in our world. I am a sister because I cannot imagine living my life without throwing in my lot with these particular women. It is my best way of living, my best way of loving.

BY

SISTER JENNIFER GORDON, S.C.L.

I

REDISCOVERED recently the familiar tale of the old man who goes for a walk on the beach early one morning and meets a young woman throwing starfish back into the sea.

Surprised, the old man asks the woman what she is doing and how she thinks her efforts will make a difference on a beach covered with countless starfish.

The woman looks down at the starfish Sister Jennifer Gordon, S.C.L. is a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth.

She currently serves as the manager of Saint Vincent Clinic, a primary care clinic for uninsured, low-income patients in Leavenworth, Kansas.

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in her hand, flings it back into the sea, and answers, “It makes a difference to this one.”

For years I have cherished this story and have looked to it for encouragement when it feels as if so little I do actually makes a difference. More recently, however, I have come to realize that this story also helps shed some light on my decision to live my life as a sister.

Ministry: So many starfish At times I feel like the old man, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of starfish on the beach. I feel paralyzed by the stories of war in Iraq and terror in AfVISION 2007

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Prayer: Leaning on one another Each time I have heard the story of VISION 2007

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the starfish, it ends with the young woman flinging the single starfish back into the sea as the old man watches. We are left to imagine what happens next. Perhaps the old man shakes his head at the young woman’s folly and continues on his way, careful not to step on any starfish as he hurries ahead through the morning fog.

I like to believe, however, that the old man and the young woman walk together for a while, talking.

Eventually he might follow her example, bending down to pick up a starfish and flinging it out to sea.

Perhaps the next morning, and the morning after that, they meet a little farther down the beach and begin to share stories, even as they continue throwing starfish back into the sea.

And perhaps on mornings when she doesn’t make it to the beach for her morning walk, he flings them back for her.

My second year in community was an especially difficult time for me, filled with many questions—and, it seemed, too few answers—about God and community and friendships and who I was in the midst of it all. I made a retreat that summer, and it was one of the longest weeks of my life. God felt distant. I couldn’t pray, and the silence and solitude were almost unbearable. One of our sisters died during the week I was on retreat, and I attended her wake, grateful for the distraction and the opportunity not to be alone.

During her wake, we sang an arrangement of the Hail Mary that one of our sisters had composed years earlier. I’d heard the arrangement several times before but didn’t know it well enough to sing along.

By the time we got to “Blessed are you among women,” I realized that didn’t matter at all. The sisters seated around me knew it by heart

God calls you.

calls

ghanistan, by the images of violence in our schools and devastation along the Gulf Coast. Even the complex medical and social needs of the patients who come to the clinic where I work can make me want to throw up my hands in despair. I am finding that it is often precisely during these moments of despair that my sisters in community remind me that I am not the only one flinging starfish back into the sea.

Several months ago, a young man came into the clinic. He’d fallen down the stairs in his apartment building and injured his knee. The doctors at the emergency room had told him he needed surgery as quickly as possible, or he might never be able to walk again. He was 19, uninsured, alone in the world, and scared to death. I, too, was scared, because I knew he needed more help than we could provide at a primary care clinic. I called one of my sisters in the community who is part of the leadership team at one of the hospitals our community sponsors. She suggested several people who might be able to help, and an hour and several phone calls later, we’d scheduled an appointment for this young man with an orthopedic surgeon.

I’ve never seen the young man again, and I don’t know if he ever got the surgery he needed. I pray that he did. Regardless, my encounter with him that morning reminded me that as a Sister of Charity, I am part of something much bigger than myself.

There are so many unmet needs in our world, and the beach on which we walk is covered with starfish.

Somehow, though, we work together to fling them back into the sea, and that makes all the difference.

FRANCISCAN SISTERS

of Christian Charity 920-682-7728 www.fscc-calledtobe.org

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and were singing with great gusto.

My sisters sang when I couldn’t sing, and just by being with them I picked up a few notes here and there. And as I sat in their midst that evening to celebrate the life of our sister who had just moved on to the other side of Easter, I realized that they were praying even when I couldn’t pray.

Their prayer got me through the rest of that week, and it continues to be an amazing gift to me.

Community: Being the starfish And, as much as I hate to admit it, sometimes I feel like the starfish, totally stuck, stranded on a beach and unable to move back into the water without help. These are the vulnerable moments that make me the most uncomfortable, that challenge my belief that I am in control of my life. They are also the moments that 84

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Sometimes I feel like the starfish, stranded on a beach.

These are the vulnerable moments that remind me that we are profoundly interconnected and that we desperately need one another. was at work when my father called to tell me of Philip’s death. In tears and almost in shock, I left immediately to go home, and by the time I got there, two of the three sisters I lived with had heard the news and were already home. The third sister and my formation director arrived shortly thereafter, and several more sisters stopped by the house or called that evening.

They cried with me and prayed with me, looked at pictures and listened to the stories of my visit to Conception several months before.

Later that week, three sisters made the two-hour drive to Conception for Philip’s wake, and the following day one sister came for the funeral and had to sit outside in the hot sun because the basilica was full. In the midst of my family’s tragedy, when I needed them most, my sisters rallied VISION 2007

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around me and loved me through the pain.

I am a sister because . . .

People continue to ask me how I could possibly choose religious life today. Their question seems to imply that religious life is somehow irrelevant, or, at best, hopelessly out of date. Wouldn’t it make more sense to choose something more practical, more lucrative, a little more mainstream? In trying to respond to their questions, I am reminded again of how language fails to express the deepest desires of our hearts. Many life choices would be more practical, more lucrative, and more mainstream, but they would be, for me, less true.

I am a sister because it helps to know that I am not alone in my longing to make a difference in our world.

I am a sister because I need others to pray, to sing, when I cannot, and because I want to be there to pray and sing when others cannot. I am a sister because I need my sisters and because, in some way that I may never fully understand, they need me, too. I am a sister because I cannot imagine living my life without throwing in my lot with these particular women. It is my best way of living, my best way of loving. It is my yes to the God who calls me by name.

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remind me that we are profoundly interconnected and that we desperately need one another.

I had been in the community for less than a year when a gunman walked into the Benedictine abbey at Conception, Missouri and shot four monks before killing himself. Two monks were critically wounded, and two, including my Great Uncle Philip, were killed. I

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sisters SISTER JAMIE Phelps shares a light moment in her office with an independent study group.

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IRVING JOHNSON, III

Read this article in Spanish at VocacionCatolica. org.

For Sister Jamie Phelps, life’s joys outweigh struggles Whatever Sister Jamie Phelps, O.P. “gave up” to become a religious sister, has “come back a hundredfold,” says the educator, psychiatric social worker, community organizer, liturgist, choir director, spiritual director, and theologian.

BY

LESLIE SCANLON

A

SK SISTER JAMIE T. PHELPS, O.P. what she likes to do for fun, and she laughs—a quick, unstoppable, freight train of a laugh.

“First of all,” she says, “life is fun.”

This from a woman who was getting ready to hop a plane back to New Orleans when Katrina hit. She hadn’t been watching the news, so she thought the Leslie Scanlon is a writer in Louisville, Kentucky.

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hurricane was whirling toward Florida and would miss her home altogether.

Blown temporarily out of her job as a professor of systematic theology at Xavier University, Phelps matter-of-factly moved the Institute of Black Catholic Studies she directs. It went north for a time, to the University of Notre Dame.

As VISION went to press, she was planning to move back in August 2006— “just in time for hurricane season,” Phelps jokes.

Never one to flinch at truth-telling, she has also written about the suffering of New Orleans’ poor in the days after Katrina. “The storm unmasked our VISION 2007

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collective social immorality,” Phelps writes.

Personally, one of the hardest things for her about Katrina was that it smashed apart “my ideal 8 o’clock bright young women course,” an undergraduate theology class she’d only taught for two sessions, but which she already sensed had the potential to get an extraordinary group of intelligent young women wrestling with all the right things.

God in the twists and turns But as much as she enjoys give-andtake with ideas, with her students, and with the world at large, Phelps is always looking for the deeper meaning, for what God is doing in a particular time and place. She entered the Adrian Dominican order straight out of high school in 1959 and has been a sister for more than 45 years, a woman of color in a mostly white world.

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has twisted and turned, following the tugs of her heart and her intellectual curiosity and the tides of world events, nudged along by such forces as the civil rights movement, Vatican II, the influence of a multicultural world

When you look back over your life, you can see what my religious formation people used to say: God writing straight with crooked lines. As you get older, these things begin to connect in ways that you couldn’t have designed. on theological thinking, and, most recently, a life-changing storm.

“When we talk about life’s journey and God’s providence, you don’t write and plan this stuff,” Phelps says. “But when you look back over your life and you see the people who have touched your life and the journey that you have taken, you can see what my religious formation people used to say: God writing straight with crooked lines. As you get older, these things begin to connect in ways that you couldn’t have designed.

“I don’t live by a five-year plan.

You’re trying to discern what it is God wants at a particular moment and a particular time. And you move forward on that not knowing what the next call will be or the next turn in your life will be. But when you’ve lived as long as I have, you look back and you see a wholeness there, you see a continuity there.”

Testing the waters Born in Alabama, the youngest of six children, Phelps grew up in an educated Catholic household in Chicago where her family read newspapers VISION 2007

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IHM WITNESS IS A MATTER OF THE HEART

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Living lives of • Consecration through vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience • Daily Prayer • Shared life in Community • Service in Catholic Education and related ministries

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and poetry, studied classical piano, and routinely discussed religion, politics, and sex at the dinner table, and where being a child was considered no excuse for not contributing to the conversation.

“I always tell people, I have an African core, Southern heart, and urban moxie,” Phelps says of those early influences.

In the 1940s, hers was the second black family to attend the mostly

Irish and Italian St. Matthew’s grade school on the West Side of Chicago.

The teachers were Adrian Dominican nuns, the same order she later joined.

Phelps had learned from her parents, Emma Brown Phelps and Alfred Phelps, Sr., that work was a means to help other people. “We were trained that whatever gifts we had,” she says, “were gifts given to us by God for the community.”

She thought of becoming a 89

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KATHLEEN DORSEY BELLOW

PHELPS CELEBRATES the graduation of students of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies.

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nurse, “but I wasn’t too sure I could handle blood.” She decided that nuns and priests helped the soul, which seemed to her the highest calling of all. With her grade-school teachers she had visited the Adrian Dominican convent and got to “see their silliness—now I would call it joy. I saw happy women.”

But when Phelps tried to join the Adrian Dominicans at the high school they ran, the order’s leaders put her off, saying “they were concerned how would I as a young black woman adjust to living in all-white environment,” she recalls.

She wanted to remind them that she’d been one of only three blacks in her class in her Catholic grade school and had graduated at the top of her class. But they insisted she spend at least two years at another high school. Phelps knew all too well that some Catholic orders wouldn’t take blacks at all.

So Phelps went off to a mostly white German-Polish high school, Josephinum, where she had huge fun joining clubs and dancing at the prom—so much fun she waited four years before knocking on the Adrians’ door again.

She debated between college and the order, and her father was skeptical about whether the Adrians would ever treat her as an equal. But “I said VISION 2007

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to myself, you don’t want to wake up 20 years from now thinking, ‘I should have, I ought to have, I could have.’ So let’s get this out of your system. Go see if God is calling you.

You need to check it out.”

Faith and work Now, more than four decades later, she writes of maturing in faith as part of a community, of sharing with her Adrian sisters decades of prayer, laughter, and struggle. “I have grown in wisdom, age, and grace as I have journeyed with members of my religious community,” she writes, and the times of conflict have been far outweighed by learning and joy.

As a Dominican sister she has taught everything from first grade to graduate students, worked for a decade as a psychiatric social worker, earned a doctorate in systematic theology from The Catholic University of America, and been involved in parishes trying to figure out how the liturgy could be celebrated in particular cultural contexts. Phelps delights in telling stories, in singing and dancing with her elementary-school students, in the lessons she learned about unconditional love and being the body of Christ from the mothers in Chicago housing projects.

She studied sociology after people kept asking her what blacks thought or felt about certain things.

She didn’t want to answer without some facts to back her up. Working with two black parishes, Phelps got involved with liturgical reform and became inspired to use something other than lukewarm folk music for worship. She thought, “There’s got to be some better religious songs than that.” So she marched into a gospel music store.

Some people were upset with what Phelps came back to use in Mass, calling it Baptist music. “I said, ‘No, this is black religious music VISION 2007

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that the Baptists have kept in their libraries until we had sense enough to come and check it out.’ ” Through her work with parishes, Phelps acquired an interest in how Catholic liturgy develops in particular cultural contexts. She wanted to work holistically with people; she felt constrained as a social worker in helping people grow their spirituality. She wanted to know more about sexism and racism and economic disparities in society and the church.

So Phelps went off to study, and later teach, theology, working as a professor at Catholic Theological Union, Loyola University, and now Xavier.

What is going on Phelps has made her way, as an intelligent, strong-willed African American woman in a culture that did not always value those qualities. Today, Phelps says she would encourage people to consider a religious vocation. It has been a rich and satisfying life for her.

But she doesn’t sugarcoat the realities for black Catholics. “We are still operating today in a society that still does not believe that the average ordinary black that’s born into the society is equal to the average ordinary white born into the society,” she says.

“We’re still working out of a white supremacist ideology that says that being white is ontologically superior to being black. And no one in polite company would ever say that. But that’s what I see going on.”

She knows blacks who clearly felt called by God but who weren’t accepted by religious orders or seminaries. That’s part of the reason, she says, why the Catholic Church has relatively few men and women of color in religious life and why there have been separate religious orders for black women.

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“There’s some kind of way where we’re not being seen as fully Catholic and as fully human as other Catholics,” says Phelps, who’s a charter member of the National Black Sisters’ Conference. “I’ve been watching this for a long time and it really has not changed.”

Yet she sees just as clearly the joys and satisfactions of religious life. “I gave up all for the sake of the gospel, but I have all that I gave up and more!” Phelps has written. “I want for nothing materially. I have no husband or children born of my flesh, but count hundreds of students as ‘my children’ loaned to me while they are in my classes to nurture intellectually, personally, and morally . . . . I became a woman religious but that did not preclude my also being an educator, psychiatric social worker, community organizer, liturgist, choir director, spiritual director, and theologian.”

It all comes back After Katrina, Phelps had to call up her superior and say that her nearly new car had been parked at the New Orleans airport and “it may be floating down the river.” The furniture the order had bought when she’d moved to Louisiana two years ago might be destroyed. “Her response to me was, ‘You’re alive! We can replace the car and we can replace the furniture. It’s you that we’re concerned about.’ ” The car and the apartment turned out to be fine. That message of love from her fellow sister was a reminder of the depth of all that can be gained by following a calling to religious life.

“Some people look at you as though when you make these vows, you give it all up,” Phelps says. “You give it all up, but it comes back a hundredfold.”

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making God’s love visible through the service of education

Society of the Sacred Heart

Our hearts, united in Christ, are united with the world. www.rscj.org • www.rscjinternational.org Sister Nancy Koke, RSCJ, Director of Vocation Ministry 888-844-7725 • nkoke@rscj.org Enter #027 at VocationMatch.org

Sisters of Christian Charity

LOVE ALONE COUNTS

Eastern Province Sister Bernadette McCaulay Mallinckrodt Convent 350 Bernardsville Road Mendham, NJ 07945 (570) 450-6491 sccvocation@excite.com www.scceast.org

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BROTHER DUC PHAM

brothers BROTHER DUC Pham (at right), celebrates a milestone in the road toward priesthood for Juan Carlos Ruiz Guerrero, who is now an ordained member of the Franciscan order.

Lea este artículo en español en VocacionCatolica. org.

Read this article in Spanish at VocacionCatolica. org.

How God tricked Duc Pham into becoming a brother Franciscan Brother Duc Pham says he found his call through false advertising. He answered an ad looking for a teacher but the Franciscans had other plans for him. He’s glad he followed their lead.

BY

CLIFF TERRY

I

T IS A SNOWY, bitter-cold morning—12 degrees above zero, not counting the wind chill. “I’ve been in the Chicago area about 10 years now, but you can never get used to this weather,” says Duc Pham, a native of Vietnam.

“But you just live with it.”

Diminutive and obviously enthusiastic, Pham, a Franciscan brother, is director of the Franciscan Postulancy Program of the Sacred Heart Province at the St. John the Baptist Friary in the gritty city of Joliet, Illinois, 30 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. It’s the first stage of the initial formation for Cliff Terry is a Chicago-based freelancer and former writer and critic for the Chicago Tribune.

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a person interested in becoming a friar.

Spending a good part of the day with Duc Pham, one quickly becomes aware that this is one magnetic person, full of life—kind of an evangelical Energizer Bunny. Later, at lunch this particular day, Pham will assign the postulants various housekeeping chores, from organizing closets to solving plumbing issues.

Earlier, he had held private conversations with the postulants, seeking to help them ascertain whether they have a true calling to the religious life. He himself became a Franciscan because, he laughingly tells a visitor, “I really didn’t shop around. Basically, God tricked me into it” (more about that later).

Asked how he discerns who has a calling and who doesn’t, he explains: “It’s a dialogue between the particular person, VISION 2007

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the staff, and community of friars here at St. John’s. We’re not really judging anybody. As friars, you must have community skills. You must be able to live with other people and to work out conflicts. You have to have the desire of going to prayer and to Mass every day. If you find that’s a difficulty for you, then probably this is not the way you should go.

“Some other issues would be competency in doing ministry. Are you able to serve? Are you able and willing to learn? Flexibility is also what we look for. But, mostly, it’s community. Because from fraternity, everything flows—our spirituality, mission, sense of prayer.” He adds that the main mission of the Franciscans is helping the poor. “That’s very important in our spirituality and identity. Our hearts are with those who are powerless, on the margin, just because of the story of Francis.

“In this first stage, we help the guys discover themselves through either workshops or doing ministry.

The focus is to answer the question, ‘Who am I?’ The second phase, which is novitiate, is to answer the question, ‘To whom do I belong?’ So it’s the question of connection with Franciscan history and God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. And the last phase of initial formation is known as the time of temporary profession.

The men take their first vows and renew those vows every year until they take a solemn vow. So the third phase is where they answer the question, ‘What should I do?’ ” “With his wide background, Brother Duc has lots of insights into these young people,” says Brother Theophane Ballmann, former codirector of the postulancy program.

“Plus, he has a lot of energy. The postulants pick the places where they feel they want to do ministry, such as a shelter or retirement home.

And then he meets with them on VISION 2007

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a regular basis as to how they see themselves and how he sees them, and maybe suggests some things they might work on.”

“He asked sort of tough questions to make you really think about whether this is what you wanted to do,” adds Brother Thinh Tran, a onetime postulant under Pham. “He inspired me. I grew up in a poor village in Vietnam, and when I came here the Franciscan family attracted me with their many different kinds of people. Everybody felt working with the poor was very important.

And because Brother Duc worked in a shelter for two years before coming here, it really affected me. That’s why I still keep in contact with the shelter and other outreach.”

A dramatic turn Born in 1963, Pham was raised in Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City.

“Because we lived in Saigon, you really didn’t see much fighting. . . .

But I do remember leaving Vietnam in 1975. It was rather traumatic. We sneaked onto a U.S. Air Force base and just sat around near the runway.

Finally, my dad went up to an M.P. and spoke to him. He had found a form somewhere for emigrating to the United States. I think that’s what he showed the M.P. At that point things were so chaotic, if you could speak English and show some kind of documentation, they shipped you out. So they sent us to a plane, and off we went. There were 13 of us: my parents, 10 children—I have one brother and eight sisters—and my grandmother.”

They went to a refugee camp at Camp Pendleton, California.

Then, after living in New Jersey for two years, the family moved to San Diego, where Pham attended high school and then graduated with a degree in computer science from San VISION 2007

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BROTHER Duc Pham, who became a Franciscan because, he jokes, “God tricked me into it,” holds his nephew Hollis.

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Diego State University. He went on to work as a computer programmer/ engineer for a defense company.

It was in California that his life took a dramatic turn. Somewhere down that road, a religious calling— especially with regard to the homeless—was waiting. At his job he dealt with a lot of materials that had to do with building war machines. At some point, he recalls, he either became bored (highly unlikely) or, more pertinent, his conscience bothered him.

“The attitude there was very difficult for me to accept, too,” he reflects.

“For example, they really didn’t care if taxes were raised because a lot of the money would go to the Department of Defense and [the company] would get a part of that. So there were a lot of things that I didn’t buy into.”

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to volunteer to become a teacher, found the Franciscans in a booklet, checked a box that read “Teaching,” and sent in an application. “But when I arrived, I saw that it was a shelter for the homeless. I said, ‘Look, you guys advertised that you needed a teacher. What is this?’ They said, ‘Oh, that was a mistake.’

“The first three months were very tough. I had to deal with a whole different group of people. I had done only a little with the homeless before, handing out sandwiches.

But I hung in there, and after that I really began to just love the ministry.

Because it was the first kind of work where I felt useful, where the gospel is very applicable. When they’re hungry, give them something to eat.

When they don’t have any clothing, give them some clothing. When they don’t have a place to sleep, give them a bed. So it was very clear-cut that it was God’s work.”

As it turned out, he reflected, the homeless are the only group of people that can get to him. “They push my buttons. I became aware of that dynamic, and I started to realize that the homeless help me much more than I help them. They showed me what areas of my soul that I needed to work on. And for that, I’m eternally grateful.”

Pham stayed at the shelter for

about two years, then decided to become a Franciscan because of their outreach program. He smiles. “So, yes, I ended up here because of false advertising. God tricked me.”

Be a risk-taker In 1990, he became a postulant, entered the common novitiate program, studied theology, and then headed to Guatemala for ministry. After returning to Chicago, he plunged ahead and became a full-fledged friar. His first assignment was in San Antonio, where he joined the ranks of the homeless himself. “I wanted that experience so I could be more in tune to understand their plight. I asked permission to leave the friary, and they were scratching their heads, like, what are you doing? I stayed on the street and then at night I went to a shelter for the homeless.”

Shortly after this experience, another major happening affected his life. In 1998 and 1999, Pham started noticing that his body wasn’t working right. Specifically, his kidneys weren’t functioning properly, which led to his starting dialysis treatments.

Pham worked as a vocation director for three years, and then studied Franciscan history, philosophy, and theology at St. Bonaventure University in upstate New York. “It VISION 2007

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FRANCISCAN BROTHERS OF PEACE was there that, basically, my kidneys gave out, and I returned to Chicago to see my doctors. It was then that the province asked me to take over this postulancy program. Meanwhile, my kidneys completely stopped working, so I had a transplant. One of my sisters donated a kidney. You

Religious life is not a place to hide away from the world. Instead, it’s a way to enter into the world. need only one, you know. It was a good match. So every day now I pop 13 or 14 pills, which is another form of treatment. There’s an average life expectancy for kidney transplants about 20 years. So I’m very aware that time is short. Every day is a gift.

I’m also aware of the joy in the little things, simple things.”

Pham’s postulants stay at St. John the Baptist for one to two years.

After morning prayer and Mass, they take classes, which may be Franciscan studies or perhaps music. Then they gather for spiritual reflection on their lives. In the afternoon, they may focus on volunteer opportunities in Joliet. After Christmas vacation, the stress is more on experiences, including a mission trip Pham leads to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, which may involve helping in a daycare center or rebuilding houses. Back in Chicago, the postuVISION 2007

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Our Beloved Founder, Brother Michael 1959 – 2003

A Pro-Life Brotherhood of Love Love for our Eucharistic Lord Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Mother of God and the Holy Catholic Church; fidelity to our Holy Father and the Magisterium; striving to live a real life of prayer and repentance.

Love for our Brothers and our community life, living solely on Divine Providence.

Love for the vulnerable, with a strong Pro-Life apostolate to defend all human life from conception to natural death, caring for the poor and homeless on the streets of the city and sheltering torture survivors in our friary.

Age 18 – 35 Contact:

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Joining our hearts joyfully together in longing for God monks@augustinianmonks.com www.augustinianmonks.com

I do not desire to be more certain of you, but to be more deeply rooted in you.

AUGUSTINIAN MONKS OF THE PRIMITIVE OBSERVANCE Enter #020 at VocationMatch.org

lants are sent to work in homeless shelters.

Asked what his advice is for young people considering a vocation to religious life, he actually pauses a bit. Then he smiles. “Pray. Pray, and take a risk. I didn’t really think about religious life until I took a risk—doing something important with my life, which was to respond to the gospel.

“But if you’ve never experienced

the call to live adventurously, I would say the first thing is to volunteer somewhere, do something exciting with your life or something risky.

And then after that, if you find that, ‘Oh, OK, I’m really living the gospel and I like it,’ then consider religious life. Religious life is not a place to hide away from the world. At least in the eye of the Franciscans. With us, instead, it’s a way to enter into the world.”

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brothers RELIGIOUS brothers bring a gift to the church—a gift others recognize in our hospitality, our institutions, and our celebrations.

The gift of brotherhood: What I wish people knew Although the face of brotherhood has changed over the years, the heart of our vocation remains the same: to serve those in need and to share our lives with each other in community.

BY

BROTHER PAUL BEDNARCZYK, C.S.C.

W

HY BE A BROTHER? Better yet, what is a brother?

People often ask me these questions, and in attempting to answer them I have discovered that misconceptions about religious brotherhood abound: “A brother is halfway to being a priest . . . brotherhood is an alternative for those unable to handle the studies for priesthood . . . brothers are male nuns . . . .” And the list goes on.

Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C. is a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Eastern Province, and executive director of the National Religious Vocation Conference.

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Others find it easier to define a brother by what we’re not, as opposed to what we are. No wonder some say the brother’s vocation is one of the most misunderstood in the church.

Traditionally, most people have associated religious brothers with education, as either teachers or administrators of Catholic schools. Although many brothers’ communities still maintain their commitment to Catholic education, we’re not just in the classroom anymore.

You can find brothers on city streets ministering to the homeless as social workers, in hospitals as health care professionals, in parishes as pastoral associates, and in foreign lands as missionaries.

Because the same good works, VISION 2007

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The Somascan Fathers “Serving Needy Youth in the World”

For five centuries the Somascans have carried out throughout the world St. Jerome Emiliani’s legacy: “Work, devotion and charity are the foundation of our activity.”

CHARISMS: • Spiritual and material care of orphans, abandoned youth and poor • Human and Christian education of youth • Pastoral ministry

Come Join Serve

LIFESTYLE: • Community, Prayer, Action Fr. Italo Dell’Oro, CRS 4419 N. Main • Houston, TX 77009 somascans@yahoo.com • www.somascans.org St. Jerome Emiliani, Universal Patron of Orphans and Abandoned Youth Enter #120 at VocationMatch.org

however, are also carried out by dedicated laypersons, it is not possible to define ourselves solely by our ministries. I prefer to look to the uniqueness of the brother’s vocation and its gift to the people of God.

Equal footing Simply put, what gives our vocation both meaning and identity is our life as vowed religious. We are laymen who publicly consecrate ourselves to God and ministry within the church through our vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience. We live in

Our vocation is neither superior nor inferior to marriage, priesthood, or the single life–it’s just different. community for mutual support and companionship, and to live out our shared Catholic faith and the shared heritage of our religious congregations. Our vocation is neither superior nor inferior to marriage, priesthood, or the single life—it’s just different.

Although the face of brotherhood, like that of the world and the church, has changed over the past 30 years, the heart of our vocation remains the same. We yearn to deepen our relationship with God, to serve those in need, and to share our lives with each other in community.

To better understand the brother’s vocation, look at the word itself.

Brother, by virtue of its definition, connotes relationship. Within the family unit, one cannot be both an only child and a biological brother to someone. Likewise, in religious life, we brothers do not stand alone. We stand with others who share equally

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in our membership by virtue of our vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience.

As with brothers within a family, our relationship with one another is fraternal, rather than paternal. This fraternal model of living and relating to others, however, is not limited to our life in community. It is how we fundamentally relate to our friends outside the community, to our lay colleagues, and to those to whom we minister. In my experience, even when brothers hold positions of authority, they lead with a sense of fraternity, equality, and mutuality, not a sense of superiority. Let me illustrate this attitude of fraternity with an example from my own life.

An unusual introduction Some years ago I had the pleasure of visiting two former students who used to be boarders at a high school staffed by my community. I used to be the director of the resident program and had lived with these young men for two years as their resident prefect. They were now attending college in Boston and invited me to their apartment for a pasta supper so I could meet their roommates and their girlfriends.

Keep in mind that for years it was customary for students at our school to address us brothers as “Bro.” Although it took some getting used to, I eventually appreciated the term for its affection rather than its flippancy. So when I walked into the living room on the evening of our get-together, my former student simply said to his friends, “Well, everybody! Here’s our Bro!” For him my position and title in school were apparently unimportant. The important thing was that I was his “Bro”—and that suited me just fine.

On my way home that night, I began to think about my unusual VISION 2007

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The WORLD is our home.

“We are all missionaries and only missionaries!”

Blessed Fr. Paolo Manna, PIME.

There are no foreign lands. We live the Gospel.

We reach out to all faiths.

Do you have the passion to be a PIME missionary?

Missionaries

call: 313-342-4066. e-mail: info@pimeusa.org Enter #134 at VocationMatch.org

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challenge, and encouragement. Taking our example from the early apostles, we pool our resources—both finances and personal talents—for the common good of the community and for service to others.

We are individuals in character, in opinions, and in personality, yet we also accept that we are not independent agents working for the church. Through our public profession of vows within a religious community, we become public representatives of our community and our church.

Enter #092 at VocationMatch.org LITTLE BROTHERS OF SAINT FRANCIS FRANCISCAN CONTEMPLATIVES Making Jesus Christ present by Contemplative Prayer, Eucharistic Adoration and simple neighborly sharing with the poorest of the poor among whom we live in the inner city ghettos, favelas or barrios of the world.

introduction. I realized that what I liked about it was being appreciated for who I really was. I was not just an administrator or prefect, but a brother first—a brother to these two young men, my students.

All of us called to this life show that it is possible to interact with others in a non-superior manner while maintaining integrity as ministers.

This is part of the gift religious brothers bring to the church—a gift others recognize in our hospitality, our institutions, and our celebrations.

Community at the center

LITTLE BROTHERS OF SAINT FRANCIS 785-789 Parker Street Mission Hill (Boston), MA 02120 Tel. 617-442-2556 www.littlebrothersofstfrancis.org

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The fraternal nature of brotherhood makes religious community integral to our vocation. By publicly professing our vows in community, we recognize our sinful nature and admit our dependence upon one another to help us live our vows faithfully.

Since we forgo marriage and a family, we look to one another for support,

Whereas individualism, personal advancement, and privilege are virtues in the corporate world, we choose a life that encourages interdependence and shows indifference to status.

Likewise, we commit ourselves to the common mission of our community. Whether one works as the head of a social service agency, a cook in a soup kitchen, a principal of a school, or a parish director of religious education, the prestige of one’s individual ministry does not matter.

We all share an equal responsibility for carrying out the common mission of our religious congregation.

The values we esteem are far from those promoted by our secular culture. Whereas individualism, personal advancement, and privilege are virtues in the corporate world, we choose a life that encourages interdependence and shows indifference to status. Whereas American culture glorifies sex, money, and power, we choose to live together celibately, poorly, and obediently.

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No strangers to struggle Our high ideals, however, do not shield us from struggle and pain. We need only to look at the life of Jesus Christ: Before his glorious resurrection, Christ suffered through his passion and death on Calvary. Given the nature of human imperfection, no matter what life choice or commitment Christians make—religious brotherhood included—they will never be free from struggle.

As sustaining as community life can be, living with men of various ages, theologies, and personalities can be a lesson in patient endurance.

Brothers have to be willing to work hard, be adaptable, and be able to cope with frustration.

We try to admit our weaknesses and embrace our trials, believing in Christ’s redemptive powers. Thankfully, we do this not alone, but with others in community.

Others before us have tackled the challenge of living as brothers.

Religious brotherhood has long had a special place in the history of the church. From the disciples of Saint Francis of Assisi to those of John Baptist de La Salle, Basil Moreau, Edmund Rice, and Charles de Foucauld, our early predecessors went forth in groups of two or three. They boldly responded to the unmet needs of our world through evangelization, education, and health care.

Most often, these early brothers were unassuming men in both their ministries and their lives—sometimes so unassuming that people failed to understand exactly who they were. Many similar heroes who call themselves “brother” exist today, trying to meet those same needs but in a different way.

Who knows? Maybe the brother’s vocation is not so much a misunderstood church vocation; maybe it’s simply one of the church’s best-kept secrets.

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Xaverian Missionaries St. Francis Xavier Foreign Mission Society

Our Mission . . .

Inspired by

FAITH Strengthened in

HOPE

Driven by

LOVE . . . to share the Good News of Jesus with those who never heard it!

Requirements: Catholic, male, age 18-35, high school diploma

For more information, contact: Vocation Director Xaverian Missionaries 4500 Xavier Drive Franklin, Wisconsin 53132 Phone: 414-243-2248 e-mail: adolphmenendez@yahoo.com

www.XavierMissionaries.org Enter #137 at VocationMatch.org

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missionaries

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANDS TOGETHER

FATHER TOM Hagan celebrates Christmas with kids at the school run by Hands Together, the nonprofit he founded in Haiti.

Father Tom ventures to help where others no longer dare In Haiti’s Cité Soleil—arguably the poorest, most dangerous piece of property in the Western Hemisphere—Father Tom Hagan helps build a a community of hope and peace.

T

BY

DANNA HARMAN

HE GANGSTERS BOW their heads in prayer, eyes shut. “Jingle Bells” sounds from a cellphone but goes unanswered. They shift positions and clasp hands—loose gold watches clinking, big gold chest medallions swaying, shiny leather shoes shuffling—and mumble, “Amen.”

Tom Hagan, a Catholic priest in a baseball cap, takes it in and grins.

“God must be going: ‘Whoa! Is that who I think it is down there sending up

Danna Harman is Latin America bureau chief for the Christian Science Monitor and USA Today.

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prayer?’” he jokes. One gang member, Moses, who understands English, laughs out loud. Then he puts on his dark sunglasses and scowls.

For most outsiders, Cité Soleil is a no-man’s-land. Gang violence originating here is blamed for several hundred deaths in the capital of Port-au-Prince in 2005 alone. United Nations forces seldom dare enter. The say the squaremile slum is a base for the kidnappings, rapes, arson, and extortions that terrorize the city.

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style operations,” says Damian Onses-Cardona, spokesman for the 8,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping force.

And then there is “Father Tom,” who visits what is arguably the poorest, most dangerous piece of property in the Western Hemisphere almost daily—with no armed escort.

He’s accompanied only by his two right-hand men—Nelson Jin Liphete and Jonas Fleuriah—and his dog, Douglas.

The name of this slum, resting on Port-au-Prince’s beachfront, means, ironically, “City of the Sun.” But it’s a place where shacks are built on mounds of garbage, where entrepreneurs make patties out of mud—spiced with bouillon cubes—to sell as food, pigs slosh around in the sewage, and fires burn in abandoned concrete structures.

Ten years ago, half a million people lived there. Today, no one knows.

It’s a place often described as having no roots, no tomorrow, and no hope. Or, very little.

Times Change. Needs Don’t.

Hands Together A Philadelphia native who spent seven years as Princeton University’s chaplain, Father Tom started coming to Haiti in 1986 to do small projects with college students. A few years later he started Hands Together, a nonprofit Catholic development and relief organization (www.handstogether.org). He moved to Haiti in 1995. Today, working with a $500,000 per year budget in Cité Soleil, he operates a primary school with seven locations, which includes health clinics and feeding centers for students and the elderly.

“Father Tom gives us needed inspiration,” says U.S. Senator Mike DeWine of Ohio, a fundraiser and stalwart of Hands Together. The organization has named its Cité VISION 2007

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Soleil schools in honor of DeWine’s daughter, Becky, who died in a car crash.

Working with gangs

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DISCERNMENT INFORMATION •

Comprehensive Vocation Resource Catalog 1-800-671-NCCV • 773-955-5453 nccv400@aol.com

www.nccv-vocations.org P R I E S T

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•

B R O T H E R

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•

S I S T E R

MULTICULTURAL RESOURCES

• BOOKS • VIDEOS • POSTERS • PRAYER CARDS • LESSON PLANS •

•

Almost daily, Father Tom steers his battered Isuzu four-wheel-drive truck past gang checkpoints to inspect the programs, encourage the teachers, scoop up half-naked children in the streets to tell them to go to classes—and meet with the gang leaders.

Soleil 17, Soleil 24, Boston, Belcourt. These are the names of some of the most notorious gangs in the slum. Once or twice a week their leaders, about two dozen men in their mid-20s, screech up in Jeeps, reggae tunes blaring, their security guys with machine guns in the back, to the gate of one of the Hands Together schools and politely greet Father Tom and his staff.

The gangsters then saunter through the school building, passing by crowded classrooms of children doing their ABCs. On the rooftop, overlooking the Caribbean on one side and a sea of squalid shacks on the other, they sit down on low school benches and turn their attention to the business of the day.

The priest hands out bottles of Coca-Cola and Sprite—which they open up with their teeth. He feeds them rice and beans. And he updates them on Hands Together’s planned activities: a new house-building initiative, an extra nurse for the clinic, a pilot literacy program to start. Here and there, quietly, he throws in some sermonizing.

“We want our clinic workers to be safe,” he begins. “It will be impossible to feed people without your help. You should be proud of yourselves, proud of what you do for your community,” he tells the VISION 2007

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PHOTO COURTESY OF HANDS TOGETHER MELANIE STETSON FREEMAN, ©2005 THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR

FATHER TOM visits the Brunette village in Haiti with Hands Together trustee Michael Monteleone to check on a water cistern under construction.

MUD PIES FOR LUNCH? In Cité Soleil, Haiti’s poorest slum, families (right) make a paste of mud and chicken bullion and sell the patties as food.

men, in what might charitably be described as a Philadelphia dialect of Creole.

Critics say Father Tom treats killers as community leaders. “We would be foolish to think we can steer clear of them,” he explains.

“The gangs are the law here, and so you need to have a relationship with them. You can’t work as if in a vacuum.”

The last time U.N. troops entered Cité Soleil was in early July, looking for a top gang leader named Emmanuel “Dread” Wilmer. Wilmer and other gang members were killed in the ensuing five-hour battle. So, too, were civilians, charges Amaral VISION 2007

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Duclona, the gangster who has taken Wilmer’s place, a pudgy young man with curly hair and a surprisingly shy look in his eyes.

“There are no real police in Haiti today,” says Duclona, who leads the Belcourt gang. “The police have been corrupted by the rich, and they all hate us because we are Aristide followers,” he says referring to former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, ousted in 2004. All efforts to “get something out of this life,” he complains to Father Tom, “. . . are being blocked by those who hate us and those who don’t hear us.”

“I hear you,” says Father Tom, and moves on. “I have a dream that

Enter #289 at VocationMatch.org

Our Congregation Honors the Traditional Values of Religious Life: • Community Living • Life of Intense Prayer • Religious Habit • Common Apostolate Vocation Office Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth 499 Park Road Parsippany, NJ 07054-1736 Tel: (973)539-3797 e-mail: sr_cathylynn@yahoo.com

We give ourselves in loving service to God’s people on four continents.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF HANDS TOGETHER

FATHER TOM GATHERS with some of the many Haitian children whose lives he hopes to improve.

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we will get together next week and make a joint proclamation of nonviolence,” he says. “I understand you can’t just throw your weapons out. . . . But I think a proclamation of nonviolence would be a good idea,” he suggests. “What do you think?”

A few of the gangsters seem to be listening. One claps. The majority look bored. Evans Jean, leader of the Boston gang, a lithe man with two gold front teeth, who is rumored to have beheaded a man last month, gets up to talk on his mobile phone.

Not at Princeton anymore?

“Sure it’s different from Princeton,” says Father Tom, reinventing the meaning of understatement. “But not as different as you might think.”

Young people have a lot in common, he insists, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes: People are intrinsically good. People have senses of humor and people want to see the beauty in life.

In fact, muses Father Tom, sometimes those with the vantage point of a garbage dump manage to see more beauty around them than those in ivory towers.

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“I believe you have many things in common with those you think are your enemies, those you call the bourgeoisie,” Father Tom tells the gangsters. “If you look into their hearts and minds they have the same sadness and frustrations you do.

Young people have a lot in common. People are intrinsically good.

People want to see the beauty in life.

They don’t know you, right. But you don’t know them, either.” He “begs,” them, he says, “to see good in people and take responsibility” for their actions.

Does the message get through?

The priest shrugs. He is the first to admit it’s an everyday struggle. A dozen Hands Together staff members have been murdered over the years.

Eight students in his schools have also died violently, including one hacked to death with a machete. The 2-year-old daughter of his assistant Jin Liphete was shot to death by gunmen who came looking for her father when he wasn’t home.

Liphete used to live in Cité Soleil. When he made enough money, he moved out, never thinking he would come back.

“It’s a job, first of all,” he says, explaining the motivation to work for Hands Together. “And also,” he admits, “when you see Father Tom doing so much for the people, and he’s not even from here . . . it gets you thinking. This is my country sinking. So, I’m thinking: Maybe I should do something, too.”

Reprinted with permission from The Christian Science Monitor, www. csmonitor.com. All rights reserved.

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“We Be Good.

know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his saving purpose.

Rom 8:28

”

Do Good.

Be a Power for Good.

Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity 9001 New Hampshire Avenue • Silver Spring, MD 20903 (800) 298-5602 • fax (301) 408-0721 vocations@trinitymissions.org • www.MissionaryServantsVocations.org Enter #284 at VocationMatch.org

THE CALL OF A DIFFERENT DRUM Following God’s Heartbeat The heartbeat of God's love calls us to be Sisters, reconcilers and peacemakers.

Through vowed lives of prayer, community and ministry we join our heartbeats with the heartbeat of God. Working in ministries throughout the U.S. and internationally, we bring the power of Christ's reconciling love to a suffering world.

A vocation in the Precious Blood Family can be life-giving for you and those you will serve. If God is speaking to your heart, contact: Adorers of the Blood of Christ Sr. Diana Rawlings, ASC 1400 South Sheridan Wichita, KS 67213-1394 877-236-7377 (ADORERS) ascvocations@adorers.org www.adorers.org Sisters of the Precious Blood Sr. Carolyn Hoying C.PP.S. 4960 Salem Avenue Dayton, OH 45416-1797 937-231-1244 cppsvocations@salemheights.com www.bright.net/~cppsnews

Enter #208 at VocationMatch.org

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missionaries BRAZILIAN and U.S. sisters and associates minister in Santa Helena de Goiás in central Brazil.

Lea este artículo en español en VocacionCatolica. org.

Read this article in Spanish at VocacionCatolica. org.

Lessons in love from central Brazil PHOTOS SISTER

BY

MARIANNE SAIEG, O.S.F. TEXT BY CAROL SCHUCK SCHEIBER AND JOEL SCHORN

I

N 1963, THE SISTERS of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate—the Joliet Franciscans—answered a call to work in Brazil. Today, both U.S. and Brazilian sisters make up the community in Brazil. They work in parishes, run a school, and train health workers.

“They taught us to be happy with less, says one sister who came to Brazil from the United States 40 years ago—before paved roads. “The people with

Sister Marianne Saieg, O.S.F. is a Joliet Franciscan, spiritual director, retreat facilitator, teacher, and photographer. She lives in Westmont, IL.

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THE SISTERS train health care workers to measure and weigh children and track their growth and development.

whom we lived and worked taught us to keep only what we really need, to use everything, waste nothing, spend time visiting, talking, and learning their values and ways of doing things.”

That’s why the sisters stay. They’ve learned to love the people and their ways.

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A PRAYER at their water wheel is part of the sisters’ annual missioning ceremony.

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THE PEOPLE OF SANTO ANTÔNIO da Barra live in simple houses (top photo), close to the earth and the elements.

SISTER ROSE Maria Lima (above) congratulates Sister Rita Cristina after Sister Rita made her final vows.

SISTER MARIA Nubia Fegueiredo (left) is a novice with the Joliet Franciscans.

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celibacy THE PATH I have followed in celibate love has allowed me to pursue my passion of doing charity and justice work– the first love of my life.

