2018 VISION Vocation Guide

A resource of the National Religious Vocation Conference

VOC ATION GUIDE VocationNetwork.org | VocationMatch.com

Your life poured out for others

2018 Catholic Religious Vocation Discernment Guide ¡Sección en español incluida! | Spanish section inside!

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THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS VOCATION DISCERNMENT GUIDE

National Religious Vocation Conference Executive Director Sister Sharon Dillon, S.S.J.-T.O.S.F.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Go with the flow A resource of the National Religious Vocation Conference

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

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Y

EARS AGO, I took a horseback ride through the mountains of Kerry in Your life Ireland. I had no idea how to ride a horse poured out and spent most of the journey trying to for others keep my mare out of the brambles. Instead of enjoying the glorious nature around me, I just prayed the ride would end. But then we turned a bend and came across a tiny waterfall. My companions suggested we stop and take a drink. I won’t bore you with details of my pathetic dismount or fear of ever getting back up in the saddle. But I will tell you of the drink I took with cupped hands from that mountain stream. It was a revelation: sweet and pure and wholly refreshing. I felt something change within me. I understood what it meant to feel truly restored. I mark the taste of that water as one of the most deeply spiritual experiences of my life.

Flowing water captures the essence of religious life: The men and women who choose radical discipleship to Jesus have tasted the living water and they are now compelled to pour their lives out for others.

The pages of VISION 2018 are awash with the stories of those poured-out lives. Whether it’s carving pockets of hope for former gang members in Los Angeles, bringing the Eucharist to battlefields in Sudan, or surviving the interior desert experience of novitiate in York, religious sisters, brothers, and priests continually make the choice to drink deeply in the mystery of Jesus and empty themselves for God’s sake in the service of others.

As you discern your vocation, keep the image of restorative water in mind. If you feel invigorated rather than burdened as you contemplate religious life, then odds are you’re on the right path.

Be patient; the most satisfying drink of your life awaits you just around the bend.

—Patrice J. Tuohy, VISION Publisher VOC ATION GUIDE

VocationNetwork.org | VocationMatch.com

2018 Catholic Religious Vocation Discernment Guide ¡Sección en español incluida! | Spanish section inside!

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.

NRVC UPDATE

A

CCORDING TO the most current statistics from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), Sharon vocations are on the Sister Dillon, S.S.J.rise. I find the news T.O.S.F., NRVC that young men and Executive Director women continue to be called to consecrated life very exciting as I enter the role of executive director of the National Religious Vocation Conference.

Why? Because I love my vocation as a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, and I am thrilled that others—maybe even you!—continue to choose to take the wild, wonder-filled, lesstraveled road that is religious life.

As our trailblazing organization enters a new era in our mission to meet the needs of an everchanging vocation landscape, please pray for us. In turn, we offer our prayers to all of you in discernment that you may find a life that overflows with joy.

Peace and all good, Your sister, —Sister Sharon Dillon, S.S.J.-T.O.S.F. NRVC Executive Director

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

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

FCJ Constitutions

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

SPIRITUALITY QUIZ: Test your spirituality type.

www.fcjsisters.org

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

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CONTENTS

VISION 2018 CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS VOCATION DISCERNMENT GUIDE

100 RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS

8

24

5 ways to better prayer SISTER MELANNIE SVOBODA, S.N.D.

Nuns, priests, and brothers in the news

14

How I pray my dreams into reality FATHER MARK E. THIBODEAUX, S.J.

20

12 steps to sisterhood (if you’re thinking too hard!)

30

100 Tendering God

on tough streets

What is charism?

CAROL SCHUCK SCHEIBER

CATHY O’CONNELL-CAHILL

38 46

SISTER THERESA ALETHEIA NOBLE, F.S.P.

130

Team spirit: The priest on Villanova’s bench LESLIE SCANLON

RELIGIOUS LIFE PRAYER & DISCERNMENT

92

106 5 reasons I love being What are religious vows?

a missionary priest

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

FATHER JOSEPH BRAGOTTI, M.C.C.J.

The passion of youth meets the wisdom of age

SISTERS

79 VISION SPOTLIGHT

A providential Google search

52

SISTER CHRISTINA CŃE CHAVEZ, C.D.P.

Word as witness to the Word

COMMUNITY DIRECTORIES

63

Men’s Communities Search

73

Women’s Communities Search

91

Other Communities Search

PRIESTS

65

Letting God lead

112

Lights, camera—convent!

