2017 VISION Vocation Guide

A resource of the National Religious Vocation Conference

VOC ATION GUIDE

The vocation journey: Sent forth and called home 2017 Catholic Religious Vocation Discernment Guide

¡N es uev Sp pañ a se an ol cc is in ió in h s clu n e sid ec id n e! tio a! n

VocationNetwork.org | VocationMatch.com

Enter #478 at VocationMatch.com

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS VOCATION DISCERNMENT GUIDE

National Religious Vocation Conference Executive Director Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C.

Publisher TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C.

Print & Digital Publisher/Executive Editor Patrice J. Tuohy Director of Production Anne Marie O’Kelley (annemokelley@truequestweb.com) Editorial Director Jennifer Tomshack (jenniferrebecca@truequestweb.com) Content Editor Carol Schuck Scheiber (contenteditor@vocationguide.org) Cover Design Patrice J. Tuohy Social Media Editor & Outreach Coordinator Siobhán O’Neill Meluso

Marketing & Advertising Marketing Consultants Daniel Grippo (writingdan@yahoo.com) Phil Loftus (stubbornwavemarketing@outlook.com) Production Manager Dianne Potter (dpotter@truequestweb.com) Sales Patrice J. Tuohy & Dianne Potter

Customer Service 800-942-2811

mail@vocationguide.org

VocationNetwork.org

Online Services/Web Programming ideaPort, LLC President: Curtis Long (clong@ideaport.com) VISION is a publication of the National Religious Vocation Conference, 5401 South Cornell Avenue, Ste. 207, Chicago, Illinois 60615; nrvc@nrvc.net; nrvc.net ©2016, National Religious Vocation Conference Published by TrueQuest Communications, 53 W. Jackson Blvd., Ste. 1140, Chicago, IL 60604-3619; phone: 312-356-9900; fax: 312-356-9903; e-mail: mail@truequestweb.com; truequestweb.com.

Printed in the United States. ISSN 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 Jennifer Tomshack at jenniferrebecca@truequestweb.com.

Request additional copies: Order online at VocationNetwork.org/orders; e-mail mail@vocationguide.org; or call 800-942-2811.

Interested in being a VISION advertiser/sponsor?

Please call Dianne Potter at 800-942-2811. All ads are subject to publisher’s review and must be in line with VISION’s mission to promote Catholic religious vocations. The NRVC does not specifically endorse any advertisements.

Enter #044 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 3

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Begin your journey with prayer

I

N A YEAR DEDICATED to mercy that includes

the gathering of the world’s youth in Krakow, Poland, please remember that mercy, like any of God’s calls, begins and ends with prayer. We draw strength from direct communication with God, no matter how faint and tenuous, and from those divine sparks, we are able to go forth and and light the way for others.

Being light to the world is the recurring theme throughout this issue of VISION. Each featured article gives us a glimpse of the unique ways Christians, particularly those who choose religious life, bring the light of Christ’s love and compassion to those who hurt and hunger physically and spiritually.

From gardening monks in California to a sailing sister in France to seamstress sisters in Uganda, natural and human-made obstacles are tilled, tamed, navigated, maneuvered, or overcome by sheer force of will and unrelenting redemptive love.

We welcome your company on this year’s pilgrimage of mercy and on the lifelong journey of discernment and service, love and mercy, mission and holiness. In the words of Saint John Paul II, “Every member of the faithful is called to holiness and to mission, . . . to enlighten all people with the brightness of Christ, which gleams over the face of the church, by preaching the gospel to every creature” (Redemptoris Missio). May we all shine brightly.

—Patrice J. Tuohy, VISION Publisher VISION is a resource of the National Religious Vocation Conference.

Check out these award-winning online resources from VISION VOCATION MATCH: A discernment tool to help you narrow your search for the right vocation.

QUESTIONS CATHOLICS ASK: A regular feature shedding light on the traditions and practices of our rich Catholic heritage.

E-VOCATION NEWSLETTER: Monthly updates and insights to help you on your vocation adventure. Sign up for this free newsletter at VocationNetwork.org/newsletter.

Other resources to help you along the way VISION EVENTS CALENDAR for postings of service, education, and discernment opportunities in your area.

TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily faith formation for busy Catholics.

SPIRITUALITY QUIZ: Test your spirituality type.

Enter #083 at VocationMatch.com 4 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

NRVC UPDATE

I

N HIS APOSTOLIC Letter on the Occasion of the Year of Consecrated Life, Pope Francis encouraged us “to look to the Brother Paul past with gratitude Bednarczyk, C.S.C., … to live the present NRVC Executive Director with passion” and “to embrace the future with hope.”

These three words—gratitude, passion, and hope—undoubtedly characterized our work at NRVC. • NRVC hosted an international meeting in Rome for representatives of vocation centers.

• The NRVC-established National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV) granted eight religious institutes funds to alleviate the educational debt of 10 candidates.

• NRVC released a Study on the Influence of Family on Vocations to Religious Life and Priesthood.

• In partnership with TrueQuest Communications, Year of Consecrated Life resource packets were mailed to every active parish in the U.S. and made available to all online.

• The largest-ever NRVC contingent participated in the vocation venue at the National Catholic Youth Conference.

• Today’s Catholic Sisters were celebrated at four gatherings held around the country in partnership with four Catholic universities.

While all of this speaks of today’s passion and tomorrow’s hope, what is truly inspirational is the continued support of our NRVC board, staff, members, and benefactors who believe in our mission and who desire to see a vital future for religious life. To them I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Blessed be God forever!

Sincerely yours in Christ, —Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C. NRVC Executive Director Enter #025 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 5

CONTENTS

VISION 2017 CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS VOCATION DISCERNMENT GUIDE

32 RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS

RELIGIOUS LIFE

8

32

Nuns, priests, and brothers in the news

The creative spirit finds expression in religious ministries JENNIFER TOMSHACK

PRAYER & DISCERNMENT

14

Desert discernment

42

JENNIFER TOMSHACK

22

SISTER JULIA WALSH, F.S.P.A.

Navigating the right course

48

SISTER NATHALIE BECQUART, XAV.

28

Celibacy leads me to limitless love

Other vocations that might be right for you THE VISION EDITORS

64

I’m over 40. Can I still join religious life?

SISTER ADRIENNE KAUFMANN, O.S.B. & BROTHER RONALD HINGLE, S.C.

54

9 things religious life has to offer SISTER SHANNON FOX, S.S.J.-T.O.S.F.

60

Religious life captured on film THE VISION EDITORS

76 RECURSOS EN ESPAÑOL

72

HERMANO CARLOS MEDINA, O.S.A.

75

Vocation takes cultivation SISTER ELIZABETH WAGNER

69

Petal a path to prayer SISTER ELIZABETH THOMAN, C.H.M.

Many of the articles you see here and in prior issues of VISION are available in Spanish and French. Find them online at vocationnetwork.org.

Plenamente vivo HERMANO JUAN JOSÉ JÁUREGUI, O.F.M.

VISION SPOTLIGHT

64

Lo que aprendí como novato

76

Llámala Hermana María Exuberante HERMANA XIOMARA MÉNDEZHERNÁNDEZ, O.P.

Cover photo: 206TOURS.COM Cover design: PATRICE J. TUOHY

SISTERS

BEING CATHOLIC

95

152

Call her Sister Mary Exuberant SISTER XIOMARA MÉNDEZHERNÁNDEZ, O.P.

118

122 COMMUNITY DIRECTORIES

78

Men’s Communities Search

89

Women’s Communities Search

111

Other Communities

122

Desert nuns find an oasis in sisterhood

Pope Francis wants YOU to be a missionary CATHERINE O’CONNELL-CAHILL

160

Heaping helpings of mercy ALICE CAMILLE

PHOTOS BY JOHN BERING TEXT BY CAROL SCHUCK SCHEIBER

INDEX

Ugandan sister mends lives

166

Community Advertiser Index

JENNIFER TOMSHACK

130

Sister T: A mom to moms behind bars JO PIAZZA PHOTOS BY STEVE PFOST

136

Street-wise sisters on a roll CAROL SCHUCK SCHEIBER

PRIESTS BROTHERS

86

Back in the fold, better than ever BROTHER JUAN JOSÉ JÁUREGUI, O.F.M.

112

Brotherly advice: Enjoy your vocation!

HEIDI SCHLUMPF

130

81

60

“Future Father” becomes present Paulist FATHER JIMMY HSU, C.S.P.

140 Persistent call pays off

ART OF DISCERNMENT

170

LESLIE SCANLON

146 Racing toward

Light up your life SISTER PENELOPE MARTIN, O.C.D.

my religious vocation

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NICHOLAS COLLURA

171

A sample of events you can find at VocationNetwork.org/ events

ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG Vocation Match Service Complete an online profile and find the vocation/community that might be right for you.

Community Search Events Calendar Videos/Apps Vocation FAQs Questions Catholics Ask SpiritCitings Blog Spanish/French Resources Digital Edition

RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES EMBRACE YEAR OF MERCY

A THE CONGREGATION of Notre Dame sisters in Montreal, Canada marked the opening of the Year of Mercy holy door at St. Peter’s Basilica with the opening of their own holy door. The sisters built a doorway near their infirmary and invited elderly sisters to ritually pass through it, accompanied by mercythemed music.

ROUND THE WORLD, religious communities have been making this truly an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. Here are just a few of the ways men and women in consecrated life are expressing the merciful dimension of God during this year: • Many religious order priests have become “missionaries of mercy,” priests specially appointed by Pope Francis to be responsible for preaching, teaching, and practicing mercy.

• Communities are using social media to communicate the Christian concept of mercy. Check out #MakeMercyReal and #MercyMonday.

• Communities are hosting retreats, days of reflection, and book discussions with a theme of mercy.

• Schools sponsored by religious communities are discussing mercy in classrooms, praying about it in chapels, and spearheading special works of mercy projects.

• Priests in religious communities are doubling up their efforts to make the sacrament of Reconciliation more accessible. Father Michael Champagne, C.J.C. of St. Martinsville, Louisiana, went so far as to convert a former ambulance into a “confessional on wheels” that he has been driving to meet people where they are and offer God’s forgiveness.

• Religious communities have ritually opened “holy doors of mercy” in their own chapels, shrines, and holy places. Pope Francis has encouraged Catholics to make a pilgrimage to a “holy door of mercy” to better experience God’s mercy through the symbolism of crossing a threshold.

Learn more about what other communities are doing at vocationnetwork.org/blog/ spiritcitings_blog.

“Minstrel of God” unites through music

B

ROTHER AL MASCIA, O.F.M. uses music to bring people together across religious differences. In doing so, he says, he is following an old tradition of his Franciscan ancestors: that of being a “minstrel of God.” A musician, singer, songwriter, and storyteller, Brother Mascia is co-founder of Song and Spirit Institute in Berkley, Michigan. He and his two artistic partners—interfaith married couple Steve Klaper and Mary Gilhuly—conduct retreats, programs, and performances that blend music, storytelling, and visual art. The Song and Spirit Institute frequently adds a charitable element to its outreach, too, encouraging the

8 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

making of food sacks at their bookings.

Mascia has been a member since 2001 of the Franciscan Friars of the Cincinnati, Ohio-based St. John the Baptist Province. In fact, closely associated with Song and Spirit Institute is the Duns Scotus Friary, a residence for men in the Franciscan community.

The friary is located in a section of the former convent that houses the Song and Spirit Institute.

At the heart of Song and Spirit’s interfaith approach is the pairing of Catholic and Jewish traditions. Klaper calls himself a “Jewish troubadour”; he is also a cantor, musician, and storyteller.

Mascia—whose songs can be found on YouTube—explains his ap-

“MINSTREL OF GOD” Franciscan Brother Al Mascia, O.F.M. uses his musical talents to deepen understanding between people of different faiths.

proach on songandspirit.org: “When we experience another’s culture, their music, rituals, beliefs—we come to understand that there are no ‘others’— we are all one people seeking the same human relationships, grappling with the same divine mysteries.”

Enter #097 at VocationMatch.com

RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS Family study finds key influences to Catholic vocations A MAJOR STUDY on the role of families in nurturing vocations found that recent entrants to religious life and diocesan priesthood come from families that go to Mass weekly, pray together often, have active faith lives, and encourage family members to be open to vocation options. The study was commissioned by the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) and conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University. To read more about the findings, visit tinyurl.com/NRVCFamilyStudy.

CHOOSING LIFE

SISTER MARY HEALY, R.S.M. with her older brother Joey Healy, who was murdered in 2000. Healy is an outspoken opponent of the death penalty.

F

OR MOST PEOPLE, the death penalty is not personal.

But for Sister Mary Healy, R.S.M., it is connected to one of the most painful chapters of her life—her brother’s murder.

“Joey was my big brother, a gentle giant, a holy man, my mentor, ” she writes in the Sisters of Mercy blog “Con-

nect with Mercy” about her brother, who was shot at random in the back of the head in 2000.

Though Healy went through a period of deep struggle and grief, she came to the realization that forgiveness was her only option: “Forgiveness is not excusing, not forgetting, not approval. Rather, it is the meeting of mercy and justice.” A year after her brother’s death Healy found herself testifying for the defense during the sentencing phase of the murder trial of her brother’s killer. The offender remains on death row.

“Victims’ families do not find closure with the death sentence of the offender,” says Healy. “Rather it throws them into another period of waiting for the execution. lt is a fantasy to think the victims’ families’ healing or closure is a direct consequence of the end of [an offender’s] life.”

Healy is now a member of a club she never imagined being part of: Family members of victims opposed to capital punishment. “I am honored to be a part of this community of victims’ family members,” says Healy. “They are all so staunchly convinced of the sacredness of every human life.”

Read more at tinyurl.com/MyBrotherJoe.

Pope schools Congress on Day and Merton TWENTIETH-CENTURY American Catholic activists Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton took center stage along with Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. during Pope Francis’ historic address to the U.S. Congress in September 2015. Francis held up these four individuals to impart Catholic social teaching to all Americans. Merton (1915-1968) was a Trappist monk, pacifist, and writer, most famously of the autobiographical The Seven Storey Mountain. “Merton was above all a man of prayer, a thinker who challenged the certitudes of his time and opened new horizons for souls and for the church,” the pope said. Day (1897-1980) was a journalist, laywoman, radical Christian, and founder of the Catholic Worker movement, whose mission is to show hospitality to those on the margins and live out the works of mercy.

SHARE YOUR SIGHTINGS

If you spot a member of a religious community in the news, please e-mail the details to us at mail@vocationguide.org.

10 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

FIND AND FOLLOW US EVERYWHERE!

Download the app for digitalvocationguide.org.

RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS TV HOSTS TALK FAITH

P

OLITICAL COMMENTATOR Chris Matthews had two resounding words for the Christian Brothers who taught him in high school: “Thank you.”

In his commencement speech to the 2015 graduating class at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, the host of the MSNBC talk show Hardball with Chris Matthews said, “Thank you for your dedication to students like me, for how you educated us, for your quiet humility—Yes, I STEPHEN COLBERT had the Jesuits, too!—and for being more impressed with the young people you teach than you are with yourselves. As a Brother’s Boy, I know what I’m talking about.”

Matthews graduated from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. He also attended the Jesuit-run College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Matthews’ media peers Rachel Maddow and Stephen Colbert have also shared on air about their CHRIS MATTHEWS Catholic backgrounds.

Maddow, who also hosts a political talk show on MSNBC and was raised “very, very Catholic” in her words, praised the work of social justice activist Sister Simone Campbell on her show, saying, “I love that the Holy Spirit is alive and well and making mischief.”

Colbert, now the new host of The Late Show on CBS, is a practicing Catholic and former catechism teacher. He displayed his impressive knowledge of his religion during a “Catholic throwdown” segment with Catholic TV actress Patricia Heaton, quizzing one another on beliefs and customs. (Watch the clip at tinyurl.com/ TVhostsTalkFaith.)

Enter #191 at VocationMatch.com

RACHEL MADDOW

Monks produce first hand-lettered Bible in 500 years

A

MINNESOTA COMMUNITY of Benedictine monks has resurrected the ancient POPE FRANCIS and government tradition of hand-scribing Bibles. Severand church officials gathered in al years ago Saint John’s Abbey and University September 2015 in Washington, D.C. in Collegeville, Minnesota commissioned the to present a copy of the St. John’s Saint John’s Bible, the first completely handBible to the Library of Congress. written and illuminated Bible since the invention of the printing press more than 500 years ago. Twelve have been produced.

One copy of this rare Bible was presented to the Library of Congress in honor of Pope Francis’ address to Congress in September 2015.

In keeping with an ancient Benedictine tradition of illustrating and hand-lettering scripture, scholars at Saint John’s Abbey and University and a team of artists and calligraphers have been working on the Bibles entirely by hand, writing with quills and illuminating pages with precious metals and paints ground manually from minerals.

One of the Bibles is on display at Saint John’s Abbey and will go on tour as an exhibit around the world.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 11

RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS SISTERS frequently study theology and other subjects during their formation years. Pictured here are theology students at Catholic Theological Union.

NFCRV helps women become sisters A new fund—aimed at tackling the problem of educational debt—is helping 10 young women to pursue their dream of becoming Catholic sisters.

R

ESEARCH HAS SHOWN that more than 1,000 religious vocations are lost each year due to educational debt. With the average student debt at $35,000 (in 2016), religious communities simply cannot afford to service the student loans of prospective candidates to religious life.

Young adults with educational debt either self-select out of the process of entering religious life or must defer their vocations until they are debt-free, which can take years.

Now, thanks to the 2015 establishment of the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV), with inital funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and GHR Foundation, eight religious communities are able to welcome 10 new candidates (featured here) to pursue their dreams of becoming Catholic sisters. For information on the 2016 men’s and women’s community grantees and to the learn more about the fund, go to NFCRV.org.

Ana Gonzalez Dominican Sisters of Peace What is most surprising about religious life?

I thought sisters would be lonely. I didn’t see the role community played. Now as a candidate living in a community I 12 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS know sisters are never alone. There is that sisterly bond.

Boram Lee Daughters of Mary Help of Christians What was the turning point that made you consider becoming a nun?

I had an opportunity to go on this mission trip to Haiti. I spent a week there living with the clergy and the religious sisters and brothers of that order. I felt so much joy and beauty in their life, which was being used completely to serve other people. I thought maybe I could have a fulfilling life, too, living in this way.

Christina Chavez Congregation of Divine Providence What made you choose religious life?

I remember asking some sisters, “How do you know what you are doing with your life?“ and they said that they were still discerning—it blew my mind. I was interested in finding out what it takes to become a nun. I googled it from my cell phone and VISION Vocation Match came up. That’s when the journey began.

Regina Garofalo Felician Sisters of North America What have you found difficult about religious life?

I have a German shepherd, and that has been hard for me to give up. Also giving up control and thinking I know what’s best. At first it was hard putting everything in God’s hands.

Eilis McCulloh Sisters of the Humility of Mary What would you tell someone on the fence about religious life?

I would tell them what someone told me: “Just try it.” You have a minimum of six years between candidacy and final vows, so there is time to test the waters.

Among the sisters in my community, we range from 29 to 100 years old—we laugh, we are filled with joy, we have a good time while being centered in God, all living with the same purpose.

Cialinett Colon Daughters of Christian Charity What made you begin to consider religious life?

I was very focused on my education—it was everything really. But there was this God-shaped hole in my life. I decided to go to Calcutta to volunteer and be where Mother Teresa started her ministry. I sensed that I really liked this. When I came back, I began to discern more seriously.

Josefina Whitmore Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

religious life, when at the time I was worried it was doing the opposite.

That exposure prepares you to appreciate people of different faiths.

Katherine Frazier Adrian Dominican Sisters What are the differences between your academic life and your life in the church?

As an academic, you are trying to understand things and their roots. In religious life it feels more like jumping off a cliff because I don’t know what the world or my congregation will look like in 30 years.

For me the journey of religious life is about putting all my faith in God.

Lauren Galt Felician Sisters of North America What is the most difficult part about adjusting to religious life?

Just getting used to the freedom that religious life brings. It is such a pure freedom. It is about the freedom that comes from God’s love. But I do miss sleeping in sometimes.

Margaret Uche Dominican Sister of Peace

How did your education help equip you for religious life?

What would you like to say to the NFCRV and its benefactors?

I think my experiences at a liberal, public college strengthened my faith and moved me more toward

I would like to thank them for helping me continue my vocation because my student loans were one of the issues I had when I entered religious life. I worried I wouldn’t get in. This grant helped me make that dream come true.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 13

PRAYER & DISCERNMENT

JEFFREY BRUNO

Desert discernment

MOUNT NEBO, where Moses gazed at the Promised Land before dying.

by Jennifer Tomshack

Jennifer Tomshack is editorial director of TrueQuest Communications, publisher of VISION V oc ation Guide.

A trip to Jordan’s biblical wilderness provides the backdrop for a reflection on how you can find your way by wandering.

M

Y TRIP TO THE DESERT LAND of the Bible began in Toronto, Canada. I was attending the Associated Church Press conference there in chilly, rainy April. At an evening networking event, a profusion of red-and-white checkered fabric caught my eye. A woman was bedecking attendees with colorful scarfs and I joined the growing group around her.

“It’s called a keffiyeh,” she said, a woven scarf worn by Arabs as a headdress, but some also wear it around their necks. She was giving everyone there one as a gift and showing them how to wrap it correctly.

Her name was Christine and she was a consultant for the Jordan Tourism Board. She was attending the conference to encourage religious media

14 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Enter #164 at VocationMatch.com

JEFFREY BRUNO

THE AUTHOR at the chapel at the Baptism site of Jesus next to the Jordan River.

JENNIFER TOMSHACK

Enter #289 at VocationMatch.com

THE JORDAN River at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.

Enter #411 at VocationMatch.com 16 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

to visit this country that figures so significantly in both the Old and New Testaments.

Before that moment, it had never crossed my mind to go to Jordan. I had never thought of it as part of the Holy Land. But Jordan is the literal wilderness referenced throughout scripture where so many trials and transitions occurred. Jordan was a place of retreat and revelation for Israelites, Jews, and early Christians.

Our salvation history begins with an Exodus into the desert, continues with the desert wanderings of John the Baptist, and culminates with the desert temptations and teachings of Jesus. As a layperson who writes about vocation, I felt urged to explore firsthand how the desert relates to discernment.

If your spiritual journey has taken you somewhere barren, you are in good company.

A few months after the conference, Christine organized a press trip specifically for Catholic writers and invited me to join. I’ll admit I was a little scared to go somewhere so unfamiliar. But that tinge of fear also helped me decide to go. All spiritual journeys start that way, with fear of the unknown. Perhaps that’s even what compels us to go on them in the first place: There’s something uncertain inside us, a question that demands an answer, an agitation that moves us forward.

Get lost One of the best parts of this incredible trip included a visit to Wadi Rum, a seemingly endless and eerily

silent red desert valley of sandstone and granite. It was the stomping ground of Lawrence of Arabia and the shooting location of The Martian, a recent Matt Damon film. It is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places I’ve ever been.

One of my travel mates was Ed Langlois, a reporter for the Catholic Sentinel, from a place so different than Wadi Rum—the moist, green, gentle land of Portland, Oregon. Ed mused about how the desert landscape, humbling in its starkness, must have shaped its people’s understanding of God. Their God needed to be strong and very definitively on their side if they were to survive.

While in Wadi Rum, our group was in the care of Bedouin, the nomadic tribespeople who live there, and indeed they took lavish care of transporting, feeding, and sheltering us. Good thing, because I was acutely aware that I wouldn’t have lasted a day in this desert without them and their know-how—an experience of being vulnerable to those, or One, who will look after me.

No matter how isolated you might feel, you’re never alone.

No matter how lost, God will lead you.

Home stretch I glimpsed the Promised Land from the same spot Moses did—atop Mount Nebo—and like Moses, I did not enter it. I haven’t been to Israel and hope to go someday, and I’m now glad I went to Jordan first.

It was an opportunity to reflect on the necessity of preparation before reaching a destination, that it’s absoEnter #003 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 17

“

A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway of our God! (Isaiah 40:3).

lutely essential to spend a period in the desert—literally or metaphorically—and be tested, to discover if a vocation, a mission, an identity is meant for you.

Moses’ trek from Egypt to the Promised Land ended in what was then called the Plains of Moab, home of the Ammonites. It included the lands east of the Jordan River and along the Dead Sea in the western part of modern Jordan. The Israelites—so close to their final destination—camped in a small lush area northeast of Mount Nebo.

There is reassurance in knowing that the trials of wandering don’t last forever; God does have an end-goal in mind for everyone. He keeps his promises and brings his people home at last.

God told Moses that he would not cross the Jordan with his people and commanded him to go to the top of Mount Nebo—which overlooks the Dead Sea, the Jordan River valley, and Jericho—to view the land of Israel. (Today, on a clear day, Jerusalem is visible from Mount Nebo’s promontory.) After Moses died, Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan and into the Promised Land. The crossing point is directly opposite Jericho at a place known as Bethabara.

At some point on a journey, you learn that as important as leaders, mentors, and guides are, you don’t have to rely on Enter #100 at VocationMatch.com 18 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

IN THE NEW Testament, Jordan was called Peraea, which means simply “the land beyond.”

them. You gain the wisdom and experience to make it on your own the rest of the way.

Next step At Bethabara, nearly 1,400 feet below sea level, the lowest place on earth, in the exact same spot that Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, the heavens opened for the prophet Elijah, who ascended into it on a fiery chariot, a stone’s throw from where Christ would one day be baptized, and again on the occasion of that Baptism, when the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and God spoke to his beloved.

This place, where John the Baptist lived, conducted his ministry, and baptized Jesus, is no idyllic respite. Also called, then and now, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, it’s a hot,

JEFFREY BRUNO

JENNIFER TOMSHACK

WADI RUM, Jordan. While in this seemingly endless desert valley, our group was in the care of Bedouin, the nomadic tribes who live there.

Enter #041 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 19

JORDAN IS THE literal wilderness referenced in the Bible where so many trials and transitions occurred.

JENNIFER TOMSHACK

Enter #034 at VocationMatch.com

“

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom (Isaiah 35:1).

dusty plain under unrelenting sun, a shelterless wilderness of tangled reeds and rock, swarming with flies.

It’s fitting that it’s physically unpleasant, because spiritual transitions of great magnitude require uncompromising strength and fortitude.

“Life begins where your comfort zone ends,” goes the popular saying.

If anyone lived that adage, it was Moses, John the Baptist, and Jesus, and they challenged everyone to do the same.

In the New Testament, Jordan was called Peraea, which means simply “the land beyond.” The key players in the mission of salvation were willing to bear deprivations and Enter #215 at VocationMatch.com 20 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

sacrifices to go the distance for God’s sake. Are you?

Grow with God Sometimes returning from a retreat and readjusting to the regular world again can feel awkward, even a bit like a desert of its own. That makes perfect sense because we might not be the same person we were before and we may be heading in a new direction. We’re challenged to bring our desert experiences to bear on our everyday life.

Fortunately after being with God without distractions for a good long while, I could discern God’s call more clearly. For me, that meant putting pen to paper and committing to a deepened and renewed vocation to writing. I found a wellspring of inspiration and insight in the desert, and I soon stumbled on more, closer to home, in the words of author Alice Camille, writing in Prepare the Word (TrueQuest Communications):

JENNIFER TOMSHACK

According to the Bible, this is what God sees in every wilderness: not vacant wasteland, but a place for flowers to bloom. Not barren desert, but soil waiting for rain. It’s a quiet space for tired disciples to take their rest, for hungry multitudes to be fed.

Wilderness is where water can spring from a rock or bread might fall from heaven. Meat can be supplied by a passing flock of quail. To God, wilderness is a clean canvas on which to paint a beautiful future.

THE JORDAN River at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist lived, is no idyllic respite.

What beautiful future do you see emerging from your desert wanderings? = Related article: vocationnetwork.org, “How to know where God is leading you,” VISION 2005.

JORDAN was a place of transition and retreat for the Israelites, Jews, and early Christians.

JEFFREY BRUNO

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 21

PRAYER & DISCERNMENT

SISTER Nathalie Becquart, Xav. at the helm. A skipper stays on course by paying attention to the boat, wind, and water. In vocation discernment, it is important to pay attention to the currents in one’s inner life.

Navigating the right course

by Sister Nathalie Becquart, Xav. Translated from French by Robert Bull

The sea, with its changing conditions of turbulence and calm, is a parable of life that can teach us how to steer a path to joy.

Sister Nathalie Becquart, Xav. is a skipper and spiritual companion. She is director of the National Service for Youth Evangelization and Vocations at the Bishops’ Conference of France.

A

S A YOUNG GIRL I had the opportunity to spend my holidays by the sea, where I learned to sail. Eventually I became a skipper, and I participated in many regattas, discovering the best way to set my sails and choose the right strategy for the winds and currents. Then I entered religious life, thinking I’d never sail again. But I was fortunate to return to sailing as a mission within religious life when I began organizing retreat cruises for young adults based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius that join learning to sail and life as a crew member with learning to pray, thoughtful reflection, and discernment.

These “Life at Sea” cruises (VieEnMer.org) sail around France in the Atlantic and Mediterranean from February to April for one to two weeks. Each boat is crewed by six teammates and led by a skipper and spiritual guide. During the trip, there is prayer alone and as a group, sharing time, Masses, meditation on scripture, and spiritual direction.

The adventure helps participants take stock of their lives. The sea invites them to reflect on their faith. The change of environment and loss of landmarks

22 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

mid-america

303.477.5436

www.capuchins.org vocations@capuchins.org

Midwest USA

773.475.6206

www.capuchinfranciscans.org vocation@capuchinfranciscans.org

NEW YORK/ NEW ENGLAND

845.642.1025

www.capuchin.org/vocations brotimjonesofmcap@gmail.com

Pennsylvania

888.263.6227

www.capuchin.com frtomcap@yahoo.com

western america

805.686.4127

www.beafriar.com peterbanksofmcap@yahoo.com

New Jersey/ Southeast USA 201.863.3871 www.capuchinfriars.org capuchinlife@aol.com

Enter #091 at VocationMatch.com

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 23

PARTICIPANTS on a vocation sailing retreat bond. Just as sailing requires a crew, vocation discernment happens in community.

Enter #065 at VocationMatch.com

is conducive to a personal encounter with God. This sailing experience has taught me a lot, too, and has helped me to navigate daily in my mission, discern and choose the best course, and steer the projects and teams for which I am responsible. But even more, those long hours spent at sea with changing weather conditions and enriching teammates have given me a language with which to express and share a lifestyle that might entice others—like you!—to come on board.

Lessons from the sea

Enter #227 at VocationMatch.com 24 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Being in a moving space with constraints is a reality school. The sea is a place of remarkable freedom because, well-skippered, a boat can go just about anywhere, particularly when the human, technical, and natural elements are all in sync.

Of course, navigation decisions

Enter #294 at VocationMatch.com

“

The sea is a place of remarkable freedom because, wellskippered, a boat can go just about anywhere.

must be made with a destination in mind. And the sailor must learn to adapt to weather and conditions that she cannot control. Failure to take the endeavour seriously risks catastrophe.

When I have to make an important decision, find the way to stay on course through difficulties, or live more fully in the life of the Spirit, I rely on my experiences at sea navigating as a crew member and feeling for the wind to get ahead, full sail.

Take the helm The helm is the most important connection to the boat. The person at the helm has to be ready to

Enter #048 at VocationMatch.com

head to sea the moment the boat is unmoored and stay at the helm until the boat reaches the right port.

Being at the helm is a big responsibility. Whether I ask to take the helm or it’s offered to me, it requires taking the lead. It’s always a risk, but a calculated one, done with others you trust. The helm is the center of all the other relationships on the boat, an exchange-of-information point, which requires a lot of at-

tention and concentration. To be a good helmsperson, I have to listen attentively to the boat and the crew, understand their reactions and be able to respond correctly. To steer a course I have to feel the tiller go with my desired direction or against it. If the waves make us veer off, I have to adjust.

When wind, currents, or waves kick up, steering becomes more difficult. Helming requires stabilizing the VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 25

SAILORS on a vocation discernment retreat enjoy a stopover.

Enter #108 at VocationMatch.com

boat in its movement, so it can make headway with equilibrium in the middle of the water’s motion. The helmsperson’s steering technique is evident in the boat’s wake.

The good helmsperson knows how to steer smoothly, without abrupt movements. She’s always alert because she has to anticipate. She’s in tune with the crew, the environment, and the boat. The bad helmsperson, on the other hand, makes big tiller 26 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

movements, causing the boat to knock into the waves.

God’s Spirit leads us to steer our lives softly, like a good helmsperson.

It requires a lot of learning and practice. I work hard to prevent myself from just drifting along. I try to decide on and follow a realistic course, taking into consideration the many variables in my life. My life leaves a wake, and I can see from that if I’m helming the way I should be. Mo-

SOMETIMES discernment leads a person into deep water—which can be exhilarating or frightening. Pictured here is the author at the helm.

ments of joy and peace when I have let myself be driven by the wind of the Spirit tell me I am on course.

But when I’m feeling dragged down or stuck in a constraining circle, I know I have let myself be taken by bad currents and it is time to change course.

“

Sometimes you just have to wait, hold on, stay firm, and hope. Arrival on shore is a relief akin to resurrection.

Find your way Even the best helming, though, is subject to unpredictable conditions, from violent storms to dead calms.

Sailors must learn to be patient with the fickleness of the wind. Sometimes you just have to wait, hold on, stay firm, and hope. Arrival on shore is a relief akin to resurrection.

Until we experience our boats in all conditions, we don’t really know it. We must travel many, many miles to gain the necessary experience to go further still.

Alternating storms and dead calms are also what we experience in our spiritual lives—difficult moments, marked by restlessness, where we have to hold on and

stay firm, and moments of dead calm, marked by doubt or spiritual drynees, where we must patiently wait.

Shifting feelings of distress and comfort are what Ignatius of Loyola experienced after being wounded in the battle of Pamplona. By paying attention to his states of sadness and joy, he discovered what is grounded in vanity and what in holiness, and he chose to follow his deepest desire—the path of holiness.

There is no other way to discover one’s deepest desires—the thing that will bring us true joy—than to identify our interior movements— the different currents that reside in us—and be attentive to the effects they have on us.

Navigating in this way, I discover who I am, how I react in different circumstances, and how God guides me toward my heart’s desire. = Related article: vocationnetwork.org, “How to wait for clarity about your vocation,” VISION 2014.

Enter #161 at VocationMatch.com

Enter #102 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 27

PRAYER & DISCERNMENT

CONGREGATION of St. Joseph associate Kileen Stone offers the Communion cup to Sister Rose Margaret, C.S.J. during a liturgy in St. Louis with the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet.

Other vocations that might be right for you

by the VISION editors

There are many forms of Christian commitment and Catholic life, including opportunities—whether single or married—to be involved in particular spiritualities or ministries.

G

OD CALLS all of us to be true to ourselves and live in sync with our deepest longings and gifts, whether that be within marriage, single life, holy orders, or consecrated life. In addition to those paths—and in some cases within those paths—are other affiliations and forms of life that help adherents express their faith fully.

Associates Some religious orders have associate membership, which allows single and married laypeople to have a close bond with the community. The requirements and commitments between communities and their associates, or “co-members,” vary with 28 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

“

Some religious orders have associate membership, which allows single and married laypeople to have a close bond with the community.

each religious order. Generally associates feel drawn to the charism—the spirit and mission—of the community and pledge to carry out prayer and works of service according to this charism and their own abilities.

Associates commit themselves to integrating the community’s spirit into their way of life. They usually take part in some activities of the community.

A list of more than 100 religious orders that have associates is available on the website of the North American Conference of Associates and Religious: nacar.org.

Secular third orders Secular third orders—such as the Lay Carmelites, the Oblates of St. Benedict, and the Third Order of St. Francis—are associations of laypeople who follow the inspiration and guidance of a religious order while living in the world. Third order members are usually received into the religious community in a particular ceremony and pledge themselves to certain prayers and religious practices. For more information on secular third orders, inquire with individual communities that have them.

Diaconate Permanent deacons are men, usually

Enter #363 at VocationMatch.com

35 or older and self-supporting, who are ordained to minister in a diocese after a formal period of formation and training that the diocese oversees. The ministry of the deacon is threefold: service, the Word (such as preaching, catechesis, retreat work, and counseling), and liturgy, including leading certain parts of the Mass and presiding at Baptisms and weddings. Deacons may also be involved with parish pastoral ministry.

Although a permanent deacon may be married at the time of ordination, if he is single at ordination, or if his wife dies afterward, he is expected to remain celibate. For more information: usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/ vocations/diaconate.

in solitude. A bishop must be willing to accept the formal petition of a person who wants to be a diocesan hermit, and official paperwork is involved. This eremitical way of life is an ancient tradition and is described, in part, in canon law as follows (Canon 603): “A hermit is one … dedicated to God in consecrated life if he or she publically professes in the hands of a diocesan bishop the three evangelical counsels, confirmed by vow or other sacred bond, and observes a proper program of living under his direction.” Several books have been written on the topic, including Consider the Ravens: On Contemporary Hermit Life by Paul A. Fredette and Alone with God by Dom Jean Leclercq.

Diocesan hermits

Secular institutes

This relatively rare form involves living a life of prayer and contemplation

Secular institutes are a form of consecrated life in which members VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 29

“

Secular institutes are a form of consecrated life in which members live a life of celibate chastity, poverty, and obedience through the witness of their lives.

Enter #508 at VocationMatch.com

live a life of celibate chastity, poverty, and obedience through the witness of their lives and their apostolic activity wherever they are employed.

Usually members do not live in community as do members of religious institutes, though in some cases they may.

Secular institutes are for laywomen, laymen, and diocesan priests. Periodically members of secular institutes come together for retreats and meetings. The United States Conference of Secular Institutes website, secularinstitutes. org, offers general information about secular institutes and contact information for approximately 30 groups.

Consecrated virgins According to church law, consecrated virgins are “. . . consecrated to God, mystically espoused to Christ, and dedicated to the service of the church. . . .” A woman is admitted to consecration by her local bishop, who determines the conditions under which she lives her life of perpetual virginity. Candidates for consecration must be women who have never been married, had children, or lived in open violation of chastity. Once consecrated, a woman is closely bonded to her diocese and its bishop and supports the diocesan clergy through prayer and sacrifice. A diocese does Enter #159 at VocationMatch.com 30 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

PHOTO BY ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON

A DEACON gives a blessing at the 2014 ordination class of permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of Boston.

not take on financial responsibility for a consecrated virgin. More information is available from the United States Association of Consecrated Virgins, consecratedvirgins.org.

Lay ecclesial movements Lay ecclesial movements are church organizations focused on a particular ministry or spirituality, or both. The Vatican’s Pontifical Council of the Laity has published an online directory of international associations of the faithful at vatican.va. Below are a few examples of the types of organizations that exist.

• The Cursillo Movement proclaims that God, in Christ, loves us, and it does so through “short courses” and

Enter #181 at VocationMatch.com

regular gatherings in small communities.

• Communion and Liberation, with its focus on the Incarnation and the presence of Christ “here and now,” educates members in Christianity and collaborates in the mission of the church in all spheres of life.

• Focolare (Italian for “family fireside”) aims to contribute to the realization of Jesus’ last will and testament: “may they all be one” and so build up fraternal relations in society.

• L’Arche is dedicated to the creation and growth of homes, programs, and support networks for people with intellectual disabilities.

• The Neocatechumenate provides continuing Christian instruction for Catholics in small parish-based communities. = Enter #176 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 31

RELIGIOUS LIFE

BROTHER Michelangelo Best, C.F.R. spins a ball in a video by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York—which the brothers hope raises awareness for Mary’s Meals, a nonprofit organization that provides meals to poor children.

The creative spirit finds expression in religious ministries

by Jennifer Tomshack

Jennifer Tomshack is editorial director of TrueQuest Communications, publisher of VISION V oc ation Guide.

Siobhán O’Neill Meluso, VISION social media editor, contributed to this story.

Sometimes when religious see a need that fits their charism and speaks to their passions, it can lead to meaningful—albeit unconventional—work.

R

ELIGIOUS LIFE is often associated with certain traditional ministries— service in schools, hospitals, prisons, and shelters; devotion to contemplation and prayer—all of which are important and challenging. But sometimes when God calls, God has something else in mind, especially for those blessed with unique talents and interests.

Shake and skate It’s not somthing you see every day: a Franciscan friar, head shaved, wearing the full-length robe of his community, heavy rosary beads dangling from his rope belt, shredding on a skateboard through the busy streets and people-packed lakefront of Chicago.

32 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Enter #135 at VocationMatch.com

THE STIRRING video “Salve Regina” turned skater Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate Gabriel M. Cortes into a YouTube sensation.

Enter #078 at VocationMatch.com

Friar Gabriel M. Cortes, F.I. of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate in Bloomington, Indiana visited Chicago in 2014 and was filmed skating in the stirring video “Salve Regina” (tinyurl.com/FriarCortes) by Spirit Juice Films. It turned him into a YouTube sensation.

His weekly skating ministry is an outreach to the young. His mere presence in skate parks serves as a reminder of Christ and his countercultural message—a notion that resonates with skaters. It’s an example of the command of Saint Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

Slam dunk The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Yonkers, New York are getting in on a similar streetwise act. Brother Mark-Mary Ames, C.F.R. has produced and directed “Renewal in Motion” (tinyurl.com/RenewalinEnter #475 at VocationMatch.com 34 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Motion), a video featuring Brother Lazurus Sharpe, C.F.R. beatboxing— that is, performing hip-hop-style vocal percussion—while his fellow friars perform spectacular basketball stunts, mostly dunking off trampolines in gymnasiums and on outdoor courts. And the film’s audio track, “Broomstick Medley,” is from a soonto-be-released album by Brother Isaiah Marie, C.F.R. “Saint Francis would bring a brother who played music to the market and use it as a way to preach the gospel. We are doing that with basketball,” says Ames.

The community is apostolic with a charism of evangelization and hands-on work with the poor. The video is a “way to share Jesus and give a joyful witness to the poor in our brotherhood,” says Ames. It is also meant to raise awareness for Mary’s Meals, a nonprofit organization started by a friend of the friars that provides meals all over the

Enter #058 at VocationMatch.com

BROTHER Lazurus Sharpe, C.F.R. beatboxes—that is, performs hiphop-style vocal percussion—on a track called “Broomstick Medley,” from a soonto-be-released album

by Brother Isaiah Marie, C.F.R.

Enter #206 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 35

Enter #079 at VocationMatch.com

world to poor children while they are at school.

The athletically gifted brothers in the video all played sports as kids and currently help at basketball camps as well as host charity basketball games, with the proceeds going to Mary’s Meals.

Sister act Talents of all kinds naturally get nurtured in groups—often within families. Case in point: Sister Nancy Murray, O.P., sister of famous comedian, actor, and Saturday Night Live veteran Bill Murray.

Murray, a member of the Michigan-based Adrian Dominican sisters, has found a way to make acting and theatre a central part of her religious vocation. She tours the country for much of the year, performing in St. Catherine of Siena: A Woman

36 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

for Our Times, a one-woman show about Saint Catherine of Siena, an influential 14th-century mystic and patroness of the Dominicans, who later was named a Doctor of the church.

Murray charges a $1,500 stipend, plus housing and travel expenses, and requires that venues provide a few modest props for her performance: a table, a chair, a crucifix, a vase of flowers, a large candle, two glasses of water, a CD player, a microphone, and a bench. Pretty basic compared to the movie sets of her younger brother Bill, but her shows are invaluable to benefiting the important work of her community back home.

Murray portrays Saint Catherine “as the colorful, strong, passionate and enthusiastic personality that she was,” in her words. Thanks to the show, many churches, schools, and

“

If you believe how much God loves you, you can change many things. God is purifying us in a way that calls us to new life.”

other organizations have learned about “Catherine’s fierce devotion to and love for God.” says Murray.

“If you believe how much God loves you, you can change many things.

Saint Catherine’s voice is needed more than ever today. The church is in a time of struggle. The flock has been scattered and people are confused and in doubt. God is purifying us in a way that calls us to new life.”

Murray grew up in suburban Chicago, where she attended and later taught for 13 years at Regina

THE FRANCISCAN Friars of the Renewal in New York produced a video, called “Renewal in Motion,” of their spectacular basketball stunts to an original hip-hop track.

Enter #042 at VocationMatch.com

SISTER NANCY Murray, O.P, sister of comedian and actor Bill Murray, tours the country for much of the year, putting on a one-woman show about Saint Catherine of Siena.

Enter #306 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 37

“

I’ve come to view baking as an extension of my ministry as a priest. Homemade bread brings people together in fellowship.”

I travel around, I see that people are hungry for a voice of truth, like Catherine’s, something that makes their faith relevant. I feel that Catherine has a voice that says, ‘Don’t give up on the church. Believe in it, its struggles and pain, and be a part of making a difference.’”

Breaking bread

Enter #123 at VocationMatch.com

Dominican High School. She entered the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1966 and started bringing the story of Saint Catherine to life on the stage in 2000 in memory of a friend. Four years later, Murray’s congregation asked her to make her show an outreach to generate income and awareness of the sisters.

38 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

She has since performed all over the world. Her fellow Adrian Dominican Sisters are more than 1,000 vowed members and associates ministering worldwide in the areas of education, healthcare, and social justice.

“An important part of religious life is the call to love God and all of God’s people,” says Murray. “As

Bread is obviously a central symbol in Christianity, and men and women living in community have been making bread since religious life began.

So Benedictine Father Dominic Barramone, O.S.B., a.k.a. “The Bread Monk,” isn’t entirely unusual—but as a TV personality, he certainly is.

“When I joined Saint Bede Abbey [in Peru, Illinois] in 1983,” says Barramone, “I knew that the Lord would show me ways to use my gifts, but I never expected that to include a PBS cooking show!”

“I’ve baked bread since grade school,” he says, “but a conversation with a friend led to an audition with a public television producer, and for three years I was the host of Breaking Bread with Father Dominic. It was a unique opportunity to show a

FATHER DOMINIC Barramone, O.S.B., a.k.a. “The Bread Monk,” at St. Bede Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in Peru, Illinois, was the host of a television cooking show for three seasons.

The seed of God is within you Let’s grow together in Christ

A transforming presence . . . witnessing Gospel values

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP WWW .FSOLPH. ORG Enter #170 at VocationMatch.com

modern Benedictine monk to a wide audience.”

Much of his work can be found in The Breadhead Bible, which is a compilation of his favorite bread recipes including Tomato Basil Focaccia, Honey Oatmeal Bread, and Chocolate Raspberry Scones. Also included are recipes for Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits, Diabetics’ No-Caraway Rye, and Best Ever Crescent Rolls.

Barramone’s other books include Thursday Night Pizza, Brother Jerome and the Angels in the Bakery, ’Tis the Season to Be Baking, and Bake and Be Blessed.

“I’ve come to view baking as an extension of my ministry as a priest,”

he says. “Homemade bread brings people together in fellowship. The word companion comes from the Latin cum plus panis—‘with bread.’ We break bread with our companions on life’s journey, at our kitchen tables, and at the table of the Eucharist.”

Circus comes to town Sister Dorothy Fabritze, M.S.C. never imagined she’d join the circus. Missionary work is what she wanted to do ever since high school, and that’s what she did as a Missionary Sister of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus for 16 years in Papua New Guinea, traveling to 150 village schools, by foot,

Enter #275 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 39

“ Enter #192 at VocationMatch.com

Enter #284 at VocationMatch.com 40 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

It’s a ministry of presence, of living among the people.”

boat, or any means necessary, as a religious education coordinator. That experience prepared her for the work she has now been doing for just as long: traveling with and ministering to circus workers.

Her community is an international congregation in 20 countries.

“We attempt to convince people that God really loves them,” she says. Her particular outreach is to the itinerant people who work in the 30 or so circuses that travel around the United States. “It’s a ministry of presence, of living among the people,” she says.

Since her home is on the road with the rest of the circus, Fabritze made part of her small trailer into a chapel, where she keeps the Blessed Sacrament. Circus ministry is considered by the church to be pastoral care

AFTER DOING missionary work in Papua New Guinea for 16 years, Sister Dorothy Fabritze, a Missionary Sister of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, has been traveling with and ministering to circus workers for just as long.

of migrants, refugees, and travelers.

“Circus people are a family-oriented group who see it as their call to provide family-oriented entertainment,” she says. But they are all from different faith traditions, not all Catholic or even Christian. “They want support in living their faith tradition,” she says, and it’s her job to help foster a diverse community of believers.

Fabritze’s work in circus ministry, along with the other sisters, brothers, and priests featured here, is an example of how men and women in religious life use their creative talents and gifts to carry the message of God’s love to remarkable places and in surprising ways. =

Enter #136 at VocationMatch.com

In honor of the Year of Consecrated Life, VISION Vocation Guide featured Sister Fabritze on its YouTube channel. Check out the exclusive video of Fabritze’s #surprisingministry with the circus on YouTube (tinyurl.com/SurprisingMinistry).

Enter #122 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 41

RELIGIOUS LIFE

THROUGH THE vow of chastity, Sister Julia Walsh, F.S.P.A. is able to love in a different way than do married or single people, extending herself to community members and to those she meets in ministry. Here, she chaperones students on a field trip.