Follow your passion after we have come so far dare we tell each other what it has meant to be sister, how in the name of God we have loved when everyone told us it is not possible to break stones and serve them as bread

BY

SISTER DEBORAH L. HUMPHREYS, S.C.

W

HEN I WROTE these lines more than 10 years ago for an anniversary of my religious community, my passion was doing charity and justice in a broken world.

Sister Deborah L. Humphreys, S.C. currently serves as a bilingual social worker at Ironbound Community Corporation in Newark, New Jersey. She is the author of Conventional Wisdom (Wasteland Press, 2003).

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In fact, it was that passion—the first love of my life—that made me want to be a sister. Some people grow up, find the love of their lives, marry them, have families, and strengthen the larger community. The path that I have followed in celibate love has been different. Yet no less splendid.

At the time I wrote this poem, I had been a social worker in Newark, New Jersey for many years, working with families whose stories could keep you up at night. Then in the 1980s, in addition to poverty and addiction, these same families confronted a new struggle: HIV and AIDS. What was difficult work in a tough neighborhood turned impossible. Families abandoned infected sons or daughters; their children became orphans. Some of the dying young adults had children the same age they had been when I first met them in the parish school during times that seemed gentler. The government relief programs had strict rules about stopping Mealson-Wheels to families the same day the VISION 2007

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GOD

IS CALLING.

Thankfully, He left a number where He can be reached.

It takes a certain type of man to become

vocation begins at our seminary in

a priest. And, a certain type of priest to

Boston, and can lead you to one of our

become an Oblate. As an Oblate of the

many mission houses around the world.

Virgin Mary, you will become a member

Call Fr. Peter Grover at (617) 266-5999

of a vibrant community that embodies

ext. 202 for more information, or email

the authentic teachings of the Catholic

vocations@omvusa.org. And remember,

Church, and expresses itself to the world

if you’re thinking about pursuing a joyful

through active ministry, retreats, parish

life in the priesthood, you’re not alone.

missions and spiritual direction. Your

† The Oblates of the Virgin Mary 1105 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215 (617) 266-5999 www.omvusa.org Enter #111 at VocationMatch.org

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infected person died. A mishmash of numbers and letters identified a person’s case record.

The individual and communal suffering was disheartening, but the punitive and inadequate response of institutions brought me to my knees.

I felt I had lost the love for my vocation. And I knew I needed to return to that time when I first fell in love and breathe in again the desire and mystery.

The power of community I was a child of the 1960s, years of great change, promise, and community. As I came of age, I began to see how I could be a part of the social justice movement. I worked in a migrant farm worker health program during my summers in college, rode buses to demonstrations for equal rights and fair housing, and learned 118

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the chords to every protest song I heard. I was in love—or perhaps only infatuated—with communal social change. My heart was moved.

I knew where I wanted to be, and it was not a geographical location but a state of mind and action. I was swept along with words of scripture, of poetry, of friends who shared these same ideals.

The poet Marge Piercy captured that sense for me in her poem, “To Be of Use”: I want to be with people who submerge in the task, who go into the fields to harvest and work in a row and pass the bags along, who are not parlor generals and field deserters but move in a common rhythm when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

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I found my group in the Sisters of Charity when I entered on the Feast of Saint Jude in October 1972. I had finished college with a degree in sociology and an appointment to meet with the sister responsible for interviewing applicants. Sister Elizabeth Marie knew me in her capacity as dean of studies at the College of St. Elizabeth; more often than not we were on opposites sides of the issues of the day. It was ironic to discuss with her my plan to join her team. I prepared by reading Toward Boundless Charity, the order’s constitution, drawn by its language of hope and challenge. After I expounded a little too long, I am sure, on the wonders of community, Sister Elizabeth asked me if it was a community or a commune I was looking to enter!

I could not articulate, especially in religious terms, why I felt I belonged with this group of women.

But the “aha” moment came late in my senior year in college. One of the sisters who knew I worked in a migrant farm worker health program approached me about how I thought the congregation might begin a new ministry in South Jersey. The energy and power of community at that moment seemed a real invitation. Their dreams were my dreams. Joys would be multiplied and sorrows shared. I felt their longing, their search for the face of God in service alongside the poor. I would bring my own search and join with theirs, leaving behind other choices about how my life might unfold.

My decision to enter the “Company of Charity,” as Saint Vincent de Paul often referred to the congregation, seemed adventurous. It was the beginning of a brand new relationship. First, fervor. I read the Beatitudes as promises of a lover to the beloved: “Happy are those who hunger and thirst for what is right, they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6). I learned VISION 2007

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how I could respond when I read the prophet Isaiah (chapter 58) about the true nature of fasting: “If you do away with the yoke, the clenched fist, the wicked word, if you give your bread to the hungry and relief to the oppressed, your light will rise in the darkness and your shadows become like the noon.”

Other words soothed me when I began to work in inner-city Newark: “He will give strength to your bones

and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never run dry. You will rebuild the ancient ruins; build up the old foundations. You will be called ‘Breachmender,’ ‘Restorer of ruined houses.’ ”

The sacrament of friendship I couldn’t have known in the novitiate (the training period for new nuns) that my ministry would take

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me to Newark, to New York City’s Loisaida, or to the South Bronx. I would begin a community-based organization, be director of a housing development association, a state senator’s aide, a bilingual social worker, and a poet. Maybe I would not have wanted to know the future because I did what was called for without knowing what would be involved. If I had known, it would have been harder.

There were times when the ancient words of scripture or poetic images were insufficient. Some days the psalms we read in community prayer seemed dated; the words rang hollow.

Even Saint Vincent de Paul’s exhortation to his sisters that rising was our first act of fidelity to God each day was no consolation for days when real-life demands drained my spirit. I had to summon with urgency the promises from Isaiah about the sources of nourishment not drying out.

Relief has always come in the great sacrament I call friendship, the love of the sisters in community, and in times being apart in nature where I can regain perspective, heal, and return again. The stories of the strong women who founded our community are repeated and treasured. A teenage lace-maker from Skibbereen left Ireland and began hospitals and a college for women; sisters were suffragettes; a sister-nurse was once told by a doctor that, although they were shorthanded, she could not assist at a delivery because of her vow of chastity. She replied, “Doctor, you do your job and I’ll do mine.”

We sisters embrace these stories because we have our own stories to live and leave behind. Among my own treasure is the teasing encouragement I get from my friends for my writing, particularly poetry. A favorite after-dinner tale is when the sisters came to Greenwich Village 120

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in New York City for my first poetry reading. What a mix of cultures!

Neon hair. Blue suits. And all of us together putting up and taking down chairs. And when I got home there were flowers from the sisters!

A very personal call There are people who believe our choice to live in community as celibates is foolish. To be a fulfilled, sexual person who generates life, in their minds, means having children and family. A celibate life may be countercultural, but there are other people besides priests, sisters, and brothers who use their life energies for the good of the world without directing that energy to care for a spouse or children. So great is the need in our world. As the poet Adrienne Rich writes, “My heart is moved by all I cannot save: so much has been destroyed./I have to cast my lot with those/who age after age, perversely,/with no extraordinary power,/ reconstitute the world.”

Today I listened to a radio interview with a nurse who worked with an international aid agency for many years, “specializing” in war zones.

When asked if the cost had been great in not having married and had children, she said she had no regrets.

In an understated way she said that she was busy about other things and so the time for having children passed her. She was glad for how her efforts worked to relieve suffering, and she continued teaching a new generation of health professionals, not just book knowledge, but the realities of nursing in the world’s hot zones. She could look back and see how many she lives she had saved and how many lives were lost. I understood her. I had chosen to spend my passion following the gospel proclamation: “The spirit of the Lord VISION 2007

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has been given to me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor . . . to proclaim the Lord’s year of favor” (Luke 4:18).

When I reread the words of our old vow formula to serve those “who for their shame conceal their need,” it feels like a very personal call, one that I know now I will spend my whole life pursuing, letting go of other opportunities. I feel refreshed.

The burdens of living day to day lift as I remember and share being in this “Company of Charity.” Living the gospel is challenging for every Christian no matter the route of their journey.

I leave you with the ending of a prose poem I wrote a few years ago: be ready to embrace the irrational as your most welcome visitor be prepared for passion, in the unexpected turn of events that must be no one is exempt allow yourself that this will take your whole life when you are comfortable, you must be aware that something more is required

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Western U.S. Province

Eastern U.S. Province

U.K. Province

Jo-Anne Miller, CSJP 425-451-1770, ext. 118 jmiller@csjp-olp.org

Margaret Jane Kling, CSJP 201-568-6348, ext. 13 mjklingcsjp@verizon.net

Bridgetta Rooney, CSJP 0115 978-5816 bridgettacsjp@tiscali.co.uk

you did not chose this, it chose you if you had refused, you would have different regrets take your chances.

Join us in vowed or associate commitment.

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P

OPULAR CULTURE today teaches that one cannot be

us by God . . . . Ultimately, though, all these hungers, in their

whole without being healthily sexual. That is correct.

full maturity, culminate in one thing: They want to make us co-

However, for the most part, it thinks of sex only as having

creators with God: mothers and fathers, artisans and creators,

sex. That is a tragic reduction. Sex is a wide energy and we

big brothers and big sisters, nurses and healers, teachers and

are healthily sexual when we have love, community, com-

consolers, farmers and producers, administrators and commu-

munion, family, friendship, affection, creativity, joy, delight,

nity builders co-responsible with God for the planet . . . .

humor, and self-transcendence in our lives. . . .Sexuality is a beautiful, good, extremely powerful, sacred energy, given

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–Father Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I. from The Holy Longing, (Doubleday Books ©1998)

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celibacy

Celibacy is a witness to the world

THOMAS AQUINAS calls celibacy a vacancy for God.

Celibacy, in its deepest sense of creating and protecting emptiness for God, is an essential part of all forms of Christian life: marriage, friendship, single life, and community life.

BY

T

HE BEST DEFINITION of celibacy, I think, is the definition of Thomas Aquinas. Thomas calls celibacy a vacancy for God. To be a celibate means to be empty for God, to be free and open for his presence, to be available for his service, This view on celibacy, however, has often led to the false idea that being empty for God is a special privilege of

PHOTO BY FRANK HAMILTON, 1996. USED WITH PERMISSION.

FATHER HENRI J.M. NOUWEN

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Father Henri J.M. Nouwen, a priest born and educated in Holland, was the author of numerous books and articles on prayer, spirituality, and the church. Before his death in 1996, he resided at a L’Arche community in Toronto.

celibates, while other people involved in all sorts of interpersonal relationships are not empty but full, occupied as well as preoccupied. If we look at celibacy as a state of life that upholds the importance of God’s presence in our lives in contrast with other states of life that lead to entanglement in worldly affairs, we quickly slip into a dangerous elitism, considering celibates as domes rising up amid the many low houses in the city.

I think that celibacy can never be considered as a special prerogative of a few members of the people of God. Celibacy, in its deepest sense of creating and protecting emptiness for God, is an essential part of all forms of Christian VISION 2007

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life: marriage, friendship, single life, and community life. We will never fully understand what it means to be celibate unless we recognize that celibacy is, first of all, an element, and even an essential element in the life of all Christians. Let me illustrate how this is true in marriage and friendship.

Celibacy, marriage, friendship

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Marriage is not a lifelong attraction of two individuals to each other but a call for two people to witness together to God’s love. The basis of marriage is not mutual affection, or feelings, or emotions and passions that we associate with love, but a vocation, a being selected to build together a house for God in this world, to be like the two cherubs whose outstretched wings sheltered the Ark of the Covenant and created a space where Yahweh could be present (Exodus 25:10-12, 1 Kings 8:6-7). Marriage is a relationship in which a man and a woman protect and nurture the inner sanctum within and between them and witness to that by the way in which they love each other.

Marriage, too, is therefore a vacare Deo [emptiness for God].

Celibacy is part of marriage not simply because married couples may have to be able to live separated from each other for long periods of time, because they may need to abstain from sexual relations for physical, mental, or spiritual reasons, but also because the intimacy of marriage itself is an intimacy that is based on the common participation in a love greater than the love two people can offer each other.

The real mystery of marriage is not that husband and wife love each other so much that they can find God in each other’s lives, but that God loves them so much that they can discover each other more

and more as living reminders of his divine presence. They are brought together, indeed, as two prayerful hands extended toward God and forming in this way a home for him in this world.

The same thing is true for friendship. Deep and mature friendship does not mean that we keep looking each other in the eyes and are constantly impressed or enraptured by each other’s beauty, talents, and gifts, but it means that together we look at him who calls us to his service.

I have been deeply impressed by the way the members of the San Egidio community in Trastevere, Italy described their relationship with each

Celibates are people who remind us that the relationship with God is the beginning, the source, and the goal of all human relationships. other. They made it very clear to me that friendship is very important to them, but that they have to learn in their apostolate to keep seeing their relationships with each other in the context of their common call.

As soon as the relationship itself becomes central they are moving away from their vocation. They have to be willing to let new developments in their apostolate separate them from each other for certain periods of time, and they also have to be willing to see and experience their separations as an invitation to deepen their relationship with their Lord and through him with each other. That is why they feel so strongly that their weekly Eucharist and their daily vespers [evening prayer] form the source of their love for each other.

There they find each other as VISION 2007

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Friars of the Order of Preachers Also known as the Dominicans, the Order of Preachers is a Roman Catholic religious Order of priests and brothers dedicated to Prayer, Community, Study & Ministry continuing our 800-year tradition of preaching and ministry.

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friends, there they strengthen their commitment to each other, and there they find the courage to follow their Lord even when he asks them to go in different directions. Thus their relationship is really a standing together around the altar or around the holy empty space indicated by the icon. Together they want to protect the empty space in and between each other.

Thus marriage and friendship carry within their center a holy vacancy, a space that is for God and God alone. Without that holy center, marriage as well as friendship become like a city without domes, a city forgetting the meaning and direction of its own activities.

Living reminders We can now see that celibacy has a very important place in our world.

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into a visible witness for the priority of God in our lives, a sign to remind all people that without the inner sanctum our lives lose contact with their source and goal. We belong to God. All people do. Celibates are people who, by not attaching themselves to any one particular person, remind us that the relationship with God is the beginning, the source, and the goal of all human relationships.

By his or her life of nonattachment, the celibate lifts up an aspect of the Christian life of which we all need to be reminded. The celibate is like the clown in the circus who, between the scary acts of the trapeze artists and lion tamers, fumbles and falls, reminding us that all human activities are ultimately not so important as the virtuosi make us believe.

Celibates live out the holy emptiness in their lives by not marrying, by not trying to build for themselves a

house or a fortune, by not trying to wield as much influence as possible, and by not filling their lives with events, people, or creations for which they will be remembered.

They hope that by their empty lives God will be recognized as the source of all human thoughts and actions. Especially by not marrying and by abstaining from the most intimate expression of human love, the celibate becomes a living sign of the limits of interpersonal relationships and of the centrality of the inner sanctum that no human being may violate.

Witness to God’s presence Celibates can indeed have a very good understanding of married life, and married people of celibate life.

Remarks such as: “You don’t know what you are talking about because you are not married (or celibate)” 125

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Gifted byGod, Gift for one another.

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can be very misleading. Precisely because marriage and celibacy are in each other’s service and bound together by their common witness to God’s love as the love from which all human relationships originate, celibate and married people can be of invaluable help to each other by supporting their different lifestyles.

Celibacy not only witnesses to the inner sanctum to married people, but also, together with marriage, celibacy speaks of the presence of God in the world to anyone who is there to listen. In a world so congested and so entangled in conflict and pain, celibates by their dedication to God in a single lifestyle, and married people by their dedication to God in a life together, are signs of God’s presence in this world. They both ask us in different ways to turn to God as the source of all human relationships.

They both say in different ways that without giving God his rightful place in the midst of the city, we all die in the hopeless attempt to fabricate peace and love by ourselves. The celibate speaks of the need to respect the inner sanctum at all costs; the married Christian speaks of the need to base human relationships on the intimacy with God himself. But both speak for God and his Lordship in the world, and together they give form to the Christian community and stand out as signs of hope.

Thus, in a world torn by loneliness and conflict and trying so hard to create better human relationships, celibacy is a very important witness.

It encourages us to create space for him who sent his son, thus revealing to us that we can only love each other because he loved us first.

Reprinted with permission from Clowning in Rome, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, © 1979 by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Used by permission of Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc. VISION 2007

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To whom is the witness of celibacy directed?

I

DARE TO SAY that celibacy is, first of all, a witness to those who are married. I wonder if we have explored enough the very important relationship between marriage and celibacy. Lately we have become aware of this interrelatedness in a very painful way. The crisis of celibacy and the crisis of married life appeared together.

At the same time that many priests and religious persons move away from the celibate life, we see many couples questioning the value of their commitment to each other.

These two phenomena, although they are not connected with each other as cause and effect, are closely related because marriage and celibacy are two ways of living within the Christian community that support each other. Celibacy is a support to married people in their commitment to each other. The celibate reminds those who live together in marriage of their own celibate center, which they need to protect and nurture in order to live a life that does not depend simply upon the stability of emotions and affections, but also on their common love for God, who called them together.

On the other hand, married people also witness to those who have chosen the celibate life, reminding them that it is the love of God that indeed makes rich and creative human relationships possible and that the value of the celibate life becomes manifest in a generous, affectionate, and faithful care for those in need. Married people remind celibates that celibates also live in covenant and are brides and grooms. Thus celibacy and marriage need each other.

—Henri Nouwen

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being Catholic HOW EXACTLY does one follow Jesus?

Classically we have said that we do this by trying to imitate him.

But that posits a further question: How do we imitate Jesus?

Lea este artículo en español en VocacionCatolica. org.

Read this article in Spanish at VocacionCatolica. org.

Following Jesus: Be ready for some surprises How do we imitate Jesus? By looking like him or duplicating his actions?

How about praying to make us feel the way he did?

BY

FATHER RONALD ROLHEISER, O.M.I.

F

OLLOWING JESUS is not without its surprises. It’s best to be forewarned. Here’s some fair warning!

The philosopher Søren Kierkegaard once said that what Jesus wants is followers, not admirers. He’s right. To admire Jesus without trying to change

Oblate Father Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I., theologian, teacher, and award-winning author, is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.

He can be contacted through his website, www.ronrolheiser.com.

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our lives does nothing for Jesus or for us.

Yet how exactly does one follow Jesus?

Classically we have said that we do this by trying to imitate him. But that posits a further question: How do we imitate Jesus?

A negative example might be useful here: The late 1960s saw the flowering of the “Jesus people” with their rather raw, literal approach to following Jesus. They tried to look like he looked. They put on flowing white robes, grew beards, walked barefoot, and tried, in appearance and dress, to imitate the Jesus that centuries of Western artists painted for us. Obviously this kind of thing is not what VISION 2007

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the same reason he did. For him, that is how one “puts on Christ.”

We enter real discipleship when, like Jesus, we have as our motivation the desire to draw all things into one— into one unity of heart, one family of love.

John of the Cross then offers some advice regarding how this can be done. We should begin, he says,

We imitate Jesus when we try to imitate his motivation, when we try to do things for the same reason he did.

pious. In this view, imitation is carrying on the actions of Jesus.

by reading scripture and meditating on the life on Jesus. Then we should pray to Christ and ask him to instill in us his desire, longing, and motivation. In essence, we should pray to Jesus and ask him to make us feel the way he felt while he was on earth.

Real imitation

Unexpected developments

This kind of imitation, however valuable as ministry, still is not quite what is required in terms of real discipleship. In the end, it, too, misses the point because one can be a preacher of the gospel and not really be imitating Jesus, just as one can be a truck driver (not something Jesus did) and be imitating him. True imitation is not a question of trying to look like Jesus, nor of trying to duplicate his actions. What is it?

Perhaps one of the better answers to that question is given by John of the Cross, the great Spanish mystic. In his view, we imitate Jesus when we try to imitate his motivation, when we try to do things for

Some surprises await us, however, he points out, if we do this. Initially, when we first begin seriously to pray in this way, we will fill with fervor, good feelings, a passion for goodness, and a warm sense of God’s presence. We will feel that we feel like Jesus—and that will be a very good feeling indeed.

However, if we persevere in our prayer and desire to imitate him, things will eventually change, and in a way that we least expect. The warm feelings, fervor, and passion— that snug feeling that we feel like Jesus—will disappear and be replaced by something infinitely less pleasant.

We will begin to feel sterile, dispas-

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discipleship means, not only because we don’t know what Jesus looked like (although we do know that he was not the fair-skinned, fair-haired young man of Western art), but, more important, because attempts to mimic Jesus’ physical appearance miss the point of discipleship entirely.

More subtle is the attempt to imitate Jesus by trying to copy his actions. The algebra here works this way: Jesus did certain things, so we should do them, too. He taught, healed, consoled the downtrodden, went off into the desert by himself, stayed up all night occasionally and prayed, and visited the homes of sinners. So we should do the same things: We should become teachers, nurses, preachers, counselors, monks, social workers, and nonjudgmental friends to the less-than130

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sionate, dry. God’s presence will feel neither warm nor steady and we will be left wondering: “What’s wrong?

How did I lose the way?”

As John of the Cross assures us, however, nothing is wrong. Rather our prayer has been answered. We prayed to Jesus, asking him to let us feel as he felt, and he granted our request. Exactly. For a large part of his life and ministry Jesus felt exactly as we are now feeling—dry, sterile, and not buoyed up by any warm feelings of God, even as he remained faithful in that darkness. Strange how it can feel, feeling like Jesus.

Jesus is looking for a few people who are willing to say, “I might be small potatoes, Lord, but this spud’s for you!”*

God in the dryness There’s a fervor that comes from the wetness of fertility that can make the soul swell with feelings of creativity, warmth, and immortality. God is in that. But there is also an aridity the comes from a deeper place, a heat that threatens to dry out the very marrow of the soul, a dryness that shrinks all swelling, especially pride, and leaves us vulnerable and mortal by bringing the soul to kindling temperature. God is in that dryness no less than in the wetness of fertility because in that painful longing we feel the eros of God and the motivation of Christ.

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*Used with permission from the book If you want to walk on water, you got to get out of the boat by John Ortberg (Zondervan, publisher).

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Come journey with us in the spirit of St. Augustine and in the footsteps of St. Rita of Cascia as Sisters of St. Rita, O.S.A. “…to be of one heart and mind on our way to God … to mutually honor God in one another” -St. Augustine

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being Catholic WITH THE Second Vatican Council lay Catholics were encouraged to study and read the Bible.

Hearts on fire: A Catholic approach to scripture Engaging scripture opens up worlds of understanding about the faith and feeds a deep spiritual hunger.

BY

SISTER BARBARA E. REID, O.P.

I

STILL REMEMBER the first time I read the Bible. I was a junior in college and I took an elective course called Introduction to the Old Testament. What an eye-opener! I had been a Catholic all my life, and I had been educated in Catholic schools since first grade. But never had we read the Bible. As a grade-school youngster I memorized questions and answers from the Baltimore Catechism. Our religion textbooks told stories about some of the biblical characters, but we

Sister Barbara E. Reid, O.P. is professor of New Testament Studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

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never read the Bible itself.

At home we had a big, beautiful, leather-bound Bible that sat on the coffee table. But we only opened it to record births, deaths, and weddings. Most Catholics of my generation and older considered the Bible too difficult for ordinary lay believers to understand. Only biblical scholars were qualified to read and interpret it. In addition, there were clear divisions between Protestants and Catholics. Protestants carried their Bibles to church and could quote citations by chapter and verse, but that was not a Catholic thing to do.

With the Second Vatican Council came a renewed emphasis on reading, studying, praying with, and preaching from scripture. The Constitution on DiVISION 2007

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vine Revelation, Dei Verbum (1965), encouraged scholars to provide us with new translations that would be based on the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. Previously our translations were based on the Latin Vulgate, stemming from Saint Jerome in the fourth century. Dei Verbum also urged preachers to forego sermons that were explanations of doctrine or moral exhortations and to base their homilies on scripture.

Third, lay Catholics were encouraged to study and read the Bible. We found our hearts set on fire, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32), as engagement with scripture not only opened up worlds of understanding about the faith, but also fed a deep spiritual hunger.

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Inspired and human Roman Catholics consider the Bible to be God’s revelation to us (Dei Verbum no. 2), not in the sense of giving us information, but rather in communicating God’s very self to us.

It is a privileged witness to what God has been revealing of divine love all throughout history.

That the Bible is inspired means that the Spirit was at work in the early faith communities from which the texts arose, guided the whole process of development of the biblical canon, and continues to guide faith communities as we interpret the text today. Catholics understand biblical inerrancy to mean that the the “books of scripture, firmly, faithfully, and without error, teach that truth which God, for the sake of our salvation, wished to see confided to the sacred scriptures” (Dei Verbum, no. 11).

We are also aware that the Bible has come to us through human faith-filled writers, through a long historical process. Since 1943, when VISION 2007

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Pope Pius XII issued the encyclical Divino Afflante Spiritu, Catholic biblical scholars have been encouraged to use all the tools of modern linguistic and historical research, as well as archaeological discoveries, in order to understand the historical circumstances surrounding the composition of the text and the process of its transmission to us. In studying the gospels, for example, historical critical methods aim to peel away the layers of interpretation in order to get to what Jesus really said and did. We recognize that the stories of and about Jesus circulated orally for several decades before anyone began writing them down. Naturally, as the traditions were passed on, the contours of the stories changed, addressing differing needs of the various faith communities.

Eventually parts of the story began to be written down, in collections of miracle stories, parables, and the Passion narrative. The gospel writers used a variety of written sources as they faithfully preserved the tradition, while at the same time shaped the text with their own style and theological emphases. With four different gospels, four different ways of telling the good news, we have a theological and spiritual richness, but we are not always able to say with certitude which exact words Jesus said. This is understandable, because the evangelists did not intend their works to be history books but rather a means of building up the faith.

Catholics use many other methods of study to interpret the Bible. A document issued in 1994 by the Pontifical Biblical Commission, called The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church, outlines all the various methods, with a description and an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of each. In addition to historical critical methods, this document deals with literary VISION 2007

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methods, approaches from canonical perspectives, Jewish traditions of interpretation, and the history of the influence of the text, approaches from the human sciences (sociology, cultural anthropology, psychology, psychoanalysis), and contextual approaches (liberation, feminist).

None of these methods pertains to Catholics alone. One of the exciting developments since Vatican II is that Catholics use the same methods of biblical study as other Christians.

This has made joint scripture study and prayer with scripture one of our greatest strengths in ecumenical endeavors. Moreover, modern translations of the Bible, like the New American Bible, the New Revised Standard Version, and the New Jerusalem Bible, are done by ecumenical teams of biblical scholars.

The one approach that is not accepted by Catholics is fundamentalism. This literalistic approach that does not take into account the historical character of revelation confuses the stages of transmission of tradition, puts undue stress on the inerrancy of the text, and gives tooready answers to complex problems.

Likewise, proof-texting—finding biblical texts to confirm preconceived conclusions—is not an acceptable approach to scripture for Catholics.

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Scripture and discernment Catholics also use scripture for personal and communal prayer and spiritual enrichment. One approach is lectio divina, which has four basic steps. First is to read the text slowly and prayerfully, focusing on the question: What does the text say?

In the second step, one moves into meditation, asking: What does the text say to me? Next is contemplative prayer, asking: What does God want to say to me through this text?

Finally, one moves to action that flows from the text, asking: What VISION 2007

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Who are the FELICIAN FRANCISCAN Sisters?

We are Felician Franciscan Sisters who: • Bring JOY • Come from many different backgrounds • Look for the goodness in others • Strive to fulfill God’s will in our lives Felician Franciscan Sisters are: • Women of faith, strength, determination and energy • Vowed women balancing the active and contemplative way of life • Women in community who pray, care, laugh and live life fully We welcome you to take the challenge and discover for yourself who we are…Follow the call of the Spirit and come journey with us.

www.feliciansisters.org North American Felician Vocation Center

866-762-6355

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difference does my engagement with this text make in how I live my life?

These approaches to scripture can also be very helpful in processes of discernment, both individual and communal. For instance, a faith community that is trying to decide on what stance to take on war would use study to investigate the various responses found in scripture, as well as prayer with the texts in order to discern where the Spirit is leading in their present circumstances. For Catholics, these kinds of answers always come from engagement not only with scripture but also with tradition. So, in the case of a stance on war, we would investigate the two dominant strands in Catholic tradition: pacifism and just war theory. Reflection on both scripture and tradition must be complemented with listening intently to the voice of the Spirit as it is expressed in the particular circumstances of today.

A good example of such a process is found in Acts 15, where the early Christians struggled with questions of identity and practice as more and more Gentiles entered the church. Together they studied and prayed with scripture, they examined the tradition, and they listened intently to the testimony of the missionaries who were experiencing the Spirit moving in new and unexpected ways. With these essential ingredients, the experience of the community, and study and prayer with scripture and tradition, they were able to follow the Spirit’s lead and take bold new initiatives.

Getting started If you are among the many Catholics who have not yet begun to study or pray with the Bible, it can be daunting to know where to begin. Some find that if they start with Genesis and try to read straight through they get discouraged through some of 136

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the drier parts of the Old Testament.

Beginning with one of the gospels might be a better approach.

Finding a group of believers with whom to share your study and prayer with the Bible is also a big help. If such a group does not already exist, consider inviting a few friends to form one. Using a good study aid, such as the New Collegeville Bible Commentary or the footnotes in the Catholic Study Bible, is of great assistance as well. A heart open and willing to be set on fire is the only prerequisite.

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Edmundite Fathers and Brothers A few committed men can make a difference.

For further study BOOKS: Richard Gaillardetz, By What Authority? A Primer on Scripture, the Magisterium, and the Sense of the Faithful (Liturgical Press, 2003) Daniel J Harrington, How Do Catholics Read the Bible? (Rowman & Littlefield, 2005) Sandra Schneiders, Revelatory Text: Interpreting the New Testament as Sacred Scripture, 2d ed.

(Liturgical Press, 1999) DOCUMENTS: Divino Afflante Spiritu: www. vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/ encyclicals/documents/hf_pxii_enc_30091943_divino-afflantespiritu_en.html Pontifical Biblical Commission, Instruction on the Historical Truth of the Gospels: http://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/PBC_HistTruthFitzmyer.htm#PBCText Vatican II Constitution Dei Verbum, On Revelation: www.vatican. va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_ council/documents/vat-ii_const_ 19651118_dei-verbum_en.html Pontifical Biblical Commission, The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church: www.ewtn.com/library/CURIA/PBCINTER.HTM

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O

UR ESSENTIAL MISSION IS EVANGELIZATION – proclaiming the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord by calling to, forming for and building up a Christian community that is one, holy catholic and apostolic. We seek to deepen the participation of people in the life of the Church so that the baptized exercise fully their discipleship.

WE ARE FORMED IN THE IMAGE

OF JESUS CHRIST, who was gentle and humble of heart. We belong not to ourselves but to Jesus Christ whom we encounter most especially in the needy, the poor, the ignorant, the marginalized and the estranged. Charity is the root and foundation of our life together, for by our love for one another we will be known as Christ’s disciples.

WE SEEK TO WITNESS AND ADVANCE THE GOSPEL

through our community life, religious vows, spiritual practice and apostolic preaching and teaching, so that all may know God’s love, experience reconciliation and participate fully in the life of the Church.

For more information, please contact

Edmundite Vocation Director Society of Saint Edmund 270 Winooski Park Colchester, Vermont 05439-0270 Generalate@aol.com http://www.sse.org 802 / 654-3400 Enter #119 at VocationMatch.org

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being Catholic

Religious life: A brief history

THE DOMINANT image of a religious in the early church was that of a holy ascetic who did battle with the devil in the desert.

Throughout the centuries, religious life has responded to the challenges of the times. Today, new and exciting forms of religious life are emerging.

BY

SISTER MARY CHARLOTTE CHANDLER, R.S.C.J.

R

ELIGIOUS LIFE has taken different forms in different times in response to different social, historical, and church situations.

In whatever form, it is lived as a radical gospel response to these situations.

Historically each form of religious life has given way to a new form in times of significant social change. In times of transition many of the existing communities have gone out of existence and new communities have come into Sister Mary Charlotte Chandler, R.S.C.J. is the director of the Center for the Study of Religious Life.

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being. Internal laxity and disintegration have brought about the collapse of some forms, or generated internal reform movements. Historically, communities have had to apply their charisms to new social contexts if they were to continue into a new age.

The early church In the early church, there were consecrated virgins and widows. These two groups foreshadowed the two major threads in religious life—the secluded contemplative life and the apostolic life inserted into society. Consecrated virgins tended to be contemplative while VISION 2007

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widows ministered to the needs of the church. Different contexts have called for different weavings of these two threads.

As the church became established in the Roman Empire, desert monasticism began to emerge. The dominant image of a religious in this age was that of a holy ascetic who did battle with the devil in the desert as Jesus did for the sake of the church and as a means of seeking union with Christ. This asceticism was a kind of substitution for martyrdom in the previous age. For some it was also a protest against a church that was becoming too assimilated into the world.

Desert monasticism began to fade as Roman civilization in the West weakened and feudal Europe began to develop. A new age of monasticism, a successful adaptation of desert monasticism to feudal society, arose. The new dominant image of religious life was life in a monastery under a rule with daily life characterized by liturgical prayer, work (physical labor or study), and contemplation. Saint Benedict was a leader in the monastic movement in the West. He wrote a rule precisely ordering the daily activities. The religious community was like a family with an abbot, elected for life, as a spiritual father. Monks stayed in one monastery for life.

This age of religious life lasted for more than six centuries and was the dominant image for women religious even longer. The men were called monks and the women nuns.

Over time wealth and power brought a decline in fervor, and reform movements began.

The Middle Ages In the 12th century, as feudal Europe saw the rise of cities, new forms of VISION 2007

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Marist Brothers THE

MEN OF COMMUNITY MEN OF SERVICE

What kind of man will you be?

MEN OF PRAYER Learn more about our ministries in Christian education, our spirituality, and our communal way of life.

CONTACT: Brother Steve Milan, FMS 1241 Kennedy Blvd.

Bayonne, NJ 07002 201-823-1115 smilanfms@aol.com

www.maristbr.com MOUNT ST. MICHAEL, BRONX, NY

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?

What is a

An Answer to

God’s Call.

Brother

We connect with the poor and the marginalized in our world. ©

We share and reflect our experiences in the light of the Gospel.

We find our hearts transformed.

We are Christian Brothers.

What we do with our hearts affects the whole universe.

Are you being called to be brother to the world?

Congregation of Christian Brothers • www.cfcvocations.org For more information about becoming a Christian Brother visit our website or contact: Brother Kieran J. Murphy, C.F.C. 419 Parkside Drive Toronto, ON M6R 2Z7 TEL: (416) 604-7992 FAX: (416) 604-8443 kjmcfc@ercbna.org

Brother James L. Harlow, C.F.C. 33 Pryer Terrace New Rochelle, NY 10804 TEL: (914) 636-6194 (ext. 26) FAX: (914) 636-0021 jlh@cbinstitute.org

Brother James R. McDonald, C.F.C. 5556 West 77th Street Burbank, IL 60459 TEL: (815) 272-7742 bromaccfc@yahoo.com

Para más información comunicate con: Brother Jim Hamilton, C.F.C. 111 East 164th Street Bronx, NY 10452 TEL: (718) 293-3993 (ext. 146) jimham78@hotmail.com

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Soul Searching?

Inquire within, inquire with us.

Make a Difference with your life.

We believe that people can experience the reality of God’s love. Together, through a life of prayer, community and service, we try to express this love in today’s world. Building a world of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Presentation Brothers Contact us for more information: Br. Francis Schafer, FPM 1602 Pettis Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34741 (407) 846-2033 • fpm1802@juno.com www.PresentationBrothers.com 140

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religious life began to appear. Canons regular were in some ways a precursor to forms that were to follow.

They were secular priests working in parishes who took vows according to a rule, often adapted from the rule of Saint Augustine. Their female counterparts, canonesses regular, however, were nuns and lived in monasteries.

The rise of cities called forth a new form of religious life: mendicant orders. Mendicants were not bound by stability to one place, as in monasticism. Rather they embraced apostolic mobility, serving the church in its mission of preaching and teaching. In previous ages this role had been considered that of the secular clergy or canons regular.

In reaction to the wealth of many monasteries, mendicants either begged or lived from what they earned. Two examples of mendicant orders are the Franciscans and the Dominicans.

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Saint Francis of Assisi came from a wealthy family. He had a conversion experience while in prison after having been captured in battle. He responded to God’s invitation to rebuild the church. He wrote a simple rule for himself and his followers.

One of his followers was Saint Clare, who came from the noble class. She chose to make the commitment to God, the poor, and a simple lifestyle that Francis preached. Like Francis, she attracted many young followers, for whom she wrote a rule. This was the beginning of the Order of Poor Clares, who, unlike the Franciscans, were cloistered. Women inspired by Saint Francis and Saint Clare who desired to do service in the world lived under a secular Franciscan rule as laity. In later centuries apostolic communities of Franciscan women were allowed.

Religious life suffered in the 14th century from both internal laxity and external circumstances. Large numbers of religious died in the Black Death. The Renaissance was bringing secularism to Europe. Christianity was dividing.

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See this?

It could be you.

Come and experience a community of Benedictine monks, founded on an excellent liturgical tradition, who are seeking God and serving the Catholic Church.

Religious life enters the modern age By the early 16th century a new age was being ushered in with the founding of the Jesuits and the Ursulines. The Jesuits were clerics regular, priests dedicated to apostolic work. In order to respond to a new social context they had no obligatory chanting of the Divine Office.

Intense personal training replaced the safeguards of regular monastic observances. The Jesuits were ready to meet the needs of the pope in the era of the Counter-Reformation.

The Ursulines, founded by Saint Angela Merici in this same time period, also exemplified this new apostolic thrust of religious life. They did not take vows or wear a habit VISION 2007

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W W W . S A I N T M E I N R A D . E D U Office of Monastery Vocations 100 Hill Drive St. Meinrad, IN 47577 (812) 357-6611 vocations@saintmeinrad.edu Enter #014 at VocationMatch.org

or live in cloister. They were to be a different form of religious life than cloistered nuns. This form for women religious, however, was not in the imagination of the church at the time, and they were forced to take a habit and become cloistered. In 1563 the Council of Trent affirmed the 1298 bull of Pope Boniface VIII that all women religious were to observe papal enclosure.

In the 17th century Saint

Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac founded the Daughters of Charity to serve the poor. The Daughters were able to live out their founders’ vision by insisting that they were not religious and thus need not be in monasteries. Today their form of vowed life is called a society of apostolic life.

In 18th century Europe the enlightenment shook the ground under religious life. The turning point was 141

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Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows

China T As a Franciscan a be Christ to others i and share God’s w Love, Peace and a Mercy with all n United States

C a n a d a

You are invited to contact us through our:

Vocation Directress 3600 S.W. 170th Ave. Beaverton, Oregon 97006 (503) 649-7127 franmisisters@yahoo.com www.olpretreat.org Enter #126 at VocationMatch.org

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the French Revolution of 1789. One historian notes that on the eve of the French Revolution worldwide membership in all men’s religious orders was approximately 300,000. By the time the effects of the French Revolution had run their course, fewer than 70,000 remained. Another historian writes that in Europe before the French revolution there were some 2,000 Benedictine houses, but by 1815 there were only 20 Benedictine houses left. There did not seem to be much hope for religious life

Religious life today From these ashes came an incredible rebirth of religious life. Between 1815 and 1965 there were probably more new religious congregations founded than in any other period in the church. Some 600 new communities were founded in the 19th century alone. Among the congrega-

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tions founded were those for brothers, apostolic women, and missionaries. The new foundations were overwhelmingly apostolic, dedicated to education, health care, preaching, and foreign missions. Religious life took root around the globe.

Each major change in social context gave birth to a new dominant form of religious life. But the existence of newer forms did not mean the extinction of older forms.

Each major change in social context gave birth to a new dominant form of religious life. But the existence of newer forms did not mean the extinction of older forms. The previous forms continued through each transition, perhaps in a reformed mode or in more modest numbers than a previous age, but nonetheless they continued. Today there are virgins, hermits, monks, nuns, canons regular, mendicants, clerics regular, and members of societies of apostolic life as well as members of apostolic congregations of men and of women.

This gift to the church grows richer with age.

Currently religious life in the United States seems to be going through a transition phase. Perhaps a postmodern and globalized social situation is calling for something new. When living in the midst of change, it is hard to see what is ahead. However, we can name some of the pieces.

Forms of consecrated life other than religious institutes are growing in the church, such as secular institutes. Within lay movements there are core groups making private vows. New communities are emerging, many identifying themselves VISION 2007

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as contemplative apostolic. Within historical religious congregations newer members are voicing a desire for a more collective identity and presence in the church and world.

And these new members tend to be more diverse ethnically and racially than the previous generations.

It is an exciting time. Something new is happening. We can be assured that God is at work in the midst of it all and we have but to listen to that call in our own hearts, in the church, and in the world. There will always be those called to live their baptism in a radical way as religious.

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S

OME ARTICLES on the history of religious life

“The Evolution of Religious Life: A Historical Model,” by Lawrence Cada, S.M., Raymond Fitz, S.M., Gertrude Foley, S.C., Thomas Giardino, S.M., and Carol Lichtenberg, S.N.D.deN., in Shaping the Coming Age of Religious Life, New York, The Seabury Press, 1979 “Memory, Vision and Structure: Historical Perspective on the Experience of Religious Life in the Church,” by John W. Padberg, S.J., in Religious Life in the U.S. Church: A New Dialogue, ed. by Robert J. Daly and others, New York, Paulist Press, 1984 “Reflections on the History of Religious Life and Contemporary Development,” by Sandra Schneiders, I.H.M., in Turning Points in Religious Life, ed. by Carol Quigley, I.H.M., Wilmington, Delaware, Michael Glazier, 1987

Confused about which community is right for you?

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THE GOOD SAMARITAN, ARTWORK BY DINAH ROE KENDALL, AGE 82, SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND. FURTHER INFORMATION AT WWW.ACTAFINEART.COM.

the art of discernment

How the Samaritan found his vocation

W

HO WAS the Good SamariBY tan? We don’t know for GREGORY F. AUGUSTINE sure, but it is clear that he PIERCE was a layperson, not a religious professional. In fact, it is probable that he was some sort of businessperson—for why else would he be on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho early in the morning, just happen to have oil and wine with

Gregory F. Augustine Pierce is a copublisher of ACTA Publications and author of Finding God @ Work: Practicing Spirituality in Your Workplace (ACTA Publications, 2004) and Spirituality at Work (Loyola Press, 2001).

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him, be able to pay the innkeeper to take care of the victim, and promise to return on his “way back”? In other words, the Good Samaritan was in the midst of doing his job when he was asked to be a good neighbor.

What the Good Samaritan did was simple: He saw someone in need; he stopped and did what he could. Acting like the Good Samaritan is simply what you do if you are a follower of Jesus.

Jesus told the rest of us to “go and do likewise.” That is the essence of the Christian vocation.

Where do you find your vocation?

You find it in the midst of what you are doing.

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these Men’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org MEN’SSearch RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES DIRECTORY A Alexian Brothers (C.F.A.) “The love of Christ compels us” to dedicate our lives to care for sick, poor, dying, and marginalized people in our society in collaboration with others. Daily Eucharist, communal prayer and private prayer support us in our way of life. The foundation in the religious life of prayer and life in community sustains us in Christ’s healing mission.

“Whatever you do for one of these least brothers of mine, you do for me.” (Mt 25:40) We provide health care services in a hospital network. We provide health care and housing services for older adults in a variety of settings: adult day care, P.A.C.E., assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and retirement communities.

We provide transitional housing for people with AIDS. We have medical missions in the Philippines and Hungary. Director of Vocations: Br. Ted Loucks, C.F.A., 3040 W. Salt Creek Lane, Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 1-800-556-0332; e-mail: vocations@ alexian.net; website: http://www.alexianbrothers.org.

See ad on page 71. Code #141.