SISTER BORAM LEE

118

Proud family watches sister’s first steps PHOTOS BY NOEL MARCANTEL TEXT BY CAROL SCHUCK SCHEIBER

124

A beginner sister keeps saying yes SISTER THEODORA HAWKSLEY

FATHER SERGIO PEREZ, O.S.J. Cover design: PATRICE J. TUOHY

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.

Cover photo: VOLODYMYR BURDIAK/ Shutterstock

EN ESPAÑOL

INDEX

150

Community Advertiser Index VIDA RELIGIOSA​

ART OF DISCERNMENT

154

56

La familia es importante CAROL SCHUCK SCHEIBER

Quench your thirst

SACERDOTES

PATRICE TUOHY

59

Dejar que Dios guíe PADRE SERGIO PEREZ, O.S.J.

HERMANAS

118

79

60

BROTHERS

70

Una búsqueda providencial en Google HERMANA CHRISTINA CŃE CHAVEZ, C.D.P.

A teacher at heart BROTHER CHRIS PATIÑO, F.S.C.

130

VISIONES RELIGIOSAS

Hard road to the monastery

61

ED LANGLOIS

Monjas, sacerdotes, y hermanos en las noticias

BEING CATHOLIC

HERMANOS

138

62

Roll out the welcome mat

HERMANO CHRIS PATIÑO, F.S.C.

ALICE CAMILLE

144

Maestro de corazón

What Pope Francis wants you to know about the environment CAROL SCHUCK SCHEIBER

ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

52

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 welcome more new members SISTER ADRIANA Calzada became a new member of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in 2016. She shows off the ring she wears to indicate her connection to her community, along with Sister Teresa Maya, C.C.V.I.

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HE LATEST STUDIES about men and women entering religious life in the United States reveal an increase in both those who began the entrance process and those who completed it.

The number of Americans taking final vows in a religious community in 2016 was 216, the highest since 2010, according

ALEJANDRA MARQUEZ; COURTESY OF SISTERS OF CHARITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD

to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA).

While those 216 individuals completed the entrance process, 502 people began the process to become a sister, brother, or religious priest. Those 502 represent an increase in the annual number entering religious life; there were 411 entrants in 2015.

CARA studies also show increased education levels for new members and less personal prayer at the time of entrance.

Personal prayer has gone down by 9 percent since 2010, a trend possibly connected to the fact that fewer people than ever in the United States take part in private spiritual practices.

The 2016 CARA studies provide the most recent data on the subject of who is entering religious life in the United States, and the studies can be downloaded at nrvc.net.

SEBASTIÁN CORTÉS - LA NUEVA

SHANTYTOWN SISTER

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ISTER CONSTANZA Roldán Azorín arrived in Argentina in 2011 after decades as a history professor in Spain, and within a short time she has launched a second career as a shantytown outreach worker.

A few years ago she was featured in La Nueva, a newspaper in Bahía Blanca, Argentina. The reporter noted her energy: In spite of her 71 years, she walked 27 blocks rather than spend money on a bus. On a single afternoon, she stopped by several homes where she chatted up the residents and updated them on projects. For one, she had secured a good price on a wood-fired cooking stove. For another, she was working with a church group to get low-priced construction materials to better a cobbled-together house. For another, she had secured a nebulizer for a sick child.

And these were only the personal visits. Within her first three years, Roldán also helped start a community center that offered classes in sewing,

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SISTER CONSTANZA Roldán Azorín walks through the shantytown surrounding Bahía Blanca, Argentina. crafts, catechesis, and child rearing.

Roldán sees her efforts as simply one more way to live out her religious community’s commitment to lifting up the poor and marginalized. In her first decades as a sister she was a history professor, dedicated to reconciling the deep divisions in Spain that date back to its civil war (1936-39).

Today she hopes to continue to bear the Good News. “With evangelization as my goal,” she told La Nueva, “I share the position of Pope Francis to go out to the periphery and not so much make myself poor, but rather to put myself into their bodily reality and transmit the word of God to them as their equal.”

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RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS

JEFFREY BRUNO; COURTESY OF LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

SISTER REFLECTS ON HER LIFE AS A BEGGAR

SISTER ELISABETH ANNE, L.S.P. has begged for food donations for decades so that her community can continue to assist older adults who need care in Queens, New York.