Celibacy leads me to limitless love

by Sister Julia Walsh,

Sister Julia Walsh, F.S.P.A. (Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration) teaches theology at Aquinas High School in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Find her online at messyjesusbusiness.com and @juliafspa on Twitter.

F.S.P.A.

Being boy-crazy as a teenager actually helped this Franciscan sister experience the call to Catholic sisterhood.

H

ow can you be a nun? You’re the most boy-crazy girl I know!” My good friend first jokingly teased me with this question when we were both still teenagers. I was in the earliest stages of my discernment at the time, and I couldn’t give her a good answer to her question.

That was nearly two decades ago. I like to think that I’ve matured a lot since I was a teenager and that I’ve come to understand how the complex parts of my personality can all enrich my relationship with God. I’m convinced that God used my teenage feelings to steer me toward my vocation. In fact, being boycrazy actually influenced my very first sense of vocation to sisterhood.

42 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Your Mission ~ to work for the transformation of the world by awakening and deepening faith with and for the people of our times.

Awkward phases I was a teen who deeply desired to please God. Alone in my bedroom one night I remember praying for guidance regarding my attraction to a certain boy. As I prayed, I heard a very intense answer. Like a song stuck in my head on repeat, over and over I heard, “Be a nun.” I tried to ignore this phrase, but it only got louder. I knew it was coming from a very deep, very true part of me. In awe and fear and confusion, I started to sob.

“

It makes sense that I felt confused by this feeling bubbling up within me. I didn’t know what “nun” meant. It was only later that I understood my call to Catholic sisterhood.

Your Life ~ prayer, community, and a ministry of helping others deepen their relationship with God through retreats, spiritual direction, and adult faith formation.

we’re waiting for

you!

773-528-6300 vocations@cenaclesisters.org

www.cenaclesisters.org Enter #188 at VocationMatch.com

It makes sense that I felt confused by this feeling that was bubbling up within me; I didn’t know any nuns or sisters growing up, so I didn’t know what “nun” meant.

It was only later that I understood that what I was really called to was Catholic sisterhood. (Technically, “nun” means a cloistered contemplaV14pp131-172.indd tive and “sister”174is an active minister out in the world.)

I never disagreed with the boycrazy label my friend gave me. She had heard me speak about my feelings for several cute boys through all the drama of junior high and high school, so she could make a good case. In fact, she is the only person who also remembers my first

4/26/2013

Enter #341 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 43

Enter #353 at VocationMatch.com

WALSH and Sister Rita Marie Bechel, F.S.P.A. share a hug after Walsh’s perpetual profession of vows in 2015. The vow of celibacy is for those who are called to cast a wide net with their love rather than enter into an exclusive relationship focusing on a spouse and children.

“boyfriend” from our childhood.

For prom, we double-dated a set of twins. Then during college, we continued to giddily share with each other our secrets about boys.

I may have been nuts about boys, but I didn’t really date that much.

I was always very clumsy at it, and being a boy’s girlfriend never felt natural to me. What little dating I did made me realize that I frequently and quickly developed deep, affectionate feelings for others. I would get Enter #107 at VocationMatch.com 44 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

very excited about the goodness and beauty that I saw in other people.

All the while, I kept feeling an even stronger pull to Catholic sisterhood. Even with all my affection for others, I found that my eagerness to serve and love God and live in community was much more intense. God tends to have a clever and mysterious way of making the right things happen.

When I entered my community, I brought all the dynamics of my personality right along with me, including my friend’s question about me being boy-crazy. That vocational question, and other early struggles, gradually evolved like the shorelines of the sea. My journey has been rich

PRAYER is essential to religious life, and it is the foundation for the vow of chastity. Pictured in eucharistic adoration are Sisters Sarah Hennessy, Walsh, and Eileen McKenzie, F.S.P.A.

and blessed and full of many experiences. I have been with my community for enough time for me to now know that this lifestyle is the best fit for me. I have a deeper understanding of who I am and what I really want. I have come to understand that the vows of religious life suit me well.

Put simply, celibacy works for me.

Unlimited love It works for me because it permits my love to be inclusive and expansive, like God’s love. Celibacy is prophetic of the kingdom of God, where we are told that we will be free Enter #120 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 45

ERIK DAILEY, LACROSSE TRIBUNE

Enter #056 at VocationMatch.com

“

Being a consecrated celibate means that my love is not focused mostly on one particular person, or family. I am allowed to love in a way that feels unlimited.

of any attachment, even marriage (Mark 12). More than a “no,” it is a “yes” to God’s love. I am free to experience the solitude and silence that nourish my relationship with God. It frees me from being attached to a particular person or place and allows me to be itinerant and go where God needs me.

Being a consecrated celibate means that my love is not focused mostly on one particular person, or family. I am allowed to love in a way that feels unlimited. I can celebrate Enter #081 at VocationMatch.com 46 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

WALSH TEACHES at Aquinas High School in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

There, and in her other ministries and community life, the vow of celibacy frees her to love expansively.

Join us as a Vowed Sister, Lay Associate, or Volunteer in Mission.

S. Madonna Marie Harvath, OSF Director of Vocations . 1.610.777.2967 FollowFrancis@bfranciscan.org

Enter #214 at VocationMatch.com

the beauty of any person that God puts in my life and experience God’s affectionate love through all sorts of human relationships. I try to be an instrument of God’s love for all of God’s people, for the entire church, and the wider human community.

Like all forms of love, the vow of celibacy involves some difficult sacrifices. It can be agonizing to fall in love with people and then have to direct my life away from them, when all I really want is to be as close to them as possible; I have to keep in mind that healthy boundaries are an important part of every lifestyle.

I would have loved to have been a wife and mother; I anticipate that I will need to grieve this renunciation throughout my life.

Despite its challenging nature, I find that celibacy is sacred and powerful. Living my life in a strong, loving community helps me to experience much of the same intimacy,

companionship, and friendship that I expect marriage would offer me.

Even though I won’t ever share my body with another person, I am humbled that I get to give my whole life and body to God in this sacred way.

Even as a vowed celibate, I am still a woman who is boy-crazy, who falls in love over and over again, a woman who gets enamored with others. But more than that, I am peoplecrazy with love. I am challenged to love like God loves. On my best days, I am joyful about the goodness I see in almost everyone. = This article first appeared in a shorter form in Global Sisters Report, globalsistersreport.org, a project of National Catholic Reporter.

Related article: vocationnetwork.org, “Why being single and living as a sister are not the same,” VISION 2015.

Enter #282 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 47

RELIGIOUS LIFE

DIFFERENCES in age and ethnicity can lead to both cultureclashes and valuable learning experiences.

I’m over 40. Can I still join religious life?

by Sister Adrienne Kaufmann,

Sister Adrienne Kaufmann, O.S.B. is the vocation director for the Mother of God Monaster y in Watertown, South Dakota.

B r o t h e r R o nald Hingle, S.C. is vocation director for the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

48 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

PHOTOGRAPHERLONDON/DREAMSTIME.COM

O.S.B. and Brother Ronald Hingle, S.C.

Not all religious communities accept candidates over the age of 40, but some do. Here are answers to questions that mature candidates often have.

People say that it can be a mistake to enter a religious community soon after a loss. Why? Sister Adrienne: Loss equals emptiness, a void crying out to be filled. A major decision should wait until the grieving period has significantly diminished and emotional rawness has subsided. Discernment requires clarity. The adjustments and strained emotions that follow loss inhibit the freedom of spirit needed to discern clearly and peacefully. Furthermore, the call to religious life is a huge transition: change of job, home, friends, church community, lifestyle, and culture. One needs to be socially, emotionally, and psychologically strong to negotiate them well.

Brother Ronnie: Any type of commitment in the church—marriage, religious vows, ordination, sacraments of initiation—must be a free and deliberate choice. The emotional and psychological strain of loss in one’s life can be so

It is a great good to think that if we try we can become saints with God’s help. - ST. TERESA OF JESUS

A living witness to prayer at the heart of the Church in Contemplation, Community, Apostolate in the tradition of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross Washington Province of Discalced Carmelite Friars | 1525 Carmel Road, Hubertus, WI 53033 | 262-628-1838 ocdvocation@gmail.com | ocdfriarsvocation.org Enter #434 at VocationMatch.com

significant that the person experiencing it is actually less free to make a vocational choice soon afterwards.

Time is needed to be truly able to discern.

the parent desiring to enter religious life? Basically, is the person entering truly free and available to fully enter this type of lifestyle without major distractions?

If I have children, am I still able to enter religious life?

Sister Adrienne: When a parent or grandparent enters community, the personal cost is high. Less frequent contact with families is inevitable.

Juggling two life commitments: religious life and parenting/grandparenting is demanding. The discernment process for parents needs to include a subset of questions you ask a community: How often will I be able to visit my family? Will they be able to visit me? How are visits handled?

Am I able to interact via electronic media and telephone often enough to maintain a good relationship?

Does the formation program allow for extra time with my family? Does

Brother Ronnie: According to canon law, children of candidates need to be at least 18 years old and financially independent before their parent can enter religious life. However, most communities would consider more than the chronological age of the children. Are the children mentally, physically, psychologically, and emotionally capable of caring for themselves? Even if an annulment has been granted and the children are living with the other parent, what, if any, type of support is needed from

the religious community honor my dual role?

Does a divorce make me ineligible for religious life?

Sister Adrienne: A divorced man or woman who enters religious life needs the diocesan marriage tribunal’s involvement. Canon law requires an annulment or “indult of nullity” before entry into community. This is true for both men and women.

If I have lived alone for many years, how will I know if I can live community life?

Sister Adrienne: The call to religious life is accompanied by a desire for deeper intimacy with God, plus the desire to live out that call with others. Knowing oneself is a must. Are you flexible, or is your daily routine

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 49

A monk?

You’re joking, right?

Actually, we’re quite serious!

Why are men from around the nation choosing this path?

Maybe it’s because God wants men who are ready to live a RADICAL life of sacrifice and prayerful service as a witness of Christ for the world! We are men who NEVER thought we would become monks.

So while others settled for the ordinary, we chose to be RADICAL! Maybe God is calling you, too, to become a Benedictine monk at Subiaco Abbey. Check us out and experience for yourself how God is still calling men to monastic life in the 21st century . . . even to Arkansas!

Subiaco Abbey

Brothers & Priests living as one monastic family

BENEDICTINE MONKS.ORG

pretty rigid? Can you forgive and ask forgiveness? Are you comfortable in groups? Are you a team player who can both lead and follow? If so, spend time with the community.

Eat, pray, and play with them. Get to know the members. The application process helps identify indications of compatibility, but really, only time spent within the community can determine whether it’s for you. The church wisely requires several years as a member of a community before making perpetual profession, also called final vows. This gives a new member and the community time to try on life together and see if it fits.

Brother Ronnie: Having an affinity for a community’s ministry, spirituality, or charism is not enough to make you a good match for being a vowed member of the group. The adjustment from living on one’s own to living in a religious community is one of the greatest challenges to an over-40 vocation. Several areas have proven to be sticking points and need to be carefully explored: 1. ACCOUNTABILITY: How willing are you to be accountable to a community for everything from spending money to managing your personal schedule, including your job choice?

Sometimes, something as simple as letting people know where you are going and when you’ll return can seem stifling.

2. SHARING: How willing are you to share space, time, and material resources with the community? Transitioning from “my place,” “my car,” and “my TV” to “our community,” “our community vehicle,” and “our community TV” can be difficult.

3. OBEDIENCE: How willing are you

Enter #256 at VocationMatch.com 50 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

“

Knowing oneself is a must. Are you flexible, or is your daily routine pretty rigid? Are you a team player who can both lead and follow? If so, spend time with the community. Eat, pray, and play with them.

to seek permissions from the necessary authority? While most religious institutes do not treat their members as children, the requirement to check ahead of time with a person in authority about major purchases, weekend and vacation plans, and even ministerial responsibilities can seem somewhat adolescent, and receiving a “no” is even more jarring. But this is an integral part of religious life.

4. MINISTRY: How willing are you to be available for the community’s mission? This can involve not only moving from one location to another to live or perform ministry, but also being personally stretched, possibly by being asked to pursue additional education or learn new skills.

5. COMMUNAL GOOD: How generous are you? How willing are you to put aside your personal agenda and expectations to sacrifice for the greater communal good or for the sake of the mission?

If I have physical concerns common to people my age, will that prevent me from entering a community?

Sister Adrienne: Each community has criteria regarding health issues.

In our community we are firm: An

Enter #095 at VocationMatch.com

applicant must be off governmentfunded disability and working fulltime for a minimum of two years before applying to community. Obesity is the most common health problem of mature-age discerners. In my community we request a commitment to weight loss because obesity leads to other serious health issues and a shortened life span; plus it can sometimes mask emotional issues that can interfere with initial formation.

Brother Ronnie: Most communities would not refuse an applicant if his or her health issues are typical and the community believes he or she can meaningfully contribute to its mission, community, and prayer life.

However, the health of a potential candidate of any age is certainly a major consideration of a religious institute. The older the person, the more concern there will be about overall physical and mental health.

Enter #039 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 51

Enter #095 at VocationMatch.com

Realistically religious institutes have aging community members with diminishing earning potential.

Therefore they have fewer financial resources. So it’s important to seriously evaluate a potential candidate’s ability to contribute to the mission and life of the community. While every religious community would want to discern a potential candidate’s vocation mainly on spiritual terms, they must also consider a cost/benefit analysis of the number of years a person can actively contribute, as well as the community’s ability to cover a candidate’s medical expenses.

What else should I know as an over-40 person considering religious life?

Sister Adrienne: Most women and men have limited exposure to religious community. Not knowing the inner workings of common life, 52 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

discerners often have a romantic view of life together as a conflictfree escape from human weaknesses.

A religious community is not the “communion of saints.” That’s heaven! Community life is challenging: We are one another’s joy, but also we are one another’s sandpaper, rubbing each other smooth.

Those living in community for 50 or 60 years have scant understanding of the struggles of life immersed in the world. Patient learning from one another is essential to bridge the cultural gap between new members and those seasoned in religious life. Flexibility and openness, along with intentional communitybuilding work, are essential ingredients of blending mature-age adults into community.

Also, do not give away your savings. To deeply discern your call during the years of initial formation, you need the freedom to leave or

stay. This is serious. Communities are unlikely to accept a new member who would not be able to be selfsupporting if that member discerns before final vows—or the community discerns—that she is not called.

Brother Ronnie: One of the most important realities for the 40-plus vocation is that he or she will need to go through formation. Formation implies taking a hard look at ourselves and being willing to undergo conversion to the life of the gospel and of the community. Conversion is a lifelong process, and change will be required.

Older candidates must also realize that while the initial fervor for religious life may inspire an idealized view of the life, those who are in the community are human and do not always live the ideal. Joining a religious community is not about escaping the trials and tribulations of the world.

“

Community life is challenging: We are one another’s joy, but also we are one another’s sandpaper, rubbing each other smooth.

Everything we find “out there” can be found “inside here,” hopefully to a lesser degree. Though the professed men and women in community have vowed to be different, we still fall short of the glory of God. While many have an idealized view of ministry, accomplishing the mission on a day-to-day basis is simply hard work. There is often very little that is romantic about it. People are not always eager to receive the Good News, nor are the recipients of our ministries always grateful for our service. But we work hard anyway, very hard, and we pray that the Lord will make up for our inadequacies and shortcomings, helping us succeed according to his plans for that work.

Personal and communal prayer is difficult at times. Consolations are not always granted, and fidelity to daily spiritual exercises, on both the personal and communal levels, can be challenging. The beauty of community is that when I am not strong, the brothers or sisters with whom I live can be. Together, we challenge each other to be faithful.

Religious life is about working, playing, praying, and living together!

While such a life can be quite challenging, it is also extremely rewarding. It is a wonderful way to build the Kingdom! =

Enter #157 at VocationMatch.com

Related articles: vocationnetwork. org, “Obstacles and options for older discerners,” VISION 2013; “There’s no gap when it comes to these generations,” VISION 2014.

Enter #173 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 53

RELIGIOUS LIFE SISTER SHANNON FOX, S.S.J.-T.O.S.F. is joined by Sister Kimberly Mulhearn, S.S.J.-T.O.S.F. and a fellow sister from Giving Voice during Pope Francis' 2015 visit to Washington, D.C.

9 Sister Shannon Fox, S.S.J.T.O.S.F. is a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

She lives in Chicago and ministers as a special education teacher at Clare Woods Academy.

things religious life has to offer

by Sister Shannon Fox, S.S.J-T.O.S.F.

Sometimes people think religious life is mostly about giving things up. But there is much to be gained when your true vocation is to be a sister, brother, or priest.

A

N ARTICLE I recently read listed all the things you have to “give up” when entering religious life: marriage, children, a personal house, and—at least for singles—a great deal of autonomy. It’s true you make sacrifices when you join a religious community, just as with any life commitment, but I have found the sacrifices I make help me to be a better person. They have left me free to live more fully.

I have gained much in the process of living out my call as a Franciscan, and I share with you my own list, knowing that each religious would write his or her list a little bit differently.

54 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

1.

Opportunities for leadership.

1/2 page vertical

Let’s face it, when opportunities for women were fewer, women religious were some of the first female CEOs and have been running schools, hospitals, non-profits, and all kinds of other organizations for years. This is in addition to managing the affairs of their own congregations at the same time.

My own sisters have managed hospitals and schools in Mississippi, Tennessee, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Sister Camille Guzman is one such sister who was the administrator of Marymount Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio for many years, earning the respect of her male counterparts at other hospitals with her knowledge and commitment.

As a young person in religious life there are plenty of opportunities to hone your leadership skills within your congregation, your ministry, and your community-sponsored institutions—if you take advantage of them.

I have been part of my community’s social justice commission and have actively participated in my community’s chapter process (by which we elect leaders and set our direction).

2.

Enter #092 at VocationMatch.com

Encouragement to be your best self.

In my experience with community, my sisters expect the best from me. They do not expect perfection, but they really want me to give all aspects of my life due attention. If I’m not contributing to community the way they think I am capable, they will call me out on it

. . . be companions of Jesus whose lives reveal him to the world.

FCJ Constitutions

. . . captivated by Jesus and his mission . . .

www.fcjsisters.org

Enter #439 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 55

“

If I need spiritual support, ministerial support, or just someone to talk to or share my day with, the sisters are there.

Embrace your future with hope Join our congregation of Franciscan Sisters and Associates

Sisters of St. Joseph

of the Third Order of St. Francis www.ssj-tosf.org BOSH-VISIONAD-4.625x4.875-PQ.pdf

1

4/20/16

8:03 AM

Enter #154 at VocationMatch.com

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

and ask me what’s going on. They won’t settle for me coasting or giving less than my best. They also support me if I’m having a hard time doing my best.

3.

A support network.

4.

Mentors.

As a sister I have a huge support network available to me when I need it. If I need spiritual support, ministerial support, or just someone to talk to or share my day with, the sisters are there. Since I met my community, they have seen me through deaths in my family, car accidents, my entrance into the field of education, and all kinds of trials and tribulations. I am also expected to be a part of that support network for other sisters. They have taught me so much about a true sisterly bond that I want to pay it forward every chance I get.

The sisters in my community have accomplished many incredible things.

They have founded nonprofits, run school systems and hospitals, worked as executives, and served the poorest of the poor overseas—just to name a few. I am blessed to know these women. I look to their example as I try to become the woman I believe God is calling me to be. Having

CMY

K

Enter #203 at VocationMatch.com 56 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Enter #152 at VocationMatch.com

good mentoring is critical.

As a religious sister there is no shortage of accomplished women I can look to. Women in my community have been there when I’ve needed to discuss ministry challenges, spiritual development, and when I’ve needed to discern what direction I’m being called to take in other aspects of community life.

Often these sisters have faced similar challenges successfully and offer counsel and advice, or just provide a listening ear when I need it.

5.

Freedom to not just work for the paycheck.

Lay people often must make decisions about where they work based in part on being able to earn a certain income. Even if they are unhappy, financial obligations, insurance plans, or other circumEnter #252 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 57

that my vocation provides me with the balance and stability that I need to be an effective minister.

6.

Making time to balance our lives.

Being a sister leaves you without the demands of raising a family. In my experience religious have time to balance their lives between ministry, friends, prayer, reflection, and hobbies. There is also both the opportunity and responsibility to take time for prayer and a retreat. Our rules for religious life often help us move toward a balance of work, prayer, and recreation. For me this call to balance has been invaluable.

7.

Sense of self.

8.

Prayer life.

During my formation (preparation to be a sister), I was encouraged to examine my gifts, my weaknesses, and my relationship with God. All these things helped me discern what God is calling me to. Having gone through my initial formation program, I now have a better sense of who I am and who I am being called by our Creator to be.

Enter #315 at VocationMatch.com

stances may drive them to take or stay in an unfulfilling job. As a sister, I am encouraged to find a ministry based on where I feel God is calling me to serve and where I can use my gifts the best.

As religious men and women, we also pool our resources in order to allow at least some community members to work in lower-paid ministries, possibly working for organizations that 58 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

would otherwise be unable to afford their services. This pooling of resources often allows for a certain freedom in ministry choices. The financial aspect of a ministry decision does not always have to take top priority.

This is not to say our ministries are easy. We often work with vulnerable individuals who require a lot of physical, emotional, and spiritual energy, but my experience has been

This may seem obvious, but one of the biggest things I have gained by entering religious life is a deeper prayer life.

Not only was I given classes on prayer and theology, but I also had the gift of a novitiate experience that proved to be the foundation of my prayer life.

Novitiate is a year (approximately) of prayer and study that is set aside for

“

Our rules for religious life often help us move toward a balance of work, prayer, and recreation.

all new sisters, priests, and brothers as they begin religious life.

I now have the opportunity to take yearly retreats during which I can focus on my spiritual development and relationship with God. In addition, I participate in community prayer that helps to bond and ground my sisters and me. Praying together helps us deepen our communal relationship with God. Regular communal prayer times help keep me accountable and assist me in developing the discipline needed for a deep prayer life.

9.

Sisters.

The biggest gift of my religious profession has been my sisters. They love me and I love them. We share all of life’s ups and downs. When I received my master’s degree, they were there cheering me on. When beloved members of our community have passed away, we have cried and reminisced together. In short, we live our lives with each other, and we are the richer for it. =

Enter #110 at VocationMatch.com

Adapted with permission from the blog entry by Sister Shannon Fox, S.S.J.T.O.S.F. on wakeuptogod.org.

Related article: vocationnetwork.org, “Ten things to know about discerning a vocation,” VISION 2012.

Enter #318 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 59

RELIGIOUS LIFE

Religious life captured on film

by the VISION editors

THE DOCUMENTARY film Bro: Men with Hope to Bring looks at what makes the vocation of brothers distinct and explores the lives of brothers in the United States and abroad.

Few people outside of religious communities see what life is like inside, compelling documentary filmmakers to explore this rich subject. Here are some must-sees.

N

EED SOMETHING new in your movie queue? From the comfort of your couch, learn about sisters and social justice, life in a cloister, the unique vocation of priests, what makes brothers distinct, the ups and downs of discernment, and the meaning of religious life.

SISTERS Band of Sisters Explores Catholic sisters and their work for social justice following the changes promulgated by the Second Vatican Council, a gathering of church leaders in the 1960s. Directed and produced by independent filmmaker Mary Fishman. 88 minutes, 2012. bandofsistersmovie.com.

60 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Enter #114 at VocationMatch.com

“

For Love Alone addresses the questions: Who is responding to the call and what contribution do their lives make?

Enter #485 at VocationMatch.com

For Love Alone Examines contemporary women who have joined religious orders, addressing the questions: Who is responding to the call and what contribution do their lives make? Produced by Grassroots Films for the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious. 17 minutes, 2015. cmswr.org.

Radical Grace Follows the story of three Catholic sisters staunchly dedicated to social justice. Created by writer and director Rebecca Parish, The Kindling Group, and Interchange Productions. 86 minutes, 2015. radicalgracefilm.com.

Sisters Takes viewers into the lives of five American Catholic sisters, exploring faith, sacrifice, and the meaning of religious life. Produced by filmmaker Robert Gardner. 54 minutes. vimeo. com/71751194.

Sisters of Selma: Bearing Witness for Change Traces the involvement of Catholic sisters in the civil rights move-

Enter #221 at VocationMatch.com 62 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

ment of the 1960s. Produced by Hart Films and Alabama Public TV. 57 minutes, 2007. home.earthlink. net/~sistersofselma.

No Greater Love: A Unique Portrait of the Carmelite Nuns An intimate look at a year in the life of a cloistered Carmelite monastery in London. Produced by filmmaker Michael Whyte. 100 minutes, 2011.

Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America Shows the role U.S. sisters have played and the impact they have made in shaping the nation socially, culturally, and spiritually. The film was part of a touring exhibit created by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious that traveled to museums throughout the United States. 60 minutes, 2011. lcwr.org/item/women-spirit-dvd.

PRIESTS Fishers of Men Depicts various facets of a priest’s life and explores the purpose of a priest’s vocation. Produced by Grassroots Films for the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. 18 minutes, 2006. vimeo.com/2845985.

Diocesan priesthood videos Several documentary-style videos about priesthood, many of them professionally produced, are available at a website hosted by the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation

Enter #482 at VocationMatch.com

Directors. diocesanpriest.com/videos.

BROTHERS Bro: Men with Hope to Bring Looks at what makes the vocation of brothers distinct, exploring the lives of brothers in the United States and abroad. Directed, written, and edited by Holy Cross Brother Nich Perez, C.S.C., a teacher and filmmaker. 118 minutes, 2013.

Brofilmhope.com.

Into Great Silence A meditative look at life in the Carthusian monastery of the Grande Chartreuse in the French Alps, one of the world’s most ascetic religious orders. Directed by Philip Groning.

162 minutes, 2005. (Monks of the Carthusian order, as with many other men’s communities, include both priests and brothers.)

DISCERNMENT The Calling Looks at the joys and anxieties of a middle-aged woman and a young man, each of whom is discerning a vocation to religious life.

Produced by independent filmmaker David Ranghelli. 77 minutes, 2013. thecallingdocumentary.com. = Related articles: vocationnetwork.org, “Parent Resource: Family movie night,” VISION 2013; “Vatican list of 45 important films,” VISION 2014.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 63

VISION SPOTLIGHT

Vocation takes cultivation

by Sister Elizabeth Wagner

Sister Elizabeth Wagner is a diocesan hermit and the founder of Transfiguration Hermitage in Maine, a semieremitical (hermit) community following the Rule of Saint Benedict. Her book Seasons in My Garden was recently published by Ave Maria Press.

SISTER ELIZABETH Wagner works in the garden at Transfiguration Hermitage, a monastic community in Windsor, Maine.

Like plants, people, too, need to germinate in the right environment before they bloom. One monastic sister learned this lesson from tending her garden. Other religious learn similar lessons by their nurture of nature.

I

GREW UP ON A SMALL FARM in Connecticut, so I guess gardening is encoded in my DNA. My paternal grandmother, my namesake, had a reputation as a miraculous gardener and a whiz at grafting fruit trees. She also entered a monastery as a young woman, although she then left to bring up younger siblings after her parents died. So perhaps monastic life is also encoded in my DNA. But as a child, I didn’t see gardening or religious life in my future. I was raised Protestant, nominally—church on Christmas and Easter and occasional attendance at Sunday school, which I liked, most of the time.

In my last year of high school, knowing I was headed for college but with my future a blank after that, I discovered Catholicism and contemplative life, both at the same time. In one fell swoop, I fell in love. Yet it took several years before I was ready to embrace my faith and become Catholic. Once in, I knew right away that a monastery was for me. And so I entered one, but eventually it became clear that I hadn’t gone about it the right way. I still needed and longed for contemplative life, but somehow I had misunderstood what it was about.

64 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Enter #344 at VocationMatch.com

BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF FLORIDA AT HOLY NAME MONASTERY

THE COMMUNITY members at Transfiguration Hermitage hold this belief: “Like rain which nurtures the earth, causing plants to grow and giving food to all, this life of prayer is an invisible spring, pouring forth the grace of God's love to human hearts.”

T

HE BENEDICTINE Sisters in St. Leo, Florida raise tilapia fish and garden vegetables using aquaponics—the marriage of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (the soil-less growing of plants). In other words, waste generated by the fish is changed into nutrients that then flow through a series of pipes to vegetable roots that are set on grow beds.

“This is my ministry, my reason to be, and all to the glory of God,” says Sister Miriam Cosgrove, O.S.B., who directs the aquaponics program. “This is not only a delightful, fun, and satisfying ministry, but also in keeping with our commitment to feed world hungers.

“Aquaponics is a better use of God’s earth and water and will enable us to produce the healthy food we want to consume as well as to become a sustainable monastery,” she says. “We hope in the very near future to provide food for those in need.”

THE AQUAPONIC system recycles its own water and requires no synthetic fertilizers, producing chemical-free food with less than 3 percent of the water used by big-business agriculture.

66 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

When I was fresh out of college, I thought that having all the answers was what mattered. If I did everything correctly, prayed a lot, and made sure I had all the “exercises” of religious life down pat, then everything would be fine. I’d become a saint, and religious life would go well. And no doubt everyone would clearly recognize my holiness.

Right?

Well, not exactly. It took many years to change my thinking. And that’s where gardening came in.

creativity, so I planted a garden and worked at tending it, and I found God there. A garden is real, not an abstract notion. I learned from gardening that I had to pay attention to reality, not my daydreams, learn from it, give it what it actually needs, not what I think it should need. The more I gardened, the more I relinquished my idealizations of religious life and the more I surrendered to the real religious life to which I was called, and I suddenly began to find God everywhere.

Digging deep

Bearing fruit

A vocation is about life, and so is a garden. In my early attempt to live out of my head and my misunderstood dreams, I had cut myself off from life itself, from God’s life, which comes to us in so many forms—in beauty, in nature, in friendship, and support.

I felt a strong desire to use my hands and physical energy and

There are many kinds of gardens, and nearly unlimited kinds of plants, but we need to grow the type of garden that will flourish in the type of climate and soil we’ve been given.

When we get it right, it’s beautiful and fruitful. Same goes for vocation.

A vocation is not about growing in isolated perfection but produccontinued on page 71

CROSIER FATHERS AND BROTHERS

T

HE GARDEN of the Crosier community of Onamia is the pride and joy of Father Tom Carkhuff, O.S.C., who plants and maintains it each year.

Located at the gateway to the beautiful Lakes Region in central Minnesota, this Crosier community, established more than 100 years ago, serves as the formation house for new entrants. Crosier fathers and brothers combine contemplative routines with a shared apostolic life and serve as parish priests, retreat leaders, and jail ministers.

ST. SCHOLASTICA Monastery is located on 14 acres in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, providing a peaceful refuge for visitors. The gardens include an outdoor prayer labyrinth and benches for contemplation.

BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF CHICAGO AT ST. SCHOLASTICA MONASTERY

T

HE BENEDICTINE SISTERS of Chicago are a monastic community living in the heart of an urban environment. They grow flowers and vegetables as well as grapes in a small vineyard behind the monastery. They also share small plots of land with apartment-dwelling neighbors to tend gardens of their own.

According to the sisters, “Scripture calls each one of us to be stewards of God’s creation. While not all our sisters are gardeners, all benefit from the beauty surrounding the monastery. Seeing beauty creates the longing to share that beauty with the world. It is the same cycle of how God’s love grows—when we experience God’s love, we are eager to share it with the world. We invite all to visit the monastery to savor God’s creation and explore how to spread God’s spirit in the world.”

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 67

TRAPPIST MONKS AT ST. JOSEPH'S ABBEY

T

RAPPIST MONKS live a contemplative life of prayer and work. St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts is open every day for all who wish to visit and pray with them.

The monks say, “We care about beauty. Our liturgy is beautiful. Our buildings are beautiful. The products we make to support ourselves are beautiful. As monks our vow of stability deeply roots us in the place we live, and the quality of our life manifests itself in our surroundings. Gardens are just a natural consequence of the love of our life.

“The brothers at St. Joseph’s Abbey have gardens scattered in a dozen places around the monastery. The gardens are also not confined to a single idea of what a garden should be. Sometimes they are just a simple stand of tiger lilies or the reliable rows of our apple orchard. At other times the garden is a profusion of color, shape, and texture that constantly changes if one keeps a close eye on it throughout the warm months. Perhaps the brothers’ favorite garden is the one where sweet corn, melons, and heirloom tomatoes grow. From that garden the work of our hands and the fruit of the earth become the beauty within us.”

THE FOUNDERS of the Trappists described themselves as pulchritudinis studium habentes—that is, those intent on beauty, the beauty of holiness, the beauty of God.

“

When we become the creation in God’s garden that we were meant to be—a difficult getting-your-hands-dirty process—we find peace and fulfillment and joy.

68 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

“

Petal a path to prayer Flower photographer Sister Elizabeth Thoman, C.H.M. created the collection “Healing Petals” as a spiritual ministry to the sick.

F

LOWERS ARE “sunshine, food, and medicine to the soul,” observed American botanist Luther Burbank a century ago.

Flowers can also open a path to prayer for cancer patients or anyone in physical, emotional, or spiritual pain, says Sister Elizabeth Thoman, a Sister of the Humility of Mary in Davenport, Iowa, and the creator of “Healing Petals: Images for Prayer & Reflection,” a collection of photographs of flowers in full bloom.

“Healing Petals” combines color, lighting, and composition to draw viewers into each flower with the intention of touching the soul and facilitating prayer.

Personal experience Thoman discovered the healing power of images as she was recovering from breast cancer a few years

Sister Elizabeth Thoman, C.H.M. was the founder of Media & Values magazine, which she helmed for 40 years, in California and a pioneer in the media literacy education movement in the United States. She is now the membership coordinator for the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in Davenport, Iowa.

SEE THE COMPLETE “Healing Petals” collection at healingpetals.org.

Prompting prayer

install flower photos in patient rooms and emergency care centers.

“Serious illness can be a transformative experience for many people,” she says.

“Patients confront their own limitations, readjust life priorities, and reach out for spiritual nourishment.”

But when you are very sick or in pain, traditional prayer can be difficult. “Praying with a visual prompt, like a beautiful flower photograph on the wall in your hospital room, can provide a profound and positive experience with God.” She believes that “Healing Petals” is a “ministry of spiritual photography” because of its emphasis on prayer. In addition to taking all the photographs, she has written a series of “prayer prompts”—reflective questions—to accompany her images.

Her hope is that her photographs help others connect to God. “We know from research that images bypass the rational brain and speak directly to the heart,” she says. “If I spend time gazing at a beautiful flower, even a photograph of it, my spirit comes alive! Prayer is possible again.” =

As her inventory of images grew, so did her admirers. She now works primarily with hospitals and medical facilities to

Related article: vocationnetwork.org, “Created in community,” VISION 2011.

ago. “Cancer is not just a physical disease; it also takes a spiritual toll,” she explains.

“When I started chemo, friends warned me about its many side effects—losing my energy, losing my appetite, even losing my hair. But nobody warned me about how hard it might be to pray.” Pray with words, that is.

“Chemo-brain is real,” she says. “Words become a jumble and it’s hard to concentrate. Just when I needed prayer the most, it eluded me.”

One day Thoman picked up her camera and started taking photographs of flowers in her backyard—roses, lilies, pansies, petunias. “The close-up allowed me to see right into the heart of each flower. Wow! My first discovery was that the act of photography itself is a prayer.”

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 69

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET

C

ELESTE’S DREAM Community Garden is a program of the young-adult spirituality and vocation ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (C.S.J.) in St. Paul, Minnesota. The garden provides a place to teach and share organic growing methods, create common ground, and invite people into the C.S.J. mission and community.

Through the garden, the sisters nurture intergenerational relationships. Gardening together as a group, they share their work and harvest with one another and others. They also donate part of their bounty to a C.S.J. ministry and a local food shelf.

GREY NUNS OF THE SACRED HEART

F

OR THE GREY NUNS of the Sacred Heart, eco-spirituality ties together their Catholic faith and concern for the earth—we are called to recognize, appreciate, celebrate, and take care of the cosmos as a place of God’s continuing self-revelation and creation.

Avid gardener Sister Constance Welsh, G.N.S.H. has a deep respect for the earth as a gift from God. After many years in elementary education, she became the groundskeeper at the motherhouse in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

“There are many places on Earth where you can feel the presence of God. In a garden, God is present in the soil, in the flowers, in the weeds, even in the slugs and the moles. A garden is as holy as a chapel!” she says.

70 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SISTER CONSTANCE Welsh has been a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart for more than 60 years. “I can say with delight, I’m glad I made the journey.”

CELESTE’S DREAM Community Garden provides an opportunity to realize the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet: loving God and neighbor without distinction.

CISTERCIAN MONKS AT THE ABBEY OF OUR LADY OF NEW CLAIRVAUX

THE ABBEY of Our Lady of New Clairvaux generates income from the cultivation of walnut and prune trees in its orchards and grapevines in its vineyard.

T

HE ABBEY of Our Lady of New Clairvaux in Vina, California is home to a community of Cistercian monks who strive for a balance of prayer, hospitality, work, study, and sustainable stewardship of resources in simplicity and openness for the glory of God. While much of a monk’s time is spent in lectio divina, a form of scripture meditation, Brother Guerric Llanes, O.C.S.O. says that the natural surroundings at the abbey also put the monks directly within the “gardens of the scriptures,” to use the words of Blessed Guerric of Igny, a disciple of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the founder of the Cistercian order.

Llanes continues, “While quietly picking grapes during a summer harvest, my mind finds a leisurely pause, and I recall the words of Christ: ‘Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow.’ And then I know I can put all my worries to rest and simply bask in the sweet Spirit of His Word.”

continued from page 66 ing yield for others. It calls us into service. As with plants, this can take many different forms: service to our families, our communities, the poor and needy; service of prayer and sacrifice for the world. When we become the creation in God’s garden that we were meant to be—a difficult getting-your-hands-dirty process— we find peace and fulfillment and joy.

When we plant a garden, we must think about what we want from it and how to go about it, but it really helps to ask God to show us the best way. When I built my first hermit-

age, I didn’t know how to tend the landscape and what sort of garden to plant, so I waited through the first winter, trusting God would reveal to me what to do when it was time. And sure enough, it simply became evident to me one day, and in the spring, I created terraced gardens blending the cultivated terrain at the top of the hill into the wild land below.

It’s the same with our calling.

We need to think about it, dream about it, talk to the right people about it—and pray to God about it. That’s the most important part.

Ask God to help us figure out what suits our needs, our aptitudes, our

desires. And ask God what he wants.

Ask him how we are to serve in his garden, which is the struggling, wounded, hurting world.

God speaks to us in many ways, but I believe that the best way to hear God is in a garden. After all, God created the first humans in a garden, faced death from a garden, and rose again from a garden. Perhaps Mary Magdalene was not so far off when on that first Easter morning she mistook Jesus for a gardener (John 20:15). = View more religious community gardens at tinyurl.com/VisionGardens.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 71

RECURSOS EN ESPAÑOL

UNA DE LAS bendiciones de mi noviciado fue aprender a dejarme amar por Dios en primer lugar.

Lo que aprendí como novato por Hermano Carlos Medina,

O.S.A. 123rf.com

Hermano Carlos Medina, O.S.A. es miembro de la Orden de San Agustín y vive en San Diego, California.

Me di cuenta que mientras yo estaba tratando de ganar gotas de aceptación con servicio a los demás, en el silencio de mi corazón, me encontré que Dios estaba dispuesto a darme todo un mar de aceptación.

L

O QUE INICIALMENTE me atrajó a la vida religiosa fue la oportunidad de servir a los demás desde el campo religioso, ya que yo había estado involucrado en la Iglesia, prestando diversos servicios y siendo parte de varios grupos. Una vez que entré al noviciado (un período de preparación para ser un miembro de una orden religiosa), me enteré que durante el noviciado no se nos permitiría participar en cualquier ministerio durante ese año. ¡Que sorpresa me llevé! Yo estaba acostumbrado a reunirme en grupos parroquiales y a ayudar de vez en cuando por medio de organizaciones caritativas, y de repente, una vez comenzado el noviciado ya no podía hacerlo más. Me sorprendió esta regla, la cual veía como una prohibición absurda.

Con el pasar de los meses, me di cuenta de la sabiduría detrás de esta regla que me incomodaba tanto. Gracias a mi maestro de noviciado, me pude dar cuenta

72 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Enter #207 at VocationMatch.com

¡Visítanos online!

Call

God ’s Mission

Prayer & Community

www.SistersofCharity.org www.LasHermanasdelaCaridad.org Enter #061 at VocationMatch.com

de que la prohibición me incomodaba por una razón. Pero solamente fue después de entrar en un nuevo ritmo de vida que pude mirar en mi interior y descubrir esa razón. Antes de mi noviciado, yo vivía a la carrera, muy ocupado. En cambio en el noviciado, aunque todo el día estaba marcado por un horario riguroso, muchos de los espacios de tiempo estaban dispuestos para la oración y la soledad. La quietud me llevó a la introspección, y a un conocimiento más profundo de mi mismo.

Un dicho que escuché alguna vez, proveniente de los aborígenes de Australia, dice que es bueno dejar de correr y sentarse de vez en cuando, para que así, nuestro espíritu nos alcanze y no se quede atrás. Para mí, el noviciado fue un dejar de correr, y sentarme y dejar que mi alma se pusiera al día conmigo.

No fue fácil. No es fácil afrontar

74 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

aquellas cosas de las que hemos estado huyendo, y seguramente sin darnos cuenta. Pero poco a poco fuí entrando dentro de mi mismo, y empecé a darme cuenta de que mi ansia de servir a los demás estaba arraigada en un vacío en mi interior. Fue por gracia de Dios caer en cuenta que a un nivel subconsciente yo creía que si ayudaba a los demás, iba a ser aceptado por los demás, y por Dios. Después de todo, todos tenemos una profunda necesidad de ser aceptados, y de alguna manera u otra buscamos satisfacer esta necesidad de aceptación.

Una de las bendiciones de mi noviciado fue aprender a dejarme amar por Dios en primer lugar. Dejarme aceptar por Dios, sin tratar de ganarme su amor con buenas obras.

Me di cuenta que mientras yo estaba tratando de ganar gotas de aceptación con servicio a los demás, en el silencio de mi corazón, me encontré que

¿Te atrae la idea de dedicar tu vida al servicio de Dios y tus prójimos, pero no sabes de qué manera hacerlo o no dispones del tiempo para comenzar a buscar? Entonces VISION vocationnetwork.org es la respuesta para ti.

V

ISION ES EL SITIO en Internet que te acompaña en el camino de discernimiento de tu vocación.

Utiliza las herramientas interactivas de VISION para descubrir cuál es tu tipo de espiritualidad y si estás preparado para llevar una vida de celibato, así como la respuesta a las preguntas más frecuentes sobre el discernimiento.

Con el Encuentro Vocacional de VISION podrás encontrar la comunidad religiosa ideal para ti y conocerla a través de sus videos y podcasts.

En VISION tienes acceso inmediato a blogs y artículos escritos por personas de la vida consagrada, que al igual que tú sintieron el poderoso llamado vocacional y ahora comparten contigo sus conocimientos, experiencias y reflexiones acerca de la vida religiosa. ¡Visita VISION ahora y descubre todo lo que la vida consagrada tiene para ofrecerte! https://redvocacional.org/es

Dios estaba dispuesto a darme todo un mar de aceptación. Ahora cuando tengo el privilegio de servir en algún ministerio, lo hago con la alegría de saber que Dios ya me ha aceptado totalmente como hijo suyo en Cristo. =

RECURSOS EN ESPAÑOL ¿Cuál es tu parte favorita de tu ministerio actual?

La confianza que los enfermos ponen en mí.

¿Alguna vez tuviste un sobrenombre?

Juanjo, JJ, Fray, Hermano.

¿Qué fue lo que primero te atrajo a la vida religiosa?

Podría decir que mis propias necesidades espirituales, curiosidades, e inquietudes sobre algo desconocido entre Dios y yo.

Plenamente vivo HERMANO JUAN JOSÉ JÁUREGUI, O.F.M.

Cuando eras niño, ¿pensabas que podrías ser religioso, o tenías otro sueño para tu vida?

Desde que era niño me gustaba ayudar en la Iglesia, y me gustaba ayudar como monaguillo. Era muy divertido, y disfrutaba ayudarle al padre. Pero después se convirtió en algo necesario, en algo que me traía satisfacción, algo que me gustaba hacer con alegría. Al venir a este país y trabajar algunos años, un día me di cuenta de que necesitaba regresar a las cosas a las que estaba acostumbrado.

¿Cuál es tu manera favorita de orar?

Solo, contemplando la naturaleza.

¿Qué se sorprendería la gente de saber de ti?

Que sé manejar pistolas, disparar, y montar a caballo.

¿Qué es lo mejor de vivir en comunidad?

Cuando estoy pasando por un momento difícil y necesito algo, allí está un hermano para ayudarme.

¿Tienes algún consejo sabio para quienes están pensando en la vida religiosa?

Muchas personas se apartan de su fe por un tiempo, y el Hermano Juan José Jáuregui , O.F.M. no es una excepción. Su vida actual como fraile franciscano, después de un periodo de distanciamiento de la fe de su infancia, es una prueba de que no solo se puede volver, sino que se puede encontrar una vida más rica y plena haciéndolo. Hoy él es hermano franciscano y asiste a los enfermos como ayudante de enfermería en un centro de salud.

Read in English on page 86.

Siempre hay un momento en nuestras vidas que puede ser impactante, que puede cambiar nuestra vida y hacer que surja lo mejor para mostrar lo que tenemos en nuestro interior. No debemos ignorar esos momentos.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 75

RECURSOS EN ESPAÑOL ¿Alguna vez tuviste un sobre nombre?

El día que me hice novicia una de las hermanas de mi comunidad sugirió que cambiase mi nombre al de “Hermana María Exuberante.” ¡Acepto y adopto mi “nuevo nombre!”

¿Qué fue lo que primero te atrajo a la vida religiosa?

Llámala Hermana María Exuberante HERMANA XIOMARA MÉNDEZ-HERNÁNDEZ, O.P. Xiomara Méndez-Hernández creció en una familia grande y unida en la República Dominicana y unida sin ninguna intención de ingresar a una comunidad religiosa. Tenía talento para el diseño de modas y empezó una carrera en ese campo. Sin embargo, había conocido a las hermanas Dominicas de Adrian Michigan, y la idea de vivir como lo hacían ellas nunca la abandonó. “Me llevó 13 años escuchar esa voz en mi corazón,” dice. “¡No fue fácil, pero estoy contenta de haberlo hecho!”

Escuché a una hermana Dominica de Adrian que hablaba de una relación estrecha y personal con Dios, y sus palabras hicieron eco en mi corazón. Eso fue en 1994. Finalmente, conocí a otras hermanas de la misma comunidad que un día me invitaron a su casa.

¿Qué aspectos de sus vidas se destacaban?

Tenían pasión y amaban la verdad; deseaban compartir la buena nueva del evangelio no solo con palabras sino a través de sus vidas. Me mostraron la verdadera pobreza de mi país, y fue una dura realidad.

Me encantó cómo trabajaban con los vulnerables y desposeídos.

Cuéntanos sobre tu ministerio actual.

Como capellán de hospital en Las Vegas, Nevada, veo que cada hospitalización es una crisis de significado. Mi tarea principal es escuchar, ofrecer la compasiva y amorosa presencia de Dios a aquellos que sufren.

Cada encuentro es sagrado, y me siento honrada y privilegiada al estar presente con la gente de esta manera.

¿Tu manera favorita de rezar?

Read in English on page 95.

Muy temprano en la mañana cuando me despierto, me quedo silenciosa y quieta para saludar a Dios en el nuevo día.

¿Cuál es la mayor diversión que has tenido con tu comunidad?

Los Dominicos son bien conocidos por ser alegres, y en cada actividad importante que tenemos en nuestra comunidad o con otras congregaciones de Dominicos, nos encanta bailar. ¡Nos lo tomamos “muy seriamente”!

¿Tienes un santo favorito?

Estoy fascinada con Santa Rosa de Lima, la primera santa del continente Americano.

76 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

RECURSOS EN ESPAÑOL Libros que ayudan a quienes están discerniendo una vocación religiosa

DAR DE BEBER AL SEDIENTO

La vocación—Ángel Moreno de Buenafuente, 2012 (Editorial: CCS). Respuestas de actualidad relativas a la disminución de vocaciones religiosas.

L

OS HERMANOS Marianistas de la Parroquia Santa María del Pilar, situada en Madrid, España, con motivo del inicio de la Cuaresma 2016 y en el marco del Año Jubilar de la Misericordia, ponen en práctica las obras de misericordia, en especial la de dar de beber al sediento.

Para tal fin, y a lo largo de la cuaresma 2016, colaboraron con un proyecto de la ONG Acción Marianista (organización que reúne a religiosos y religiosas Marianistas, así como otras fundaciones Marianistas de ayuda). Este proyecto consiste en abastecer y mejorar la calidad del agua potable en beneficio de más de 500 estudiantes y 20 profesores y profesoras del colegio Adele de las religiosas Marianistas en Kara, Togo.