Augustinian Friars (O.S.A.)—Province of St. Joseph, Canada Augustinians in Canada minister to pilgrims and retreatants at the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace near Toronto. We also serve in four parishes in the Toronto and Vancouver archdioceses. Our province has traditionally fostered theological study and pastoral service in a setting of common life, liturgical celebration, and fraternal support. Vocation Director: Fr. Leo Cameron, O.S.A., Augustinian Monastery, P.O. Box 550, King City, Ontario, Canada; (905) 833-5368; e-mail: ldcameron@ sympatico.ca.

See ad on page 20. Code #207.

Augustinian Friars (O.S.A.)—Province of St. Thomas of Villanova The Villanova Province consists of nearly 240 Augustinians living in communities in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and Florida, as well as missionaries in Japan, Peru, and South Africa. Our communities, comprised of priests and brothers, are at the service of the Church through the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given us such as teachers, pastors, missionaries, administrators, chaplains, and counselors. Wherever we are or whatever we do, St. Augustine inspires us to be humble men who are at the family table of God’s creation and who ask the question who is absent, who is not present for the feast of the good God? Then, in missionary spirit both near and abroad, we search for them among the youth, the immigrant, the poor, and the alienated and offer them a place at the table, so they may know and experience their place in Jesus’ heart as we do in our Augustinian religious life. Vocation Director: Fr. James D. McBurney, O.S.A., St. Thomas Monastery, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085; (610) 519-7548; e-mail: vocations@augustinian.org; website: http://www.augustinian.org. Latino inquirers please contact: Fr. Luis Madera, O.S.A., Casa Augustin, 125 Chestnut St., Lawrence, MA 01841; (978) 685-6876; e-mail: vocaciones@losagustinos.org; website: http://www.augustinian.org.

See ad on page 20. Code #207.

Augustinian Friars (O.S.A.)—Wester n Province The Augustinians in the West are a small fraternity who work with and minister to both Anglo and Hispanic. No human being is a stranger to an Augustinian. We minister to youth at St. Augustine High in San Diego and Villanova Prep School in Ojai. We minister in seven parishes in Oregon and California.

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Augustinian Monks of the Primitive Observance “Throw yourself at Him; do not be afraid!” Entering upon the monastic, contemplative life takes a leap of courage and of faith, but St. Augustine assures us, “He will not step back and let you fall.

Fearlessly throw yourself at Him, for He will welcome you and heal you.” We are a community of men who have put our trust in the Lord as we live the simple religious life first lived by St. Augustine of Hippo and in the early monasteries established during his life and shortly after his death. If this is the time for you to accept His healing welcome, throw yourself now upon His mercy! Our life requires men of faith, courage, flexibility, and joyful hearts. True sons of the Catholic Church, we are marked by a joyful spirit with deep love and devotion to the Eucharist and to the Mother of God and the Augustinian saints.

Punctuated with the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, each day is a rich blend of solitude, silence, and communal fraternity. Augustinian Monks of the Primitive Observance, 2075 Mercers Fernery Road, DeLand, FL 32720; (386) 736-4321; e-mail: monks@augustinianmonks.com; website: http://www. augustinianmonks.com.

See ad on page 99. Code #020.

B Barnabite Fathers and Brothers (Clerics Regular of St. Paul) The Barnabite Fathers, the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, inspired to follow the spirit of St. Paul by their founder, St. Anthony M. Zaccaria, profess solemnly the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and live in communities that, from our beginnings in 1530, have been characterized by an intense life of interior renewal, centered on Christ Crucified and on the Eucharist, by a remarkable communal spirit, and dedication to spiritual renewal whose true purpose is the genuine honor of Christ, genuine availability to one’s neighbor and profound humility. We serve in the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, and South America in a variety of ministries including Spiritual Centers, parishes, Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, NY, education, and the missions. For information see our website: http://www. catholic-church.org/barnabites or contact Rev. Peter M. Calabrese, C.R.S.P., P.O. Box 167, Youngstown, NY 14174-0167; (716) 754-7489; e-mail: BarnabitesUSA@fatimashrine.com.

See ad on page 68. Code #254.

Benedictine Monks of Conception Abbey (O.S.B.) The simple existence of the monks of Conception Abbey is defined in the order’s motto: Ora et Labora (“Pray and Work”).

Conception monks gather six times a day for common prayer.

Individual prayer, or Lectio Divina, is also an essential part of daily life. As members of the faculty of Conception Seminary College, the monks provide formation for young men pursuing a priestly vocation. The monks welcome guests to the abbey and offer a wide array of retreats, tours, and youth programs. They provide pastoral care in hospitals, convents, and parishes in four states, and spread the Gospel of the written word through their Printery House. The monks tend the abbey grounds and care for farmland and orchards. They are carpenters, historians, writers, scholars, teachers, musicians, and artisans. Fr. Albert Bruecken, O.S.B., P.O. Box 501, Conception, MO 64433; (660) 944-2857; fax: (660) 944-2800; e-mail: monks@conception. edu; website: http://www.conceptionabbey.org.

See ad on page 127. Code #247.

Benedictine Monks of Mount Saviour Monastery We are a community of 14 monks striving to live a simple, genuine, and full monastic life according to the scriptures and the Rule of St. Benedict, committed to honor and glorify God through a harmonious balance of prayer, study, work, leisure, and hospitality, seeking to remain faithful to our authentic tradition continually revitalized by the Holy Spirit. We consider our life as apostolic; whereas the apostles centered on the historical Jesus, we are centered on the risen Christ. As a community we gather seven times daily for liturgical prayer. Individual prayer, encountering

Christ in scripture, and hospitality are additional essentials in our life. Other works vary according to the unique gifts given to each brother. We strive to provide a supportive environment for developing personal resources and maturation, with the love of Christ as the center of our growth process. For further information contact: Vocation Director, Mount Saviour Monastery, 231 Monastery Rd., Pine City, NY 14871; (607) 734-1688; e-mail: vocations@msaviour.org; website: http://www.msaviour.org.

Code #217.

Benedictine Monks of Saint Mary’s Abbey (O.S.B.) Maybe your place in God’s plan is our place, Saint Mary’s Abbey at Delbarton. Located in the hills of Morris County, NJ, our community of 45 monks seeks God by personal and communal prayer, and a variety of ministries. We are teachers and administrators at a preparatory school for boys and preachers and counselors at our retreat center. We serve as chaplains at local colleges and pastors in area parishes. We invite men (ages 20-40, college graduate or equivalent in life experience) to share our vision. Click on our website for up-to-date vocation and discernment retreat information. Vocation Director, 230 Mendham Road, Morristown, New Jersey 07960-4899; (973) 583-3231, ext. 2111; e-mail: vocations@delbarton.org; website: http://www.osbmonks.org.

See ad on page 96. Code #088.

Benedictine Monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey (O.S.B.) Monks have been seeking God and serving the Church in this Benedictine monastery in rural southern Indiana since 1854. Saint Meinrad was founded over 150 years ago by a Swiss abbey to serve the immigrant Catholics in the area and to educate local men for the priesthood. The community of 110 monks gathers four times daily to pray the Liturgy of the Hours and to celebrate the Eucharist. Their work is as diverse as they are, ranging from carpenters to composers, cobblers, and weavers. Saint Meinrad operates a School of Theology devoted to the formation of priests, permanent deacons, and lay ministers. Other works include a retreat program, Abbey Press, and Abbey Caskets. Office of Monastery Vocations, 100 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577; (812) 357-6611; e-mail: vocations@saintmeinrad.edu; website: http://www.saintmeinrad.edu. A come and see experience, “A Monastic Observance”, dates: December 27, 2006-January 1, 2007; March 31-April 4, 2007; July 27-August 1, 2007.

See ad on page 141. Code #014.

Benedictine Monks of Saint Vincent Archabbey (O.S.B.) From a Benedictine monastery in Bavaria came the founder of the first Benedictine monastery in the United States. The name of this German monk was Boniface Wimmer.

In the year 1846, Wimmer and a humble group of followers settled among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in southwestern Pennsylvania. This was the beginning of Saint Vincent Archabbey. Today we are a community of nearly 180 monks living, praying, and working together under the Rule of Saint Benedict. Our community’s education apostolate includes a college, seminary, and high school. Our parochial ministry involves parishes in the following dioceses: Archdiocese of Baltimore, in Maryland; the Pennsylvania Dioceses of AltoonaJohnstown, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh; the Diocese of Richmond, Virginia; and the Diocese of Savannah, Georgia. Members of our community also serve as chaplains to the local hospitals and prison. Saint Vincent also has foreign missions (priories) in Taipei, Taiwan and Vinhedo, Brazil.

For information contact: Fr. Fred Byrne, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690; (724) 532-6655; e-mail: vocations@stvincent.edu; website: http://www.stvincentmonks.com.

See ad on page 97. Code #243.

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Augustinian Friars (O.S.A.)—Midwest Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel The Augustinians are called to deepen their interior life through prayer and respond in service to the needs of the church. Our service to the church is nurtured by a commitment to individual and communal prayer and a dedication to build community among our members, as well as within our apostolates. Like Augustine, we believe God is at the very core of the human heart, and we strive to be “one mind, one heart” in God. The Midwest Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel numbers more than 125 priests and brothers involved in a variety of work. Our apostolates include (and are not limited to) work in parishes, high schools, universities, hospitals, retreats, and foreign missions. Vocation Director: Br. Paul Koscielniak, O.S.A., Tolentine Center, 20300 Governor’s Highway, Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081; (708) 283-6685; e-mail: bropaul@midwestaugustinians.org.

See ad on page 20. Code #207.

We serve the poor in Tijuana, Mexico, where we conduct an orphanage. We enjoy pioneering efforts and in the past two decades have established a high school in California’s Central Valley, a retreat center in Oregon, and low income housing for families in south San Diego. Vocation Director: Fr. Tom Whelan, O.S.A., 108 Cole St., San Francisco, CA 94117-1116; (415) 387-3626; e-mail: osacole@pacbell.net.

See ad on page 20. Code #207.

Brothers of Christian Instruction (F.I.C.) Our community of Brothers was founded to “make Jesus Christ known” according to Fathers John de La Mennais and Gabriel Deshayes who established the congregation at Saint Brieuc, Brittany, France in 1819. Today, with nearly 1,000 members, Brothers are found in 24 countries. Their educational mission is primarily as teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators in Catholic high schools and colleges. Brothers may also minister as retreat directors, spiritual directors and counselors, pastoral associates in parishes, and in foreign missions especially in East Africa, Japan, and the Philippines. In the United States Brothers are called to live a simple, prayerful, community lifestyle in Alfred,

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Search these Men’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org ME, Fall River, MA, Plattsburgh, NY, and at Walsh University, North Canton, OH. Single, Catholic young and middle aged men interested in the Brother’s vocation should contact: Bro. Guy Roddy, 2020 East Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720; (330) 490-7064; e-mail: gfroddy@yahoo.com; website: http:// www.ficbrothers.org See ad on page 98. Code #206.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH

The Brothers of the Christian Schools Founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle in 17th-century France, The Christian Brothers have more than 7,000 members in the world as elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers, university professors, counselors, missionaries, social workers, youth ministers, campus ministers, administrators, and retreat directors. In the United States and English-speaking Canada, approximately 1,000 Brothers serve in one of seven provinces. Energetic, generous, and committed men are invited to live and to share the educational challenges of bringing Christ’s Gospel message to youth of all backgrounds, including the marginalized and those in need. Vocation Director, 4351 Garden City Drive, Suite 200, Landover, MD 20785-2211; (301) 459-9410; website: http://www.brothersvocation.org.

See ad on page 15. Code #100.

Brothers of the Sacred Heart “A call to be a Brother is a vocation to be the living, human memory of Jesus.” The Brothers of the Sacred Heart are a religious congregation of men who were founded in Lyon, France in 1821. Their mission is the evangelization of young people who are poor and without hope. Ministries include: teacher, campus minister, social worker, counselor, administrator, parish ministry, nursing, retreat director, youth minister, coach, home and foreign missionary. Today the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in the United States work in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and England. Visit our website at: http://www.brothersofthesacredheart.org. Br. Roland Ouellette, SC, 685 Steere Farm Road, Pascoag, RI 02859; (401) 636-1179; e-mail: Brorol@aol.com.

Br. Gary Humes, SC, 61-16 Maspeth Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378, (917) 607-7537; e-mail: garyhumes844@hotmail.com. Br. Chris Sweeney, SC, 1156 City Park Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119; (504) 352-9940; e-mail: brochris66@hotmail.com.

See ad on page 96. Code #203.

C Capuchin Franciscan Friars (O.F.M. Cap.) The Capuchins are a distinctive Order within the Franciscan family. They are an evangelical brotherhood of men who preach, serve the physically and spiritually poor, teach, administer the sacraments, cook, and counsel in various settings in North America. Some friars are also missionaries in Africa, Asia, Central America, and the South Pacific. There are approximately 11,000 Capuchin friars worldwide, with about 800 of those living within nine provinces throughout Canada and the U.S. For more information contact the Capuchin Vocation Office nearest you. California: (415) 710-1337, e-mail: beafriar@yahoo.com. Colorado: (303) 477-5436, e-mail: vocations@midamcaps.org. Pennsylvania: (888) 263-6227, e-mail: brtom@capuchin.com. Midwest: (920) 753-7502, e-mail: vocation@capuchinfranciscans.org.

New York/New England: (845) 255-5680, e-mail: capuchins@ franciscanvocation.org. New Jersey: (201) 863-3871, e-mail: capuchinlife@aol.com.

See ad on page 29. Code #091.

Carmelite Friars (O. Carm.) Camelites strive to live in God’s presence, “in allegiance to Jesus Christ,” through community, prayer, and ministry. We are engaged in various apostolic ministries to serve the Church, including a wide range of educational, parochial, and spiritual opportunities. We are teachers, pastors, campus ministers, chaplains, counselors, authors, foreign missionaries, and spiritual directors. There are two Provinces of Carmelite Friars in North America: the St. Elias Province and The Most Pure Heart of Mary Province. We serve in many dioceses and archdioceses throughout the United States and Canada, with missions in Mexico, Peru, Trinidad, and Vietnam. We invite you to contact us for more information! Fr. William Wert, O.Carm., Vocation Director-Most Pure Heart of Mary Province, 1600 Webster St., NE, Washington, DC 20017; (202) 526-1221 e-mail: carmelites@carmelites.net; website: http://www.carmelites.net or Br. Robert Bathe, O.Carm., Vocation Director-St. Elias Province, P.O. Box 3079, Carmelite Drive, Middletown, NY 10940; (845) 344-2225; fax: (845) 344-2210; e-mail: ocarmvoc@frontiernet. net; website: http://www.carmelitefriars.org.

See ad on page 61. Code #112.

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Carmelite Monks (M. Carm.) In a solitary monastery under the Rocky Mountains, the Carmelite Monks seek to perpetuate the charism of the Blessed Virgin Mary, living Her life as prescribed by the Carmelite Rule. These monks live a full Carmelite liturgical life, with the Divine Office and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass being prayed in Latin with Gregorian Chant. Desiring to become great saints, they have a vehement longing to live the entirety of the customs and charism established by Ss. John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, namely: strict monastic enclosure, two hours of contemplative prayer daily, study and spiritual reading, and manual labor. The monk may aspire to be a lay brother or a priest who celebrates the Sacraments, gives spiritual direction, and preaches retreats to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns and the monastery retreatants. With a burning love of God and zeal for souls, the Carmelite monk immolates his life in the vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty. Only men between 18 and 27 who have an ardent desire for the cloistered monastic life and to be spiritual fathers of souls need inquire. Reverend Father Prior, Carmelite Monastery, P.O. Box 2747, Cody, WY 82414; (307) 645-3310; website: http://www.carmelitemonks.org See ad on page 12. Code #190.

Claretian Missionaries (C.M.F.) (Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) A community of Priests and Brothers founded in 1849 by Saint Anthony Mary Claret. More than 3,000 Claretians work in 64 countries around the world. Claretians are known as Servants of the Word and are called to serve through every available means in what is most urgent, opportune, and effective. This means working in inner-city parishes in the U.S. as well as in foreign missions. We work with immigrants, especially from Latin America, and youth on college campuses and elsewhere, on social-justice issues, in hospital and jailchaplain ministries, parish mission evangelization, housing, and publishing and communications media. Contact: Carl Quebedeaux, C.M.F., Vocation Director, Eastern Province, 205 West Monroe Street, Room 2605, Chicago, IL 60606; (800) 3286515; e-mail: frcarl2605@claretians.org; website: http://www. claretianvocations.org.

See ad on page 104. Code #092.

Comboni Missionaries With 4,000 priests, brothers, sisters, and lay missionaries in 41 countries around the world, this institute focuses on those St. Daniel Comboni loved as “the poorest and most abandoned people in the world.” In Africa, the Americas, and Asia, their apostolic work consists of evangelization—quite often first evangelization—empowering people in the process of ministering to their own needs within the religious and the broader human contexts. In North America, the priests and brothers do ministry among the poor in New Jersey, Ohio, California, Illinois, and Ontario. The sisters work among the poor in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

Persons interested in checking out vocational opportunities for Comboni priests, brothers, sisters or lay missionaries can use the contact information that follows; their inquiries will be directed as appropriate. North American Province, 1318 Nagel Road, Cincinnati, OH 54255; (513) 474-4997; e-mail: info@ ComboniMissionaries.org; or Fr. Angel Camorlinga, (323) 234-5984; e-mail: angelcamorlinga@yahoo.com; Fr. David Bohnsack, (773) 667-8920; e-mail: bohnsack@hotmail.com; Fr. Manuel Baeza, (323) 234-5984; e-mail: joe069@comcast. net; website: http://www.ComboniMissionaries.org.

See ad on page 102. Code #123.

Companions of the Cross (C.C.) We are a Roman Catholic community of priests committed to living and ministering together. Our chief charism is Evangelization, supported by a spirituality that is Eucharistic, Charismatic, Marian, and Magisterial. Always embracing the Cross of Christ—the power and wisdom of God—we serve local parish communities, youth, the poor, and those alienated from the Church. We were founded in 1985 by Fr. Bob Bedard of the Archdiocese of Ottawa, Canada, and formally recognized by the Holy See as a Society of Apostolic Life in May 2003. We currently number 34 priests and 22 seminarians. Headquartered in Ottawa, we also have foundations of our community in Toronto, ON; Halifax, NS; and Houston, TX. Vocations Office: Fr. Mark Goring, CC, 199 Bayswater Ave., Ottawa, ON Canada K1Y 2G5; (866) 885-8824; e-mail: vocations@companionscross.ca; website: http://www. companionscross.ca. Ask about a Come and See discernment visit!

See ad on page 18. Code #057.

Congregation of Christian Brothers (C.F.C.) In the tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice, the founder, the Congregation of Christian Brothers, is an international community of vowed re-

ligious brothers living and praying in community and missioned by the church for Christian education. The men Christian Brothers seek to join with them are Catholic men who sense a call to live in fraternal community and who wish to minister in the educational apostolates of the church, especially to youth. They are men with the religious inspiration and dedication necessary to live a life of consecrated celibacy and who, through vows of poverty and obedience, place their gifts, talents, and possessions at the disposal of the community in order to meet the needs of God’s people. Please contact one of the following Brothers: Br. James Harlow, C.F.C., 33 Pryer Terrace, New Rochelle, NY 10804-4499; (914) 636-6194, ext. 26; e-mail: jlh@cbinstitute. org; website: http://www.cfcvocations.org. Br. James R. McDonald, C.F.C., 5550 West 87th St., Burbank, IL 60459; (815) 272-7742; e-mail: bromaccfc@yahoo.com; website: http://www. cfcvocations.org. Br. Kieran J. Murphy, C.F.C., 419 Parkside Drive, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z7; (416) 604-7992; e-mail: kjmcfc@ ercbna.org; website: http://www.cfcvocations.org.

See ad on page 140. Code #095.

Congregation of Holy Cross (C.S.C.) The Congregation of Holy Cross was founded in post-revolutionary France in 1837.

Father Basil Moreau, a priest of the diocese of LeMans, France, began a community of priests, brothers and sisters, to educate the children of LeMans and to assist in the diocese as auxiliary priests. In just four years, Fr Moreau sent seven brothers and a priest to the United States as missionaries. A year later in 1842 these men began the school that was eventually to become the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, Since then, the priests and brothers have begun five other institutions of higher learning: King’s College (Wilkes-Barre, PA), Stonehill College (North Easton, MA), Portland University (Portland, OR), St. Edward’s University (Austin, TX), and Holy Cross College (South Bend, IN) and many high schools. Today, Holy Cross religious serve in parishes, in schools, and in missions in 15 countries around the world from North and South America to Africa, Asia, Europe and Haiti. Visit us at http://www.holycrosscongregation.org. For those interested in a brothers’ vocation contact: Br. Larry Atkinson, C.S.C., e-mail: latkinson@stonehill. edu. Those interested in a priests’ vocation contact: Fr. Kevin Russeau, C.S.C., e-mail: vocation1@nd.edu; websites: http:// www.vocation.nd.edu and http:// www.holycrossbrothers.org.

See ad on page 95. Code #097.

Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SS.CC.) The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary is an international, apostolic, religious community of more than 1,800 Priests, Brothers, Sisters, and Secular Branch serving in over 40 countries. We are one Congregation of men and women. Our family life is centered in the Eucharistic Celebration, Adoration and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary with a spirit of reparation lived with evangelical simplicity. Blessed Father Damien, who served and died with people suffering from Hansen’s disease (leprosy) at Molokai, is preeminent in our family of missionaries. Today he inspires our witness of love in action through parishes, education, retreats, preaching, chaplaincies, foreign missions, and special ministries. What Christ has done in us, can be done in you. Vocation Director, P.O. Box 111, Fairhaven, MA 02719; (508) 993-5010; e-mail: frpetrie@sscc.org; website: http://www. sscc.org.

See ad on page 67. Code #230.

Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata (C.S.S.) Stigmatine Priests and Brothers belong to an international community headquartered in Rome, with houses in the U.S., Italy, England, German, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Botswana, Brazil Paraguay, Chile, India, Georgia (Russia), the Philippines, and Thailand. St. Gaspar Bertoni founded in 1816 and entrusted the Congregation to the protection and patronage of Mary and Joseph, the Holy Spouses, because their marriage prepared, welcomed, and educated the mission of the Son of God. CSS motto, “Euntes Docete” is Latin for “Go Forth and Teach.”

Apostolic work: seminary formation, spiritual direction, counseling, retreats, campus/youth/parish ministry, voluntary foreign missions, parish missions. Stigmatine formation offers a customized academic program based on individual background, but maintains a common character by the quest to unity in life through contemplation and apostolic activity, shared fraternity, dedication to work, quest for excellence, coupled with humility.

Men ages 18-45 are invited to contact Fr. Geoff Deeker, N.A., Province, 554 Lexington St., Waltham, MA 02452-3097; (413) 442-4458; e-mail: geoffd@stigmatines.com; website: http://www. stigmatines.com.

See ad on page 74. Code #046.

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Search these Men’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org Crosier Fathers and Brothers (O.S.C.) The Crosiers long to imitate Christ through the union of mind and heart in community and through a life of liturgical prayer and ministry.

They live for God alone by seeking to combine contemplative routines with a shared ministerial life. The Crosiers are officially known as Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross. They live for God alone in community life, which is an expression of their communion with Christ and each other, actually living together, sharing lives and gifts with other Crosiers and the Church. The Crosiers have served the Church since 1210 AD. They are an international Order with communities in Rome, Italy; Indonesia, Brazil, Europe, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the United States, they have communities in Minnesota and Arizona. Consider becoming a Crosier. Contact us! Fr. Stephan Bauer, O.S.C., 3510 Vivian Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55126; (800) 407-5875; e-mail: vocations@crosier.org; website: http://www.crosier.org.

See ad on page 68. Code #099.

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The Dominicans (Order of Preachers) Pope John Paul II, when he received the General Council of the Dominicans in his private library, told them: “Only those who have the experience of God can speak of him convincingly to others. At the school of Saint Dominic and of all the Dominican saints, you are called to be teachers of truth and of holiness.” Dominic de Guzman (1170-1221) was on fire with the love of God when he found the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans) and gathered around him a group of men dedicated to preaching the truth of God’s endless love. Since that time Dominicans have continued their legacy of preaching in any given time or place, and in the most effective and suitable ways, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Central Province, St. Albert the Great; e-mail: vocations@dominicans. org; (312) 829-0295; website: http://www.domcentral.org. Eastern Province, St. Joseph; e-mail: vocations@dominicanfriars. org; (800) 529-1205; website: http://www.dominicanfriars. org. Western Province, The Most Holy Name of Jesus; e-mail: vocations@opwest.org; (510) 568-8722; website: http://www. opwest.org. Southern Province, Sts. Martin de Porres and Juan Macias, e-mail: frcharlie@opvocations.org; (469) 229-5165; website: http://www.opvocation.org See ad on page 125. Code #228.

E Edmundite Fathers and Brothers (Society of St. Edmund) The Society of St. Edmund is a clerical religious congregation of pontifical right dedicated to evangelization whose priests and brothers share a common life and profess the public vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. It was the original purpose of the Society to work for the glory of God and the salvation of neighbor through preaching. By preaching we understand both the witness of our common and personal pursuit of holiness and the service of the Gospel. Edmundite Vocation Director, Edmundite Generalate, 270 Winooski Park, Colchester, VT 05439; (802) 654-3400; Fax: (802) 654-3409; e-mail: Generalate@aol.com; website: http://www.sse.org.

See ad on page 137. Code #119

F Franciscan Brothers of Peace (F.B.P.) The Franciscan Brothers of Peace were founded in 1982 by Br. Michael Gaworski,

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Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.) Franciscans strive to live Jesus’ Good News in the simple, joyful, and passionate spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Today, the Order of Friars Minor focuses on three Gospel values: first, an attention to the contemplative dimension of life—the inner life of the spirit; second, an option for the poor and for justice and peace; and third, formation in evangelization and mission. The friars are often best known as confessors, counselors, preachers, missionaries, teachers, confidants, seekers of justice, and friends. Franciscans serve in an extremely wide diversity of ministries in every state in the U.S., as well as in most foreign missions throughout the world.

The National Franciscan Vocation Office, 135 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; website: http://ofm-usa.com.

See ad on page 30. Code #101.

Franciscan Friars, (T.O.R.) We are a religious community of priests and brothers who follow the crucified and risen Christ in the spirit of St. Francis. We are committed to a life transformed by prayer and service; to personal and communal conversion of heart, mind, and soul; and to bearing Christ to a broken world.

We actively embrace the NEW EVANGELIZATION of Pope John Paul II. Our priest and brother Friars serve as educators, parish ministers, promoters of church renewal, advocates of social justice, hospital chaplains, and foreign missionaries. We administer two institutions of higher learning: St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania and Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio. If you are between the ages of 20-35 and would like more information on the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., please write, call, or visit our website at http:// www.franciscanstor.org. Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus—Fr. Michael Ciski, T.O.R., Vocation Office, St. Bonaventure Friary, P.O. Box 104, Loretto, PA 15940; (814) 472-8060; fax: (814) 471-1866; e-mail: vocationstor@aol.com.

See ad on page 97. Code #232.

Franciscan Friars, (T.O.R.)—Immaculate Conception Province Our Mission Statement: “Following Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis, we are a fraternity of men who freely bind ourselves to living in communion as brothers, striving to live the Gospel in a spirit of constant conversion by living and working to build up the Body of Christ, the Church, through prayer and all the unique charisms of our brotherhood.” Our friars use their gifts to build up the Church, serving as: parish priests, retreat directors, educators, chaplains, campus ministers, artists, and pastoral ministers The strength of our formation program is its flexible response to each person’s diversity. Our priest and brother friars serve in Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Virginia, Florida, Texas, and Minnesota. We offer a live-in and long-distance Aspirant Program for men preparing to apply for Candidacy. Contact: Br. David Liedl, T.O.R., Vocation Office, 3811 Emerson Avenue, North, Minneapolis, MN 55412-2038; 1-800-220-0867; e-mail: brodavidtor@yahoo. com; website: http://www.franciscanfriarstor.com.

See ad on page 31. Code #295.

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement (S.A.) The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement have long been leaders in the worldwide ecumenical movement to heal divisions within Christianity. In 1908 we began an annual prayer movement (January 18-25) that developed into the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Today, the Friars mission of “at-one-ment” includes dialogue among Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists; serving the homeless and those suffering from alcoholism, drug addictions, and HIV/ AIDS; preaching the gospel in parishes around the world, and offering respite and hope to those in need of spiritual renewal.

In the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, we offer a prayerful communal life with active service to the Church in the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, England and soon, Kenya, Africa.

Inquire about our “Come and See” programs offered each year in March and October. We sponsor a College Age Discernment Program in conjunction with Stonehill College, Massachusetts.

Contact Vocation Office, P.O. Box 300 -Graymoor, Garrison, NY 10524; (800) 338-2620, ext. 2126; fax: 845-424-2170; e-mail: vocdirector@atonementfriars.org; website: http://www. atonementfriarsvocations.org.

See ad on page 69. Code #003.

G Glenmary Home Missioners We are a society of priests and brothers who, along with lay co-workers, serve the spiritual and material needs of the people in Appalachia, the South, and Southwest. As home missioners, we form and nurture Catholic faith communities in areas where the Church has never been established. We are committed to doing God’s work in rural America through ministries of ecumenism, evangelization, social outreach, and service to the poor and neglected. We staff over 50 missions and ministries in 14 dioceses as well as a research center and a pastoral center focusing on rural ministry. Fr. Steve Pawelk, Glenmary Home Missioners, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618; (800) 935-0975; e-mail: vocation@glenmary.org; website: http://www.glenmary.org.

See ad on page 107. Code #103.

J Jesuits (Society of Jesus) United States Jesuit Conference: 1616 P Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20036; (202) 462-0400; e-mail: usjc@jesuit.org; website: http://www.jesuit. org. California: P.O. Box 519, Los Gatos, CA 95031-0519; (408) 884-1613; e-mail: cjackson@calprov.org; website: http://www. calprov.org. Chicago: 2050 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614-4788; (773) 975-6363; e-mail: vocations@jesuits-chi. org; website: http://www.jesuits-chi.org/vocations. Detroit: 2599 Harvard Rd., Berkley, MI 48072-1596; (248) 514-3360; e-mail: boynton@jesuits.net; website: http://www.jesuitdet. org. Missouri: 4511 West Pine Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108-2191; (314) 361-7765; e-mail: vocation@jesuits-mis. org; website: http://www.jesuits-mis.org. New England: P.O. Box 9199, Watertown, MA 02471-9199; (617) 607-2800; e-mail: jwronski@sjnen.org; website: http://www.sjnen.org. New Orleans: 710 Baronne St., Suite B, New Orleans, LA 70113; (504) 782-6834; e-mail: mkitten@norprov.org; website: http://www. norprov.org/vocations/. New York/ Maryland: 39 East 83rd Street, New York, NY 10028-0810; (212) 774-5500; e-mail: vocations@nysj.org; or e-mail: vocations@mdsj.org; website: http://www.jesuitvocation.org. Oregon: 710 S. 13th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405-4496; (253) 272-5136; e-mail: lantry@ gonzaga.edu; website: http://www.nwjesuits.org. Wisconsin: 3400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208; (800) 5373736 ext. 231 or (414) 937-6949 ext. 231; e-mail: vocations@ jesuitswisprov.org; website:http://www.jesuitswisprov.org. Upper Canada: 1325 Bay Street, Suite 300, Toronto, ON, Canada M5R 2C4; (416) 962-4500; e-mail: vocation@jesuits.ca; website: http://www.jesuits.ca.

See ad on page 74. Code #104.

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Divine Word Missionaries An international, multicultural community of over 6,000 brothers and priests working in more than 65 countries around the world. Formation programs include: 1) Divine Word College in Epworth, IA, is the only Roman Catholic college seminary in the United States exclusively designed for missionary formation. Majors include philosophy and cross-cultural studies. 2) The Brother Formation Program allows brother candidates to attend universities or colleges to complete their specialized professional education and experience religious community life. 3) The Associate Program is a residency program for college graduates who are considering a missionary vocation. Interested men may live in a Divine Word community and participate in ministry first-hand or complete needed educational requirements. 4) Divine Word Theologate in Chicago, IL, is the residence for seminarians completing the graduate program in theological education and ministry formation at Catholic Theological Union. 5) The Divine Word Novitiate is located in Techny, IL. For more information, please contact: Vocation Director, Divine Word Missionaries, P.O. Box 380, Epworth, IA 52045; 800-553-3321; e-mail: dwm@mwci. net; website: http://www.svdvocations.org.

See ad on pages 2-3. Code #177.

who wanted to live an authentic and radical way of religious life.

We’re the first Religious Brotherhood founded in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Our life consists of this: Love for our Eucharistic Lord Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Mother of God and the Holy Catholic Church; fidelity to our Holy Father and the Magisterium; striving to live a real life of prayer and repentance. Love for our Brothers and our community life, living solely on Divine Providence. Love for the vulnerable, defending all human life from conception to natural death; caring for the poor and homeless in our friary and on the streets. We invite men, age 18-35, to contact us for more information. Br. Conrad Richardson, fbp, Queen of Peace Friary, 1289 LaFond Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55104-2035; (651) 646-8586; e-mail: vocation@ brothersofpeace.org; webiste: http://www.brothersofpeace.org.

See ad on page 99. Code #006.

Josephite Fathers and Brothers (S.S.J.) (St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart) We have 110 Priests, 9 Brothers, 37 students in formation. Conduct: 50 city and rural parishes, hospital and prison chaplaincies, campus ministry, a high school, a formation house, a college house of studies for seminarians, a major seminary for graduate theology, and the Josephite Pastoral Center. Apostolic Work: The Josephite Society is dedicated to a spiritual educational and social ministry to the African-American community and has worked exclusively in the African-American community since 1871. The Josephite Society affords its members the mutual support of community life in an active ministry. Represented in the Archdioceses of Abuji in Nigeria, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Mobile, New Orleans, Washington and in the Dioceses of Arlington (VA), Baton Rouge, Beaumont, Biloxi, Birmingham, Fort Worth, GalvestonHouston, Ijebu-Ode in Nigeria, Jackson (MS), Lafayette and Lake Charles (LA). Vocation Director: Fr. Roderick J.D. Coates, S.S.J., Vocation Director, Josephite Vocation Department, 1200 Varnum Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017-2796; (202) 8329100; fax: (202) 832-9099; e-mail: vocations@josephite.com; website: http://www.josephite.com.

See ad on page 62. Circle 192.

L Legionaries of Christ (L.C.) The Legion of Christ is a Roman Catholic congregation of priests, founded in 1941, active in 25 countries on 5 continents, with 700 priests and over 2,500

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Search these Men’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org seminarians. The spirituality of the Legionaries is Christcentered, for Christ is the center, standard, and example of each Legionary’s religious, priestly, and apostolic life. So our priesthood and our daily life are centered on the Eucharist, guided by Mary’s presence, and lived in fidelity to the Church’s Magisterium. Each one’s personal commitment is total, since it stems from love. The goal is to renew today’s society with the transforming message of Christ, by forming and directing lay Catholic apostles, paying special attention to youth and families. Do you love the world enough to give your life so it can have life? Call us, visit us. Vocation Director: Fr. Anthony Bannon, L.C., 475 Oak Ave., Cheshire, CT 06410; (800) 4205409; e-mail: vocation@legionaries.org; website: http://www. legionofchrist.org.

See ad on page 103. Circle 226.

Little Brothers of Saint Francis We are a contemplative community of brothers who live the “Hidden Life of Nazareth” in prayer and adoration among Christ’s poor in the inner-city ghettos, favelas, or barrios of the world. We have an evangelical street ministry of friendship to destitute homeless and the poorest of the poor. We seek to make a total gift of self to God while living a fraternal life in radical Gospel poverty. Vocation Director, 785-789 Parker Street, Boston, MA 02120; (617) 4422556; website: http://www.littlebrothersofstfrancis.org.

See ad on page 104. Code #158.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH

M Marianists, Society of Mary (S.M.) Blessed William Joseph Chaminade founded the Society of Mary (Marianists) in France in 1817. The Marianists are an international Catholic religious order of brothers and priests. Almost 600 serve in the Province of the United States, which includes Eastern Africa, India, and Mexico. In the United States, Marianists sponsor the University of Dayton in Ohio, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 18 high schools, 11 parishes, and five retreat centers. The mission of the Marianists is to spread gospel values, educate students, work in lay formation, and serve the poor. Marianist National Vocation Office, 4425 W. Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108-2301; (314) 533-1207; website: http://www.marianist.com/vocations.

See ad on page 14. Code #105.

Marist Brothers (F.M.S.) Founded in 1817 by St. Marcellin Champagnat, the Marist Brothers work to make Jesus Christ known and loved through the Christian education of youth, with special attention to the most neglected. St. Marcellin gave his community the name of Mary because he wanted them to live according to her spirit. Following the example of Champagnat, approximately 5000 Marist Brothers work with their lay colleagues and other members of the Marist family to put into practice their motto: All to Jesus through Mary; All to Mary for Jesus. Present in 76 countries, the Marist Brothers work in all levels of education and a variety of education-related ministries. Br. Steve Milan, F.M.S., Marist Brothers Vocation Office, 1241 Kennedy Blvd., Bayonne, NJ 07002; (201) 823-1115; e-mail: smilanfms@aol.com; website: www.maristbr.com.

See ad on page 139. Code #298.

Marists: Fathers and Brothers (Society of Mary) The mission of the Society of Mary is to live the Gospel in the Spirit of Mary who is a model of discipleship for the whole Church and especially for the Marists. The Marists are an international congregation of 1,037 priests and brothers serving in 18 countries with 68 in formation worldwide. The Marists in the United States number 134 priests and 21 brothers who are involved in a number of ministries that include education, home and foreign missions, parishes, chaplaincies in colleges, hospitals and the military. Marists accept candidates for the priesthood and brotherhood who are between the ages of 21 and 35 when the initial contact is made. Candidates who are between the ages of 35 and 45 may be accepted but will require greater scrutiny. Vocation Director for New England, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin: Fr. Al Dianni, S.M., 698 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02115; (617) 262-2271; e-mail: smvocations@aol.com; website: http://www.maristsociety. org. Vocation Director for remainder of the Midwest, South and Western United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico: Fr. Bill Rowland, S.M., 2335 Warring Street, Berkeley, CA 94704; (866) 298-3715 fax: (510) 848-7204; e-mail: maristspc@sbcglobal.net; website: http://www.maristsociety.org.

Code #107.

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Maryknoll Congregation and Society (M.M.) For many, to mention Maryknoll is to mention Mission. Maryknoll is the popular name for the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, established by the U.S. Bishops in 1911 to represent the Church of the United States in the work of foreign missions.

We are from the Church in the United States, but our principal work is overseas. Currently numbering some 600 priests and lay brothers working in some 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, in solidarity with the poor in witnessing to the Kingdom of God. Contact: Fr. Dennis Moorman, M.M., Vocation Ministries, P.O. Box 305, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0305; (914) 941-7636, ext. 2416; e-mail: vocation@maryknoll.org; website: http://www.maryknoll.org.

See ad on page 113. Code #199.

Missionaries of the Holy Family The Missionaries of the Holy Family were founded as a religious community in 1895 in Holland. Today, we minister throughout the world. We base our community life on the model of the Holy Family who lived simple lives in faithful response, love, and care to the mission of Jesus. Our founder taught us to seek out and encourage vocations. We strive to live a missionary spirit by bringing the Gospel message wherever it is not sufficiently proclaimed. Here in North America, we are involved as priests and brothers in parishes, schools, hospitals, and missions. Our work reflects the care and concern we have for family life. Vocation Director, 104 Cas Hills Dr., San Antonio, TX 78213; (210) 344-9145; e-mail: RDeLong@MSF-America.org; website: http://www.

MSF-America.org.

See ad on page 110. Code #129.

Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S) We are a society of apostolic life, priests, brothers and lay associates sharing a common mission: to renew the Church through the ministry of the Word and the saving power of Christ’s most Precious Blood. Founded in 1815 by St. Gaspar del Bufalo, our congregation carries out a variety of ministries as pastors, teachers, chaplains, youth ministers, retreat directors, mission preachers and campus administrators, both in the U.S. and abroad. We reach out to those on the margins of society—and to each other as we build a community where members find peace and new energy. We serve in three North American provinces. Atlantic Province (New York, Ontario, Tanzania, East Africa) e-mail: preciousvocations@yahoo.ca. Cincinnati Province (Ohio, Indiana, Florida, Chile, Peru, Guatemala) e-mail: vocation@ cpps-preciousblood.org. Kansas City Province (Missouri, Kansas, Texas) e-mail: kccppsvocations@sbcglobal.net. We also serve in California.

See ad on page 110. Code #108.

Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (M.S.C.) Motto: May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere. M.S.C. believe that the saving power of God’s love is the ultimate reality in life. Our experience of God’s love, revealed in the Heart of Jesus, leads us to share Christ’s compassion, healing, and reconciliation with everyone. M.S.C. minister in the United States in parishes, hospitals, schools, prisons, and special retreat programs. U.S.A. M.S.C. work in overseas missions in Papua/New Guinea and Colombia, South America. M.S.C. are an international community with 2,300 men working in over 52 countries around the world. Mr. Mario Delgado, Vocation Promoter P.O. Box 270, Aurora, IL 60507; (630) 892-2371; e-mail: vocation@misacorusa.org; website: http://www.misacor-usa.org.

Code #130.

Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary We are a religious community of priests and brothers dedicating our lives to God through service to our brothers and sisters in the localities of Italy, Argentina, the United States, India, Slovakia and the Philippines. As missionaries, our outreach is to those in need, whatever those needs may be. In the United States, we currently serve in parish ministry, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, retreat work, and spiritual direction. Our founder, Blessed Gaetano Errico, calls us “to labor selflessly . . . to make known to all people the deep and tender love of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and to kindle this love in the hearts of all . . .” Vocation Director, 350 Tract Rd., Fairfield, PA 17320; (717) 642-5755; e-mail: mssccusa@aol.com; website: www.missionofsacredhearts.org.

See ad on page 72. Code #133.

Missionary Benedictine Priests and Brothers The Missionary Benedictine Monk lives his vocation of prayer and work in the community of brothers, striving daily to a deeper encounter

with Christ. Prayer times in community, the daily celebration of the Eucharist, opportunities for quiet time in meditation and lectio are interwoven with our work schedule and life in community. Following the motto of our international congregation: Lumen Caecis—Light to the Blind, each monk tries to combine the Benedictine monastic lifestyle with an active missionary apostolate. We are working in 17 countries. At Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Nebraska, the seven monks are involved in retreat house ministry, spiritual direction, pastoral assistance, Hispanic ministry, in raising mission awareness and fundraising in support of our missionaries, etc. Vocation Director, Christ the King Priory, 1123 Road I, P.O. Box 528, Schuyler, NE 68661-0528; (402) 352-2177; e-mail: BroTobias@ BenedictineMissionHouse.com; websites: www.Benedictine MissionHouse.com and www.StBenedictCenter.com.

See ad on page 108. Code #249.

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Serving in over 70 countries, the Oblates are an international Congregation of about 4,400 priests and brothers sent to preach the Good News to the poor. Called “specialists in difficult missions,” we are committed to carrying the Gospel to others in the spirit of St. Eugene de Mazenod. We fulfill our mission in and through community. Wherever we work, our mission is especially to those people whose condition cries out for salvation and for the hope, which only Jesus Christ can fully bring. We give them our preference. In our mission we are dedicated to Mary Immaculate who is our patroness. If you are between ages 17 and 37 and interested in our mission here is your chance. Oblate Vocation Office, 327 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, TX 78216-6602; English & en español: (800) 358-4394; e-mail: vocations@omiusa.org; website: http://www.omiusa.org.

See ad on page 52. Code #109.

Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity We are religious priests and brothers dedicated for ministry to poor and forsaken persons in the U.S. and Latin America. We work hand in hand with other men and women to witness to the love of God. Our chief effort is to develop a missionary spirit in the laity, with the goal that every Catholic be an apostle.

In the U.S., we serve in inner-cities and rural areas; we toil in immigrant communities, minister in prisons, and manage lay development centers. In every place we are, we always learn more deeply of God from the people with whom we serve.