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ISTER ELISABETH ANNE, L.S.P. has spent much of her time as a nun begging at a food market—and at first, she hated what has become her life’s work.

In 1979 her community, the Little Sisters of the Poor, asked her to go to a wholesale produce market and solicit donations to feed the elderly in a home they ran in Queens, New York. “To go out and be a beggar was the worst thing you could ever ask me to do.

I cried my heart out for two weeks,” she told Eli Rosenberg of the New York Times.

Nonetheless, the job grew on her, and she says she loves it. Sister Elisabeth Anne is now in her late 70s, the same age as many of the home’s residents. Vendors at Hunts Point Terminal Market in Queens have befriended her and her cause. She not only solicits produce each week but also asks parishes and foundations for money to support her community’s ministry. The tradition of having a “collecting sister” dates back to the founding of the Little Sisters of the Poor in 1839.

Today, the home shelters and feeds 85 lowincome older adults and 19 nuns, who also live in the building serving the residents. It is one of 197 homes around the world run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, an order whose mission is to support the elderly poor.

She is humble about her long record of begging. She told the New York Times: “I’m the last on the ladder; I’m the lowest. I’m the director of nothing except my life. Beggar. That’s my title.”

A

COALITION of brothers and their supporters sponsored a national brothers symposium in March 2017 at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. The first national day for Catholic brothers was held on May 1.

More than 200 people representing 32 religious communities attended the symposium. Their discussion centered on the singularity of the vocation, focusing on the 2015 Vatican document “Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the PANELISTS AT THE MARCH 2017 Brothers Symposium discuss Church.” Along with VISION’s publisher, the National Religious the vocation to be a Catholic brother.

Vocation Conference, the symposium sponsors were the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Religious Brothers Conference, the Religious Formation Conference, and the University of Notre Dame.

The May 1 day of commemoration—to be repeated in 2018 and coming years—involved parishes, brothers’ communities, and other groups recognizing and celebrating the unique vocation of brothers and their contribution to the world. Learn more about the lifestyle, ministries, and vocations of brothers at todaysbrother.com and VocationNetwork.org.

VISION articles about brothers: tinyurl.com/VocationNetworkBrothers Basic information about brothers: yearforconsecratedlife.com/religious-brothers.html 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.

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FIND AND FOLLOW US EVERYWHERE!

Download the app for digitalvocationguide.org.

FRIAR MATT HINDELANG, O.F.M. CAP.

Brothers go front and center

RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS Athlete-turned-sister works to empower women

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ONE-TIME javelin thrower who had a shot at the Olympics, Sister Melissa Dwyer, F.D.C.C. put down her spear to focus on building a better future for poor women.

Dwyer declined a chance to be part of the 2000 Olympics to go on a mission trip instead, and that triggered her desire to become a Canossian sister. Once part of that community, she eventually became principal of an all-girls school in Malawi, East Africa.

Dwyer told Emilie Ng of Brisbane’s Around the Archdiocese that gender inequality is a major problem in Malawi. The country is among the world’s poorest, and only 30 percent of its women make it to college. But under Dwyer’s leadership, her school

produced graduates who went on to become doctors, nurses, and lawyers.

“Being responsible for an allgirls school, I wanted to try to help the girls to fight harder for education, because education is the only place for them to build a brighter future in such stark poverty,” she said.

Today Dwyer is back in her native Australia, working in Brisbane for her religious community. She is now promoting women’s empowerment through vocation ministry. “My role is now to help women find who God dreams for them to become,” she said.

Dwyer chose International Women’s Day (March 8, 2017) to launch Gratia, a monthly vocational discernment group for young women in the Brisbane archdiocese.

SISTER MELISSA DWYER, F.D.C.C. with some of her students in Malawi.

SISTER MELISSA DWYER, F.D.C.C.

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WORLDWIDE BISHOPS’ MEETING ON VOCATIONS, YOUTH COMING SOON

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OUTH, Faith and Vocational Discernment” is the theme of a synod that Pope Francis is convening in Rome in October 2018.

The point of the gathering is to initiate discussion at every level of the church about how the church can support young adults in their faith and their exploration of various types of vocations.

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said that the synod won’t focus solely on the choice between married life and religious life, reported Crux, an online religion news outlet. Rather, the gathering of several hundred bishops will treat the full array of vocational choices before young people.