La forma de colaborar con este proyecto fue a través de una colecta, que comenzó en la eucaristía del Miércoles de Ceniza, en su parroquia de Santa María del Pilar.

De esta manera, la participación en esta obra se hizo extensiva a toda la congregación durante la cuaresma.

La parroquia recogió más de 9 mil euros para el proyecto de agua potable en Togo. “Juntos somos más,” escribió el párroco Padre Rafael Iglesias, S.M. ­—Carmen Colmenares

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

“JESÚS, EN LA ÚLTIMA CENA, se dirige a los Apóstoles con estas palabras: ‘No sois vosotros los que me habéis elegido, soy yo quien os ha elegido’ (Jn 15, 16), que nos recuerdan a todos que la vocación es siempre una iniciativa de Dios.”

—8 de mayo de 2013, Vaticano, Discurso del Papa Francisco a la Plenaria de la Unión Internacional de Superioras Generales (UISG) (8-5-2013)

Películas con temas de la vida religiosa Don Bosco Italia, 2004, Lux Vide. Testimonio de la labor de Don Bosco, quien brindó hogar y el amor de Dios a los niños de la calle.

Las manos Argentina - Italia, 2006, Aleph Producciones S.A., Carbelli Producciones.

Vida del sacerdote Mario y su don del Espíritu

Santo de la sanación por la imposición de manos.

Yo, la peor de todas Argentina, 1990, GEA Cinematográfica. Narra los últimos años de Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz y su polémico interés por la literatura.

Encontrarás dragones USA-España-Argentina, 2011, Mount Santa Fe / Samuel Goldwyn Films. Historia de traición y celos, redención y perdón durante la Guerra Civil Española.

¿Qué hace una chica como tú en un sitio como este?—Jesús García, 2012 (Editorial: LIBROS LIBRES). Testimonio de mujeres de hoy sobre su vocación religiosa, desde la clausura hasta la misión.

Dios conoce tu vocación—Antonio Pérez Villahoz, 2013 (Editorial: Cobel Ediciones). Descubre qué quiere Dios de ti con la ayuda de Juan Pablo II, Benedicto XVI y Francisco.

La vida como vocación: alimentar las raíces de la fe— Bruno Forte, 2014 (Editorial: NARCEA).

Invitación a experimentar una fe más profunda, al pasar de hablar de Dios a hablar con él.

La llamada de Dios: anécdotas, relatos y reflexiones sobre la vocación—Alfonso Aguiló, 2008 (Ediciones Palabra, S.A.).

Encontrar la propia misión en la vida es fundamental para todos.

“TODA VOCACIÓN, a pesar de la pluralidad de los caminos, requiere siempre un éxodo de sí mismos para centrar la propia existencia en Cristo y en su Evangelio. . . .

La vocación es un fruto que madura en el campo bien cultivado del amor recíproco que se hace servicio mutuo, en el contexto de una auténtica vida eclesiástica. Ninguna vocación nace por sí misma o vive por sí misma. La vocación surge del corazón de Dios.”

—-15 de enero de 2014, Vaticano, para la 51° Jornada Mundial de Oración por las Vocaciones. Mensaje: “Vocaciones, testimonio de la verdad”

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 77

MEN’S COMMUNITIES A ­

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

Alexian Brothers (C.F.A.) Alexian Brothers is an 800 year old lay, apostolic congregation dedicated to prayer and serving our fellow man facing a variety of today’s challenges. We are committed to doing God’s work by actively providing love and compassionate care to the marginalized among us. Working in a variety of ministry settings, we reach out to serve the needs of the poor, elderly, hungry and incarcerated as well as those challenged by mental and physical illness. By living in community, we continue to live a way of life through which we provide spiritual support and work towards social justice for those we are called to serve.

Ordinary Men Leading Extraordinary Lives. Vocations: Br. Ron Lau, C.F.A., 3040 W. Salt Creek Lane, Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 1-847-463-8904; e-mail: ron.lau@alexian.net; website: www.alexianbrothers. org. See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org.

See ad on page 172. Code #141.

Augustinian Friars (O.S.A.)—Midwest Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel and Province of St. Joseph, Canada The Midwest and Canadian Provinces of the Augustinians are composed of 100 plus brothers and priests. We currently have 14 men in initial formation. The Augustinians trace their spiritual roots to St. Augustine, a 5th century Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Augustine writes in the very beginning of his Confessions, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Augustinian life is a shared journey to God, a life of contemplation and action, prayer and service. Our ministries include but are not limited to: secondary education, parish ministry, foreign missions, care for the sick and elderly, hospital chaplaincies, counseling, shrine ministry and retreat ministry. We currently minister in Illinois, Michigan, Oklahoma and Wisconsin with missions in Peru and Japan. Vocation Director: Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., Vocation Office, St. Thomas Monastery, 800 E. Lancaster Ave. Villanova, PA 19085; 610-5194674; e-mail: vocations@midwestaugustinians.org; website: www.augustinianvocations.org. Latino inquirers please contact: Fr. Jorge Cleto, O.S.A.; St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish; 2345 University Ave. Bronx, NY 10468; (978)-837-2749; e-mail:luiscasso@ yahoo.com.

See ad on page 73. Code #207.

Augustinian Friars (O.S.A.)—Province of St. Thomas of Villanova The Villanova Province consists of 175 plus friars living in communities in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida with missions in Japan and Peru. With two institutions of higher learning, two high schools, and a number of parishes along the East Coast, we friars are found in various types of ministries and settings, working with the People of God and striving to be united in mind and heart intent upon God as St. Augustine challenges us. We currently have 14 men in initial formation. Vocation Director: Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., St. Thomas Monastery, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085; (610) 519-4674; e-mail: vocations@augustinian.org.; website: www.augustinianvocations.org. Latino inquirers please contact: Fr. Jorge Cleto, O.S.A.; St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish; 2345 University Ave. Bronx, NY 10468; (978)-8372749; e-mail:luiscasso@yahoo.com.

See ad on page 73. Code #207.

Augustinian Friars (O.S.A.)—Western 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 five parishes in California and Oregon.

78 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG 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; website: www.osa-west.org.

See ad on page 73. Code #207.

A ugus ti ni an M o nk s o f t he Pr i m it i v e Observance(O.S.A.Prim.) “Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient ever new, late have I loved you!

You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you...You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in my breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace” (St. Augustine of Hippo, Confessions). We seek courageous men with open, obedient, flexible and joyful hearts. Monastic, contemplative, Eucharistic, Marian, sons of Holy Mother Church. Augustinian Monks of the Primitive Observance, 2075 Mercers Fernery Rd., DeLand, FL 32720; (386) 736-4321; monks@augustinianmonks. com; website, www.augustinianmonks.com.

Code #020.

Augustinians of the Assumption (A.A.) The Assumptionists are a worldwide congregation of almost 900 religious located in 30 countries. We are experiencing an uptick in vocations among men inspired by our simple yet expansive motto: “Thy Kingdom Come.” What is it that makes us unique? The Assumption is traditional in insisting on the essentials: love of Jesus Christ before any other devotion, and love of his Body the Church. We are traditional too in embracing the Rule of St. Augustine and such monastic values as study, contemplation, silence, fraternal life, and common prayer. But we are still an apostolic order, and are modern in our desire to renew society using a language and means that will reach the people of our day. Our apostolate focuses on education in all its forms: university education, but also journalism, ecumenism, foreign missions, youth and campus ministry, the dialogue between faith and culture, and more. What is the secret of our joy? Come and see! www.assumptionists.org.

Contact: Br. Ronald Sibugan, A.A., Emmanuel House, 512 Salisbury Street., Worcester, MA 01609; 617-9918335; assumption.vocmin@gmail.com.

Code #328.

B ­

Barnabite Fathers and Brothers (C.R.S.P.) [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: www. barnabites.com or contact Rev. Peter M. Calabrese, C.R.S.P., P.O. Box 167, Youngstown, NY 141740167; (716) 754-7489; e-mail: BarnabitesUSA@

fatimashrine.com. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 148. Code #254.

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Collegeville, MN—Saint John’s Abbey Saint John’s Abbey is a Catholic Benedictine monastery of 130+ monks living, praying, and working together amid 2900 acres of woods, lakes, and prairies in central Minnesota. Our Apostolates include: parish ministry, chaplaincies, guesthouse, spiritual retreats, woodworking, Saint John’s Preparatory School, Saint John’s University, the graduate School of Theology and Seminary, the Liturgical Press, the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library, and more. A monk of Saint John’s lives a life steeped in the rhythm of prayer, work, and community life according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. This includes both private and community prayer, lectio divina, daily Eucharist, daily work, community meals, and fellowship together. Brother Paul-Vincent Niebauer, O.S.B., Vocation Director, Saint John’s Abbey, Box 2015, Collegeville, MN 56321; (320) 3632548; e-mail: vocations@osb.org; website: www.abbeyvocations.com. Preferred age for monastic candidates: 23-43. Education: high-school diploma, minimum. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 143. Code #132.

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Lisle, IL—Saint Procopius Abbey We Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey, Lisle, IL, have since 1885 been seeking God through a life of prayer, obedience, and personal conversion. We live in a community guided by the monastic wisdom tradition of the Rule of St. Benedict, written nearly fifteen hundred years ago. Under an abbot chosen for his skill in interpreting this rule for our present time, we strive for holiness by means of the Divine Office, lectio divina, personal growth in the contemplative life, and labor for the good of God’s Holy Church. Our labors are especially directed toward the schools that we founded and continue to sponsor, Benet Academy and Benedictine University, and toward helping in nearby parishes. For further information, please contact Fr. James at vocations@ procopius.org or 630-829-9279. Also, please visit our website, www.procopius.org.

Code #465.

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Morristown, NJ—Saint Mary’s Abbey 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 20-45, 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) 538-3231, ext. 2111; e-mail: vocations@delbarton. org; website: www.saintmarysabbey.org or www.osbmonks.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 144. Code #088.

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Newark, NJ—Newark Abbey What are Monks doing in the City? The Benedictine Monks of Newark Abbey have been in the center of Newark, New Jersey since 1857. Living in community according to the Rule of St. Benedict.

We follow a daily schedule that balances prayer and work. We serve the people of God through our ministries in Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School, Saint Mary’s School, and Saint Mary’s Parish. We offer

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG assistance to local parishes, chaplaincies in hospitals and colleges/universities. So why don’t you come live the Rule of St. Benedict with us! Men ages 18-35 may contact the Vocation Director, Br. Patrick Winbush, O.S.B., Newark Abbey, 528 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd., Newark, NJ 07102; (973) 792-5772; e-mail: vocations@sbp.org; website: www.newarkabbey.org.

See ad on page 114. Code #182.

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Peru, IL—Saint Bede Abbey Prayer, work, community, stability, balance. Sound good to you? They can be yours as a Benedictine monk. St. Bede Abbey in Peru, IL is home to sixteen monks, both priests and brothers.

The community was founded in 1890. The monks serve the Church universal and local in a variety of ways: a college prep, co-ed, day and boarding high school; parish and hospital ministry; hospitality.

Work is tailored to the talents, abilities and interests of each monk that God may be glorified in all things.

Men, ages 21-45, interested in a stable, community life of prayer and work, are invited to inquire and visit to experience first-hand what monastic life is all about. Don’t hesitate. Now is the acceptable time to contact Abbot Philip Davey, O.S.B., St. Bede Abbey, 24 W US Highway 6, Peru, IL 61354; (815) 2500341; e-mail: frphilip@st-bede.com ; website: www. stbedeabbey.org.

Code #468.

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Pine City, NY— Mount Saviour Monastery Mount Saviour is a community of monks who are seeking God together through an ever increasing openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. That “in all things God may be glorified” we strive to witness to God’s presence in the world by living a simple, genuine and full monastic life through a harmonious balance of prayer, study, work, hospitality and leisure. We support ourselves by work within the enclosure of the monastery. Our location is rural and picturesque and provides a peaceful environment that encourages us to listen for the voice of God. To men who believe seeking God to be primary in their lives - come join our family.

Live-in experience possible. For more information, to arrange a visit or for a free copy of our documentary “The Everyday” 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 (O.S.B.), Richmond, VA— Mary Mother of the Church Abbey Mary Mother of the Church Abbey is a vibrant community of monks,

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Saint Benedict, LA—Saint Joseph Abbey St. Joseph Abbey is a Benedictine Monastery located in St. Benedict, LA, just north of New Orleans. Presently the community has 30 members. The community has as its ministry the administration of St. Joseph Seminary College, 2 parishes, a retreat center, a woodworks industry, and a bakery in which the abbey provides bread for various social service agencies in the area. St. Joseph Abbey lives the Rule of St. Benedict by its daily commitment to the twofold aspect of Benedictine life: ora et labora—prayer and work. Contact Fr. Ephrem Arcement, O.S.B.; 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, LA 70457; (985) 892-1800 ext. 1301 or e-mail: frephrem@sjasc.edu. The abbey website is www. saintjosephabbey.com.

Code #408.

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Saint Benedict, OR—Mount Angel Abbey Mount Angel Abbey in Saint Benedict, Oregon, is a community of 60 priests and brothers, living and working together according to the Rule of St. Benedict. We are pastors, scholars, teachers, artists, artisans, and skilled and unskilled laborers. We range in age from 19 to 89 years old with 20 men in monastic and priestly formation. Our primary apostolate is the monastic life of prayer and work. Since 1889 we have operated Mount Angel Seminary; the largest College and Graduate Seminary in the Western United States training men for the diocesan and religious priesthood. Our Abbey Library is a world-class architectural structure with an outstanding collection available to our monks, students and the general public. Our guest house hosts and sponsors retreats for groups and individuals. Complimentary Monastic Discernment Retreats are held quarterly. Contact Fr. Odo Recker, O.S.B., Mount Angel Abbey, 1 Abbey Drive, Saint Benedict, OR 97373; (503) 845-3123; e-mail: Odo.Recker@ mtangel.edu; website:www.mountangelabbey.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 145. Code #365.

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Saint Meinrad, IN—Saint Meinrad Archabbey Saint Meinrad Archabbey is a Roman Catholic monastery located in rural southern Indiana. Monks live a common life of shared work and prayer, according to the Rule of St. Benedict, and serve the Church through their prayer five times a day including daily Eucharist, and their works of education (Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology), retreat ministry and hospitality, pastoral assistance to local parishes, and the ownership and operation of Abbey Press and Abbey Caskets. Saint Meinrad is a spiritual center for many people of faith and is known for its beautiful liturgy and its service to the local and broader Church. A formal come-and-

see experience, “A Monastic Observance,” is scheduled each year, December 27-Jan. 1, and personal visits can be arranged for almost any time of the year.

For more information or to inquire about visiting, contact: Office of Monastery Vocations, 100 Hill Drive, Saint Meinrad, IN 47577; (812) 357-6318; email: vocations@saintmeinrad.edu; website: www. saintmeinrad.org.

Code #014.

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Subiaco, AR—Subiaco Abbey If you have never thought of being a monk before, then we’re the place for you! You will find that our abbey is no different from others in that our life is lived as a balance of prayer and work. Like others, we pray the Office and Mass everyday of our lives.

Like others, work flows from our prayer as we undertake involvement in our College-Prep Academy, our Farm, our Vineyards, our Carpentry and Tailor shops, our Retreat Center, and our Parishes. Three differences stand out: with 44 monks we are equally divided between brothers and priests who live our life as one monastic family; we are actually thriving as a monastic community with ten men in formation from throughout the United States; and people tell us we are the most unpretentious monks they have ever met! We love being monks! Contact Br. Francis at 479-438-9115 or vocations@subi.org or www.benedictinemonks.org.

See ad on page 50. Code #256.

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Washington, D.C.—Saint Anselm’s Abbey Founded in 1924, set in peaceful 40 acres in northeast Washington, St. Anselm’s is a community of brothers and priests living under the Rule of St. Benedict and an abbot, seeking God in prayer, work, study and service. Central to the monastic life are praying the Divine Office in choir and being faithful to personal prayer, “putting nothing ahead of the love of Christ.” Historically our major ministry is a high school for boys founded in 1942, now for grades six through twelve. Monks also serve in some parish work, in chaplaincies, in hospitality, and other in-house duties. For those who undertake the monastic life, St. Benedict promises that fidelity to the conversion of life will lead to “hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love.”

If that appeals to you, come try it with us. Contact: Vocation Director, St. Anselm’s Abbey, 4501 S. Dakota Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20017; (202) 2692335; e-mail: vocations@stanselms.org; website: www.stanselms.org.

Code #204.

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 900 members in 24 countries, the Brothers’ 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, 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, ME, and at Walsh University, North Canton, OH. Single, Catholic men seeking to become Brothers and those interested in Associate membership should contact: Bro. Albert Heinrich, P.O. Box 159, Alfred, ME 04002; (207) 324-6612; e-mail: ficbros@yahoo.com; website: www.brothersofchristianinstruction.org.

See ad on page 35. Code #206.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 79

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Petersham, MA— Saint Mary’s Monastery St. Mary’s Monastery is a contemplative Benedictine community of monks located in a forested setting in Petersham, MA. As part of the 1500-year-old tradition of Benedictine monastic life, we seek God and strive to grow in love through following the Rule of St. Benedict with its vows of obedience, stability, and conversion of life. In responding to Christ’s call and supporting one another, our small community of priests and brothers has a balance of prayer, lectio divina, and work within the monastery. Our day is centered on the liturgy, as we sing daily Mass and the full Divine Office in Gregorian Chant together with our twin community of nuns, St. Scholastica Priory. This daily liturgy and the rhythm of the liturgical seasons shape our life with God. Contact: Br. Bernard, St. Mary’s Monastery, 271 N. Main St. P.O. Box 345, Petersham, MA 01366; (978) 724-3350; e-mail: monks@stmarysmonastery.org; website: www.stmarysmonastery.org.

See ad on page 62. Code #485.

Brothers and Priests, seeking God in the spirit of the Rule of Saint Benedict as expressed through our prayerful Liturgy and the work of our ministries.

Coming to the historical Richmond, Virginia in 1860, the monks are dedicated to a life of prayer, simplicity, pastoral work in the local diocese, social outreach, retreats, and education ministry through the Benedictine College Preparatory, an all-boys military high school. We pray together five times a day including the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, as well as daily Holy Hour. Please consider visiting us any time of the year to experience our life of prayer and service to the local community. We are excited to hear from you via our Vocation Director, Fr. John Mary Lugemwa, OSB at vocations@richmondmonks.org or call (804)-7089653, or 12829 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238.

Our website: www.RichmondMonks.org.

See ad on page 151. Code #507.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

The Brothers of the Christian Schools (F.S.C. Fratres Scholarum Christianarum) The Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Christian Brothers) are the largest group of lay religious men in the Catholic Church dedicated exclusively to the ministry of education. As Brothers (not priests), our mission is to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor. Together in community, we live out the Gospel and our Lasallian charism as elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers, university professors, counselors, missionaries, social workers, youth ministers, campus ministers, administrators, and retreat directors. Internationally, some 4,000 Brothers serve in 80 countries.

In the United States and Canada, our ministries include 7 Colleges/Universities, 53 high schools, 19 middle schools and 25 educational centers. The Founder of the Brothers was St. John Baptist de La Salle (1651–1719) who is Patron Saint of All Teachers.

We invite energetic, generous, and committed men to discern with us. Vocation Director, Christian Brothers Conference, McCormick Pavilion at Theological College, 415 Michigan, NE, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20017; (202) 529-0047; e-mail: info@brothersvocation.org; website: www.brothersvocation.org.

See ad on page 18. Code #100.

Brothers of the Sacred Heart (S.C.) The Brothers of the Sacred Heart were founded in 1821 by Father André Coindre, a French priest who responded to the needs of marginalized youth. Today, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart shape the lives of youth with the love of Christ in 32 countries. As Brothers, we live in community and gather together daily for prayer, for Eucharist, to share experiences, and to support one another. As Brothers we contribute to the evangelization of the world particularly through the education of youth. In the U.S., we minister in schools, parishes, college campuses, and literacy centers. As Brothers we imitate Jesus who proclaimed Himself as Brother to all. If you would like to change the world by making a difference in the lives of young people, please contact Bro. Ronald Hingle, rhinglesc@gmail.com; 504-913-0005 or Bro. Mike Migacz, mikemigacz@hotmail.com; 732-718-8559; BrothersoftheSacredHeart.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 56. 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. Western America: P.O. Box 618, Solvang, CA 93464-0618, (805) 686-4127, e-mail: peterbanksofmcap@yahoo.com, website: www.beafriar.com. Mid-America: (303) 477-5436, e-mail: vocations@capuchins.org, website: www.capuchins.org. Pennsylvania: (888) 263-6227, e-mail: frtomcap@yahoo.com, website: www.capuchin.com.

Midwest USA: (773) 475-6206, e-mail: vocation@ capuchinfranciscans.org, website: www.capuchinfranciscans.org. New York/New England: (845) 642-1025, e-mail: brotimjonesofmcap@gmail.com, website: www.capuchin.org/vocations. New Jersey/ Southeast USA: (201) 863-3871, e-mail: capuchinlife@aol.com, website: www.capuchinfriars.org.

See ad on page 23. Code #091.

80 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG Carmelite Friars (O.Carm.)—Pure Heart of Mary Province During the canonization of Saint Nuno Alvares in 2009, Pope Benedict said, “Carmel teaches the Church how to pray.” Pope Francis emphasized this again when he addressed the Carmelites at their General Chapter in 2014. Much has developed and changed in the 800-year life of our Carmelite fraternity, but the common thread that has always distinguished the Carmelite way is that our lives are defined by prayer, community and apostolic works.

It’s a balanced way of life that leads you closer to Christ while in service to His Church. Two great figures in the Bible have inspired Carmelites. Mary, the mother of Jesus and Elijah, the prophet of Mount Carmel, have helped the community see how to be contemplative and active; prayerful and prophetic; reflective and apostolic. Do you feel called to Carmel?

Contact Fr. Paul Henson; frpaul@carmelites.net; 818 216 3226; Carmelites.net.

See ad on page 150. Code #112.

Carmelite Friars (O. Carm.)—St. Elias Province Carmelite Friars are consecrated religious men who seek the face of God. Following after the great Prophet Elijah, the Carmelite Friars hear God’s voice and respond. Founded as one of the first religious orders to be named after the Blessed Virgin Mary, we carry on the 800 year tradition of prayer, brotherhood, and work. While the types of work vary, Carmelites are firmly rooted in the presence of God. Our saints give heavenly witness to the many blessings God has bestowed on the Order of Carmelites.

Contact Brother Robert E. Bathe, O.Carm, P.O. Box 3079, Middletown, NY 10940; (845) 344-2225; e-mail: ocarmvoc@frontiernet.net; website: www. carmelitefriars.org.

Code #307.

that follows; their inquiries will be directed as appropriate. North American Province, 1318 Nagel Road, Cincinnati, OH 45255; (513) 474-4997; e-mail: info@ComboniMissionaries.org; website: http://www.ComboniMissionaries.org; or Fr. John Converset, (973) 744-8080; e-mail: j44converset@ gmail.com; Fr. Ruffino Ezama, (513) 846-8457; email: vocation@combonimissionaries.org; Fr. Chris Aleti, (708) 339-6732; e-mail: amadriga67@gmail. com; Fr. Jorge Ochoa, (626) 339-1914; e-mail: jeochoa@yahoo.com; Fr Shane Degblor, (226) 338 8709; e mail shanedegblor@gmail.com.

See ad on page 38. Code #123.

Congregation of Christian Brothers (C.F.C.) We are seeking men who sense a call to live in prayerful community and who wish to minister to those at the margins. Are you inspired to place your gifts, talents, and possessions to meet the needs of God’s people, especially the young? Brothers conduct missionary work around the world; give material support to and teach migrant farm workers; minister at hospitals, with the homeless, offer services to refugees; serve in elementary and secondary schools, and colleges; are involved in Youth Ministry; provide education services for adults; and assist in parish and diocesan ministries. Are you called to serve others as an Edmund Rice Christian Brother? Br. Jim McDonald, 4219 Constance St., New Orleans, LA 70115-1440; phone/text: 815.272.7742; e-mail: bromaccfc@yahoo.com; website: www.edmundricebrothers.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ads on pages 51, 52. Code #095.

Claretian Missionaries (C.M.F.) [Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary] The Claretians are an apostolic congregation of 3,000 priests, brothers, and deacons in the Catholic Church dedicated to the most urgent needs of evangelization and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in over 60 countries. We were founded by St. Anthony Claret, who fostered this special charism of evangelization through community, mission, and prayer with a strong devotion to our Blessed Mother and the Eucharist. We serve in a wide variety of ministries in: parishes, Hispanic/Intercultural Ministry, Youth Ministry, Campus Ministry, Migrant ministry, Hospital Chaplaincies, Bible Institutes, Media Ministry (Claretian Publications and Radio Ministry), lay leadership training, summer camps, promotion of the National Shrine of St. Jude, Social Justice advocacy, and outreach to the poor and marginalized. Contact: Fr. Ray Smith, C.M.F. (818) 825-0839 or via e-mail at vocation@claretianvocation.org. Vocation website: www.claretianvocation. org. Province website: www.claretiansusa.org.

See ad on page 55. Code #092.

Congregation of Holy Cross (C.S.C.) The Congregation of Holy Cross was founded in France in 1837.

Blessed Basil Moreau began a community of priests, brothers and sisters, to educate the children of LeMans, France, and to assist in the diocese as auxiliary priests. In just five years, he sent six brothers and a priest to the United States as missionaries where they began the school in northern Indiana that eventually became the University of Notre Dame.

The priests and brothers serve at five other institutions of higher learning: St. Edward’s University (Austin, TX), the University of Portland (Portland, OR), King’s College (Wilkes-Barre, PA), Stonehill College (North Easton, MA), and Holy Cross College (Notre Dame, IN) as well as many high schools. Today Holy Cross religious serve in parishes, schools, and missions in 15 countries spanning the world. In 2010, the Congregation celebrated the canonization of Brother André Bessette, who was known as “The Miracle Man of Montreal” and oversaw the building of St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal. To learn more visit our websites: www.holycrossvocations.org [Priests]; www.holycrossbrothers.org [Brothers]; www.holycrosscongregation.org.

See ad on page 9. Code #097.

Comboni Missionaries (M.C.C.J.) Over 4,000 priests, brothers, sisters and lay missionaries in 42 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 and Maryland. Persons interested in checking out vocational opportunities for Comboni priests, brothers, sisters or lay missionaries can use the contact information

Congregation of St. Basil (C.S.B.) Founded in 1822 in France by ten diocesan priests to educate youth and prepare candidates for the priesthood, the Basilian Fathers are inspired by the life, teaching, and example of St. Basil the Great. Our spirituality is best characterized by a blend of values from the diocesan priesthood and religious life. Our primary work is education and evangelization within parishes, campus ministries, schools, and colleges. Guided by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, we teach and preach in imitation of Christ the Teacher.

We currently serve in Canada, US, Mexico, and Colombia. For more information, contact the Director of Vocations at 416-653-3180 ext. 174, or vocation@ basilian.org. Website: www.basilian.org.

See ad on page 16. Code #411.

PRIESTS Growing up, did you think you might become a priest?

My family has always been in science, engineering, and education. I thought I might end up doing the same, even though those fields didn’t excite me. I drifted through until the idea of priesthood came to me.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I entered college when I was 15 and graduated when I was 19. I studied computer science but switched to philosophy when I began to think about the priesthood.

Any nicknames?

In CCD some friends called me “Future Father Hsu” because I knew the answers to all the questions in class and even did some outside reading.

Best ministry experiences to date?

Going on a camp-out weekend with all the parish school families and celebrating the Mass with such a large and energetic group.

What do you do for fun?

I love movies, binge-watching Netflix, and exploring new food.

Best part of living in community?

Whenever I step into a Paulist house, I feel at home even if I’ve never been there. It is also great living with senior members of the community who I can learn from.

Any words of wisdom for those considering religious life?

Don’t be afraid of the unknown.

Let it challenge you to grow as a better disciple of Jesus.

PHOTO BY JOHN RUEDA

“Future Father” becomes present Paulist FATHER JIMMY HSU, C.S.P. Jimmy Hsu met the Paulist priests on his college campus, the University of Texas in Austin, where they ministered. At the time, he was struggling to figure out if his path led to priesthood or a religious community. He began to take vocation discernment seriously, embraced his sense that God was calling him to be a Paulist, and today he is “Father Jimmy,” associate pastor at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Los Angeles.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 81

MEN’S COMMUNITIES Congregation of the Mission (C.M.) (See Vincentian Priests and Brothers)

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

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, 554 Lexington St., Waltham, MA 02452-3097; (413) 822-0904; e-mail: geoffd@stigmatines.com; www. stigmatines.com.

Code #046.

Contemplatives of Saint Joseph (COSJ); Archdiocese of San Francisco, CA The COSJ, a Catholic religious order of men, was founded recently within the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The priests and brothers of the COSJ lead a life of deep contemplative prayer and serve in an Active Apostolate within the Archdiocese of San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area dioceses. We are a Public Clerical Association of the Christian Faithful as decreed by Most Reverend Salvatore Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco. The priests and brothers, immersing themselves in contemplative prayer, desire to enter into the kingdom of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

With St. Joseph, they bear about them a prayerful interior silence which aids their daily contemplative and intercessory prayer, as well as helping them to bring the Light of God’s love into the Active Apostolate. The priests and brothers spend significant parts of each day in contemplative spiritual practice.

For additional information contact our Superior: information@cosj.info or our Vocations Manager: vocations@cosj.info; (267) 500-4155; website: www. contemplativesofstjoseph.com.

See ad on page 143. Code #484.

Crosier Fathers and Brothers (O.S.C.) Crosiers long to imitate Christ through the union of mind and heart in community and through a life of liturgical prayer and ministry. Guided by the Rule of Augustine, we live together for God alone, serving the Church and the people of God. Consider becoming a Crosier if you have a deep passion to follow Christ, if you desire to live in a community of priests and brothers where you live for God alone by seeking to combine contemplative routines with a shared ministerial life, and if you feel called to join with other men who love the liturgy of the Church and who are committed to common prayer. Crosiers are an international order headquartered in Rome, with U.S. communities in Onamia, Minnesota, and Phoenix, Arizona. Contact Fr. Dave Donnay, osc, or Br. Timothy Tomczak, osc, at 4423 N. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ 85016; (800) 407-5875; vocations@crosier. org, or www.crosiervocations.org.

Code #099.

82 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

D ­

Discalced Carmelite Friars, (O.C.D.)— Washington Province We are a religious Order with eremitic roots on Mount Carmel from the late 12th century. In 16th century Spain, St. Teresa of Jesus, with St. John of the Cross, initiated the “Discalced Reform” within the Carmelite Order which became a new, separate Order. The friars desire a life of faithful prayer, seeking union with God through a “life of allegiance to Jesus Christ.”

Our Constitutions mandate two hours of silent prayer every day. Our ministries include retreat work, spiritual direction, publications, a Marian shrine and mission work in Kenya. As brothers in community we live as a family at the service of the Church—to bear a message of hope, to be a quiet but constant sign of God’s presence in the world. In the company of Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, we ponder the words of her Son and the mystery of His Love. Vocation Director, 1525 Carmel Rd., Hubertus, WI 53033; e-mail: ocdvocation@gmail. com; website: www.ocdfriarsvocation.org; phone: (262) 628-1838.

See ad on page 49. Code #434.

D i v i n e Wo r d M i s s i o n a r i e s (S.V.D.) As Divine Word Missionary priests and brothers, we are men of prayer and faith, serving where the Gospel has not yet been preached, or where the local church is not yet viable. Each of us is involved in a particular, unique ministry as we spread the Word of God. There are over 6,000 of us ministering in over 70 countries worldwide. As one of the largest international missionary congregations in the Catholic Church, we believe that His Mission is our Mission. Our steady growth is a result of our response to the changing needs of the Church and the people we serve. Internationalism, education and professional skills are the foundations of our society. We offer five formation programs: Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa; an Associate Program for college graduates; Brother Formation Program; our Novitiate is in Techny, Illinois; and Divine Word Theologate in Chicago. For more information, contact: Vocation Director, Divine Word Missionaries, P.O. Box 380, Epworth, IA 52045; 800-553-3321; e-mail: svdvocations@dwci. edu; website: www.svdvocations.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 151. Code #177.

The Dominican Friars (O.P.) [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 founded 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. Feel free to contact any of the four geographic Provinces for more information: Central United States, St. Albert the Great Province; e-mail: vocations@opcentral.org; (312) 243-0011 ext. 726; website: www.opcentral. org/join-us. Eastern United States, St. Joseph Province; e-mail: vocations@dominicanfriars.org; (800) 529-1205; website: www.dominicanfriars. org. Western United States, The Most Holy Name of Jesus Province; e-mail: vocations@opwest.org; (510) 658-8722; website: www.opwest.org. South-

ern United States, St. Martin de Porres Province, e-mail: vocations@opsouth.org; (504) 837-2129 ext. 6; website: www.opsouth.org/vocations.

See ad on page 147. Code #228.

F ­

Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn (O.S.F.) The Religious Brothers of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis were founded in 1858 when two Brothers of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis arrived in Brooklyn, NY, from Ireland. Responding to the need to educate the children of immigrants, the Franciscan Brothers brought their tradition as educators in Ireland to New York. Today, the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn continue the over 800 year-old Franciscan Tradition of Making Christ Present as we minister in the educational and pastoral ministries of the Roman Catholic Church. We currently minister in the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville-Centre, NY, Paterson, NJ, and Cape Girardeau, MO as teachers, administrators, campus ministers, college professors, counselors, lawyers, nurses, spiritual directors, retreat leaders, and pastoral ministers. Vocation Office, 135 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 718-858-8217, ext. 18; e-mail: vocations@franciscanbrothersosf.org; www.franciscanbrothersosf.org See ad on page 27. Code #102.

Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.)—Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province We are Franciscans, brothers embraced by Mystery which shapes our trust in God and one another. God’s Providence has sustained our ministries, made us resilient, and freed us to be open to change. This freedom fosters our unique commitment as a Roman and Byzantine Catholic community to re-shape OFM life in response to the changes in our Churches and world.

The joy of the Gospel urges us to the periphery, where God’s love impels us to invite others to the experience of Christ’s mercy and forgiveness. Located primarily in the Great Lakes area and northeast Pennsylvania, we serve the People of God in a variety of ministries, including parishes, education, preaching, chaplaincies, working among the poor, and in domestic missions in the Mississippi Delta and the Texas/Mexico border. Contact: Fr. Mike Surufka, OFM, SS. Francis and Clare Friary, 9230 W. Highland Park Avenue, Franklin, WI 53132; toll free (877) 636-3742; e-mail: vocationdirector@hotmail.com; website: www.franciscan-friars.org.

See ad on page 2. Code #478.

Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.)—Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the youngest of the US Franciscan Provinces.

Founded in 1985, we minister to the Native American communities of the Navajo and Pueblo Indians as well as the Hispanic and the Anglo communities of the Southwest. We have ministry sites and parishes primarily in New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas, but also sponsor ministry projects in Viet Nam and The Philippines. The friars of OLG Province strive to place community life, prayer, worship, evangelization, and service at the heart of our life as Friars. The Vocation Office discerns with those between the ages of 18 and 35 interested in collaborating with us, including vocations from outside the US. If you would like more information, contact Father Charlie Martinez, O.F.M. at charlieofm@aol.com, by phone at 210-693-9961, or through our website at www.swfranciscans.org.

See ad on page 2. Code #478.

Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.)—Province of Saint Barbara The Franciscan friars of the Province of St. Barbara are members of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209.

Like St. Francis and his original followers, present-

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG day friars are called to be brothers to all creation, persons of prayer engaged in active service. Our friars are involved in a broad range of ministries including: outreach to the poor, sacramental and parish ministry, retreat work, hospital and prison chaplaincy, education, social advocacy, foreign and Native American mission work, and more. Friars of the St. Barbara Province are of many cultures, ages, and languages and include both priests and lay brothers. These friars currently serve in the states of California, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, and Arizona, as well as in Mexico, Russia, and the Holy Land. In their ministry among different peoples, the friars try to bring with them the essence of their traditional greeting: “Peace and All Good!” For more information, contact Br. Eric Pilarcik, OFM, at vocations@sbofm.org or 408-903-3422; or Fr. Oscar Mendez, O.F.M., at (en español) 510-8214492; website: sbfranciscans.org; Facebook: www. facebook.com/SBFranciscans.Vocations.

See ad on page 2. Code #478.

Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.)—Province of the Sacred Heart Our Province is a community of Franciscan Friars in the mid-west of the United States, Alaska, Texas, and Louisiana. We minister at home and in the foreign missions of Brazil, Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam. We seek to bring the Gospel into the everyday experience of all people through teaching, preaching, and a pastoral setting.

We minister to people in a variety of contexts: the poor and the outcast, immigrants, disadvantaged, marginalized, in hospitals, parishes, schools, spiritual direction, etc. Our friars are ordained and non-ordained. Following the desire of St. Francis of Assisi, our friars are encouraged to use their skills and gifts to minister in the Church and to serve the human family. If you are between the ages of 21 and 45 and would like more information about us, please contact Br. Thom or Fr. Paul at our Vocation Office at 773-753-1925 or www.befranciscan.com.

See ads on pages 2, 142. Code #283.

Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.)—Saint John the Baptist Province We Friars of Saint John the Baptist Province are part of the world-wide Franciscan Order which was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi over 800 years ago. The first members of our Province arrived in Cincinnati, OH in 1844. Since then we have been serving the Catholic Church in a wide variety of ministries.

Presently we serve in high schools and universities, parishes, hospitals (as nurses and chaplains), in

Franciscan Friars, Conventual The Conventual Franciscans are the oldest of the three branches of the First Order of St. Francis. The word Conventual is derived from the Latin convenire, “to come together”; hence we live together in “convents” or friaries. Our Order is spread throughout the world, and includes about 4500 priests and brothers who are all commonly called Friars. There are four provinces in North America, which also have responsibility for jurisdictions in the UK, Ireland and Australia. We wear a black or gray habit with a simple three-knotted cord representing our Vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. The Spiritual Center of the Order is in Assisi, Italy, where our Friars care for the Basilica of St. Francis, which includes his tomb. In addition, the Conventuals are the Vatican confessors at St. Peter’s Basilica. In Christ’s name, we continue the ministry of healing so fundamental to the understanding of Saint Francis. To talk to a Friar or for more information, please visit our website at www.FranciscanS.org.

Code #098.

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. Contact Vocation Office, 40 Franciscan Way, Graymoor, Garrison, NY 105240300; (800) 338-2620, ext. 2126; e-mail: vocdirector @atonementfriars.org; website: www.AtonementFriars.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 17. Code #003.

G ­

Glenmary Home Missioners (G.H.M.) Glenmary Home Missioners is a Catholic community of priests and brothers, who, along with lay coworkers, serve the spiritual and material needs of “Mission-Land USA.” Glenmary brings a Catholic presence to counties where less than three percent of the population is Catholic, a significant percent of residents are unchurched and the poverty rate is twice the national average. For more information or to attend a “Come & See” retreat, contact Brother David Henley, PO Box 465618, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246; 1-800-935-0975; vocation@glenmary. org or visit our website www.glenmary.org .

See ad on page 142. Code #103.

H ­

Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, (OH) are men who have devoted their lives to the values of St. John of God— Hospitality, Compassion, Respect, Justice and Excellence. Hospitaller Brothers are world wide in 52 countries with 455 ministry centers. Our Mission is to witness Christ’s healing love as expressed by our charism of Hospitality, through a community of faith and compassionate service to God’s suffering people. Vocation inquiries: USA Province Our Lady Queen of the Angels; 323.734.0233; www.stjog.org; Province of the Good Shepherd in North America; 305.510.0039; www.sjog-na.org.

See ad on page 65. Code #344.

J ­

Jesuits (S.J.) [Society of Jesus] The largest order of priests and brothers in the Catholic Church.

Contemplatives in action, global in mission, called to the frontiers of human experience and need.

Want to know more? Visit us at BeAJesuit.org and @ BeAJesuit on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, Facebook. .

Code #104.

Josephite Priests and Brothers (S.S.J.) [The Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart] We are a society dedicated solely to serving the spiritual and temporal needs of the African-American community.

The society serves in parishes, schools and special ministries in dioceses and archdioceses in the United States and the District of Columbia. Our major seminary in Washington, DC, where our seminarians reside as they pursue their graduate degree in theology, also houses The Josephite Pastoral Center that is dedicated to promoting religious education material that is centered in the African-American Community. Apostolic Work: The Josephite Society is dedicated to 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. Currently serving in the Archdioceses of Baltimore, Galveston-Houston (TX), Los Angeles (CA), Mobile (AL), New Orleans (LA), Washington (DC) and in the Dioceses of Arlington (VA), Baton Rouge, Lafayette (LA), Biloxi, Jackson (MS), and Beaumont (TX). Father Kenneth Keke, S.S.J., serves as Vocation Director. Josephite Vocation Department, 1200 Varnum Street, NE, Washington, DC 200172796; (202) 832-9100; e-mail: vocations@josephite. com; website: www.josephite.com.

See ad on page 40. Code #192.

M ­

Marianists, Province of Meribah (S.M.) We are a religious community of brothers and priests, committed to living the Gospel together and serving Christ and His Church through the apostolate of education.

Dedicating our lives to Mary, we follow her example of humble service and faithful discipleship. At the center of our lives are the two tables: the altar—the table of faith and sacrifice, and the community table—the table of fraternity and fellowship. Forming a new, Gospel-based family, we share in common prayer, friendship, possessions, work, successes, and difficulties. We aim to make family spirit the distinctive mark of our communities, growing in the characteristics of Mary, particularly her faith, humility, simplicity, and hospitality. Vocation Director, Brother Stephen Balletta, S.M., Marianist Provincialate, Province of Meribah, 240 Emory Road, Mineola, NY 11501; (516) 742-5555 ext. 534; e-mail: SBalletta@ chaminade-hs.org; vocation blog: intothedeepblog. net; website: www.provinceofmeribah.com. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 117. Code #334.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 83

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.)—Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Holy Name Province is the largest community of Franciscan friars in the United States. As an evangelical and missionary fraternity of more than 300 men, we serve the people of God in a wide variety of ministries—colleges, parishes, urban ministry centers, and social outreach—along the East Coast as well as in foreign countries. Rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan tradition, we seek to bring the Gospel into the everyday experience of all people through teaching, popular preaching and pastoral leadership. We foster Christian discipleship by collaborating with those whom we serve and by standing in solidarity with all people, especially the alienated, the immigrant, and the poor. If you are between the ages of 21 and 45 and would like more information on the Franciscan friars, please contact Br. Basil Valente, OFM, Vocation Director, at 1-800-677-7788 or vocation@hnp.org, or visit our website at www.

BeAFranciscan.org.

See ad on page 2. Code #478.

inner city ministries, retreat ministry, publishing (books, catechetical aides, CDs and audio books at Franciscan Media), and domestic and foreign missions. In all of our ministries we preach the Good News of Jesus primarily by living as brothers to one another and to the world with a special emphasis on giving a voice to the marginalized in our society. See our website (www.franciscan.org) for more information. Or contact our Vocation Director, Fr. Luis Aponte-Merced, O.F.M. at (513) 542-1082, at sjbvocations@franciscan.org, or at Vocation Office, 5000 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223-1213. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See our ad on page 2. Code #233.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

Marianists, Society of Mary (S.M.) An international Roman Catholic religious congregation of priests and brothers. The Marianist Province of the United States comprises almost 300 professed brothers and priests serving in the United States. The Province also includes communities and ministries in India, Ireland and Mexico. In the U.S., the Marianists sponsor three universities—The University of Dayton in Ohio, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, and Chaminade University of Honolulu—and numerous high schools, parishes and retreat centers. Blessed William Joseph Chaminade founded the Society of Mary in France in 1817, and the Society has been present in the U.S. since 1849. Marianist brothers and priests live and minister together as equals, modeling their lives after Mary, the Mother of Jesus. As part of a wider Marianist Family that includes Marianist sisters and committed lay people, they are dedicated to forming persons and communities of faith through education, parish work, social service, the arts and other ministries. Brother Tom Wendorf, S.M., Marianist National Vocation Office, 4425 W. Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108-2301; (314) 533-1207; twendorf@sm-usa.org; website: marianist.com/vocations. See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org.

See ad on page 153. Code #105.

Mariannhill Missionaries (C.M.M.) We are an international religious community of priests and brothers that does mission work in the spirit of Abbot Francis Pfanner, the founder of the monastery of Mariannhill in South Africa in 1882. We announce the Gospel to those peoples who do not yet believe in Christ and help establish local churches in mission countries. We have missions in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, and Colombia. As religious we continue the way of life of Jesus and His disciples by taking the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. In the USA we keep alive and deepen among the faithful a sense of responsibility for the whole Church, promote mission vocations, and support spiritually and materially our mission works. Contact: Vocation Director, 23715 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127-1449; (313) 561-7140 ext. 25; e-mail: vocation@mariannhill.us or visit our websites: www. cmmmariannhill.org or www.mariannhill.us.

See ad on page 144. Code #494.

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 young people, 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 St. Marcellin, more than 3,400 Marist Brothers work with their 50,000 lay colleagues educating close to 500,000 young people, while putting into practice their motto: All to Jesus through Mary; All to Mary for Jesus. Present in 79 countries, the Marist Brothers work in all levels of education and a variety of education-related ministries. In the USA, there are over 150 Brothers ministering in 12 high schools, two summer camps, and one retreat center for young people. The Brothers serve as teachers, administrators, campus ministers, guidance counselors and spiritual directors. Br. Todd Patenaude, F.M.S., Marist Brothers Vocation Director, 70-20 Juno Street., Forest Hills, NY 11375; (718) 480-1306; e-mail: vocations@maristbr.com; website: www.maristbr.com.

See ad on page 150. Code #298.

Marist Fathers and Brothers (S.M.) [Society of Mary] Marists believe that they are called by Mary to live in her Society, a religious community of prayer, 84 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG fellowship and Gospel ministry to the Church and the world. Marists carry out the Gospel ministry in schools, parishes, and chaplaincies in the USA and in other countries throughout the world, including foreign missions. The Marists accept candidates for the priesthood and brotherhood who are between the ages of 21 and 40 and offer discernment counseling and Come and See days and weekends. For more information please contact the Marist Vocation Office at (866) 298-3715 (toll free) or e-mail us at maristvocations@sbcglobal.net or visit us on line at www. societyofmaryusa.org.

See ad on page 44. Code #107.

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers (M.M.) To speak of Maryknoll is to speak of Mission to the World. Maryknoll is the popular name for the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America (Maryknoll Missioners, M.M.), established by the U.S. Bishops in 1911 to represent The Church of the United States in the work of world mission. While we are from the United States, our work is overseas. We number 340 priests and brothers serving in some 21 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, serving God’s Mission among those challenged by poverty and evangelizing those thirsting for the Gospel. Contact: Fr. Mike Snyder M.M., Vocation Director, P.O. Box 305, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0305; (914) 941-7590, Ext. 2416; e-mail: vocation@maryknoll.org; website: www.maryknollvocations.org. See our web ads at vocationnetwork.org and our digital web ads at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See ad on page 155. Code #199.

Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette (M.S.) We are a community of priests and brothers in North America, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe serving in various ministries of reconciliation. We were founded in response to Mary’s apparition at La Salette in France on September 19, 1846. Our Blessed Mother appeared to two children who were herding cows, and gave them a message to “make known to all my people.” The Missionaries of La Salette came to the United States and Canada in 1892 and first were established in Hartford, CT. Today we work together to bring her message to a world that needs comfort and support. Our ministries are many, such as shrines, parishes, chaplaincies, home and foreign missions, teaching, counseling, music and youth ministries. If you are between the ages of 18 - 38 and would like to learn more about us and our ministry of reconciliation please contact: La Salette Vocation Office, 508-236-9067; e-mail: lasalettevocations@gmail.com. Visit our website at: www.lasalette.org; Our mailing address is National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, Vocation Office, 947 Park Street, Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703.

Code #225.

Missionaries of the Holy Family (M.S.F.) 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, 3014 Oregon Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63118; (888) 4 THY WILL; (888) 484-9945; e-mail: Vocations@MSFAmerica.org; website: www.MSF-America.org.

See ad on page 115. Code #129.

Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S) For more than 200 years, the apostolic society of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood has been reaching out to those on the margins of society. Founded in 1815 by St. Gaspar del Bufalo, Precious Blood priests and brothers carry out a variety of ministries as pastors, teachers, chaplains, youth ministers, retreat directors, mission preachers and campus ministers, both in the U.S. and abroad. Our larger community also includes lay associates and volunteers, sharing in a common mission: to renew the Church through the ministry of the Word and the saving power of Christ’s most Precious Blood. Cincinnati Province (Eastern U.S., including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and California, as well as Chile, Peru, Guatemala, Colombia), (937) 228-9263; vocation@cpps-preciousblood. org; www.cpps-preciousblood.org. Kansas City Province (Western U.S., including Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, and California, as well as Vietnam), (816) 781-4344; vocations@kcprovince. org; www.preciousbloodkc.org.