As Pope John Paul II says: “The Church needs your energies, your ideals, your enthusiasm to make the Gospel of Life penetrate the fabric of society.” So we dare you to stand with us. . .in the Spirit and in Christ. . .to live in God’s service. For more information please contact: Vocation Office, 9001 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20903; (800) 298-5602; e-mail: vocations@trinitymissions.org; website: http://www.

MissionaryServantsVocations.org.

See ad on page 111. Code #284.

N Norbertine Fathers and Brothers (O. Praem.)—Daylesford Abbey (Canons Regular of Premontre) Built in 1963, and renovated in 2003, Daylesford Abbey occupies 130 acres of countryside in Paoli, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia.

We Norbertines live an active liturgical, apostolic, and eccesial life dedicated to serving the local Church through our liturgical prayer life celebrated in the Abbey Church. In our ministries inside and outside the Abbey, we are nourished by an activecontemplative prayer life. We Norbertines daily break bread at two tables: the Eucharistic table of the Lord and the table of hospitality. Daylesford Abbey is a healing and reconciling community. We are committed to healing the broken. For more information contact Fr. Bill Kelly, O.Praem., 220 South Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301; (610) 647-2530 ext. 115; fax (610) 651-0219; e-mail: wkelly@daylesford.org; website: http://www. daylesford.org.

See ad on page 109. Code #289.

Norbertine Fathers and Brothers (O. Praem.)—Priory of St. Moses the Black (Canons Regular of Premontre) The priory is a foundation house from St. Norbert Abbey, DePere, WI. Priests, brothers, and seminarians live in community in the inner city of Jackson, sharing common prayer, table, governance, reflection, and mutual service. Our ministries place special emphasis on service to the poor and marginalized, and are focused primarily in the African-American community. We seek to give witness by our lives and ministry to reconciliation and bridge building between blacks and whites. The confreres serve in parishes, education, campus ministry, chaplaincies, spiritual direction,

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Search these Men’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org and diocesan offices. The community collaborates with other religious and laity in sponsoring the Thea Bowman Spirituality Center for the education and spiritual growth of the faithful.

Interested men with some college background are invited to visit the priory, and eventually participate in a live-in affiliate experience. Vocation Coordinator, 653 Claiborne Avenue, Jackson, MS 39209; (601) 354-3287; fax: (601) 944-1606; e-mail: xcprmmtb@juno.com.

See ad on page 49. Code #110.

Norbertine Fathers and Brothers (O. Praem.)—Priory of Santa Maria de la Vid (Our Lady of the Vine ) (Canons Regular of Premontre) The Priory was established in 1985 as a foundation house from St. Norbert Abbey, DePere, WI. Our goal is to become an abbey in New Mexico. Priests, brothers, and seminarians live together, nurtured by the Eucharist, Morning and Evening Prayer, and by our communal interaction. From the community base, we serve in parishes, hospitals, and in a variety of other ways in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Our ministry is broadly multicultural particularly to Hispanics, Native Americans, and Anglos. On our 70-acre property we also offer a “place apart” to the spiritual seeker and retreatant in our hermitages and guest house. We invite men discerning a vocation to come as observers and live for a time the rhythm of our life.

Vocation Coordinator, 5825 Coors Road, SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121-6700; (505) 873-4399; fax: (505) 873-4667; e-mail: norbertines@norbertinecommunity.org; website: http://www. norbertinecommunity.org.

See ad on page 49. Code #110.

O Oblates of the Virgin Mary Oblates are a religious community of priests and brothers. Living the charism of their Founder, the Venerable Fr. Bruno Lanteri, they cultivate a deep personal relationship with Christ through His Word and in the Eucharist.

They are consecrated to Mary and profess a strong adherence to the Magisterium and the Holy Father in particular. Their apostolic goals are giving the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and parish missions, formation of the clergy and the laity, combating modern errors in faith and morals, upholding solid doctrine, the diffusion of Catholic teaching through books and other means of communication, and foreign missionary activity.

Preferred age: under 37. Education: college/higher education preferred. Vocation Director, 1105 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215; (617) 266-5999, ext. 202; e-mail: vocations@omvusa. org; website: http://www.omvusa.org.

See ad on page 117. Code #111.

Order of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary We are a Eucharistic and contemplative community consisting of priests, brothers, and sisters, who wear a full habit, as well as lay “external” members, all of whom are consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Our daily schedule, besides Holy Mass, includes: 20 decade Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Liturgy of the Hours, and time for silent adoration, all before Our Lord Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. After being filled with the love and mercy of Our Savior, we go forth to be His reflection to others through various corporal works of mercy. Contact: Vocation Director, 48765 Annapolis Road, Hopedale, OH 43976; (740)

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P Pallottines (The Society of the Catholic Apostolate) Founded by St. Vincent Pallotti in 1835, serves as an active apostolic community within the mission of the Church of the United States. We are more than 2,400 priests and brothers engaged in many apostolates, which include parish ministry, education, prison ministry, retreat work, youth ministry, lay ministry formation, and hospital and military chaplaincies. Pope John Paul II spoke of the Pallottines as “...a bridge between the clergy and laity in order to give life again to that apostolate which unites the faithful to the work of evangelization and sanctification....”

Consider this a personal invitation to take a serious look at becoming a Pallottine. If you have felt a ‘Yes’ within yourself to get more information, and you are between the ages of 18-35, we invite you to contact our vocation office: 1-800-APOSTLE; website: http://www.SACApostles.org; e-mail: Vocation@ SACApostles.org; or mail Vocation Director, Pallottine Vocation Office, 5552 Route 70, Pennsauken, NJ 08109.

See ad on page 101. Code #239.

Passionists (C.P.) Passionist priests and brothers take a unique vow to promote the memory of Christ’s passion and God’s redeeming love for us through their life of contemplation, community and ministry to the crucified of today. Founded by St. Paul of the Cross, Passionists stand in solidarity with those who suffer or are marginalized—the disabled, the sick, the dying, the grieving, those isolated and alone—and offer opportunities for all to experience spiritual growth and healing. Prayer and a rich community life support the special Passionist charism. Ministries include preaching, retreat center programs, parish, radio and TV ministry, and chaplaincies. Both Provinces have members missioned in other countries. Interested in male candidates, 19-40 years old. Western Province: Fr. Clemente Barron, C.P., 700 Waverly, San Antonio, TX 78201; (210) 736-5228; cbarron@ passionist.org; website: http://www.passionist.org/vocations.

Eastern Province: Bill Walsh, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT 06107; (860) 313-0456; e-mail: bwalsh@cpprov.org; website: www.cpvoca-stpaul.org.

See ad on page 27. Code #113.

The Paulists Fathers (C.S.P.) The Paulists, founded by Isaac Hecker, are the first North American community of priests.

The Paulists minister through their Mission of Reaching Out (Evangelization), Bringing Peace (Reconciliation), and Seeking Unity (Ecumenism and Interreligious Relations). The Paulists are in over 20 cities in the United States and Canada. We serve as campus ministers, adult educators, and parish priests. We conduct retreats/missions, and publish through Paulist Press.

We reach out through the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association and work in media related endeavors through Paulist Productions and Paulist Media Works. Training includes a year novitiate and graduate theological studies in Washington, D.C. Fr. Ed Nowak, C.S.P., Director of Vocations, 415 West 59th Street, New York, NY 10019-1104; (800) 235-3456 or (212) 757-4260; fax: (212) 445-0285; e-mail: vocations@paulist.org; website: http://www.paulist.org/vocation.

See ad on page 172. Code #114.

Piarists (Sch.P.) Founded by St. Joseph Calasanctius in 1617, Piarists profess a special fourth religious vow to educate youth, especially the poor. Our schools are concerned with both the spiritual and academic achievement of our students. Our motto, Pietas et Litterae, expresses both our work and charism. We are an International Order in 32 countries, and in the United States are represented in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Passaic, Puerto Rico, and Los Angeles. We have schools, parishes, Hungarian and Spanish ministries, foreign missions, a summer mission in Mexico, and a school and Appalachian Mission in eastern Kentucky. Rev. David Powers, Sch. P., Vocation Director, 99 Martha’s Vineyard, Prestonsburg, KY 41653; (610) 564-8893; e-mail: dariff@hotmail.com; website: http://www.calasanz.net.

Code #195.

PIME Missionaries PIME, (the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) believes our mission is the world! We are an international society of apostolic life—priests and brothers dedicated to proclaiming the Kingdom of God among non-Christians in other parts of the world. PIME originated in Italy in 1854 and includes more than 550 members. Our missionaries currently serve on five continents. Do you have the passion to serve God

in different cultures? Do you want to make a difference and be a part of our rich history? If you are under 30 years old, come join the challenge. Please visit us online at www.pimeusa.org.

PIME Missionaries, 17330 Quincy St., Detroit, MI 48221; (313) 342-4066; fax: (313) 342-6816; e-mail: info@pimeusa.org; website: http://www.pimeusa.org.

See ad on page 103. Code #134.

Presentation Brothers of Mary The Presentation Brothers are an international community of men who pray and work together for a better world. Our mission is to the poor, the broken, the suffering, whether in the first world or third world. We direct this mission toward youth in a special way. Through teaching, retreat work, social work, pastoral ministry, missionary involvement, and youth ministry we commit ourselves to building the kingdom of love, justice, and peace of which Jesus speaks. If you are looking for a deeper meaning and challenge in life, we invite you to consider serving others as a Presentation Brother. Vocation Director, 1602 Pettis Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34741; (407) 846-2033; e-mail: fpm1802@juno.com; website: http://www.

PresentationBrothers.com.

See ad on page 140. Code #115.

Priests of the Sacred Heart (S.C.J.) We are an apostolic congregation of brothers and priests inspired by the mystery of God’s love expressed in the heart of Christ. Fr. Leo John Dehon, our founder, was convinced that the best way to respond to our experience of God’s love is by reaching out to those around us and helping them to experience that same love in their own lives. This often means addressing unjust situations and circumstances that prevent people from reaching their full potential. Much of our work in the U.S. is with the poor and working class. Foreign missions are available. We prefer candidates 18-40 (will consider to age 45) with religious and/or social involvement, a solid academic background, and appropriate work history. Vocation Director, P.O. Box 206/V, Hales Corners, WI 53130-0206; toll free (800) 609-5559; fax: (414) 529-3377; e-mail: vocationcentral@wi.rr.com; website: http://www.scjvocation.org.

See ad on page 60. Code #116.

R The Redemptorists, Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (C.Ss.R.) The Redemptorists are a community of apostolic men—followers of Jesus Christ the Redeemer and disciples of St. Alphonsus Liguori. As a religious congregation of priests and brothers, our mission is to proclaim the Good News of plentiful redemption to the poor and most abandoned.

Our work in parishes, retreat houses, parish missions, and foreign countries, as well as special apostolates, e.g. migrants, prisoners, and young adults, serves as pathways for Christ’s love. Like the apostles we live and work together; we combine our prayers and deliberations, our labors and sufferings, our successes and failures, and our talents and material goods in service to the Gospel. For more information, visit our website: http://www.redemptorists.com or contact the Vocation office: Fr. Santo Arrigo, C. Ss.R.; e-mail: vocations@redemptorists.com; telephone: (416) 789-3217.

See ad on page 65. Code #135.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH

Norbertine Fathers and Brothers (O. Praem.)—St. Norbert Abbey (Canons Regular of Premontre) The Norbertines are a religious order of men who follow the Rule of St. Augustine and were founded by St. Norbert in 1120. We have 100 members who belong to St. Norbert Abbey, including priests, brothers, and seminarians. We encourage those candidates who have either completed their college degrees or are in the process of doing so. We have two dependent priories, one theologate, one house of studies, one college, one high school, one retreat house, and six parishes entrusted to our care. We also have two foundation houses in Albuquerque, NM, and Jackson, MS. We are involved in parochial ministry, chaplaincies, foreign missions, medical missionary work, campus ministry work, retreat work, education, writing, and educational administration. We minister in the Archdioceses of Chicago, IL; Santa Fe, NM; and Lima, Peru. We are also located in the Diocese of Green Bay, WI and Jackson, MS. We are committed to our traditional ministries with special emphasis on the poor. Fr. James Baraniak, O. Praem., Vocation Coordinator, 103 Grant Street, DePere, WI 54115; (920) 403-1336; fax: (920) 403-1338; e-mail: norbertines@snc.edu; website: http://www.norbertines.org.

See ad on page 49. Code #110

946-9000; e-mail: twohearts@1st.net; website: http://www. heartsofjesusandmary.org.

Code #271.

S The Salesians of Don Bosco (S.D.B.) For over 150 years under the teachings of St. John Bosco, Salesian Brothers and Priests have been inspiring young people to live lives of faith.

We are looking for dedicated, holy men who want to serve the young and dedicate their whole life to Christ and the church. As a Salesian priest or brother you will evangelize in your ministry with the young and achieve sanctification as an active religious accompanying youth toward holiness.

Salesians serve in various capacities: coordinators of youth ministry, teachers, coaches, technical instructors, administrators, guidance counselors, and friends to the young. The life of the Salesian is a life of intense work with and for the young and therefore our spirituality is linked closely to duty, relationships, and a joyous family spirit that attracts. We live in community and work together in a common mission. We are a large world-wide congregation. In the United States, Salesian Priests and Brothers operate 25 youth oriented parishes, 10 high schools, seven boys and girls clubs, and three retreat houses. Fr. Steve Ryan, S.D.B., Salesian Vocation Office, 315 Self Place, South Orange, NJ 07079; (973) 761-0201; e-mail: salvoc@aol.com; website: http://www.salesianvocation.com or Fr. Chris Woerz, S.D.B., Office of Vocation Office, P.O. Box 1639, Rosemead, CA 91770; (626) 280-8622, ext.

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See ad on page 63. Code #117.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH

Salvatorians (Society of the Divine Savior) The Salvatorians (79 Priests, 31 Brothers, 5 Clerics, 3 Novices and 142 Lay Salvatorians) were founded to use “any means which the Love of Christ inspires” to bring the Gospel to the world. Involved in parishes, home and foreign mission, education, hospital and military chaplaincies, youth ministry, communications, counseling, campus ministry, and specialized ministries.

We are represented in the Archdioceses of Milwaukee, New York, Seattle, Portland, and Washington and in the Dioceses of Bismarck, Birmingham, Green Bay, Harrisburg, LaCrosse, Nashville, Oakland, Orlando, Phoenix, St. Cloud, Sacramento, Savannah, Tucson, Venice, Wheeling, and Wilmington, American Salvatorians are also serving in Tanzania, East Africa. Contact: Fr. Scott Jones, S.D.S., 1735 N. Hi-Mount Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53208-1720; (414) 258-1735; fax: (414) 258-1934; e-mail: Scott@salvatorians.com; website: http://sdsvocations.com.

See ad on page 20. Code #145.

Servants of Mary, Friars (O.S.M.) Founded in 1233, we bring the compassionate presence of Christ to the world through lives lived in community, serving the needs of others in a variety of ministries, while looking to Mary as the example of life and service. Servite Friars (Priests and Brothers): Servite Vocation Director, 3121 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612-2729; (773) 533-0361; fax: (773) 533-8307; website: http://www. servite.org.

See ad on page 66. Code #159.

Servants of the Paraclete (sP.) We are a religious congregation of priests and brothers who dedicate our lives to Christ by assisting fellow priests and brothers who are in need of psychological, spiritual, and vocational support. Founded in 1947 by Fr. Gerald Fitzgerald, s.P. our Congregation has helped more than 4,000 clergy through residential programs based on Eucharistic adoration, psychological and spiritual counseling, fraternal life in common, and fidelity to the Church. Currently this ministry is being carried out in the USA, England, and the Philippines. If you are interested in finding out more about the Servants of the Paraclete, please contact: USA: Rev. Peter Lechner, sP., (Servant General), (314) 965-0860, ext. 22; e-mail: peterlechner@yahoo. com; Rev. Paul Valley, sP., (Vicar General), (314) 965-0860 ext.

25; S.E. Asia: Rev. Philip Taylor, sP., (Vocation Director), e-mail: philiptsp@yahoo.com; website: http://www.theservants.org. You will receive a warm welcome. Servants of the Paraclete, 13270 Maple Drive, St. Louis, MO 63127.

See ad on page 72. Code #300.

Spiritans (CSSp) (Congregation of the Holy Spirit) For over three centuries Spiritans have crisscrossed the globe—living particularly among people who are suffering, being a pastoral presence and advocate for justice, and teaching the message of the Gospel. In parishes, schools, and missions we go where there is a need, bearing God’s Spirit of joy and hope.

Today Spiritan Priests and Brothers are over 3,000 strong, an international congregation on an adventure of the Spirit. We are committed to the poor, dedicated to justice, and open to all cultures, and grounded in community and prayer. Vocation Office, Fr. Bill Christy, CSSp, Laval House, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282; (412) 765-0733; fax: (412) 765-1983; e-mail: vocations@duq.edu; website: www.spiritans.org.

See ad on page 118. Code #164 .

T Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) The monastery is located in the wooded hills and hollows of southwest Missouri.

This location is ideal for prayer but makes it difficult for us to earn our living, so we have a fruitcake industry. Our call is to leave all and follow Christ on a desert journey in a community of brothers. Our guide is the Benedictine monastic way in the contemplative tradition of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Merton. Our task is to glorify God and to build up the body of Christ by a life of intercessory prayer and sacrifice. We have room for brothers and priests, and are flexible regarding age and education. Br. Francis Flaherty, O.C.S.O., Assumption Abbey, RR5, Box 1056, Ava, MO 65608; (417) 683-5110; e-mail: avavocations@wildblue.net; website: http://www.assumptionabbey.org.

See ad on page 73. Code #121.

Trinitarians Founded in 1198 through the vision of St. John DeMatha, the Trinitarian priests and brothers bring the redemptive love of Jesus to those they serve. The earliest Trinitarians, through every possible means available, sought freedom for those held captive for their faith. Through their work for the poor, those who suffer religious persecution, and in parishes, schools, missions, prisons, and hospitals, they strive for the freedom of all people. Trinitarians live in small, intimate communities and enjoy common prayer. Their purpose in loving is freedom and dignity. They number 75 members in the United States and more than 700 worldwide. Candidates, ages 18-40, with a minimum of a high school diploma, are considered.

Vocation Director, P.O. Box 5719, Baltimore, MD 21282-0719; (800) 525-3554 or (410) 484-2250; e-mail: vocations@trinitarians.org; website: http://www.trinitarians.org.

See ad on page 59. Code #122.

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Society of African Missions (S.M.A.) We are an international community of 1,200 missionaries: priests, brothers, and laity. Our ministry is among the different peoples of Africa and those of African descent. At this time there is not a program for brothers in the United States. We come from Africa, Argentina, Europe, India, the Philippines, and North America. With over 140 years of missionary service, we strive to witness by word and life to the gospel of Jesus Christ in its totality through a variety of ministries. These include parish, health care, education, street children, people with handicaps, refugee relief, and village development ministries. S.M.A. Vocation Director: Deacon Keith McKnight, S.M.A., 23 Bliss Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670; toll free, (888) 250-4333 or (201) 567-0277; e-mail: deaconkm@ smafathers.org; website: http://www.smafathers.org.

See ad on page 51. Code #136.

U.S. Army Chaplain Corps ANSWERING THE CALL. There are over one million Soldiers in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. Add to that spouses, children, and civilian staff and you have a community of almost two million people. An important part of that community is the Chaplain Corps, which includes chaplains and chaplain assistants. Whether it’s preaching, counseling, or presiding at a baptism, you will be bringing much-needed spiritual guidance, hope, and compassion to all those around you. You will experience challenges unheard of in civilian ministries. You will be guiding soldiers and their families through the whole “cycle of life,” in moments of joy, in moments of distress. You will be making a true difference. You will be serving God and your country. For more information about answering the call as an Army Chaplain, contact 1-800USA-ARMY ext. 123 or visit us on the web at http://chaplain. goarmy.com.

See ad on page 43. Code #246.

Somascan Fathers and Brothers (C.R.S.) The Somascan Fathers and Brothers minister at the following facilities: Pine Haven Boys Center, a residential treatment center for disadvantaged boys ages 7-15 in Allenstown, NH; Assumption Catholic Church and Christ the King Catholic Church in Houston, TX. Both parishes have a strong presence of immigrants from Latin America. Also in Houston, St. Jerome’s House, a Catholic Charities sponsored residence for immigrant minors legally recognized as “refugees,” who do not have any family in the United States. And the Somascan House of Formation which is next to the Christ the King Church. All vocation inquiries should be addressed to Fr. Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, Vocation Director: somascans@yahoo.com. For more information please visit: http://www.somascans.org.

See ad on page 102. Code #120.

United States Conference of Secular Institutes (USCSI) The United States Conference of Secular Institutes is an association of all the Secular Institutes in the United States. Its mission is to provide education, resources, and support for member institutes, and to assist inquirers in finding the Secular Institute that is right for them. USCSI is committed to making known, understood, and appreciated the call to consecrated secularity in the Catholic Church. Total consecration to God through the evangelical counsels of poverty, celibate chastity, and obedience is the hallmark of all Secular Institutes. Institutes are for single women or for single men, and some are for diocesan priests.

It is the newest and fastest-growing vocation in the Church today. For more information see http://www.secularinstitutes. org. Inquirers may be helped by writing to or talking with Sharon K. Lewis, Vocation Committee, 26673 Franklin Pointe

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Drive, Southfield, MI 48034-5615; (248) 352-8425; e-mail: sklewis@comcast.net.

Code #147.

V Viatorians (Clerics of St. Viator) The Clerics of St. Viator are an international congregation of religious priests and brothers sent by the Catholic Church to teach the faith and proclaim Jesus Christ as Gospel. In parishes, schools, and a variety of ministries, Viatorians work with Christian communities to live, deepen, and celebrate faith. Viatorians of the Chicago Province minister in the U.S., Colombia, and Belize. Contact Fr. Dan Nolan, C.S.V., 1212 East Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004; (847) 398-0685; e-mail: DTN2001@aol.com; website: http://www.viatorians.com.

See ad on page 73. Code #094.

Vincentian Priests and Brothers Confronted with the sickness, poverty, and spiritual weariness of the people around him, St. Vincent de Paul committed his life to championing the needs of the poor and spreading God’s message of hope.

Through prayer, word, and action, he challenged others to carry on his special mission. Over 300 years after he walked the earth, St. Vincent’s work moves forward into the 21st century.

If you visualize his mission as part of your life, we urge you to experience the Vincentian challenge! (800) 337-2851; website: http://www.vincentians.net.

See ad on page 75. Code #178.

X Xaverian Brothers (C.F.X.) (Congregation of the Brothers of St. Francis Xavier) The Xaverian Brothers are vowed laymen dedicated to following Jesus through lives of prayer, community, and service. Inspired by the vision of Theodore James Ryken, our Founder, and by the zeal of Francis Xavier, we strive to live lives rooted in the Good News of God’s saving love for all people. Blending a life of contemplation and action, we are attentive to the call of God’s Spirit to be BROTHERS to the poor and marginalized people in North and South America, Europe, and Africa. Volunteers also share in the life and works of the Brothers in these regions. Director of Membership for Vocations: Br. Jim Connolly, C.F.X., 14 Earl St., Malden, MA 02148; e-mail: xavbrosv@yahoo.com; website: http://www. xaverianbrothers.org.

See ad on page 37. Code #198.

Xaverian Missionaries We represent Our Lord Jesus Christ as He reaches out to the non-Christian world. We are from different countries, have a very strong family spirit, and make the vows of religious life. We work in groups of three or four in the foreign missions. We do not work where Christianity is well-founded. Young men who desire to become missionary priests or brothers must be less than 35 years old when entering the Xaverian family and must be ready to follow Christ for life. Those interested in becoming Xaverians, please contact Fr. Adolph, 4500 Xavier Drive, Franklin, WI 53132; (414) 4210831; fax: (414) 421-9108; e-mail: adolphmenendez@yahoo. com; website: http://www.XavierMissionaries.org.

See ad on page 105. Code #137.

DIOCESE Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh A PROFESSION OF FAITH. A vocation to the priesthood in the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh is a unique, spiritually fulfilling pathway to serving God by serving His people. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, priestly formation begins at the Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a school of theology whose primary mission is to prepare candidates for priestly ministry to the Byzantine Catholic Churches of North America. A priest of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh dedicates himself to the theology, liturgy, and traditions of the Eastern Catholic Church, functioning at all times for the good of the eparchy (diocese). He serves within the Archeparchy, a region consisting of both established parishes and mission communities in the states of Louisiana, Ohio (eastern), Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (western/central), Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. Let’s talk about your vocation. Phone Father Dennis M. Bogda at (412) 231-4000 ext.

20 or e-mail: vocations@archeparchy.org; website: http://www. archeparchy.org.

See ad on page 123. Code #197.

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WOMEN’S RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES SEARCH A Adorers of the Blood of Christ (A.S.C.) If you’re reading this, you may be wrestling with questions about your vocation. We offer a spiritual discernment program—LifeChoices®—that is designed to help women and men discern if God is calling them to marriage, single or religious life. Already decided you’re interested in religious life? Then we invite you to contact the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. We are a dynamic community of nearly 400 Sisters, 527 Associates, 150 volunteers, and 229 co-workers serving Adorer ministries in spiritual enrichment, health care, education, pastoral ministry, and social justice here and abroad. For information on our spiritual discernment program—LifeChoices®—or religious life as an Adorer, contact Sr. Diana Rawlings, 1400 South Sheridan, Wichita, KS 67213-1394; 1-877-ADORERS (1-877-236-7377) or (316) 942-2201, ext.

1414; e-mail: ascvocations@adorers.org; website: http://www. adorers.org.

See ads on pages 17, 111. Code #001.

Augustinian Nuns of Contemplative Life ”You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless, until they rest in you.” These words of St. Augustine resonate within our hearts and speak to our experience as women dedicated to the contemplative way of life. Prayer and our religious vows, silence and solitude, community life and work, all give shape to our day as we witness to this “desire of the heart” to be one with God. The joy, peace, and love of our community is strengthened by our daily celebration of Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, spiritual reading and dedicated times for meditation and contemplative presence before the Lord. If you find that your heart is restless for God and you feel drawn to a life of prayer and praise within a contemplative lifestyle, we invite you to contact us. Vocation Director, Mother of Good Counsel Monastery, 440 N. Marley Road, New Lenox, IL 60451; (815) 463-9662; e-mail: info@ lampsalight.org; website: http://www.lampsalight.org.

See ad on page 159. Code #161

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Benedictine Sisters/A.B.F.C. (American Benedictine Formation Conference) Glenna Smith, O.S.B., Vision 2007 Coordinator. Each monastic community, though observing the Rule of Benedict, is independent and self-governing. Community is the central ministry of Benedictine monasteries. We share our lives, our prayer, and our work as a way of blessing the world.

This common life is meant to be a sign that “strangers can live together in love (AIM).” Our monastic profession of obedience, stability, and fidelity to the monastic way of life, binds us to God, to the Church, and to one another. A balanced, contemplative life, Benedictine spirituality yields meaningful ministry that addresses the needs of the modern world, e.g. education, health care, pastoral ministry, social work, spiritual direction, missionary activity. Each monastery is unique in size, geographic location, and in the distribution of God’s gifts. Common to us all, is the pursuit of peace and the search for God. Our preferred minimum age for respondents is 19 or 20 with the equivalency of at least a high school diploma. Website: http://www.benedictine-srs-vocations.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Atchison, KS—Mount St. Scholastica We are a monastic community rooted in the common life, prayer, and ministry to God’s people. Priority is given

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Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Beech Grove, IN—Our Lady of Grace Monastery We are monastic women who choose to seek God in community. If you feel you have a religious vocation to serve the people of God in community, call us at (317) 787-3287, ext. 3032. As Sisters of St. Benedict, we follow a monastic way of life. Prayer and community come first in our lives. We live the Benedictine tradition of seeking God through prayer, work, and hospitality. We are engaged in the work of God through various ministries. We also serve one another by living in a community characterized by warmth, honesty, vitality, and joy. We welcome single, Catholic women, ages 20-45, who are experiencing a call from God; who desire to live the Gospel; and who have a capacity to be generous and compassionate. Find us at http://www. benedictine.com. Vocation Director: Sr. Nicolette Etienne, 1402 Southern Avenue, Beech Grove, IN 46107; (317) 787-3287, ext.

3032; e-mail: nicolette@benedictine.com.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Bismarck, ND—Annunciation Monastery We are a community of monastic women who seek God and care for God’s people. Our monastery is nestled atop a bluff overlooking the scenic Missouri River. We value common prayer, the Eucharist, and time alone with God. We value community life and care for and support one another. Women of faith, we make a vital impact on the lives of others through our ministries and prayer. As individuals we do whatever work best suits our talents. We are leaders in Catholic health care, higher education, and spirituality in the area. We invite you to inquire about our monastic life of prayer, work, and community as a way to find peace and joy in God. Sr. Kathleen Atkinson, O.S.B., 7520 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504-9653; (701) 2551520; e-mail: vocations@annunciationmonastery.org; website: http://www.annunciationmonastery.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.)—Bristow, VA The Benedictine Sisters of Virginia are a community of 36 women living the monastic life. Each sister seeks God and in the process she finds herself, discovers her gifts, deepens her prayer, forms community, serves God’s people, and makes a lifetime commitment. Benedictine spirituality forms a rich tapestry of community, prayer, and ministry. We have several corporate ministries that address a variety of needs in the local church and community: education, homelessness, retreats and pastoral programs, counseling, and hospitality. Individual sisters engage in ministries which are expressive of their gifts. St. Benedict Monastery is located 35 miles west of Washington, D.C., near Manassas, VA. We invite women interested in exploring our life to visit us, to attend a Monastic Discernment Weekend, or to apply for the Live-in Program. Sr. Vicki Ix, O.S.B., Saint Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA 20136-1217; (703) 361-0106; e-mail: vocations@osbva.org; website: http://www.osbva.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.)—Chicago, IL We are Benedictine women called to seek God in prayer and community, serving where there is need. We sponsor an academy for young women and serve the church and society in a variety of ways. We work in all areas of education, social service, pastoral ministry, spiritual development, and health care. We minister to the elderly, to homeless women, and the mentally ill, and underlying all we do is our desire to live the Gospel command to love God and neighbor. Women 20-50 who wish to seek God in an active monastic community by living a balanced life of prayer, work, and leisure are invited to contact us. Vocation Director, 7430 North Ridge Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60645; (773) 764-2413, ext. 267; e-mail: jsmith@osbchicago.org. Visit us at our website: http://www.osbchicago.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Colorado Springs, CO—Benet Hill We are a monastic community of 35 members committed to Gospel as lived out in the Rule of St. Benedict which emphasizes seeking God. We strive to seek God through community in hospitality, praise of God in liturgy, and daily communal prayer, and serve God’s people in ministry according to each Sister’s giftedness to meet the needs of the church and society in a changing culture, especially the needs of women. Commitment to justice issues, global concerns, peace and nonviolence calls us to work in a variety of ministries such as scripture studies, spiritual direction, retreats, work with the elderly, the young, the sick, the poor and the marginalized. We currently serve in Colorado, New Mexico, and Jamaica. We invite women over the age of 21 to consider exploring our Benedictine way of life as you discern your call from God to follow the gospel. Contact us for more information on criteria for entrance. Sr. Mary Colleen Schwarz, O.S.B.; 2555 North Chelton Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80909-1399; (719) 633-0655; e-mail: schwarzcolleen@ hotmail.com; or Sr. Clare Carr, O.S.B.; e-mail: ccarr10@hotmail. com; website: http://www.benethillmonastery.org.

See ads on page 31, 32-33. Code #270.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.)—Columbia, MO Located in Columbia, Missouri, a large college town in the middle of the state, we are a small monastic community of women. We live out the Benedictine tradition to seek God in community, prayer, work, and hospitality. Prayer and community life are priorities and our ministries flow from these values. Our ministries are based on the gifts of the Sister, the local needs of the people and the compatibility with community life. Because we are small in number, our community life is lived in family style with care, concern, and love for one another. We encourage women ages 20 to 48 who are interested in this path of seeking God in a monastic community to write, e-mail, or call for further information.

Vocation Director, Sr. Alice O’Brien, O.S.B., Our Lady of Peace Monastery, 3710 West Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203; (573) 446-2300; e-mail: aliceob1@juno.com; website: http://www. benedictinesister.org See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Cottonwood, ID—Monastery of St. Gertrude Put Down Roots, join us as we minister to the world through our way of life, seeking God through prayer, community, and service. In a spirit of healing hospitality, grateful simplicity, and creative peacemaking, we invite you to serve with us at the Monastery, in the Diocese of Boise and throughout the Northwest in our ministries of education, health care, spirituality, and more. Take a chance and call us now. Vocation Director: Sr. Janet M. Barnard, O.S.B., 465 Keuterville Road, Cottonwood, ID 83522; (208) 962-5024; e-mail: vocation@stgertrudes.org; website: http://www.StGertrudes.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Covington, KY—St. Walburg Monastery We are a Benedictine community of monastic women who celebrate the presence of Jesus Christ in community, prayer, and work. Our common search for God enables us as community to create spaces of peace and justice. The Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharist, personal prayer, and reading are the foundations of our spirituality. We work as church ministers serving old and young, sick and poor, strangers and guests.

We are spiritual and retreat directors, teachers, social workers, counselors, nurses, and administrators in Kentucky, Ohio, and Colorado. We sponsor Villa Madonna Academy, a Montessori school, Madonna Manor Nursing Home, and a Spirituality Center. Women who want to strengthen their faith and discern a call to serve God are welcome to spend time with the community. Contact: Sr. Cathy Bauer, O.S.B., 2500 Amsterdam Road, Covington, Kentucky 41017; (859) 331-6324; e-mail: bauerosb@ yahoo.com; website: http//www.stwalburg.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

WOMEN’SCOMMUNITIES COMMUNITIESSEARCH SARCH WOMEN’S

Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (A.S.C.J.) The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus were founded in Viaregio, Italy, in 1894 by Clelia Merloni (1861-1930) Clelia propelled the life of the Apostles into the heart of the Church by dedicating the Congregation to the loving Heart of Jesus. The motto of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: The Love of Christ Impels us, summarizes the moving force of their lives. Apostles spread devotion to the Sacred Heart by lives of compassion and holiness. As consecrated women of the Church, they imitate the life of Christ in the world today through education, health care, pastoral ministry, social services , human development, and missionary activity. An international Congregation, they serve in Italy, Albania, Switzerland, Chile, Mexico, Africa, Taiwan, Brazil, Argentina, and the United States. Sr. Susan Marie Krupp, Mount Sacred Heart, 295 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514-2801; (314) 620-8847; e-mail: ascjvocations@yahoo.com; Congregation website: http://www.ascjus.org; Vocations website: http://www.ascjusvocations.org.

See ad on page 91. Code #267.

to times of common prayer throughout the day as we gather for Liturgy of the Hours. Flowing out of our monastic living, our ministries focus on empowering women, particularly the young, the poor, and those most in need. Our ministries include a spirituality center, a music conservatory, and women’s centers in Atchison and Kansas City. Our Sisters also work in the areas of counseling, health care, parish ministry, and education at all levels. We invite women, ages 20-40, who wish to visit or inquire for more information to contact: Vocation Director, 801 South 8th Street, Atchison, KS 66002-2778; (913) 360-6219; e-mail: vocation@mountosb.org; website: http://www.mountosb.org.

See ads on pages 32-33, 90. Code #080.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Crookston, MN—Mount St. Benedict Monastery We are monastic women committed to living the Gospel and the Rule of Saint Benedict. We strive for awareness of God through prayer, service, and reverence for all creation in a spirit of peace and joy. Our core values are community, hospitality, prayer, and just peace. We discern our works according to the needs of the times and the gifts of the sisters. At present we serve in Minnesota and Texas as educators, spiritual directors, pastoral ministers, health care providers,

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We invite women, single or single-again, ages 20-50, who desire a monastic lifestyle to contact our Vocation Director, Sr. Anne DeMers, O.S.B., 620 Summit Avenue, Crookston, MN 567162799; (218) 281-3441; e-mail: ademers@msb.net; website: http://www.msb.net.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

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Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Cullman, AL—Sacred Heart Monastery How can my life make a difference? What gives real meaning to life? How can I best respond to God’s love for me? If these are your questions, we invite you to visit and experience how we seek God by a life of balance, prayer and work, community life, and solitude according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. Rooted in this heritage, we share God’s gifts in different ministries, responding to the needs of the Church in this mission area. Located in the heart of North Alabama, we have been reaching out in love and service to God’s people for over 100 years. We can’t answer your questions for you, but we will help you discern your best response to God’s loving call.

Phone: (256) 734-2199; e-mail: vocation@shmon.org; website: http://www.shmon.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Duluth, MN—St. Scholastica Monastery We are a community of women seeking God together in a life of communal prayer and work with the Gospel and the Rule of St. Benedict as our guide. The Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, and Sacred Reading are central to our lives. We affirm God’s individual gifts to each Sister as she serves others in our various ministries which include health care, education, spiritual renewal, pastoral work, outreach to the poor, and the creative arts. Our monastery is located on a wooded hill overlooking Lake Superior. We share our beautiful 186-acre campus with The College of St. Scholastica which we sponsor. For more information, to arrange a visit, or to view our film “Sing a New Song,” contact Sr. Mary Catherine Shambour, O.S.B., 1001 Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811-2300; (218) 723-6646; e-mail: mcshambour@duluthosb.org; website: http://www. duluthbenedictines.org.

See ads on pages 32-33, 38. Code #282.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Eau Claire, WI—St. Bede Monastery We, the Sisters of Saint Bede Monastery in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, value liturgical prayer and the bonds of community.

We are challenged and supported in our monastic profession to seek God before all else. Through various ministries we encourage the particular gifts and skills of each sister to be used for the common good of Church and community. We welcome others who wish to experience the graces of life in common.

Their future will rest on a 1500 year monastic tradition. This inheritance will bless them as they live out the spirit of Saints Benedict and Scholastica in the 21st century. Vocation Director: Sister Ruth Feeney, O.S.B., P.O. Box 66, Eau Claire, WI 54702; (714) 834-3176; e-mail: vocation@saintbede.org; website: http://www.saintbede.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.)—Elizabeth, NJ We are monastic women who seek God in community through Gospel values and the Rule of Benedict. We live out our monastic conversion supported by Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, and presence to one another. In active lives balanced with contemplation, we witness to Jesus Christ through community, hospitality, and service in education, health care, and spirituality. We welcome responses from single women who have some college or work experience and desire to seek God within a community life that overflows into prayer and ministry. Sr. Marita Funke, O.S.B., Saint Walburga Monastery, 851 North Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07208; (908) 353-3028; e-mail: maritaosb@aol.com; website: http://www.bensisnj.org See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Emmaus, PA—Transfiguration Monastery We are a monastic community that strives to be a sign of God’s caring presence in the world by seeking God in community life, prayer, and ministry. Our life is centered in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharist, community life and Benedictine hospitality. Ministries vary according to the gifts of each sister and the needs of the people of God. We are currently serving in the fields of education and pastoral ministry. In addition, our spirituality outreach includes: Oblates, Associates, Study Groups, and Retreat Groups. Approaching the future with faith and openness to the Holy Spirit, we invite

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women who seek God and are drawn to a life of prayer and ministry to contact us. Vocation Director: Sr. Germaine Hartle, O.S.B., 526 Fairview Street, Emmaus, PA 18049-3837; (610) 965-6818; e-mail: monasteryosb@enter.net; website: http://www. emmausosb.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.)—Erie, PA The Benedictine Sisters of Erie are a community of vowed women monastics who follow the Rule of Saint Benedict. We strive for balance among community living, contemplative and liturgical prayer, Lectio Divina (sacred reading), silence, and ministry. We believe these aspects provide vitality for our monastic life. Our vision is that, throughout this next century, our life together will be a witness of our search for God through prayer, listening, and witness to global issues. We commit to using our human energies to opening our hearts and home, building community together, sharing our resources, and ministering with others. Faithful to our monastic tradition, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, PA pray and work so that in all things God may be glorified. For further information, please contact Sister Dorothy Stoner, O.S.B., 6101 East Lake Rd., Erie, PA 16511; (814) 899-0614 ext. 2511; e-mail: formation@mtstbenedict.org; website: http://www. eriebenedictines.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Ferdinand, IN—Monastery Immaculate Conception We are monastic women seeking God through the Benedictine tradition of community life, prayer, hospitality, and service to others. By our life and work, we commit ourselves to be a presence of peace as we join our sisters and brothers in the common search for God. We serve in education, parish ministry, the social services, health care, retreat and spiritual direction, and mission work. We do not identify ourselves with one specific ministry; rather we respect each individual’s gifts as given

by God. A college education is helpful but not required. We have 190 members, 11 of whom are in initial formation. We encourage women, ages 20-40, who earnestly seek God and want to live a balanced life of prayer and work to inquire about our monastic lifestyle. Sr. Anita Louise Lowe or Sr. Agnes Marie Dauby, 802 East 10th Street, Ferdinand, IN 47532-9239; (800) 738-9999; e-mail: vocation@thedome.org; website: http://www.thedome.org.

See ads on pages 32-33, 39. Code #069.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Fort Smith, AR—St. Scholastica Monastery We are monastic women living the Benedictine tradition of seeking God in community through prayer, work, hospitality, and leisure. We are engaged in the work of God through teaching, pastoral care, pastoral ministry in parishes, prison ministry, social services, social awareness, counseling, retreat work, and spiritual direction. We welcome and encourage women ages 18-45 who are seeking to live a balanced life of prayer and personal transformation, who hunger for meaning in life, and who have the desire to become part of our future by sharing the power of the Gospel, to free people for a fully human life, and create a community of love and peace. Vocation Director: Sr. Kimberly Prohaska, O.S.B., P.O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913; (479) 783-4147; e-mail: vocationdirector@scholasticafortsmith. org; website: http://www.scholasticafortsmith.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Grand Terrace, CA—Holy Spirit Monastery We are monastic women called to seek God in community life by responding to one another and to the people of God in mutual trust, hospitality, reverence, prayer, and ministry.

In fidelity to this call, we proclaim the Gospel by embracing a monastic way in the spirit of St. Benedict by engaging in works that will enhance the quality of life with whom we live and minister through public and private prayer, parish ministry, religious education, teaching, health care, retreat work, and spiritual guidance in southern California within the Diocese of San Bernardino. We consciously choose hospitality as a means to recognize Christ in others. Women between the ages of 2140 who wish to “come and see” are welcome, please do contact us. To find out more about our community, see our website: http://www.rc.net/sanbernardino.hsmonastery. Sr. Mary Ann Schepers, 22791 Pico Street, Grand Terrace, CA 92313-5725; (909) 783-4446; e-mail: hsmonastery@prodigy.net.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Lisle, IL—Sacred Heart Monastery Directed by the Gospel and the spirit of the Rule of Benedict, our mission is based on a commitment to use time, talent, and resources of the Community for those in need. Our

primary ministry is Hospitality to those in our expanding health care facility, education, nursing, pastoral ministry, retreat work, social concerns, Daybreak of Lisle, Lectio and Centering Prayer, Taize Prayer, and domestic services. In our monastic lifestyle we try to balance community with ministry and relaxation time.

Interested? Contact us for further details. Vocation Director: Sr. Christine Kouba, O.S.B., 1910 Maple Avenue, Lisle, IL 605322164; (630) 969-7040; e-mail: ckouba@shmlisle.org; website: http://www.shmlisle.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Mexico City, Mexico—Monasterio de San Benito St. Benedict’s Monastery, Monasterio de San Benito, is a bicultural community serving the Church in Mexico since 1944. In the past the community ministry was primarily education. Presently we are ministering to individuals and groups by providing space for retreats, giving retreats, counseling, spiritual direction, intercessory prayer, and Eucharistic ministers. We also serve the underprivileged at a mission in the coastal state of Veracruz. Our oblate program is strong. We live a monastic lifestyle with emphasis on the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharist, community life from which flows the energy and light to serve others in need. Please contact us if you feel a call to consecrate your life to God as a Benedictine, or would like more information. Vocation Director, Sr. Josephine Markiewcz, O.S.B., Riobamba 870, Colonia Lindavista, Del. G.A. Madero, Mexico D.F. 07300, Mexico; 011 5255 5586 8973; e-mail: jtmosb@ hotmail.com; website: http://www.benedictinesmex.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Mt. Angel, OR—Queen of Angels Monastery We are women responding to the call to live community according to the Gospel and the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Together we seek God in a balanced life of prayer and work, simplicity, hospitality, and service. While our vow of stability leads us to special care of the people in our local area, we are deeply conscious of sharing the universal mission of the Church.