A preparatory document for the synod can be found by searching “Preparatory Document for the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, 13.01.2017.” The pope’s letter to young people can be found online by searching “Pope’s Letter to Young People on the Occasion of the Presentation of the Preparatory Document of the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, 13.01.2017.” Or follow these links: tinyurl.com/Vatican15thAssembly and tinyurl.com/VaticanLettertoYoung.

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RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS SISTER ANN PETRUS, C.D.P., superior general of the Congregation of Divine Providence (left), welcomes Sister Christina Chavez, C.D.P. as a member in July 2016. The Congregation was awarded a 2015 NFCRV grant to service Chavez’ educational debt.

Grants remove obstacle of student debt for religious life candidates National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations helps orders of priests, brothers, and sisters accept new members.

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HE NATIONAL FUND for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV) awarded 2016 grants, totaling more than $140,000, to men’s and women’s religious communities to service the educational debt of seven candidates to religious life.

Awards can be given to grantees each year until the candidate with educational debt makes final vows and becomes a fully professed member of the community or the student loan is paid off, whichever comes first.

“For those entering religious life the expectation is that they be debtfree,” says Brother Ronald Hingle, S.C., NFCRV board chair. “Without assistance from NFCRV, these seven candidates would have had to defer their entrance to the community until their student loans were paid off.”

The National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations was made possible through grants from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the GHR Foundation.

The fund accepts grant applications from religious communities who are members of the NRVC, the founding organization of the NFCRV, from January 15 through March 15 each year and approves the year’s recipients at their May board meeting. Grantees are notified of their application status by June 30.

For more information on the terms of the grant, applying for a grant, or donating to the fund, please go to NFCRV.org or call Mark Teresi at 773-595-4028. =

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RELIGIOUS SIGHTINGS

2016 grant recipient candidates to religious life Cursey James Calais II

Jane Aseltyne

What made you begin to consider a religious vocation? Was there a particular moment you remember as an “epiphany” that led you to your commitment?

What made you choose the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary?

I discerned prior to college.

Ever since I was young, I felt Society of St. Joseph called to serving people. Later on, in high school, after I made my Confirmation, I began to get more involved with the church. I had a lot of inspiration from my parish priests.

Mary Mensch

One summer afternoon, my parents took me to visit one of the convents where my great aunts—who happen to be Sisters Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of I.H.M.—were living. When I walked in that convent door, I thought, “There’s something here.” I wasn’t sure what it was, but I looked around at the nuns and how they were treating the people around them and thought, “Oh my gosh, this might be the thing I’ve been looking for.”

What is your favorite Bible verse?

I have a couple! But my favorite is probably Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It’s acSisters of Saints Cyril tually the underlying theme of and Methodius one of my favorite books: The Alchemist. It really speaks to how I discovered my vocation: My heart was really drawn to my community.

Meaghan Baldwin Who is your spiritual role model?

I probably have a few, but certainly Our Lady—what better way to go to Jesus than through his mother? And certainly my mom. She’s so loving and caring. She embodies the sacrificial love perfectly.

Greg Dunn How did your education influence your decision to dedicate your life to an order?

Being at Texas A&M was a big part of my vocation story. I experienced a lot of independence Dominican Province and was making a lot of choices of St. Martin de Porres for myself. And I surrounded myself with friends who challenged me. It was great to see the fruitfulness of campus ministry and all the great people doing constructive things there, like retreats and worship and praying together.

Thomas Junis

Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate

Luis Ramos What were you doing before you entered formation?

I did a year of service after college. I lived in community with brothers and laypeople in New York. I worked in their Marist Brothers volunteer program with youth ministry, manual labor ministry . . . and that’s really where I started my discernment.

What would you tell someone considering a religious vocation but unsure what steps to take or how to tell if it is really for them?

Getting to know the founder of the order was key for me. If I’m Salesians of Don Bosco going to be a member of that order, then I know I am going to be living the lifestyle of that founder. Creating a relationship with that person and asking for intercession was a huge part of my discernment. Reading about his life and letting him speak to me was important.

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PRAYER & DISCERNMENT

“SOLITARY” BY SPODZONE ON FLICKR (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

How I pray my dreams into reality

by Father Mark E.

Father Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J. is the novice director for the Jesuits of the U.S. Central and Southern Province and lives in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. He is the author of several books, including God’s Vo i ce W i t h i n : The Ignatian Way to Discover God’s Will.

LISTENING to your heart as you ponder your dreams is a way to move forward with a vocation decision.

Thibodeaux, S.J.