See ad on page 26. Code #108.

Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (M.SS.CC.) 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 Columbia, Italy, Argentina, the United States, India, Slovakia, Nigeria and Indonesia. 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, Saint 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, P.O. Box 189, Linwood, NJ 08221; (609) 927-5600; e-mail: mssccusa@aol.com; website: www.missionofsacredhearts.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 114. Code #133.

Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity (S.T.) We are a Religious Community of Priests and Brothers founded in the United States by Fr. Thomas Agustin Judge, CM in 1929. Since our founding we have given witness to the presence of Our Lord throughout the United States and, in response to the needs of the Church, have also established our missionary presence in Mexico, Costa Rica and Colombia. We value community life and we dedicate ourselves to close collaboration in mission with lay women and men. The dream of our founder is our goal; to “awaken the giant” by insisting that “every Catholic is called to be an Apostle”. We want to listen to your story of faith and discern how God is calling you to be His Apostle. Please contact: Fr. Allen Rodriguez; 951446-8057; e-mail: Vocations@TrinityMissions. org; website: www.TrinityMissions.org; 3325 13th Street, Riverside, CA 92501;. We speak Spanish, Hablamos español.

See ad on page 40. Code #284.

N ­

Norbertine Fathers and Brothers (O. Praem.)

[Canons Regular of Premontre]—Daylesford Abbey Daylesford Abbey is a small Norbertine Community of thirty members. We follow the Rule of St. Augustine in trying to be “One mind and one heart” on the way to God. Our Mission is to enrich the Church by our Norbertine communio (community) nourished by contemplation on God’s word, made visible in worship and service within the local church. Our Abbey is a Liturgical and Spiritual Center nestled in a wooded area in Paoli, PA. Our

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG Community gathers with the laity four times a day to celebrate the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours. Our service include Sacramental Ministry in local parishes, Spiritual Direction, Chaplaincies, Outreach to the homeless and migrant workers. We invite men ages 20-45 to contact us if you wish to discern a Norbertine vocation. For more information contact Fr. John Joseph Novielli, O. Praem., 220 South Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301; (610) 647-2530, ext. 127; e-mail: jnovielli@daylesford.org; website: www.daylesford.org.

See ad on page 16. Code #289.

O ­

Oblates of the Virgin Mary (O.M.V.) The Oblates of the Virgin Mary are a religious community of priests and brothers serving in 9 Countries. Living the charism of their Founder, the Venerable Fr. Bruno Lanteri, (1759 - 1830) they cultivate a deep personal relationship with Jesus through His Word and in the Eucharist. The Oblates are consecrated to Mary and profess a strong adherence to the Magisterium and love for the Holy Father. Also with a great love for and distribution of the Mercy of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, their apostolic goals include: the formation of the laity and the clergy, combating modern errors in faith and morals, upholding solid doctrine, giving the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and parish missions, individual spiritual direction and the formation of spiritual directors, the diffusion of Catholic teaching through books and other means of communication, and foreign missionary activity.

Preferred age: under 40. Education: At least some college preferred. USA Province communities are located in Boston MA, Milton, MA, Alton, IL, Venice, FL, Denver, CO, Golden, CO, Hawaiian Gardens, CA, Cebu and Antipolo, Philippines. Vocation Director, Fr. Jeremy Paulin, OMV, 1105 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215; (617) 869-2429; e-mail: vocations@ omvusa.org; website: www.omvusa.org.

Code #111.

Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (O.deM.) [Mercedarian Friars] One of the ancient Orders of the Catholic Church, the Mercedarian Friars were founded in 1218. The Friars honor Mary, as the foundress and mother of the work of mercy begun by St. Peter Nolasco—the redemption of Christians in danger of losing their faith. This work of mercy is conducted in parishes, where faith is attacked; in schools, where empty values threaten our youths; in institutions of health care or detention, where despair is present; and in foreign missions, where social conditions threaten one’s faith.

Men, between the ages of 18-40, who desire to live a life centered in Mary and her Son, to pray the rosary daily in common, live in community with one’s “brothers” based upon the Rule of St. Augustine, have a deep love for the Magisterium and in preserving the Faith by catechesis, are invited to contact the Director of Vocations, Fr. Scottston Brentwood, 6398 Drexel Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19151; (215) 879-0594; e-mail: vocations@orderofmercy.org; website: www.orderofmercy.org.

Code #216.

Order of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary We are a Eucharistic, Marian and contemplative community consisting of priests, brothers, and sisters, who are consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and wear a full habit. In addition to Holy Mass our daily schedule includes: 15 decade Rosary (20 on Thursday), Divine Mercy Chaplet, Liturgy of the Hours, and time for silent adoration, 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. Please contact our Vocation Director at (740) 946-9000 or e-mail: twohearts1@ mac.com, after seeing the requirements listed on our website at: www.heartsofjesusandmary.org.

Code #271.

P ­

Pallottines (S.A.C.)—Immaculate Conception Province Founded by St. Vincent Pallotti in 1835, the Society of the Catholic Apostolate works with the Church to revive faith and rekindle charity, empowering lay and religious alike to answer the call to be apostles of Christ. We are more than 2,400 priests and brothers working in many apostolates: parish ministry, education, prison ministry, retreats, youth ministry, lay 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 feel a call within yourself to find out more, we invite you to contact our vocation office: Immaculate Conception Province (Eastern United States): 1-800-APOSTLE; website: www. sacapostles.org; e-mail: Vocation@sacapostles.org; or mail: Vocation Director, Pallottine Vocation Office, P.O. Box 5399, West Hyattsville, MD 20782.

See ad on page 169. 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 reach out with compassion to those who suffer or are marginalized—the disabled, the sick, the dying, the impoverished, those who grieve or are 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 serving in other countries.

Interested in male candidates, 18-40 years old. Holy Cross Province: Fr. Christopher Gibson, C.P.; (773) 266-1942; e-mail: vocationdirector@passionist.org; website: www.passionist.org. St. Paul of the Cross Province: Fr. Lee Havey C.P.; (561) 626-1300; e-mail: lhavey@cpprov.org; ; website: www.thepassionists. org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #113.

The Paulist Fathers (C.S.P.) The Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle (The Paulists) founded by Servant of God Isaac Hecker, is the first North American community of priests. Paulists minister through their mission of Reaching Out (Evangelization), Bringing Peace (Reconciliation), and Seeking Unity (Ecumenism and Interreligious Relations).

Paulists are in metropolitan areas across the United States. We serve as campus ministers and parish priests. We lead parish missions, and publish through Paulist Press. We proclaim the Good News through Paulist Evangelization Ministries and work in media-related endeavors through Paulist Productions. We find young adult seekers through BustedHalo.com. Training includes a year novitiate and graduate theological studies in Washington, DC. Contact: Fr. Dat Q. Tran, C.S.P., Director of Vocations, 415 West 59th Street, New York, NY 100191104; (800) 235-3456 or (212) 757-4260; e-mail: vocations@paulist.org; website: www.paulist.org/ vocation. See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org.

See ad on page 61. Code #114.

Priests of the Sacred Heart (S.C.J.) The Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) of Jesus is an apostolic community of men dedicated to pray and service to the poor. We join together in local communities to serve parishes, schools, and those in need while focusing on community, adoration and Eucharist. We minister in several different locations across the United States. Worldwide, we are in over 40 countries, so the possibility of foreign missionary work is possible. Foreign missions that the United States Province support includes Africa, India, Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Vocation Director, P.O. Box 206, Hales Corners, WI 53130-0206; toll free (800) 609-5559; e-mail: vocationcentral@ wi.twcbc.com; website: www.scjvocation.org.

Code #116.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 85

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

Norbertine Fathers and Brothers (O. Praem.)

[Canons Regular of Prémontré]—St. Norbert Abbey The Norbertines of St. Norbert Abbey (The Premonstratensian Fathers and Brothers) are dedicated to living a communal, active-contemplative lifestyle according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ while following the Rule of St. Augustine. We profess Solemn Vows, committing ourselves to the apostolic life and a promise of on-going conversion of our ways.

Our membership consists of 60 men living primarily at St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, WI, but also living at our House of Formation in Chicago and at our dependent priory in Raymond, MS, near Jackson. As Canons Regular, our first ministry is living the common life devoted to the sung choral office (Morning and Evening Prayer), daily Eucharist, Midday Prayer, and common table. From our community life flow various ministries including pastoral and sacramental ministry, education and administration at St. Norbert College and Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, parochial ministry at parishes incorporated in or entrusted to our community, hospitality and retreats, advocacy for and ministry to the poor and marginalized, and numerous unique ministries as needed in the local Church throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Archdiocese for the USA Military, and the Green Bay and Jackson Dioceses. Qualified candidates ordinarily have or are in the process of completing a college degree, and are ready and willing to live unselfishly in a communal lifestyle. Contact the Vocation Coordinator, 1016 N. Broadway, De Pere, WI 54115; (920) 337-4333, fax: (920) 337-4328; e-mail: vocations@ norbertines.org; websites: www.norbertines.org and www.stmosestheblackpriory.org.

See ad on page 59. Code #110.

Order of St. Camillus PREACH THE GOSPEL, HEAL THE SICK. St. Camillus was a soldier of fortune, gambling addict and sinner. He was called by God and now more than 400 years later, The Order of St. Camillus has been called to “Preach the Gospel” and “Heal the Sick.” We are a worldwide Order of more than 1,100 Roman Catholic men in 30+ countries who serve the sick in traditional and diverse new ways as brothers and priests. Joyfully accepting the challenge of witnessing to the merciful love of Christ, we continue to bring hope and compassion, following in the footsteps of our founder St. Camillus de Lellis who said, “the poor and the sick are the very heart of God.” Our brothers and priests serve as physicians, nurses, chaplains, technicians, social workers, therapists, administrators, and other allied health care professionals. Visit us: www.camillians. org. Write us: vocation@camillians.org. Call us: 414-259-4595. Order of St. Camillus 10101 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226.

See ad on page 113. Code #093.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

BROTHERS What’s your favorite part of your current ministry?

The trust that sick people put in me.

Ever had any nicknames?

Juanjo, JJ, Fray, Brother.

What first drew you to religious life?

My own spiritual needs, curiosity, and concerns about something unknown— about God and myself.

When you were growing up, did you think you might become a religious?

Ever since I was a boy, I liked helping at church, and I enjoyed being an altar boy. It became something that brought me satisfaction. After adolescence, I forgot about it and didn’t take my faith seriously to the point that I distanced myself from the church. However, after I came to the United States from Mexico and worked a number of years, I realized that I needed to return.

Your favorite way to pray?

Alone, contemplating nature.

Back in the fold, better than ever BROTHER JUAN JOSÉ JÁUREGUI, O.F.M. Many people wander from their faith for a period, and Brother Juan José Jáuregui, O.F.M. is no exception. His life today as a Franciscan Friar, after a period of distance from his childhood faith, is proof that you can not only return, but also find a richer, fuller life in the doing. He belongs to the Franciscan Friars of the Saint Barbara Province, headquartered in Oakland, California, and ministers to the sick as a nursing assistant in a healthcare facility.

Leer en español en la página 75.

86 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I know how to handle pistols, shoot, and ride a horse.

What is the best part of living in community?

When I am going through a rough time and I need something, there is a brother there to help me.

Any words of wisdom for those considering religious life?

There is always a moment in our lives that may be shocking, that may change our lives and bring out our best and show us what we have inside. We should not ignore those moments. We should not be afraid of showing who we are, or of going where God is calling us.

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

R ­

The Redemptorists (C.Ss.R.) [Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer] 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 most abandoned, especially the poor. We share Christ’s love in the US and abroad through ministry in parishes, retreat houses, and parish missions, as well as in special apostolates with migrants, prisoners, and young adults. Like the apostles, we live and work together. We combine our prayers and deliberations, our labors and sufferings, our successes and failures, our talents and material goods in service to the Gospel. For more information, visit our website: www.redemptoristvocations. com or contact the Vocation Office: vocations@ redemptorists.net, (718) 321-1394. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 33. Code #135.

S ­

Salvatorians (S.D.S.) [Society of the Divine Savior] The Salvatorians were founded to use “all ways and means which the Love of Christ inspires” to bring the Gospel to the world. We are multicultural and fully embrace the Spirit of Vatican II with compassion for all. Our members collaborate closely with the Salvatorian Sisters, the Lay Salvatorians and the people we serve. We are involved in parishes, foreign missions, education, hospital and prison chaplaincies, youth ministry, counseling, campus ministry, communications, music and specialized ministries. Members serve in the Archdioceses of Milwaukee, Madison, New York City, Portland, St. Petersburg and Washington D.C. and in the Dioceses of Bismarck, Birmingham, Green Bay, Santa Rosa, Brooklyn, Nashville, Oakland, Orlando, Phoenix, St. Cloud, Sacramento, Venice, Wilmington and Tucson. American Salvatorians serve in the Philippines; Rome, Italy; and Tanzania East Africa. Contact us at vocations@salvatorians. com; (414) 258-1735 ext. 304; 1735 N. Hi Mount Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53208-1720; website: www. salvatorians.com. Check out FACEBOOK page

at www.facebook.com/salvatorians; follow us on TWITTER at www.twitter.com/Salvatorians, INSTAGRAM at www.instagram.com/salvatorians and subscribe to our YouTube Channel at www.

YouTube.com/user/SalvatoriansSDS. See ad on page 149. 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.

The Servite Friars, together with Servite religious sisters, cloistered nuns, Servite Seculars and other lay groups, form an international community of over 15,000 members. For more information on the Servite Friars please contact the Vocation Ministry Office 1952 W. La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801; 855-OSM-1233 (855-676-1233); e-mail: Vocations@servitesusa.org; website: www.servite.org.

See ad on page 30. Code #159.

Servants of the Paraclete (s.P.) 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 5,500 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 and the Philippines. We also have a student house in Ho Chi Minh City and hope to open a house of prayer near Da Lat, VN soon. God willing we will also open a house in West Africa within the next few years. If you are interested in finding out more about the Servants of the Paraclete, please contact: Very Rev. David T. Fitzgerald, s.P., PO Box 450, Dittmer, MO 63023; e-mail: servantgeneral@aol.com; website: www.theservants.org. You will receive a warm welcome.

Code #300.

Societe des Missions Africaines (S.M.A.) or translated Society of African Missions is an international community of 1,200 missionaries: Priests, Brothers, Associate Priests and Lay Missionaries.

We are committed to living the Gospel among our brothers and sisters in Africa and those of African descent, with a special concern for the poor and marginalized wherever we are serving. We strive to witness by our lives to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

in its totality through a variety of ministries—including parish work, catechetical programs, health care, education, ministries with street children, people with disabilities, refugees, Leprosy patients, AIDS Ministries, development and relief programs.

Our ministries are a response to the needs of the local Church. You are invited to make a wholehearted, unconditional offer of your life at the service of the Gospel of Jesus. Please contact: S.M.A. Vocation Coordinator, 23 Bliss Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670; Phone: (201) 567-0450 ext. 250 or Cellphone: (201) 496-8394; e-mail: vocations. sma@gmail.com. Please visit our website: www. smafathers.org.

See ad on page 41. Code #136.

Society of Mary (S.M.) (See Marist Fathers and Brothers.)

Society of St. Paul The Society of St. Paul is a congregation of priests and brothers founded by Blessed James Alberione bringing Christ to the world today through the means of communication.

The priests and brothers share a common life style and profess the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and fidelity to the Pope. They are fortified by daily meditation, mass, liturgy of the hours and an hour of Eucharistic Adoration so that by living Christ they may give Christ to others through their apostolate. Paulines imitate St. Paul, who preached and wrote about Jesus Christ, to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in the most rapid and far reaching ways. Paulines preach Christ through books, magazines, tapes, videos, CD’s, radio, television and the Internet around the world. Contact: Society of St. Paul, Vocation Office, 2187 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314; (718) 865-8844; e-mail: vocation@stpauls.us; website: www.vocationoffice.org.

Code #149.

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, Somascan Hall, the House of Formation next to the Christ the King Church. All vocation inquiries should be addressed to Fr. Remo Zanatta, CRS, Vocation Director: (713) 880-8243; e-mail: remozanatta@gmail.com. For more information please visit: www.somascans.org.

See ad on page 45. Code #120.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 87

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

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 men who want to dedicate their lives to Christ, the Church, and the young. As a Salesian priest or brother, you will work with young people—journeying with them toward a deeper relationship with Christ. Salesians serve in various capacities of evangelization and education as youth and campus ministers, teachers, guidance counselors, mentors, and friends to the young and the poor. We live in community, pray, and work together for a common mission. There are currently over 15,000 Salesians serving young people in 132 countries.

In the United States and Canada, the Salesians operate youth oriented parishes, high schools, boys and girls clubs, and retreat houses. If you are in Canada and East of the Mississippi River contact Fr. James Berning, S.D.B., Salesian Vocation Office, 518-B Valley Street, Orange, NJ 07050; (973) 761-0201; e-mail: info@salesiansofdonbosco.org; Facebook: facebook.com/salesianvocationseast; website: www.salesiansofdonbosco.org; If you are west of the Mississippi River contact Fr. Jose F. Lucero, S.D.B., Vocation Office, 13856 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA 90706; (626) 674-2675; email: info@salesianvocation.org; website: www. salesianvocation.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #117.

Enter #117 at VocationMatch.com

MEN’S COMMUNITIES Spiritans (C.S.Sp.) [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, Vocation Director, 6230 Brush Run Rd., Bethel Park, PA 15102-2214; (412) 831-0302; e-mail: joinus@spiritans.org; website: www.spiritans.org. See our web ads at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 15. Code #164.

T

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

­

Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Conyers, GA—Holy Spirit Monastery In the Georgia Piedmont 35 of us share life in a contemplative community. Ages range from 28 to 93. We have joined our neighbors in going green by fostering stream restoration, an organic vegetable garden, and a natural burial cemetery. We value silence, solitude, manual labor, compassion, the Eucharist, personal and communal prayer, friendship and forgiveness.

We honor the good in our society and yet challenge its illusions, especially the assumption that our identity and value depend on what we do, and on what others think of us. We work with hardships and challenges, knowing that these contribute to spiritual and emotional maturation, leading us beyond resistance to giving ourselves away, at ever deeper levels.

Contact: Br. Elias, 2625 Hwy 212 SW, Conyers, GA 30096; (678) 964-2018; e-mail: elias091499@gmail. com; www.trappist.net/vocation. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #415.

Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Moncks Corner, SC—Mepkin Abbey We, the monks of Mepkin Abbey, are responding to God’s call to live an ancient form of radical Christian discipleship focused on seeking and finding God in community where we “are of one heart and one soul and everything is held in common” (Acts 4:32-33). We live the Rule of Saint Benedict in the Cistercian tradition, praising God in our prayer, meditative reading of Scripture, work and hospitality--desiring to live in ceaseless prayer. All Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists) bear witness to this contemplative monastic tradition by living our vows of stability, obedience, and “conversatio morum” (conversion of life) in the rhythm of work and manual labor--striving for deeper union with God. If you believe God may be calling you to join us, kindly contact our vocation director, Fr. Kevin, O.C.S.O., 1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd., Moncks Corner, SC 29461; (843) 761-8509; e-mail: fr.kevinocso@ gmail.com: website: www.mepkinabbey.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #415.

Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Trappist, KY—Abbey of Gethsemani Our monastery is a school of the Lord’s service where Christ is formed in the hearts of the brothers through the liturgy, the abbot’s teaching and the fraternal way of life. The monk expresses this love by his desire to share life together at the heart of the Church and to grow into Christ through prayer, work, and sacred reading every day. Located in the beautiful knob country of central Kentucky, we Trappists have lived, prayed, and worked in this house of the Lord for over 165 years. Our mission is the praise of God’s goodness and the proclamation of the Kingdom’s nearness.

Living in solitude and silence the monk aspires to that 88 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG interior quiet in which wisdom is born. The vows of obedience, stability, and fidelity to the monastic way of life provide our structure, support, and encouragement to persevere in the journey, in the work, in the search. Men between the ages of 22 and 50 may apply.

For more information contact Bro. Aaron Schulte, Abbey of Gethsemani, 3642 Monks Rd., Trappist KY 40051; (502) 549-4116; e-mail: vocations@monks. org; website: www.monks.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #415.

Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Vina, CA—Abbey of New Clairvaux Our Lord Jesus came to bring us the Fullness of Life. In response, our life as Cistercian (Trappists) monks is the simple, direct and effective way to embrace that Divine Life. Following the Rule of Saint Benedict and the nine-hundred year old Cistercian Monastic tradition, it is a life wholly directed to contemplation through Liturgy, Manual Labor and Lectio Divina.

The rhythm of our life helps us to be aware of God throughout the day. By means of obedience, simplicity, solitude and silence, we grow in purity of heart in the School of Charity. Through manual labor we share in God’s creativity, exercising love for each brother, are in solidarity with all people, and cultivate good stewardship of the land.

Men between 22 and 40 may apply. Contact: Br. Christopher, Vocation Director; Abbey of New Clairvaux, 26240 7th Street, Vina, CA 96092; (530) 839-2161; e-mail: godseeking@newclairvaux.org; website: www.newclairvaux.org.See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #415.

Trinitarians (O.SS.T.) 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 40 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 Office, P.O. Box 5719, Baltimore, MD 21282-5719; (800) 486-0614 or (410) 486-5171; e-mail: vocations@trinitarians.org; website: www. trinitarians.org.

See ad on page 41. Code #122.

V ­

Viatorians (Clerics of St. Viator) Viatorians are religious priests, brothers, and lay associates 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. A priest of the Archdiocese of Lyons, France, Father Louis Querbes founded the Viatorians in 1831 as an association of lay and religious school teachers to catechize and serve as animators of the liturgy in rural French parishes. As patron saint of the congregation, Father Querbes chose Saint Viator, a young fourth century catechist-lector of the cathedral church of Lyons. Today approximately 600 religious and nearly 300 lay men and women serve the church in 16 countries. Viatorians of the Province of Chicago minister primarily in Illinois and Nevada in the United States, and in Bogota, Colombia, South America. Contact: Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, Vo-

cation Ministry, 1212 East Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004; e-mail: vocations@viatorians. com; website: www.viatorians.com.

Code #094.

Vincentian Priests and Brothers [Congregation of the Mission (C.M.)] Confronted by poverty and sickness in France in the 1600’s and the spiritual weariness caused by an uneducated clergy in that same period, St. Vincent de Paul committed his life to championing the needs of the poor. Almost 400 years after founding the Vincentians in 1625, his community of priests and brothers continue to spread God’s message of hope to the poor, and to train priests and laity in service to the poor. We work in 53 international provinces on five continents alongside other members of the Vincentian Family. We welcome you to join us as we follow Jesus Christ, the evangelizer of the poor. Experience the Vincentian charism as a priest or brother in our Congregation!

Contact us at Eastern Province: vocations@stjohns. edu; website: www.cmeast.org as well as the Western Province: vocations@vincentian.org; website: www. vincentian.org.

See ad on page 116. Code #178.

The Vocationists [Society of Divine Vocations] We are a religious community of Priests and Brothers. Our charism is to discern, promote, accompany and nurture vocations to the priesthood and religious life for the whole Church. We promote, teach and preach universal sanctification for all people. We carry out our ministry in parishes, schools and missions. The Vocationist Fathers and Brothers are presently working in 14 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Italy, Madagascar, Nigeria, Philippines, United Kingdom, France, and the U.S.A. Come, visit and experience life with our religious community.

Talk with Priests and Spiritual Directors who have dedicated their lives to people just like you, who want to know: “What do I want to do?” and “What does God want me to do?” If God is calling you, call us: “WORKING FOR AND WITH VOCATIONS IS OUR VOCATION.” Vocation Director: Rev. Emeka Okwuosa, SDV, 90 Brooklake Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932; 973-780-0057; email: emmyokwuosa. sdv@live.com; Website: www.vocationist.org.

Code #506.

X ­

Xaverian Missionaries (S.X.) Serving in 20 countries around the world, the Xaverian Missionaries are an international, multicultural community of over 1,000 priests, brothers, and sisters. In the spirit of our founder Saint Guido M. Conforti we commit ourselves to live and witness to the Good News of Jesus—the greatest gift we can share with the world— in poverty, chastity, and obedience. We fulfill this mission in and through community. Moved by our passion for Christ and for humanity our mission is directed to those who do not know Christ and among them we choose to work with the poor. It is our desire that our lives and our ministries may always reflect the love of Christ. Through empowerment of local communities, education, inter-religious dialogue, health care, social development, justice and peace, we facilitate the transformation of our world into the “ONE FAMILY” our Founder dreamed. Contact: Fr. Rocco Puopolo, sx, 101 Summer Street, Holliston, MA 01746; (508) 429-2144; e-mail: frrocco@xaverianmissionaries.org; website: www.xaverianmissionaries.org; blog: www.xaveriannmissionaries.blogspot. com/. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 141. Code #137.

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

A

Adorers of the Blood of Christ (A.S.C.) Courageous, Compassionate, and Committed. The Adorers strive to be Christ’s reconciling presence in our world by responding to the needs of individuals and society. Diverse in our ministries and singular in our mission to be a compassionate presence wherever we are, Adorers serve as educators, justice advocates, health care workers, pastoral ministers, spiritual directors, and more. We are also an international community ministering in 24 countries. Join us as we follow in the footsteps of our foundress St. Maria De Mattias who believed Christ is establishing a beautiful world, and our mission is to participate in that work.

Are you a courageous, compassionate, committed woman? You can make a difference as an Adorer of the Blood of Christ visit www.adorers.org or call or text our Ministry of Vocations Director Lori at (314) 203-1678. See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org.

See ad on page 134. Code #001.

Augustinian Nuns (O.S.A.) “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless, until they rest in you.” These words of Saint Augustine speak to the heart of human experience as profoundly today as they did in the Third century.

We are a contemplative monastic community of women who follow the tradition and Rule of Saint Augustine. Through our life in community and our ministry of prayer we give witness to the presence and love of God in our world. Our work is carried out within the monastery and through our prayer we embrace the world and Church universal. A hunger for God, a passion for life, a compassionate love for our sisters and brothers, and the capacity for joy and an appreciation of beauty are all traits of an Augustinian spirituality. If you are a single women drawn to give yourself to God in a life of prayer we invite you to contact us: Sr. Mary Grace, O.S.A., Mother of Good Counsel Monastery, 440 N. Marley Road, New Lenox, IL 60451; (815) 463-9662; e-mail: sr.marygrace@sbcglobal.net; website: www.augustiniannuns.org.

See ad on page 27. Code #161.

B

Benedictine Nuns (O.S.B.), Petersham, MA— St. Scholastica Priory Located in the heart of the New England forest, St. Scholastica Priory is a community of contemplative Benedictine nuns. Following the Rule of St. Benedict, we seek to live in God’s presence through lives wholly dedicated to prayer. The monastery, the “school of the Lord’s service,” is organized to facilitate this search. The Eucharist and the seven Hours of the Divine Office prayed with Gregorian chant, lectio divina, work and the common life of mutual charity are the pillars of our 1,500-year-old monastic heritage. Liturgy is celebrated with our twin community of monks, St. Mary’s Monastery, and our guesthouse enables us to share our life with retreatants who seek God in their own lives. Monastic Experience weekends are offered. Women aged 19-40 are invited to contact Sr. Mary Frances Wynn, O.S.B., Vocation Director, St. Scholastica Priory, 271 N. Main St., P.O. Box 606, Petersham, MA, 01366; smfwynn@aol.com; (978) 724-3213; www.stscholasticapriory.org.

See ad on page 63. Code #482.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Beech Grove, IN—Our Lady of Grace Monastery As Benedictine sisters we seek God in community centered on prayer, work and hospitality. Through our monastic promises of obedience, stability and fidelity to the monastic way of life we commit ourselves to the lifelong process of becoming who God calls us to be. Our life of prayer in community flows out into service in the Church and the world. We minister to others in the areas of education, health care, pastoral ministry, retreat ministry and spiritual direction. Through this life of prayer and service we come to know our deepest joy. We invite single, Catholic women ages 20–45, who are discerning their vocation, to come and visit us to learn more about the Benedictine way of life. Contact: Sr. Julie Sewell, 1402 Southern Avenue, Beech Grove, Indiana 46107; (317) 787-3287 ext.

3032; e-mail: vocations@benedictine.com; website: www.benedictine.com.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters/A.B.F.C. (American Benedictine Formation Conference) 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. Website: www.abfconline. org/sisters.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Bismarck, ND—Annunciation Monastery We are a community of 47 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; most of us are involved in our sponsored ministries of CHI St. Alexius Medical Center, the University of Mary, our Benedictine hospitality center, and Ministry on the Margins. We are vibrant, creative leaders in our area. We invite you to explore joining us in an incredible journey.

Sr. Hannah Vanorny, O.S.B., 7520 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504-9653; (701) 4259734; e-mail: hvanorny@gmail.com; website: www.annunciationmonastery.org; facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/AnnunciationMonastery/233858728103?fref=nf.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Atchison, KS—Mount St. Scholastica We are a community of approximately 130 women who seek God through communal living and common prayer. Called by our monastic profession to a balanced life, our ministry flows out of our contemplative roots and focuses on enhancing the lives of others through prayer, education and service. Hungering for justice and peace, we strive to eliminate the root causes of injustice through our works of charity and through education. Our ministries in the Atchison/Kansas City area, include an oncampus spirituality center and a women’s center serving the urban core of Kansas City, as well as health care, social service, teaching and parish work. We invite women, ages 21-50, who seek more information and/or to visit us, to contact: Sister Barbara Smith, OSB, 801 S. 8th St. Atchison, KS 66001-2778, 913-426-5275 (text/ cell); 913-360-6219 (work); e-mail: vocation@ mountosb.org; website:www.mountosb.org.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Bristow, VA— St. Benedict Monastery Our lives revolve around communal prayer, personal prayer time, lectio divina, time spent with community and ministry. The Benedictine life is guided by the Rule of Benedict and we experience the joy of receiving Christ in everyone and everything.

We are a community of 30 sisters living 35 miles west of Washington, D.C. Several corporate ministries address the needs in our local church and community: education, homelessness, adult literacy, retreats, spiritual direction, counseling and hospitality. Our live-in program offers the possibility to live and pray within our monastic community while volunteering in one of our ministries or working outside. Monastic Discernment Weekends as well as visits to the monastery are offered frequently. Please contact Sister Andrea Westkamp, OSB, Saint Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA 20136-1217; (703) 298-5337; e-mail: vocations@osbva.org; website: www.osbva.org; Facebook: Benedictine Sisters of VA Vocations.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 89

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (A.S.C.J.) The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus were founded in Viareggio, Italy, in 1894 by Clelia Merloni. 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, Benin, Mozambique, Taiwan, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, the Philippines, Haiti, Ireland, and the United States. Sr. Virginia Herbers, 800 Montebello Camp Rd., Imperial, MO 63052; (203) 889-0408; e-mail: vocations@ascjus.org; Congregation website: www.ascjus.org. See our digital web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

Code #267.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Chicago, IL—St. Scholastica Monastery We are Benedictine women called to seek God in prayer and community, serving where there is need. As Benedictines, our primary ministry is community; as women of the 21st century, we work to build that community in the church, in our city and throughout the world, ministering in such fields as education, social services, pastoral ministry, and spiritual development. Underlying all we do is a desire to live the Gospel command to love God and neighbor. Women 21-50 who wish to seek God in an active monastic community by living a balanced life of prayer and work are invited to contact us.

Vocation Minister, 7430 N. Ridge Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60645-1913, (773) 338-7063; e-mail: vocation@osbchicago.org. Visit us at our website: www.osbchicago.org and our Facebook page wwwfacebook.com/BenedictineSistersofChicago.

See ad on page 165. 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 Sisters 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.

Contact us for more information on criteria for entrance. Sr. Mary Colleen Schwarz, O.S.B.; 3190 Benet Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80921; (719) 633-0655; e-mail; smarycolleen@benethillmonastery.org; website: www.benethillmonastery.org.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Covington, KY— St. Walburg Monastery We are monastic sisters who seek God together in prayer, hospitality, and work. The Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, personal prayer and study are the foundation of our spirituality. We celebrate the presence of Jesus Christ and serve him in all God’s people, the young and the old, the sick and the poor, the stranger and the guest. In the Benedictine monastic tradition, our love for the Church challenges us to meet the needs of God’s people. We serve in the areas of education, health care, social service, diocesan and parish ministries, ecology, criminal and social justice. We sponsor Villa Madonna Academy, Montessori School and a Spirituality Center. We invite you to discern a call to monastic life by joining us for community life and worship. Contact: Sr. Cathy Bauer, O.S.B., 2500 Amsterdam Road, Covington, Kentucky 41017; (859) 331-6324; text message: 859-468-6040; e-mail: bauerosb@yahoo.com; website: www.stwalburg.org.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

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 90 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

Texas as educators, spiritual directors, pastoral ministers, chaplains, musicians, and artists. Some sisters work directly with the poor. 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 56716-2713; (218) 281-3441; e-mail: anne.demers@bhshealth.org; website: www.msb.net.

See ads on pages 62, 165. Code #221.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Cullman, AL—Sacred Heart Monastery The Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama embody the spiritual wisdom and monastic tradition of St. Benedict through lives of prayer and ministry. We strive to deepen our relationships with God, with one another, and with all of creation through ageless monastic disciplines such as humility, silence, community living, and obedience. Inspired by the Gospel and the Rule of St. Benedict, each Sister utilizes her God-given talents in roles such as ministers in local parishes, as retreat and spiritual directors, as teachers and administrators in Catholic schools, in legal and medical professions, in liturgy and music, and in Community administration. Our community of 40 members encourages single women, ages 20-45, who sincerely seek God and a balanced life of prayer and work to learn more about the monastic way of life and our community by exploring the pages of our website or by contacting our Vocation Director: Sr. Magdalena Craig, O.S.B.; 916 Convent Rd., NE, Cullman, AL 35055; (256) 615-6114; e-mail: vocations@shmon.org; website: www.shmon.org: See ad on page 165. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Duluth, MN—St. Scholastica Monastery Serving the Church and God’s people since 1892, St. Scholastica Monastery is a vibrant community of 68 perpetually-professed sisters with five in formation. We live together in community according to the ancient Rule of St. Benedict. Our spiritual lives are grounded in communal prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), Eucharist, Lectio Divina, and monastic silence. From our monastery overlooking Lake Superior, we serve in ministries of education, health care, spirituality, music, pastoral care, retreats, and social justice. We sponsor a college (@ StScholastica) and two health-care systems (@ BHShealth and @EssentiaHealth). Stewardship, simplicity, and hospitality shape our monastic lives. We invite women aged 20-50 to join us through perpetual monastic profession, or healthy women of any age to live, work and pray with the Sisters as a volunteer Benedictine Associate. For more information or to visit contact Sister Edith Bogue: vocations@duluthosb.org or 218-723-6555.

Follow us online: @DuluthMonastery (Twitter) Benedictine Monastery (Facebook http://bit.ly/ DuluthMonastery) or http://www.duluthbenedictines.org/.

See ads on pages 47, 165. Code #282.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Elizabeth, NJ—St. Walburga Monastery 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 varied ministries such as education, health care, and spirituality. We welcome responses from single women who desire to seek God within a community life that overflows into prayer and ministry. Sr. Mariette Therese, O.S.B., Saint Walburga Monastery, 851 North Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07208; (908) 352-4278, x. 274; e-mail: srmariette@aol.com; website: www. catholicforum.com/bensisnj.

See ad on page 44. Code #353.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Erie, PA—Mount Saint Benedict Women living the Rule of Benedict by balancing community life, contemplative and liturgical prayer, silence and ministry; women witnessing to the global issues of world peace, nonviolence, sustainability, and justice, especially for women and children. Come to see; come to the experience; come to know. Contact Sr. Marilyn Schauble, O.S.B., Vocation Director, 6101 East Lake Rd., Erie, PA 16511; (814) 899-0614 ext.

2424; e-mail: vocations@mtstbenedict.org; website: www.eriebenedictines.org.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Ferdinand, IN—Monastery Immaculate Conception The world is zigging. We zagged and our community has been doing so for 150 years! We’re the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana. We seek and share God by living together in a community based on prayer and service. We cultivate and encourage each individual’s gifts as given by God and use these gifts to serve in a variety of ministries, including education, parish ministry, social services, health care, retreat and spiritual direction, and mission work. For women discerning religious life, we promise an authentic, accepting, and supportive environment to explore God’s call. For the women that join our community, we offer a journey of spiritual and self-discovery based on a 1500-year history and tradition of following the Benedictine Rule while using your gifts and talents in ways you never dreamed. If you are a woman 18-40 discerning religious life, or know someone who is, we encourage you to visit izagged.org; email: vocation@thedome.org; or call (812) 3671411, ext. 2830. Our community website is thedome.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Come zag with us!

See ads on pages 158, 165. 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. Our community membership is 40. We are engaged in the work of God through education, pastoral care, 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, prayer and peace. Vocation Director: Sr. Kimberly Prohaska, O.S.B., P.O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913; (479) 783-4147; email: vocationdirector@stscho.org; website: www.

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

stscho.org. See our digital web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See ads on pages 43, 165. Code #341.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Lacey, WA—St. Placid Priory St. Placid Priory is a thriving community of 10 faith-filled fully professed sisters, one novice, one temporary professed, and two live-in Oblates, here on the southern shores of the Puget Sound in northwest Washington. We tend to the souls of the retreatants and offer a variety of spirituality programs at The Priory Spirituality Center. Our guests are invited to join us in chanting the Liturgy of the Hours throughout the day and early evening. Currently we have one sister teaching at St. Martin’s University and one sister who is a tenured professor at Portland University, and a temporary professed disability lawyer. Come and see how we live out the Rule in our balanced life of work and prayer, simplicity, hospitality, and service. Come and blend your gifts with ours.

New Membership Director: Sr. Lucy Wynkoop; 500 College Street NE, Lacey, WA 98516; (360) 438-1771; e-mail: vocations@stplacid.org; website: www.stplacid.org.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

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 21 women who follow the Rule of St. Benedict as we live out our Baptismal call. Our prayer, Lectio Divina, and the Liturgy of the Hours, as well as our community life are sources of strength from which all our ministries flow. Our ministries vary according to the gifts and talents of the individual Sister and the needs of the area. As Benedictines we seek God in all things and share our Benedictine values of peace, silence, and prayer. We are a monastic community. We are the only motherhouse in the diocese. If you are seeking God’s will and have a desire to grow in intimacy with our Lord, we invite you to come and spend some time with us. Contact: Sr. Florence McManamen, O.S.B., 1851 City Springs Rd., Rapid City, SD 577029613; (605) 343-8011; fax: (605) 399-2723; e-mail: srflomcman@aol.com; website: www. blackhillsbenedictine.com.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Richardton, ND—Sacred Heart Monastery We are a vibrant community of Catholic Benedictine women who strive to deepen our relationship with God and one another through sharing the spiritual and

material gifts God has given to us on this prairie.

Founded in 1910 to respond to the needs of the church in rural North Dakota, we provide hospitality, spiritual direction and retreats, and serve in pastoral and health care. We value the common life based on the Rule of Benedict and the monastic promises of obedience, stability and fidelity to the monastic way of life. The contemplative environment of the prairie surrounds our monastery with the beauty of God’s creation. Our monastic life is nourished by daily Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, contemplative prayer and personal devotions as well as by our brother monks at nearby Assumption Abbey. Vocation Director, P.O. Box 364, Richardton, ND 58652; (701) 974-2121; e-mail: vocations@sacredheartmonastery.com; website: www.sacredheartmonastery.com.

See ad on page 165. 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. Stefanie MacDonald, O.S.B., 2200 88th Avenue W, Rock Island, IL 61201; (309) 283-2300 or (800) 650-1257 e-mail: smacdonald@smmsisters.org; website and blog: www.smmsisters.org.

See ads on pages 57, 165. Code #152.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), St. Joseph, MN—Saint Benedict’s Monastery We are a community of Benedictine Sisters seeking God in prayer and community life, serving the Church and the world through our ministries. Our prayer life is centered in daily communal and individual prayer: Liturgy of the Hours, lectio divina, personal prayer and sacramental celebrations. Our life in community commits us to one another and to living out the Gospel and Rule of St. Benedict. Our history is one of extraordinary women whose gifts and talents are encouraged and developed by the community as we engage with the world and the larger Church. The Benedictine life offers freedom to be fulfilled professionally and personally in a

context of community living and prayer. At present, our community has more than 222 sisters. We invite women who are interested in exploring our way of life to participate in one of our Benedictine live-in experiences. Visit us at our website: www. sbm.osb.org. E-mail: lrose@csbsju.edu. Call (320) 363-7180 or write: Vocations Director, 104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph, MN 56374-0220.

See ads on pages 123, 165. Code #175.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), St. Paul, MN--St. Paul’s Monastery We are Monastic women who are seeking God in Community and we celebrate Liturgy of the Hours, personal prayer and the sacramental life of the Church. Through the Gospel and the Rule of Saint Benedict, we respond in obedience by way of personal and communal prayer, hospitality and service to others. We minister to God’s people in retreat ministry, campus ministry, spiritual direction, education, pastoral care, and child care as well as other areas of need among God’s people today. We welcome women who are seeking God and yearning to hear their Baptismal call. If you are a single, Catholic woman in your 30’s, 40’s and 50’s and feel a leaning toward monastic life, come for a visit to get to know us.

Vocation contact: Sister Linda Soler, OSB, 2675 Benet Road, St. Paul, MN 55109-5097; (651) 777-8181; e-mail: SrLinda@stpaulsmonastery.org; www.stpaulsmonastery.org.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Watertown, SD—Mother of God Monastery We are a community of 50 monastic women (3 women in initial formation) living in the peaceful prairie land of rural South Dakota. We are called to seek God joyfully in community. We respond to the needs of others through our ministries, our prayer, our advocacy and our hospitality. Currently our sisters are involved in teaching, health care, pastoral care, parish work, prison ministry, ministry to Native Americans, Latinos and other cultures, spiritual direction and retreats, ministry to the elderly and environmental stewardship. We invite women who desire to seek God to journey with us. We offer several discernment retreats throughout the year. Visit our website watertownbenedictines.org, for a description and dates or contact Adrienne Kaufmann, O.S.B., 110 28th Avenue SE, #59, Watertown, SD 57201; (605) 8864159, vocations@dailypost.com. Like us on Facebook! See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ads on pages 53, 165. Code #157.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 91

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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 to balance our monastic lifestyle with community and ministry. Our primary ministry is Hospitality to those in our expanding health care facility. We are also involved in education, nursing, pastoral ministry, social concerns and domestic services.

We sponsor Daybreak of Lisle. One of our forms of spiritual growth is Lectio Divina, a form of prayer and meditation which we enjoy sharing with others. Are you interested? Contact us for further details. Vocation Director: Sister Christine Kouba, O.S.B., 1910 Maple Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532-2164; (630) 977-9225; e-mail: ckouba@shmlisle.org; website: www.shmlisle.org.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

Enter #008 at VocationMatch.com

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Winnipeg, Canada—St. Benedict’s Monastery We are a monastic community of eighteen women. We are 104 years young! Our mission is to seek God in community through prayer and work. We live together, praying daily at morning, midday and evening; we celebrate Eucharist several times weekly.

Over our 104 years, we have responded to various calls of the Church and the world in health care, education and spiritual formation. Our present corporate ministries include health care, spiritual direction and retreat work at St. Benedict’s Retreat and Conference Centre and hospitality at St. Benedict’s Place, a residence for seniors’ independent living. As well, our sisters nurse at St. Joseph’s Residence in Winnipeg and teach at high school religious studies in Calgary, Alberta. A growing Oblate community shares our Benedictine values and meets for prayer and ongoing study monthly. We welcome live-in volunteers and sabbatical guests at our Monastery and Retreat Centre.

Women interested in discerning their vocation with us can contact Sr. Mary Coswin, 225 Masters Ave, Winnipeg, MB R4A 2A1; (204) 338-4601; email: mcoswin@mymts.net; www.stbens.ca.

See ad on page 165. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Ya n k t o n , S D — S a c r e d H e a r t Monastery Rooted in our rural heritage and growing in relationship with God and one another in monastic community, we live a life of prayer, work, and lectio by which we serve God and God’s people in our time and place. Called first to prayer and community life, reach out in service in a variety of ways, depending on the needs of the people and the gifts of the sisters. Our community is of “One Heart and One Soul” unified by Christ’s Sacred Heart, whose love flows out to us. If you are interested in our way of life, we invite you to contact Sister Clarice Korger, 1005 W. 8th St., Yankton, SD 57078; (605) 6686092; e-mail: shmyankton.vocationdirector@ gmail.com. You can also visit us at our website: www.yanktonbenedictines.org; our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/shmvocation; or our Blog: www.yanktonbenedictines.blogspot.com. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ads on pages 154, 165. Code #143.

Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (O.S.B.) We are a contemplative monastic community whose life is guided by a Eucharistic charism and the wisdom of the Rule of Saint Benedict. We serve the Church through a ministry of prayer and 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 two monasteries are located in Clyde, MO and Tucson, AZ. If you’re a single woman between the ages of 20 and 47 and drawn to a life of prayer, we invite you to contact Sr. Maria Victoria Cutaia, 31970 State Highway P, Clyde, MO 64432-8100; (660) 944-2221 ext. 127; e-mail: vocation@benedictinesisters.org; website: www.benedictinesisters.org.

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 91. Code #008.

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters (O.S.F.) Founded in the United States in 1894, our mission is to live the Gospel in the spirit of Francis and Clare! Bernardine Franciscan Sisters reach out in the Name of 92 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

Jesus to God’s people across the continental United States, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. Our missions include the Dominican Republic, Mozambique 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 Sisters, Lay Associates and Volunteers in Mission! 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. Madonna Marie, O.S.F., Vocation Director, 450 St. Bernardine Street, Reading, PA 19607-1737; (610) 777-2967; e-mail: FollowFrancis@bfranciscan.org; website: www.bfranciscan.org. Visit us on Facebook!

See ad on page 47. Code #214.

C

Carmel of Cristo Rey Living in the presence of God is the center of our cloistered Marian life. We are called to an apostolate of prayer, sacrifice, and penance for all humanity, the intentions of Holy Church, and especially for Priests. Guided by the charism of Saints Teresa of Jesus (Avila) and John of the Cross, we seek Divine intimacy and live a hidden life of solitude and silence blended with the joy of the Holy Spirit in community. We remain bilingual (English/Spanish) in grateful recognition of our Spanish Teresian heritage and this Community’s Foundresses who fled the religious persecution of the Mexican Cristero War (1927) and founded our new home in San Francisco (1928). Full traditional habit and Papal Enclosure. Daily life: Holy Mass (Ordinary/Extraordinary), full Liturgy of the Hours, communal Rosary, and Spiritual Reading.

Weekly Benediction and Eucharistic Adoration.

REQUIRED: Age: 20-40, sound mental and physical health, United States citizenship, conversational English or Spanish and a commitment to become bilingual. Rare age exceptions for Transfers considered on an individual basis.

Code #333.

Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm (O.Carm) Founded by Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory in New York in 1929, she 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 18 home-like residences, in seven 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. Mary O’Donovan, O.Carm., St. Teresa’s Motherhouse, 600 Woods Road, Germantown, NY 12526; (518) 537-5000; fax: (518) 537-4579; e-mail: vocationdirector@ gtel.net; website: www.carmelitesisters.com. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 135. Code #153.

Carmelites (O.Carm.), New Orleans, LA—Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel As Carmelites we desire to be a community of contempla-

tive 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, the Philippines and TimorLeste. Our zeal is rooted in our 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 Director: Sr. Alice Abate, O.Carm., 420 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124-2541; (504) 524-2398; e-mail: vocations@sistersofmountcarmel.org; website: www.sistersofmountcarmel.org.

See ad on page 93. Code #013.

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 nonvowed, 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: www.cenaclesisters.org.

See ad on page 43. Code #188.

Cistercian Nuns (O.Cist) Silence, solitude in community, ascetic practices, the cultivation of continual interior prayer, together with the monastic vows of obedience, stability and unceasing conversion, are the means by which we hope to attain to purity of heart, tranquility of mind and spiritual union with God. Our daily life is an alternation between the Divine Office prayed in Latin with Gregorian Chant, lectio divina, and manual labor. Requirements for candidacy: age 20-35 with two years of college or work experience, possession of good physical and psychological health, emotional maturity, and the desire to fulfill God’s will. Valley of Our Lady Monastery, E11096 Yanke Drive, Prairie du Sac, WI 535789737; e-mail: vocations@valleyofourlady.org; website: www.nunocist.org.

See ad on page 94. Code #011.

Congregation of Divine Providence (C. D . P. ), M e l b o u r n e , KY “Be Providence to others through the works o f m e rc y ! ” We s i s t e r s o f t h e Congregation of Divine Providence (CDP) strive to live this call in our daily lives. Founded in 1762

by Blessed Jean Martin Moye, a French parish priest, to teach in the abandoned/forgotten places, we were first given a spirituality by our founder— to live poor, simple, charitable lives, always abandoned to the Providence of God. As an international congregation we now live this life of Providence on four continents and through a variety of ministries: education, pastoral ministry, health care, spiritual direction, and social services. We are apostolic women religious, who live our vowed life in community and are

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

strengthened by community and personal prayer.