Our community ministries include a retreat and renewal center and a homeless shelter. Our 40 members serve in a variety of individual ministries, including teaching, pastoral care, health care, spiritual direction, and parish work. We encourage women who are interested in our monastic way of life to visit and explore the possibilities of Benedictine life. Vocation Director: Sr. Marietta Schindler, O.S.B., 840 South Main Street, Mt. Angel, OR 97362; (503) 845-6141; e-mail: smarietta@juno.com; website: http://www.benedictine-srs.org.

See ads on pages 32-33, 44. Code #202.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Ogden, UT—Mount Benedict Monastery We are a monastic community of Benedictine women committed to witness to gospel values among each other, in the church, and to all God’s people. Together we seek God through our community lifestyle, our prayer, and our service under the Rule of Saint Benedict. That is our primary work and purpose. Our ministries both inside and outside the monastery, vary according to the unique gifts of each sister. These include: parish ministry, nursing, administration, hospital chaplaincy, retreat work, spiritual direction, RCIA, liturgical music. We try to balance our prayer with our ministry and relaxation time.

We welcome women to visit. Contact Sr. Marilyn Mark, O.S.B., Vocation Director, 6000 South 1075 East, Ogden, UT 84405; (801) 479-6030; e-mail: mmark@mbmutah.org or vocations@ mbmutah.org; website: http://www.mbmutah.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Piedmont, OK—Red Plains Monastery On the plains of Oklahoma you will find the Sisters of St. Benedict, a small monastic community following the Rule of St. Benedict. We live a balanced life of prayer and work, community and solitude, hospitality and leisure. In pursuit of a just-peace we are engaged in a variety of ministries—spiritual direction, retreat work, parish ministry, the arts, and care for the environment. We invite women 19 and older desiring to live more deeply the call of the Gospel to explore our Benedictine way of life. Sr. Joanne Yankauskis, O.S.B., 728 Richland Road, SW, Piedmont, OK 73078-9324; (405) 373-4565; e-mail: benedictinevocation@ionet.net; website: http://www.redplainsmonastery. org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.)—Pittsburgh, PA The Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh give witness to religious life by living in monastic community, welcoming all with hospitality and reaffirming an ongoing commitment to living and working together. The Benedictine Sisters are committed to assisting individuals who

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Search these Women’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org are struggling for justice and integrity in their lives, especially the women who are most oppressed. The sisters strive to assist others in attaining dignity of life, personal growth, and hope for the future rooted in Gospel values through the various ministries in human and social services, education, peace and justice ministry, and pastoral care. Daily monastic life includes praying the Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, community life, work or ministries at the monastery or in the wider church or society, celebrations, recreation, music and the arts. Vocation Director: Sr. Shelly Farabaugh, O.S.B., 4530 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15229-2296; (412) 931-2844 ext. 118; email: listening@ osbpgh.org; website: http://www.osbpgh.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Richardton, ND—Sacred Heart Monastery We are a vibrant, rural Midwest community of Benedictine women called to respond to the needs of the times and the Church or rural North Dakota. Building on our individual and communal gifts, we provide health care for the elderly, education, spiritual guidance and emotional support for men, women, and children of all faiths and ages. New members are encouraged to continue their service-oriented professions as they join the community in answering the needs of those around us. Vocation Director: Sr. Regina Murray, O.S.B., P.O. Box 364, Richardton, ND 58652; (701) 974-2121; e-mail: vocations@sacredheartmonastery.com; website: http://www. sacredheartmonastery.com See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Ridgely, MD—St. Gertrude Monastery We, the Benedictine Sisters in Ridgely, MD, respond to God’s call through community, prayer, and good works. Our monastery is located on 550 acres of farmland on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. As Benedictines, our primary work is our communal prayer and life together. Our good works are expressed through the ministries located on our property which are the Benedictine Programs for the developmentally disabled children and St. Martin’s Ministries which is an outreach to the rural poor. Sisters also minister in Wilmington, DE and Washington, DC, in the areas of education, social work, and nursing. We have 27 members. College education and/or two years of work experience are preferred. Women who believe seeking God to be primary in their lives are invited to explore our way of life. Contact: Sr. Mary Paul McLaughlin, O.S.B., St. Gertrude Monastery, 14259 Benedictine Lane, Ridgely, MD 21660; (410) 634-2497; e-mail: smp52@juno.com; website: http:www.ridgelybenedictines.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Rock Island, IL—St. Mary Monastery Both contemplative and active, we are called to prayer, community, and work using our gifts. We serve in spiritual direction, retreats, parish work, pastoral care, campus ministry, education, social work, community work, and outreach to the poor. We invite you to take time to stroll through our wooded grounds and reflect on God’s call to you. Watch the ducks paddle around the lake and the deer graze on the hill. Come to prayers and meals. Talk and laugh with the sisters. “Listen with the ear of your heart.” Join us on your vocation journey. You may feel one step closer to home. Sr. Roberta Bussan, O.S.B., 2200 88th Avenue W, Rock Island, IL 61201; (309) 283-2300 or (800) 650-1257 e-mail: rbussan@smmsisters.org; website: http://www.smmsisters.org.

See ad on page 32-33, 35. Code #152.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), St. Joseph, MN—St. Benedict’s Monastery The rhythm of our life is centered in daily com-

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Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), St. Leo, FL—Holy Name Monastery The Benedictine Sisters of Florida are a monastic community of women committed to living gospel values. Our life is centered in daily communal and individual prayer: Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharist celebrations, and Lectio Divina. Our corporate commitment to feed the hungers of the human family flows out of this rootedness in prayer and community and is the impetus behind our response to the gospel call to ministry in the local community. We engage in a variety of works including: teaching, nursing, social work, retreats, campus ministry, spiritual direction, work with victims of domestic violence, and direct service to the poor. There are, at present 28 sisters who seek God together, listening and responding to the needs of the local and global community. We invite women between the ages of 20-45 who want to live this dynamic Benedictine way of life to come and grow with us. Sr. Lisa-Judene Erazmus, P.O. Box 2450, St. Leo, FL 33574-2450; (352)588-8444; e-mail: vocation@saintleo. edu. For more information, please visit our website: http://www. floridabenedictines.com.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), St. Paul, MN—St. Paul’s Monastery If you yearn for life and desire to seek God, come.

We are 60 monastic women who seek God together in community and celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, personal prayer, and the sacramental life of the church. Through the Gospel and the Rule of Saint Benedict, we respond through ministries of prayer, good works, and hospitality. We staff a Benedictine Spirituality Retreat/Conference Center for women and men of all faiths. We work in education, spirituality, pastoral, health, and child care, as well as other areas of need among God’s people today. We welcome women who are seeking a balanced life of prayer, work, and leisure and who have completed college or an occupational education to a COME AND SEE experience at the monastery. Vocation Director: Sr. Linda Soler, O.S.B., 2675 Larpenteur Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55109-5097; (651) 777-8181; e-mail: srlinda@stpaulsmonastery.org; website: http://www.stpaulsmonastery.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Watertown, SD—Mother of God Monastery We are a community of 65 monastic women living in the peaceful prairie land of rural South Dakota. We are called to seek God through our daily monastic prayer, community lifestyle, and work. We respond to the needs of others through our ministries, our prayer, our advocacy and support. Currently our sisters are also involved in teaching, pastoral care, ministry to Native Americans and Hispanic people, retreats, and spiritual direction. We invite women who desire to seek God to journey with us. Come and visit us at our monastery and experience our life as a way to discern your call to a monastic lifestyle. Adrienne Kaufmann, O.S.B., 110 28th Avenue SE, Watertown, SD 57201; (605) 886-4181; fax: (605) 882-6658; e-mail: vocations@dailypost.com; website: http:// www.watertownbenedictines.org.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Yankton, SD—Sacred Heart Monastery The charism entrusted to Benedictines is, in essence, the gift to seek God in community, to praise God through prayer and ministry, and to listen with eagerness to the Spirit’s call into the unknown future. Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton is home to 131 Sisters, six of whom are in formation. Called first to prayer and community life, we then reach out in service in a variety of ways, depending on the needs of the people and the gifts of the Sisters. We invite women who desire to grow as people of prayer, who desire the support of community life, and who want

to serve our church and world to come to meet us at Sacred Heart Monastery. Sr. Eileen O’Connor, 1005 West 8th St., Yankton, SD 57078, (605) 668-6000; e-mail: eoconnor@mtmc.edu; website: http://www.yanktonbenedictines.org.

See ads on pages 32-33, 37. Code #143.

Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration We are a contemplative monastic community with a special dedication to the Eucharist. Our life is guided by the tradition and the wisdom of the Rule of Saint Benedict. We serve the Church through a ministry of prayer. We support ourselves by work within the enclosure of the monastery. We strive to witness to God’s presence in the world through our prayer and community life and by offering a welcoming and peaceful space to those who visit. Our other monasteries are located in Tucson, AZ; Sand Springs, OK; and Dayton, WY. If you’re a single woman between the ages of 18 and 40 and drawn to a life of prayer, we invite you to contact us. Sr. Ruth Starman, 31970 State Highway P, Clyde, MO 64432-8100; toll free: 1-877632-6665 or (660) 944-2221; e-mail: vocation@benedictinesisters.org; website: http://www.benedictinesisters.org.

See ads on pages 32-33, 84. Code #008.

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters (O.S.F.) Founded in the United States in 1894, our mission is the mission of St. Francis: to live the Gospel. Over 400 Bernardine Franciscan Sisters reach out in the Name of Jesus to God’s people across the continental United States, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. Our missions include the Dominican Republic and Liberia (West Africa). We minister in education at all levels, catechetics, retreat work, health care, and parish ministry as well as with and on behalf of the poor—especially with women and children. The Gospel, Francis and Clare permeate our Formation Programs for both Sisters and Lay Associates! Do you have a Franciscan heart? Are you willing to journey in faith and joy, sister and servant to all? If so, please contact S. Shaun Kathleen, O.S.F., Vocation Director, 450 St. Bernardine Street, Reading, PA 19607-1737; (610) 777-2967; e-mail: FollowFrancis@ aol.com; website: http://www.bfranciscan.org.

See ad on page 134. Code #214.

C Carmelite Monastery The Carmelites of Terre Haute, founded in 1947, is an enclosed community of contemplative nuns belonging to the Discalced Carmelite Order. Dedicated to the Mother of God, we follow the Rule of Carmel in the tradition of St. Teresa of Avila, who founded her first monasteries in 16th-century Spain.

The balanced blending of solitude and community provides the rich soil for our primary vocation of contemplative prayer, nourished by the daily Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, spiritual reading, manual work, and times of recreation and sharing. Like our great Saints Teresa and Thérèse, our apostolate of intercessory prayer is universal but is focused more directly on priests and all that concerns the church. Preferred age of those interested: 25-45, with exceptions possible; minimum of high-school graduation.

Vocation Director, 59 Allendale, Terre Haute, Indiana 47802; (812) 299-1410; e-mail: vocations@heartsawake.org; website: http://www.heartsawake.org.

See ad on page 47. Code #009.

WOMEN’SCOMMUNITIES COMMUNITIESSEARCH SARCH WOMEN’S

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Rapid City, SD—St. Martin Monastery St. Martin Monastery is located in the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota. We are a community of 33 women who are striving to support one another as we live out our Baptismal call. Our prayer, Lectio Divina, and the Liturgy of the Hours, as well as our community life are a source of strength from which all our ministries flow. If you are seeking God’s will, have a spirit of adventure and creativity, with a desire to serve, we invite you to come and spend some time with us. As Benedictines our main task is to seek God in all things. We strive to do this as we reach out to share with others our Benedictine values of balanced lifestyle, peace, silence, and prayer. Vocation Director: Sr. Margaret Hinker, O.S.B., 2110-C St. Martin Drive, Rapid City, SD 57702-9660; (605) 343-8011; fax: (605) 399-2723; e-mail: marg@blackhillsbenedictine.com; website: http://www. blackhillsbenedictine.com.

See ad on pages 32-33. Code #004.

munal and individual prayer: Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, personal prayer, and sacramental celebrations. Our life in community commits us to one another in a lifelong search for God. We support and challenge each other to live joyfully and responsibly. In response to the needs of the times in the world, church, and locale, we engage in a variety of works and ministries with a particular focus on enriching the spiritual lives of women. At present our monastery numbers about 310 and shares a campus with the College of Saint Benedict. We invite women, ages 18-45, who are interested in exploring our way of life to participate in one of our Benedictine Live-In Experiences. Visit us at our website: http://www.sbm.osb.org. Sr. Mary Catherine Holicky, 104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph, MN 56374-0220; (320) 363-7180; e-mail: mholicky@csbsju.edu; website: http://www. sbm.osb.org.

See ads on pages 12, 32-33. Code #175.

Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm Founded by Mother M. Angeline Teresa in New York in 1929, Mother sought to render loving care of the aged with deep respect for their dignity, loving them as children of God. The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm together with hundreds of dedicated staff and volunteers care for their beloved elderly in 24 home-like residences, in nine different states within the USA, with one home in Dublin, Ireland. The Carmelite Sisters wear a distinct religious habit, and have a regular prayer schedule including: Liturgy of the Hours, daily Eucharist, Rosary, an hour of daily meditation, and a week of retreat each year at the Motherhouse. Strengthened by community, being of one heart and mind, they continue their mission as loyal daughters of the Church rendering compassionate care to the mystical Body of Christ in the aged and infirm. Sr. Maria Therese Healy, O.Carm., St. Teresa’s Motherhouse, 600 Woods Road, Germantown, NY 12526; (518) 537-5000; fax: (518) 5374579; e-mail: vocationdirector@valstar.net; website: http://www.carmelitesisters.com.

See ad on page 157. Code #153.

Carmelites (O.Carm)—Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel—Motherhouse, New Orleans As Carmelites we desire to be a community of contemplative women following “in the footsteps of Jesus” by living and serving in the midst of God’s people. A Pontifical Apostolic congregation, presently we are in Louisiana, Illinois, and the Philippines. Our zeal is rooted in our

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Search these Women’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org contemplative prayer and a prophetic call in the tradition of the prophet Elijah and of Mary, our sister and mother. We cherish community life from which we go forth striving to bring about a more peaceful, just, and loving world in a variety of ministries based on the needs of God’s people and on the gifts, talents, and educational preparation of each sister. Above all we desire that each sister become the woman of God that she is created to be.

Vocation Counselor: Sr. Angele Marie Sadlier, O.Carm., 4200 Courtland Dr., Metairie, LA 70002-3112; (504) 455-3107; email: carmelitevoc@earthlink.net; website: http://mountcarmel. home.mindspring.com.

See ad on page 121. Code #013.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH

Cenacle Sisters (r.c.) Cenacle Sisters are active women with contemplative hearts, called to live and pray in union with each other for the sake of the mission. We do this principally through retreats, religious education, and other forms of pastoral activity whose aim is to awaken and deepen faith. This is done most often in places of retreat, in people’s homes, in centers for spiritual direction and religious development, and in parishes. In addition to sisters, there are lay members, vowed and non-vowed, who share in the Cenacle mission and charism. Sr. Janice Bemowski, r.c., The Cenacle, 513 W. Fullerton Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60614; 773-528-6300; e-mail: vocations@cenaclesisters.org; website: http://www.cenaclesisters.org.

See ad on page 53. Code #188.

Cistercian Nuns Founded in 1098, the Order of Citeaux is one of the Church’s ancient monastic orders. The sources of Cistercian monasticism are the Sacred Scriptures, the Rule of St. Benedict, the traditions of the Desert Fathers, the spirituality of our own 12th century Fathers, and the treasury of lived wisdom handed-on by each succeeding generation of monks and nuns.

Our daily life is a balanced alternation between the Divine Office prayed in Latin with Gregorian Chant, lectio divina, and manual labor. Silence, solitude in community, ascetic practices, the cultivation of contemplative perception and continual interior prayer, together with the monastic vows of obedience, stability and unceasing conversion, are the means by which we hope to attain to puritas cordis--purity of heart, tranquilitas mentis-tranquility of mind and unitas spiritus--spiritual union with God. Monastic life is a radical participation in the self-emptying of Christ which transforms humanity and the cosmos into the New Creation. Requirements for candidacy: age 20-35 with two years of college or work experience, possession of good physical and psychological health, emotional discipline, desire to fulfill God’s will. Valley of Our Lady Monastery, E11096 Yanke Drive, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578-9737; (608) 643-3520; e-mail: vocations@tds. net; website: http://www.nunocist.org.

See ad on page 118. Code #011.

Companions of the Heart of Mary A Marian Community, the Companions of the Heart of Mary is in the process of formation.

The purpose of the community is to be like Mary and to teach the Faith of the Church and to comfort the suffering. Essential elements of the community’s charism include: entrance into Mary’s surrender, Eucharistic adoration, the Eucharistic Sacrifice, Liturgy of the Hours, love for and obedience to the Church, teaching of the faith, theological study, and unity. Women between the age of 20 and 40 who are in college or have completed college may inquire. Contact: Sr. Mary Ann Follmar, Annunciation School of Faith, 202 Smithfield Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860; (401) 865-2274 to leave a message at Providence College Theology Department for Sr. Mary Ann; e-mail: maryfollmar@ cpurity.com; website: http://www.annunciationschooloffaith. typepad.com/.

Code #106.

Congregation of Notre Dame (C.N.D.) Serving in eight countries, we are united by our desire to follow Jesus, by our devotion to Mary, and by our vowed commitment to bring the love of God to the world. Inspired by the pioneering spirit of our foundress, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys and drawing on our long tradition of being educators, we minister in a variety of ways so that others may live in a more just world and experience the dignity that is theirs as “Children of God.” Visit our website at http://cndm.com for information on Vowed and Associate membership, long and short term volunteer opportunities. Contacts: Canada: Sr. Susan Kidd, C.N.D, 9409 Gouin Blvd West, Pierrefonds QC H8Y 1T2; (514) 685-0603; e-mail: skidd@cnd-m.com. USA: Sr. Rose Mary Sullivan, C.N.D., 75 Bull Hill Lane, West Haven, CT 06516; (203) 479-3437; e-mail: rsullivan@cnd-m.com or for Spanish, Sr. Mary MacIsaac, C.N.D., 890 E. 154th St., South Holland, IL 60473; (708) 333-7595; e-mail: mmacisaac @cnd-m.com.

See ad on page 53. Code #012.

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Congregation of Sisters of Bon Secours (C.B.S.) In 1821, Bon Secours became the first community of sisters to provide continuous nursing in homes. Our common vision and mission: to help people to wholeness, alleviate suffering of all forms, and bring a message of hope and “GOOD HELP” to those in need.

Our faith-filled communities draw others to our charism of compassion, healing, and liberation. Marked by a passionate spirit for God’s kingdom, we contribute to a more humane world integral to spreading the Gospel. Using our gifts, we minister in health care, retreat ministry, pastoral, social and human services, housing, community organizing, education, outreach, etc. Continuing foundress Josephine Potel’s innovative spirit, we bring healing and wholeness beyond walls of tradition in rural areas and cities. Located in nine states we are also international.

Contact: Sr. Patricia Dowling, C.B.S., Vocation Director, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104; toll free, 1-877742-0277; e-mail: pat_dowling@bshsi.com; website: http://www. bonsecoursvocations.org.

See ad on page 36. Code #058.

Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes (C.S.A.) The Sisters of St. Agnes participate in the mission of Christ by joyful service in the church, always aware that we, too, are among the needy and are enriched by those we serve. As an apostolic community, we are committed to transformation of the world, the church, and ourselves through promoting systemic change for the quality of life; justice for the economically poor; furtherance of the role of women in church and society; mutuality; inclusivity; and collaboration. Sr. Deborah Walter, 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54935; (920) 907-2310; e-mail: dwalter@csasisters. org; website: http://www.csasisters.org.

See ad on page 92. Code #171.

D Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul We are to see in our brothers and sisters who are poor the person of Jesus Christ.

These are the words of St. Vincent de Paul, a humble priest who, together with Louise de Marillac, a noble widow, founded the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in 1633 in France.

Two hundred years later, Elizabeth Ann Seton, an American widow, founded the community in the United States. The community was the first order of women to live and work among our brothers and sisters who are poor. Today, the Daughters of Charity, an international community of over 21,000 women, continue to seek out those in need. Prayer, community life, and service to our brothers and sisters who are poor are essential elements of their lives. For more details check out our website at www. christurgesus.org or write to the Vocation Director nearest you: 96 Menand Road, Albany, NY 12204; 1201 South Caton Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21227; 9400 New Harmony Road, Evansville, IN 47720; 26000 Altamont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022; 4330 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63108.

See ads on pages 137, 139, 141, 143. Code #168.

Daughters of Divine Providence (F.D.P.) We are an international congregation of apostolic religious founded in 1832 by Venerable Marie Elena Bettini. In our work of education and catechesis, we commit ourselves to serve the “smallest and the least” by spreading the Good News of Divine Providence. Guided by teachings of St. Paul, St. Anthony Zaccaria, and our founders, we are dedicated to the teachings of the Holy Father. Our devotion to the Eucharist and Our Lady of Divine Providence forms the foundation of our common life. Today more than 300 Daughters of Divine Providence serve in Italy, Poland, India, Chile, Mexico, and the United States. If you feel the Lord calling you to seek His Kingdom above all, please contact us. USA: Sr. M. Barbara, F.D.P., 74684 Airport Road, Covington, LA 70435; (985) 809-1735; e-mail: fdpvocations@bellsouth.net. Mexico: Sr. M. Daisy, F.D.P., Apartado 9, C.P. 97880, Oxkutzcab-Yucatan (Mexico); e-mail: fdpoxkutzcab@hotmail.com. Please visit our website: http://www.daughtersofdivineprovidence.com.

See ad on page 163. Code #209.

Daughters of Divine Zeal (F.D.Z.) We are an international community of sisters established by St. Hannibal Maria Di Francia in 1887. We embrace the vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty, and profess a fourth vow: to pray and work for priestly and religious vocations (Rogate). Our charism is founded on the Gospel command of Jesus, “Pray the Lord of the Harvest to send workers into His Harvest. . .” (Mt. 9:37-38). Committed to pray and ministration, the Daughters of Divine Zeal render service to schools, nursing homes, missions, parishes, and other local church needs. We invite women between 18 and 40 years old to join us. Cabrini Convent, 234 Franklin Street, Reading,

PA 19602; Hannibal House Spiritual Center, 1526 Hill Road, Reading, PA 19602, Daughters of Divine Zeal, 379 E. Manning Avenue, Reedley, CA 93654; e-mail: srdaisydz@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fdz.com.au/order.

See ad on page 40. Code #236.

Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy (D.M.) We are an international Community founded in 1837 by Saint Mary Joseph Rossello. We seek to build the Kingdom of God by continuing the saving mission of Jesus through a total gift of self. We reaffirm our Foundress’ initial dedication to the poor as we live the charism of MERCY, open to the voice of the Church and the needs of all God’s people. Together we seek God through prayer and a communal life-style. Our ministries in the United States, Italy, South America, the Caribbean, Germany, England, Romania, India, and Africa include religious education, teaching, counseling, pastoral services, elderly care, early child care, retreats, and foreign missions. If you feel called to commit yourself totally to a way of life which reflects the merciful Christ, contact the Vocation Directress: e-mail: dmnewfield@yahoo.com or write us at Daughters of Mercy, 1009 Main Road, Newfield, NJ 08344-5348; (856) 697-2983.

Code #074.

Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (FDNSC) We are missionaries who walk in the footsteps of Mary. Present in 27 countries throughout the world, we strive to fullness in Gospel living, our news is the good news of Jesus’ love for all people.

Mission and ministry: we share in Christ’s redemptive mission, bringing others the love of God. The selfless dedication of our founder and pioneer sisters fires us to continue to respond to the challenges of our times in many areas such as: Spirituality, Pastoral Care, Education, Catechetics, Adult Faith Education, Health and Aged Care, Overseas Missions, Parish Ministry and Pastoral Care, Retreats and Spiritual Direction, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Vocation Ministry, Social Justice, living and working with Refugees, Multi-Cultural and Indigenous Peoples. Our community life centers around the Holy Eucharist.

As apostolic religious women who are called to live in union with Mary, the spirituality of the Heart of Jesus, we strive to integrate the contemplative and apostolic elements in all aspects of our religious life. Sr. Patricia Burns, FDNSC, Vocation Director, 424 East Browning Road, Bellmawr, NJ 08031; (856) 931-8973; email: burnsp@georgian.edu.

Code #130.

Daughters of St. Joseph We are a community of the New Spring time of the Church, founded in 2003. Our vocation is to BE for Jesus. As our dear patron, St. Joseph, was a silent, loving presence for the child Jesus, so we wish to imitate his being for Jesus through our Eucharistic prayer life and works of mercy.

Our daily life includes Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, meditation, Our Lady’s Rosary, recreation, and apostolic labor. The apostolic ministry of each sister is discerned with community as the Holy Spirit shows forth her gifts. We invite women 18-50 years old interested in risking all for Jesus to contact us: Daughters of St. Joseph, 113 Lafaye Ave., Thibodaux, LA 70301; (985) 4467525; e-mail: joesdaughters3@yahoo.com; website: http://www. daughtersofstjoseph.com.

See ad on page 155. Code #185.

Daughters of St. Paul (F.S.P.) Our Pauline vocation is characterized by a profound love for Jesus Christ expressed in our Eucharistic spirituality, a dynamic mission of evangelization with the communications media, and a vibrant community life.

Like St. Paul the Apostle, we dedicate our time, our energies, our whole lives to the proclamation of the Gospel. As women sent to communicate the truth of God’s love, we place ourselves at the service of the Church using print, radio, TV, Internet, software, music, as well as audio and video productions. The Word of God meets the world every day in over 50 nations through our Pauline Books and Media Centers, our evangelization outreach, and media seminars. Our consecration, nourished through daily Mass, meditation, community prayer and our Hour of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, roots our life in Jesus Master, Way, Truth, and Life. Contact us for information on visiting, discernment retreats, and the St. Paul Summer Program for high school women. Sr. Margaret Michael, F.S.P., Vocation Director, 4403 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, LA 70006; (504) 887-0113; e-mail: vocations@paulinemedia.com; website: http://www. daughtersofstpaul.org. Age limit: 18-30 years old.

See ad on page 84. Code #015.

Daughters of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (F.C.S.C.J.) Contemplate and experience the Love of Jesus in our international congregation. Our mission is to witness to the

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Search these Women’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org love of the Sacred Heart; to the mystery of God’s nearness, of God dwelling among us. Our desire is to live the virtues of welcome, reconciliation, and simplicity in a world that dearly needs such a witness. We strive to reveal that Jesus is alive, near, and that his love is universal. We witness this by our willingness to respond to the needs of others. We minister in education of children and adults, serving parishes and diocese, retreat work, health care, and sharing in projects of our sisters in other countries. The apostolic value of our activity depends more on our union with God than on the nature of our work. Good health and at least a high school education are required. To learn more contact: Sister Juanita Durgin, FCSCJ, P.O. Box 246, Milford, NH 03055; (603) 672-4133; e-mail: wnddr.jed@verizon.net; website: http://www. daughterscharity-sacred-heart.org.

Code #180.

Daughters of the Holy Spirit (D.H.S.) Rooted in a vital Trinitarian spirituality, we are called to reverence in a special way the presence and power of the Holy Spirit within ourselves, in others and in all creation. Living in the Spirit of Pentecost, we continue the Mission of the risen Christ through our simple presence, humble gestures, and collaborative efforts. Together we are sent forth in Gospel boldness, like Mary, to witness God’s tender love for all, especially for the least favored, “that all may have life and have it to the full.” Sr. Therese Vanasse, 152 Prospect Street, Moosup, CT 06354-1441; (860) 564-2243; e-mail: tvanassedhs@juno.com; Sr. Pat Moons, P.O. Box 2087, Merced, CA 95344; (209) 723-4656; e-mail: srpat@olmstpatrick.org; website: http://www.d-hs.org.

See ad on page 127. Code #016.

Daughters of Wisdom (D.W.) Founded in France in 1703, the Daughters of Wisdom are called in community to seek and contemplate Divine Wisdom present in a world that hungers for meaning, justice, and compassion. We seek to bring the message of Jesus, Incarnate Wisdom, to people experiencing injustice, violence, poverty, and oppression, especially women and children. Internationally, we minister in rural, suburban, and urban communities to those in need of education, health care, basic human and spiritual resources. Sr. Lucy Clynes, D.W., 385 Ocean Avenue, Islip, NY 11751; (631) 277-2660; e-mail: dwvocations@ msn.com; website: http://www.daughtersofwisdom.org See ad on page 52. Code #275.

Discalced Carmelite Nuns The Carmelite Nun strives for the fullness of Christ-like love in a life dedicated to unceasing prayer and contemplation in solitude and in sisterly community. Their special mission is to offer everything to God for the good of the Church and the salvation of souls, by participating in daily Mass and Divine Office, in living their religious vows, in work, asceticism and joyful community life. Their love embraces all the world, as Pope John Paul wrote to the Carmelites: “The enclosure does not isolate from the communion of the Mystical Body, but puts those who adhere to it at the heart of the church. . . .” St. Teresa writes to her daughters that God hears most readily the cry of the soul that loves Him. This is Carmel’s gift to the church. Vocation Directress, 2901 South Cecelia Street, Sioux City, IA 51106-3299; (712) 276-1680; e-mail: carmelsc@msn. com; website: http://www.siouxcitycarmel.com.

See ad on page 55. Code #262.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Collaborative Dominican Sisters live in many locations throughout the U.S. They share a common heritage, and are influenced by differences in their geography and history. As Dominicans, all claim preaching as their mission,

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Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Adrian, MI Adrian Dominicans are a Congregation of more than 1,100 vowed women religious and associates who continue the Dominican tradition of preaching through prayer, study, mission, and common life. We minister in a variety of professions with peoples in various cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Many of us are engaged in the traditional works of education, health care, and social service.

Others are involved in community organization, works of peace and justice, ministries in law, art, science, business, housing, pastoral care, and retreat work. We invite you to visit our website at http://www.adriandominicans.org, or better yet, come visit and get to know us. Sr. Carleen Maly, O.P., 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI 49221-1793; (517) 266-3537; e-mail: vocations@adriandominicans.org.

See ad on page 171. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Akron, OH Akron Dominican women are called to be Preachers of Grace in all we are and do.

Enriched by our commitment to prayer, study, and common life we strive, individually and corporately, to pursue truth and to preach the gospel. We support action on behalf of justice and peace as essential to that preaching. In the spirit of Sts. Dominic and Catherine and according to the diversity of our gifts, we continue that charism of preaching through a variety of ministries—spiritual direction, education, health care, parish ministry, ecology, works of justice, and directors of adult development. We are bearers of God’s word in Guatemala and in the United States.

Sr. Bernadine Baltrinic, O.P., 1230 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44313-7108; (330) 836-4908; e-mail: btbaltrinic@akronop. org; website: http://www.akronop.org.

See ad on page 171. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Columbus, OH—St. Mary of the Springs We are a community of religious women who dedicate our diverse gifts to the needs of God’s people. With pioneer American roots in the Dominican Order, we share the fruits of our prayer and contemplation in the service of preaching the Gospel. We collaborate with others and use resources of contemporary culture to further the Church’s mission. In a spirit of joyful hope, we strive for the fulfillment of God’s reign of truth and life, of holiness and grace, of justice, love, and peace.

We serve in the Church in 25 states, Honduras, Italy, and Peru (Chimbote) in diversified ministries of the Word, which include education, health care, social work, and cross-cultural missions.

We administer two colleges, high schools, elementary schools, a literacy centers, and the Martin de Porres Mission Outreach Center. If you have a passion for speaking God’s Word with your life, we invite you to join us and help us change the world. Sr. Margie Davis, O.P., 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 432192098; (614) 416-1056; e-mail: MDavis@columbusdominicans. org; website: http://www.columbusdominicans.org.

See ad on page 171. Code #018 .

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Eucharistic Missionaries of St. Dominic Jesus, present in the Eucharist, has gathered us and sends us out to God’s people, especially those neglected by the structures of the church or society. We focus our energies on grassroots empowerment, being grounded by the wisdom of the people we serve. We stand in nonviolent opposition to systems and structures that promote violence or injustice. As we journey into the future, we do so in freedom and with fidelity to the prophetic momentum of the Second Vatican Council. Sr. Katherine Broussard, O.P., 5660 Bancroft Drive, New Orleans, LA 70122; (504) 452-2858; e-mail: srkatop@aol.com; website: http://www.emdsisters.org.

See ad on page 171. Code #018 Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Grand Rapids Moved by the Spirit, and drawn into the love of our God, we are vowed Dominican

Enter #185 at VocationMatch.org women preachers of hope: preaching by our very being, preaching the Word, and preaching in diverse forms through our ministries. Through contemplation, study, common life, and ministry, we strive to live the gospel, embodying God’s compassion for our needy world. We are contemplative Dominican women who desire to become the prayer that we pray, both individually and communally. The depth and joyfulness of our liturgical prayer grounds us in holy mystery. We are called to continual deepening of a contemplative engagement with the world. We have a passion for justice, a desire to be in right relationship with God, one another, and the cosmos. Our ministries are as diverse and creative as are the gifts and talents of our members. We serve primarily in Michigan, New Mexico as well as in 17 other states and in Peru and Honduras. Join our Sisters and Associates in preaching the Word of Hope. Sr. Katheryn Sleziak, O.P., 2025 East Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3895; (616) 643-0378; email: ksleziak@grdominicans.org. Visit our website: http://www. grdominicans.org.

See ad on page 171. Code #018.

WOMEN’SCOMMUNITIES COMMUNITIESSEARCH SARCH WOMEN’S

Daughters of the Heart of Mary (D.H.M.) Women of Vision and Faith. The Daughters of the Heart of Mary were founded in France in 1791 by Marie de Cice and Pierre de Cloriviere, S.J. We are an international congregation of women who profess the vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience and live our religious life without any distinguishing sign or title in service to the Church and the people of God. We live a contemporary and often hidden life style in imitation of Mary of Nazareth. Our community life is lived through a common spirituality and prayer life. We foster community, whether we live in small community settings with other sisters or with family or alone, through regular community meetings, days of prayer and spiritual renewal, community celebrations, and province-wide gatherings. Our ministries are broad and diversified. Our mission is to live the Gospel in the heart of the world. Vocation Director, 1339 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040; (413) 533-6681; e-mail: NCFELL@aol.com; website: http://www.dhmna.org See ad on page 11. Code #150.

supported by a life of prayer and study in community. In apostolic congregations members often live in the locale where their particular ministries are located. Their preaching may take many forms, such as parish or diocesan ministry, education or health care, advocacy for justice, legal aid, the arts, spirituality or missionary activity. In all their ministries Dominican women strive for integrity in serving God and creation in the 21st century.

Women in their 20’s and 30’s are invited to contact a Dominican congregation for specific information about the process for joining this mission as a vowed member. Women are also invited to obtain information about retreat opportunities and volunteer programs at a nearby Dominican community. Locate one by visiting our website: http://www.OPsisters.org.

See ad on page 171. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Great Bend, KS We Dominicans of Kansas impelled by the Gospel of Jesus are the Holy Preaching. We have chosen to respond to our call on the frontiers of profound global change, committing our gifts, skills, and lives to seek out and receive the marginalized. We work to restore the health and beauty of the earth through our corporate stance and our Heartland Farm. We offer a spiritual oasis in our Heartland Center for Spirituality and alternative ways of healing in our Wholistic Health Center. We sponsor St. Catherine House of Discernment in Denver as a place for young women to discern their life’s call. Ministries: pastoral ministry, health care, social services, and education. We minister in 13 states, Nigeria Africa and Papua New Guinea. Come join the Holy Preaching! Sr. Teri Wall, O.P., Vocation Minister, 3805 W. Walsh Place, Denver, CO 80218; (303) 922-2997; e-mail: teriop@msn.com; website: http://www.ksdom.org.

See ad on page 171. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Hawthorne The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne are an American community, founded in 1900 by

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Servant of God, Rose Hawthorne (Mother Mary Alphonsa).

We live in community, strive to grow in a deep prayer life, and rely on and radically trust in God’s Providence. Our apostolate is to nurse incurable cancer patients who cannot afford care elsewhere. All care is free. We have five homes in the United States, and one in Kisumu, Kenya. Traditions of the Dominican Order: love of the Church and the Holy Father, wearing the habit, devotion to the Passion of Christ and Our Blessed Mother, are a major focus of the community’s life. Our charism is to love and contemplate the Suffering and Crucified Christ, and to share the fruits of that contemplation by preaching the truth, through our actions and visible witness, that life is sacred and that suffering has value. Many who join our community have no prior nursing experience. Interested women are invited to visit. Contact: Sr. Alma Marie Borja, O.P., Vocation Director, 600 Linda Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532; (914) 769-4794; e-mail: vocationdirector@hawthorne-dominicans.org; website: http://www.hawthorne-dominicans.org.

See ad on page 24. Code #302.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Houses of Discernment Dominican Sisters have Houses of Discernment in various locations throughout the U.S. Contact a community by e-mail if you wish to join them for prayer, for a weekend, or longer. These communities are dedicated to listening, to conversation about Dominican life, and to praying with and for others who are seeking direction for their lives. Visit http://www.OPsisters.org for additional information about these and other sites. Dominican Sisters in Grand Rapids, living in Michigan, ksleziak@grdominicans.org; Dominican Sisters from Great Bend, living in Denver, teriop@msn.com; Dominican Sisters in Houston living in Texas, pcasey@domhou.org; Dominican Sisters from Kentucky, living near Boston, BudkaOP@juno.com; Northeast Dominican Six living in Jersey City, mheadley@ophope.org; Dominican Sisters from Sinsinawa, living in San Antonio, marymacop@aol.com; Dominican Sisters of Tacoma, living in near Seattle, teremontl@ wamail.net.

See ad on page 51. Code #151.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Mission San Jose Joyful women of the Gospel, we follow Jesus Christ and announce his saving truth through evangelizing, educating, and promoting justice and peace. With “One soul and one heart in God,” our prayer, study, ministry, and life in community empower us to participate in the preaching mission of Jesus. After St. Dominic and St. Catherine, we pursue truth and center our lives on the Word of God, assured that our contemplation overflows in service to others. In the spirit of our foundress, Mother Pia, we serve among the young, the poor, and the vulnerable in USA and Mexico. Is there a “God-sized hunger” within you? Does the Truth and Love of God tug at your heart? Does the idea of community--doing-it-together--ring true? Then, call. . . Sr. Helena Im, 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539; (510) 789-7079; e-mail: vocations@msjdominicans.org; website: http://www. msjdominicans.org.

See ad on page 171. Code #018 Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—New Orleans, LA—St. Mary’s Founded in 1860, in New Orleans, we remain a midsized congregation steeped in the Southern culture and hospitality of our area. We have addressed the needs of the church by supporting diversification of ministries with the charism of preaching underpinning our service. Jesus challenged: Go, sell what you have and come, follow me; St. Dominic had a vision and followed that dream. It was no easier then than it is now.

How will you know if you never try? We invite you to participate in Dominican Discernment Retreats, Dominican Life Weekends, and check out our high school (www.stmarysdominican.org) and our retreat center (www.rosaryville.org). Sr. Mary Hilary Simpson, O.P., 7300 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118-3808; phone/fax: (225) 294-5794; e-mail: archband@ aol.com; website: http://www.dominican-sisters.net/stmarys.

See ad on page 171. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Northeast Six (Amityville, Blauvelt, Caldwell, Elkins Park, Hope, and Sparkill) Our members consist of Vowed, Associate Membership, and Dominican Lay Volunteers. Our apostolic works are in the areas of preaching, education at all levels and needs, health care, child care, religious education, retreat ministry, parish ministry, pastoral care and counseling, campus ministry, social work, earth education, social work, legal assistance, medicine, and Native American. We are largely represented in the Archdioceses and Dioceses in the United States with missions in Puerto Rico, Do-

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minican Republic, Peru, and Pakistan. For more information: Sr. Kathleen Logan, O.P., 14 Greenville Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07305; (201) 521-0044; e-mail: kathlogan702@aol.com.

See ad on page 171. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Oxford, MI—Congregation of St. Rose of Lima In the flexible spirit of St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena, and rooted in scripture and prayer, our sisters and associates participate in the traditional ministries of education, child care, health care, pastoral ministry, preaching, retreat work, and spiritual direction according to their unique gifts. We are sensitive to the Spirit as we move into new ministries and service projects. We are committed to working for justice, peace, and the care of creation. Common life, prayer, and study strengthen us to live out our Gospel call as we minister in Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Please contact us if you are interested in vowed life or associate membership. Sister Gene Poore, O.P., Vocation Minister, 775 West Drahner Road, Oxford, MI 48371; (248) 628-2872; e-mail: gpoore@umich.edu; website: http://www.op.org/oxford.

See ad on page 171. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Tacoma, WA Nourished by prayer and study, supported by community, and energized by ministry we, the Tacoma Dominicans, are committed to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a community, we preach Jesus’ love and compassion to the people of God through our diverse ministries in Washington, Oregon, California, and Montreal, Canada. These ministries include education, health care, ministry to the developmentally delayed (L’Arche), social service, housing, ministry to undocumented people, women’s spirituality (Catherine Place), campus ministry, parish ministry, and literacy tutoring. In our Mission Statement we have pledged ourselves “. . . .to collaborate in networks of spiritual, educational, and political commitment to create a just society that addresses basic human needs and ends the violence that erodes our planet.” We invite and welcome women who have come alive in the Word of God and who share our joy and energy for preaching the Good News of Jesus to God’s people everywhere. Come; create your future with us! Sr. Gretta Woodlock, O.P., 935 Fawcett Ave., S., Tacoma, WA 98402; (253) 272-9688; e-mail: gretta@tacomaop.org; website: http://www.tacoma-op.org See ad on page 171. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Racine, WI In harmony with our Dominican heritage of study and contemplation, we strive to be listeners and bearers of God’s Word. We are women “committed to truth and compelled to justice” who serve by our life-giving presence in areas of education, pastoral and retreat ministry, spiritual guidance, health care, and social justice. We stand in solidarity with people who are oppressed and alienated by unjust systems. At this urgent time in the church and global community, Racine Dominicans invite others to join them in community life, prayer, and ministry. Director of Vocations: Karen Vollmer, O.P., 5635 Erie Street, Racine, WI 54302-1900; (262) 639-4100; e-mail: vocations@racinedominicans.org; website: http://www. racinedominicans.org.

See ad on page 171. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters of Divine Providence A contemplative-active community. Our main purpose as religious is to be deeply immersed in God through a serious prayer life. The specific work of the community is the spreading of the Kingdom of God through the apostolate of teaching. Our apostolic work flows from, alternates with, and is sustained by our prayer life.

In a joyful and relaxing atmosphere we work together, share our gifts, and recognize and appreciate one another’s contributions and uniqueness. To contact us: 25 Harmony School Road, Flemington, NJ 08822; (908) 782-1504; fax: (908) 788-7394; e-mail: smtolp@yahoo.com.

See ad on page 135. Code #022.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—San Rafael, CA Since 1850 the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have been a vital part of the history and development of California, its people, and its church. We have established convents, schools, and hospitals throughout the state and in Nevada. We are committed to the Mission of Dominic: to proclaim God’s Word in our world. We serve in a broad array of ministries: education, health care, social service, pastoral care, and spiritual guidance, to name a few. With our lives are rooted in God’s truth and love, we are dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel in a world full of people who hunger and thirst for God’s love. We celebrate our calling and we welcome any other women to join us in community and ministry. Sr. Patricia Farrell, O.P., 1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael, CA 949012236; (415) 257-4939; fax: (415) 453-8367; e-mail: vocations@ sanrafaelop.org; website: http://www.sanrafaelop.org.

See ad on pages 171. Code #018.