Your greatest hopes and desires are the best starting point for discernment. Here’s advice on how to prayerfully consider your wildest dreams and where they will lead you.

C

HRISTIANS don’t just decide things; we discern them. That means figuring out how God is calling you in every situation. That means saying yes to divine invitation. But how do we discern God’s will for us? That’s the tricky part.

There are a number of approaches to discernment in the Catholic tradition. The one I know the best comes from Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, who lived in Europe during the 16th century. His insights are so rich and abundant that hundreds of books have been written about his life and work, but one insight in particular gets to the heart

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“

I imagine the greatest potentialities —the best-case scenarios—for each option. For now, I dream of glorious outcomes.

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of the process: “Good discernment consists of prayerfully pondering the great desires that well up in my daydreams.”

I let God dream in me Are desires good or bad? Many spiritual writers of Ignatius’ day spoke of desires as obstacles to God’s will. One solution was to suppress desires, to eliminate them whenever possible.

Ignatius, on the other hand, held the radical notion that God dwells in the desires of a good person.

How, then, do I tap into these desires? I daydream, that’s how! I fantasize about great and beautiful futures. I let God dream in me, and I sit in silent awe and wonder as these holy dreams come to life before the eyes and ears of my soul. Now that’s a different approach to prayer than most of us know. But that’s what Saint Ignatius taught.

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different options, I might start with one option and ask God to show me the marvelous things he could do with this possibility. I think crazy thoughts and mull over preposterous proposals. I have galactic visions of new worlds of possibilities opening up merely by saying yes to God’s invitation to that option.

I then start all over again and dream about a second option, a third one, and so on.

Let’s take an example. Say I’m a manager who has just been given an offer to relocate to a faraway city and join a more prestigious company. My immediate inclination might be to feel frightened of all the unknowns: Will I be happy in this new place?

Will I like my new bosses? Will I find affordable housing? Will I be burning bridges with my current firm? All of these are reasonable concerns and will have to be considered later.

Saint Ignatius would argue that these negative considerations are not the proper starting point for discernment. Instead, he said, start with dreams and desires. I might begin by asking, what is my purpose in life?

The answer Catholics learned as children applies: To praise, reverence, and serve God. I might then ask, how am I uniquely called to do this? Right now, as a generous single Catholic. Then, what are my dreams in my current roles? In my roles as a professional, a citizen, a member of my family, and a parishioner, to further the reign of God

My God and My All in my own corner of the world.

Then I ponder, what are my dreams for my career? That I might serve God and society through my profession. That I be honest, professional, and fair-minded. That I might seek justice above all.

Now, I begin to daydream—or better—to “praydream”! I ask myself, how might I make these goals for my life come true? First, I dream big dreams of all that could happen if I continue in my present situation.

Then I dream about how I might make these goals come to life by moving to the new job and city. To prayerfully explore my options, I praydream all of the possibilities.

Note the difference between the way most people normally make decisions and this radical way of discerning that Saint Ignatius is proposing. Most allow the tools of the false spirit to drive the bus: fear and anxiety (What might go wrong?), ambition (Here’s my chance to rise!), pride (It’s a more prestigious employer), jealousy (Finally, I’ll leave my co-workers in the dust!), and so on. There will be time enough to deal with these negative realities. But for now, I allow my desires to take the lead. I imagine the greatest potentialities—the best-case scenarios—for each option. For now, I dream of glorious outcomes.

O V

To follow Christ, aer the model of St. Francis and the Blessed Mother.

O M

To serve the sick and poor with the greatest care and love.

The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis How do you know?

Look to the saints!

Visit our blog to read Vocation Stories of the Saints.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Sr. Rose erese, O.S.F. | 309.655.2645 | vocation.info@osealthcare.org facebook/twitter: @OSFsisters | FranciscanSistersPeoria.org

I discern my dreams As I praydream the possibilities of living out my great desires in each option, I try to note the stirrings in my heart and understand their meaning.

After the initial excitement and fear fade, which dreams leave me in consolation? That is: • Which of these dreams leave me filled with holy and wholesome desires?

• Which leave me with a sense of closeness to God?

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• Which leave me filled with faith, hope, and love?

• Which make me want to go out and share them with the people I love, with my mentors and friends?

• Which leave me with deep peace and tranquility? With a sense of rightness?

Then I discern, which dreams leave me in desolation? That is:

• Which leave me without faith, hope, or love?