To learn more about our life or God’s call in your life, please visit our website: www.cdpkentucky. org; e-mail: vocation@cdpkentucky.org; or call/ text Sr. Theresa Falkenstein at 859-814-6860 or Sr. Lynn Stenken at 859-814-9800.

Code #257.

Congregation of Notre Dame (CND) Founded in 1659 in Montreal by Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, the Congrégation de Notre-Dame (CND) has historically been involved in education. Following in the footsteps of our foundress we respond to the needs of the time in areas of ministry that include education, social justice, the Church and ecology. We are present in the following countries: Canada, USA, Japan, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Cameroon and France. For information go to www.cnd-m.org. Contact: Sr. Peggy Doyle, 30 Highfield Road, Wilton, CT 06897-3802; e-mail: cndsusa@cnd-m.org or call (203) 762-4300. See our digital web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See ad on page 129. Code #012.

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. Edie Crews, 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937; (920) 907-2310; e-mail: ecrews@ csasisters.org; website: www.csasisters.org.

See ad on page 105. Code #171.

Congregation of the Humility of Mary (CHM) Our journey as Sisters of the Humility of Mary began in France over 150 years ago. It is a spirit-filled history, rich with stories of pioneering women who founded schools and colleges, cared for the sick, sheltered orphans, provided spiritual guidance and befriended those most in need. Our understanding of “humility” grows out of its root word, “humus” meaning earth. We are, like Mary, “earthy women” –practical, flexible, hard-working-committed to caring for earth and all creation.

As advocates for justice, we sponsor an emergency homeless shelter, transitional housing for single parent families, and Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, providing spiritual renewal in a quiet country setting. CHMs value and strive for a nourishing community life and we include lay associates in our common search for communion with one another and with the Divine.

We welcome mature women 30-55 to help us create the future of regligious life in a 21st century global media culture. Contact: CHM Membership, 820 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport, IA 52804; 563-322-9466 or searching@ chmiowa.org. Learn more about us: chmiowa. org and follow our blog at anunspocket.com.

See ad on page 29. Code #363.

Consolata Missionary Sisters The Consolata Missionary Sisters are members of an international missionary Institute of women religious founded by Blessed Joseph Allamano in Turin, Italy, in 1910. The purpose of our congregation is to fulfill Jesus’ mandate to go and proclaim the Good News of Consolation to all nations.

The Sisters are presently committed to this goal by ministering in several countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South and North America.

We do this through a variety of ministries: as catechists, nurses, teachers, pastoral ministers, social workers, pastoral administrators…in whatever way we can. As Consolata Missionary Sisters we simply want to be a presence…a presence of peace, of reconciliation, of love…a presence that comforts and reassures…that hopes beyond hope. With our lives nourished by the Word of God and sustained by the Eucharist, we strive to build communities that are poor and prophetic, centered on the experience of Christ, open to all people for the proclamation of the Gospel. Contact: Vocation Office, P.O. Box 371, Belmont, MI 49306; Phone: (616)

361-2072; e-mail: reusamc@consolatasisters. org; website: www.consolatasisters.org.

Code #440.

D

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (D.C.) The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul are an international community of Sisters called to serve Jesus Christ in persons who are poor and marginalized. Motivated by the love of Christ and strengthened by a deep prayer life, they live and pray in community, supporting each other in the common mission of service of those living in poverty. The ministries of the Daughters of Charity include education, healthcare, social services, pastoral ministry, advocacy for change, and others. In addition to the United States, there are nearly 16,000 Daughters of Charity throughout the world in 94 countries. Faithful to the teachings of the Church, they proclaim the Gospel message through their words and actions. The mission of the Daughters of Charity calls them to be innovative and inventive, collaborative and inclusive. In whatever they do, they strive to perform their service in imitation of Jesus Christ.

Website: www.daughters-of-charity.com; Facebook: Daughters of Charity Vocations U.S.; Blog: Spirit of the Daughters of Charity; YouTube: DaughtersofCharityUS; Twitter: DofCharity; Instagram: daughtersofcharityus.

See ad on page 123. Code #168.

Daughters of Divine Zeal (F.D.Z.) We are an international community of sisters established by St. Hannibal Marie 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 prayer 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: hannibalmarylucy@yahoo.com; website: www.fdz.com.au/order.

Code #236.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 93

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Congregation of Sisters of Bon Secours (C.B.S.) In 1821, Bon Secours became the first community of sisters to provide continuous nursing within the homes of those who were suffering. Our vision and mission: to defend and care for all life and creation and alleviate suffering; to 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. Community life and shared prayer balance our life of ministry as we contribute to a more humane world integral to spreading the Gospel. We minister in health care, retreat ministry, pastoral, social and human services, housing, education, etc. Through continuing founder Josephine Potel’s innovative spirit, we bring healing and wholeness beyond walls of tradition in rural areas and cities in the USA, England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Peru and South Africa.

Contact: Sr. Patricia Dowling, C.B.S., Vocation Director, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104; 1-877-742-0277; e-mail: CBSVocations@bshsi.org; websites: www.BonSecoursVocations.org, www.LifeAsASister.org. APP: Imagine a Sisters Life. Join us in our Chat Room discussions at: www.lifeasasister.org/talk-with-a-sisterabout-religious-life/chat-room/ or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. See our web ads at vocationnetwork.org. and our digital web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See ad on page 35. Code #058.

Enter #013 at VocationMatch.com

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG 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: www. domlife.org/Vocation.

See ad on page 161. Code #018.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Enter #011 at VocationMatch.com Daughters of St. Mary of Providence The Daughters of St. Mary of Providence were founded in 1881 by Saint Louis Guanella to spread the “Culture of Charity.” As Instruments of Providence, we do not limit our energies but extend them to provide assistance wherever serious circumstances and need arise. The Daughters are currently serving in 14 countries around the world: Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Romania, India, the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Mexico, Canada and the United States. We are sent to evangelize those in need and to reveal to them the Provident love of the Father with our works of mercy. We dedicate ourselves with a preferential love to persons less favored with gifts of intelligence and physical health, as well as those in need of religious formation, and those deprived of human support. We offer our lives to as many as Providence puts on our path and feel the solicitous concern to be “sister, mother, and friend,” to become one family with them.

For more information: call: (773) 545-8300; e-mail: dsmpchi@sbcglobal.net; website: www.dsmpic.org.

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 121. Code #263.

Daughters of St. Paul (F.S.P.) Founded by Blessed James Alberione in 1915 to take up the modern media for the Gospel and the Church, the Daughters of St. Paul bring Jesus Christ to all people in more than 50 countries. Meeting Christ in the Word and the Eucharist through daily Mass, meditation, community prayer, and our Hour of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, we are transformed into Christ in order to proclaim him to the world through print and digital publishing, radio, Internet, social media, music, art, video, apps, our book and media centers, and media education seminars. Age limit: 18-30 years old. (Exceptions can be made.) Discernment retreat weekends and Come and See programs are offered, as well as the St. Paul Summer Program for high school women. Website: www.daughtersofstpaul. org. Contact: Sr. Margaret Michael, F.S.P., Vocation Director, 1025 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; (703) 549-3806; e-mail: vocations@paulinemedia.com. En español: vocacionesfsp@gmail.com. Canada: Vocation Director, 3022 Dufferin St., Toronto, Ontario M6B 3T5; (416) 781-9131; e-mail: PaulineToronto@ gmail.com. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #015.

Daughters of the Heart of Mary (DHM) WOMEN CONSECRATED FOR MISSION. As an international congregation, we profess vows of 94 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience and live contemporary and often hidden religious lives without distinctive sign or title, patterned after Mary of Nazareth. In community life we share a common spirituality and prayer life nurtured through regular meetings, days of prayer and spiritual renewal, community celebrations, and province-wide gatherings. Whether residing in a small group setting with other sisters or with family or alone, we are missioned to serve in ministries broad and diverse. Although founded in 18th Century France, our 21st Century Mission is “TO SEEK TO FOSTER A WORLD ROOTED IN AND REVITALIZED BY THE WORD OF GOD.” U.S. Vocation Director, 1365 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040; (413) 534-4502; e-mail: vocations@ dhmna.org; website: www.dhm.org. See our digital web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

Code #150.

Daughters of Wisdom (D.W.) Rooted in the spirituality handed on to us by St. Louis Marie De Montfort and Bl. Marie Louise Trichet, we, Daughters of Wisdom today, seek and contemplate Divine Wisdom present in a world that hungers for meaning, justice, and compassion. Present in twenty continents across five continents, our mission is to bring the message of Jesus, Incarnate Wisdom, to people experiencing injustice, violence, poverty, and oppression, especially women and children. Daughters of Wisdom have ministered in the United States for over a century. Called together in community, we serve those in need of education, health care, and basic human and spiritual resources. 385 Ocean Avenue, Islip, NY 11751; (631) 277-2660, Ext. 16; e-mail: vocation@daughtersofwisdom.org; website: www. daughtersofwisdom.org.

See ad on page 39. Code #275.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.) Dominican Sisters live in many locations throughout the U.S. We share a common heritage, and are influenced by differences in our geography and history. As Dominicans, we claim preaching as our mission, supported by a life of prayer and study in community. In apostolic congregations members often live in the locale where our particular ministries are located. Our 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 our ministries Dominican women strive for integrity in serving God and creation in the 21st century. Women in their 20’s - 40’s are invited to contact a Dominican congregation for specific

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Adrian, MI We Dominican Sisters of Adrian are members of the Order of Preachers. We preach the Good News of God’s love to the world through our ministries and our lives. One of our mottos is “To contemplate and share the fruits of contemplation.” We strive to base our lives on the four pillars of Dominican life: prayer, study, community and ministry/preaching.

Our roots go back to St. Dominic 800 years ago. We came to Adrian, Michigan, in 1879. We are currently around 650 members and minister in many places in the United States as well as the Dominican Republic and the Philippines. Our actual ministries take many forms. For example, we serve as teachers, lawyers, social workers, parish pastoral ministers, chaplains, artists, and advocates for those in our world who are suffering, including our whole earth community.

In whatever we do, we aim to “seek truth, make peace, and reverence life.” Vocation Director: 1257 East Siena Heights Dr., Adrian, MI 49221-1793; Toll-free: 1-866-774-0005; e-mail: vocations@ adriandominicans.org. Please visit our website at adriandominicans.org and follow us on Facebook.

See ads on pages 31, 161. Code #176.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Blauvelt, NY Our Dominican motto: to praise, to bless, to preach the Word of God frames our lives of prayer, study, common life and ministry. We endeavor to proclaim the good news of the compassionate love of God for each person with a special consciousness of and presence to those who are poor and on the margins of society. In living out this mission, we serve in a variety of ministries including education, social services, health care, pastoral care, peace and justice, and prison ministry. We have committed ourselves to intentionally embrace the future with hope and recognize that God’s design is one that leads us to a greater understanding of the sacredness and oneness of all creation. We invite you to join us. To learn about our life and ministries, friend us on Facebook, visit our website opblauvelt. org, or contact Sr. Michaela Connolly, O.P.; e-mail: mconnolly@opblauvelt.org.

See ad on page 161. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Caldwell, NJ We, Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell, are a community of vowed women religious responding to God’s call and united in our quest for the unfolding revelation of God. We preach the Word of God through our lives of contemplative prayer, study, and ministry in response to the needs of our time. Together we have chosen three directions: to reclaim our passion for contemplation; to hold the promotion of justice as a singular priority; and to study, live, and teach the mysteries of the universe and the sacredness of all creation. We live out these directions as we minister in education at all levels from pre-school to graduate school, child care centers, parish ministry, pastoral care, health care, senior housing facilities, advocacy for government and corporate practices, and earth literacy. We welcome other women to share this life with us. Visit our website: www.caldwellop. org. Be in touch with us: (973) 403-3331; e-mail us at: dominicans@caldwellop.org.

See ad on page 161. Code #018.

SISTERS Ever had any nicknames?

The day I became a novice one of the sisters in my community suggested I change my name to “Sister Mary Exuberant.” I embrace my “new name,” as I am from the Dominican Republic, and I’m an Adrian Dominican sister, so I’m double Dominican and double joyful!

What first drew you to religious life?

I heard an Adrian Dominican sister talking about a close, personal relationship with God, and her words echoed in my heart. I met other sisters from the same community who one day invited me to their house.

Call her Sister Mary Exuberant

What aspects of their lives stood out?

They had a passion for truth; they wanted to share the good news of the gospel not just with words but through their lives. I loved how they worked with the vulnerable and disenfranchised.

What is your current ministry?

As a hospital chaplain in Las Vegas, I see that every hospitalization is a crisis of meaning. My main job is to listen, to offer the compassionate, loving presence of God to those who suffer.

Every encounter is sacred, and I feel honored and privileged to be present with people in this way.

Your favorite way to pray?

Early in the morning when I wake up, I stay silent to greet God in the new day.

Most fun you’ve ever had with your community?

Dominicans are well known for being joyful, and in every major activity we have in our community or with other Dominican congregations, we love to dance. We take it “very seriously”!

SISTER XIOMARA MÉNDEZ-HERNÁNDEZ, O.P. Xiomara Méndez-Hernández grew up in a large, close family and had no intention of joining a religious community. She had a talent for fashion design and launched a career in that field. But after meeting the Adrian Dominican Sisters, she couldn’t shake the thought of living as they did. “It took me 13 years to listen to that voice in my heart,” she says. “It wasn’t easy, but I’m glad I did!”

Leer en español en la página 76.

Do you have a favorite saint?

Many have inspired me; right now I am fascinated with Saint Rose de Lima, the first saint of the American continent. I have studied her in order to perform her life at Dominican preaching conferences and other events.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 95

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Grand Rapids, MI We are vowed Dominican women preaching the Word in diverse forms through our ministries.

Through prayer, study, common life, and ministry, we strive to live the Gospel, embodying God’s compassion for all persons and our world. We have a passion for justice, to be in right relationship with God, one another, and the earth. We serve in health and pastoral ministry, education, social work, and advocacy. Our ministries are as diverse and creative as are the gifts and talents of our members. We serve primarily in Michigan as well as in eleven other states with a mission in Peru and Honduras. Join our Sisters and Associates in preaching the Gospel! Contact Sister Doris Faber O.P., 2025 East Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503; (616) 514 3431. Visit our website: www.grdominicans.org.

See ad on page 161. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Mission San Jose, Fremont, CA How is God calling you to be your best? Where are you going in your life? Does the love and joy of God tug at your heart? Contact the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose (Order of Preachers)—joyful Gospel women whose prayer, study, community, and ministry empower them to preach Jesus Christ by varied missions of evangelization and education that promote justice and peace. Inspired by Saint Dominic, Saint Catherine of Siena, and foundress Mother Pia Backes, we center our lives on the Word of God, contemplate God’s Truth, and share it with others. We serve in education, pastoral, health care, social service, peace and justice, and media ministries. We preach the truth in love to the young, the poor, and the vulnerable. We are located in the United States and Mexico. Vocation Director: Sr. Mary Yun, vocations@msjdominicans.org; 213-7603085; 43326 Mission Circle, Fremont, CA 945395829. Visit our website: www.msjdominicans.org.

See ad on page 161. 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. Contact: Sister Kathy Slesar, O.P., 5635 Erie Street, Racine, WI 54302-1900; (262) 898-4083; e-mail: vocations@racinedominicans. org; website: www.racinedominicans.org. Also visit us on Facebook: facebook.com/RacineOP. See ad on page 161. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—San Rafael, CA With our lives 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. Since 1850 the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have been a vital part of the west, its people, and its church. We have established convents, schools, and hospitals throughout California and Nevada. We are committed to the Mission of Dominic: to proclaim God’s Word in our world. We serve in a broad range of ministries, including education, health care, social service, 96 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

pastoral care, advocacy for justice, and spiritual guidance. We celebrate our calling as preachers and we welcome other women to join us in community and ministry. Vocations Promoter, 1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901-2236; (415) 257-4939; fax (415) 453-8367; e-mail: vocations@ sanrafaelop.org; website: www.sanrafaelop.org.

See ad on page 161. Code #018.

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 425 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 Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago. Share in the vitality of Dominican life. Contact: Relationship for Mission Team, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824; e-mail: RFM@sinsinawa.org. Please visit us at: www. sinsinawa.org; www.facebook.com/sinsinawa; www.catherinescafe.blogspot.com.

See ad on page 161. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—Sparkill, NY We are Women Making a Difference! We are joyful, itinerant preachers who use our individual gifts to serve the poor, the oppressed and the spiritually deprived. We proclaim the Good News of the Gospel as teachers, nurses, pastoral ministers, campus ministers, childcare providers, housing administrators and social workers. Our ministries expand throughout the United States as well as in Pakistan. Listen for your call and respond.

Contact: Sr. Margaret Palliser, O.P., 175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY 10976; (845) 359-4079; e-mail: margaret.palliser@sparkill.org; website: www. sparkill.org.

See ad on page 161. 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 Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, South Dakota, Washington, DC and Peru, South America. If you are a woman 18 to 34 and would like more information please contact: Sr. Teresa Marron, O.P., Vocation Director, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704; (708) 2071874; e-mail: srteresa@spdom.org; website: www. springfieldop.org.

See ad on page 161. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters of Oakford (O.P.) The Dominican Sisters of Oakford are an international missionary Congregation affiliated to the Dominican Order. The Congregation was founded in 1889 on a small farm in Oakford, Natal, (now known as Kwa-Zulu Natal) South Africa. Rooted in the mission of Jesus, Oakford Sisters are formed in the spirit of St. Dominic and are consecrated

women of the Church at the service of God’s Kingdom. Oakford Sisters are known for their lives of sacrificial service, readiness, versatility, and complete availability to meet the needs of the Church manifested in the circumstances of our times. The Dominican Sisters of Oakford currently serve the Church in the countries of South Africa, Germany, the United States, and England, in the areas of health care, social work, pastoral care and spiritual direction.

Sister Gladys Echenique, O.P., 800 N. Country Club Road, Tucson, AZ 85716; Cell: (520) 4256324; srgladys18@gmail.com; website: www. oakforddominicans.org.

See ad on page 161. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters of Peace (O.P.) We are Dominican Sisters whose charism of preaching flows from our contemplation, study, and community.

We are nearly 550 Sisters and 600 Associates who live and minister in many states and in Honduras, Nigeria and Peru. We value community life, prayer, ministry, study, simplicity of life, and itinerancy, as well as involvement in the global community. Our diverse ministries include education, health care, social work, spiritual direction, parish-based ministries, among others. We serve in colleges, secondary and elementary schools, literacy centers, ecology and spiritual outreach centers, retreat centers, parishes, prisons, and more. We work to create environments of peace by promoting non-violence, unity in diversity, reconciliation, and justice through solidarity, especially for women and children. For more information, please contact Sisters Pat Dual or June Fitzgerald at 2320 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219; toll free 1-855-677-3223 or e-mail: vocations@oppeace.org; website: www.oppeace.org.

See ad on page 161. Code #018.

F

Faithful Companions of Jesus (F.C.J.) God calls us to follow the Son in faithfulness, to stand at the foot of the cross with Mary and the holy women, there to be one with Jesus who thirsts for the coming of the kingdom. The Eucharist is central to our mission and ministry and guides our lives together in community. Ignatian spirituality is the root of our way of life. Through discernment we seek to become contemplatives in action. Listening for God’s call in the events of our everyday lives, we offer our whole selves for whatever God is asking of us in the world today. As we are a small international Society, willing to be sent anywhere for the sake of the Gospel; we often live in multicultural, intergenerational communities.

International unity is important to us. To learn more, please contact Sr. Ellen McCarthy; emccarthyfcj@gmail.com; Sr. Madeleine Gregg; madeleine@fcjsisters.ca. Website: www.fcjsisters. org; Twitter@FCJsisters; Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/FCJ-Young-Adult-Network/ 236227646401517; Blog: fcjsisters.wordpress. com.

See ad on page 55. Code #439.

Felician Sisters (C.S.S.F.)—Our Lady of Hope Province, North America We, the Felician Sisters, are an active contemplative congregation of consecrated women founded by Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska. Our charism is to imitate her boundless love of God and surrender to God’s will in com-

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

passionate service, total availability and concern for the salvation of all people. We live and pray together in community, and follow the rule of St. Francis of Assisi. Responding to the needs of God’s people and of the times, we minister in health care, pastoral care, education, social work, spiritual and administrative services and other Church-related ministries. Today, Felician Sisters minister to God’s people in the United States, Canada, Haiti, Brazil, Poland, Italy, England, France, Kenya, Estonia, Russia, Ukraine and the Amazon. Find out more about us at www.feliciansistersna.org or contact the Vocation Center at navocations@feliciansisters.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 5. Code #025.

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (F.M.M.) We are 6,000 sisters from different nations and cultures serving in 72 countries. We are present in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and North America. Eucharistic adoration and community life are essential to our mission. Our ministries include education, health care, social services, prison ministry, pastoral ministry, parish work, soup kitchens, religious education, and working with immigrants and refugees. “Be ready to go anywhere to proclaim the Good News,” said our foundress, Blessed Mary of the Passion.

Other saints and beatified members of our order include 7 martyrs and Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta, FMM. For more information contact: Sr. Sheila Lehmkuhle, FMM, 4311 Grove Ave., Stickney, IL 60402; (847) 421-7265; e-mail: fmmvoc@aol.com; website: www.fmmusa.org.

Code #125.

Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows (O.S.F.) A Franciscan missionary in China, Bishop Rafael Angelo Palazzi, founded our community in 1939. He entrusted us with a spirit of zeal for Evangelization and Catechesis. We are located in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and also in the United States and British Columbia. As Consecrated Religious we are united to the poor, chaste and obedient Jesus.

As Franciscans we witness to the Good News

Enter #037 at VocationMatch.com through the joy and hospitality we provide in our apostolates of teaching in Catholic schools, catechesis, parish work, and retreat ministry.

Our community life is rooted in the Eucharist with a fervent commitment to prayer. We have a special devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, as co-redemptrix with Christ at the foot of the cross, and there we stand together with Jesus and Mary in the Church’s great mission for the salvation of souls. We welcome women, 18 – 49 to contact the Vocation Directress, 3600 S.W. 170th Avenue, Beavertown, OR 97003; 503-6497127; e-mail: fmsols.form@gmail.com; website: www.olpretreat.org.

See ad on page 99. Code #126.

Franciscan Sisters at Springfield (O.S.F.) [Hospital Sisters of St. Francis] The Franciscan Sisters at Springfield welcome you to reflect on the Spirit’s invitation in your life and on how you might answer that calling as a religious woman in service to those in need. As Franciscan Sisters, we are members of an international, multi-cultural congregation who witness our Franciscan spirituality by reverencing all creation, living and promoting peace and justice and respecting the dignity of all people. We strive to meet needs throughout the world in order to be and to become the healing presence of Jesus.

If you would like to be challenged to follow Jesus according to the Gospel and after the pattern of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi, we look forward to talking with you. Contact Sister Marguerite Cook at (217) 522-3386 or at discern@hsosf-usa.org where you can freely discuss your thoughts. We also invite you to visit our website at www.franciscansatspfld.org.

See ad on page 97. Code #037.

Franciscan Sisters of John the Baptist (FSJB) We are a new community, established October 2, 2006 in the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois.

According to the example of John the Baptist, we dedicate ourselves to a life of limitless humility and self-renunciation. In this way we strive to decrease so Christ can increase. We want our lifestyle to be one of total trust in God. An indispensable part of our charism is to pray daily for priests and seminarians. We commit ourselves to the service of Christ through His brothers and sisters, according to the needs of the Church and society under the guidance of the local Bishop.

We are open to nursing, teaching, catechesis, and

more. We are a contemplative-active community faithful to the Holy Father and to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. We live a joyful and strong community life, rooted in the Eucharist and a solid prayer life and we wear a religious habit. Contact: Mother M. Vaclava Ballon, FSJB, 1209 E. Lake Ave., Peoria, IL 61616; (309) 6883500; e-mail: fsjbpeoria@yahoo.com; website: www.sistersofjohnthebaptist.org.

Code #354.

Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (O.S.F.) Our mission is to be a transforming presence in society through witnessing Gospel values.

Women of faith, prophetic vision and courage, our 87 sisters serve the poor and empower others to live the gospel with hope and joy. Our ministries in 12 states include pastoral care, education, health care and social services. As Franciscan sisters, we relate to creation as sister and have the same mission as St. Francis did to “go and repair.”

We strive to foster relationships of interdependence that ensure a just, sustainable and vibrant earth community. Our foundress, Mother Ernestine Matz, stated, “There is no place too far, no service too humble, and no person too lowly.”

For information: www.fsolph.org; e-mail: srpam@fsolph.org; Sr. Pam Falter, 335 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 63122; Phone 314-965-3700; Fax: 314-965-3710.

See ad on page 39. Code #170.

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) As Franciscans we commit ourselves to promoting sustainability, seeking peace and justice for all, and inviting new members to join us on our Franciscan journey. The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have prayed 24/7 since 1878. This Eucharistic Adoration is the essence of who we are and what we do. Today our sisters, affiliates and prayer partners live a spirituality of Loving Presence in mission, in community and in solidarity with the oppressed. We minister throughout the United States and internationally, offering a wide variety of ministry options including education, health care, parish—just to name a few. Let’s talk. Membership Office, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-8800; (888) 683FSPA (toll free); e-mail: membership@fspa.org; website: www.fspa.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #030.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 97

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Franciscan Daughters of Mary (F.D.M.) The Franciscan Daughters of Mary, consecrated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, are contemplative/active missionaries dedicated to upholding the dignity of every human person from the moment of conception until natural death, as is reflected in our fourth vow. We do this through a very active prayer life from which all of our apostolates flow.

Faithful daughters of the Church, we serve Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Author of Life, with joyful simplicity in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

Some of our apostolic works include; daily prayers for priests, operating a crisis pregnancy center, providing nutrition to needy friends and neighbors, running a free medical clinic for the uninsured individuals, teaching the Catholic faith to young people and being a beacon of “Hope” and a light for “Life” in our present “Culture of Death.” For more information please visit our website: www.fdofmary.org or e-mail us: fdmsisters@gmail.com; PO Box 122070, Covington, KY 41012. See our web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See ad on page 37. Code #306.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Franciscan Sisters of Saint Elizabeth (F.S.S.E.) Following in the footsteps of our Founder Saint 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) 539-3797; email: info@franciscansisters.com; website: www. franciscansisters.com.

See ad on page 46. Code #056.

Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement (S.A.) Founded in 1898, we are a community of women religious 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. Presently, our Sisters minister in the United States, Canada, Italy, Brazil, Japan, and the Philippines. We minister in areas of faith formation, pastoral ministry, social services, retreat and guest house hospitality. Vocation Ministry, 41 Old Highland Turnpike, Garrison, NY 10524; (845) 230-8235; e-mail: vocation.ministry@ graymoor.org; website: www.graymoor.org.

See ad on page 101. Code #211.

Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart (O.S.F)—Frankfort, IL We, the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, are called by God to live the Gospel life after the manner of St. Francis of Assisi as women religious. With love as the foundation of all we are, we incarnate the presence of Jesus—a sign of hope.

We joyfully embrace our vowed life in community which is sustained by our personal and communal prayer and sisterly love. We respond in a prophetic way to the needs of others through our ministries of education, healing, and service. We are currently in Indiana, Illinois, California, West Virginia and Brazil. Contact the Vocation Director: 9201 W. St. Francis Road, Frankfort, IL 60423; (815) 464-3873; e-mail: fsshvocations@aol.com; website: www.fssh.net.

See ad on page 110. Code #033.

G

Glenmary Home Mission Sisters of America The Glenmary Sisters provide missionary services to all God’s children in the Southeastern United States including Appalachia. Serving in areas where the Catholic population is less than 2 percent, their ministry is guided by the Corporal Works of Mercy to: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit those in prison, and bury the dead. Through the Glenmary Sister’s ministry of presence and willingness to share in the daily struggles of the families where they serve, the people of these areas come to understand the love 98 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

and concern of the Catholic Church and their own dignity as children of God. Contact: Barbara O’Nan, e-mail: barbara@glenmarysisters.org; website: www.glenmarysisters.org or call 1-800301-2689.

Code #138.

Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart (G.N.S.H.) As Women Religious in the Catholic Church, we strive to Create a Compassionate World through our lives of prayer, ministry and advocacy. In the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus and our foundress, St. Marguerite d’Youville, Mother of Universal Charity, we collaborate with others, using our gifts and talents in service to emerging concerns of our world. Social justice, nonviolence and care of the earth are important values in our living, praying and working. We are located on the East Coast of the U.S. If you are a woman between the ages of 20-45 with enough love in your heart to serve those in need, and are ready to explore our life and mission, please contact the Vocation Director, Maryellen Glackin, 14500 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116-1188, 215-968-4236, Vocations@greynun.org, www.greynun.org.

See ad on page 163. Code #183.

H

Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy (H.S.M.) The Congregation of Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy was founded in Rome, Italy in 1821 by the servant of God, princess Teresa Orsini Doria Pamphili, with specific charism of “Caring for the Sick”. To assist Jesus in His suffering membership is realized through our service in hospitals and nursing homes where we care for the sick. This charism took root in the USA in 1966 at the invitation of His Excellency Most Rev. Celestino J. Damiano, Bishop of Camden, NJ to staff and administer at the diocesan nursing homes. Since 2000 we also administer Villa Raffaella, our own Assisted Living in Pleasantville, NJ and recently we have established a mission for taking care of children who became victims of Human Trafficking in Louisiana. If you feel Jesus is calling you to follow Him, please contact us. Sr. Theresina Thadathil H.S.M., 915 South Main Street, Pleasantville, NJ 08232; 609-645-9300; e-mail: hospitaler@ comcast.net; website: www.hospitalersistersofmercy.org.

See ad on page 159. Code #436.

I

Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (I.B.V.M.) [Loretto/Loreto Sisters] IBVM Sisters are an apostolic community of Catholic women present in 26 countries across six continents. We live our Ignatian spirituality—contemplative in action—so cherished by our founder, Mary Ward, who in 1609 believed that “women in time to come would do great things.” We believe that women have great gifts to offer in promoting freedom, justice and integrity within church and society. We discern and embrace God’s desire in today’s changing and challenging times. We serve in educational, pastoral, and social ministries as parish ministers, religious education directors, teachers, spiritual directors, counselors, campus ministers, caregivers to women in need, and ministries among immigrants. With singlehearted love we hold ourselves open and ready to undertake whatever is for the greater glory of God

and the good of those we serve. Contact Sr. Claire Vandborg, IBVM; (630) 868-2904; e-mail: vocation@ibvm.us. Visit our website: www.ibvm.us.

Code #210.

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: Sister Sharon Ann Walsh, L.C.M., or Suzanne Petrouski, (708) 229-5095, American Province LCM Sisters, 9350 South California Avenue, Evergreen Park, IL 60805; e-mail: vocations@lcmh.org; website: www.lcmsisters.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 51. Code #039.

Little Portion Franciscan Sisters (O.S.F.) We were founded by a small group of sisters in 1987.

Our vision is to have a simple lifestyle and to assist those in need. Our basic ministry is the simple living of the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Like St. Francis, we want “with all our hearts” the enjoyment of a personal experience of God as loving Mother/Father. We deepen our baptismal commitment, by vowing to live the evangelical counsels of poverty, celibate chastity, obedience as well as non-violence. We engage in a variety of ministries as we wish to match our God-given talents. We intentionally want to be a small group. We are a public association that enjoys the privileges of a community in Canon Law. Contact: Little Portion Franciscan Sisters, 2122 W. Village Terrace, Springfield, MO 65810 or e-mail: little.portion@att.net or www.littleportionfranciscansisters.org or call 417-766-2220.

Code #505.

Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Since 1850 the presence of the Congregation of the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in the Church is one of generous dedication and self-sacrificing love—Saint John Paul II. The goal of the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception is: out of an exclusive love of God and following the example of Jesus Christ, to serve our neighbors who are most in need of spiritual and material help, especially children, the poor, and the sick.

In simplicity and love we give proof of this by: • A Christian upbringing in preschools, schools, children’s homes, youth activities • Religious education and parish work • Caring for the poor, the sick, and the elderly • Serving in hospitals, assisted living and nursing homes • Other apostolic works. Is Jesus calling you? Do not be afraid to come and serve Him. Mother Dorota; s.dorotab@gmail.com; 1000 Cropwell Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08003; 856-424-1962.

See ad on page 107. Code #432.

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary (L.S.J.M.) The Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary are an active-contemplative community of religious women called to meet Christ in the poor, in one another, in the created world and in the Eucharist. Embracing the spirituality of Charles de Foucauld, our mission is to Cry the Gospel with our lives. We live in community. Daily Eucharist, morning and evening prayer, adoration, service and hospitality are hallmarks of our life. Our apostolate includes a crisis center for the poor, a soup kitchen, a residential program for homeless men, a representative payee program and a good neighbor program. We were founded in 1974

by Sr. Mary Elizabeth Gintling who described our community as women “loving God together”, and as “wounded people healing wounded people”.

Please contact: Sr. Marilyn Bouchard, P.O. Box 1755, Salisbury, MD 21802; (410)543-1645; e-mail: lsjm@ comcast.net; website: www.thejosephhouse.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 127. Code #361.

M

Marianist Sisters, Daughters of Mary Immaculate (F.M.I.) The Marianist Sisters are the women vowed religious in the Marianist Family. We continue the risk-taking faith of our foundress, Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon, as educators in the faith and in developing faith communities in collaboration with the laity, and in the service of women, youth, and the poor. We often work in collaboration with the Society of Mary, the men vowed religious in the Marianist Family. FMI’s serve in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and the United States (Dayton, OH and San Antonio, TX). 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: Sr. Nicole Trahan, FMI. 1566 Crescent Blvd., Kettering, OH 45409; (937) 938-1882; ntrahan@ gmail.com; See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org.

See ad on page 153. Code #105.

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 200 sisters, and are part of the Holy Cross

Enter #126 at VocationMatch.com 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 and Burkina Faso. 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!

E-mail: reneemsc@marianites.org; website: www. marianites.org.

Code #162.

Maryknoll Sisters (M.M.) We are women religious missionaries in 22 countries in Asia, Africa, Haiti, the Pacific Islands and the Americas. Rooted in the mission of Jesus, we cross boundaries of culture, race, gender, socio-economic-political status and faith traditions, collaborating with others to make God’s love and compassion visible. We serve as pastoral workers, social workers, community based health workers, doctors, nurses, catechists, farmers, teachers, theologians, spiritual directors and advocates for justice and peace, and the preservation of the environment and all creation. Our journey is shared with the people of all cultures, especially those who are marginalized and oppressed. Through our mission, we work for truth, justice, peace and the integrity of creation. Join us. . . . to help make God’s love visible! Contact: Congregational Vocation Team: Sr. Maureen Hanahoe.

Maryknoll Sisters, P.O. Box 311, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0311; (914) 941-7575 ext. 5612; e-mail: vocation@mksisters.org. Our website: www. maryknollsisters.org/voc.

See ad on page 133. Code #479.

Medical Mission Sisters (M.M.S.) Medical Mission Sisters are women full of passion…for wholeness, for justice, for life. Like our Foundress, Anna Dengel, M.D., “it eats us up” when individuals and communities are denied the resources and opportunities they need to live as human beings.

In our broken, wounded world, Medical Mission Sisters are called to live as a healing presence. We try to bring about a world where all live in harmony and no one is in want. We try to live as Jesus did, with care and compassion for all. Our 600 Sisters and 100 Associates partner with others in 17 nations today to help build one world where the gifts of all people, all cultures, all creation are affirmed and celebrated. If you would like more information about our special call in the Church, please contact: MMS Vocation Director at voca-

tion@mmsmission.net. We also invite you to visit our website: www.medicalmissionsisters.org.

See ad on page 37. Code #042.

Medical Missionaries of Mary (M.M.M.) Inspired by our Blessed Mother’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, the Medical Missionaries of Mary (MMM) follow her example, bringing Christ’s healing love to those most in need. Sustained by prayer and community life, each sister, in self-surrender, seeks God through a lifelong commitment of poverty, celibacy, and obedience in service to the sick, poor, marginalized and most neglected of our world. MMM is particularly drawn to those services that heal and empower women. MMM presently serve in nine African countries, Brazil and Honduras ministering in a variety of professional capacities such as midwives, nurses, doctors, social services, administrators and various pastoral ministries. The sisters strive to identify, respect and affirm cultural differences and wisdom with particular regards to health and healing. Primary Health Care, in continuous dialogue with the local people, is a MMM priority. Contact: Sr. Nina Underwood, 179 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143; (617) 666-3223; e-mail: nina-underwood@comcast.net; website: www.mmmusa.org and www.mmmworldwide.org.

Code #299.

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart (M.H.S.H.) Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart are vowed sisters and lay missioners who strive to bring the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to all people.

Founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1890, we now have 48 sisters and 33 lay missioners serving across the continental US, in Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

Rooted in a spirituality of finding God in all persons and events, Mission Helpers reach out in loving service wherever there is need, especially on the margins.

Sisters serve in any apostolic endeavors to which they feel called. Presently, our sisters work in the following areas: parish work (religious education, pastoral administration, etc.); spiritual direction; university education; social work; counseling, health care chaplaincy; administrative positions in dioceses and other religious organizations, etc. In whatever ministry we serve, we strive to “touch hearts and change lives”.

We welcome inquiries about vowed life (women) and lay missioners (men and women). Inquiries from older persons welcome. Those interested in vowed sisters: Sr. Susan Engel, MHSH (443) 824-6170 or Sr. Marilyn Dunphy, MHSH (617) 974-5010. Lay Missioners: Sr. Dianne Livingstone, MHSH (443) 226-2598; website: www.missionhelpers.org.

Code #043.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 99

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Little Sisters of the Poor (L.S.P.) We are an international congregation living the Beatitudes in a spirit of joyful simplicity. Continuing the work of our foundress, St. Jeanne Jugan, our mission is to offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to himself. In addition to the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, we make a fourth vow of hospitality, through which we consecrate our lives uniquely to the aged poor. Through our vocation we wish to give quiet witness to the humility and merciful love of Christ and to the dignity of every human life. The Association Jeanne Jugan is comprised of Catholic lay men and women who share in our spirit and mission. Visit our website: www.littlesistersofthepoor.org or contact us at 4200 Harewood Rd, NE Washington, DC 20017; e-mail: serenity@littlesistersofthepoor.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 19. Code #041.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (M.S.C.) As Missionaries, we go out of ourselves to encounter others by “being close to those crushed by life’s troubles, sharing with the needy, standing at the side of the sick, elderly and the outcast.” ~ Pope Francis. We are Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus—passionate and bold in responding to the most urgent needs of our world. Our works include health care for the poor and uninsured, elder care, education, low-income housing, advocacy for immigrants and persons who are trafficked, faith formation and human promotion. We are in 15 countries around the world. We are vowed sisters, lay missionaries, volunteers and many others who collaborate in our works—all seeking to be a creative and compassionate expression of Christ’s love in the world. Come. Join us. For more information on how to share your gifts as a missionary please visit our website www. mothercabrini.org. MSC Vocation Director, 610 King of Prussia Rd., The Cottage, Radnor, PA 19087; Phone: 610-902-1039; e-mail: mscvocations@mothercabrini.org.

See ad on page 3. Code #044.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

O

Oblate Sisters of Providence (O.S.P.) The Congregation of the Oblate Sisters of Providence was founded in 1829 to provide for the Christian education of children, specifically the daughters of the city’s Haitian refugees. As the oldest religious community for women of African descent, we continue the tradition of education and service to the poor and neglected begun by our foundress, Mother Mary Lange. In African American and Latino communities in the United States and Costa Rica we serve primarily as teachers, school administrators, social workers, catechists and pastoral associates.

Through our ministries we share the Good News of Christ by the integrity of our faith, our love of God and our firm hope and trust in God’s Providence. If you hunger for a deeper relationship with God, have a longing to help God’s people and desire to be an instrument of change, contact Sr. Marcia Hall, OSP, Vocation Director; (410) 242-8500; e-mail: ospvocations@oblatesisters.com; website: www. oblatesistersvocations.com. Together we have the ability to change lives!

Code #340.

Order of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary We are a Eucharistic, Marian and contemplative community consisting of priests, brothers, and sisters, who are consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and wear a full habit. In addition to Holy Mass our daily schedule includes: 15 decade Rosary (20 on Thursday), Divine Mercy Chaplet, Liturgy of the Hours, and time for silent adoration, 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. Please contact our Vocation Director at (740) 946-9000 or e-mail: twohearts1@mac.com, after seeing the requirements listed on our website at: www. heartsofjesusandmary.org.

Code #271.

100 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

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. To learn more about us, see our website at www.parishvisitorsisters. org or contact Sr. Dolores Marie, Vocation Director, P.O. Box 658, Monroe, NY 10949-0658; (845) 783-2251; e-mail: pvmi@frontiernet.net.

Code #292.

Passionist Nuns (C.P.), Ellisville, MO Brides of the Crucified. Giving Him everything through Religious vows. A spirit of poverty, solitude, prayer and community builds a relationship with Jesus of worshipful love. We love for those who don’t; pray for those who won’t. Thus do we serve God, the Church, the World. Loyal to the Holy Father. We pray the Liturgy of Hours, daily Holy Mass and Rosary, coming before the Blessed Sacrament at least 7 times daily keeps us attuned to the beatings of the Sacred Heart.

Looking for something to fill the emptiness in life? Write: Passionist Nuns, 15700 Clayton Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011-2300; website: www. passionistnunsofstlouis.org. NO E-MAIL. Please provide a mailing address when you write.

Code #047.

Poor Clares (O.S.C.) [Order of Saint Clare]— Jamaica Plain, MA Our order was founded in 1212 by St. Clare of Assisi with the help and guidance of St. Francis. As Poor Clares we are cloistered contemplatives who pray for the needs of the Church and the world. Celebration of the Eucharist, praying the Liturgy of the Hours as well as adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, private prayer and spiritual reading are part of our day. Our work is comprised of making liturgical vestments, shipping altar breads to parishes and providing cards for all occasions. Candidates are welcome to join us in our life of Gospel living in community. Contact: Sr. Clare Frances, 920 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130; e-mail: clarefrancesosc@aol.com; (617) 524-1760; www.poorclaresboston.org.

See ad on page 124. Code #438.

Poor Clares (O.S.C.) [Order of Saint Clare]— Langhorne, PA Cloistered Franciscan nuns, founded by St. Clare of Assisi, companion of St. Francis of Assisi. For 800 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: www.poorclarepa.org.

See ad on page 25. Code #048.

Poor Clares (O.S.C.) [Order of Saint Clare]—Spokane, WA Cloistered Franciscan nuns following the Primitive Rule of St. Clare. Our order is 800 years old and we have been in Spokane since 1914. We are a habited community following the teachings and traditions of the Church. We pray the Liturgy of the Hours with Eucharistic adoration and celebrate daily Mass in our chapel. Our daily schedule follows the monastic tradition of prayer and work, both individual and communal. Our community, known for its joyful missionary spirit, evangelizes from our cloister through our outreach ministries of intercessory prayer, internet, newsletters, books and our 24 hour Catholic radio station. We accept Catholic women between the ages of 18 and 40 with at least a high school education. To request information or arrange a visit, contact Sr. Debbie, Monastery of Saint Clare, 4419 N. Hawthorne St., Spokane, WA 99205; (509) 327-4479; e-mail: spokanepcvocations@ gmail.com. Website: www.calledtojoy.com or facebook: Poor Clare Nuns of Spokane. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #194.

Poor Clares (O.S.C.) [Order of Saint Clare]—Travelers Rest, SC As Poor Clare Nuns, we the sisters of the Monastery of Saint Clare in Travelers Rest, SC live a life of contemplative prayer and pray for the whole world. In the tradition of Saint Clare and Saint Francis of Assisi we choose to live simply and in community. Our daily schedule includes communal praying of the full Liturgy of Hours, Eucharist, personal prayer, sacred reading, and work within the monastery. Eucharistic adoration is available daily. We welcome unmarried women between the ages of 25 and 45 who may be feeling God’s call to live our life of prayer, community, and contemplation. We hope to hear from you: Vocation@poorclaresc. com; (864) 834-8015, 37 McCauley Rd., Travelers Rest, SC 29690. We encourage you to visit our website: www.poorclaresc.com. Please know that as you are reading this your Poor Clare sisters are holding you in prayer.

Code #359.

Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (P.H.J.C.) We are an international congregation of apostolic women religious. We minister with the poor, the sick and children in the United States, Mexico, Germany, England, the Netherlands, India, Brazil, Kenya and Nigeria. With prayer and community living as our foundation, we carry out the mission of Jesus. 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. The Poor Handmaids, together with the Associate and Fiat Spiritus communities, live the spirit of Blessed Catherine Kasper, our foundress. In the U.S.A.—Sr. Michele Dvorak,

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG P.H.J.C., P.O. Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513; (574) 936-9936; e-mail: mdvorak@poorhandmaids.org; website: www.poorhandmaids.org.

In Mexico: e-mail: vocacion.spjc@gmail.com; website: www.siervaspobres.org.mx. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #049.

Presentation Sisters (P.B.V.M.)—Dublin, Ireland Three hundred years ago a woman was born in Ireland - Nano Nagle - whose global vision and creative endeavours have led to her legacy inspiring compassionate Gospel services in all five continents today. Inspired by her Gospel vision we are a community of women whose lives are rooted in stillness and contemplation so to enable us to develop caring and meaningful relationships in education, community outreach, innovative justice interventions and international missionary service. We are committed to living sustainably and to promoting justice, peace and non-violence in all settings where we form community. Inspired by the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, we seek to be heart-centered women, developing caring and meaningful relationships especially with those who are poor, marginalised or voiceless.

We invite women, single or single-again, ages 25-50, who desire to experience a dynamic, global community to contact our Membership Link Sister, Sr. Bernadette Flanagan, PBVM; bernadette@presprone.com.

Code #503.

R

Religious of the Assumption, USA Province A diverse group of women living together in close-knit, friendly communities, we live out the vision of our foundress, Saint Marie Eugenie Milleret, by integrating contemplation and action. The Liturgy of the Hours, the Eucharist, and daily Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, coupled with personal prayer and study, give us the foundation we need to carry out our mission of “transforming society.” We commit ourselves to our charism of education

Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement We are diverse | We are united

J

OY is at the heart of our ATONEMENT vocation. In Franciscan simplicity and joy, we proclaim the Gospel “that all may be one” (John 17:21).

COME, share in our JOY!

WWW.GRAYMOOR.ORG Enter #211 at VocationMatch.com in many ways, including teaching, parish work, counseling, and community development as we reach out to immigrants, to women, to children and young people, college students and other adult seekers. We have been striving to impact the world through prayer and action since 1839; today we are 1,200+ sisters in 34 countries.

For more information about sharing your life with us for one year, two years, or for the rest of your life, visit www.assumptionsisters.org.

Vocation and Volunteer Ministry Director, 16 Vineyard Street, Worcester, MA 01603; e-mail: ravocation@hotmail.com, directorassumption@ gmail.com; (508) 793-1954.

Code #466.

Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) The paths we walk are paved with a shared dream…that all may have life and have it to the full. Founded in France in 1849, we are now in 14 different countries in Europe, Africa and the Americas. Prayer and community are the twin pillars that support us in many different forms of ministry including education, health care, pastoral ministry, social work, legal services and retreats. While representing different cultures, languages, talents and experiences, we have one heart and one spirit. We have staked our lives on the belief that God is revealed to us in creation, in the person of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The most vulnerable on earth and the vulnerability of the earth itself are the focus of our quest in these critical times to know and love God, and to make God known and loved. We invite you to consider walking with us. Contact: Sr. Anna Maria Lionetti, annamarialion@gmail.com; Websites: www. rshm.org; www.rscm-gen.org; www.youtube. com/user/RSHMChannel.

Code #273.

S

Salesian Sisters (FMA) a.k.a.

Daughters of Mary Help of Christians Bringing Christ to the Young and the Young closer to Christ. That’s been our clear and consistent charism since 1872! Founded by St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello in Italy, now in 96 countries, over 12,000 Salesian Sisters—the largest order of women religious in the world —live a strong community life of prayer,

mission, and fun with the youth wherever they are, especially the poorest! Centered in the Eucharist, devoted to Mary, and faithful to the Magisterium, we work with—for—among the youth as educators, counselors, campus ministers, Newman Center staff, coaches, mentors, school principals, and more! Contact us: EASTERN PROVINCE—Sr. Theresa Lee, 659 Belmont Ave., North Haledon, NJ 07508; e - m a i l : h a p p y n u n @ y a h o o . c o m ; w w w. salesiansisters.org; www.facebook.com/ Salesian.Sister; www.youtube.com/user/ happynun; instagram happynun1. WESTERN PROVINCE—Sr. Jeanette Palasota, 5630 West Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78237; e-mail: v o c a t i o n s f m a @ g m a i l . c o m ; h t t p : / / w w w. salesiansisterswest.org/; https://www.facebook. com/SalesianSistersWest/.