Felician Franciscan Sisters The Congregation of the Felician Sisters is an international order of religious women. Today more than 2,000 Felician Sisters minister to God’s people in the United States, Canada, Poland, Brazil, England, France, Italy, Kenya and the Ukraine. Impelled by the Gospel, the Spirit of Francis, and the legacy of Blessed Mary Angela, we are women of prayer, energized by Eucharist and inspired by Mary. We minister in education on all levels, health care, youth and pastoral ministries, social service among the poor, retreats and renewal programs, care of the elderly, work with migrants, and diocesan work. We live together in community. Women with some college or work experience are invited to inquire. Men and women may participate in the community’s mission as non-vowed associate members. Vocation Center: navocations@feliciansisters.org; Buffalo: smtc@cssfbuffalo.org; Canada: armk_@hotmail.com; Chicago: smarybeth@felicianschicago.org; Corapolis: slouisemo@hotmail.com; Enfield: STALPROV@aol.com; Livonia: smdesales@felicianslivonia.org; Lodi: JBlizz3@hotmail.com; Rio Rancho: carolmarie41@yahoo.com.

See ad on page 136. Code #025.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Sinsinawa, WI As Dominicans we trace our roots to the 13th century when St. Dominic founded the Order of Preachers (O.P.). That provides us with nearly 800 years of history as members of a worldwide Dominican Family.

Our U.S. congregation was founded in Wisconsin by an Italian Dominican missionary, Samuel Mazzuchelli, O.P. in 1847. Fr. Samuel, currently recognized as “Venerable,” is well on his way to being named a saint by the Vatican. Today more than 600 Dominican Sisters from Sinsinawa are “called to proclaim the Gospel through the ministry of preaching and teaching in order to participate in the building of a holy and just society” and minister in dioceses all over the United States and in Guatemala, Bolivia, and Trinidad. Share in the vitality of Dominican life. Contact Sister Pat Rogers at 608-784-4411, ext. 279 or at member@sinsinawa.org.

See ad on page 171. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Springfield, IL We Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois, are rooted in the mission of Jesus.

Filled with the joy of the Gospel we are committed to bringing hope to our world. As St. Dominic did in 13th century Spain, we preach the Gospel in our own time and place, centered in prayer, study, ministry, and community life. We serve in Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Peru, South America. If you are a woman 18 to 40 desiring to live your passion for the Gospel, contact us. Sr. Lori Kirchman, O.P., Vocation Director, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704; (217) 787-0481; e-mail: SLoriK@spdom.org; website: http://www.springfieldop.org.

See ads on pages 88, 171. Code #019.

F

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (F.M.M.) We are an international community of 7,500 women, missioned in 76 countries throughout the world—Africa, Europe, the Americas (North, Central, and South), Asia, and Australia. Our prayer center is the Eucharist. Each day we have the Blessed Sacrament exposed on our altars for Adoration. As Franciscans we strive to follow the simplicity and joy of St. Francis as well as his outreach to the poor and marginalized. Mary, whose “yes” changed the world, is our model. Our passion is to tell the Good News of God’s love to all to whom we are sent in mission. Educational background: high school and/or college. Contact the Vocation Office: e-mail: fmmvoc@aol.com; website: http://www.fmm.org.

See ad on page 126. Code #125.

Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows Our community was founded in China (1939) by Bishop Rafael Palazzi, O.F.M. The Spirit of God has brought us to ministry in various places: California, New Mexico, Oregon, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Canada. As religious women, we seek to live united with Christ. We witness to his Good News through the joy and hospitality of our Franciscan charism, each of us using our gifts for the glory and praise of God. Places where the Gospel has not been fully proclaimed have a special appeal to us. Current ministries: retreat work, catechesis, elementary and high-school education, teen and parish ministry. We welcome inquiries from women, ages 18 to 45. Vocation Directress, 3600 S.W. 170th

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Search these Women’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97600-5099; (503) 649-7127; fax: (503) 649-8382 ; e-mail: franmisisters@yahoo.com; website: http://www.olpretreat.org See ad on page 142. Code #126.

Franciscan Sisters (O.S.F.) (Hospital Sisters of St. Francis) We are committed to proclaiming the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis and our founding Sisters, by prayer and service with others. We remain dedicated to a wholehearted response to the sick, poor, and needy as we strive to bring Christ’s healing presence to suffering humanity with simplicity and compassionate care. We are an international congregation with community members serving God’s people through healing ministries such as nursing, social service, home health care, occupational therapy, pastoral care, HIV/AIDS, massage therapy, spiritual direction, and administration. There are thirteen hospitals located in Illinois and Wisconsin as well as mission centers in Tanzania and Haiti. We have community members in Germany, Poland, Japan, India, Czech Republic, and Korea. Membership Invitation: Sr. Anna Phiri, St. Francis Convent, LaVerna Road, P.O. Box 19431, Springfield, IL 62794-9431; (217) 522-3386; e-mail: vo@ hsosf-usa.org; website: http://www.springfieldfranciscans.org.

Code #037.

Franciscan Sisters of Chicago (O.S.F.) Modeled after the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare and the early brothers and sisters we take our inspiration from the Gospels, following Jesus. We call it Franciscan Evangelical Life. Our witness is the witness of our lives. As Francis said, “Preach with your example, and if necessary, with your words.” Thus we actively labor in ministries of service and prayer, joyfully sharing the gifts of talents and skills given by the Holy Spirit, for the building up of the kingdom of God in justice, mercy, and peace. Vocation Director, Sr. Doloria Kosiek, 3115 N. Karlov Avenue, Chicago, IL 60641; (773) 328-5567; e-mail: kdoloriaosf@cs.com; website: http://www. chicagofranciscans.org See ad on page 142. Code #166.

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity (O.S.F.) In 1869, five young women deeply in love with God, desired to share their daily lives together in rural Wisconsin. Profoundly inspired then and today by St. Francis of Assisi’s simple Gospel way of life, we Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity whole-heartedly live the loving spirit of our foundresses. We strive to live the Gospel in simplicity, faithful to a loving God; joyfully accepting poverty; dedicated in love for the Church, and the selfless service of others.

We Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serve in diverse ministries in Catholic education, Catholic health care and community services, prioritizing the needs of the poor while ministering in Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Our common life is centered in the Eucharist and rooted in prayer. Sr. Julie Ann Sheahan, O.S.F., 2409 South Alverno Road, Manitowoc, WI 54220-9320; (920) 682-7728; e-mail: vocations@FSCC-CALLEDTOBE.org; website: http:// www.FSCC-CALLEDTOBE.org.

See ads on pages 81, 83, 85. Code #028.

Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota We are a community of women, who dedicate ourselves to a life of prayer and service to others. In the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, we follow the Gospel of Jesus as our highest rule. For more than 115 years, we have been doing works of charity and striving to be instruments of peace and healing by spreading God’s love and seeking solidarity with persons who are poor and reverencing all of God’s creation. Our ministries include social work, health care, counseling, education, child care, hospitality, retreat

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Franciscan Sisters of Mary (FSM) As Franciscan Sisters of Mary, we live the Gospel as Sister to all. We give our life by being present, hospitable and compassionate, choosing to stand with our sisters and brothers who are poor and on the margins of society. Our acceptance of the challenge of being the very presence of the loving, serving, compassionate, and healing Jesus takes us to all kinds of places and puts us in all sorts of situations. Visit us on the Web at: http://www.fsmonline.org or contact Sherri Coleman, FSM at 1100 Bellevue Avenue, St. Louis, MO 631171826; (314) 768-1826; e-mail: scoleman@fsmonline.org. You might be called to live as a Franciscan Sister of Mary.

See ad on page 27. Code #029.

Franciscan Sisters of Oldenburg, IN We are Third Order Franciscan Sisters. We are women of prayer, committed to Gospel values as lived by St. Francis of Assisi and Mother Theresa Hackelmeier, our foundress. From our life in community we are sent to extend the mission of Jesus through our presence and service. Enlivened by a spirit of justice, reconciliation and peace we collaborate with others in responding to the needs of the world. We were founded in 1851 and have 290 sisters, including four in formation, with our Associates numbering 263. Our outreach ministries are Michaela Farm in Oldenburg, an organic farm; Prayer Lodge in Busby Montana, and Nia Kuumba Discernment House in St. Louis, Missouri and Oldenburg Franciscan Center, a Spirituality Center in Oldenburg.

Our foreign mission is in Papua New Guinea. For further info see http://www.oldenburgfranciscans.org or call our vocation director, Sr. Joan Miller (812) 933-6417 or e-mail: vocations@ oldenburgosf.com.

See ad on page 124. Code #167.

Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (O.S.F.) We celebrate our mission to be a transforming presence in society through witnessing Gospel values. We strive to be prayerful women of faith, prophetic vision, and courage. As 121 sisters in community serving the poor and empowering others to live the gospel with hope and joy, we serve in 17 states in the United States in pastoral care, education, health care, youth ministry, and social services. As Franciscans, we are committed to announcing peace and promoting justice.

In the words of our foundress, Mother Ernestine Matz, “There is no place too far, no service too humble, and no person too lowly.” Visit our web site at http://www.franciscansisters-olph. org for information. Sr. Marcy Romine, Membership Director, 335 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122; (314) 965-3700; fax: (314) 965-3710; e-mail: srmarcy@fsolph.org.

See ad on page 13. Code #170.

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Franciscan Sisters of Allegany (O.S.F.) The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany seek to live the Gospel and witness to God’s love in the Franciscan tradition by living as sisters with all creation and by joyfully serving others, especially those who are poor and marginalized. Our charism is that of Francis Assisi: to live the Gospel life in the spirit of love, joy, simplicity, and hospitality.

We minister on the East Coast of the United States, and also in Jamaica, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and the Philippines. Our ministries include health care, social services, education, and parish and spiritual ministries, among many others. We care for the homeless, raise awareness of justice, peace, and environmental issues, and commit ourselves to a Gospel stance of nonviolence. We support one another in community and prayer, using our varied gifts and talents to care for God’s people. Sr. Mary McNally, O.S.F., 2924 West Curtis Street, Tampa, FL 33614; (813) 870-6314; email: fsavoc@aol.com; website: www.AlleganyFranciscans.org.

See ad on page 23. Code #189.

and parish ministry, spiritual direction, and care of the earth. We minister in multi-cultural areas in the United States and abroad.

Vocation Minister, Sr. Grace Skwira, 116 8th Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345-3597; 320-632-0652; fax: 320-632-1714; email: vocations@fslf.org; website: http://www.fslf.org.

See ad on page 46. Code #268.

Enter #162 at VocationMatch.org

Franciscan Sisters of Peace (F.S.P.) The Franciscan Sisters of Peace were founded in 1986 in the Archdiocese of New York.

Their charism is to live the Gospel and to follow in the footprints of Jesus Christ in the manner of Francis and Clare of Assisi. They follow the Rule of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis and are committed to being peacemakers in word and witness in this time of terrorism. The Franciscan Evangelical Life and Spirituality, which forms a common heart, is the core of their sisterhood with one another. The Associates of the Franciscan Sisters of Peace are a group of lay women who share the faith journey and Franciscan spirituality of the congregation in their own life commitments. The Franciscan Sisters of Peace are present in the Archdioceses of New York, Newark, NJ, and San Francisco, CA; the Dioceses of Paterson, NJ, Albany, NY, Rockville Center, NY, and Tucson, AZ. They are involved in ministries of education, religious education, pastoral services, social work, and prison ministry. They welcome inquiries from women 21 to 49 who are practicing Catholics. For information contact: Sr. Ann Smith, FSP (vowed life) or Mrs. Judith Peterson (associates), 20 Ridge Street, Haverstraw, NY 10928; (845) 942-2527; e-mail: srkking@yahoo.com. Or visit our website at http://www.fspnet.org.

Code #017.

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have kept vigil before the Blessed Sacrament since 1878. Today 400 FSPAs and 200 Affiliates live a spirituality of Loving Presence in mission, in community, and in solidarity with the oppressed. As Franciscan women

Enter #153 at VocationMatch.org

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of the Gospel we seek to build hope, to share joy, and to bring peace. We embrace the unique gifts of each member in ministry and support the creative development of these gifts in our common mission to effect peace and justice. We invite you to risk exploring the call to vowed life with us as we continue to deepen our Franciscan heritage and live authentically as Franciscans in the 21st century. Membership Office, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-8800; (888) 683-FSPA (toll free); e-mail: membership@fspa.org; website: http://www.fspa.org.

See ad on page 77. Code #030.

Franciscan Sisters of Rochester, MN The Franciscan Sisters of Rochester, MN, believe as St. Francis Assisi did: that we are all brothers and sisters, one family under God. With a rich spiritual heritage and the strength of prayer and community life, we choose ministries guided by societal needs and the call to justice. You will find us across the United States, in Cambodia or Colombia, in inner cities and rural areas, responding to the call to justice and peace; we are teachers, nurses, spiritual directors, artists, writers, administrators, religious educators, counselors, social workers, therapists, and healers of creation. We believe in the empowerment of women and the worth and dignity of every person. We learn as we teach, are healed as we heal others, and are changed as we pray and act with compassion. We hope to join with others like you in creating with compassion a just and loving global community. For more information, contact: Central Minister, Rochester Franciscan Life Teams, (507) 282-7441; e-mail: rfvocation@gmail.com; website: http://www. rochesterfranciscan.org.

See ad on page 36. Code #213.

Franciscan Sisters of Saint Elizabeth Following in the footsteps of our Founder Blessed Ludovico and living under the Third Order Regular Rule of Saint Francis, we commit ourselves to a Gospel life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. As a multi-cultural community, we minister to God’s people on five continents. Worldwide we daily unite ourselves as community through our common celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Divine Office, Holy Hour, and meditation. We offer our service through education, health care, parish ministry, care of the elderly, and evangelization. We joyfully embrace living in community, sharing a life of prayer while being active in our ministries. Are you called to journey with us? Call, write, or e-mail. Request information; come visit. The first step of the journey is yours to take. Let us assist you along the way. Vocation Office, Franciscan Sisters of Saint Elizabeth, 499 Park Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054; (973) 5393797; e-mail: sr_cathylynn@yahoo.com; website: http://www. franciscansisters.com.

See ad on page 109. Code #056.

Franciscan Sisters of St. Paul, MN Known internationally as the Franciscan Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Angels, we serve in the United States, Netherlands, Brazil, and Germany.

We are committed to live the Gospel plainly and simply among the people, to serve each other in community, and be open to God’s challenge, whatever the time and place, in actively relieving human suffering. We serve in multiple ministries abroad, and in the U.S. We minister in health care, education, and social services, especially among the poor. Prayer is the substance of our choice of life. We invite any woman between the ages of 21 and 40 who wishes to make this choice of life to accompany us on our journey. Minimum education required is high school; college degree preferred. Visit http://www.askmotherrose.org for more information. Vocation Director, 1388 Prior Avenue South, St. Paul, MN 55116; (651) 690-1501; e-mail: maryldolezal@ yahoo.com and sisterpatcasey@yahoo.com.

See ad on page 79. Code #031.

St. Francis live in right relationship with all creation.” We express our love of God through prayer, service, and community. We are committed to peace and justice and creating community. We serve in a variety of ministries as educators, health care workers, retreat and prayer ministers, pastoral ministers, caretakers among the elderly, social workers, peace and justice advocates, dietary and clerical workers, artists and musicians. We are a vibrant Community of 350 vowed members with two temporary professed, one novice, and 100 associates. We minister in 30 diocese in 20 states. We welcome you to come and check us out. Contact Sr. Nancy Miller, O.S.F., 3390 Windsor Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001-1311, (563)583-9786; e-mail: vocation@ osfdbq.org; website: http://www.osfdbq.org.

See ad on page 26. Code #193.

Franciscan Sisters of the Poor (S.F.P.) We are women who have heard the call from Christ to “heal my wounds in the poor and suffering.” We walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, committed to a Gospel way of life. An international congregation in the geographical areas of United States, Brazil, Italy, and Africa, we respond to people in need through our healing presence and diversity of gifts. Sisters in the United States are involved in pastoral/spiritual ministry, health care, social outreach, and direct services to the poor and homeless. Prayer, contemplation, and community are central to our lives. You are welcome to “come and see!” Contact: Sister Arlene McGowan, S.F.P., 60 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45215-5105; (513) 761-9040, ext. 112; e-mail: vocations@franciscansisters.org; website: http://www. franciscansisters.org.

See ad on page 46. Code #032.

Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart As Franciscan women in the church today we share our lives in prayer, community, and ministry. Located in Indiana, Illinois, California, and Brazil, South America; our ministries include: health care in hospitals, clinics, home health, support programs for pregnant teens, and social service programs; education as teachers, administrators, librarians, and religious education coordinators; parish ministry as liturgists, pastoral associates, youth ministers, and coordinators of parish programs; retreat ministry and ministry among the base communities of the Amazon area of Brazil, South America.

Contact: Vocation Director, 9201 West St. Francis Road, Frankfort, IL 60423; (815) 464-3873; e-mail: fssh@ais.net; website: http://www.fssh.net.

See ad on page 19. Code #033.

G Glenmary Home Mission Sisters of America The Glenmary Sisters provide missionary services to the poor and unchurched in the South and Appalachia where the Catholic population is less than 2 percent. They are radically involved with the issues of injustice, spiritual and material poverty, and racism. Through their ministry of presence, the people of these areas come to understand the love and concern of the broader Catholic Christian Family and their own dignity as God’s children. Sr. Sharon Miller; e-mail: srsharon@glenmarysisters.org; website: http://www. glenmarysisters.org or call 1-800-301-2689.

See ad on page 131. Code #138.

Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement We are a community of women founded in 1898 who share a vowed life within the context of community. Our spiritual and community life nurture and make possible our ministries that vary according to ones gifts and background. At present our sisters minister in the United States, Canada, Italy, Japan, and Brazil. We are currently involved in faith formation, pastoral ministry, social services, kindergartens, retreat and guest house ministry. Vocation Ministry, 41 Old Highland Turnpike, Garrison, NY 10524; (845) 230-8200; e-mail: VocationMinistry@graymoor.org; website: http://www.graymoor.org.

See ad on page 56. Code 211.

Good Shepherd Sisters We are an international congregation with apostolic and contemplative sisters numbering around 5,000. We have communities in 71 countries throughout the world. Our mission is one of reconciliation. We believe that, “One Person is of More Value than a World.” Through our prayer and ministry we strive to model our lives after the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who left the 99 to respond to the one in special need. Our apostolic work includes a variety of human services, primarily social work and social justice advocacy with a particular focus on women and children. Our contemplative prayer strives to bring the liberating love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd to all of God’s people. Sr. Jean Marie Fernandez, Vocation Director, 7654 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, MO 63121; (314) 383-0300; e-mail: JMFernandez@goodshepherdsisters. org; Sr. Adrienne Baker, (651) 482-5245; e-mail: abake@hgsmn. net; Sr. Debbie Drago, (732) 946-0515; e-mail: srdebbie@optonline.net; Sr. Gilda Fernando, 204 boulevard Gouin Ouest, Montreal, Qc, H3L 1J6, Canada; (514) 337-2111; fax: (514) 337-2112; e-mail: gildags@attglobal.net; website: http://www. goodshepherdsisters.org.

See ad on page 41. Code #077.

Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Family (O.S.F.), Dubuque, IA Please visit our webpage www.osfdbq.org. “Rooted in the Gospel and in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare, the Sisters of

Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart We are an apostolic religious congregation dedicated to contemplating and living the values of the Gospel. As daughters of St. Marguerite d’Youville our mission

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calls us to know and share God’s constant and unconditional love with one another and with those to whom we minister, especially the poor and needy. We choose to live out this call in community, personal and communal prayer, and service. Present in 15 dioceses from Alaska to Atlanta, GA., we engage in educational, health care, pastoral and social ministries. Currently we have 140 members. We invite women, age 20-45, to join us in this life rooted in God’s love and providence. For more information contact Sr. Sheila Stone GNSH, 1750 Quarry Road, Yardley, PA 19067-3998; (716) 829-7891; e-mail: SStoneGNSH@aol.com; website: http://www.greynun.org.

Code #183.

H Holy Cross Sisters Inspired by the Cross of Jesus Christ and the example of St. Francis, Holy Cross Sisters use our gifts to help meet the needs of our times as God enables us. We welcome among us those who seek to transform the challenges of today into hope. The sisters and associates of the USA Province serve in 7 central states from Minnesota to Louisiana. We work in such fields as health care, social services, pastoral ministry, education, spirituality, and liturgy. We also draw strength from our international community of more than 4,000 sisters on 5 continents, united through our motherhouse in Switzerland.

The congregation was co-founded in 1856 by Capuchin friar Theodosius Florentini, visionary social reformer, and Theresa Scherer, its first superior general. Mother Theresa was beatified in 1995. For more information, contact: Sr. Linda Songy, 1400 O’Day Street, Merrill, WI 54452; (715) 539-1470; e-mail: info@holycrosssisters.org or visit our website: http://www. holycrosssisters.org.

See ad on page 25. Code #035.

Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters We are a cloistered-contemplative Congregation whose members are entirely dedicated to the contemplative life in the service of perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Evangelization and the sanctification of priests are the special objects of our life of prayer, which includes the singing of the Liturgy of the Hours in choir. Consecrated to the Holy Spirit, and in intimate union with our Eucharistic Lord, we are convinced that being true to our love-response in answer to God’s call, our life of prayer, silence, and sacrifice is the best service we can contribute towards the building up of mankind in peace, justice, and love. For further information please contact: Sr. Mary Gemma, Mount Grace Convent, 1438 E. Warne Ave., St. Louis, MO 63107; e-mail: sspsap@inlink.com; website: http://www.mountgraceconvent.org.

See ad on pages 2-3. Code #177.

Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters (S.Sp.S.) As an international missionary community of about 3,700 women ministering in 45 countries, we are called to share the Good News of Jesus and witness to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the world.

Called by the Spirit, we are sent to peoples of diverse cultures, religions, and social/ethnic backgrounds. We participate in the mission of Jesus through education on all levels and in different types of schools, through health care, in parish ministry, religious education and youth ministry, communication and media, counseling and social services, work with the elderly and the marginalized, retreat work, and spiritual direction. For more information please contact: Office for Vocation Ministry, P.O. Box 6026, Techny, IL 60082-6026; (847) 441-0126 ext.

700 and 704; fax: (847) 881-8991; e-mail: sspsovm@aol.com; website: http://www.ssps-usa.org.

See ad on pages 2-3. Code #177.

L Little Company of Mary Sisters (L.C.M.) We, the Little Company of Mary Sisters, are an international congregation named for the little group of faithful followers who remained in the company of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, at the foot of the Cross. Upon founding the LCM Sisters in Nottingham, England in 1877, Venerable Mary Potter dedicated her community to the Maternal Heart of Mary. We bear witness to the healing presence of Jesus through our spiritual and physical care of the poor, sick, suffering, and dying in our midst, and by constant prayer for the sick and dying of the world. We welcome single women, ages 21 to 45, of diverse cultures, talents, and life experiences who have the health and desire to follow Jesus in gospel living as consecrated women. Contact us for a personal call and a FREE CD-Rom. Sr. Jean Stickney, L.C.M., (708) 229-5797 or Suzanne Petrouski, (708) 229-5095, 9350 South California Avenue, Evergreen Park, IL 60805; e-mail: vocations@lcmh.org;

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See ad on page 134. Code #039.

Little Sisters of the Poor (L.S.P.) The spirit of the Congregation is the evangelical spirit lived by the Holy Family in Nazareth and expressed by Jesus in the Beatitudes. Mindful of the words of our foundress, Blessed Jeanne Jugan, “Never forget that the Poor are Our Lord,” we dedicate ourselves to the loving service of the aged poor. This apostolate is sealed by a special fourth vow of hospitality. Sisters to the elderly who are on the threshold of eternal life in God’s kingdom, we strive to witness to respect for life and to the compassionate love and mercy of God. About 3,000 Little Sisters serve the elderly of 32 countries; each community is international in its composition. The Association Jeanne Jugan offers to Catholic laymen and women who wish to deepen their faith the opportunity of sharing in the spirit and mission of our congregation. Provincial houses: 110-30 221st Street, Queens Village, NY 11429; 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Baltimore, MD 21228; 80 West Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067; e-mail: serenitylsp@netscape.net., website: http://www.lspusa.org; See ad on page 126. Code #041.

M

Marianites of Holy Cross (M.S.C.) United with Mary standing at the foot of the cross, we, Marianites of Holy Cross, are APOSTOLIC religious, women of PRAYER and COMPASSION. Our mission, energized by our life in COMMUNITY, is to incarnate the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Called to be a PROPHETIC presence in an ever-changing world, we resolutely stand with those who are excluded. We number 250 sisters, and are part of the Holy Cross Family of Sisters, Brothers, Priests, and Lay Associates. We minister in the all-inclusive fields of education, health care, social work, and parish ministry in France, the United States, Canada, Bangladesh, and Haiti. In prayer, community life, ministry, with family and friends, we witness to God’s Spirit dwelling within us and encourage others to recognize God’s action in their lives. Sound like you? Contact us!

Sr. Renée Daigle, M.S.C., 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131; (504) 398-2172; e-mail: reneemsc@marianites.org; website: http://www.marianites.org.

See ad on page 157. Code #162.

Marist Missionary Sisters The Marist Missionary Sisters are a multi-cultural congregation. They belong to a religious family known as the Society of Mary, whose members include laity, sisters, brothers, and priests. Today, the Marist Missionary Sisters serve in 29 countries on six continents. We serve through education, pastoral ministry, and promotion of health and social outreach by living our lives simply in community and ministering to others prayerfully in the spirit of Mary. As we embrace our cultures and traditions, we experience many unique expressions of faith that enrich us. If you are looking for more and want to make a difference in our world, come and share our vision. Contact: Vocation Office, 349 Grove Street, Waltham, MA 02453; (510) 798-0916; e-mail: smsmvoc@aol.com; website: http://www. maristmissionarysmsm.org.

Code #128.

Maryknoll Sisters (M.M.) We are women religious missionaries whose passion is to seek God’s love and compassionate justice wherever we are. We set forth to many lands, crossing boundaries of culture, race, and religious beliefs. An openness to other cultures and ways of life as well as a continual adaptability to new and varied forms of service in mission and community living are significant parts of the spirit that animates us. Our communities are usually small, multi-cultural and multigenerational. The ministries that we engage in are many and varied depending on the skills and gifts each Sister has and the realities of the people we

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Medical Mission Sisters Medical Mission Sisters are an international community of Catholic Sisters and Associates whose lives are committed to healing and wholeness. We live out this commitment in 19 countries on five continents, including North America. Our call “to be present to life in the spirit of Jesus the healer” takes shape in our involvements in primary health care, hospitals, holistic health, women’s groups, community development, social work, global education, environmental concerns, and justice and peace issues. Our approach is to work closely with local people, helping them learn how to experience health and healing in their own lives, communities and nations. We invite women who want to live the love of God for all people through a mission of healing to join us on our journey. For more information, contact: Sr. Marguerite Papineau, 8400 Pine Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111; (215) 742-6100 or (215) 205-8979; e-mail: mms8400@aol.com; website: http://www. medicalmissionsisters.org.

See ad on page 45. Code #042.

Medical Missionaries of Mary We are an international congregation of women religious and associates, with a unique call to live beyond the barriers of culture, religion, and language, in solidarity with God’s people, especially the poor and oppressed.

Founded in Nigeria, West Africa by an Irish woman, Marie Martin, we now live in many countries of Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Living in community, we strive to be women of prayer and to be ‘contemplatives in action’ through our healing ministries. We are professional women serving God’s people through nursing, midwifery, social services, pastoral counseling, administration, and more. We invite you to consider joining us in our vocation of following Jesus in His healing mission.

Contact: Sr. Cheryl Blanchard, Vocation Director, Medical Missionaries of Mary, 563 Minneford Ave., City Island, Bronx, NY 10464-1118; (718) 885-0945; e-mail: cherylblanch@verizon. net; website: http://www.mmmworldwide.org.

Code #299.

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Marianists Sisters, Daughters of Mary Immaculate (FMI) The Marianist Sisters are the women vowed religious in the Marianist Family. We continue the risk-taking faith of our foundress, Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon, in the developing faith communities in collaboration with the laity, and the service of women, youth, and the poor. FMI’s serve in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and the United States (Dayton, OH and San Antonio, TX) and will be moving to join the Marianist family in India in December 2006. In the United States we still have much of the pioneer spirit, with “a mission to spread the Marianist Charism wherever we are.” Vocation Office, 251 West Ligustrum Drive, San Antonio, TX 78228-4092; (210) 433-5501 or 30 Sawmill Road, Dayton, OH 45409; (937) 224-5896; e-mail: laura.leming@notes.udayton.edu.

See ad on page 14. Code #105.

live and work with. We try to be sensitive to the ways and aspirations of the local people and the local church as we journey with them in their search for truth, justice, and “life in abundance.”

We invite you to come and share our mission. . .our blessings.

Please write to: Sr. Leonila V. Bermisa, M.M. Maryknoll Sisters, Vocation Ministry, P.O. Box 311, Maryknoll, NY 10545; (914) 941-7575 ext. 5676; e-mail: Lbermisa@mksisters.org and/or visit us on the web: http://www.maryknoll.org See ad on page 113. Code #199.

Enter #048 at VocationMatch.org

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart (M.H.S.H.) Mission Helpers can be found visiting poor families in their homes to inquire about their needs; acting as advocates for the handicapped and hearing impaired; feeding the homeless of our cities; reaching out to the Hispanic community in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela; counseling and challenging young people; comforting families of the terminally ill, including those with AIDS; counseling families dealing with social, economic, or psychological pressures and proclaiming the Gospel through spirituality programs and formal religious education. Becoming aware of an existing need, a Mission Helper responds. Sr. Vicki Vandenburg, M.H.S.H., 1001 West Joppa Road, Baltimore, MD 21204; (410) 823-8585, ext. 255; fax: (410) 296-4050; e-mail: vvandenburg@missionhelpers.org; website: http://www.missionhelpers.org.

See ad on page 108. Code #043.

Missionary Benedictine Sisters—Immaculata Monastery Missionary Benedictine Sisters commit themselves to Jesus Christ through their monastic life and ministry. Community and personal prayer, active ministry and a communal, simple lifestyle blend together to form a dynamic of grace as they seek to know and serve God in their day-to-day lives. The sung Liturgy of the Hours, daily Eucharist, and Lectio Divina are irreplaceable parts of their day. Their missionary focus is to bring the Good News of Jesus in word and deed, especially to those most in need.

1,400 Missionary Benedictine Sisters reach out to the people in need in 19 countries. The sisters do a variety of ministries, e.g., health care, education, social work, and youth ministry. In the United States, 45 Sisters serve in Nebraska and Minnesota.

Vocations Office, 300 North 18th Street, Norfolk, NE, 68701; (402) 371-3438; e-mail: vocations@norfolkosb.org; website: http://www.norfolkmbs.org.

See ads on pages 32-33, 108. Code #249.

Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (M.F.I.C.) The Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, a community of about 370 Sisters, serve

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the church, especially the poor and needy, in 10 countries of the world including nine East Coast states of the U.S. In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi we seek to embrace a radical following of the gospel, calling one another to holiness, living in community.

In a world of division, we strive to be peacemakers by our presence. Our ministries are quite varied and include: education, health care, foreign missions, social services, pastoral ministry, prison chaplaincy, campus ministry, counseling, spiritual direction, legal services. We have vowed and associate members. Sr. Marie Puleo, M.F.I.C., 790 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458; fax: (617) 319-4854; e-mail: mficvocation@aol.com; website: http://www.mficusa.org.

See ad on page 107. Code #179.

Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity (M.S.B.T.) Love means service! The Holy Spirit is seeking qualified young women to become our sisters as we work to open NEW MISSIONS, and to help us continue to serve at our established missions. Our call is to take on “abandoned work”—work of the Church that wouldn’t get done without us.

We find ourselves in poor or remote places where people need material help and spiritual encouragement. We are missionaries! We work to preserve the Catholic Faith among traditionally Catholic people, often immigrant populations who desperately need support. We are in the USA, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. We adapt to the needs we find. Our work includes: parish ministries of all kinds, social services, young adult ministries, outreach to migrant workers, prison work, health care, at-risk children’s programs, retreat ministries, and family life development programs. Glory to the Triune God! Sr. Beth Henken, MSBT, 3501 Solly Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136; (215) 335-7534; e-mail: voc@msbt.org; website: http://www.msbt.org.

See ad on page 133. Code #278.

Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary The Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary seek to continue Christ’s mission in today’s broken world. We are diverse in ministries, ethnicities, and cultures. As women of faith and prayer, we strive to give witness to missionary zeal. We are ready to be sent beyond the boundaries of our own country and culture. As we go forth, we endeavor to find, nurture, and share the Divine Life and its abundance, especially with those on the margins. Through our apostolates in Africa, the Americas, and Europe, we work to establish a Christian presence, to empower, especially women, and to foster spiritual and economic development. Our missionary life allows those on the margins to challenge us to become more compassionate and to work with them to create a more human and thus, more Godly world. Contact: Sr. Terry Shields, 741 Polo Rd., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010; (610) 520-1974; e-mail: Terryshields@ comcast.net; website: http://www.holyrosarysisters.org Code #186.

Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (S.M.I.C.) An international congregation of 350 sisters that was founded in Brazil in 1910. We embrace the ideals of St. Francis and St. Clare Assisi and our emphasis is on being a contemplative compassionate presence to all, especially the most needy. Our life of the gospel and witness of God’s love is expressed in our passion for mission, in our own countries and overseas. Presently we live and serve in Brazil, Germany, USA, Taiwan, Namibia, and the Philippines. We Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception invite you to consider religious life!

Please contact Sr. Andrea Westkamp, S.M.I.C., P.O. Box 3026, Paterson, NJ 07509; (973) 279-3790; e-mail: newmembership@ smic-missionarysisters.com; website: http://www.smic-missionarysisters.com.

See ad on page 119. Code #131.

Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (M.S.C.) We are missionaries who are called to be the heart of God in the world. United in faith and prayer, we are 900 women risking for the Gospel in the U.S.A. and in 17 other countries.

Our mission is to serve those most in need of the compassionate love of Jesus, wherever that may be. We do this through evangelization, social work, health care, education, pastoral care, counseling, and parish ministry. We invite women 20 - 45 years of age to join us in spreading the message that God loves all people.

Vocation Minister, Sr. Barbara Daniels, M.S.C., 51 Seminary Ave., Reading, PA 19605; (610) 929-0695; e-mail: mscvocdir@aol. com; website: http://www.hometown.aol.com/mscvocdir/usa. html.

Code #130.

Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (M.S.C.) (Cabrini Sisters) Founded by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini,

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Patroness of Immigrants in 1880. Our charism: to be bearers of the love of Christ in the world. Our mission priorities: outreach to immigrants and refugees, the poor and the needy, women and children. We can be found ministering in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, schools, parishes, prisons, detention centers, retreat centers, shrines, and immigration outreach centers. We develop and express our diverse gifts for the express purpose of expressing the love of the Heart of Jesus through the relationships we form and through service. We are women of faith called to be missionaries and available for ministry in: the United States, Central and South America, Europe, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Australia, and the Philippines. We receive the necessary strength for our missionary activities from our life of community and prayer.

We are looking for women, age 20-40, full of zeal, passion, and a desire to be an expression of God’s love in our world.

Sr. Diane Olmstead, M.S.C., 139 Henry Street, New York, NY 10002; (212) 233-0233; e-mail: mscvoc@aol.com; website: http://www.mothercabrini.com.

See ad on page 54. Code #044.

N Notre Dame Sisters (N.D.) An international community with provinces in the United States, Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. In the United States province there are 58 sisters who strive to bring God’s love to those with unmet needs through a variety of ministries: education, health care, family ministry, pastoral ministry, housing for low-income elderly, religious education, spiritual direction, and prayer. Vowed members, associates and volunteers work to build a world Christian community of love and support for all people especially women and children. With Mary as their model, they imitate her dependence on God through prayer, simplicity, hospitality, service, and risk.

Rooted in community, they are sent to share their gifts in joyful loving service to others. Sr. Dorothy Rolf, N.D., 3501 State Street, Omaha, NE 68112-1799; (402) 455-2994; e-mail: nd.voc@juno. com; website: http://www.notredamesisters.org.

See ad on page 14. Code #045.

O Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (S.H.J.) The Oblate Sisters are a group of women who strive to attain union with God by offering their lives for diocesan priesthood. Their special charism is both spiritual and ministerial. The sisters are called first of all to pray for priestly holiness and to offer the joys and sorrows of their lives for the good of priests. Ministerially the sisters care for retired and convalescent priests, and collaborate with them in parish ministry, which includes teaching, directing religious education, hospital visitation, and distribution of the Eucharist to the homebound. The sisters also conduct a preschool and kindergarten, which is located on their Motherhouse grounds. Sr. Teresina Rosa, 50 Warner Road, Hubbard, OH 44425; (330) 759-9329; e-mail: JCOBLATE@aol.com; website: http://www.oblatesistersofshj.com.

See ad on page 57. Code #196.

Order of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary We are a Eucharistic and contemplative community consisting of priests, brothers, and sisters, who wear a full habit, as well as lay “external” members, all of whom are consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Our daily schedule, besides Holy Mass, includes: 20 decade Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Liturgy of the Hours, and time for silent adoration, all before Our Lord Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. After being filled with the love and mercy of Our Savior, we go forth to be His reflection to others through various corporal works of mercy. Contact: Vocation Director, 48765 Annapolis Road, Hopedale, OH 43976; (740) 946-9000; e-mail: twohearts@1st.net; website: http://www. heartsofjesusandmary.org.

Code #271.

Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters An OLVM (Victory Noll) Sister is a dream catcher by the life she lives in response to the missionary call. She helps others catch their dreams by living among the people in a simple, prophetic life of community and ministry. She is an image breaker, like Mary, rooted in the Gospel, standing with Jesus as a witness to justice issues. She is a vowed religious who chooses to live out those vows in response to the needs of the poor and oppressed, especially women. Victory Noll Sisters do this not tied to large institutions, but in creative and diverse ministries. If you would like to catch your dream and help to break the negative images you see, contact Sr. Rose Ann Kaiser,

Vocation and Associate Coordinator, P.O. Box 109, Huntington, IN 46750-0109 or via e-mail: voc@olvm.org or phone (260) 3560628 ext. 154. Visit our website: http://www.olvm.org.

See ad on page 40. Code #201.

P Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate We are contemplative-missionary Sisters, founded in New York City in 1920 by Mother Mary Teresa Tallon. Our apostolate of evangelization, religious education and social service assistance is fired by a life of Eucharistic prayer and love for Jesus and His Church. Mary’s Visitation to Elizabeth, and Jesus the Good Shepherd, inspire us as we visit parish families or catechize children, youth and adults. We seek especially to befriend and spiritually assist careless and alienated Catholics while guiding and encouraging Catholic family life. Write or call: Vocation Directress, Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, Marycrest Convent, P.O. Box 658, Monroe, NY 10949-0658 (845) 783-2251; website: http://www. parishvisitorsisters.org.

See ad on page 15. Code #292.

Passionist Nuns (C.P.), Clarks Summit, PA Our community invites single women of mature age who feel an attraction to contemplative community to “Come and See” for a time, to become mutually acquainted and to share our lifestyle. We live as sisters together a simple prayerful life of worship and service, walking and working in the Presence of God throughout the day and meeting for celebration of Liturgy in Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours in our monastery chapel. By our unique vow, Passionist Nuns are devoted to a continual and grateful remembrance of the sacrificing love of Jesus “even to death on a cross” and to lifting up this gift to God by our union with Him for the redemptive needs of all the world. Contact: The Passionist Nuns, St. Gabriel’s Monastery, 631 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411; (570) 586-2791; e-mail: passionistnunscls@yahoo.com; website: http://www.passionistnuns.intiques.com.

Code #238.

Passionist Nuns (C.P.), Ellisville, MO We are cloistered contemplatives founded in 1771 by St. Paul of the Cross in Italy.

Our Ellisville autonomous monastery of Pontifical Right was established in St. Louis in 1948. We seek to live the charism of our Holy Founder by a special vow of the grateful remembrance of and devotion to the Passion of Jesus. We do this through a life of prayer, penance, joyful living in community, poverty, chastity, obedience, and a vow of enclosure, loyalty to the teachings of the church, the holy sacrifice of the Mass, the Divine Office prayed night and day, and the Rosary. All this keeps us attuned to the beatings of the heart of Jesus Crucified and His Love for all mankind.

See ad on page 161. Code #047.

Poor Clares (Order of Saint Clare) Cloistered Franciscan nuns, founded by St. Clare of Assisi, companion of St. Francis of Assisi. For more than 750 years Poor Clares have been part of the heart of the church, living the Gospel Life in their contemplative life style which is nourished by daily Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours throughout the day, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during times of the day, and a joyous community life. A year of postulancy follows a time of getting to know the community.

There are two years of novitiate before vows. Each Poor Clare house is autonomous, but joined in living the ideals with Poor Clares throughout the U.S. and the world. Join us in living a life of love of God and in loving and praying for the world. Monastery of St. Clare, 1271 Langhorne-Newtown Road, Langhorne, PA 19047-1297, e-mail: vocation@poorclarepa.org; website: http://www.poorclarepa.org.

See ad on page 159. Code #048.

Poor Clares, Spokane, WA Our monastery is located in the beautiful Northwest city of Spokane, Washington. We are a small, cloistered community dedicated to God through prayer and contemplation. Our community is known for its joyful spirit which is reflected in our prayer, work, and communal life. We wear a common habit and follow closely the full teachings of the Church. As Franciscans we believe in nurturing our love of God, one another and all of God’s creation. During the warm months of the year we pray together outside as much as possible and work many hours in our large garden where we grow much of our own vegetables, fruits, and flowers. We encourage each sister to develop and use her own gifts and abilities for the good of the community and the Church. We respond to many prayer requests, publish books, create web pages, and manage a 24 hour Catholic radio station. Contact: Monastery of Saint Clare, 4419

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Search these Women’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org N. Hawthorne St., Spokane, WA 99205; (509) 327-4479; e-mail: srpat@calledbyjoy.com; website: http://www.calledtojoy.com.

See ad on page 79. Code #194.

Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, Portsmouth, OH—St. Joseph Monastery “Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the Heart of our community and of our lives as adorers. Drawn by love the Most Holy Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood, we dedicate our entire lives to Eucharistic Adoration.”-Constitutions. Inspired by the Gospel of the ten lepers, our venerable founders, Mother Marie Ste. Claire and Father Bonaventure established our order in France in 1854, with reparative thanksgiving as our charism.

Cloistered contemplatives with the privilege of Solemn Vows and Papal enclosure, we follow the Rule of Holy Mother Clare, living a life of Eucharistic/Franciscan spirituality and making final vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience after eight years of formation. Requirements: single women, between the age of 1835, high school education, Catholic in good standing, and good physical and psychological health. St. Joseph Monastery, 2311 Stockham Lane, Portsmouth, OH 45662-3049; (740) 353-4713; e-mail: nuns@stjosephmonastery.com; website: http://www. stjosephmonastery.com.

See ad on page 23. Code #237.

Precious Blood Sisters, Joint (A.S.C. & C.PP.S.) We sisters of the Precious Blood family are 1500 women serving in 35 locations in the U.S. and abroad. Through our service in many locations including parishes, schools, health care facilities, counseling and social justice centers, we seek to make God’s healing love known, especially to those most in need. Our distinctive Precious Blood spirituality compels us to act as a reconciling presence. We are devoted to communal life, personal prayer and the Eucharist. We invite you to consider living a life of faith and sacrificial love together with us. Learn more about the Precious Blood family of sisters by contacting: Sister Diana Rawlings, ASC, 1400 S. Sheridan, Wichita, KS 67213-1394; 1-877-ADORERS (1-877-236-7377) or (316) 942-2201 ext. 1414; e-mail: ascvocations@adorers.org. Please visit our website http://www. adorers.org. Sister Carolyn Hoying, C.PP.S., 4960 Salem Ave., Dayton, OH 45416-1797; (937) 278-0871, ext. 1303; e-mail: cppsvocations@salemheights.com. Please visit our website at http://www.bright.net/~cppsnews.