• Which leave me with a sense of distance from God? • Which leave me with no passion and zeal? With a sense of boredom and tepidity? With no energy? Feeling deflated?

• Which fill me with deep anxiety and fear?

• Which are the dreams I’m not very excited to talk about with VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 17

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my mentors and friends? Which are the ones that I avoid mentioning to them?

As I praydream, I pay particular attention to the fluctuating moments of peace versus disquiet and passion versus deflatedness.

What brings me inner peace?

Saint Ignatius says that when a well18 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

intentioned, prayerful person is in sync with God, God’s will comes “sweetly, lightly, gently, as a drop of water that enters a sponge.” This inner peace—even when making a tough decision—is one of the most important signs of God’s will. When I ponder my praydreams, which of the options leave me feeling this way?

Deep peace is not simply feeling comfortable. It may well be that

It may well be that God’s will lies in the most difficult option—for example, leaving a comfortable job to enter religious life.

God’s will lies in the most difficult option—for example, leaving a comfortable job in order to enter religious life. I may therefore feel fearful when I praydream this scenario, and yet deep down, there is a sense in me that this is the proper way to go and that the Lord’s abiding presence will sustain me through the unpleasant fallout. It is this deeper peace that I am seeking.

I am also looking out for the opposite: deep agitation. Again, one particular option may look good on paper and make me feel comfortable on the surface of my emotions. This “easy option” may smooth things over or avoid conflict or unpleasant situations (for example, upholding the status quo, not making waves, making only complimentary remarks). Despite the fact that this option is clearly the path of least resistance, deep down there is agitation within me. There is something that isn’t quite settled in my spirit as I imagine myself moving forward in this direction. This negative indicator of agitation is as important as the positive indicator of peace.

I’ll know in a moment Often, after many hours of prayerful deliberation, there will be a moment when you will just know. It will feel not as though you are making a decision but rather as though you are

acknowledging a decision that has already been agreed upon by God and your heart.

I’ll recognize this auspicious moment by the way one option over the others leads to more praydreams.

Maybe those praydreams aren’t idealistic, comfortable, or beautiful. But somehow they are realistic and right, more peaceful and charged with energy. These dreams will fit like a glove. All the other options—though perhaps beautiful, comfortable, or safe—will drift away from my soul and fade on the horizon.

Once you feel that you have reached a point of decision, Saint Ignatius suggests you place that decision before God and await his confirmation. How will this confirmation come? In the same way that your initial discernment came—through pondering the stirrings of your heart as you begin to take the first tentative steps toward your new option.

Is your heart charged with God’s energy? If so, then you can move forward with the decision, knowing that you have done all that you could to discern God’s desires.

It’s never easy to make decisions, and discerning God’s will is challenging. Saint Ignatius assures me that God has placed his desire deep within the desires of my own heart.

Praydreaming allows me to ponder those deep desires and to discover and say yes to God’s grace-filled path for my life. = This 2017 Reprint Edition is published under arrangement with Liguori Publications, Liguori, Missouri, USA. For more information visit liguori.org or call 1-800-325-9521. Copyright © 2017. All rights reserved.

Related article: VocationNetwork.org, “The paths of prayer.”

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PRAYER & DISCERNMENT

TELL ALL your friends that you are dying your hair purple, marrying a sea lion, and sailing around the world in a teacup. Then tell them you are kidding and that you are actually entering the convent.

123RF.COM

12 steps to sisterhood (if you’re thinking too hard!) by

Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, F.S.P. is the author of The Prodigal You Love: Inviting Loved Ones Back to the Church and a writer for Aleteia.org, where this article first appeared.

Adapted with permission.

Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, F.S.P.

If the seriousness of contemplating your future is weighing you down, consider these satirical suggestions.

A

S SOME OF YOU MAY KNOW, discerning one’s vocation is not always easy. I joined the Daughters of St. Paul in 2010 and made my first vows in 2014. My discernment before I entered the convent (and after) was like a roller coaster ride—difficult, scary, and thrilling—all at the same time!

There are a lot of resources out there to help you discern. But there are not a lot of articles out there to just make you laugh.

So, if you need a break from the usual oh-so-serious advice, here are some steps to follow if you are discerning.

Step 1: Start talking about Jesus as if he were hanging out with you, and brag about how you spend a lot of time with him. Then, in between episodes of Stranger Things and browsing religious order websites, try actually hanging out with him. Exchange friendship bracelets and become besties. Make everyone around you uncomfortable when you talk about your faith and the One you love.