Code #255.

School Sisters of St. Francis (OSF)—Milwaukee, WI We are an international community of Catholic sisters who unite with others to help build a more just and peaceful world. As School Sisters of St. Francis, our mission is to live the Good News of Jesus and witness to the presence of a loving God as we enter into the lives and needs of people, especially the poor, throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America, India and Africa. Through education, pastoral ministry, social justice, spiritual growth, health care, and the fine arts, we strive to be the Franciscan face of the Gospel to all those with whom we come into contact. Sustained by the spirit of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi, we carry out our ministries with hope, joy, commitment, and connection—to God and to each other. Please contact Rosaura Solano, 1515 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215; (414) 385-5253; e-mail: vocations@sssf.org; website:www.sssf.org.

Code #053.

Servants of the Blessed Sacrament (S.S.S.) A worldwide Eucharistic contemplative community, we maintain Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in our public Chapels. Our life of prayer is shared with others according to the talents of the Sisters, e.g. spiritual guidance, Eucharistic Minister, organist. Age limit: 20-45.

Education: 2 years college or work experience.

Contact: Sr. Catherine Caron; srcathcaron@ hotmail.com; www.blesacrament.org.

Code #054.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 101

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Poor Servants of the Mother of God The Poor Servants of the Mother of God was founded in 1872 by Mother Magdalen Taylor, declared Venerable by Pope Francis, June 13, 2014. Her influence and inspiration continue in all works carried out by the Sisters, associates, and staff throughout the world, helping us rise to the challenges and opportunities of today. The deeply religious desire of the Sisters to serve the aging and sick has been handed down from generation to generation and is still very much apparent at Maryfield USA. One significant way was to establish Pennybyrn at Maryfield USA, a gracious continuing care retirement community nestled in 71 naturally landscaped acres in High Point, North Carolina. Presently, Sisters work in Ireland, England, Italy, Africa, and the United States. Ministries include: Healthcare, Education. Pastoral Ministry and the Nonprofit Sector. The spirit of our Catholic heritage of caring and devotion to God can be felt in everything we do. Contact: Sr. Lucy Hennessy, 1315 Greensboro Rd., High Point, NC 27260; (336) 821-6500; e-mail: sisterlucy@pbmccrc. com; website: www.smgsisters.org.

See ad on page 133. Code #460.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary (S.S.C.M.) An international religious congregation serving the needs of the church through parish ministry, health care, teaching, counseling, and human services. The sisters in the United States 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 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 Office, Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, 717 North Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510; (815) 370-7228; e-mail: vocation@sscm-usa.org; website: www.sscm-usa.org.

See ad on page 132. Code #055.

Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (S.S.C.J.) Founded in 1894 by St. Joseph Sebastian Pelczar and Blessed Klara Szczesna in Krakow, Poland, our charism is to extend the Kingdom of Love of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus by means of our love and contemplation, life of reparation and penance, and service to our neighbor by prayer, works, good example and sacrifice—all in the spirit of Franciscan simplicity and joy! We work as teachers, catechists, in nursing and personal care, parishes, family and youth ministry, and with the poor. We live and work not only in Poland (where our Motherhouse is in Krakow), but also serve in the U.S., Italy, France, Ukraine, Bolivia, Argentina, and Jamaica. Women between 18-30 who possess adequate health, are not burdened by considerable debt, and desire to give themselves totally to God may be admitted to the Congregation. If you feel drawn toward such a life, please write or visit us. Mother Provincial or Vocation Director, 866 Cambria St., Cresson, PA 16630; (814) 886-4223; e-mail: sscjusaprovince@ gmail.com; website: www.sacredheartsisters.org/.

Code #082.

Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.H.M.)—Immaculata, PA Animated by our charism of love, creative hope, and fidelity, and in imitation of Mary, we proclaim the Gospel message in the spirit of Jesus the Redeemer. Strengthened by a life of vowed consecration, nurtured by prayer and the Eucharist, and sustained by community living, we radiate joyful service and promote Gospel values, offering compassion to all God’s people through our mission to evangelize, to catechize, and to teach. In the spirit of St. Alphonsus, we promote peace and justice in addressing the needs of the most abandoned poor. For information contact Sr. Rose Bernadette Mulligan or Sr. Marianne T. Lallone, Villa Maria House of Studies, 1140 King Rd. Immaculata, PA 19345-0200; (610) 889-1553; e-mail: ihmvoc@gmail. com; website: www.ihmimmaculata.org.

See ad on page 125. Code #187.

Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.H.M.)—Scranton, PA We, the Scranton IHM Sisters, see ourselves as women who value gospel-based community centered in prayer and service. We are a little under 400 women and 150 plus associates who reach out in joyful, loving, hospitable and self-emptying service.

Originally founded in 1845 to serve the educational and spiritual needs of immigrant peoples, we continue to serve in traditional and non-traditional educational settings. We also respond to contemporary needs by caring for those who are poor, homeless, spiritually neglected, sick, uneducated, and aban102 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

doned through individual and collaborative outreach as well as through our sponsored and co-sponsored institutions and social justice ministries. In addition, we nurture a growing commitment to the preservation and sustainability of our earth. Contact: Sr. Mindy Welding IHM, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Ave., S c r a n t o n , PA 1 8 5 0 9 , e - m a i l : reachoutIHM@gmail.com, phone: (570) 346-5414; Visit: www.sistersofihm.org or Facebook: www.facebook.com/sistersofihm. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 4. Code #083.

Sisters of Charity (Federation) The Sisters of Charity Federation is comprised of 12 religious congregations, representing more than 4,000 members in the United States and Canada, who recognize their particular character and spirit in the tradition of Charity founded by St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Impelled by Christ’s love and joined together in the mission of Charity they respond to the cries of those who are poor and marginalized with lives of extravagant love.

To learn more and for contact information for vocation directors of member congregations visit www. sisters-of-charity-federation.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #059.

Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati (S.C.) We are an active apostolic congregation, following in the footsteps of our foundress, St. Elizabeth Seton. For contact information and to view our DVD “Extravagant Love: The Vocation of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati” visit our website at www.srcharitycinti.org/vowed.htm or write to Vocation Coordinator, 5900 Delhi Road, Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

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 Vincentian tradition. We are committed to standing in the fire of Gospel values and responding to a world wounded by violence and stripped of hope. Urged by our charism of Charity we accept our call to an all embracing spirit of Hospitality in all our relationships including creation. While many of us are in Massachusetts, New York, and Nova Scotia, we also serve in other areas. 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 (781) 997-1356; email: mruzzo@schalifax.ca; website: www.schalifax. ca. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #059.

Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (S.C.L.) Impelled by the love of Christ, we, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth offer every loving service in our power to meet the critical needs of God’s people. We are an apostolic community. We currently serve in California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Peru and southern Sudan.

Our ministries include: Health care: hospitals and clinics for the uninsured; Education: college, high

school, elementary; Pastoral ministry: diocesan and parish administration, religious education, spiritual direction, campus ministry, youth ministry; Social services and social justice advocacy. Sr. Vicki Lichtenauer, 4200 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048; (816) 718-2660; e-mail: VickiL@scls.org; website: www.scls.org. We offer short term, live in, Volunteer Experiences all year long. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #059.

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 those affected by poverty and women, and to care for the earth. We engage in diverse ministries in the U.S., India, Nepal, Belize, and Botswana. Sr. Nancy Gerth, S.C.N., P.O. Box 10, Bardstown, KY 40048; (502) 331-4516; e-mail: ngerth@scnky.org; website: www.scnfamily.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #059.

Sisters of Charity of New York (S.C.) An apostolic congregation of women living in community in the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. Founded by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, we are called to reveal God’s love in our lives with and for all in need, especially with persons who are poor. We serve particularly in the New York area, and among the people of Sololá and Quiché in Guatemala. Our ministries include education, health care, social services, pastoral care and housing. We collaborate with organizations working for peace/justice. We invite women to join us for the sake of the Gospel.

To find out more about us, please visit our website at www.scny.org or call (718) 549 9200 x 302 at the Office of New Membership, 6301 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471; e-mail: vocationsc@scny.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

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. The purpose for which our Congregation was founded is the sanctification of its members and the promotion of service to others through the works of charity i.e. nursing, Hispanic ministry, family shelter for the homeless, and food pantry. We accept applicants ages 18-35 and consider others on an individual basis. Contact the Vocation Directress with questions about discernment or registering for a retreat. Vocation Directress: Sister Joan Clare, SCMC, 54 West Main Street, Baltic, CT 06330 (860) 822-8241; e-mail: vocations@sistersofcharity.com; website: www.sistersofcharity.com.

Code #235.

Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth (S.C.) As women of prayer, rooted in community and committed to the mission of Jesus Christ we are compelled by his love to make God known in the world. We work with and for the poor, to alleviate suffering and dispel ignorance and promote justice in all our ministries. In the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul,

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG Saint Louise de Marillac, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and Mother Mary Xavier Mehegan we are faithful to our charism of charity as we engage ourselves in education, health care, diocesan and parish ministry, counseling, spiritual direction and retreats, homes for the aged, adult literacy programs, social services and advocacy for the poor and oppressed.

We serve in 17 dioceses, El Salvador, Central America and Haiti. For more information about us and living BOUNDLESS CHARITY IN YOUR LIFE AND WORK please contact the Office of Vocation Promotion and Admissions, P. O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961-0476; (973) 290-5325. E-mail us at choosecharity@yahoo. com or visit us at www.SCNJ.org. Find us on Facebook by searching ChooseCharityAlways; Twitter@SisterPelican; Instagram@ChooseCharity. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #059.

Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida (SCSJA) Gifted with a 200-year tradition of vowed service with and among the poor, we choose again to be one with Jesus Christ and the powerless. We are rooted in the Gospel by dedicating ourselves to the love, empowerment, service and evangelization of the poor through a fourth vow. As an international community, we minister in 33 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. Kathy Lundwall, S.C.S.J.A., 8560 North 76th Place, Milwaukee, WI 53223; (414) 354-9233; e-mail: kathy@scsja.org; website: www.scsja.org.

Code #060.

Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (B.V.M.) Established in 1833, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to follow in the footsteps of our Irish foundress, Mary Frances Clarke, responding to God’s love and serving wherever the need is the greatest. We find strength in our faith in God, in one another, and with the people we serve. Our core values—freedom, education, charity and justice—guide our lives and choice of ministry as educators, pastoral ministers, counselors, advocates for the elderly and immigrants, and in the ministry of prayer. Our commitment includes joining with others to work for justice and to care for Earth.

Trust and a spirit of joy enlivens our community as God’s love frees us. This freedom calls us to honor diversity, to act against injustice, and stand humbly before God with gratitude. For more information, contact Initial Membership Director; 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003; (563) 588-2351; e-mail: newmember@bvmcong.org; website: www. bvmcong.org, www.facebook.com/bvmsisters.

Code #296.

IWBS

I Want to Be a Sister.

Is God Calling Me?

Go to www.iwbscc.org to see our calendar of vocational events and meet our Sisters.

Enter #274 at VocationMatch.com Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI), Houston, TX We are called by God to make his love visible today. We participate in God’s healing mission by caring for the sick, elderly, young adults, and children. Our Lord Jesus Christ suffering in the multitude of the sick and infirm of every kind seeks relief at YOUR HANDS. We serve in Central America, Kenya, Ireland and United States. Can you hear God calling you? To continue your discernment, please contact Sr. Kim Phuong Tran or Sr. Francesca Kearns: v o c a t i o n o f f i c e @ C C V I - V D M . o rg ; w w w. s i s t e r s o f c h a r i t y. o r g ; w w w.

LasHermanasdelaCaridad.org.

See ad on page 74. Code #061.

Sisters of Christian Charity (S.C.C.) The Sisters of Christian Charity, an international, active apostolic congregation serving in eight countries, exists to live and make visible the love of Christ in the world today. The charism of Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt, foundress, impels the sisters to be women of faith with “joyous youthful enthusiasm and energy” that is the fruit of intimacy with Jesus in the Eucharist. Assumption College for Sisters is a two-year liberal arts college sponsored by the Sisters of Christian Charity, dedicated to educating women called to a life of consecration to God and of service in the Roman Catholic Church.

SCC Eastern Province: Sr. Bernadette McCauley; 973-543-6528 x 274; e-mail: sbernadette@scceast. org; www.scceast.org; FaceBook: sistersofchristiancharity.

See ad on page 131. Code #212.

Sisters of Holy Cross (C.S.C.) We are an International Congregation of apostolic women founded by Blessed Basil Moreau in 1841 and share in the Holy Cross Family of Sisters, Brothers, Priests, and Lay Associates. We honor the God of Jesus Christ in each one of us, our communities, the earth and the cosmos. We choose to empower LIFE to reclaim its rights, to overcome injustice through our “no” to all forms of violence and through our mutually responsible interdependence. We minister in the fields of education, health care, social work, and parish ministry in the United States, Canada, Haiti, Peru, Mali, Burkina Faso, Italy and Vietnam. Through Interregional Mission Groups, the sister, lay associates and companions seek to network and accompany groups that are most at risk like women, children, youth and immigrants as well as care for the earth.

Together we are on the path of resurrection of the world. Will you join us? Contact: pmaurier@ comcast.net ; www.sistersofholycross.org See ad on page 11. Code #191.

Sisters of Mary Reparatrix (S.M.R.) We are Sisters of Mary Reparatrix, an international congregation called to a mission of reparation and reconciliation in union with Mary, who are rooted in the love of Christ, led by the Spirit, to manifest the tender love of God for the world. Sharing our lives in prayer, service and community, the Sisters are present in 22 countries and number 511 world-wide. We are 19 Sisters in the United States. Our presence is in Michigan, New York, Florida, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania. We have two retreat houses-Riverview and Port Huron, Michigan. Our ministries include prayer, retreat work, spiritual direction, parish ministry, altar breads, music/art ministries, hospital/nursing home visitation, and computer work. We were founded by Emilie d’Oultremont, d’Hooghvorst (Mother Mary of Jesus) in 1854, who was beatified in 1997. Sr. Joan Pricoli, 17320 Grange Rd., Riverview, MI 48193; (734) 285-4510, e-mail: joanpricoli@comcast.net; websites: www.smr.org and www.maryrep.org.

Code #356.

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas (R.S.M.) We are an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate our lives to God through vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service. For more than 180 years, motivated by the Gospel of Jesus and inspired by the spirit of our founder, Catherine McAuley, we respond to the continually changing needs of the times. We serve in the communities where we live as doctors, nurses, health care technicians, chaplains, ministers, lawyers, paralegals, advocates, teachers, professors, librarians, counselors, therapists, case managers, social workers, spiritual directors and theologians. We sponsor and serve in more than 200 organizations that work with those in need in the U.S., Central and South America, Jamaica, Guam and the Philippines.

Share the mission of mercy: www.sistersofmercy. org/become-a-sister; www.sistersofmercy.org/ blog; www.facebook.com/MercySisters; www. twitter.com/SistersofMercy; www.Instagram.com/ MercySisters; www.Pinterest.com/SistersOfMercy; newmembership@sistersofmercy.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 129. Code #063.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 103

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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, medical, and social services.

They are represented primarily in the Dioceses of Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Arizona.

Contact: Sr. Barbara Ann Smelko, S.C., 144 DePaul Center Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601; (724) 836-0406 ext. 6622; e-mail: basmelko@scsh.org; www.scsh.org.

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #059.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Sisters of Notre Dame [Our Lady], (S.N.D.) We are an international, apostolic congregation. Our charism, the Holy Spirit’s gift entrusted to us to share with others, is the deep experience of God’s goodness and trust in His provident care.

This God-experience impels us to be disciples in today’s world, prayerfully discerning the needs of our time. In our ministries we help people to grow in their relationship with God, foster Christian leadership, and promote quality of life; especially for those suffering from the effects of poverty and discrimination. We do this through education, health care, pastoral care, and social service outreach. Being together in community is an important value in our congregation. Our family spirit and joyful simplicity help identify us as Sisters of Note Dame. Allow us to assist you in your search by means of discernment helps, retreats, service opportunities, and live-in experiences. Find us at www.sndvocations.org a n d w w w. s n d l . o r g . C o n t a c t u s a t sndvocationdirectors@snd1.org or call 859-3928118 or send mail to 1601 Dixie Highway, Covington, KY 41011-2701.

Code #064.

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) live lives of prayer and community. Our mission is to share the goodness of God with others, particularly those most in need. We are involved in education from pre-school through university and adult education, religious and pastoral ministry, social services advocating for justice and human dignity a nd p roject s geared towa rd s a he a l thy environment and care of the earth. Founded by St. Julie Billart, we are an international community. We have celebrated 175+ years of service in the United States, joyfully seeking to make known God’s goodness in our time. For more information, please contact us: Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Sister Marie Prefontaine, SNDdeN, Vocations Coordinator, 351 Broadway, Everett, Massachusetts 02149; 617.387.2500 ext.

13; Email: vocations@sndden.org; Website: www. snddenusa.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 24. Code #065.

Sisters of Our Lady of Sion (N.D.S.) An International Congregation of religious women, joined by Associates and Friends, called to witness to God’s faithful love as revealed in the scriptures for the Jewish people and all humanity. The Word of God is central to our lives as we seek to integrate a three-fold commitment: to the Church, the Jewish people and to a world of justice, peace and love. Our vocation calls us to work against all forms of racism, oppression and marginalization. In each of our ministries, we seek to respond to the biblical call to freedom and the imperative to “hear the cries of the poor”. Ministries include: Jewish-Christian and interfaith relations/dialogue, education, social work, community development, parish ministry, spirituality, biblical studies and catechetics, intercultural work, work with youth and indigenous peoples. Sion communities are located in every continent. The Congregation is comprised of two branches, Active and Contemplative Sisters. Contact: celia.deutsch@gmail.com or sistersofsion. info@gmail.com; website: www.sistersofsion.net.

Code #366.

104 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

Sisters of Our Mother of Divine Grace (S.M.D.G.) We are an emerging community of consecrated life, locally known as the Sisters of St. Mary’s, established in the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan in 2010 under the direction of Bishop Joseph Cistone. We endeavor to live and work for the fulfillment of Jesus prayer: “that they may be one” and “be consecrated in truth.” Through the evangelical vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, we reflect more fully this “consecration in truth” which Christ accomplished by his Death and Resurrection. Together with Mary, Mother of Divine Grace, we seek to be sharers in this death for the sake of others, which brought forth fruits of grace to a new life. Through our work we strive to renew and refresh parish life through Adoration of the Eucharist, parish catechesis, and a religious presence at parish events. For more information, go to sistersmdg.org, or email: sistermary@sistersmdg.org.

See ad on page 157. Code #509.

Sisters of Providence (S.P.)—Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN Live joyfully. Deepen your faith. Be nurtured in community. Become your best self as a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are a community of Catholic women religious who collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy. We were founded by a strong woman of faith, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, more than 175 years ago. Today we minister using our own unique gifts in the United States and in Taiwan. Our White Violet Center for Eco-Justice ministry strives to teach, care and inspire for all creation (including the alpacas and chickens you’ll meet among the organic gardens at our Indiana motherhouse). Do you want to live joyfully? We invite women ages 18 to 42 to join us in our vibrant mission of love, mercy and justice. Contact Sister Editha Ben, Vocations Director, at 812-2304771 or eben@spsmw.org to learn more; www.

SistersofProvidence.org.

Code #068.

Sisters of Providence Mother Joseph Province (SP)—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 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 Vocations Office for Mother Joseph Province at (509) 4742323; e-mail: vocations@providence.org; website: www.sistersofprovidence.net; Facebook: www. facebook.com/sistersofprovidencemjp.

See ad on page 126. Code #067.

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, 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 consecrated life, please contact: Sr. Sue Pontz, SS.C.M., at 2806 Marlborough Drive, San Antonio, TX 78230; (570) 275-3581 ext. 331; e-mail: srsuepontz@sscm.org; website: www.sscm. org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 31. Code #181.

Sisters of Social Service (S.S.S.) We Sisters of Social Service are women of many cultures who come together to fulfill the Gospel call to care for the poor and alienated. The right of all people to live in dignity is at the heart of our work and of our religious faith. Our lives are blessed by the Benedictine values that respect all people and things, cherish the familial warmth of community, make welcome the stranger, and find joy in work and renewal in prayer. We trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we continue to embark on new ventures in service to people in need. In the United States, Mexico, the Philippines and Taiwan, we challenge systems that perpetuate poverty and injustice. We work in community organizing, economic development, legislative advocacy and direct social services. Our service, programs, and facilities address the diversity of challenges facing women, children and families to meet needs and enrich lives. Contact: Sr. Michele Walsh, 4316 Lanai Rd., Encino, CA 91436; (818) 285-3362; e-mail: vocationsss@gmail.com; website: www.sistersofsocialservice.com.

Code #420.

Sisters of St. Casimir (SSC) We seek to live a life of prayer, community, and service as we collaborate with others to make a difference in our world. We are open to the needs of our times, continuing to live the mission of Jesus in ways that reflect the spirit and faith-filled vision of our foundress, Venerable Maria Kaupas, and the Gospel vision of a peaceful, loving and just world.

Our sisters and associates reside in both the United States and Argentina. For more information, visit www.ssc2601.com or contact Sr. Grace Ann Kalafut, SSC, 2601 W. Marquette Road, Chicago, IL 60629, gracekal@ssc2601.com; (773) 776-1324.

Code #071.

Sisters of St. Francis (O.S.F.), Clinton, IA Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa are women of faith, joy, and compassion, seeking to follow in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, called to contemplation and continuous conversion and are sent as instruments of God’s peace. We promote active nonviolence and peacemaking, seek justice for those marginalized, and care for all creation. We invite women, who are seeking to live a Franciscan way of life, to make a differ-

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

ence in the world by working for peace through nonviolence, to take a giant step to journey with us as we choose to live into the future.

Our ministries are diverse but include L’ Arche communities, peace ministries, health care, parish ministries, and ministries to the poor and marginalized. Contact us at (563) 242-7611; e-mail: office@clintonfranciscans.com; online at www.clintonfranciscans.com; www.facebook. com/SistersOfStFrancisClintonIA; www.twitter. com/ClintonSisters; view our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ClintonFranciscans; or visit us in person at 843 13th Ave. N, Clinton, IA 52732.

See ad on page 34. Code #475.

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 13 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. Mary Jo Young, O.S.F., 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL 60435; (815) 725-8735; fax: (815) 725-8648; e-mail: mjyoung@jolietfranciscans.org; website: www.jolietfranciscans.org.

See ad on page 57. Code #252.

Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia (O.S.F.) Gospel Women Making a Difference!

Will you join us in following Jesus Christ? We live the traditional Franciscan Third Order values of contemplation, poverty, humility, and continuous conversion through the evangelical vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Community life, prayer and ministry support and express our relationships with God, others, creation, and self. We choose to take the necessary risks to be a compassionate presence in our violent world— especially with women; children; those who have no voice; and those who are economically

Enter #171 at VocationMatch.com poor, marginalized, and oppressed. Our varied ministries allow us to foster right relationships in our Church and promote peace in society in the United States and beyond. Are you interested?

Have questions? Contact a vocation director: Sr. Christine Still (National), Sr. Christopher Marie Wagner (East), Sr. Elaine Thaden (West); vocations@osfphila.org; www.osfphila.org. See our web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

Code #139.

Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH—Sylvanian Franciscans (OSF) Celebrating 100 years of Franciscan presence in NW Ohio and beyond, we are 150 Sisters and 70 Associates ministering in 15 Dioceses in eight states, as well as the island of Haiti. The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio respond to God’s call to live the Gospel in joyful servanthood among all people through lives and ministries that reverence human dignity, embrace the poor and marginalized, and respect the gift of all creation. Placing our individual gifts and talents in service to the needs of God’s people, we are engaged in such diverse ministries as education, health care, social services, religious education, media, law, art, parish and retreat ministries, and spiritual direction.

Sponsored ministries: Sylvania Franciscan Ministries—Health and Human Services Ministry; Lourdes University—Higher Education; All Good Things—The Sylvania Franciscan Art and Gift Shop. Contact: Sister Karen Zielinski, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania, OH 43560; 419-824-3914; vocations@sistersosf.org. Web: www.sistersosf. org; e-mail: vocations@sistersosf.org; Facebook: www.facebook.com/sylvaniafranciscans; YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/Sylvaniafranciscans.

See ad on page 127. Code #085.

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, community 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 educa-

tion for adults and children, adult literacy, parish ministry, social work, chaplaincy, teen and adult retreat programs, spiritual direction, and campus ministry. Sr. Sarah Elizabeth, 2408 West Heading Avenue, West Peoria, IL 61604; (309) 2140184; e-mail: sistersarah@westpeoriasisters.org; website: www.westpeoriasisters.org.

See ad on page 157. Code #279.

Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities (OSF) Calling all courageous women of faith. Join our multicultural, international community of women religious and respond to the needs of the church and the world today. Come and join the Franciscan way of life where we live as sisters to all and serve God and God’s people with reverence, justice and compassion. Blend your education and talents with the Franciscan tradition and live a meaningful life. Join us in ministry in Peru, Puerto Rico, Kenya or in one of 13 U.S. states, including Hawaii. Contact Sister Caryn Crook at 315.751.6819; e-mail: vocations@ sosf.org; website: www.sosf.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 25. Code #294.

Sisters of St. John the Baptist (C.S.J.B.) We are an international community founded by Blessed Alfonso Maria Fusco in Italy in 1878. Our charism is to work for the glory of God in the service of our neighbor especially the poor, the abandoned, and those at risk so that they may be able to realize themselves in the Church and in society and become promoters of justice and peace. We seek to remove the obstacles which hinder people from freely accepting the Love of God into their lives through our prayer and community life and our apostolate. We are teachers, Directors of Religious Education, Pastoral Associates, Youth Ministers, School Principals, Administrators and Librarians, Counselors, Ministers of the Eucharist, Health Care Professionals, Pastoral caregivers of the aged, sick and dying.

Applicants must be free from canonical impediments, high school graduate, good physical and mental health, appropriate social maturity and a desire to serve God’s people. For more information please contact: Sister Liceria Sayon, CSJB, 57 Cleveland Place, Staten Island, NY 10305; (718) 447-4150 ext. 207 or 172; e-mail: sr.liceria@sjva. org; website; www.baptistines.org.

Code #075.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 105

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Sisters of St. Francis (Tiffin Franciscans), Tiffin, OH “This is a powerful place,” said one of our retreatants recently about our campus in Tiffin, Ohio. We are committed to listening and responding to God’s call for us as a community. Indeed, prayer, service and community have been our foundation since 1869, when Fr. Joseph Bihn and Mother Elizabeth Schaefer set out to help orphans and the elderly poor after the Civil War. Peacemaking, concern for the poor, contemplation/action and care of creation are the directions we follow as we walk through the world, doing what we can to answer God’s call. Today, we serve in Mexico and in several states in the U.S. We are forward looking and inclusive. We are surrounded by beauty on our campus in Tiffin, Ohio, which is home to our Motherhouse, Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, St. Francis Spirituality Center and St. Francis Senior Ministries. Please contact vocations@ tiffinfranciscans.org or (419) 447-0435. Visit www.sfctiffin.org and find us on Facebook @ Tiffin Franciscans and on Twitter @ TiffinSisters.

See ad on page 165. Code #287.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Enter #076 at VocationMatch.com Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Canadian Federation Does living the Christian call of Baptism with others in active and inclusive love energize and challenge you? This is what Sisters of St. Joseph have done for 360 years and are still doing today in over 50 countries. In 1650 six ordinary women came together to serve their neighbor. They lived together and nourished their lives with regular prayer and sharing of their experiences of revealing the love and compassion of God to those in need. The three congregations within the Canadian Federation are continuing this mission of the unifying love of God, by inviting others to fullness of life through union within themselves, with each other, with God and the whole of creation. Do you feel this same desire to live this way in our world today?

Contact a Vocation Director in one of our Canadian Congregations and explore your life choices with us. CSJ Canada, (Hamilton, London, Pembroke, Peterborough) Sister Mary Rowell, mrowell@csjcanada.org, www.csjcanada.org; CSJ Sault Ste. Marie, Sister Alice Greer, agreer@ csjssm.ca; www.csjssm.ca CSJ Toronto, Sister Rosemary Fry, rfry@csj-to.ca, csj-to.ca; Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada, www.csjfederation.ca.

See ad on page 30. Code #508.

Sisters of St. Joseph (S.S.J. and C.S.J.)—Federation Does loving God and neighbor without distinction stir your heart and energize you for living in today’s world? In 1650, six ordinary women came together to share their gift of God’s love. They prayed daily, lived simply in community and responded to the needs of their time. Over 360 years later, this same mission continues in over 50 countries worldwide. We are vowed religious women from all walks of life who share the mission of Jesus, “that all may be one”. We do this through prayer, living in community, and responding to the needs of our time.

Our mission calls us to work toward union of God and neighbor without distinction. Together with our Associates, Agrégées, and Volunteers we respond to the needs of our Church and world with compassion, creativity, and courage by using our individual and collective gifts in a variety of ways. Live the challenge of the Gospel with us! For more information please contact one of our Vocation Ministers: Albany, NY: Sr. Jeanne Marie Gocha, CSJ, (518) 783-3605; e-mail: jgocha@csjalbany.org; website: www. csjalbany.org; Baden, PA: Sr. Valerie Zottola, 106 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

CSJ, (412) 926-2059; e-mail: vzottola@stjosephbaden.org; website: www.stjoseph-baden.org.

Boston, MA: (617) 746-2045; e-mail: vocation. office@csjboston.org; website: www.csjboston. org. Brentwood, NY: Sr. Marie Mackey, CSJ (718) 791-7911; e-mail: Mackey@csjbrentwood. org; website: www.brentwoodcsj.org; St. Joseph Worker Volunteer Program (Brentwood): Sr. Suzanne Franck, CSJ, (631) 682-1367; e-mail: SJWBrentwood@csjbrentwood.org; website: www.brentwoodcsj.org. Buffalo, NY: Sr. Jean Marie Zirnheld, SSJ, (716) 759-6454 ext. 11; e-mail: jmzirnheld@ssjbuffalo.org; website: www.ssjbuffalo.org. Chambery-West Hartford, CT: Sr. Kristin Johnsen, CSJ, (860) 212-5219; e-mail: jhnschris8@aol.com; website: www. sistersofsaintjoseph.org. Concordia, KS: CoDirectors: Sr. Dian Hall, CSJ, (770) 546-6461; e-mail: dianhall5@yahoo.com and Sr. Lorren Harbin, CSJ, (970) 260-2287; e-mail: LHarbincsj@gmail.com; website: www.csjkansas.org; CSJ Volunteer Coordinator: Kathleen Norman, (785) 243-2113 ext. 1215; e-mail: volunteer@ csjkansas.org. Congregation of St. Joseph: Sr. Ileana Fernandez, CSJ; e-mail: vocations@ csjoseph.org; website: www.csjoseph.org. Erie, PA: Sr. Rosemary O’Brien, SSJ; (814) 836-4212; e-mail: s.robrien@ssjerie.org; website: www. ssjerie.org. Honolulu, HI: Sr. Brenda Lau, CSJ; (808) 373-8801; e-mail: hvpmae@gmail.com; website: www.csjhawaii.org. Los Angeles, CA: Sr. Ingrid Honore-Lallande, CSJ, (951) 7048888, e-mail: ihonore-lallande@csjla.org; and Sr. Darlene Kawulok, CSJ, (310) 569-2253; e-mail: dkawulok@csjla.org; website: www.csjla.org.; St. Joseph Worker Volunteer Program (Los Angeles): Sr. Judy Molosky, CSJ, (323) 481-9932; e-mail: sjw@csjla.org; www.stjosephworkerwest. org. Orange, CA: Sr. Mary Elizabeth Nelsen, CSJ, (714) 633-8121 ext. 7108; e-mail: vocationcsj@ csjorange.org; website: www.csjorange.org; St. Joseph Worker Volunteer Program (Orange, CA): Sr. Joanna Rosciszewska, CSJ, (714) 5150471; e-mail: peacejr56@yahoo.com; website: csjorange.org/ministries/st-joseph-worker-program. Philadelphia, PA: Sr.Celeste Mokrzycki, SSJ, (215) 248-7236; e-mail: sisterceleste@ ssjphila.org and Sr. Michelle Lesher, SSJ, (267) 336–2985; e-mail: mlesher@ssjphila.org; website: www.ssjphila.org; St. Joseph Worker Volunteer Program (Philadelphia): Sr. Julie Fertsch, SSJ; (215) 248-7235; e-mail: jfertsch@ssjphila. org; website: www.stjosephworkerphila.org.

Rochester, NY: Sr. Donna Del Santo, SSJ, (585)

733-4422; e-mail: vocations@ssjrochester.org; website: www.ssjrochester.org; Sisters of Saint Joseph Volunteer Corps, (585) 529-5689; e-mail: volunteercorps@ssjrochester.org. Springfield, MA: Sr. Natalie Cain, SSJ, (413) 536-0853 ext. 249; e-mail: ncain@ssjspringfield.org;. St. Augustine, FL: Sr. Kathleen Power, SSJ, (904) 610-9228; e-mail: ssjflvocations@bellsouth. net; website: www.ssjfl.org. St. Louis, MO: Sr. Amy Hereford, CSJ, (314) 678-0315; e-mail: ahereford@csjlife.org or vocation@csjlife.org; website: www.csjlife.org. St. Paul, MN: Sr. Jill Underdahl, CSJ, (651) 696-2873; e-mail: junderdahl@csjstpaul.org; website: www.csjstpaul.org; St. Joseph Worker Volunteer Program (St. Paul): Bridgette Kelly (651) 690-7049; e-mail: bkelly@ csjstpaul.org; website: www.stjosephworkers. org. Watertown, NY: Sr. Mary Gregory Munger, SSJ, (315) 782-3460; e-mail: smgssj@yahoo. com; website: www.ssjwatertown.org.

See ad on page 131. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Albany, NY See what can be done with God’s Great love! Called by God and passionate for the mission of Jesus, the Sisters of St. Joseph come together to serve all persons. With a distinctive spirit of hospitality and a particular concern for the poor we are called to do all of which women are capable. We witness to the Gospel message by being a unifying and reconciling presence to a world in need.

We teach; we heal; we serve; we minister. Do you have a desire to share God’s great love with the Dear Neighbor? Please visit us on our website or find us on Facebook: www.csjalbany.org.

See ad on page 131. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Boston, NY As a religious community of vowed apostolic women with a contemplative stance toward life, the mission of Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston is to realize the prayer of Christ, “That all may be one.” In community and prayerful contemplation, we listen to the Spirit and move always toward profound love of God and neighbor without distinction. Since arriving in Boston in 1873, we have ministered wherever needed. We minister in schools, parishes, hospitals, nursing homes, retreat and campus ministry centers, refugee services, literacy programs, shelters, food pantries, and more. We sponsor Bethany Health Care Center, Bethany Hill Place, Casserly House, Fontbonne Academy, JacksonWalnut Park Schools, The Literacy Connection, Regis College, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, and The Women’s Table. Each ministry strives to bring the message of God’s active and inclusive love to all people. More at: www.csjboston.org, and on Facebook at: www.facebook. com/csjboston. Contact us at: vocation.office@ csjboston.org, or 617.746.2045.

See ad on page 131. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)— Brentwood, NY, The Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood are the largest order of Catholic women religious on Long Island, and have a 160-year tradition of ministering wherever they are needed. The Sisters are educators from elementary to university level, social workers, health care professionals, lawyers, medical doctors, parish ministers, administrators, environmentalists, spiritual directors, and advo-

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG cates for social justice. Their mission includes empowering women and girls, education, health care, social justice, ecological conservation, and spirituality. The Sisters operate six high schools for girls and founded St. Joseph’s College. At their 211-acre Brentwood complex, the Sisters operate The CSJ Learning Connection for Adult Education, Maria Regina skilled nursing facility, an Organic Garden, and the St. Joseph’s Renewal Center.

Providence House and Hour Children, founded by the Sisters, help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and their children. Contact Sr. Marie Mackey, CSJ, (718)791-7911; e-mail: Mackey@csjbrentwood.org. For St. Joseph Worker Brentwood Volunteer Program, contact Sr. Suzanne Franck, CSJ, (631) 682-1367; e-mail: SJWBrentwood@csjbrentwood.org. Website: www.brentwoodcsj.org.

See ad on page 131. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (C.S.J.P.) “We are beginning a new order. We want brave, noble, large-minded, and courageous souls.” These words written by our founder Mother Clare in 1887 continue to inspire us today. She founded our Congregation to promote peace in family life, the church, and society. “The very name, Sisters of Peace will, it is hoped, inspire the desire of peace and a love for it.”

We are called to practice hospitality, nonviolence, and care for creation in our mission of peace. We respond to God’s people in need and promote social justice as a way to peace. Our sisters minister in education, health care, parish ministry, social justice, spiritual direction, and peace ministry in the U.S., U.K., and Haiti. Prayer is fundamental to our life. Our presence to one another in community enables, sustains, and challenges us to be responsive to our mission. We face the future with gratitude and hope. Vocation Contact: Sr. Susan Francois, CSJP, Vocation Director, 399 Hudson Terrace, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 07632, (201) 608-5401; e-mail sfrancois@csjp.org; website www.csjp.org.

See ad on page 24. Code #227.

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis (SSJTOSF) The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis are a community of more than 300 Franciscan vowed religious women and associate members who are dedicated to gospel living. We are committed to building life-giving communities, empowering one another to live the truth of Gospel values, bonding with others in ever-widening circles of

Enter #432 at VocationMatch.com compassion and peace, and speaking from our common understanding that there be no outcasts in our experience of life on this earth. The missioned presence of the congregation continues today in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Peru and South Africa. For more information contact the Director of Vocation Ministry, P.O. Box 305, Stevens Point, WI 54481; (715) 341-8457; e-mail vocation@ssjtosf.org; website www.ssj-tosf.org. See our web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See ad on page 56. Code #154.

Sisters of St. Rita (O.S.A.) The Sisters of St. Rita are an international active-contemplative community following the rule of St. Augustine and the example of St. Rita of Cascia, our patroness. We strive to live and love as Christ taught us, through St. Augustine’s guidance: “Daily advance, then, in this love, both by praying and by well-doing.”

Rejoicing in the gifts God has given each one of us, we minister where we are needed, faithfully following our founding mission of social and spiritual family care with all of its diverse ministries.

“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him, the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement.” Do you, too, want to live in community, loving and seeking God through prayer and service? Then join us in this great adventure! 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: www.sistersofstrita.org.

Code #163.

Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (S.B.S.) We are a multiracial, multicultural community of 100 members who were founded by Saint Katharine Drexel. We share the Gospel message with the poor, especially among Black and Native American peoples and challenge the deeply rooted injustice in the world today through a life of prayer, community and service. The SBS are involved in education, parish ministry, religious instruction, social and health services, spiritual and other ministries. We minister in the inner cities, rural areas, and Native American reservations. We’re located in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona, Alabama, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Mississippi, Georgia, and Jamaica. For more information: www.katharinedrexel.org or contact the Vocation Director, 215-244-9900 ext.

327; e-mail: sbssrlaura@gmail.com.

See ad on page 106. Code #076.

Sisters of the Divine Savior (SDS) The Sisters of the Divine Savior make up the women religious branch of the international Salvatorian Family. We collaborate in mission and ministries with priests and brothers of the Society of the Divine Savior and Lay Salvatorian women and men. The Salvatorian Sisters were founded in Tivoli, Italy in 1888 by John Baptist Jordan and Therese von Wüllenweber. Our apostolic ministries include efforts to stop human trafficking, social work, counseling, law, art, pastoral care, education and health care. We carry out our mission to make known the goodness and kindness of Jesus in 27 countries, including the U.S. in Alabama, Arizona, California, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Women ages 20-50 can learn more about life in community with Sisters of the Divine Savior by contacting Sister Mary Lee Grady, SDS at gradym@salvatoriansisters.org or 414-466-0810 ext. 229. www.sistersofthedivinesavior.org; www.facebook.com/sistersofthedivinesavior. See our web ad at vocation network.org.

See ad on page 58. Code #315.

Sisters of the Good Shepherd (RGS and CGS) are driven by a vow of zeal.

We are an international congregation with communities in 73 countries. Our work is of God and our mission is one of reconciliation. We strive to model our lives after the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who left the flock of 99 to respond to the one sheep in special need. Our apostolic work centers on marginalized and hurting people who are affected by violence, abuse and neglect, most notably women, girls and children. We are strong social justice advocates and have a seat on the United Nations Economic and Social Council, where we have joined others around the world to end human trafficking. Our contemplative ministry focuses on prayer to bring the liberating love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd to all of God’s people. Good Shepherd Sisters help others to transform their lives. It is thrilling and rewarding work. Apostolic Vocation Director: Sr. Jean Marie Fernandez, RGS, (415) 586-2822 or 415-676-8251; e-mail: jmfrgs@ gmail.com; Contemplative Director: Sr. Elizabeth Garciano, CGS, 314-837-1719; e-mail: elgarcianocgs@yahoo.com. Website: www. sistersofthegoodshepherd.com.

See ad on page 154. Code #077.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 107

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Concordia, KS “Eyes open. . .Ears attentive. . .sleeves rolled up for ministry! Those are the qualities and attitudes of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, KS. We are women serving the Church in predominately rural areas. We are rooted and grounded in the Gospel and carry the prayer of Jesus in our hearts wherever we go, “that all may be one.” To “Come and See” or to have more information please visit our website: www.csjkansas.org. Co-Directors: Sr. Dian Hall, CSJ, (770) 546-6461; e-mail: dianhall5@ yahoo.com and Sr. Lorren Harbin, CSJ, (970) 260-2287; e-mail Lharbincsj@gmail.com; website: 222.csjkansas.org: Volunteer Coordinator: Kathleen Norman, (785) 243-2113 ext.1215; e-mail: volunteer@csjkansas.org.

See ad on page 131. Code #024.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Sisters of the Holy Cross (C.S.C.) We, Sisters of the Holy Cross, are a dynamic international congregation of sisters who are part of the Holy Cross family of sisters, brothers, and priests founded by Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau. Striving to live out Jesus’ gospel and mission in the 21st century, we minister to people in eight countries on four continents. Compassion compels us to embrace others in their suffering and to address unmet needs as educators, health care workers, administrators, counselors, pastoral ministers, social workers, retreat leaders, writers, attorneys and social justice advocates. Through our consecrated life we promote right relationships wherever we serve.

We invite you to make a difference in your world by sharing our life and mission. Sr. Helene Sharp, CSC, U.S. Vocation Coordinator, 100 Lourdes Hall - Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, IN 46556; e-mail: vocations.us@ cscsisters.org; website: www.cscsisters.org.

See ad on page 163. Code #269.

Sisters of the Holy Family (S.S.F.) The Sisters of the Holy Family were founded by Henriette Delille, a free woman of color, in 1842 in New Orleans, Louisiana during the time of slavery. Her Sisters have depended on the grace and goodness of God and lived according to His will, their motto: “No cross. No crown.” They were founded to help the sick and elderly, to teach the unlearned, “from the cradle to the grave,” and to bring the message of Jesus to the poor and marginalized. For almost 175 years, we have used our gifts for teaching, nursing, social service, administration, pastoral, housing and prison ministries in the United States, Central America and Africa. We thank God for all that has been and look forward to the beatification of Venerable Henriette Delille. We welcome all nationalities. Please contact Sister Laura Mercier, SSF at 504-460-5122; e-mail: lauramercier45@yahoo.com .Visit our website: www.sistersoftheholyfamily.com and SSFVocations@yahoo.com.

Code #502.

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 where lives are nurtured and shared. Empowered by this gift, we reach out to the Church and 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, Australia, Eastern and Western Europe, Ghana, Israel, and the Philippines. If God is knocking at your door today, come, knock on ours! For more information, contact our Vocation Director at tdonach@nazarethcsfn.org; website: www.nazarethcsfn.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 109. Code #155.

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) Responding to the needs of her day, Blessed Marie Rose Durocher founded our congregation in 1843 in Longueuil, QC, Canada. Today Sisters and Associates are responding to the needs of our day as we continue to witness to God’s love.

Prayer and community sustain us in our ministries.

We are dedicated to the full development of the human person through education, social justice, contemplation, and the arts. Our ministries include: providing education in the faith, spiritual direction, and retreats; teaching in universities, schools, and 108 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

tutoring centers; promoting peace and justice; and serving in parishes, hospitals, clinics, studios, prisons, and immigration centers. We minister in the United States, Canada, Lesotho, South Africa, Brazil, and Peru, collaborating wherever we are with others who share our Gospel values. E-mail: Sr. Mollie Reavis or Sr. Laura Michels at vocations@snjmuson.org; U.S.Ontario Province website: www.snjmusontario.org.

See ad on page 34. Code #078.

Si s t e rs o f t h e H o l y Re d e e m e r (C.S.R.) The Sisters of the Holy Redeemer are compelled to bring the healing presence and compassion of the Redeemer to those who suffer in body, mind and spirit. We strive to be witnesses to hope and joy as we serve Jesus in the most vulnerable. Our inspiration flows from our relationship with Jesus, our Redeemer as we follow the example of Mother Alphonse Maria Eppinger who founded the congregation 160 years ago on the principal that “Love of God and love of neighbor are but one single love.” Through our sponsorship of the Holy Redeemer Health System, we provide health care, social services, and pastoral care, with a special emphasis on older adults, women and children. Contact us: American Province; Vocation Ministry Office, 1600 Huntingdon Pike, Meadowbrook, PA 19046; (215) 914-4110; e-mail: vocations@HolyRedeemer.com; website: www.SistersHolyRedeemer.org.

See ad on page 36. Code #079.

Sisters of the Humility of Mary (H.M.) As Sisters of the Humility of Mary, the heart of our commitment is a radical love and following of Jesus Christ. Mary’s humility inspires us to say “yes” to God’s call. Her fidelity to God challenges us to be a prophetic presence in today’s world. Our founders responded to the needs of the time in 1854 in France with vision, courage and generosity, eventually emigrating to the Cleveland diocese in 1864. Today, we follow in their footsteps, dedicated to peacemaking, justice, and care for Earth through a variety of ministries in education, health care, social service, and pastoral ministry. We number 150 Sisters serving in Midwestern states, and Haiti. Others join us as Associates, HM Volunteers and Partners in Ministry. For more information: www.humilityofmary.org. Membership Office, 20015 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH 44116, (440) 356-6130; e-mail: vocation@hmministry.org.

See ad on page 158. Code #329.

Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament (I.W.B.S.)—Corpus Christi, TX We are called by Christ to extend His Incarnation in our world by the witness of our lives in community and by our service to others.

We choose to contemplate and to be the human face of God’s love. We live together simply; celebrate Eucharist daily; share prayer, ministry, and community. We serve in the Dioceses of Corpus Christi, Brownsville and Beaumont. You will find us in elementary and secondary schools, in hospital pastoral care, in parishes and diocesan offices; as school administrators, as teachers, librarians, DRE’s, archivists, and writers; as artists, musicians, technology coordinators, as counselors, spiritual directors, and chaplains. We live that others may come to know and love Jesus, the warm, gracious Loving Person Who walked with people and lived in community with them. Visit us at www.iwbscc.org or at www.facebook.com/iwbscc.

See our ad on page 103. Code #274.

Sisters of the Living Word (SLW) We are a small community of vowed women religious focused on reflecting and affirming the Living Word of God in situations where the Word needs to be spoken and reflected, ministering to those who are oppressed in various ways, and bringing new life.

Responding to the urgent needs of our times we serve in: education, pastoral and parish ministries, healing ministries, spiritual care and faith development, and social service ministries. We devote energy to: advocacy for immigrants and refugees, the homeless, victims of human trafficking, and the care of the earth. We were founded in 1975 by Sister Annamarie Cook, SLW. We live and minister in the Midwest and South (Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Florida, Ohio and Iowa). We invite generous and adventuresome women to explore whether our community is right for them. Check out our website (www.slw.org) for more information. Contact: Sisters of the Living Word, 800 N. Fernandez Ave.-B, Arlington Heights, IL 60004; (847) 577-5972; e-mail: slwvocations@gmail.com; website: www.slw.org.

See ad on page 53. Code #173.

Sisters of the Precious Blood (C. PP.S.) For more than 175 years, the Sisters of the Precious Blood have served as unwavering witnesses to Christ’s redemptive, reconciling, and healing love, responding to the world’s urgent needs whenever and wherever it presents itself. The Sisters of the Precious Blood are united by a rich and active contemplative spirituality that is firmly rooted in Eucharistic prayer and devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus. We participate in ministries as diverse as the Sisters who engage in them. These ministries include health care, education, pastoral care, and outreach to name a few. Life as a Sister of the Precious Blood is for women who feel motivated to go beyond themselves. Sisters of the Precious Blood, 4000 Denlinger Rd., Dayton OH 45426. Phone: (937) 8373302. Learn more at www.PreciousBloodSistersDayton.org or vocations@cppsadmin.org. See our web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See ad on page 59. Code #318.

Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (P.B.V.M.) Dubuque, IA Sisters of the Presentation of Dubuque are women religious inspired by the faith and life of their foundress, Nano Nagle.

In 18th century Ireland, working against religious, political and economic oppression and with great personal risk, Nano launched an underground school system, visited the poor and elderly in their homes, and spent hours in prayer. Her charism of hospitality lives today in the sisters, associates and friends who reflect God’s love for the world, live the Gospel value of welcoming all, and carry Nano’s lantern of hope to people in the United States and Bolivia. Are you interested in making a difference?

If yes, then, listen to the Spirit’s stirrings in your heart, ask for wisdom and pray for courage to take the next step. Visit: www.dubuquepresentations. org or contact the Vocation Office, 2360 Carter Rd., Dubuque, IA 52001; (563) 588-2008; e-mail: vocations@dubuquepresentations.org.

Code #327.

Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (P.B.V.M.)—New Windsor, New York A Sister of the Presentation is a woman who wants to do great things for God, desires to bring God’s mercy and compassion to all and wants to do her part in the construction of God’s Kingdom, the

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG civilization of love. Following in the footsteps of our Foundress, Nano Nagle, whose family motto was, “not words but deeds” we are women of prayer, women in community and women for mission.

We are women who are people oriented, prayerful, and open to the needs of the day with ministries as diverse as the gifts we bring to community life.

We minister in education, health care, catechesis, pastoral and youth ministries, social justice, direct service with the poor and are advocates for those without voice such as immigrants. The deeds and words of our foundress who said, “If I could be of service in any part of the world I would gladly go there willingly. . .” inspire and motivate us to go one pace beyond into the future. We invite you to join us. Contact: Sr. Laura Urbano PBVM, e-mail: laurapbvm@hotmail.com or presentationvocationministry@yahoo.com; website: www.sistersofthepresentation.org. Facebook: Presentation Vocation Ministry.

Code #250.

Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi (S.S.M.) We are an international, multicultural congregation. We share in the mission of Jesus to bring fuller life to others by revealing God’s love for all, especially the poor. With Mary, the Sorrowful Mother, we strive to be a compassionate presence to those who suffer. Our main ministries include healthcare, education, youth ministry and related fields within those areas.

We serve the Lord in ten countries: the USA (in Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Oklahoma), Austria, Italy, Germany, Tanzania, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, and Grenada. If you feel called to consecrate your life to the Lord by following St. Francis of Assisi and sharing your compassion with others, we invite you to contact us through our vocation website, www. becomingasister.org and filling out the self-quiz published on that site. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 20. Code #034.

Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis (O.S.F.)—East Peoria, IL From fashion to physics, accounting to nursing, we come together from diverse backgrounds to serve Christ in the sick, the poor, the injured, the aged, and the dying. We are a small,

There’s JOY in our family and we’re taking it to the world!

Are you with us?

Reach us at: www.nazarethcsfn.org or 847-298-6760

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth FAMILY: The HEART of Our Mission Enter #155 at VocationMatch.com Franciscan, apostolic community that gathers together daily for the Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, and Rosary. We own and operate OSF HealthCare, which includes 11 hospitals, a children’s hospital, home care, hospice, physician practices, and colleges of nursing. Our sisters serve in many different ways within our healthcare ministry. From the words and legacy of Mother Frances we know what God asks of us, to care for everyone He sends to us, turning no one away, and to serve them with the greatest care and love. Contact: Sr. Rose Therese, O.S.F., 740 NE Glen Oak Ave., Peoria, IL 61603; (309) 655-2645; e-mail: vocation.info@osfhealthcare.org; web: franciscansisterspeoria.org; facebook: /OSFsisters; twitter: @osfsisters.See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 46. Code #081.

Sisters of Transfiguration Hermitage We are a monastic, contemplative community, following the Rule of Benedict in a way of life which nurtures the love of God in solitude as well as in community. Our life includes Liturgy of the Hours together as well as hours for personal prayer and lectio in solitude both morning and evening. We live by the work of our hands: making fruitcakes, jams, and other baked goods, and by writing, offering occasional workshops and retreats, and through the ministry of our small guest house. Our 68 acres of gardens, fields, woods, and streams offers a solitary environment in which to attend to God’s presence. Firmly rooted in the monastic tradition, we are also open to the needs and aspirations of contemporary women who desire to seek God both in silence and solitude and in the daily life of the community of sisters. Transfiguration Hermitage, 205 Windsor Neck Rd., Windsor, ME 04363; (207) 445-8031; e-mail: benedicite@fairpoint.net; website: www.transfigurationhermitage.org.

Code #367.

Society of Helpers (S.H.) The Helpers are an international community of women religious who have been urged by the love of Christ to respond to the challenges of the world by bringing hope to the human journey. We work in solidarity with the forgotten, those wounded in human dignity, those suffering injustice, those surviving without hope, those searching for God. We share with them in the life and death situations of the human situation moving towards fullness of life. To learn more contact: Sr. Jean Kielty, (773) 405-9884; e-mail:

jeankielty@yahoo.com or Sr. Anna Maria Baldauf, (312) 806-1884; e-mail: annamaria.baldauf@ yahoo.com. For Spanish contact Sr. Dominga Zapata, (773) 343-8832; e-mail: mingaz37@att.net.

Visit our website at www.helpers.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #223.

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 to 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, pastoral care, parish administration, and law. In the U.S., the Society sponsors 14 schools, including Rosemont College, and several social service organizations. Holy Child Sisters serve on four continents and in 10 states. For more information, please contact: Anita Quigley, SHCJ; 1341 Montgomery Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010; (610) 626-1400, ext. 304; e-mail: aquigley@shcj. org. Visit our website at www.shcj.org/american.

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 128. Code #172.

Society of the Sacred Heart (R.S.C.J.) The Society of the Sacred Heart is an international community with more than 2100 members in 41 countries, many serving outside the land of their birth. Founded in 1800 by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, we continue her vision and mission in everevolving ways she could not have foreseen. We are committed to discovering and revealing God’s love in the world through education, working for justice and guiding lives in faith. Religious of the Sacred Heart serve in teaching and formation, in pastoral and spiritual work and in other ministries that promote justice and human development.

Building relationships, creating community and fostering reconciliation are part of our vocation; prayer and contemplation are central to our lives.

If you are drawn to discover what it means to be at once “wholly contemplative and wholly apostolic,” we welcome you. Please visit www.rscj.org or contact Sr. Mary Pat White at 1-888-844-7725 or vocations@rscj.org.

See ad on page 124. Code #027.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 109

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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: www.resurrectionsisters.org. Chicago Province: Sr. Kathleen Ann, C.R., 7432 W. Talcott Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631; (773) 792-6363; e-mail: callres1946@gmail.com; website: www.crsisterschicago.org.

See ad on page 20. Code #215.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG we minister in our sponsored institutions as well as other educational institutions. We serve as directors of religious education, spiritual directors, pastoral ministers. We serve in healthcare facilities and retirement homes; as social service providers in collaborative outreach programs; as well as serving in the ministry of prayer. We minister primarily in the Greater Cleveland area. For information, contact Sister Ann Letitia, 2600 Lander Road, Pepper Pike, OH 44124. (440) 449-1200 ext. 138; e-mail: aletitia@ursulinesisters.org; website: www. ursulinesisters.org.

Code #311.

Enter #033 at VocationMatch.com

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

T

Trappistine Cistercian Nuns (O.C.S.O.), Dubuque, IA—Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey Our monastic, contemplative life is one of community, and is based on the Rule of Saint Benedict. Our day revolves around Daily Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, manual work, and spiritual reading (Lectio Divina).

These continually call us to deeper conversion, love, and self-awareness as we grow in our relationship with Jesus and in our love for one another. We are located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, with 654 acres of rolling farm and woodlands. Check out our website.

Women ages 18-39 may apply. Contact Sr. Myra Hill; Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, 8400 Abbey Hill Lane, Dubuque, IA 52003; (563) 582-2595, ext. 114; e-mail: vocations@olmabbey.org; website: www.mississippiabbey.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #415.

Trappistine Cistercian Nuns (O.C.S.O.), Sonoita, AZ—Santa Rita Abbey The mountains surround us, as the monastic way of life surrounds and fosters our contemplative longing to behold the face of God, and so minister to all God’s people. We live out the call to close union with Christ in simplicity, community, liturgy, joy and prayer. Are you being invited by the Spirit into this School of Charity that is the Cistercian Way? Sr. Victoria Murray welcomes your questions at Santa Rita Abbey, 14200 E Fish Canyon Road, Sonoita, AZ 85637-6545; e-mail: sracommty@gmail.com; website: www.santaritaabbey.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #415.

Trappistine Cistercian Nuns (O.C.S.O.), Whitehorn, CA—Redwoods Monastery Our monastic roots began in France in 1098 by Benedictines, who desiring a God-centered life, embraced the values of simplicity, poverty, silence, continual prayer and personal transformation. They sought and found God in the ordinary experience of daily living, nurturing the centrality of love as they grew in union with Christ. Redwoods Monastery makes this spiritual heritage available today through the communal practices of the Divine Office, daily Eucharist, divine reading and study, meditation and prayer, manual labor, and hospitality to guests. We are located on 300 acres of old 110 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

growth redwood forest in Northern California and are deeply committed to preserving our forests, rivers, and wildlife. If you are a single Catholic woman, between 22 and 40 with 2 years of college or work experience and desire our way of life, please contact Sr. Suzanne; e-mail: vocationdirector@redwoodsabbey.org; website: www.redwoodsabbey.org; blog: www. redwoodsabbey.blogspot.com; or write, Vocation Director, Redwoods Monastery, 18104 Briceland-Thorn Rd., Whitehorn, CA 95589; (707) 986-7419. See our web ad at www.

VocatonNetwork.org.

Code #369.

Trappistine Cistercian Nuns (O.C.S.O.), Wrentham, MA—Mount Saint Mary’s Abbey Our order is a monastic Order wholly directed to contemplation. We are dedicated to the worship of God in a life that is hidden, obscure and laborious within the monastery and under the Rule of St. Benedict. In this school of love, the nuns grow in humility and self-knowledge.

Through the discovery of the depths of God’s mercy in their lives, they will learn to love.

The various elements of Cistercian conversatio, such as obedience, humility, ascesis, solitude and silence, lead, each in its own way, to the interior freedom through which purity of heart and an abiding attention to God are attained. It is in the particular and delicate balance of lectio divina, liturgy, and work, that the Cistercian charism most directly manifests itself. Women between 20 and 40 may apply. We are located at 300 Arnold Street, Wrentham, MA 02093. Please contact Sister Katie McNamara; e-mail: s.katie@ msmabbey.org; website: www.msmabbey.org.

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #415.

U

Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland (O.S.U.) We are religious women who are called to live Gospel values. We were founded by St. Angela Merici, whose vision led her to serve the Church and to be an instrument of change in her world. We value contemplation in our commitment to personal and communal prayer. We stand for justice in our commitment to those oppressed and exploited, especially women and children; while strongly choosing to make efforts in effecting systemic change. We value compassion in helping to relieve suffering and provide hope. Today, imitating St. Angela,

Ursuline Sisters of Louisville (O.S.U.) Founded in 1858, the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville strive to live the charism of St. Angela Merici: a contemplative love of God and a resulting openness and eagerness to serve the needs of others. Our vowed life is sustained by prayer and community as we change with the times striving to meet the needs around us. Our ministries include teaching on all levels, parish ministry, social justice, working with the poor and the elderly, ministry to women and children and a variety of others.

We serve in Kentucky, Nebraska, Iowa, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and have a mission in Peru. We also sponsor Sacred Heart Schools located on our scenic campus in suburban Louisville. We offer opportunities for spiritual development through the Angela Merici Center and the Associate Program. Vocation Ministry, 3105 Lexington Rd., Louisville, KY 40206; (502) 896-3914; e-mail: jpeterworth @ursulineslou.org; website: ursulineslou.org.

Code #265.

Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph (O.S.U.) We are Ursuline Sisters proclaiming Jesus through education and Christian formation, committed to “freeing and nurturing women and children.” Founded in 1874 in western Kentucky, our congregation embraces the core values of Prayer, Service, Empowerment, Justice, and Contemplative Presence, in the spirit of our founder, Saint Angela Merici.

We minister in Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Louisiana, New Mexico, New York, Washington, D.C., and Chile, South America. Our focus is in four areas: education, from primary grades to college; church ministry; social outreach and justice advocacy with the poor, children, elderly, immigrants and the homeless; and ministries of body, mind and spirit. We sponsor Brescia University and offer opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. More than 400 Ursuline Associates join us in prayer and ministry. Vocations: Contact Sister Kathleen Condry, (270) 229-4103; e-mail: vocations. msj@maplemount.org; 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. Visit us at www. ursulinesmsj.org.

Code #222.

Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union U.S. Provinces (O.S.U.) The Ursulines were the first religious women in what is now the United States, arriving in New Orleans in 1727. We have been serving God’s people here continuously since that time. Like our foundress, St. Angela

SEARCH OTHER COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG Merici, Ursulines believe that every day is a journey toward God. We seek to be faithful to a daily rhythm of contemplation, community life and ministry. We dare to confront the oppression of women and to stand in solidarity with the poor. We fulfill our mission in varied works by helping people recognize and develop their gifts for the service of others. For information, please contact: Sr. Jean Hopman, OSU, sjeanosu@ gmail.com, (773) 844-0950; Sr. Elisa Ryan, OSU, elisaosu@gmail.com, (314) 825-9773; www.usaosu.org; backlitwithjoy.wordpress.com.

Code #218.

V

W

Wheaton Franciscans The Wheaton Franciscans are the United States province of an international congregation, the Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. We are a community of vowed women (Sisters) and covenant (associate) women and men, whose mission is to live the Gospel following the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, and our foundress Mother M. Clara Pfaender. Through loving presence and service we foster personal and community growth as we respond to the needs of the church and the times. As Wheaton Franciscans we are committed to living Gospel values as co-creators in the Christ mystery. We believe that through an open and grateful heart we are blessed and become a presence of blessing. There are various ways of deepening a relationship with our Community. Contact Jeanne Connolly; jconnolly@wheatonfranciscan.org; 26W171 Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187-0667; (630) 909-6600. We invite you to learn more about us on our website at www.wheatonfranciscan. org. Follow us on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/WheatonFranciscans/.

Code #087.

Associate Community of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ We are baptized men and women who make a non-vowed renewable covenant with the Associate Community in the Spiritual Family of Catherine Kasper for the purpose of mutual spiritual enrichment, development of community and promotion of service. Our commitment is based on the common call of the Holy Spirit to live the charism of Blessed Catherine Kasper, foundress of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Congregation. The Associates, Fiat Spiritus Community and Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ form the Spiritual Family of Catherine Kasper.

Website: www.poorhandmaids.org/associates. See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org.

Code #049.

NEW COMMUNITIES OF CONSECRATED LIFE Fiat Spiritus Community (FS) We are a community of vowed Christian men and women who are committed to living an apostolic life. We are called to listen to the Holy Spirit through community which empowers us to discern our response to the needs of our time especially with the needy and underserved. The Fiat Spiritus Community, together with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and Associate Community, live the Spirit of Blessed Catherine Kasper our foundress. Contact: Brother Bob Overland, FS, P.O. Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513; (574) 936-1726; e-mail: boverland@ poorhandmaids.org; website: www.fiatspiritus.org.

See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org.

Code #049.

RESOURCES Global Sisters Report Global Sisters Report is an independent, non-profit source of news and information about Catholic sisters and the critical issues facing the people they serve. Our network of journalists report about their lives and works, and sisters write commentary from their perspective.

Visit the website at GlobalSistersReport.org and our Facebook page at Facebook.com/SistersReport. Do you know of an interesting Catholic sister, community or project we should write about?

Please contact us at info@GlobalSistersReport.org.

See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org Code #476.

SECULAR INSTITUTES Don Bosco Volunteers (DBV) Don Bosco Volunteers are consecrated lay women living the Salesian spirituality of Saint John Bosco, (Don Bosco), while fully immersed in the ordinary occupations and careers of secular society. We participate in the evangelizing mission of the Church by witnessing Christian joy and service especially to young people and those most in need. We do not live in community but share communion of life through prayer, Days of Recollection and a yearly retreat.

Founded in 1917 by Blessed Philip Rinaldi, Don Bosco Volunteers are a Secular Institute of Pontifical Right for single Catholic women who are

consecrated to God through the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience while maintaining their lay status within the Church and the world. Candidates must be women who have never married, be between the ages of 21-40 and who want to dedicate their life in a radical way to love of God and neighbor. Members follow a formation plan of discernment and preparation for vows, six years of temporary vows, then perpetual vows. Contact information: PO Box 334H, Scarsdale, NY 105835834; e-mail: seculardbv@aol.com.

Code #360.

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 www.secularinstitutes.org. Inquirers may be helped by writing to or talking with Kathy Tierney, Vocation Committee, 2021 Woodcrest Road, Indianapolis, IN 46227; 317-783-4405; desalessecular@gmail.com.

Code #147.

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Catholic Volunteer Network Catholic Volunteer Network connects passionate volunteers with dynamic programs serving around the world to foster and promote domestic and international faith-based volunteer service opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and skills. As the leading membership organization of Christian volunteer and mission programs, Catholic Volunteer Network supports and enhances the work of member organizations through volunteer recruitment, training and resources, networking opportunities and advocacy. Established in 1963, the Catholic Volunteer Network membership consists of over 200 domestic and international volunteer and lay mission programs. Each year more than 20,000 volunteers and lay missioners serve in these programs throughout the U.S. and in 112 other countries. Catholic Volunteer Network publishes and distributes RESPONSE, the most comprehensive handbook of lay mission volunteer opportunities. RESPONSE is distributed free of charge to persons interested in faith-based service and those who promote such service. Find us online at www.CatholicVolunteerNetwork.org.

See our ad on page 132. Code #483.

UK/IRISH COMMUNITIES Find UK and Irish Communities online through our community search or in our digital edition of Vision digitalvocationguide.org.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 111

OTHER COMMUNITIES

Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis (VHM) As Sisters of the Visitation of Minneapolis, founded in 1989, we are monastic/contemplative women who are present in the inner city to Live Jesus. We are part of a multicultural community sharing prayer, hope and God’s blessings with our neighbors--while receiving their blessedness.

Our urban monastery is part of the worldwide Order of the Visitation Sisters of Holy Mary, founded by St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal in Annecy, France, in 1610. We offer a variety of engagements for persons to respond to the Holy Spirit’s invitation to Live Jesus in an urban setting:•Vowed Religious life; •Yearly Internship opportunities for young adults to live and volunteer in the city; •Immersion experiences designed for women drawn to live in a monastic setting for six months to a year; •Visitation Companion lay community – for those committed to living Salesian spirituality wherever they reside; •Resident Visitation lay community in north Minneapolis. Contact: Sister Katherine Mullin at katherinefmullin@ gmail.com, or call (612) 636-1822. Visit our website: visitationmonasteryminneapolis.org, or FaceBook, and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Code #086.

ASSOCIATE COMMUNITIES

OTHER COMMUNITIES

BROTHERS BROTHER PARKER Jordan, B.H. rejoices at his final vows ceremony.

Brotherly advice: Enjoy your vocation!

by Heidi Schlumpf

PAUL FRANCIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Heidi Schlumpf is an associate professor of communication at Aurora University and has written for Catholic publications for more than 20 years. She is the author of the book Elizabeth Johnson: Questing for God.

Parker Jordan wrestled a while with “vocation anxiety syndrome.” But his willingness to turn to God for direction slowly led him to brotherhood and a life of deep gladness.

O

NE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT decisions of Parker Jordan’s life was choosing between the University of Florida and Florida State University for college—and it had nothing to do with the Seminole/Gator football rivalry.

Jordan was torn. When the FSU acceptance letter came, complete with a generous scholarship, Jordan checked the “maybe” box on the return postcard, only to later change it to “yes” before mailing it in. “Ultimately it was a decision for God,” Jordan, now 29, recalls. “The Lord was leading me there.”

Jordan didn’t know it at the time, but his college decision would provide the answer to a prayer he’d had for years: “Lord, what do you want me to do with my life?”

He would find his vocation with the Brotherhood of Hope, an order of Catholic priests and brothers that were Jordan’s FSU campus ministry connection.

Founded in 1980 by New Jersey priest Father Philip Merdinger, the brothers

112 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

The Order of St. Camillus

·

www.camillians.org vocation@camillians.org 414-259-4595 Enter #093 at VocationMatch.com

BROTHER ALLEN MARQUEZ, B.H

JORDAN plays at an event of the Catholic Center at Rutgers State University in New Jersey.

Enter #182 at VocationMatch.com

minister primarily at colleges and universities.

Trailhead to vocation Although Jordan grew up in a religious family, he didn’t seem destined for religious life. In fact, he wasn’t even Catholic. His parents were both evangelical Protestants: His father was the son of a Methodist pastor; his mother spent her childhood in India with her missionary parents.

Still, that religious pedigree and grounding had an impact on young Jordan. “We always knew Parker was going to be somebody different— ‘fully given’ in one way or another,” his mother, Heather, says.

Eventually, Jordan’s parents and their six children converted to Catholicism on Pentecost Sunday 1998, when Jordan was 12.

The family began attending St. Enter #133 at VocationMatch.com 114 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Thomas More Parish at Florida State University, where they connected with the Brotherhood of Hope. (A number of religious vocations to priesthood and religious life would come from that vibrant parish.)

Both Heather and Thom Jordan encouraged their children to listen to God’s plan for their lives. “We always taught Parker, ‘You’ll only be happy when doing what God calls you to do,’” says Heather, whose family often hosted brothers for dinner.

Brother Jude Lasota, who was working in campus ministry at FSU at the time, remembers young Jordan as incredibly intelligent and having a maturity that was “exemplary, even as a young boy.” The oldest of six children who were all homeschooled by their mother, Jordan had many responsibilities for his siblings.

“We always kid him that he’s one of the few brothers who knows how to

PAUL FRANCIS PHOTOGRAPHY

JORDAN with his parents at his final vows ceremony.

Holy Family Vocation Office

3014 Oregon Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118-1412

“

Enter #129 at VocationMatch.com

Jordan’s college decision would provide the answer to a prayer he’d had for years: “Lord, what do you want me to do with my life?”

change a diaper,” Lasota says.

Inspired by the brothers and their evangelistic work, Jordan felt some attraction to a religious vocation in high school, but his response had been mostly to worry about it, what he jokingly calls “vocation anxiety syndrome.” In college, he realized that before he could make such a major decision, he “needed to get to know the Lord first, to take the time to develop that relationship.”

Jordan spent more time with the brothers in college, finding a mentor

in Brother Gary Davis, B.H., “There was something natural about it. It fit well, like an old pair of jeans,” Jordan says about the order. Although he had known about the brothers’ life in community and ministry on college campuses, Jordan began to learn more about their spirituality and prayer life.

It wasn’t a journey he took alone.

The members of the community of friends Jordan made through the FSU Catholic Center also were trying to figure out God’s call for them.

“The brothers helped foster a culture of discipleship that led people to seek the Lord’s calling,” says Jordan, who was majoring in biochemistry with an eye toward medical school.

As his prayer life deepened, his desire to become a doctor lessened, though he continued with his premed major and still took the MCAT test for medical school. When a

friend two years ahead of him in school decided to pursue the brotherhood, Jordan remembers thinking, “Ah, cool. He’s normal. Maybe I could give this a shot.” The more he prayed about it, the clearer his calling became. Slowly, his anxieties and doubts began to be replaced with contentment and joy.

Break in the clouds In fact, it was the happiness and joy of the brothers—as well as their commitment to living an intentional life of evangelization—that inspired Jordan. He wondered if he, too, could be happy in the same way, especially as he considered the issue of celibacy.

As several of the brothers shared their own stories, Jordan realized, “They’re not married and not having sex, but they’re super joyful and happy.”

He and his girlfriend had broken

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 115

PAUL FRANCIS PHOTOGRAPHY

BROTHER ALLEN MARQUEZ, B.H

Enter #178 at VocationMatch.com

up during their freshmen year of college, and Jordan felt he needed to learn more about himself before doing any more dating. “I just didn’t have the internal green light on that,” he says. “Something else was tugging at my heart, that actually the Lord might have something else in store for me.”

Yet, although he found the brothers’ life attractive, the idea that he might be called to it also “freaked me out a bit,” he says.

His question, in prayer, became: “Is Jesus enough for me?”

The answer came in reading the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila, the 16th-century mystic who had first assumed a life dedicated to God would be a burden. But in one of her poems, she wrote: “After a night of prayer, He changed my life when He sang, ‘Enjoy Me.’”

116 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

That reminder that religious life was something to enjoy, not an obligation, was a turning point for Jordan. He decided to officially begin formation with the Brotherhood of Hope after college. His mother was not surprised but knew it would be difficult to let her oldest child go.

“But we know Parker listens to God, and we could trust what God was saying to him,” she says.

Knowing the brothers personally made it easier, not only for his parents but for his younger siblings.

At the party following his final vows, each sibling publicly affirmed that they willingly gave their brother to the brotherhood.

On his way Jordan’s first job as a candidate in the pre-novitiate was at Northeast-

AT “PIZZA on the Plaza,” a campus ministry event at Rutgers State University, Jordan chats with a student.

ern University in Boston, where he worked with other brothers in campus ministry. Jordan found the year of service valuable. “It’s very important when you’re discerning [religious life] to give of yourself and get outside of yourself,” he says.

Next came the novitiate, a more intentional time of formation spent in study, service, and prayer

JORDAN with his community at his final vows ceremony.

“

The more Jordan prayed about it, the clearer his calling became. His doubts began to be replaced with contentment and joy.

at the brothers’ former house in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The following year Jordan began working at Boston University, moving after one year to Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he currently does outreach with undergraduates.

One of his favorite parts of his job is overseeing twice-yearly studentled retreats and helping young men discern their own callings, whether to marriage or religious life.

Brother Lasota, who now works with Jordan at Rutgers, says the younger brother is a gifted evangelist who can open doors with young people. “When he preaches the

Enter #334 at VocationMatch.com

gospel, the grace of his vocation and his person are a great witness, particularly to young men and women,” Lasota says. “They see how free he is and how his vocation made him freer. He’s a magnet and really exudes joy.”

Such a witness can be countercultural on sex-saturated college campuses. As celibate men with few possessions, the brothers model that something besides sex and money can lead to joy and happiness.

“The vocation of brother really stands in contradiction to the way of the world that seeks to live for the moment and with a ‘what can I get out of life’ attitude,” Jordan says.

Yet many college students—even Catholic ones—have never encountered any brothers. The number of religious brothers has dropped dramatically over the past 50 years,

according to a recent report from the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life that refers to religious brothers as “prophets for our time.”

Jordan agrees, comparing brothers to signposts who point to something greater, like John the Baptist pointing to Jesus.

The brothers Jordan knew growing up were a signpost for him; now he wants to be that for other young people. His message to them is also the charism of the Brotherhood of Hope: “the all-sufficiency of Christ.”

“Jesus alone is enough for us,” says Jordan. “He satisfies the deepest desire of the human heart.” = Related articles: vocationnetwork.org, “My unlikely journey to brotherhood,” VISION 2016; “Why I love being a brother,” VISION 2012.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 117

SISTERS

Desert nuns find an oasis in sisterhood

THE NIGHT before the investiture ceremony, Jennifer Meissonnier and other women in formation had a vigil procession and celebration, complete with a crown of flowers and even a rainbow.

Photos by John Bering. Text by Carol Schuck Scheiber.

John Bering is a photographer in Buckeye, Arizona, whose goal is to capture images that glorify God. Find him online at johnberingphotography.com.

Carol Schuck Scheiber is an editor of VISION V oc ation G uide and HORIZON, both publications of the National Religious Vocation Conference.

The bold step of becoming a nun is nourished by tradition, ritual, symbols—and hugs.

A

FTER 15 MONTHS of living among the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, Jennifer Meissonnier became a novice member in June 2015. During the investiture ceremony, she took the name Sister Augusta Mary of Our Lady of Grace, putting her a step closer to full membership with the Poor Clares of Our Lady of Solitude Monastery in Tonopah, Arizona.

First, her sisters cut her hair, a symbol of detachment from worldliness that dates back to Saints Francis and Clare in the 800s. Her new sisters also helped Meissonnier don the habit of the order.

Then she, her family and friends, and her new sisters emerged from the chapel into the bright light of the desert to celebrate with cake and punch.

118 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

1

2

3

4

5

6

1.) Jennifer Meissonnier, in the section of the chapel reserved for the nuns, awaits the beginning of the investiture ceremony. 2.)

Meissonnier prepares for a haircut, which is given in keeping with an 800-year-old tradition symbolizing detachment from things of the world. 3.) Meissonnier prepares to receive the habit, considered holy by the nuns. 4.) Meissonnier dons an inner veil called a guimpe. 5. ) Meissonnier receives the Franciscan crown rosary. 6.) The new novice embraces her abbess, Mother Marie Andre, P.C.P.A.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 119

THE NEW Sister Augusta Mary of Our Lady of Grace hugs a friend.

SISTER AUGUSTA Mary poses for photos with other sisters.

120 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

“No one realizes more than women who are consecrated religious that we are signs of contradiction in a very contradictory world, but God gives meaning to our lives because he is the center of our lives,” Abbess Mother Marie Andre, P.C.P.A. recently said in an interview in The Catholic Sun. Meissonnier first visited the community by accident. She was in Phoenix to visit an active religious congregation (one that does ministry outside the convent). Through a series of unexpected events, she stopped to pray with the Poor Clares. Stirred by the experience, she returned for several discernment retreats, all of which led her to the day in June when she took on new clothing, a new name, and a new way of life. =

Enter #263 at VocationMatch.com

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 121

SISTERS

“AFRICA IS being saved by African women,” Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, S.S.H.J. says.

Ugandan sister mends lives

by Jennifer Tomshack

Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, S.S.H.J. is helping to create a future for victims of civil war with care, compassion—and sewing machines.

Jennifer Tomshack is editorial director of TrueQuest Communications, publisher of VISION V oc ation Guide.

I

T TAKES MORE THAN COURAGE to defy a warlord and his rebel soldiers, but sewing machines? That is one of the ingenious tools Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, S.S.H.J. put to use to undo the damage of the reign of terror that has decimated a generation of Ugandan and Sudanese people.

Nyirumbe, a member of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus based in Juba, South Sudan, has helped more than 2,000 girls who were abducted, raped, tortured, and forced to kill their own family members by Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army.

Nyirumbe has answered the call to serve these girls—who have been shunned and persecuted by their own communities for bearing their captors’ children. As

122 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Enter #168 at VocationMatch.com

THE SEWING HOPE Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the work of Nyirumbe and her Sacred Heart community; visit here: sewinghopefoundation.com.

the director of St. Monica’s Girls Tailoring Center in Gulu, Uganda since 2002, Nyirumbe provides the girls with safe sanctuary and job training in tailoring and other trades so they can become self-reliant.

A native of Uganda, Nyirumbe Enter #175 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 123

Enter #438 at VocationMatch.com

Religious of the Sacred Heart contemplative by vocation passionate for justice working toward communion

Revealing God’s love in the heart of the world www.RSCJ.org 888-844-7725 vocations@rscj.org

Enter #027at VocationMatch.com

began serving the people of her country after joining the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1976.

Currently, about 250 girls and 250 children live at the center. Nyirumbe also oversees a second school in Atiak, Uganda.

Nyirumbe’s work is the subject of Sewing Hope, a documentary narrated

by Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker and a book with the same title. In 2014, 124 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. She even appeared on the TV talk show The Colbert Report with host Stephen Colbert two years ago to encourage social activism.

Love begets love Some might think they can’t relate to a person such as Nyirumbe, given

the atrocities she’s witnessed, the daunting obstacles she’s helped others to overcome, and her admirable strength and fortitude, but she hardly sits on an unreachable pedestal. She smiles and laughs easily and admits to doubts and fears. If she weren’t so disarming and humble, she wouldn’t have been able to care for so many scared and broken young people.

In fact, her vocation story began, simply enough, by caring for kids while she was still a kid herself. It was this nurturing that first sparked her inner joy and compassion. Born in 1956, the beloved youngest of five siblings, Nyirumbe was, by her own account, adored and pampered.

Her oldest sister had eight children, and Nyirumbe was responsible for helping to look after her nieces and nephews.

THE SISTERS of the Sacred Heart of Jesus see education as a means of liberating people from ignorance, poverty, and low self-image.

“

When I heard God’s call, I didn’t believe it, because I didn’t want to leave my family. But my vocation brought so many more children into my life.”

Religious life was not a given for her right from the get-go. She said that she never thought she’d become a religious sister “in a million years”—that is, until she witnessed the work of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who were helping refugee children in her war-torn homeland during the dictatorship of Idi Amin. After that, there was no stopping her as she barreled toward

her vocation. At 15, Rosemary announced to her mother that she was going to join a convent. At 19, she took her vows, lying about her age so that she could become a nun one year earlier than she was allowed to.

“It was so hard for me to part with my family, even to go to school, because I was so, so attached to them. When I heard God’s call, I didn’t believe it, because I didn’t want to leave my family,” Nyirumbe says. “But my vocation brought so many more children into my life, and I am so attached to them now and to my community.”

Women helping women As the keynote speaker at the Catholic Media Conference in Buffalo, New York in 2015, Nyirumbe Enter #187 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 125

NYIRUMBE’S call to vocation began with a simple love of caring for children.

Enter #067 at VocationMatch.com

explained how her love of children was an almost childlike impetus for her vocation but over time matured into so much more.

“Africa is being saved by African women,” she told the conference, and she is certainly one of them. Part of her mission is raising awareness all over the world of the plight of her girls, to give them a voice, to “let

126 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

these girls know life can be changed” and to “be sure that it does not happen anywhere else.”

Back home in Uganda, out of the limelight she reluctantly endures, Nyirumbe practices the empowerment she preaches.

The guerilla campaign being waged by the Lord’s Resistance Army rebel group since 1987 is one of

Africa’s longest-running conflicts, resulting in an estimated 100,000 civilian deaths, 1.5 million civilians displaced, and 20,000 children abducted. Nyirumbe has dedicated her life to the discarded victims of this war. Her own life has been in danger many times. She’s hidden people under her bed and turned away terrorists at her door. She’s flat-out lucky that LRA thugs never killed her.

As she came to the aid of girls who had lived in captivity and escaped, girls who missed out on the chance to go to school and get an education, she decided to provide them with practical skills they could use to support themselves and their children. She started teaching sewing

ALL PROCEEDS from book sales of Sewing Hope (Dust Jacket Press, 2013) go to help the girls at St. Monica’s.

“

I believe in the gospel of presence, in working with people to minister to their needs and meet them where they are.”

and later cooking classes. Their new skills not only help the girls get jobs, they help restore their dignity and self-worth.

But mending their severe emotional wounds is an enormous challenge, Nyirumbe says, and she does what she can: listens to their traumatic stories, accepts them for who they are and what they’ve done, and tells them of God’s boundless compassion. “You don’t need me to forgive you,” she says she tells them.

“God has already done that.”

Presenting the good news One thing she doesn’t directly teach the girls, though, is her religion. “I

Enter #085 at VocationMatch.com

believe in the gospel of presence,” she says in her book, “in working with people to minister to their needs and meet them where they are.”

The charism of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is exactly that, making Christ known and keeping him present among the most needy and abandoned through personal life witness in solidarity with the poor. Their mission is educating as a means of liberating people from ignorance, poverty, and low selfimage. The sisters have branched out into pastoral work, social work, and health care as well.

Her community was founded in South Sudan in 1954 by the thenBishop of Juba, Sixtus Mazzoldi, Enter #361 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 127

IN 2014, Nyirumbe was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.

a Comboni Missionary. There are more than 150 members serving in Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya.

Even though Nyirumbe lives with consuming strife, she must also, as a sister, balance her ministry with the other main tenets of religious life. “I am deeply engaged in community life, and prayer is a top priority. This is where my personal growth happens. I can’t grow outside of community and prayer. I can’t grow in ministry alone,” she says.

“My sisters are all called to the same thing. But I don’t please everyone. Sometimes they don’t want what I want, but I am accepted always,” she says. “My job isn’t hard. My sisters share the biggest part of what’s hard. I do very little. Together we are always looking for who is most neglected and what we can do about it.

Together we look for new challenges and we try new ideas.”

“I am a dreamer,” she says, “and my future is full of dreams.” Next on Enter #172 at VocationMatch.com 128 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

“

Together we are always looking for who is most neglected and what we can do about it. Together we look for new challenges and we try new ideas.”

deck: an orphanage at the school in Atiak using a new childcare model.

The Sewing Hope Children’s Village, will have a caretaker-to-child ratio of eight to one, with each small group living in individual homes. “We don’t want them to feel like orphans but part of a family,” she explained.

The children will also be integrated into the community at large because nearby kids also attend the school.

Divine care comes with faith It is Nyirumbe’s faith that keeps her going through ongoing exposure to

Enter #063 at VocationMatch.com

very dark realities. “When you say yes to God, he will take care of you,” she says.

Her trust has paid off in many ways, but it is perhaps nowhere more evident than at the day-care center at St. Monica’s. It was opened to the public to generate income and integrate the children of rebels into the community. At first few families wanted to enroll their kids there, but when they saw what a happy environment it was and how the children of rebels were thriving, they gradually conceded and their kids now play there, too.

Hope for the next generation and the joy it brings has left her with “no regrets” about the sacrifices and challenges she has chosen. “My life is simple,” she says. “Middle of nowhere is where I belong.” = Related articles: vocationnetwork.org, “Joy I never expected,” VISION 2011.

Enter #012 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 129

SISTERS

SISTER TESA Fitzgerald, C.S.J. talks to kids from Hour Children foster care home she helped found.

“I love the way my life turned out, “ says Sister T.

Sister T: A mom to moms behind bars by

Jo Piazza is the author of the bestselling book If Nuns Ruled the World, in which she profiles Sister Tesa Fitzgerald, C.S.J. and nine other Catholic sisters. A former New Yorker, she now lives in San Francisco with her husband and giant dog.

Jo Piazza. Photos by Steve Pfost (courtesy of Opus Prize Foundation).

Everyone knows “Sister T,” who high-fives her way down the streets of Queens, New York. She has helped thousands of women inmates and their kids get through prison terms and rebuild their lives.

S

ISTER TESA FITZGERALD, C.S.J. never thought she would be a mother.

But—and she is the first to admit it—God works in mysterious ways. Those enigmatic ways have led Fitzgerald to help raise thousands of children for mothers who are incarcerated—and become a mother to the women themselves.

“They’re all my babies,” she says, talking about her unconventional and very large family.

Today Fitzgerald, best known throughout her neighborhood in Queens, New York as “Sister T,” is the executive director of Hour Children, a nonprofit that

130 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Enter #024 at VocationMatch.com

supports women prisoners and their children in the state of New York.

The organization—named for the one-hour family visits that prisoners get—helps moms in prison stay in touch with their kids while they serve time, raises those children as fosters while the mothers are incarcerated, and then helps the women rebuild their lives after their release.

“It became very clear to me that the [incarcerated] mothers didn’t have the opportunities that the children deserved,” Fitzgerald says. She wanted something more for all of them.

Hour Children has created a village in a small section of Long Island City, not far from the East River.

Fitzgerald and her staff maintain a food pantry for the women when they first live on their own outside of prison. One building houses the Working Women Program, where the former inmates are taught life Enter #212 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 131

Enter #483 at VocationMatch.com

“

Tesa taught me everything I know about doing my job.

She changed my life.

She’s the reason I am here right now.”

and career skills and are prepped for internships and jobs all over Queens, including at the local Con Edison plant, which Fitzgerald spent years persuading to hire her women. There is a day-care center where women can leave their kids while they go to their new jobs. There are four thrift stores that generate income for the nonprofit and provide another place for the women to work after they are released.

Small things make for a big life Then there is the foster home that Fitzgerald runs with her fellow Sisters of St. Joseph.

Fitzgerald thought hard about how to name the home where she Enter #055 at VocationMatch.com 132 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

FITZGERALD named the Hour Children foster home “My Mother’s House” so the kids could say, “I’m going to my mother’s house,” and avoid prying questions.

Magdalen of the Sacred Heart | Foundress of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, declared Venerable by Pope Francis, June 13, 2014

Enter #460 at VocationMatch.com

and the sisters live with the foster children. She didn’t want the children in their care to feel alienated from the other kids in the neighborhood or at school, the ones who had parents to go home to, so they named the building “My Mother’s House.” That way, when they were asked where they were going, they never felt like they were lying. They said, “My Mother’s House,” and no one asked them any more questions.

Fitzgerald always thinks of the small things that are actually big things. As a result, she lives a big life, one she has largely carved out for herself. She isn’t the kind of woman who takes no for an answer, and when faced with an obstacle, this diminutive powerhouse finds a way to turn that obstacle on its head.

Fitzgerald’s job starts in the prisons, and she visits the women there on a regular basis. Much of her work is on the prison grounds, where she counsels women starting as soon as they have gone in. She lets them know what life is going to be like

Enter #479 at VocationMatch.com

for them when they get out, and she doesn’t mince words when it comes to the challenges they will face.

When they are released, she is right there once again. She finds them affordable housing, oftentimes maintained and managed by Hour Children, helps them secure a job, and teaches them computer skills and office etiquette. Women must

comply with sober and communal living restrictions and responsibilities. They ultimately need to get a job. If they can do that, Fitzgerald will help support them and their kids as long as they need the help.

Tasting hope It’s a simple idea, but an effective VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 133

FAITH IN JESUS is the bedrock from which Fitzgerald’s ministry flows.

“ Enter #001 at VocationMatch.com

one. More than 29 percent of New York State’s female ex-convicts are eventually rearrested. For women taken in by Hour Children, that number is only 3 percent.

But there’s so much more to these turnaround stories than numbers. Luz De Leon, who met Fitzgerald while serving 10 years in Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for man-

134 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

slaughter, now runs one of the thrift shops operated by Hour Children in Queens.

“Tesa taught me everything I know about doing my job. She changed my life. She’s the reason I am here right now,” De Leon says.

Spend some time with any of the women who have walked through Hour Children’s doors and you will

If we really believe in the Resurrection, then we have to believe in second chances.”

understand the real definition of hope and family and faith.

“You can taste the hope in prison,” Fitzgerald says. Each of the women she has worked with hit rock bottom right before they met her, and she helps them go up from there.

She cries with the women in jail. She prays with them and she mourns with them. She and the other sisters in her community take on all the duties of these mothers for newborn babies to rowdy teenagers.

“It was a real eye-opener. I got a crash course in empathetic understanding of what parents go through,” Fitzgerald says. “It was hard. You had highs and lows. You had to let each child be an individual. The babies were actually easier to bond with. It was harder with the teenagers who came in with all the baggage of life. It sure was a different

FITZGERALD talks to kids from Hour Children.

model. We had five sisters raising the children and we did all the things a parent would do. I became a mom.”

Fitzgerald never judges anyone, especially not the women she works with. She shows them understanding and compassion, perhaps for the first time in their incredibly difficult lives.

“If we really believe in the Resurrection, then we have to believe in second chances. Nobody comes out of prison saying, ‘Wow, I really hope I screw up again,’ ” she says.

A calling of “of course” not “aha” Fitzgerald never had that one moment where she knew she wanted to become a sister. Rather, she just always felt a subtle sense that becoming a sister was her calling, an idea that was further fostered by the Sisters of St. Joseph who taught her in high school.

“It was this inner sense that this was a good thing for me to do.

It wasn’t an ‘aha’ moment, where I

woke up and said, ‘Hey, I want to be a nun today.’ It was just a constant calling from God,” she explains.

“The sisters seemed so happy and they were doing good things, so it just made sense to me.”

She grew up poor in an Irish working-class family in Long Island, New York. Strong faith and good education were inherent in her upbringing and so, all these years later, it just makes sense that those things continue to be the cornerstones of Fitzgerald’s life.

“I love the way my life turned out,” she says.

God: her closest advisor Fitzgerald hasn’t been shy about asking God for things. She asked for help trying to build more housing for her women and their families, and she got it—in the form of more than $9 million in funding to buy an old convent across the street from where she lives. She demolished the build-

Enter #153 at VocationMatch.com

ing and set about reconstructing it into 18 beautiful apartments for her women.

Fitzgerald struts when she walks, shoulders strong and proud.

Long Island City neighbors approach her with hugs, high-fives, and smiles.

In Queens she is everyone’s mother and everyone’s friend.

Her closest advisor and a constant in Fitzgerald’s life is none other than God. “God walks with me every single day,” she says. The two of them have conversations on a regular basis. She’s making plans and she wants God to be in on them. Who knows how she and God are planning to spread hope next? =

Related article: vocationnetwork.org, “Teacher first, sister aways,” VISION 2010.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 135

SISTERS A YOUNG Escuela Móvil student is proud of his work, and Sister Ely Carrasco, C.D.P. is just as proud of him. The Sisters of Divine Providence in Mexico show up at the city’s outdoor market, Mercado El Tepe, on the same day every week.

Street-wise sisters on a roll by

Carol Schuck Scheiber

Many poor children in Querétaro, Mexico struggle to go to school. Thanks to the Sisters of Divine Providence, school comes to them.

Carol Schuck Scheiber is an editor of VISION V oc ation G uide and HORIZON, both publications of the National Religious Vocation Conference.

F

OR THE POOREST CHILDREN in Querétaro, Mexico, education is often a low priority. Hunger, violence, drugs, and family problems can consume most of their attention. Enter the Sisters of Divine Providence and their Escuela Móvil (“School on Wheels”). The Sisters—who minister in Texas and Mexico—and a cadre of volunteers bring a series of large educational bulletin boards and games six days a week to a place where homeless and very poor children gather. The sisters and volunteers play, read stories, and get to know the children. Their effort is part of an international movement of mobile schools founded in Belgium and sponsored locally in Querétaro by the food bank ALVIDA. A primary goal of this unconventional school is simple: to build relationships.

With a bond in place, the sisters hope they can begin to address the many needs of these children and their families and be the face of Jesus in their lives. = Mandy Ortiz of the Sisters of Divine Providence contributed to this report.

136 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

VOLUNTEERS surprise one of their youngest visitors with a traditional Mexican sombrero.

BESIDES TUTORING, the Escuela Móvil volunteers listen to and share with young people who are drug addicts and lack life direction.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE OF TEXAS

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 137

TWO CHILDREN have big smiles at Escuela Móvil.

SISTER LUPITA SILVA, C.D.P. helps an older student understand a lesson he did not master at school.

138 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

THE SISTERS’ Escuela Móvil is set up on a 20-foot meridian five days a week. Sister Lupita Silva, C.D.P. and volunteers (above) review geography with middleschool students.

LABOR AND compassionate hearts make Escuela Móvil work.

This mobile school is pulled six days a week to its destination where their regular students and friends await the sisters and their volunteers.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 139

PRIESTS

Persistent call pays off

by Leslie Scanlon

Leslie Scanlon is a journalist and former religion writer for the Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky. Her work has appeared in The Christian Century, the Washington Post, and many other publications.

FATHER PAUL Henson, O.Carm. (center right) with some of the men who entered his community in recent years.

“I wanted to do something that impacted people’s lives,” says Father Paul Henson, O.Carm. While that knowledge was sure, it took some false starts before he knew Carmelite life was for him.

F

OR THOSE WHO THINK the road to religious vocation is a straight path, meet Father Paul Henson, O.Carm. Henson’s route to the priesthood wandered in and out of seminary, into a career as a teacher, through a season in his 20s of considering marriage and family—but he kept hearing a call to religious life.

Finally, at age 30, he answered—and his ministry since as a Carmelite priest has taken him to Mexico and Peru and into education administration as principal of Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California. He’s now a vocation director for the Carmelites, serving the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary in Darien, Illinois, living in a priory next to a Carmelite high school in Tucson, and

140 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

traveling to Chicago to serve monthlong stretches at the pre-novitiate house three or four times a year.

His advice to young people considering religious vocation: Pray for God’s guidance and take the time to “experiment with life, to look, to investigate,” to consider other paths and opportunities. Also, “trust what’s going on in your heart. God’s inviting you to this.”

How can I make a splash?

Henson has known his whole life what it’s like to grapple with figuring out your place in the world.

He grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles. While his neighborhood was ethnically mixed and his own family second-generation Mexican-American, his parish was run primarily by Irish priests. His family was not traditional in the American sense—when he was young, his mother died and his father left, and he grew up in his mother’s intergenerational, bilingual family, led by his maternal great aunt, Luz Salcedo, who was very religious and who gathered Henson and his cousins regularly at dawn to pray the rosary, sometimes in English, sometimes in Spanish.

Born in 1964, “I grew up at a time when you were assimilated,” Henson says. “You were supposed to be white. You had to speak English.

You didn’t really want to speak Spanish with your classmates,” or to look different. There wasn’t, for him, a role model of a Mexican-American priest. Yet he felt called to be one.

When Henson was five, American astronauts landed on the moon.