See ads on pages 17, 111. Code #208.

Providence Women, Congregation of Divine Providence (C.D.P.)—Marie de La Roche Province Our mission is to make God’s love more visible in the world. With our God of Providence, we are committed to co-creating a world of compassion, justice, and peace. Our Sisters serve by meeting the needs of the times through a variety of ministries. We are risk takers, always open to new ministries. The Marie de La Roche Province is spread across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic; our sisters come from many parts of the world. We are a welcoming and diverse group of women who have chosen to live in community, embrace a deepening prayer life, and serve the needs of today’s world. If you would like to join us, please contact: Sister Elena at (412) 635-6309 or e-mail: elenacdp@hotmail.com. For more information, you can also visit our website at http://www.divineprovidenceweb.org.

See ad on page 129. Code #240.

Providence Women, Congregation of Divine Providence (C.D.P.)—Melbourne, KY The Congregation of Divine Providence is an international community established in France in 1762 and in the U.S. in 1889. Contemplation of Jesus reveals

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Providence Women, Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence (M.C.D.P.) Centrally located in San Antonio, Texas, we are a bicultural-bilingual religious community founded sixty years ago to minister in the Southwest in evangelization, catechesis, and social work. The community invites members who desire to deepen their faith life and share their energy and gifts as consecrated women with and among the poor, particularly the growing Hispanic population. Currently, the M.C.D.P.’s ministry has extended to serving the church in Texas, California, Iowa, and Nebraska. Evangelization is done through parish work, hospital chaplaincy, counseling, social work, teaching, and youth/young adult ministry. Si te interesa server con nosotras communicate a la siguente direccíon/If you are interested in serving in God’s mission with us, contact us at: M.C.D.P. Vocation Minister, 2318 Castroville Road, San Antonio, TX 78237; (210) 432-0113; e-mail: mcdpvocation@sbcglobal.net; website: http://www.mcdp.org.

See ad on page 129. Code #240.

Providence Women, Oblate Sisters of Providence (O.S.P.)— Baltimore, MD Founded in Baltimore in 1829, the Oblate Sisters of Providence is the world’s first congregation of women religious of African descent. We spread the good news of Christ by following the teachings of Mother Mary Lange, O.S.P., our saintly foundress, and our founder, Rev. James Hector Joubert, S,S. Our ministry is primarily to African Americans in the inner cities of our country and in catechesis in Costa Rica. There we continue Mother Lange’s tradition of education and service to the poor, the neglected and to all those who are in need. Our ministries are determined by a keen awareness of and a positive response to the signs of the times. Oblate members come from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Cuba, Honduras, Belize and Nigeria, as well as from the United States.

Contact the Vocation Director, Sister Mary Stephen Beauford, O.S.P., 701 Gun Road, Baltimore, MD 21227; (410) 242-8500, ext. 136; e-mail: stephenosp@aol.com, website: http://www. oblatesisters.com See ad on page 129. Code #240.

Providence Women, Sisters of Divine Providence (C.D.P.)— San Antonio, TX The world needs to know that God still cares.

Defined by our reliance on God’s Providence, we Sisters of Divine Providence commit ourselves to proclaim that only the power of God’s love can transform our universe. In response to the pervasive violence in our society and universe, we commit ourselves to work for peace and non-violence in all that we do. In response to the spiritual hunger of our world, we commit ourselves to delve into God’s love as contemplatives in action. In this way our lives and our actions witness hope in God’s Providential love for all creation. Our joy is to proclaim Providence as the loving presence of God, active and watchful, attentive to the needs of all, alive in us and through us. Come, help the world know that God still cares. Contact: Sr. Elsa Garcia, C.D.P., 515 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, TX 78207; (210) 434-1866; e-mail: vocationministry@cdptexas.org; website: http://www.cdptexas.org See ad on page 129. Code #240.

Providence Women, Sisters of Providence (S.P.)—Holyoke, MA We are a community of women with a passion for life and meeting the needs of our times. Through our lives of prayer, community, and service we are called to reveal the loving care of God’s Providence through ministries of hope and healing with particular emphasis on women, the earth, and those who are poor. Our sponsored ministries include soup kitchens and shelters, health care facilities and spiritual life center. We are a community of women rooted in the past and open to the future.

We, like you, are committed to making a difference in our world.

If you would like to join us in that effort contact Sister Ann Hor-

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Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (P.H.J.C.) We are an international congregation of apostolic religious founded by Catherine Kasper in Dernbach, Germany. We minister with the poor, the sick, and children in the United States, Mexico, Germany, England, the Netherlands, India, Brazil, and Kenya. In the American Province we live the spirit of Catherine Kasper as Sisters, Associate Partners and a sister community, known as the Fiat Spiritus Community. With prayer and community living as our foundation we minister in rural, urban, and inner city settings in the Midwest. Focused on partnering in the work of the Spirit, we invite others to join us in various facets of education, pastoral and social work, neighborhood based health ministries, spiritual guidance, and care for the environment. We are recognized more by the love and simplicity with which we serve than by any particular ministry. Sr. Kathy Haas, P.H.J.C., P.O. Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513; (574) 936-9936; e-mail: skathyh@poorhandmaids. org; website: http://www.poorhandmaids.org.

Code #049.

our Provident God and impels us to become living expressions of God’s tender love through works of mercy. This is the heart of our spiritual life and community. There is a special concern for women and youth and a preference for the most abandoned. Our ministries include teaching (all forms and levels), social work, health care, pastoral ministry (hospitals, campuses, parishes), direct service of the poor, retreats, and peace and justice work.

We are present in nine countries. In the U.S. we are in 12 dioceses and archdioceses. We live in small communities where we attempt to follow Jesus and emphasize the gospel values of simplicity, poverty, charity, and abandonment to Providence. Consider joining us. Vocation Director, 1000 St. Anne Drive, Melbourne, KY 41059; (859) 441-0700 ext. 324; e-mail: vocation@cdpkentucky.org; website: http://www.cdpkentucky.org.

See ad on pg 129. Code #240.

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Consider a Call to Reparational Joy! Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus 2120 SE 24th Ave. Portland, OR 97214 503-236-4207

repsrs@juno.com . repsrs@msn.com www.ReparationSisters.org Enter #205 at VocationMatch.org

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See ad on page 129. Code #240.

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Providence Women, Sisters of Providence (S.P.)—International The Sisters of Providence of Montreal began with Emilie Gamelin, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She helped people suffering from the political turbulence and depressed economy in Quebec in the first half of the 1800s. Soon she used up all her own financial resources, and depended entirely on God’s Providence to look after all the needy people who were coming to her. In 1843 she founded a religious community (which people called “Sisters of Providence”) to carry on these works and this spirituality The Sisters are presently (2006) an international congregation found in nine countries, where they start ministries to help those whose basic needs are neglected, drawing deeply on compassion and trust in God’s Providence.

Contact: Sr. Toyleen Fook, 3005 - 119 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6J 5R5; (780) 436-7250; fax: (780) 436-7255; e-mail: tfook@providence.ab.ca.

See ad on page 129. Code #240.

Providence Women, Sisters of Providence (S.P.)—Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN Blessed Mother Theodore Guerin, whose path to sainthood has been opened with canonization expected in the Fall of 2006, founded our Congregation at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN, October 22, 1840. Still embracing her spirit among us, we honor Divine Providence and further God’s loving plans by devoting ourselves to works of love, mercy, and justice in service among God’s people. We are courageous women of faith committed to effecting positive change and creating hope for the future. We act boldly on our convictions through diverse ministries, including environmental justice and education and anti-racism training for our members and the public. We strive to stretch or break through expected boundaries and create hope for all of God’s people. We serve in 20 states, Washington, D.C., and Taiwan. Women under the age of 45 are welcome to contact us for more information. Vocation Office, Owens Hall, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876-1089; website: http://www.sistersofprovidence.org.

See ad on page 129. Code #240.

Providence Women, Sisters of Providence Mother Joseph Province (S.P.)—Seattle and Spokane, WA The Sisters of Providence are an international congregation founded by Emilie Gamelin of Montreal in 1843. As women religious, our ministries are diverse, fulfilling, and needed. They include education, parish ministry, health care, community service and support, housing, prison ministry, pastoral care, spiritual direction and retreats, and foreign missions. The community is composed of four provinces and one sector spread across Canada, the United States, Chile, El Salvador, Argentina, Egypt, the Philippines, Haiti, and Cameroon. Living in community enables us to support and enrich personal and communal growth and witness gospel values. Our life of prayer includes quiet moments and faith sharing as we journey to wholeness. Contact the Vocation Director for Mother Joseph Province, in Seattle at (206) 923-4028, or in Spokane at (509) 474-2323; e-mail: vocations@providence.org; website: http://www.sistersofprovidence.net.

See ad on page 129. Code #240 .

R Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (R.S.H.M.) We are an international congregation, founded in France in 1849, by Fr. Jean Gailhac, to follow Jesus Christ, who came that all may have life, and have it to the full. Our mission, “to know and love God, to make God known and loved,” calls us to be women of prayer and compassion, and to put ourselves and our resources at the service of those most in need of justice, especially women and children. We do this through a diversity of ministries: education; campus ministry; creative and fine arts; health care; legal services; pastoral work in parishes; hospitals; and prisons; peace and justice advocacy; housing; refugee services; retreat houses; spiritual direction; social services; and Eldercare. Please contact: Sr. Ines Gizzarelli, RSHM, 50 Wilson Park Drive, Tarrytown, NY 10591-3023; (914) 631-8872; e-mail: inesrshm@aol.com; Sr. Miriam Tiburcio, RSHM; 441 North Garfield Avenue, Montebello, CA 90640-2901; (310) 826-7248 or (323) 887-8821; e-mail: vocation@rshm.org; Sr. Virginia Garza, RSHM; 52 (751) 348-0149 (Mexico); e-mail: vocationmex@rshm.org; website: http://www.rshm.org.

See ad on page 91. Code #273.

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Religious Teachers Filippini Continuing the work of Christ the teacher through education, pastoral ministry, retreats, and foreign missions. The Religious Teacher Filippini, inspired by their foundress, St. Lucy Filippini, build the Kingdom and bring new hope to God’s people by dedicating themselves to Christian education. Community life is nurtured by Scripture, the Eucharist, and common prayer. The sisters minister in the northeast and southwest United States, as well as in Italy, Brazil, Ethiopia, Eritrea, India, England, Ireland, Switzerland, and Albania. As vibrant, enthusiastic women, they are committed to the education of youth and adults as teachers, administrators, tutors, and aides in elementary and secondary schools. They also direct retreat houses, and serve in parish ministry and missionary work. As RELIGIOUS who care for others and TEACHERS who preach the Word of God, the FILIPPINI Sisters continue the mission of Christ the teacher. For more information please contact: Vocation Director, 455 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960; (973) 538-2886, ext. 146; e-mail: jfeltzmpf@earthlink. net; website: http://www.filippiniusa.org.

See ad on page 57. Code #051 .

S Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco (F.M.A.) We, Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, are an international congregation of more than 14,000 Sisters ministering to and with youth in 89 countries around the world. A deep prayer life, a strong community life, and a youth-centered ministry give us the strength and energy we need to face the challenges of daily life. Our ministry is one: reaching out to the young through formal education, youth groups, catechesis, youth centers, summer camps, retreat centers, and missionary work. Eastern Province: Sr. Antoinette Cedrone, F.M.A., 655 Belmont Avenue, Haledon, NJ 07508; (973) 790-4408; e-mail: fmavoc@aol.com; website: http// www.salesiansisterseast.org. Western Province: Sr. Carmen Botello, F.M.A., 9758 Foster Road, Bellflower, CA 90706; (562) 866-0675; e-mail: fmasuovoc@aol.com; website: http://www. salesiansisterswest.org.

See ad on page 80. Code #255.

Salvatorians (Sisters of the Divine Savior) The Salvatorians are an international religious community of sisters, priests, brothers, and laity. We were founded by Father Francis Jordan and Blessed Mary of the Apostles in Rome in the 1880s. Our mission: to make Jesus our Savior known so that all may experience the fullness of life. We minister in the United States and 25 other countries in the world. Our apostolic work includes parish ministry, social work, nursing, teaching, art, secretarial, law, and retreat ministry—wherever there is a need. Come and See Weekends are regularly scheduled for those interested, and visits can be arranged any time. Preferred age: 19-45, with the equivalency of a high school education. Contact: 4311 North 100 Street, Milwaukee, WI 53222-1303; (414) 466-0810, ext. 229; e-mail: czais@salvatoriansisters.org; website: http://sdssisters.org See ad on page 20. Code #145.

School Sisters of Notre Dame (S.S.N.D.) We are women of hope who are committed to serving God’s people in order to bring Jesus’ message of love and unity to our world. As women religious, we value prayer, faith sharing, and a community life that calls us to be of “one mind and one heart.” As a vibrant international congregation, more than 4000 School Sisters live and minister in over 30 countries. Believing that our international presence gives us a unique global responsibility, we address the urgent needs of our time, particularly those of women, youth, and those who are poor. In all that we do, we are educators fostering the God-given potential within each person, encouraging them to use their gifts to make the world a better place. Our ministries include such areas as formal education, social services, parish and retreat ministry, health care, and missionary service.

Contact us for the Vocation Office nearest you. Sr. Martha Fauteux, S.S.N.D., 1920 Snake Road, Waterdown, Ontario L0R 2H0, Canada; (905) 689-6344, ext. 609; fax: (905) 689-8690; e-mail: mjfauteux@yahoo.ca; website: http://www.ssnd.org.

Code #052.

School Sisters of St. Francis Founded in 1874, our members serve in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, India, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.

About 1,200 vowed members and associates are involved in educational, healing, pastoral, social justice and fine arts ministries. Our mission is to witness to the Good News of Jesus and the presence of the reign of God as we enter into the lives and needs of people, especially people who are poor. Prayer is central

to our lives. We open ourselves to the world around us, as we commit ourselves to minister cooperatively, compassionately, and creatively to the needs of others. Together we can transform the world. Please contact: Sr. Mary Ann Meyer, 1515 South Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53215; (414) 385-5253; e-mail: mmeyer@sssf.org; website: http://www.sssf.org.

See ad on page 90. Code #053 .

School Sisters of St. Francis (O.S.F.) Our areas of ministry include prayer, education, health care, administration, social ministry, pastoral ministry, retreats, and spiritual direction. Our charism is intimate union with God in the midst of apostolic service. We joyfully minister to the poor and needy through Christian formation of the total person. Community life is a value we feel is important to us, and is more than just living together. Our Sisters are in demanding ministries of all kinds, and we work at finding creative ways to be a support and presence to each other. Consecrated life as it was in the past has changed in many ways, but the heart of who we are hasn’t.

We are “women of passion” deeply in love with God, and our Franciscan calling to renew and rebuild God’s church. Vocation Director, 934 Forest Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202; (412) 761-6004; e-mail: lorikris@forcomm.net; website: http://www. franciscansisters-pa.org.

Code #002.

School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King The Congregation of the School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King is an international order of religious women who serve the church throughout the world. In the United States there are over 60 sisters who offer themselves to the church through ministries of education, administration, religious education, care of the sick and elderly, in parish ministries, and in food service. As Franciscan women in the church today, we seek to live in a spirit of humility, simplicity, and total dedication to building God’s Kingdom. Through prayer, Gospel living, service, and community sharing, we walk together in hope and joy. Our contact program is open to women of any age. Affiliates are usually between 18 and 35 years old and are usually seeking or in possession of a bachelor’s degree. Sr. Marjorie, Vocation Director, Mt. Assisi Convent, 13900 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439; (630) 257-7524; e-mail: vocareosf@yahoo.com; website: http://www.ssfcr.org.

See ad on page 92. Code #140.

Servants of Mary, Sisters (O.S.M.) We bring the compassionate presence of Christ to the world through lives lived in community, serving the needs of others in a variety of ministries while looking to Mary as the example of life and service. Sisters, Servants of Mary, Ladysmith, WI: Sr. Bonnie Alho, O.S.M., 334 N. Wilson Avenue, Rice Lake, WI 54868; (715) 234-2032; e-mail: balho@chibardun.net; website: http://www.servitesisters. org. Servants of Mary Omaha, NE: Sr. Ann Marie Petrylka, O.S.M., Our Lady of Sorrows Convent, 7400 Military Avenue, Omaha, NE 88134-3351; (402) 571-2547; fax: (402) 571-4422; e-mail: sam@marian.creighton.edu; website: http://www.osms. org. Mantellate Sisters, Servants of Mary, Blue Island, IL: Sr. Maria Teresa Musto, O.S.M., Villa Santa Maria Convent, 501 Oak Forest Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477; (708) 532-2241; fax: (708) 532-8433 e-mail: sr_maria@sbcglobal.net.; website: http://www.mantellatesistersmsm.org. Mantellate Sisters, Servants of Mary, Plainfield, IL: Sr. Gesuina Bongiorno, O.S.M., Marian Lake Convent, 16949 South Drauden Road, Plainfield, IL 60544; (815) 436-5796; fax: (815) 436-7486; e-mail: smaosm129@aol.com.

See ad on page 66. Code #159.

Servants of the Blessed Sacrament We are a Eucharistic contemplative community. Adoration with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is the main focus in our public Chapels. We engage in ministries flowing from our life of Eucharistic prayer, sharing its fruits with others. Age limit: 20-45. Education: 2 years of college or work experience. Contact: Vocation Director, 101 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901; (207) 872-7072; e-mail: srkk@ blesacrament.org; website: http://www.blesacrament.org.

See ad on page 18. Code #054.

Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary A religious congregation serving the needs of the church through parish ministry, health care, teaching, counseling, and human services. The sisters serve in the dioceses of Belleville, Chicago, Rockford, Joliet, and Peoria. The heart of the ministry of the SERVANTS OF THE HOLY HEART OF MARY is the support and challenge of their lives of PRAYER AND COMMUNITY. It is personal

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Search these Women’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org prayer, as well as through the liturgical prayer of the church, that the sisters are impelled to ministry and community. For more information please contact: Vocation Ministry, Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, 717 North Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510; (630) 879-1296; e-mail: lam-bert@sbcglobal.net.

See ad on page 50. Code #055.

Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.H.M.)— Immaculata, PA We are committed to serving Christ and the Church through the public profession of vows, supported and energized by prayer and Eucharistic devotion. Hospitality, simplicity, joyful service, and devoted charity characterize our life in common. With missions in North and South America, we embrace a corporate commitment to Catholic education from preschool through college, day care, adult education, CCD, and sacramental preparation. Our desire to witness Gospel values and to foster faith formation is also expressed in pastoral work, nursing, and spiritual direction. In the spirit of St. Alphonsus, we are involved in promoting peace and justice and in addressing the needs of the most abandoned poor. For information contact Sr. Carmen Teresa, Villa Maria House of Studies, 1140 King Rd. Immaculata, PA 19345-0200; (610) 647-2160; e-mail: ihmvoc@ aol.com; website: http://www.ihmimmaculata.org.

See ad on page 89. Code #187.

Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati (S.C.) The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati are religious women dedicated to serving where the needs are greatest. We follow in the footsteps of our foundress, St. Elizabeth Seton, and the pioneering educators, healers and social servants who formed a community in the early years of the United States. Reflecting on the needs of our times in the light of the Gospel, we strive to respond with innovation, courage, and love. Visit our website at http://www.srcharitycinti.org/vowed. htm for contact information or write to Vocation Coordinator, 5900 Delhi Road, Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051 See ad on page 54. Code #059.

Sisters of Charity of Halifax (S.C.) The Sisters of Charity of Halifax are seeking young adult women who wish to make the love of God visible by giving joyful witness! Our spirituality is rooted in the tradition of Saint Elizabeth Seton, Saint Vincent de Paul, and Saint Louise de Marillac. We are committed to standing in the fire of Gospel values and responding to a world wounded by violence and stripped of hope. While many of us are in Massachusetts, New York, and Nova Scotia, we also serve in other parts of the United States, Canada, Bermuda, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. Our ministries include education, pastoral ministry, social service, health care, earth ministry, social justice, community service, and outreach. We welcome those whom God calls to share our life of community, prayer, and service. Considering religious life? Call Sr. Maryanne Ruzzo at (617) 471-1827; e-mail: smaruzzo@schalifax.com; website: http://www.schalifax.ca.

See ad on page 54. Code #059.

Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (S.C.) We are an apostolic community of 350 women committed to love the poor, to love one another, to live simply, and to unite the whole of our lives in the poor and loving Christ. We serve in the West (California, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming), Midwest (Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska), and Latin America (Peru). We serve in a variety of ministries including: Health care: hospitals and clinics for the uninsured poor; Education: college, high school, elementary; Pastoral ministry: parish administration, religious education, spiritual direction, campus ministry, youth ministry; Social services: Catholic Charities, AIDS ministry, social justice advocates. Sr. Sharon Smith, 4200 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048; (913) 758-6522; e-mail: ssmith@scls.org; website: http://www.scls.org.

See ad on page 54. Code #059.

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Sisters of Charity of New York (S.C.) An apostolic congregation of women living in community. Founded by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, we are called to reveal God’s love in our lives with and for all in need, especially the poor. While many of us are in New York, we are also in other parts of the U.S., Guatemala, and the Bahamas. Our ministries include education, health care, social services, and pastoral care. We collaborate with organizations working for peace/justice. We invite women to join us for the sake of the Gospel. E-mail: sistersofcharity@aol.com; (718) 543-4898; Write: Office of New Membership, Box 1167, 6301 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471.

See ad on page 54. Code #059.

Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church (S.C.M.C.) The Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church is an active/contemplative institute of Pontifical Right. Our motto: To Jesus through Mary, signifies our prayer and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In light of our precious heritage we live our vowed life in community, with the Eucharist at the heart of our varied apostolates. We, though founded principally to teach the young and to care for the elderly, have also made ourselves available to meet other needs of the Church, such as nursing, Hispanic ministry, family shelter for the homeless, and food pantry. Our members include women from various states and nations. We accept applicants ages 1835 and consider others on an individual basis. Come and visit; the harvest is great. Vocation Directress, Mother Mary Luke, S.C.M.C., 54 West Main Street, Baltic, CT 06330-0691; (860) 822-8241; e-mail: tjtmvocscmc@juno.com; website: http://www. sistersofcharity.com.

See ad on page 136. Code #235.

Sisters of Charity of Rolling Hills (S.C.R.H.) The Sisters of Charity of Rolling Hills were founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, California. Our foundresses envisioned a community of Sisters working in different professions, living in community, praying together, and sharing a passion for serving Christ in the poor and needy, principally in the Los Angeles area. Some of the professions: artists, musicians, microbiologists, teachers, college professors, librarians, office workers. If you see yourself fitting into this, perhaps you can add to the list..., contact us! Sr. Tracey Sharp, SCRH, Vocation Director, 28600 Palos Verdes Dr. East, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275; (310) 831-4104 or (310) 8315385; e-mail: SCRHVocatn@aol.com.

See ad on page 38. Code #007.

WOMEN’SCOMMUNITIES COMMUNITIESSEARCH SARCH WOMEN’S

Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.H.M.)— Monroe, MI We are a faith community of 640 Sisters, Associates, and Volunteers. Our mission has evolved and grown in response to the pressing global, social, and ecological injustices in the world. We share collaboratively in ministries of education, justice advocacy, prayer, and sustainability. We build community that sustains us as individuals and fosters our unique gifts in a variety of commitments—vowed Sisters, Associates, and Volunteers.

Come join us—for a lifetime, a brief time, or part time—as we respond to God’s call. Contact: Membership Office, 610 West Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162; (734) 240-9821; e-mail: membership@ihmsisters.org; website: http://www.ihmsisters.org.

See ad on page 80. Code #258.

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, KY (S.C.N.) We are an international congregation founded in 1812 in Kentucky. We and our associates are committed to work for justice in solidarity with oppressed peoples, especially the poor and women, and to care for the earth. We engage in diverse ministries in the U.S., India, Nepal, Belize, and Botswana. Sr. Luke Boiarski, S.C.N., 209 Mound St., Tiltonsville, OH 43963; (740) 859-2946; e-mail: lukescn@1st.net; website: http://www.scnfamily.org.

See ad on page 54. Code #059.

Enter #081 at VocationMatch.org

Daughters of Divine Providence 3EEK lRST THE +INGDOM OF 'OD

Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill (S.C.) Prayer, service, and life in community are the primary principles upon which the sisters carry out their mission, which is to reveal the reality and beauty of God’s love to people in need. The sisters administer and staff educational institutions from preschools through universities; serve in Christian formation; chaplaincy, counseling, pastoral and social services. They are represented primarily in the Dioceses of Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Arizona.

The Korean Province offers opportunities for foreign mission work. Contact: Sr. Maureen O’Brien, S.C., Fidelis House, 120 Underwood Avenue, Greensburg, PA 15601; (724) 454-8601; e-mail: mobrien@scsh.org. or Sr. Rachel Blais, S.C., 740 Elysian Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26501; (304) 685-7733; e-mail: rachelwv2001@yahoo.com; website: http://www.scsh.org.

See ad on page 54. Code #059.

Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth (S.C.) ”The purpose and spirit of the Community is embodied in its symbol, the pelican, who feeds her young with her own substance. In Christian history the pelican is a symbol of Christ in his life of unconditional giving. He is the source and model of love for us.” We render Christ every temporal and spiritual service in our power, “in the persons of the poor, either sick, prisoners, insane, or those who through shame would conceal their necessities.” We are called to a life of giving of our talents, our resources, ourselves, without condition and without reservation. In the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul the Sisters of Charity participate in the mission of the Church fundamentally through ministry supported and nour-

3ERVING THE POOR AND THE LEAST THROUGH EDUCATION AND CATECHESIS WWW DAUGHTERSOFDIVINEPROVIDENCE COM E MAIL FDPVOCATIONS BELLSOUTH NET

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Search these Women’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org ished by prayer and vowed life in community. LOOK FOR THE LIFE YOU WERE BORN TO LIVE! LIVE BOUNDLESS CHARITY IN YOUR LIFE AND WORK! Sister Patricia Dotzauer, S.C., P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961-0476; (973) 290-5331; e-mail: vocations@scnj.org; website: http://www.scnj.org.

See ad on page 54. Code #059.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH

Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida (S.C.S.J.A.) Gifted with a 200-year tradition of vowed service with and among the poor, we choose again today to be one with Jesus Christ and the powerless, rooted in the Gospel by dedicating ourselves to the love, empowerment, service, and evangelization of the poor. As an international community, we minister in 27 countries in a diversity of ministries. Committed to living in community, we invite women of daring love and faith to come join with us as we stand with and work among the powerless and the poor. Sr. Elizabeth Weber, S.C.S.J.A., 8560 North 76th Place, Milwaukee, WI 53223; (414) 354-9233; e-mail: elizabeth@scsja.org; website: http://www.scsja.org.

See ad on page 21. Code #060.

Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, TX We are serving with Gladness! We commit ourselves to being “Gospels of love” by creating communities that are Gospelbased and supportive. We respond with others in faith to the pain and brokenness of our world, risking new pathways in direct service to unmet needs and challenging oppressive structures. While the mission of Jesus is great, we have faith, hope and trust that women will respond generously to Jesus, the Word of Life. For more information, contact Sister Maura Theriot, P.O. Box 230969, Houston, TX 77223-0969, (713) 928-6053; e-mail: mtheriot@ccvi-vdm.org; website: http://www. sistersofcharity.org.

See ad on page 50. Code #061.

Sisters of Christian Charity (S.C.C.) The Sisters of Christian Charity, an international, active apostolic congregation exist to live and make visible the love of Christ today. The charism of Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt, foundress, impels the sisters to be women of deep faith who will refresh the millennium with “joyous, youthful enthusiasm and energy, the fruit of intimacy with Jesus in the Eucharist,” (S.C.C. Documents).

Like Mary, the community seeks to be open to the formative power of the Holy Spirit, which transforms it into the bread and wine of Christ’s love. Pauline’s Eucharistic vision leads the Sisters into the future as a community of love, a people commissioned to bring “good news to the poor . . . sight to the blind . . . liberty to captives” (Luke 4:18). Contact (Eastern Province) Sr. Bernadette McCauley, S.C.C., Mallinckrodt Convent, 350 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945; (570) 450-6491; e-mail: sccvocation@excite.com; website: http://www.scceast. org. Contact (Western Province) Sr. Carol Bredenkamp, S.C.C., 1801 Forest Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091-1533; e-mail: callscc@sccwilmette.org; (847) 251-5855; website: http://www. sccwilmette.org.

See ad on page 93. Code #212.

Sisters of Jesus Our Hope (S.J.H.) We are Sisters with a mission of hope. We live poverty, chastity, and obedience in community life in a spirit of joyful hope and servant love. Our common life extends into an apostolate of faith formation and catechesis according to the vision of Pope John Paul II for the new evangelization. The world needs the “hope that does not disappoint.”

(Rom. 5:5). Knowing that this hope is found in Jesus Christ risen and alive today, we seek to lead others to Him as their hope and salvation. Based on the Augustinian tradition of religious life in the Church, our spirituality emphasizes a special love for the Eucharist. Our daily prayer includes Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, meditation on Sacred Scripture, the Rosary, spiritual reading and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We place a high priority on our shared faith life as well as on mutual respect and love within community. The preferred age is 21-35. Contact: Sister Judith Andrews, SJH; e-mail: sisterjudith@sistersofjesusourhope.org; website: http://www.sistersofjesusourhope.org.

See ad on page 55. Code #251.

Sisters of Loretto (S.L.) From our foundation in a log cabin school on the Kentucky frontier in 1812 to the present, a pioneering spirit has shaped Loretto as the Friends of Mary at the Foot of the Cross. We are a community of faith and service, and we work for justice and act for peace in today’s global society because the gospel urges us. We have sister communities in Ghana and Guatemala. We also anticipate beginning a Loretto

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Foundation in Pakistan. We continue to extend the boundaries of learning and justice, of human dignity and peace, and of active faith and pastoral concern through education and efforts on behalf of the poor. We are Sisters of Loretto, Loretto co-members, and Loretto volunteers, all affirming that the greatest asset of the community is the life of every member. Anna Koop, S.L., 300 East Hampden Avenue, Suite 400, Englewood, CO 80113; (303) 783-0450; fax: (303) 783-0611; e-mail: annakoop@lorettocommunity.org; website: http://www.lorettocommunity.org.

Code #264.

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas We are an international community of women religious vowed to serve people who suffer from poverty, sickness, and lack of education, with a special concern for women and children. In innovative and traditional ways, Sisters of Mercy address human needs through collaborative efforts in education, health care, housing, and pastoral and social services. Among Sisters of Mercy one can find doctors, lawyers and paralegals, theologians, immigrant advocates, missionaries, justice advocates and peace activists, prisoners of conscience, and foster mothers. The Institute includes 25 regional communities with 4,515 sisters who serve in North, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Guam, and the Philippines.

More than 2,700 associates, several Companions in Mercy, over 600 Mercy Volunteer Corps alumni, and hundreds of co-workers in Mercy-sponsored programs and institutions also share in our mission, following the example of Mercy foundress, Catherine McAuley. We invite you to visit our website: http://www.sistersofmercy.org/vocations and contact us at 877-50MERCY; e-mail: newmembership@sistersofmercy.org.

See ad on page 13. Code #063.

Sisters of Nazareth You are invited to learn more about the Sisters of Nazareth, a dynamic, prayerful congregation of religious women, founded in 1851 by Mother St. Basil. Then, and today, the Sisters of Nazareth strive to bring love, respect, and dignity to those in need through the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth. The sisters give loving care and support to all struggling with the world’s challenges, especially children and the elderly needing extra care. They follow Jesus’ appeal to care for and bring the Word of God to the young and elderly through prayer, apostolic example and education, and they do it through 50 Nazareth Houses and Nazareth Schools worldwide. If you are a single Catholic woman ready to answer Christ’s call to religious life, please consider the Sisters of Nazareth. Contact Vocations Director. E-mail: vocations@nazarethhousela.org, 3333 Manning Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90064; (310) 839-2361; website: http:// www.nazarethhouse.org.

Code #244.

Sisters of Notre Dame (Our Lady) (S.N.D.) As an international congregation, we witness to God’s goodness and provident care. We seek out the poor and marginalized, especially women and children. Our life in community and commitment to prayer support our ministries: education, social and pastoral work, health care and missionary endeavors. We embrace opportunities to educate for justice and to empower the poor. For information: California Province: Sister Judeen Julier, e-mail: smjudeen@ hotmail.com; website: http://www.sndca.org. Kentucky Province: Sister Jean Hoffman, e-mail: vocations@sndkentucky.org; website: http://www.sndky.org. Chardon, OH Province: Sister Kathleen Hine, e-mail: khine@ndec.org; website: http://www. sndchardon.org. Toledo, OH Province: Sister Mary Delores Gatliff, e-mail: dgatliff@toledosnd.org; website: http://www. toledosnd.org. International website: http://www.sndl.org.

See ad on page 143. Code #064.

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (S.N.D.deN.) Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, women with hearts as wide as the world, make known God’s goodness and love of the poor through a Gospel way of life, community, and prayer. Continuing a strong educational tradition, we stand with the poor, women, and children. We commit ourselves to work with others to create justice and peace for all. As an international religious community, founded in 1804 by St. Julie Billiart and Françoise Blin de Bourdon, we continue their mission today in Africa, Europe, Japan, North and South America. Our ministries include: education, parish and youth ministry, spiritual direction/counselling, and other developing ministries which respond to today’s needs.

Notre Dame Associates and the Notre Dame Mission Volunteers also share our charism. Sr. Angele Lewis, 30 Jeffreys Neck Road, Ipswich, MA 01938-1398, (978) 380-1571; e-mail: Lewis@SNDdeN.org; website: http://www.SNDdeN.org.

See ad on page 130. Code #065.

Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus (S.R.) This Reparation family includes religious women and lay Donnes assisted by their priest associates, who strive to enrich their own spiritual lives by daily prayer and accepting in a spirit of reparational love, all that life holds in store for them. They eagerly spread the spirit of sacrifice and God’s gentle healing to all with whom they come in contact. Apostolic works include liturgy and worship, healing and music ministries, nursing, teaching, counseling, catechesis, spiritual enrichment, ministering to the home bound, and hospital visitation. They are making a difference in the Pacific Northwest, not just in helping people but by bringing the Word and the Love of God into their lives!

Sister Mary Immaculate, S.R., 2120 S.E. 24th Ave., Portland, OR 97214-5504. Phone: 503-236-4207; fax: 503-236-3400; e-mail: REPSRS@juno.com and REPSRS@msn.com; website: http://www.ReparationSisters.org.

See ad on page 161. Code #205.

Sisters of Saint Francis (O.S.F.)—FRANCISCAN WOMEN SEEKING THE FACE OF GOD. We welcome enthusiastic young women who wish to make a difference in our world. We are a new Franciscan community formed from the Sisters of St. Francis Buffalo, Syracuse, and Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. We are women with a common heart, living a prophetic witness to Christ and the Gospel. It is in community that our prayer and ministry are supported and nurtured. Trusting in the spirit, we continue to promote the Franciscan charism and the Gospel values of peace and non-violence, care for the earth as well as standing with the poor and marginalized. Our sisters are engaged in varied ministries according to their gifts in 27 Diocese, including Hawaii, as well as East Africa and Peru. Contact: Sr. Jeanne Karp, OSF, Vocation Minister, 800 N. Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13208; (315) 473-0952; e-mail: yesGodislove@juno.com; website: http://www.sosf.org.

See ad on page 88. Code #294.

Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius (SS.C.M.) The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius were founded in 1909 in Scranton, PA. Our spirituality is Christ-centered and Mary-modeled and flows from our motto, “ Thy Kingdom Come.” We are a presence of Christ in the world through our vowed communal life, our spirit of prayerfulness and simplicity, and our joy in the service of the Kingdom. We live out our call and charism by witnessing to, proclaiming and building God’s Kingdom, dedicating our prayer and ministry to: evangelization, education, elder care, and ecumenism. We are based in the U.S., serving in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Texas, and South Carolina. If you feel God may be calling you to a lifetime of service, or simply have questions about religious life, please contact: Sr. Deborah Marie, SS.C.M., at Villa Sacred Heart, Danville, PA 17821; (570) 275-1093; fax: (570) 275-5997; e-mail: debbiesscm@hotmail.com; website: http://www.sscm.org.

See ad on page 167. Code #181.

Sisters of St. Francis (O.S.F.), Sylvania, OH In 2006 our Community was 90 years old. We came from Rochester, MN at the request of the bishop of the Toledo, OH diocese to staff schools. In 1918 we began to assist people with influenza. This marked our entry into health care. Currently we minister in several U.S. states and Haiti. Our diverse ministries are based on the gifts of individual Sisters. We heartily welcome women who have a desire for a Franciscan Heart. Our current mission statement expresses who we are, and who we desire to be: “Called like Francis of Assisi to live the Gospel in joyful servanthood among all people, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio as messengers of peace, commit themselves to works that reverence human dignity, embrace the poor and marginalized, and respect the gift of creation.” Our endorsement of the Earth Charter further enhances our mission. For further information, view our website: http://www.sistersosf.org. Contact: Sr. Geraldine Nowak, OSF, (419) 824-3914; e-mail: gnowak@sistersosf.org.

See ad on page 124. Code #085.

Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi ”Women of faith touching a world in need.” Our Franciscan Congregation is committed to bringing the teaching, healing, reconciling, and liberating power of Jesus to every life we touch. We stand in solidarity with women and those who are poor, oppressed, and disenfranchised.

We promote social justice, preservation of the earth, harmony and world peace. We seek to deepen our Franciscan identity.

Our ministries are as diverse as the women who serve them: administrators; teachers; health-care providers; social workers and counselors; campus, prison, and parish ministers; child

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Search these Women’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org care workers; artists and musicians. Community members are located across the United States and in Taiwan. We invite women who are seeking the simplicity, meaning, and heartfelt joy of a Franciscan lifestyle to risk their future with us. Sr. Kathy Cairns or Sr. Rose Sevenich, 3221 South Lake Drive, St. Francis, WI 53235; (414) 744-1160; e-mail: vocdir@lakeosfs.org; website: http://www.lakeosfs.org.

See ad on page 119. Code #072.

Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate (O.S.F.) Led by the Spirit, we, as Joliet Franciscans, embrace the Gospel life by commitment to Franciscan values and respond to the needs of our time through prayer, community, and ministry.

We minister in preschool through adult education, in parish ministry, health care, social services, religious education, and as musicians and artists. Ministering in 14 states and in Brazil, we invite inquiries from women who feel called to our Franciscan way of life as vowed members. Inquiries are also welcomed from both men and women interested in the Associate relationship. Vocation Minister: Sr. Barbara Kwiatkowski, O.S.F., 801 N. Larkin, Suite 101, Joliet, IL 60435; (815) 725-8735; fax: (815) 725-8648; e-mail: bkwiatkowski@ jolietfranciscans.org; website: http://www.jolietfranciscans.org.

See ad on page 44. Code #252.

Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration (O.S.F.)—Western Province Will the path you are following get you where you want to go? Could you be happy living a simple Franciscan lifestyle? Do you want to make a difference in other people’s lives?

Do you value times of quiet and prayer? Let us cherish the gift of your vocation with you and together we will strive to become more Christ-like, contemplative and compassionate women.

You are a crucial part of God’s big dream. Your challenge is to discover which part and take it to the limit!! Discover who we are via our website: http://www.stfrancis.org and contact Sr. Frances Sedlacek, O.S.F., P.O. Box 566, Wheat Ridge, CO 800340566; (303) 274-4001; e-mail: sisfrances48@msn.com.

Code #073.

Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia (O.S.F.) Are you called to make a difference? Join our committed risk-takers!

Committed to the needs of others, especially those who are economically poor, marginal, and oppressed. We are willing to take the necessary risks to be a healing, compassionate presence in our violent world--especially for women, children, and those who have no voice. We are a community of nearly 700 Catholic women religious who choose a Gospel way of life lived in community. We uphold a long and honored tradition of loving God and being in relationships through loving service.

Today we minister in the U.S. and in the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, and Africa, in a variety of ministries and settings: prayer ministry, health care, education at all levels, parish and diocesan ministry, spiritual and pastoral care, service to those who are elderly, homeless, poor, immigrants, refugees, those living with AIDS, counseling, advocacy, and leadership in national religious organizations. Contact: Vocation Director, East, 609 S. Convent Rd., Aston, PA 19014; (610) 558-6789; Sr. Patricia Novak, Vocation Director, West, 2408 SE 16th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214; (503) 233-1878; Sr. Christine Still, Vocation Director, West, 6602 S. Alaska Street, Tacoma, WA 98408; (253) 475-6167; e-mail: vocations@osfphila.org; website: http://www. osfphila org.

Code #139.

Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception (O.S.F.) Called to make God’s compassionate presence known through our vowed life in community, the Sisters of this diocesan religious congregation dedicate themselves to prayer, commu-

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Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, OH The Sisters of Saint Francis of Tiffin, Ohio were founded in 1869 by Father Joseph Bihn and Elizabeth Schaefer. What began as a response to a local need became fruitful in the founding of a new religious community of women which continues to respond to the current needs of the Church and the world today. Originally founded after the Civil War to care for orphans and the elderly, the Sisters of Saint Francis today serve in a variety of ministries including elder care, parish ministry, health care, education, retreat work, home mission outreach, and foreign mission ministry in Chiapas, Mexico.

Our 116 vowed Religious women and 56 Associates continue the mission of Jesus in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, rejoicing in our call as we serve in the 21st century. Contact: Director of Vocation Ministry, 200 St. Francis Avenue, Tiffin, OH 44883-3458; (419) 447-0435; fax: (419) 447-1612; e-mail: osftiffin@tiffinfranciscans.org; website: http://www.tiffinfranciscans.org.

See ad on page 24. Code #287.

Sisters of St. John the Baptist We are an international group of consecrated women in the Catholic Church living together in community to give prophetic witness to Jesus of Nazareth. We work for the glory of God in the service of our neighbor—especially the youth and children who are poor, abandoned, marginalized and at risk of losing their faith—through evangelization, education, and human promotion. As women religious, we serve as teachers, administrators, pastoral and social workers, health professionals, and care givers. Founded in Italy in 1878

by Blessed Alfonso Marie Fusco, our religious family continues to move in time with the Holy Spirit in responding to the challenges and needs in our society. In sixteen countries, our sisters strive to live the Founder’s words: “I wish that even my shadow might do good.” Is God Calling you to respond to these challenges? What is your answer? For more information see: http://baptistines.home.att.net or contact our Vocation Office at 57 Cleveland Place, Staten Island, NY 10305; (718) 447-4150; e-mail: lvw111b@aol.com.

See ad on page 26. Code #075.

Sisters of the Resurrection Called to be vibrant witnesses of the RISEN LORD!

Dedicate your life to God in the spirit of the Paschal Mystery.

Embrace a life of prayer, community living, and service through ministries in education and health care.

Please contact:

Vocation Director 7432 W Talcott Ave Chicago, IL 60631 773-792-6363 callres@hotmail.com

or

35 Boltwood Ave Castleton, NY 12033 518-732-2226 vocation@resurrectionsisters.org Enter #215 at VocationMatch.org

Sisters of St. Joseph (S.S.J.)—Federation Over the years, the ways in which the Sisters of St. Joseph reveal the power of God’s love to the world have changed significantly, but the need for healing, unity, and reconciliation is no less urgent. Today, we continue to respond to the needs and challenges around us!

At the root of all transformation are people at work who can see new possibilities and who believe in the inherent dignity of each person. The continued need for transformation in our world is the reason why, as Sisters of St. Joseph, we dedicate our lives to the direct service of God’s people—with deliberate preference for the poor. Visit us at http://www.sistersofsaintjosephfederation.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

WOMEN’SCOMMUNITIES COMMUNITIESSEARCH SARCH WOMEN’S

Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity (O.S.F.)—Holy Name Province We are a worldwide congregation striving to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and Mother Magdalen Damen, our Foundress. We contemplate the word of God and call one another to conversion of heart.