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“

Wrap a towel or shirt around your head. Reassure yourself that you look just like Ingrid Bergman in The Bells of St. Mary’s.

Step 2: Spend time in prayer, preferably in a hermitage or fasting in a cave. Be sure to wring your hands and cry often for dramatic effect.

Compare yourself to Catherine of Siena, Rose of Lima, or any other saint whose life is completely outlandish or involves wacky penances, multiple visions, and miraculous occurrences.

Step 3: Tell all your friends that you are discerning. Broadcast the news as widely as possible, especially to

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VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 21

“

Join our Family of Faith

After joining the convent, fall apart several times, question your sanity, and wonder if everyone else knew this was a crazy idea but you.

Step 6: Dress in a gorilla suit and hold a sign that says, “Jesus loves you.” Go to the store. These are the looks you will most likely get if you become a nun who wears a habit.

Can you handle it?

RELIGIOUS LIFE SERVANT COMPANION CONSECRATED LAITY AFFILIATE DELAPLACE PRAYER MINISTRY

SERVANTS OF THE HOLY HEART OF MARY FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

630-879-1296 | vocation@sscm-usa.org

www.sscm-usa.org

Step 7: Visit convents and get to know the sisters. Bring a checklist that includes vital questions like: “Am I able to pick an awesome My Little Pony-sounding name when I make vows? Has Sister Twilight Sparkle of the Guardian Angel been taken?”

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Step 8: If Sister Twilight Sparkle of the Guardian Angel has not been taken, take that as a sign from God that he is calling you to be espoused to him. Or pick straws with your friends. Or pray some more in that cave. Your call.

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single, attractive male friends who look like Liam Hemsworth. (Hey, a girl should hedge her bets!)

Step 4: Try the “towel veil” trick.

Wrap a towel or shirt of the appropriate color around your head. Reassure yourself that you look just like Ingrid Bergman in The Bells of St. Mary’s. If God is calling you to religious life, 22 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

then you will look like Ingrid Bergman in a veil. Trust in him.

Step 5: Decide whether you want to be an oddball in the world (apostolic) or an oddball in a monastery (cloistered). If you are not already an oddball, and definitely do not want to become one, then you probably should not become a nun.

Step 9: Tell all your friends that you are dying your hair purple, marrying a sea lion, and sailing around the world in a teacup. Then tell them you are kidding and that you are actually entering the convent. Their reactions will most likely be similar.

Step 10: After joining the convent, fall apart several times, question your sanity, and basically wonder if everyone else knew this was a crazy idea but you. Then ask God if he really thinks this is a good idea. Over and over. Question whether you are actually talking to God or if this whole thing is the product of your

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imagination—a brilliant, complex psychological world that rivals Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Stir. Repeat.

Step 11: As your vow day draws near, ask God for signs that you should move forward. Don’t shoot low. A lifetime of celibacy warrants a little moving of mountains (e.g., snow falling in the middle of the summer, a call from Pope Francis, or an exemption to your vow of poverty that allows you to have a green RollsRoyce and personal driver).

Step 12: On vow day, when you make your vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience FOR. THE. REST. OF. YOUR. LIFE. look in the mirror and tell yourself, “This will all be worth it for the unlimited holy water and no more bad hair days.” = Related article: VocationNetwork.org, “Celibacy leads me to limitless love.”

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PRAYER & DISCERNMENT

5 Sister Melannie Svoboda, a Sister of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio, gives talks and retreats nationally. Her books include Traits of a Healthy Spirituality and When the Rain Speaks from Tw e n t y -T h i r d Publications.

Her blog, “Sunflower Seeds,” is at melanniesvobodasnd.org.

COURTESY OF THE CATHOLIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

ways to better prayer

DISCUSSING prayer or praying with others can help strengthen your spiritual life.

by Sister Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.

Prayer is a grace from God, but there are actions and attitudes that help our prayer life grow stronger and deeper.

T

HROUGH PRAYER we find meaning, strength, and direction for our lives.

We become more and more the kind of person we really want to be. Here are five things you can do to help you on the way.

1.

Ask God

Being a person of prayer is not something we achieve by our own strenuous effort. I am reminded of a story from the desert fathers, early Christian hermits who lived in the Egyptian and Palestinian desert, that illustrates this point. A young monk asked the old Master, “How long will it take

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me to achieve enlightenment?” The Master replied, “Five years.” The young monk asked, “But what if I work really, really hard?” The Master replied, “Ten years.”