“I remember sitting in front of our little black-and-white TV,” watching those historic first steps and thinkEnter #137 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 141

Enter #103 at VocationMatch.com

“

His advice to young people considering religious vocation: Pray for God’s guidance and take the time to “experiment with life.”

Enter #283 at VocationMatch.com

ing “that I wanted to make a difference in the world,” Henson recalls.

“I wanted to make a splash. I wanted people to remember me.”

As he grew older, that sense of wanting to be special shifted to a more selfless thinking that “I wanted to do something that would impact people’s lives.”

He had become an altar server,

142 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

and when he watched carefully as the priests celebrated Mass, he felt, “I want to do that.”

Maybe I should be a priest He attended a Catholic elementary school, where, when he was in the sixth grade, a group of seminarians came to speak to his class.

He remembers they were nicely dressed—black pants, white shirts, blazers—and they talked about both the academics and the sports the high school seminary offered. “They made it sound so fun,” Henson says.

He went home and told his great aunt, “I want to be a priest.”

So for high school, he enrolled in St. Vincent’s Seminary in Montebello, California. He was all lined up, it appeared, to enter the priesthood. Except that he wasn’t. Henson stayed in the seminary only two years—leaving after that to attend a Catholic boys’ high

HENSON MEETS with students at Salpointe High School in Tucson, Arizona.

He frequently visits Carmelite high schools as part of his vocation ministry.

school after deciding the seminary “just wasn’t for me,” in part because he wanted to date girls (which he couldn’t even then, officially, because his great aunt was so strict).

After graduating from high school, Henson attended St. John’s Seminary College in Camarillo, California, graduating in 1986 with a degree in philosophy. He still felt pulled toward priesthood but not certain—he’d met a woman and fallen in love. He moved to North Hollywood and took a job with Catholic Charities working with runaway teenagers.

One Saturday he went to the local Carmelite parish for confession.

But when he got there, he found the confessional empty. He walked outside and saw a guy wearing shorts, a tank top, and flip-flops sitting on the steps, and he asked him, “Do you know where the priests are?”

Enter #132 at VocationMatch.com

Enter #484 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 143

Enter #088 at VocationMatch.com

The man answered, “I’m a priest.” They went to the confessional, and after absolution, they continued their conversation outside. “I told him my story,” Henson says. “He said, ‘Maybe you should think about becoming a Carmelite.’ I remember thinking, ‘Wow, they’re not pretentious, they’re regular guys. They care about you as a person.’ ”

with the loss of his parents, “I was just so grateful that God took care of me,” giving him a loving family nonetheless, Henson says. He eventually decided, “I’m going to live my life in gratitude for God’s care of me.”

In 1995—nine years after nearly joining the Carmelites the first time, this time at age 30—Henson applied to join the Carmelites again and was ordained in 2002. “Eventually I just said, this is where God wants me,” Henson says. “I just have to do it.”

In time Henson’s community assigned him to work at Crespi Carmelite High School, where he served as principal. Father Thomas Schrader, a Carmelite and president of Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, worked with Henson at Crespi—Schrader was president there then. “He’s a really high energy person,” Schrader says of Henson, and also prayerful and committed to social justice. “He liked to put the students first, that was really his thing.”

Henson says he loved the “excitement and energy” of the classroom and the sense of creativity it sparked “to really become a mentor, to walk with the kids in their sorrows and their joys.”

Carmelite on the second try The priest introduced Henson to other Carmelites. He visited with them for about a year and in 1989 applied to join the order. “I got accepted, but I got cold feet, kind of at the last minute.” And he backed out. Henson began working as a teacher, first at a Catholic elementary school and later a high school. “There was always a sense of service,” he says, and always in connection with the church.

Because Henson had grown up Enter #494 at VocationMatch.com 144 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Feeding a hunger for church Before he arrived at Crespi, he worked in Mexico with Schrader at rural missions attached to a Carmelite parish in Torreón in the state of Coahuila, in the northern desert.

“People were living in little shacks they kind of put together,” Schrader says. “It eventually became a neighborhood. People would put together what they could and build as they had funds. The real eye-opener here

“ HENSON TAKES part in a vocation fair as part of his ministry.

Eventually I just said this is where God wants me.

I just have to do it.”

arrived with so many worries and concerns, but after praying together, “it’s like the problem I came with all of a sudden wasn’t that big of a problem,” they would say to him.

Inspiring vocations at a quiet pace was the migration of the people to the church as a place that was a familiar home to them,” despite not really having homes of their own.

Henson said he worked with people who were “so hungry to learn about church, to learn about how God acts in our lives in very concrete ways.” Because there was no church building, on Sundays before Mass the children would sprinkle water on the dirt to keep down the dust.

Week after week, “they would make church,” Henson says. He remembers also what a wise older man living in the Andes Mountains in Peru told him. “Be careful, Paul, what you do in these mountains. Recognize that God’s footprint is already there.

God’s already there in the people.

You don’t come in telling them what to do. You respect where they’re at.”

Later, he applied what he’d learned there to his work at Crespi.

Every month, he’d offer “Coffee with Father Paul”—an hour-long chance for parents to discuss their concerns.

He started each session with lectio divina, a form of scripture mediation, and prayer and then talk about issues. Parents would tell him they’d

In 2013 Henson took on a new role, as a vocation director for the Carmelites, traveling around the country and working with inquirers, visiting parishes, leading retreats, and visiting youth conferences and schools.

“He brings the same energy, the same enthusiasm, the same genuine interest in young people and their journeys,” says Brother Daryl Moresco, the Carmelites’ provincial director of vocations and pre-novitiate director. “He loves to be on the road” and “he always makes time for a personal contact,” but most of all, Moresco says, “He’s got kind of an infectious personality. He’s full of joy.”

Henson has now been a Carmelite for 20 years. When not working, he hikes and works out, reads fantasy and adventure novels as well as books on Pope Francis. While he may have been uncertain about his call in the beginning, he has thrived on the order’s charism of prayer, community, and ministry.

“Prayer has to be a daily part of our lives,” Henson says. “What Carmelite tradition has taught the world is that prayer can be anywhere and everywhere in the day. Carmelites

Enter #365 at VocationMatch.com

are known for praying outside of the box.”

Henson brings to his ministry a “great respect for the discernment process,” Moresco says. “It’s not about getting people in the door, it’s about walking with them, helping them discern their vocation.

He’s very good at bringing his own experience to that. Yes, he joined a little bit later,” having earned a college degree and considered marriage and children instead. In working with inquirers, Henson focuses on “how to do this discernment really well, honoring the journey of each person.”

When it comes to vocation, Henson believes the contemplative, prayerful approach of the Carmelites is a good one. “When God calls,” he explains, “there’s no hurry.” = Related article: vocationnetwork.org, “Know thyself: A priest finds his way,” VISION 2014.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 145

PRIESTS

“

What Carmelite tradition has taught the world is that prayer can be anywhere and everywhere in the day. Carmelites are known for praying outside of the box.”

Nicholas Collura served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in San Antonio, Texas, and is now a novice of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in the West Coast Province in Los Angeles, California. He has a Master of Divinity degree from Boston College. He has written for National Catholic Reporter.

Racing toward my religious vocation

EARLY ON, Nicholas Collura was attracted to celebrating the sacraments. Here, he reads from a lectionary, dressed for ministry in a Roman collar, as is the practice among Jesuit novices.

by Nicholas Collura

This Jesuit novice was attracted to the priesthood by a love for the sacraments and service. The freedom to continue writing while being a priest moved him to join a religious order.

S

HE BURST INTO TEARS as suddenly as if she’d been hit in the face. I stood there, stunned and staring, uncertain what to say.

My job in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps was to direct a social service office in an urban parish in Texas. On that overcast day a week before Christmas, a big-hearted businessman had visited our little church with a stack of $500 gift cards he wanted to donate—anonymously—to the neediest members of our community. I had the privilege of choosing the recipients and making the deliveries.

When I arrived at the home of the young single mother whose tears I recall to this day, she and her four young children were piling into a dilapidated car where they would spend the next few nights while a local handyman repaired the roof of

146 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Enter #228 at VocationMatch.com

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 147

“

When I saw that so many religious found their vows to be freeing rather than a burden, I began to ask myself questions.

Enter #254 at VocationMatch.com

her crumbling house. The tears that she shed when I gave her the gift card were ones of incredulous joy.

Stepping into this drama of hardship, charity, and gratitude, I knew that I’d encountered something to do with the meaning of life—and I knew that I wanted more.

In those days, I used to run around the track of the local high school, humming silly little tunes to set my pace. One day I found myself jogging to a simple refrain that came unbidden to mind: “I want . . . to be . . . a saint. I want . . . to be . . . a saint.” After a few laps, the refrain suddenly changed, and I picked up speed and went careening around the field: “I want . . . to be . . . a priest! I want . . . to be . . . a priest!”

Why in the world did those words—and that crazy desire—come

148 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

into my head? Why would anyone want to become a priest?

What moved me to this life As I look back on the experiences that first moved me to enter the Jesuit novitiate (the first stage of religious formation), I see how my reasons for pursuing consecrated life have grown out of one another. One of the things that initially drew me was the allure of celebrating the sacraments. In my first few months of discernment, many years ago now, I would sing the words of the eucharistic consecration whenever I was alone in my car. But when chasubles and incense took a disproportionately large place in my early fantasies, I realized that a desire to be seen as holy is not the same as the desire to be holy. What makes us holy is not primarily ritual but rather

love. It is our thirst for justice, our practice of kindness, our way of relating to people.

Working in a disadvantaged neighborhood, I saw the suffering of the poor firsthand. My eyes opened to tremendous needs. Moreover I saw how deeply our parishioners trusted the Jesuits, who had consecrated their entire lives to the cause of love in the midst of a world that otherwise held little but cruel disappointments for the poor.

Their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience are not easy ones.

While they are not necessary for a life of service, when I saw that so many religious found their vows to be freeing rather than a burden, I began to ask myself questions.

Could taking religious vows be a way for me to devote my time—and more important the emotional and spiritual energy I have available for love—to single-hearted service of the people of God? Marriage vows can liberate people, too. So can other forms of single and community life. No vocation is holier than any other. I hate to hear the priesthood described as a “higher calling.” How can one calling be better when they all come from God? The question is, which form of life will help each of us, with our

COLLURA prays the Office, a daily set of psalms, prayers, and readings used by many sisters, brothers, and priests.

individual personalities, flourish?

Marriage and children will not hold the answer for everyone.

Celibate priesthood and religious life—what Sister Sandra Schneiders, I.H.M. calls “an exclusive commitment to the unmediated Godquest”—offers a different, somewhat intense life of community, solitude, prayer, and service. I have always had a certain spiritual intensity myself, and it was ultimately this match between intensities—mine and that of religious life—that moved me to join the Jesuits.

Respond to two callings Naturally I have faced struggles in

the process of vocation discernment. One had to do with the fact that ever since I was a boy I dreamed of becoming a writer. That desire is deep in me, so when I first began contemplating the priesthood, I was afraid I’d be giving up not just marriage and family and a certain degree of autonomy but a major part of who God had created me to be.

So I was delighted to discover that some people are called to live out their priesthood in a religious community, which recognizes the possibility of a dual vocation. The Christian Brothers, for instance, are called to consecrated brotherhood and to educational ministry. The Franciscans, normally, are called

Enter #145 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 149

“

I was delighted to discover that some people are called to live out their priesthood in a religious community, which recognizes the possibility of a dual vocation.

Enter #112 at VocationMatch.com

70-20 Juno Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375 • (718) 480-1306 • www.maristbr.com Enter #298 at VocationMatch.com

to religious life and to work with the poor. The Jesuits, whom I have joined, are well known for “finding God in all things” and often work outside conventional church settings. They have been described as “hyphenates”: for example, there are Jesuit-scholars, Jesuit-doctors, Jesuit-astronomers, Jesuit-activists,

150 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

even Jesuit-filmmakers. I could, in fact, be a Jesuit-writer. It was liberating to realize that in the Jesuit community I could honor both the religious and creative parts of myself rather than having to choose between them.

I recall a wonderful story about a Chilean Jesuit who, after being

COLLURA worked at a food pantry as a Jesuit volunteer. The experience of working with the poor moved him to consider a religious vocation.

ordained, went to his superior with a strange request: He deeply believed that God was calling him to become a circus clown, to make children smile in a world where so often their young lives were filled to the brim with sadness.

Rather than laughing this Jesuit out of the order, his superior decided

Embrace God's call with joy

Consider a Monastic Vocation that if one of his guys was going to be a clown, he should be the best clown he could be—and he sent him to Cirque de Soleil for circus training! For this Jesuit, blessed with generous and understanding superiors, the priesthood did not exhaust but enriched his vocational call.

Mary Mother of the Church Benedictine Abbey Richmond, VA A BROTHERHOOD OF MONKS DEDICATED TO PRAYER AND WORK IN COMMUNITY 804-708-9653

richmondmonks.org Enter #507 at VocationMatch.com

Waiting for God to surprise me There have been other challenges in my religious discernment. The vows are not easy. The church is not perfect. While I’m still attracted to celebrating the sacraments, in today’s church I’m finding there are plenty of other ways to be a good shepherd that do not require ordination. So I wonder at times if perhaps I should become a brother instead.

I have come to realize that questions and concerns are not setbacks but gifts to consider. I’ve learned that God’s grace does not depend on whether we are celebrating the sacraments—or in fact whether we are doing any one particular thing— but on the extent to which we have surrendered our lives to God in love and gratitude. The fact that there are innumerable ways to do so means that God overflows with creativity, and we can, too. This is cause for joy.

My vocational confusion has taught me a great deal about trust.

Vocation is a mystery that grasps us; it is not something we can ultimately grasp. Many priests report that they entered the novitiate or seminary for their own reasons and wound up staying for completely different ones—reasons known in advance to God alone.

As I continue my novitiate, I reflect on the many dimensions of

Enter #177 at VocationMatch.com

my desire for religious life: a love of people, a longing to serve them, an attraction to sacramental ministry, a wish to consecrate my time and love to the drama of the human soul before God. Yet I have no desire to live out my expectations for my future.

Rather, I wish to discover how God will surprise me.

In the end, I’ve found that the surest sign of a divine call has nothing to do with total certainty or absolute comprehension. For me it has more to do with whether thinking about a particular form of love—life as a religious order priest—quickens my pace as I run around a racetrack, filling me with excitement and joy. =

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 151

BEING CATHOLIC

TO BETTER SERVE the homeless, Jose Lopez (left) immersed himself in their world during a Vincentian Volunteer year in San Francisco. He did a “street retreat,” living without a home for a week.

He is pictured here with a friend at St. Boniface Church in San Francisco, which is open daily to people without shelter.

Pope Francis wants YOU to be a missionary

by Catherine O’Connell-Cahill

Catherine O'Connell-Cahill is a writer and editor in Chicago. Although now a member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, she still lives within walking distance of St. Matthias, where she grew up.

152 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Catholics can never delegate the job of spreading the Good News. The joy of the gospel is meant to be shared—by you.

W

HEN I WAS 12, an actual missionary came to speak to our class at St. Matthias School in Chicago. We had heard about missionaries, of course, but here in the flesh stood Father Raymond Cowell, a Chicago guy like us. He seemed old to me then, even though he was only in his 30s. He had spent the past 10 years in Bolivia, a place I knew about solely because of our 3-D mapmaking assignment on South America.

Father Cowell told us stories about the people of Bolivia and what he had learned from them. He gave us his address, and he and I corresponded a few times. What a kick it was, in those days before email, to get a letter from a real live missionary in a red, white, and blue airmail envelope.

WHY BECOME A

MARIANIST? When Brother José Julián Matos- Auffant, SM, joined the faculty at a Marianist school in Puerto Rico, he began sharing daily prayers and fellowship at the Marianist community. He was drawn to “teaching as a sacred calling and to religious life,” he says.

“It’s a life that sustains me and helps me grow.”

Brother José is minister of spiritual development at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.

IS A MARIANIST LIFE OF SERVICE, COMMUNITY AND PRAYER RIGHT FOR YOU? Learn more today. Contact Brother Tom Wendorf, SM twendorf@sm-usa.org Sister Nicole Trahan, FMI ntrahan@gmail.com

BROTHERS – PRIESTS – SISTERS

marianist.com

Enter #105 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 153

Enter #077 at VocationMatch.com

“

Francis has insisted that simply because of our Baptism, each of us is called to be a missionary—wherever we happen to be, whatever we are doing with our lives.

Now, although Pope Francis might enjoy this back-in-the-day story, he would tell me that I got one thing wrong: my assumption that Father Cowell was a missionary and I was not. The pope isn’t letting me, or you, off the hook that easily.

We’re all in charge of the gospel Since before he was elected pope, Francis has insisted that simply because of our Baptism, each of us is Enter #143 at VocationMatch.com 154 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

STUDENTS AT St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland are active in the St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry.

Students carry the casket, attend the funeral, and offer prayers for those who have no other family or friends to play these roles. The ministry aims to give witness to the value of human dignity for all and to honor the Christian call to pray for and bury the dead.

called to be a missionary—wherever we happen to be, whatever we are doing with our lives. The pope says that Catholics can never just delegate the job of spreading the Good News to people such as Father Cowell and others who serve the church in far-off lands. It’s up to each of us to communicate what Pope Francis calls “the joy of the gospel” right where we are.

We might tell ourselves that we don’t have enough knowledge or free time or nerve to actually do this. A young and very wealthy Philadelphia heiress named Katharine Drexel probably had these same thoughts when she set out for her audience with Pope Leo XIII in 1887. When Drexel described for Pope Leo the great need for missionaries among the Native Americans and African Americans in the United States, the pope asked her, “What about you?

Enter #199 at VocationMatch.com

What are you going to do?”

During his visit to the United States in 2015, Pope Francis used Drexel’s story and Pope Leo’s response to make a point. “Those words changed Katharine’s life,” Francis said, “because they reminded her that, in the end, every Christian man and woman, by virtue of Baptism, has received a mission. Each

one of us has to respond, as best we can, to the Lord’s call to build up his Body, the church.”

Drexel, “a young women with high ideals,” realized, he said, “that she was being called upon to do her part. How many young people in our parishes and schools have the same high ideals, generosity of spirit, and love for Christ and the church!”

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 155

LAURA LEON plays with children at Little Flower Educational Center in Los Angeles, a school whose mission is “educating for life with the mind and heart of Christ.”

Leon was a volunteer with “Serving with Sisters,” a summer volunteer program of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles.

“

Examples abound of young people becoming missionaries right in their hometowns, giving of their time and energy to do the works of mercy in Christ’s name.

He’s right, of course. Examples abound of young people becoming missionaries right in their hometowns, giving of their time and energy to do the works of mercy in Christ’s name—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.

At St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, for the past 14 years hundreds of juniors and seniors have volunteered to serve as pallbearers at the funerals of the homeless, the forgotten, or families who simply do not have anyone to help give their loved one a dignified burial. The students also gather twice yearly for a prayer service at Potter’s Field, the resting place of Cleveland’s indigent people.

Jim Skerl, theology teacher and founder of the ministry, told radio journalist John Hockenberry that the purpose

156 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

is “to bring our faith to the streets of Cleveland.” Because the young men serve on weekends, over the summer, and during school vacations, Skerl said, “our students really realize faith is supposed to be lived 24/7.”

Distance is relative Pope Francis has challenged our church (in other words, all of us) to “go to the peripheries.” By this he means not only the far corners of the world, but the places in our own society where people are poor, forgotten, abandoned, voiceless. He has called for “a loving attentiveness to the poor,” which “entails appreci-

ating the poor in their goodness, in their experience of life, in their culture, and in their ways of living the faith” (Evangelii Gaudium, sec. 199).

Jose Lopez, a recent graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, took these words to heart. After his 2014 graduation, he spent a year as a Vincentian Volunteer, working with the Gubbio Project at St. Boniface Church in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. The church opens its doors during the day to provide a sacred space and sanctuary for homeless people, who are free to sleep in the pews. During his year of service, Lopez even went on a weeklong “street retreat,” in which he and others lived

Enter #279 at VocationMatch.com

among people who are homeless, slept outside in a rainstorm, ate at soup kitchens, and experienced a bit of what those without homes endure every day. He found how hard it was, while living on the streets, to follow through on his plans to walk to a certain shelter on time or find a place to take a shower. “One of the major lessons I learned … is that the streets have their own schedule,” he wrote on his blog, which gave him great compassion for the homeless guests at the Gubbio Project.

Pope Francis encourages each of us to ask ourselves the question that Pope Leo asked of Katharine Drexel: “What about you? What are you going to do?” Living out our own call to mission may be less dramatic than Lopez’s experience of living with the homeless for a week. Perhaps it requires us to say something when an

Enter #509 at VocationMatch.com

acquaintance tells a hateful or bigoted joke and everyone else is afraid to object. Or we could speak up for the voiceless in our society by contacting our politicians to advocate for more just treatment of people in poverty, minorities, immigrants, refugees, prisoners, the unborn, and others at the margins of society.

Perhaps we can make a point of reaching out to a friend who has lost a loved one or who is suffering another kind of loss. Often people in grief are greatly isolated because others hesitate to bring up the loss since they don’t know what to say. We can simply ask from the heart, “How are you really doing?” and give the

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 157

“SERVING WITH SISTERS” lay volunteer Cecilia Cuesta assists a woman in a wheelchair at Santa Teresita Medical Center in Duarte, California.

Enter #069 at VocationMatch.com

grieving person a chance to respond.

We can bring our faith into our work choices as well. Annemarie Scobey in U.S. Catholic writes of a young Catholic lawyer whose clients sometimes ask him to do things that are technically legal but morally questionable. To this he says, “Yes, you can do that legally, but is it the right thing to do?” What a courageous response. Here’s a man living out his call to spread the gospel.

Sealed with soul In his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, the pope spoke with passion about the mission every Catholic is called to: “We have to regard ourselves as sealed, even branded, by this mission of bringing Enter #329 at VocationMatch.com 158 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Northern Illinois University Newman Catholic Student Center sponsors a campus missionary team.

Campus ministry on a mission One way to live out Pope Francis’ call to mission is as a lay missionary.

At Northern Illinois University's Newman Catholic Student Center some young people are creating Christian community and serving fellow students on a public university campus.

B

RIANA TOBIN is one of 20,000 students at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois— and one of 5,000 Catholics on campus.

She found a spiritual home away from home at the Newman Catholic Student Center, the college’s parish and a vibrant faith group of peers who worship, minister, educate, and promote peace and justice together.

“I was really drawn to the Newman Center because of the community

light, blessing, enlivening, raising up, healing and freeing. All around us we begin to see nurses with soul, teachers with soul, politicians with soul, people who have chosen deep down to be with others and for others” (sec. 273).

Above all Francis says that our sense of mission springs from not a dreary sense of burden or responsibility, but from our own joy at being showered by God’s love and mercy.

We are called, he says, to be “joyful messengers of challenging proposals, guardians of the goodness and

here and how diverse it is ,” says Tobin, “and the opportunity I would have to serve the students and be on a really awesome team with other missionaries. It was inspiring to see, and I just really wanted to be a part of that.”

VISION met with Tobin and other members of the Newman mission team to learn about their far-ranging activities and the good work they do. Check out our video at youtube.com/VisionVocationGuide.

beauty which shine forth in a life of fidelity to the gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium, sec. 168).

Keep your options open Pope Francis also encourages us to consider giving our lives to God as a priest, nun, or brother who witnesses to the faith far from home. While in Africa in 2015, he appealed to young people, “Please, don’t exclude this possibility of becoming missionaries, to bring love, faith, and humanity to other countries.” He spoke of how

Enter #436 at VocationMatch.com

missionaries preach with their lives rather than by proselytizing: “Faith is preached first through witness, then with words—but slowly.”

Consider Father Cowell, who passed away in 2012 in Bolivia at age 82. I found that he was asked to make only a five-year commitment to serve in the missions and was then free to return to the United States.

Instead of five, he spent 53 years as a missionary in South America.

He was put in prison briefly during a military coup and he faced other difficulties, but a friend said these never slowed him down or changed his convictions. To use Pope Francis’ words, Father Cowell was one of those who joyfully “burn up their lives to announce Jesus Christ.” = Related article: vocationnetwork.org, “6 things Pope Francis wants you to know,” VISION 2015.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 159

BEING CATHOLIC

BRANDI BURGUS, SAN FRANCISCO FOGHORN

Heaping helpings of mercy

by Alice Camille

Alice Camille is the author of Invitation to Catholicism and FEARLESS: Stories of the American Saints, as well as other titles available at alicecamille. com.

EDUCATION is among the spiritual works of mercy, and religious orders have long served in the field of Catholic education.

Lionell Daggs III greets Jesuit Father Stephen Privet, S.J. at an event at the University of San Francisco.

When it comes to answering the pain of humanity, there is the only one appropriate response: mercy.

Q

UITE A FEW OF US have noble intentions. Hooray for this! We may have altruistic ideals and deeply felt convictions. A few of us may even harbor a grand plan about how to achieve justice on this planet. All of this is nice to hear! But you want to know the truth? The contents of my heart and yours are of no practical use to anyone. It’s what actually emerges from the heart, and where it takes us, that counts.

It catches our attention that, in this Holy Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis never wastes words on the global need for kinder ideas. Compassion isn’t a matter of soft feelings that stir at the sight of human suffering. Rather, it involves active responses to the world’s brokenness. So, when it comes to answering the pain of

160 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Enter #018 at VocationMatch.com

humanity, give us the works—the works of mercy, that is.

Mercy has deep roots The business of doing mercy isn’t left open to wishy-washy interpretation in our tradition. As with many things Catholic, it’s been honed to an official list with firm roots in biblical teaching. On that list are seven corporal (bodily) and seven spiritual (but no less tangible) works. Who put this list of 14 deeds together in its final form?

No one knows, although by the 13th century, Thomas Aquinas was quite familiar with such a list, which he termed “alms deeds.” The word alms is a corruption of the Greek word for mercy. When we give alms, we give mercy in practical forms.

The corporal works won’t surprise anyone who’s read Matthew’s final judgment scenario, in which moral winners and losers are separated based on their response to Jesus in the guise of the poor. Feed the hungry. Give drink to the thirsty. Clothe the naked. Protect strangers. Visit the sick. Visit the imprisoned. Bury the dead. (OK, Matthew doesn’t say anything about burying the dead. That seventh work comes from Jewish tradition, emphasized in the Book of Tobit.) Jesus himself samples his favorite prophet, Isaiah, in delineating the six actions that make moral victors in the judgment story.

162 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

HOSPITAL chaplain Sister Marilyn Herr, O.S.F. visits the sick, a corporal work of mercy.

“

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS OF THE HOLY CROSS

Conscientious practice of the corporal works of mercy could literally change the world. Redistributing resources and technological know-how from the First World to developing cultures is one obvious way to deliver a lot of mercy at once. We should definitely do this—each according to our means. We can also think more broadly, and locally. People we know are hungry for more than food, thirsty for more than water. We meet folks clothed in shame, to whom we might offer the mantle of human dignity in how we treat them. We can be more vocal in our support of strangers who are migrant workers, or for social policies affecting refugee admissions to this country.

Our friends may be sick with grief, diminished by depression, or discouraged in unemployment.

Elder relatives may feel imprisoned as they become increasingly house-

The business of doing mercy isn't left open to wishywashy interpretation in our tradition.

bound or confined to assisted living.

Participating in bereavement meals of hospitality after parish funerals, or sending a handwritten note or Mass card to those shouldering loss are other ways to accept the communal responsibility to bury the dead.

Creative ways of interpreting the works of mercy are always welcome.

Take the sixth corporal work, for example. In the 12th century, two religious orders were founded to provide a fresh response to visiting the imprisoned. Both the Trinitarians and the Order of Our Lady of

Ransom dedicated themselves to those captured in warfare. The latter group did more than visit those prisoners: They took a fourth vow to redeem prisoners by offering themselves in exchange. In more recent times, 20th-century laywoman Mary Clarke Brenner started the Eudist Servants of the Eleventh Hour for mature women (between 45-65) willing to dedicate themselves to ministry in a maximum security prison. Brenner herself, as Mother Antonia, spent the last 30 years of her life voluntarily incarcerated with the men she served. Today, the Eudists continue their prison ministry, as well as visiting the homebound and those in nursing homes.

Enter #269 at VocationMatch.com

Mercy has a body and spirit When it comes to deeds of mercy, most of us lean into the corporal Enter #183 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 163

JACK HAMILTON, COURTESY OF THE SCHOOL SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS

SISTER MARGARET LeClaire, S.S.S.F. helps a student improve her literacy skills, in keeping with the educational emphasis of the spiritual works of mercy.

works at once. Who’s not in favor of feeding, clothing, housing, and caring for needy people? The spiritual works of mercy can seem second-tier considerations by comparison. But in our materially rich, spiritually impoverished society, these latter works are more vital than ever. The list may sound a bit severe to the modern ear: Admonish the sinner. Instruct the ignorant. Advise the doubtful. Comfort the afflicted. Bear wrongs patiently.

Forgive injuries. Pray for the living and the dead. Some lists swap out “correct” for “admonish,” which sounds too much like being yelled at. And nobody likes being called ignorant, even when they’re honestly innocent

164 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

of information that might help them.

Frankly, once in a while we all need someone to tell us the truth about ourselves. Our egos perform to tell us precisely what we want to hear, and an exterior corrective (admonishment) is just the thing to challenge us and set us straight. We all could use one family member or friend who has the right to tell us where to get off when we’re out of bounds. If no one in our lives is imbued with that privilege, maybe we’re protecting ourselves with an entourage.

While ignorance is a state no one wants to cop to, there’s clearly more to reality than any of us can hope to know. With all the sources available

Scriptural checklist CORPORAL WORKS: Isaiah 58:6-10; Matthew 25:31-46; Tobit 1:16-20 SPIRITUAL WORKS: Matthew 18:15-16; 18:21-35; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 4:6-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; John 11:19; 20:26-29; James 5:7-11; 5:16; Colossians 3:12-13; 2 Maccabees 12:38-46

to access information, there’s still no app for understanding. We can’t Google our way out of ethical ineptitude the way we acquire Wiki-facts to settle debates. It’s an exercise in humility to acknowledge our limits and accept the guidance of someone whose experience is larger or deeper.

It’s also a great kindness for a wise person to tell us in a timely way how to rescue ourselves from being the dense bricks we’re all perfectly capable of resembling now and again.

Advice for the doubtful? Sure, this work includes spiritual direction for those who flirt with agnosticism—but doubt covers a lot more territory than that. The present age is wonderfully ironic in its take on human behaviors. Yet that same tendency to view issues ironically betrays a skepticism that runs bone-deep in our culture. We don’t trust much. We doubt the possibility of goodness in people, or authority in institutions, or right answers, or anything but the most relative and watered-down versions of truth. How do we plot a moral path when “it’s all good,” or when everyone gets to make a selfie out of moral standards? This kind of

“

Enter #004 at VocationMatch.com

With all the sources available to access information, there’s still no app for understanding.

doubt—that any choice is as good as another—has a growing fan club.

Bring mercy to modern masses Can we make creative responses to the spiritual works in this generation? There may be perhaps too many takers for correcting sinners today, and too few willing to forgive injuries. Instructing the ignorant was once popular: Countless communities of religious women came to this country to teach immigrant children (and their parents through backdoor catechesis). Women and men religious remain a significant source of spiritual encouragement and guidance

Enter #287 at VocationMatch.com

in retreat ministries, chaplaincy, social services, and personal counseling.

My personal goal in this year of mercy has been to wade into religious instruction with the children at my parish. I’m not really trained for this work. But the sea of need these kids face—impoverished by many amusements and too few clear values— breaks my heart each Sunday morning when we gather. They don’t hear

much about God elsewhere, don’t know why we go to church, what’s in the Bible, or what life is for. But at least once every week, some kid asks the right question, or has an “aha” experience. A door to understanding swings open. Take that, ignorance! = Related article: vocationnetwork.org, “What exactly is a ‘Jubilee Year’?

What’s a ‘Holy Year’?”, VISION 2016.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 165

INDEX

SEARCH COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

VOCATIONMATCH.ORG

Log onto VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG to easily request in- Confused about which community might be right for you? formation from any of the religious communities advertising in VISION Vocation Guide. Listings in Spanish and French also available online.

Men’s 141

Alexian Brothers, p. 172

207

Augustinian Friars, p. 73

020

Augustinian Monks of the Primitive Observance, p. 78

INDEX

328

Augustinians of the Assumption, p. 78

254

Barnabite Fathers and Brothers, p. 148

132

Benedictine Monks, College ville, MN, Saint John’s Abbey, p. 143

203

Brothers of the Sacred Heart, p. 56

105

Marianists, Society of Mary, p. 153

136

Society of African Missions, p. 41

091

Capuchin Franciscan Friars, p. 23

494

Mariannhill Missionaries, p.

144

107

Society of Mary (See Marists Fathers and Brothers), p. 44

112

Carmelite Friars, Pure Heart of Mary Province, p. 150

298

Marist Brothers, p. 150

149

Society of St. Paul, p. 87

107

Carmelite Friars, St. Elias Province, p. 80

Marists Fathers and Brothers, p. 44

120

307

Somascan Fathers and Brothers, p. 45

199

Spiritans, p. 15

Claretian Missionaries, p. 55

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, p. 155

164

092 123

Comboni Missionaries, p. 38

225

415

Trappist Cistercian Monks, p. 88

095

Congregation of Christian Brothers, pp. 51, 52

Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, p. 84

129

122

Trinitarians, p. 41

Congregation of Holy Cross, p. 9

Missionaries of the Holy Family, p. 115

094

Viatorians, p. 88

108

Missionaries of the Precious Blood, p. 26

178

Vincentian Priests and Brothers, p 116

133

Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 114

506

The Vocationist, p. 88

137

Xaverian Missionaries, p. 141

097

465

Benedictine Monks, Lisle, IL, Saint Procopius Abbey, p. 78

088

Benedictine Monks, Mor- ristown, NJ, Saint Mary’s Abbey, p. 144

046

182

Benedictine Monks, Newark, NJ, Newark Abbey, p. 114

Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata, p. 82

484

468

Benedictine Monks, Peru, IL, Saint Bede Abbey, p. 79

Contemplatives of Saint Joseph, p. 143

099

Crosier Fathers and Brothers, p. 82

434

Discalced Carmelite Friars, p. 49

Benedictine Monks, Pine City, NY, Mount Saviour Monastery, p. 79

177

Divine Word Missionaries, p. 151

228

The Dominican Friars, p. 147

Benedictine Monks, Richmond, VA, Mary Mother of the Church Abbey, p. 151

102

Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, p. 27

478

Franciscan Friars, p. 2

283

Franciscan Friars-Province of the Sacred Heart, pp. 2, 142

233

Franciscan Friars-St. John the Baptist Province, p. 2

098

Franciscan Friars, Conventual, p. 83

003

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, p. 17

485

217

507

408

365

014

Benedictine Monks, Petersham, MA, Saint Mary’s Monastery, p. 62

Benedictine Monks, Saint Benedict, LA, Saint Joseph Abbey, p. 79 Benedictine Monks, Saint Benedict, OR, Mount Angel Abbey, p. 145 Benedictine Monks, Saint Meinrad, IN, Saint Meinrad Archabbey, p. 79

411

Congretation of St. Basil, p. 16

178

Congregation of the Mission, p. 116

256

Benedictine Monks, Subiaco, AR, Subiaco Abbey, p. 50

103

Glenmary Home Missioners, p. 142

204

Benedictine Monks, Washington, DC, Saint Anselm’s Abbey, p. 79

344

Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, OH, p. 65

104

Jesuits, p. 83

206

Brothers of Christian Instruction, p. 35

192

Josephite Priests and Brothers, p. 40

100

Brothers of the Christian Schools, p. 18

334

Marianists, Province of Meribah, p. 117

166 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Fill out a profile at VOCATIONMATCH.COM and narrow your vocation search.

284

Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, p. 40

289

Norbertine Fathers and Brothers, Daylesford Abbey, p. 16

110

Norbertine Fathers and Brothers, St. Norbert Abbey, p. 59

111

Oblates of the Virgin Mary, p. 85

093

Order of St. Camillus, p. 113

216

Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, p. 85

271

Order of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 85 Pallottines, Immaculate Conception Province, p. 169

239

Missionaries 267

Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 89

214

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, p. 47

203

Brothers of the Sacred Heart, p. 56

092

Claretian Missionaries, p. 55

123

Comboni Missionaries, p. 38

012

Congregation of Notre Dame, p. 129

178

Congregation of the Mission, p. 116

440

Consolata Missionary Sisters, p. 93

113

Passionists, p. 85

114

The Paulist Fathers, p. 61

168

116

Priests of the Sacred Heart, p. 85

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, p. 123

177

Divine Word Missionaries, p. 151

135

The Redemptorists, p. 33

117

Salesians of Don Bosco, p. 87

125

145

Salvatorians (Society of the Divine Savior), p. 149

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, p. 97

138

Glenmary Home Mission Sisters of America, p. 98

041

Little Sisters of the Poor, p. 19

159

Servants of Mary, Friars, p. 30

300

Servants of the Paraclete, p. 87

INDEX

SEARCH COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

Log onto VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG to easily request information from any of the religious communities advertising in Vision Vocation Guide. Listings in Spanish and French also available online.

494

Mariannhill Missionaries, p. 144

199

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, p. 155

001

479

Maryknoll Sisters, p. 133

267

042

Medical Mission Sisters, p. 37

Women’s Adorers of the Blood of Christ, p. 134 Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 89

161

Augustinian Nuns, p. 27

482

Benedictine Nuns, Petersham, MA, St. Scholastica Priory, p. 63

VOCATIONMATCH.ORG

Confused about which community might be right for you?

Fill out a profile at VOCATIONMATCH.COM and narrow your vocation search.

333

Carmel of Cristo Rey, p. 92

153

Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, p. 135

013

Carmelites, Congregation of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, p. 93

188

Cenacle Sisters, p. 43

011

Cistercian Nuns, p. 94

257

Congregation of Divine Providence, p. 92

037

Franciscan Sisters at Springfield (Hospital Sisters of St. Francis), p. 97

354

Franciscan Sisters of John the Baptist, p. 97

170

Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, p. 39

030

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, p. 97

056

Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth, p. 46

211

Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, p. 101

033

Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, p. 110

138

Glenmary Home Mission Sisters of America, p. 98

Medical Missionaries of Mary, p. 99

043

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart, p. 99

004

012

Congregation of Notre Dame, p. 129

Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, p. 84

Benedictine Sisters/A.B.F.C., p. 165

221

Benedictine Sisters, Crookston, MN, Mount St. Benedict Monastery, pp. 62, 165

058

Congregation of Sisters of Bon Secours, p. 35

171

Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, p. 105

363

Congregation of the Humility of Mary, p. 29

440

Consolata Missionary Sisters, p. 93

183

Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, p. 163

168

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, p. 123

436

Hospital Sisters of Mercy, p. 159

236

Daughters of Divine Zeal, p. 93

210

Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 98

263

Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, p. 121

039

Little Company of Mary Sisters, p. 51

015

Daughters of St. Paul, p. 94

505

150

Daughters of the Heart of Mary, p. 94

Little Portion Franciscan Sisters, p. 98

432

Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, p. 107

361

Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary, p. 127

041

Little Sisters of the Poor, p. 19

105

Marianist Sisters, p. 153

162

Marianites of Holy Cross, p. 99

225

129 108 133

284

Missionaries of the Holy Family, p. 115 Missionaries of the Precious Blood, p. 26 Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 114 Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, p. 40

044

Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 3

289

Norbertine Fathers and Brothers, Daylesford Abbey, p. 16

113

Passionists, p. 85

292

Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, p. 100

114

The Paulist Fathers, p. 61

135

Redemptorists, p. 33

466

Religious of the Assumption, p. 101

300 136 222

282

Benedictine Sisters, Duluth, MN, St. Scholastica Monastery, pp. 47, 165

353

Benedictine Sisters, Elizabeth, NJ, St. Walburga Monastery, p. 44

069

341

152

175

157

Servants of the Paraclete, p. 87 Society of African Missions, p. 41

143

Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph, p. 110

Benedictine Sisters, Ferdinand, IN, Monastery Immaculate Conception, pp. 158, 165 Benedictine Sisters, Fort Smith, AR, St. Scholastica Monastery, pp. 43, 165 Benedictine Sisters, Rock Island, IL, St. Mary Monastery, pp. 57, 165 Benedictine Sisters, St. Joseph, MN, St. Benedict’s Monastery, pp. 123, 165 Benedictine Sisters, Watertown, SD, Mother of God Monastery, pp. 53, 165 Benedictine Sisters, Yankton, SD, Sacred Heart Monastery, pp. 154, 165

178

Vincentian Priests and Brothers, p. 116

008

Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, p. 91

137

Xaverian Missionaries, p. 141

214

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, p. 47

275

Daughters of Wisdom, p. 39

018

Dominican Sisters, p. 161

176

Dominican Sisters, Adrian, MI, pp. 31, 161

439

Faithful Companions of Jesus, p. 55

025

Felician Sisters, p. 5

306

Franciscan Daughters of Mary, p. 37

479

Maryknoll Sisters, p. 133

125

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, p. 97

042

Medical Mission Sisters, p. 37

126

Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, p. 99

299

Medical Missionaries of Mary, p. 99

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 167

INDEX

299

INDEX

Women’s

SEARCH COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

059

Sisters of Charity (Federation) p. 102

075

Sisters of St. John the Baptist, p. 105

367

Sisters of Transfiguration Hermitage, p. 109

235

Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church, p. 102

508

Sisters of St. Joseph (Canadian Federation), p. 30

223

Society of Helpers, p. 109

172

060

Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida, p. 103

024

Sisters of St. Joseph (Federation) p. 131

Society of the Holy Child Jesus, p. 128

027

296

Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 103

227

Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, p. 24

Society of the Sacred Heart, p. 124

415

061

Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, TX, p. 74

154

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, p. 56

Trappistine Cistercian Nuns, p. 110

311

Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, p. 110

Sisters of Christian Charity, p. 131

163

Sisters of St. Rita, p. 107

265

076

Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, p. 106

Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, p. 110

222

Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph, p. 110

218

Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union, p. 110

086

Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis, p. 111

087

Wheaton Franciscans, p. 111

(continued) 043

044

INDEX

340

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart, p. 99 Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 3 Oblate Sisters of Providence, p. 100

271

Order of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 100

292

Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, p. 100

191

Sisters of Holy Cross, p.11

047

Passionist Nuns, Ellisville, MO, p. 100

356

Sisters of Mary Reparatrix, p. 103

315

Sisters of the Divine Savior, p. 58

438

Poor Clares, Jamaica Plain, MA, p. 124

063

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, p. 129

077

Sisters of the Good Shepherd, p. 154

048

Poor Clares, Langhorne, PA, p. 25

064

Sisters of Notre Dame, p. 104

269

194

Poor Clares, Spokane, WA, p. 100

065

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, p. 24

Sisters of the Holy Cross, p. 163

502

366

Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, p. 104

Sisters of the Holy Family, New Orleans, LA, p. 108

155

509

Sisters of Our Mother of Divine Grace, p. 157

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, p. 109

078

068

Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN, p. 104

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, p. 34

079

067

Sisters of Providence, Seattle and Spokane, WA, p. 126

Sisters of the Holy Redeemer, p. 36

329

181

Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, p. 31

Sisters of the Humility of Mary, p. 158

274

420

Sisters of Social Service, p. 104

Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, Corpus Christi, TX, p. 103

071

Sisters of St. Casimir, p. 104

173

Sisters of the Living Word, p. 53

318

Sisters of the Precious Blood, p. 59

327

Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dubuque, IA, p. 108

359

Poor Clares, Travelers Rest, SC, p. 100

049

Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, p. 100

460

Poor Servants of the Mother of God, p. 133

503

Presentation Sisters, Dublin, Ireland, p. 101

466

Religious of the Assumption, p. 101

273

Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, p. 101

212

255

Salesian Sisters, p. 101

475

053

School Sisters of St. Francis, Milwaukee, WI, p. 101

Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, IA, p. 34

287

Sisters of St. Francis, Tiffin, OH, p. 165

054

055

082

187

083

Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, p. 101

252

Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, p. 132

Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, p. 57

139

Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 102

Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, p. 105

085

Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH, p. 127

Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, PA, p. 125

279

Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA, p. 4

294

168 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, p. 157 Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, p. 25

250

Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, New Windsor, NY, p. 108

215

Sisters of the Resurrection, p. 20

034

Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, p. 20

081

Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, p. 46

Associate communities 049

Associate Community of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, p. 111

New communities of consecrated life 049

Fiat Spiritus Community, p. 111

Resources 476

Global Sisters Report, p. 132

496

NFCRV Debt Fund, p. 11

Secular institutes 360

Don Bosco Volunteers, p. 111

147

United States Conference of Secular Institutes, p. 111

Service organizations 483

Catholic Volunteer Network, p. 132

Enter #239 at VocationMatch.com

ART OF DISCERNMENT

Light up your life

“Resurrection and the Light” window, St. John the Evangelist Church, Prairieville, Louisiana.

by Sister Penelope Martin, O.C.D.

Sister Penelope Martin, O.C.D. is a Carmelite nun at the Carmelite Monastery in Quidenham, Norfolk, England (quidenhamcarmel.org.uk).

C

HRIST, THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIGHT is a perfect subject for the medium of stained glass because the pure white light of God’s glory pours forth and through Christ translates it into the colors of every day— the colors of the Kingdom. Light makes what is otherwise dark and formless visible. Likewise we can only see our own lives clearly through the light that is Christ.

Standing near Jesus, we know that we are enfolded in his gentle and merciful light. We can hear him say, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Through the best and worst of times, we must hold fast to the belief that God is showing us the way, leading us to life. We may suffer at the hands of others and make our own mistakes, but if we look, we will see that God’s beacon is constant.

It is important to God that we shine as our true selves within his glorious light. =

170 | VISION 2017 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH AND POST EVENTS ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG/EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

T

HE BEST WAY TO KNOW whether religious life is right for you is to meet men and women in vowed life. There are many ways to do that: Attend a lecture where a sister, brother, or priest is speaking, spend time with a community on a discernment weekend or volunteer activity, or make a retreat hosted by a religious order. To find upcoming local or national events, make a habit of checking the VISION Calendar at VocationNetwork.org/events. Below is a sampling of what you will find.

DISCERNMENT Holy Year of Mercy Dates Dec. 8, 2015 until Nov. 20, 2016 Description Pope Francis proclaimed this Holy Year of Mercy to highlight the Catholic Church’s “mission to be a witness of mercy.” The biblical theme of the year will be “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

National Vocation Awareness Week Event Dates Nov. 6-12, 2016 Description A week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.

Come and See—Lancanshire, UK Sponsors Bernardine Cistercians, England Event Dates Jan. 27-29, 2017 Description The community at Hyning Monastery invites you to a monastic experience weekend, sharing something of their prayer, work, and community living. www.hyning.org. www.facebook.com/bernardinecistercian. Please contact: hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk.

World Day for Consecrated Life Event Dates Feb. 5, 2017 Description This day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day, the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.

ONLINE EVENTS A Nun’s Life Discernment Chat and “Ask Sister” podcasts Event Dates Monthly (check schedule at aNunsLife.org) Description Discernment Chat is a great opportunity to connect in real time with those who are just starting to discern as well as those who have been around the discernment block a few times! On the “Ask Sister” podcast, we respond to listeners’ questions on a variety of faith topics. Guest sisters join us on air. Listeners join us, too, via the live chat room. We bring questions into the conversation, leading to lively discussion.

RETREATS St. Ignatius of Loyola Spiritual Exercises Sponsors Sisters of Bon Secours in the USA Event Dates Dec. 2-4, 2016 Location Retreat and Conference Center, Bon Secours, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD Description Young adult retreat, in partnership with Charis Ministries. 410-442-3171. CBSVocations@bshsi.org Desert Days for Young Adults Sponsors Missionary Benedictine Sisters Event Dates Monthly Location Immaculata Monastery & Spirituality Center, 300 N. 18th Street, Norfolk, NE Description These days of reflection, facilitated by a team of sisters, provide an opportunity to listen with the ear of your heart to the Voice that claims you as His own.

A typical "Desert Day" involves: Opening conference, followed by free time for individual prayer and reflection; sack lunch, opportunities for confession/spiritual direction; group sharing of graces; dismissal. Contact: Sr. Inviolata Mukhaabi, O.S.B. 402-750-2559. mbsmissionaries.org.

FOR MORE EVENTS AND THE LATEST POSTS, GO TO VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG/EVENTS VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2017 | 171

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Come and See Vocation Discernment Weekend Sponsors Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Ferdinand, IN--Monastery Immaculate Conception Event Dates Nov. 4-6, 2016; Jan. 6-8, 2017; March 24-26 Description Single Catholic women ages 18-40 have the opportunity to spend time with the sisters and learn more about their Benedictine way of life. Each event has a different topic and all offer the opportunity to pray, eat, and have free time with the sisters. Free to participants. Call 800-7389999 or email vocation@thedome.org. thedome.org.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations Event Dates May 7, 2017, Fourth Sunday of Easter Description Also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday,” the purpose of this day is to publically fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” and pray that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life, or secular institutes.

Enter #141 at VocationMatch.com