Sisters and associates reach out to the people of God through pastoral ministry, spiritual formation, social services, administration, health, education, and wherever needed. If you want to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a radical way, we invite you to live in community with us as we bring the Franciscan charism of simplicity and service to the world of our day. Contact: Sr. Ann McDermott, O.S.F., 4421 Lower River Road, Stella Niagara, NY 14144-1001; (716) 754-4312, ext. 9701#; e-mail: annmcd@miamiarch.org; website: http://www.franciscans-stella-niagara.org.

Code #142.

nity life, and service in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, whose personal lifestyle was expressed in prayer, joy, and simplicity.

The Sisters presently serve the people of God throughout Illinois through prayer and community witness, and a variety of ministries to all ages. These include caring for the aging, teaching, religious education for adults and children, adult literacy, parish ministry, social work, chaplaincy, teen and adult retreat programs, spiritual direction, and campus ministry. Sr. Paula, 2408 West Heading Avenue, West Peoria, IL 61604; (309) 674-6168; e-mail: srpaulav@yahoo.com; website: http://www. osfsisterswpeoria.org.

Code #279.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Baden, PA In 1650 war-weary France, six women knew that God’s love had no boundaries.

Moved by that love, they crossed the divisions of age, class, gender, and other human distinctions to make that known.

They healed divisions and united people with one another and with God. These were our first Sisters of St. Joseph. In a world torn apart by deep divisions of all kinds, we know today what our first six sisters only intuited—that all are one. We pray to make that known; we live to make that visible. We commit ourselves to live non-violently, to work to transform structures that promote violence, to affirm the dignity of persons, and to be attuned to how all of creation lives and moves and has its being in God. Learn more: Sr. Dorothy Pashuta, C.S.J.; (724) 869-2151 ext. 6285; e-mail: membrcsj@earthlink.net. Visit our website: http://www.stjoseph-baden.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Brentwood, NY We are ordinary women. You can meet us anywhere, any day. Our hope

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is that we do ordinary things with an extraordinary vision: the love of God and neighbor without distinction. Our goals are to be fired by an energy rooted in prayer; to build bonds of relationship and respect among all; to be reverent of the earth and all creation; to act as defenders and advocates for the poor and oppressed; to be seekers of peace and justice for all; to be available whenever needed. Learn more about us: http://www. sistersofstjosephbrentwoodny.org or contact Sr. Mary Walsh, (516) 483-6799; e-mail: vocationscsj@aol.com.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph—Carondelet—Los Angeles Province The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet are women who share the mission of Jesus to unite people with God and with each other through our living in community and responding to the needs of people in our time. Our congregation is dedicated to the exercise of “all the spiritual and corporal works of mercy of which woman is capable and which will most benefit the dear neighbor.” As needs vary, so too does our expression of that mission. We have about 1700 sisters and hundreds of lay associates. The congregation has four provinces—Los Angeles, CA, Albany, NY, St. Louis, MO, and St. Paul, MN and vice-provinces in Peru, Japan, and Hawaii.

Sisters minister in 44 states and six countries. We know there are other women who share our mission. Are you one of them?

Contact: Vocation Director, 11999 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049-1524; (310) 889-2117; e-mail: vocations@csjl.org; websites: http://www.csjla.org or http://www.sistersofsaintjosephfederation.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Chambery, North American Province The Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery are an international community of about 2,000 women religious who are called to follow Jesus through our loving relationships with all people and all of creation. Joy-filled women who are not afraid to risk, we work wherever our talents can be used in the service of Christ’s mission “that all may be one,” with an emphasis on those in greatest need. Together with our sisters in other provinces throughout the world, we strive to demonstrate the possibilities for vibrant collaboration, community, and friendship among peoples of different cultures, ethnicities, and socio-economic levels. Our North American province is centered in West Hartford, CT, with sisters located throughout the United States in a wide variety of ministries, including spiritual care, education, health care, social services, and several others. Our international congregation spans the globe, with additional locations in South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. For more information, please visit us at http://www.sistersofsaintjoseph.org or at http://www. csjchambery.org, or contact Sr. Elaine Betoncourt, C.S.J., 27 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119; (860) 233-5126 ext. 21; e-mail: vocation@sistersofsaintjoseph.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Cleveland, OH The Congregation of St. Joseph of Cleveland, OH is a community of vowed women religious and associates who live and work that all people may be united with God and with one another. Our mission challenges us to engage in corporal and spiritual works of mercy and to alleviate the suffering of those who are victims of injustice. Desiring to be one with Jesus in his identification with the poor, the Congregation of St. Joseph encourages and supports various ministries including River’s Edge: A Place for Reflection and Action, Seeds of Literacy, St. Joseph Academy, Prayerline, and the Women’s Outreach Center. These sponsored ministries are called to further the CSJ mission as they give witness to the values our Congregation proclaims. Contact: Sr. Carrie Vall, C.S.J., 3430 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, OH 44111, (216) 252-0440 ext. 605; e-mail: cvall@csjcleveland.org; website: http://www.sistersofstjoseph.com.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Concordia, KS We, Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kansas are women continually on the frontier of life. We established ourselves on the plains of Kansas in 1883, when the plains were the frontier and health care and education were not available to large numbers of people. We opened schools and hospitals. In the 70’s and 80’s some of us entered into prayer ministry, spiritual direction, and counseling because those needs appeared on the horizon. Today, with violence being so dominant in our culture and our world, we look afresh at our charism of all-inclusive love and our mission of unity and reconciliation. The new frontier for us is to live and teach the principles of non-violence as a way of being faithful to

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the Gospel and our call. Like Jesus, we are called to self-emptying love for God and the “dear neighbor.” Visit us at http://www.csjkansas.org or call Sr. Anna Marie Broxterman, (785) 234-5305; e-mail: annacsj@idir.net.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—LaGrange, IL We Sisters of St. Joseph of LaGrange desire to be a prophetic presence in a diverse world. Rooted in God and our mission of unity, we believe that relationship is at the heart of who we are and who we are becoming. We desire to move toward greater inclusivity that reflects the interconnectedness of all creation, reverences diverse cultures and religions, and directs our choices in ministry, community living, and corporate decisions. We are pastoral ministers, artists, musicians, teachers, social workers, spiritual counselors, and advocates for peace, justice, reconciliation, and sustainable development of the earth. Motherhouse and Ministry Center, 1515 W. Ogden Avenue, LaGrange Park, IL 60526.

Vocation Director: Sr. Kathy Brazda, CSJ, (312) 2437400, ext.

15; e-mail: vocations@csjlagrange.org; website: http://www. csjlagrange.org. .

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (S.S.J.)—Nazareth, MI Are you wondering how your life can help bring healing and wholeness to our world? By responding to the universal call of the Spirit, you can choose to join the Sisters of St. Joseph in living the charism of unity and reconciliation: That all may be one. As Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth, MI moved by profound love of God and neighbor, we live and work to draw all into union with God and with one another. Throughout our lives, our ministry reflects the self-emptying of Jesus, his love for the poor, his reconciling presence, and his resurrected life. Sisters of St. Joseph are called to do “whatever a woman is capable of” according to the needs of the times. The possibilities are unlimited! Sr. Bernadette Dean, S.S.J. and Sr. Marie Hogan, S.S.J., 975 E. Gardenia, Madison Heights, MI 48071; (248) 582-9163; e-mail: membership@ssjnazareth. org; website: http://www.SSJNazareth.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Orange, CA Today, as Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, we collectively and individually focus our unique and diverse talents to bring unity, compassion and reconciliation to a troubled world. The Sisters of St. Joseph share a common mission: “to bring all people into union with God and with one another; serving their spiritual and corporal needs in all the works of mercy within the power of the Congregation.”

Because of our desire to follow the example of Jesus, each of us is deeply committed to alleviating the conditions that cause ignorance, poverty, suffering and oppression. It is our commitment to God, our love of Jesus and our life in community that compel us to engage in many aspects of education, health care, social and pastoral ministries. Sister Cecilia Magladry, C.S.J.; 480 S. Batavia St., Orange, CA 92868; (714) 633-8121, ext.

7108; e-mail: vocationcsj@csjorange.org; website: http://www. sistersofstjosephorange.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (S.S.J.)—Philadelphia, PA The mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph is based on the prayer of Jesus: “that all may be one as you, Father, are in me, and I in you. I pray that they may be one in us.” (John 17:21). Our mission flows from the purpose for which our Congregation exists. We live and work so that all people may be united with God and with one another.

As Sisters of Saint Joseph we live this mission of unity through prayer, community life, and ministry. Our mission calls us to work toward mutual and creative cooperation with the people we serve. We commit ourselves to collaborate with one another, with co-workers, with Church leaders and others. We are called to a special preference for persons who are poor. This call invites us wherever we are to be in union with them. For more information visit us at http://www.ssjphila.org or contact Sr. Charlene Diorka at (215) 248-7236; e-mail: cdiorka@ssjphila.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (S.S.J.)—Rochester, NY We are a community of women committed to the radical message of the gospel and the reconciling love of Jesus. We define our lives through prayer, community, and service to those in need. We meet those needs by using our individual and collective gifts in a variety of ways. We are hospital administrators, principals, teachers, social workers, artists, nurses and nurse practitioners, drug and alcohol counselors, pastoral counselors, community organizers, spiritual directors, parish administrators, pastoral associates, outreach workers, lawyers, realtors, doctors, secretaries, musicians, college

professors, missionaries in Brazil and Alabama, directors of soup kitchens, chaplains in prisons, youth workers, and much, much, more...We are pray-ers for unity and reconciliation in a struggling and hope-filled world. We invite volunteers to join us in our life of prayer, community, and service, as well, from one week to one year, through the Sisters of St. Joseph Volunteer Corps. For more information contact: Sr. Donna Del Santo, S.S.J., 150 French Road, Rochester, NY, 14618-3822; (585) 641-8122; e-mail: vocations@ssjrochester.org; website: http://www.ssjrochester.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (S.S.J.)—St. Augustine, FL We are a small religious community whose mission field is the state of Florida. We are impelled by the Gospel to dedicate ourselves that “all may be one.” (Jn. 17:21). Our lives reflect the value of relationships: love of God and of our neighbors without distinction. We live in religious community with daily prayer, Eucharist, service, and sharing with each other as essential elements.

Rejoicing in the gifts God has given our members, we serve as parish ministries, family counselors, artists, educators, health care professionals, administrators, diocesan family services coordinators, diocesan archivists and others. We treasure our history of service, begun with our arrival from France in 1866 to serve and educate newly-freed slaves after the Civil War. We continue that legacy today with service to needy peoples of every cultural tradition living in Florida. Visit us at: http://www.ssjfl. org or contact Sr. Kathleen Power at ssjflvocations@bellsouth. net or (904) 829-3735.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Wichita, KS Our mission as Sisters of St. Joseph is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus which invites us to an ever-wideing circle of inclusion and involvement in our world. In so doing, we are called forth to be in places and among people we may have never imagined. In the 1800’s sisters were led to Kansas, in 1950 to Japan, and today, to serve people living in poverty, women and children leaving behind a life of violence, with students in Malawi, with the elderly, sick and physically challenged, and in caring for the earth and our natural resources Together, we move toward the next step to which God calls us—a call heard in the hungers experienced in our broken world. As women called to bring unity through our life and ministry, we strive to hear how God calls us to “be” in this world. What call do you hear? For more information, please contact: Sr. Karen Salsbery, 3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, KS 67218-2099; (316) 689-4029; e-mail: ksalsbery@csjwichita.org; website: http://www.csjwichita.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (C.S.J.)—St. Louis Province Does loving God and neighbor without distinction stir you heart and energize you in living in today’s world? The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province, invite you to share with us this vision. For more information contact: Sister Marianne Keena, C.S.J., 6400 Minnesota, St. Louis, MO 63111; (314) 481-8800, ext. 315; e-mail: mkeena@csjsl.org; website: http://www.csjsl.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (C.S.J.P.) As Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, we are an international community built on a rich heritage of promoting social justice as a way to peace. Our founding spirit calls us to further the work of peace, and our call to peacemaking pervades our prayer and leads us to a life of simplicity and service. In accord with our tradition we commit ourselves to promote peace in family life, in the church, and in society. We minister in education, health and hospital services, religious education, parish ministry, social justice, spiritual direction, and peace ministry. Eastern Province: Sr. Margaret Jane Kling, CSJP, 399 Hudson Terrace, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; (201) 568-6348, ext. 13; e-mail: mjklingcsjp@verizon. net; website: http://www.csjp.org/sjp/. Western Province: Sr. Jo-Anne Miller, CSJP, Vocation Director, P.O. Box 248, Bellevue, WA 98009; (425) 451-1770 ext. 118; e-mail: jmiller@csjp-olp. org; website: http://www.csjp.org/olp/.

See ad on page 121. Code #227.

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis founded over one hundred years ago, are a Franciscan congregation of over 350 members dedicated to the spiritual and material development of the human family, especially the minores, the people often forgotten in society. Located in 99 cities in 15 states and 3 countries off the mainland, we serve in diverse ministries,

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Search these Women’s Communities online at VocationGuide.org i.e., education, pastoral work, health care, diocesan institutions, and community services. We strive to live simply and joyfully, in supportive sisterhood, grounded in the Gospel values of Jesus, following the examples of St. Francis and St. Clare. Some sisters live in the three congregational homes in the Midwest. Others live singly or in groups that support their ministries. All sisters belong to local community groups that join together for prayer and mutual support. The congregation has a strong associate relationship for men and women partnering in prayer and ministry. Director of Vocation Ministry, P.O. Box 305, Stevens Point, WI 54481-0305; (715) 341-8457; e-mail: vocation@ssj-tosf.org; website: http://www.ssj-tosf.org.

See ad on page 133. Code #154.

Sisters of St. Rita (O.S.A.) As Augustinian women, we live the radical challenge of love and forgiveness as set forth in the Gospels. We follow the Rule of St. Augustine and the example of our patroness St. Rita. If you wish to learn more about our way of practicing love in ordinary daily life by living in community and honoring God in one another, then come visit us. We are faithful to our founding mission of spiritual/social/family care with all its diverse ministries. We invite women between the ages of 20-50 (exceptions are possible) to accept the challenge of Gospel living; women who have the courage to walk with us and make a difference. Contact Sr. Angelica Summer, O.S.A., 4014 N. Green Bay Rd., Racine, WI 53404; (262) 639-1766; e-mail: sr.angelica@ sbcglobal.net; website: http://www.sistersofstrita.org.

See ad on page 131. Code #163.

Sisters of the Divine Compassion (R.D.C.) As Sisters of the Divine Compassion we are women of the 21st century called to be God’s compassionate presence among the marginalized and oppressed in our midst. For 119 years we have gathered in community, prayer, and service to respond to the brokenness of our world. Our current ministries include elementary and secondary education, pastoral ministry, spiritual development, health care, rural and migrant ministry, and social services in both rural and urban New York State. As our co-founder, Monsignor Thomas Preston reminds us, “. . . to think that not only may we be the recipients of the divine compassion, but that God will let us take this divine compassion into our hands and extend it to others.” (1888). Susan Becker, R.D.C., 52 N. Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603; (914) 798-1109; fax: (914) 949-5169; e-mail: snbecker2000@yahoo.com; website: http://www.divinecompassion.org.

Code #277.

Sisters of the Holy Family For more than 130 years the Sisters of the Holy Family have responded to the Gospel call to seek out the poor and the needy, especially families, for the Kingdom of God. Founded in San Francisco, CA, and serving the western United States, the diversity of our ministries reflects our historical commitment to provide meaningful services to the communities in which we live and work. Some of our current ministries include: gang prevention, child care, religious education, social services, grief counseling, teachers, special education, parish administration, social work, and home visiting. Our doors are open to those exploring membership as vowed members or associate members. We invite you to explore membership with the Sisters of the Holy Family. Vocation Director, P.O. Box 3248, Fremont, California 94539; (510) 624-4511; fax: (510) 624-4550; e-mail: vocations@holyfamilysisters.org; website: http://www. holyfamilysisters.org.

See ad on page 56. Code #036.

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (C.S.F.N.) In a world marked by individualism, we choose family! Our lives, rooted in prayer and in the example of the Holy family of Nazareth, speak to the world about love, sacrifice, and true joy.

Believing that charity begins at home, we create communities

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Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (S.N.J.M.) Are you seeking a vibrant community in which to live out your gospel call? Consider joining an international congregation of women religious, called to be prophetic witnesses to the Gospel, who believe that liberating action that aims at the full development of the human person is at the heart of our mission. Our commitment is rooted in community, prayer, and service. In the spirit and vision of our foundress, Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, we serve as educators, pastoral ministers, retreat guides, social workers, campus ministers, health care providers, and community organizers in the U.S., Canada, Southern Africa, Central America, and South America. Information is available for men and women about associate and volunteer opportunities. Visit us at http://www.snjm.org. Please contact: Sr. Anne Bosserman, S.N.J.M., 2911 W. Ft. Wright Dr., Spokane, WA 99224, (509) 328-7470 ext. 123; e-mail: membership@snjmwa.org.

See ad on page 18. Code #078.

Sisters of the Holy Redeemer (C.S.R.) Over 150 years ago, Mother Alphonse Maria Eppinger desired to bring the healing presence and compassion of the Redeemer to those who suffer in body, mind, and spirit. Today, her vision is realized in Germany, Tanzania, and the U.S. Our sisters deeply value community life, embodied through sharing our lives, our prayer and our ministry.

Sponsors of the Holy Redeemer Health System, we serve Jesus as advocates of the poor, the sick, the elderly, and homeless women and children through health care, social services, and pastoral care. Discernment opportunities: Long Distance Contact Program: for women living at a distance and unable to visit our community regularly; Affiliate Program provides a deeper connection with community and an experience of religious spirituality for women continuing the discernment process.

Contact us: American Province; Vocation Ministry Office, 521 Moredon Road, Huntington Valley, PA 19006; (215) 914-4114 or (215) 914-4168; e-mail: Vocations@SistersHolyRedeemer.org; website: http://www. SistersHolyRedeemer.org.

See ad on page 120. Code #079.

Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary A religious congregation that seeks to unite prayer life with apostolic activity in the spirit of our founder Blessed George Matulaitis. We serve the Church, especially the poor, and help others on their journey to God. We are consecrated to God by public vows and are committed to follow Jesus by observing the evangelical counsels and living in our religious community. In the USA, Canada, and Lithuania we serve in diversified ministries: education, youth ministry, health care with the aged, social, pastoral, and parish work., communications, and hospitality. God is calling today as always. Come, talk and walk with us. Vocation director: Sr. M. Bernadette, 600 Liberty Highway, Putnam, CT 06260; (860) 928-1930; e-mail: sbernadette1@yahoo.com See ad on page 165. Code #144.

Sisters of the Living Word Our community was founded in 1975, in response to the call for renewal in religious life at the Second Vatican Council. We focus our energies on situations where the Living Word of God needs to be spoken and reflected, to help free the oppressed and bring new life. We do this through education, pastoral care, parish ministry, spiritual direction, social work, creative arts, and more. We invite generous and courageous women to join us in continuing to shape this new community. Check us out at our website, or come and meet us at a location near you. Or participate in a Living Word Retreat to experience our spirituality and passion for mission. For more information contact: Sr. Barbara Hawken, 800 N. Fernandez, B, Arlington Heights, IL 60004; (847) 577-5972; e-mail: connect@ slw.org; website: http://www.slw.org.

See ad on page 78. Code #173.

Sisters of the Presentation of Mary (pm) To follow Jesus Christ and act according to his Spirit was the rule of life that

Follow Jesus in a vibrant community of joyful witnesses

compassionate proclaimers and enthusiastic builders of the Kingdom of God, dedicating ministry and prayer to: evangelization

education elder care

WOMEN’SCOMMUNITIES COMMUNITIESSEARCH SARCH WOMEN’S

Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament We are a multiracial community of vowed women who were founded by Saint Katharine Drexel. We are called to be a sign of the power of the Eucharistic Christ to effect unity and community among all peoples.

Through education, parish ministry, social and health services, and spiritual ministries, we challenge injustices and share the Gospel message with the poor and oppressed, especially among the Black and Native American peoples. Our ministries takes us to Native American reservations, inner cities, and rural areas in the United States, Haiti, and Guatemala. Vocation Director, 1663 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020-5796; (215) 244-9900, ext. 327; e-mail: sbsvocof@aol.com; website: http://www. katharinedrexel.org.

See ad on page 19. Code #076.

where lives are nurtured and shared. Empowered by this gift, we reach out to the Church and to the world through diverse ministries, striving to uphold the value and dignity of the human family. Founded in Rome in 1875 by Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd, we are an international congregation, presently serving in the continental United States, Puerto Rico, Australia, Eastern and Western Europe, Israel, the Philippines, and Syria. Make a life-giving choice today and explore what God may have in mind for you! For more information, contact: Sister Michele Vincent Fisher at voc4naz@aol.com.

See ad on page 78. Code #155.

ecumenism

Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius Sister Deborah Marie, SS.C.M. Villa Sacred Heart Danville PA 17821 debbiesscm@hotmail.com www.sscm.org 570-275-1093 Enter #181 at VocationMatch.org

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WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES SEARCH

fashioned the heart of our foundress, Blessed Marie Rivier, and continues to be our inspiration. Our vocation is to know Jesus Christ in the Gospels, to live Jesus in his mysteries, to reveal and teach Jesus by our very lives. We live in community and our relationship with God in prayer is at the heart of our existence.

Our apostolic works include education at all levels, parish ministry, pastoral care, missionary work, nursing, chaplaincy, retreat work, social services, outreach to the poor, the disabled, children with AIDS, and immigrants. We are an international congregation with sisters ministering in 18 countries throughout the world Contact: Sr. Lorraine Aucoin, 495 Mammoth Rd., Manchester, NH 03104; (603) 623-0671; e-mail: SrLorraineA@ yahoo.com; website: http://www.presentationofmary.com.

See ad on page 57. Code #219.

Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary We are enthusiastic apostolic women eager to make the world a better place. We live lives consecrated to God through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. As apostolic women we are contemplative in action. Following the example of the apostles, we live in communities among the people, with an emphasis on service. Prayer, faith, and sharing our lives in community fire us with energy for mission and ministry. We serve in range of ministries as broad as the needs of those we serve: from health care and education, to foreign missions and our ministry with Hispanic immigrants. The ministries we serve are determined by the needs of the people and the gifts of each individual sister.

We encourage women who are seeking God through service grounded in prayer to discover the possibilities of Presentation life! Jan Johnson, 1500 N. Second St., Aberdeen, SD 57401; (605) 229-8414; fax: (605) 229-8527; e-mail: vocoff@presentationsisters.org; website: http://www.presentationsisters.org or http://www.nuns2youth.org Code #050.

Sisters of the Resurrection (C.R.) God called a mother and daughter to form a religious congregation of women immersed in the spirit of Jesus’ Resurrection. As Sisters of the Resurrection, we are women of prayer and of the church who believe deeply in the presence of the Risen Christ. We have given our lives to God in joy through a vowed commitment of chastity, poverty, and obedience. In our education and health care ministries, we strive to imitate the example of Jesus’ love, compassion, and concern for others. We believe that God continues to call women to live as Sisters of the Resurrection and we invite you to prayerfully consider whether this could be true for you. New York Province: Sr. Teresa Grace, C.R., 35 Boltwood Avenue, Castleton, NY 12033; (518) 732-2226; e-mail: vocation@resurrectionsisters.org; website: http://www.resurrectionsisters.org.

Chicago Province: Sr. Kathleen Ann, C.R., 7432 W. Talcott Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631; (773) 792-6363; e-mail: callres@ hotmail.com.

See ad on page 165. Code #215.

Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (S.S.H.J.) The Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was founded by Blessed Maria Schinina of Ragusa, Italy in 1889. Following the command of Jesus “obey my ministers,” she rejected worldly pleasures and dedicated herself to the destitute, homeless, and unwanted. The aim of this Congregation is the glory of God and the sanctification of its members by the practice of Evangelical Vows and spiritual and temporal works of mercy. Our motto is “Live Jesus” and our Spirituality is “Love and Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” lived through “Love and Service to the Poor.” Our ministry extends among the destitute, the unwanted, in orphanages, social work, rest homes, pastoral work, parish ministry, youth work, schools, missionary lands, and in propagating the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Prayer and Community life are highly esteemed and we dress in a full religious habit. We serve in Italy, Madagascar, Nigeria, Philippines, Romania, India, Canada, and United States. Age limit is 18 to 35. Contact: Sister Grace Dike, SSHJ, Sacred Heart Villa School, 5269 Lewiston Rd., Lewiston, NY 14092; (716) 284-8273; fax: (716) 284-8273; e-mail: srgrace@adelphia.net or shvschool@ adelphia.net; website: http://www.shvilla.org.

Code #165.

Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi We are an internationally diverse group of about 400 Franciscan women committed to our God through prayer, community, and ministry. As a contemplative/active community and with Mary the Sorrowful Mother as our model, we bring a compassionate presence to our society. Collaborating with our

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associates and other partners in mission and ministry, we focus on the needs of the unserved. Our apostolate of education and health care includes a wide spectrum of ministries, which takes us to Austria, Brazil, Germany, Italy, the Caribbean Islands of the Dominican Republic, Grenada, St. Lucia, Trinidad, and the U.S. Do you hunger for that MORE? Do you yearn to MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Come pray and reflect about your questions at our SSM House of Promise. Sr. Theresa Gil, 17600 East 51st Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012; (918) 355-5581; e-mail: ssmvoc@aol. com; http://www.ssmfranciscans.org.

See ad on page 45. Code #034.

Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis—East Peoria, IL Founded in Peoria in 1877, we strive to follow the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis, particularly in the care of the sick and the poor. We have medical centers, colleges of nursing and clinics in Illinois and Michigan and a nursing home in Illinois. Our sisters serve in administration, pastoral care, education, pharmacy, accounting, physical therapy, social service, dietary and central supply. Any work done in His name is pleasing to Him. Come visit us and learn about the consecrated life. Vocation Director, 1175 St. Francis Lane, East Peoria, IL 61611-1299; (309) 6999313; fax: (309) 699-7225; e-mail: vocation.info@osfhealthcare. org; website: http://www.osfhealthcare.org.

See ad on page 163. Code #081.

Society of the Holy Child Jesus—American Province (SHCJ) Founded by Cornelia Connelly, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus is an international community of women religious.

Our mission is to help others believe that God lives and acts in them and in our world, and to rejoice in God’s presence. Our life of prayer and community strengthens us for diverse ministries.

Since the Society’s founding in 1846, education has been at the heart of our mission. Today, we continue to serve as educators in the broadest sense of the word through ministries in teaching, spirituality, health care, social work, and law. In the U.S., the Society sponsors 15 schools, one college (Rosemont College), and several social service organizations. Holy Child Sisters serve on four continents and in 16 states. For more information, please contact: Carmen Torres, SHCJ; 460 Shadeland Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026; (610) 626-1400, ext. 304; e-mail: ctorres@shcj. org. Visit our website at http://www.shcj.org.

See ad on page 26. Circle 172.

Society of the Sacred Heart (R.S.C.J.) The Religious of the Sacred Heart invite you to join in our mission of discovering and making God’s love known in the heart of the world through the service of education. Our members share life together in small communities and seek, through prayer and contemplation, to be drawn ever more deeply into intimacy with God, who is alive and active in our hearts and minds and who challenges us to make choices for justice and peace in response to the Gospel and the needs of the world. In the United States, we live out our educational mission in a wide variety of settings, including schools and colleges, artists’ studios and parishes, medical and legal facilities, social agencies and shelters. Linked with our sisters in 45 countries, and led by the Spirit, we strive to live courageously in the traditions of our founder, Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, and our pioneer educator Saint Philippine Duchesne, who brought the Society to the United States in 1818.

Developing leaders and building relationships among people from all walks of life are at the heart of our vocation. Visit us at http://www.rscj.org and http://www.rscjinternational.org. Our director of vocation ministry, Sr. Nancy Koke, can be reached at 1-888-844-7725 (toll free) or vocations@rscj.org.

See ad on page 93. Code #027.

U United States Conference of Secular Institutes (USCSI) The United States Conference of Secular Institutes is an association of all the Secular Institutes in the United States. Its mission is to provide education, resources, and support for member institutes, and to assist inquirers in finding the Secular Institute that is right for them. USCSI is committed to making known, understood, and appreciated the call to consecrated secularity in the Catholic Church. Total consecration to God through the evangelical counsels of poverty, celibate chastity, and obedience is the hallmark of all Secular Institutes. Institutes are for single women or for single men, and some are for diocesan priests. It is the newest and fastest-growing vocation in the Church today. For more information see http://www.secularinstitutes.org. Inquirers may be helped by writing to or talking with Sharon K. Lewis, Vocation Committee,

26673 Franklin Pointe Drive, Southfield, MI 48034-5615; (248) 352-8425; e-mail: sklewis@comcast.net.

Code #147.

Ursuline Sisters—Roman Union Contemplative urgency is one way to describe our life. We are rooted in the gospels, which give purpose and vision to our lives. We serve in the spirit of our foundress, St. Angela Merici. Our ministries are many and varied: social service, education, pastoral ministry, campus ministry, retreat ministry, and missionary work. We empower individuals, with special care for women and children in poverty.

For more information, please contact: Sr. Francis Kearney, O.S.U. 639 Angela Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403; (707) 524-1130 ext.

16; e-mail: sfkearney@yahoo.com; Sr. Susan Kienzler, O.S.U., P.O. Box 8, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702-0008; (573) 332-1804; e-mail: srsusan@osucentral.org; Sr. Angela Krippendorf, O.S.U., 45 Lowder Street, Dedham, MA 02026-4200, (781) 326-6219; e-mail: provosu@juno.com; Sr. Pat Schifini, O.S.U. 16 Keogh Lane, Apt. 0A, New Rochelle, NY 10805; (914) 235-2890; e-mail: patsosu@aol.com; websites: http://www.osueast.org; http://www. ursulinewest.com; http://www.osucentral.org.

Code# 218.

U.S. Army Chaplain Corps ANSWERING THE CALL. There are over one million Soldiers in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve.

Add to that spouses, children, and civilian staff and you have a community of almost two million people. An important part of that community is the Chaplain Corps, which includes chaplains and chaplain assistants. Whether it’s preaching, counseling, or presiding at a baptism, you will be bringing much-needed spiritual guidance, hope, and compassion to all those around you.

You will experience challenges unheard of in civilian ministries.

You will be guiding soldiers and their families through the whole “cycle of life,” in moments of joy, in moments of distress. You will be making a true difference. You will be serving God and your country. For more information about answering the call as an Army Chaplain, contact 1-800-USA-ARMY ext. 123 or visit us on the web at http://chaplain.goarmy.com.

See ad on page 43. Code #246.

V Visitation Sisters Visitation Sisters are women committed to personal and communal prayer as they seek to be a gentle presence in our violent world. Their monastic vocation, nurtured in community, is a dynamic call to live prophetically the will of God in the spirit of their founders, Sts. Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal. Each monastery is unique and all are centers of contemplative prayer and hospitality. For more information, please contact the Visitation Monastery at one of the following locations: 2455 Visitation Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55120; (651) 683-1700 • 1500 35th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007; (202) 337-3350 • 410 Washington Avenue, Wheeling, WV 26003; (304) 232-1283 • 1527 Fremont Avenue, No., Minneapolis, MN 55411; (612) 521-6113 • 3020 North Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO 63131; (314) 625-9214 • 8902 Ridge Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11209; (718) 745-5151; website: http://www. visitationsisters.org.

See ad on page 135. Code #086.

W Wheaton Franciscans Wheaton Franciscans comprise the United States Province of the International Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. We are a community of vowed women religious and covenant (associate) women and men whose mission is to live the Gospel following the spirit of Francis--Clare of Assisi, and our foundress, M. Clara Pfaender. This spirit challenges us to live a life of action and contemplation. We respond to the needs of our times, ministering in mutuality and partnership, with love as the energy which moves us. We collaborate with other religious communities and lay partners in health, shelter, and other human service ministries. Our individual ministries are as diverse as the gifts that we each bring to community life. We understand religious life to be evolving and are eager to welcome others who, like us, are risk takers seeking to shape the future of the world with compassion and love. Our discernment and integration processes are respectful of the individual. We welcome transferring Sisters. New Member Directress; (630) 462-7422; e-mail: jford@wheatonfranciscan. org; website: http://wheatonfranciscan.org.

Code #087.

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INDEX TO RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES ADVERTISING IN VISION ’07 Log onto VocationGuide.org to request information from any of the religious communities advertising in VISION VOCATION GUIDE. To read about communities and request information in Spanish, go to VocacionCatolica.org Looking for a good match? Fill out a profile at VocationMatch.org and narrow your vocation search.

Men’s 141 Alexian Brothers, p. 71 207 Augustinian Friars, p. 20 020 Augustinian Monks of the Primitive Observance, p. 99 254 Barnabite Fathers, p. 68 247 Benedictine Monks of Conception Abbey, p. 127 217 Benedictine Monks of Mount Saviour Monastery, p. 145 088 Benedictine Monks of Saint Mary’s Abbey, p. 96 014 Benedictine Monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, p. 141 243 Benedictine Monks of St. Vincent Archabbey, p. 97 206 Brothers of Christian Instruction, p. 98 100 Brothers of the Christian Schools, p. 15

107 Marists: Fathers and Brothers, p. 148 199 Maryknoll Congregation and Society, p. 113 129 Missionaries of the Holy Family, p. 110 108 Missionaries of the Precious Blood, p. 110 130 Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, p. 148 133 Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 72 249 Missionary Benedictine Priests and Brothers, p. 108 109 Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, p. 52 284 Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, p. 111 289 Norbertine Fathers and Brothers, Daylesford Abbey, p. 109 110 Norbertines, p. 49 111 Oblates of the Virgin Mary, p. 117

Missionaries 267 Apostles of the Sacred Heart, p. 91 214 Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, p. 134

115 Presentation Brothers of Mary, p. 140 135 Redemptorists, p. 65 255 Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, p. 80 300 Servants of the Paraclete, p. 72

013 Carmelites, Congregation of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, p. 121

060 Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida, p. 21

092 Claretian Missionaries, p. 104

154 Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, p. 133

123 Comboni Missionaries, p 102 168 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, pp. 137, 139, 141, 143

076 Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, p. 19

177 Divine Word Missionaries, p. 2-3

178 Vincentian Priests and Brothers, p. 75

125 Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, p. 126 056 Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth, p. 109 138 Glenmary Home Mission Sisters of America, p. 131 103 Glenmary Home Missioners, p. 107

136 Society of African Missions, p. 51

198 Xaverian Brothers, p. 37 137 Xaverian Missionaries, p. 105

Women’s

177 Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, p. 2-3

001 Adorers of the Blood of Christ, pp. 17, 111

041 Little Sisters of the Poor, p. 126

091 Capuchin Franciscan Friars, p. 29

271 Order of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 149

112 Carmelite Friars, p. 61

239 Pallottines, p. 101

128 Marist Missionary Sisters, p. 159

267 Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 91

190 Carmelite Monks, p. 12

113 Passionists, p. 27

092 Claretian Missionaries, p. 104

114 The Paulist Fathers, p. 172

199 Maryknoll Congregation and Society, p. 113

161 Augustinian Nuns of Contemplative Life, p. 159

123 Comboni Missionaries, p 102

195 Piarists, p. 149

042 Medical Mission Sisters, p. 45

004 Benedictine Sisters/ A.B.F.C. (Federation), pp. 32-33

057 Companions of the Cross, p. 18

134 PIME Missionaries, p. 103

095 Congregation of Christian Brothers, p. 140

115 Presentation Brothers of Mary, p. 140

097 Congregation of Holy Cross, p. 95

116 Priests of the Sacred Heart, p. 60

230 Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 67

135 Redemptorists, p. 65

203 Brothers of the Sacred Heart, p. 96

046 Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata, p. 74 099 Crosier Fathers and Brothers, p. 68 177 Divine Word Missionaries, pp. 2-3 228 The Dominicans, p. 125 119 Edmundite Fathers and Brothers, p. 137 006 Franciscan Brothers of Peace, p. 99

117 Salesians of Don Bosco, p. 63 145 Salvatorians (Society of the Divine Savior), p. 20 159 Servants of Mary (Servites), p. 66 300 Servants of the Paraclete, p. 72 136 Society of African Missions, p. 51 120 Somascan Fathers and Brothers, p. 102 164 Spiritans, p. 118

101 Franciscan Friars, National Vocation Office, p. 30

121 Trappist Cistercian Monks, p. 73

232 Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., p. 97

246 U.S. Army Chaplain Corps., p. 43

295 Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular, p. 31

147 U.S. Conference of Secular Institutes, p. 150

003 Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, p. 69

094 Viatorians (Clerics of St. Viator), p. 73

103 Glenmary Home Missioners, p. 107

178 Vincentian Priests and Brothers, p. 75

104 Jesuits, p. 74

198 Xaverian Brothers, p. 37

192 Josephite Priests and Brothers, p. 62 226 Legionaries of Christ, p. 103 158 Little Brothers of Saint Francis, p. 104 105 Marianists, p. 14 298 Marist Brothers, p. 139

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122 Trinitarians, p. 59

Diocese 197 Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, p. 123

299 Medical Missionaries of Mary, p. 159 129 Missionaries of the Holy Family, p. 110 108 Missionaries of the Precious Blood, pp. 17, 110, 111 130 Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, p. 148 133 Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 72 249 Missionary Benedictine Priests, Brothers, and Sisters, pp. 32-33, 108 179 Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, p. 107 109 Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, p. 52 278 Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, p. 133 284 Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, p. 111 131 Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, p. 119 044 Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 54 289 Norbertine Fathers and Brothers, Daylesford Abbey, p. 109

080 Benedictine Sisters, Atchison, KS, Mount St. Scholastica, pp. 32-33, 90 270 Benedictine Sisters, Colorado Springs, Co, Benet Hill, pp. 31, 32-33 282 Benedictine Sisters, Duluth, MN, St. Scholastica Monastery , pp. 32-33, 38 069 Benedictine Sisters, Ferdinand, IN, Monastery Immaculate Conception, pp. 32-33, 39 202 Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel, OR, pp. 32-33, 44 152 Benedictine Sisters, Rock Island, IL, St. Mary Monastery, pp. 32-33, 35 175 Benedictine Sisters, St. Joseph, MN, St. Benedict’s Monastery, pp. 12, 32-33 143 Benedictine Sisters, Yankton, SD, Sacred Heart Monastery, pp. 32-33, 37 008 Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, pp. 32-33, 84 214 Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, p. 134 009 Carmelite Monastery, p. 47

201 Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters, p. 40

153 Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, p. 157

292 Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, p. 15

013 Carmelites, Congregation of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, p. 121

114 The Paulist Fathers, p. 172

188 Cenacle Sisters, p. 53

134 PIME Missionaries, p. 103

011 Cistercian Nuns, p. 118

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INDEX TO RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES ADVERTISING IN VISION ’07 (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 169)

Log onto VocationGuide.org to request information from any of the religious communities advertising in VISION VOCATION GUIDE. To read about communities and request information in Spanish, go to VocacionCatolica.org Looking for a good match? Fill out a profile at VocationMatch.org and narrow your vocation search.

Women’s (continued)

056 Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth, p. 109

048 Poor Clares, Order of Saint Clare (PA), p. 159

031 Franciscan Sisters of St. Paul, MN, p. 79

194 Poor Clares, Spokane, WA, p. 79

106 Companions of the Heart of Mary, p. 154

211 Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, p. 56

012 Congregation of Notre Dame, p. 53

193 Franciscans Sisters of the Holy Family, Dubuque, IA, p. 26

058 Congregation of Sisters of Bon Secours, p. 36 171 Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, p. 92 168 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, pp. 137, 139, 141, 143 209 Daughters of Divine Providence, p. 163 236 Daughters of Divine Zeal, p. 40 074 Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, p. 154 130 Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, p. 154 185 Daughters of St. Joseph, p 155 015 Daughters of St. Paul, p. 84 180 Daughters of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 154 150 Daughters of the Heart of Mary, p. 11 016 Daughters of the Holy Spirit, p. 127 275 Daughters of Wisdom, p. 52 262 Discalced Carmelite Nuns, p. 55 018 Dominican Sisters Collaborative Ad, p. 171 151 Dominican Houses of Discernment, p. 51 019 Dominican Sisters, Springfield, IL, pp. 88, 171 022 Dominican Sisters of Divine Providence, p. 135 302 Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, p. 24 025 Felician Franciscan Sisters, p. 136 125 Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, p. 126 126 Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, p. 142 037 Franciscan Sisters (Hospital Sisters of St. Francis), p. 157 189 Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, p. 23 166 Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, p. 142 028 Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, pp. 81, 83, 85 268 Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, MN, p. 46 029 Franciscan Sisters of Mary, p. 27 167 Franciscan Sisters of Oldenburg, IN, p. 124 170 Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, p. 13 017 Franciscan Sisters of Peace, p. 157 030 Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, p. 77 213 Franciscan Sisters of Rochester, MN, p. 36

170

07pp145-172.indd 170

032 Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, p. 46 033 Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, p. 19 138 Glenmary Home Mission Sisters of America, p. 131 077 Good Shepherd Sisters, p. 41 183 Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, p. 158 035 Holy Cross Sisters, p. 25

237 Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, Portsmouth, OH, p. 23 049 Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, p. 161 208 Precious Blood Sisters, pp. 17, 111 240 Providence Women (Sisters of Providence), p. 129 273 Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, p. 91 051 Religious Teachers Filippini, p. 57 255 Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, p. 80 145 Salvatorians (Sisters of the Divine Savior), p. 20

072 Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 119 252 Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, p. 44 142 Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Holy Name Prov., p. 165 073 Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Western Prov., p. 165 139 Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, p. 165 279 Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, p. 165 287 Sisters of St. Francis,Tiffin, OH, p. 24 075 Sisters of St. John the Baptist, p. 26 024 Sisters of St. Joseph (Federation), p. 87

177 Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, pp. 2-3

052 School Sisters of Notre Dame, p. 162

039 Little Company of Mary Sisters, p. 134

053 School Sisters of St. Francis, p. 90 002 School Sisters of St. Francis, p. 162

154 Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, p. 133

041 Little Sisters of the Poor, p. 126

140 School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King, p. 92

163 Sisters of St. Rita, p. 131

177 Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, pp. 2-3

105 Marianists Sisters, p. 14 162 Marianites of Holy Cross, p. 157 128 Marist Missionary Sisters, p. 159 199 Maryknoll Sisters, p. 113 042 Medical Mission Sisters, p. 45 299 Medical Missionaries of Mary, p. 159 043 Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart, p. 108 249 Missionary Benedictine Sisters, pp. 32-33, 108 179 Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, p. 107 278 Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, p. 133 186 Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, p. 160 131 Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, p. 119 130 Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 160 044 Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 54 045 Notre Dame Sisters, p. 14 196 Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 57 271 Order of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 160 201 Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters, p. 40 292 Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, p. 15

227 Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, p. 121

159 Servants of Mary, Sisters, p. 66

076 Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, p. 19

054 Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, p. 18

277 Sisters of the Divine Compassion, p. 167

055 Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, p. 50

036 Sisters of the Holy Family, p. 56

187 Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, PA, p. 89 258 Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe, MI, p. 80 059 Sisters of Charity (Federation), p. 54 235 Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church, p. 136 007 Sisters of Charity of Rolling Hills, p. 38 060 Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida, p. 21 061 Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston TX, p. 50 212 Sisters of Christian Charity, p. 93 251 Sisters of Jesus our Hope, p. 55 264 Sisters of Loretto, p. 164 063 Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, p. 13 244 Sisters of Nazareth, p. 164 064 Sisters of Notre Dame, p. 143 065 Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, p. 130 205 Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus, p. 161 294 Sisters of Saint Francis, p. 88

238 Passionist Nuns, Clarks Summit, PA, p. 160

181 Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, p. 167

047 Passionist Nuns, Ellisville, MO, p. 161

085 Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, OH, p. 124

155 Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, p. 78 078 Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, p. 18 079 Sisters of the Holy Redeemer, p. 120 144 Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 165 173 Sisters of the Living Word, p. 78 219 Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, p. 57 050 Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 168 215 Sisters of the Resurrection, p. 165 165 Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 168 034 Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, p. 45 081 Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, p. 163 172 Society of the Holy Child Jesus, p. 26 027 Society of the Sacred Heart, p. 93 147 United States Conference of Secular Institutes, p. 168 218 Ursuline Sisters, Roman Union p. 168 086 Visitation Sisters, p. 135 087 Wheaton Franciscans, p. 168

VISION VISION 2007 2007

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