Prayer is a grace God gives us.

We must never forget that. But it is a grace God is eager to give. It is also a grace we can make ourselves more likely to receive. We can begin by simply asking God for the grace of prayerfulness. Our request need not be long or complicated. Turn to God in your heart and say something like this: “Dear God, I really want to know you better. Please help me to be a more prayerful person. If there’s anything I can do to help this come about, let me know. Amen.” It is good to ask God for things. After all, the “Our Father,” the prayer Jesus taught us, is in part a list of requests to God. Adding prayerfulness to that list seems very worthwhile to me.

2.

Slow down and notice things

We live in an age characterized by busyness and excessive speed. Consequently, many of us are running around like hyperactive chipmunks! You, too, may find yourself rushed. Such busyness breeds impatience. Be honest. Do you ever get impatient because your microwave or computer is “too slow”? Do you get antsy waiting in check-out lines, at red lights, or when a friend is five minutes late?

In the 19th century, historians say, when people traveled by stagecoach, it was not uncommon for the coach to be two or three days

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JOHN PAUL RICHARDS

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late. The passengers just had to sit around and wait for the coach to come. Can you imagine people putting up with that today? No. Today we get frazzled if our airplane— which has just traveled 900 miles in two hours—arrives 20 minutes late!

It is hard to be a prayerful person if we are running around, multitasking, or preoccupied with 101 things

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that need to get done. One thing we have to do to become prayerful is slow down. Try this: Instead of gobbling down your food, savor each bite. Instead of rushing down the sidewalk, stroll leisurely. If you have to wait for something or someone, forgo the temptation to fill that time with work. Rather, use those few minutes to become more aware of the

world around you and inside you.

Prayer begins with attentiveness.

And attentiveness is something we can cultivate. We begin by noticing little things: the way the sunlight is streaming through the window, the chirp of a robin in an oak tree, the scent of the soap in our hands, the steady in-and-out of our breathing.

Slowing down and being attentive are vital to prayer, for they increase our likelihood of finding traces of God in our everyday lives.

3.

Begin to pray

The author E.L. Doctorow once said: “Planning to write is not writing.

Talking to people about writing is not writing. Writing is writing.” We can say the same thing about prayer.

Planning to pray is not praying.

Talking to people about prayer is not praying. Praying is praying. And praying is essentially conversation with God. I often begin my prayer

READING the Bible is an ancient prayer form, and many helpful resources exist to assist Catholics who use scripture in prayer.

“

Prayer begins with attentiveness. And attentiveness is something we can cultivate.

by telling God where I happen to be at this particular time: “God, I’m feeling great today. . . .

God, I’m exhausted. . . . Jesus, I’m sad and I don’t know why. . . . God, I’m so worried about so-and-so. . . .

God, I’m really mad.” In prayer, it’s often good to start just where we are and go from there.

An old maxim says, “If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy.”

This means we must make time for prayer by making time for it in our day just as we schedule other important activities. We don’t wait to find time for prayer or pray only when we feel like praying. If we did that, we would probably pray very little.

No, if we want to become prayerful persons, we pray every day.

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Sisters of St. Rita, O.S.A. Augustinian Sisters

“Let the root of love abide within you: Only good can grow from this root.” -St. Augustine

www.sistersofstrita.org

262-639-1766

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What time of day works best?

Maybe morning is a good time, before things get too hectic. Or maybe you prefer a prayer break in the middle of the day, or in the evening when the day is winding down.

Whatever time you choose, prayer must be a priority for you—because God is important to you, because you deeply desire a personal relation-

ship with Jesus, because you really need God’s Spirit.

Prayer is a two-way street. During prayer we talk to God, but we also give God the chance to talk to us. So sometimes we use words when we pray; other times we don’t.

Thomas Merton, a famous Trappist monk, once told a friend to quit trying so hard in prayer. He said, “How

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Living to Make Visible the Love of Christ in the World PRAYER is communing with God, and we can start by simply asking God for the grace of prayerfulness.

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PIXABAY

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does an apple ripen? It just sits in the sun.”

4.

Seek help

Many wonderful resources exist to help us with prayer. Countless books, for example, have been written about prayer. (I know, because I’ve written

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a few of them!) Devotional publications such as Take Five for Faith, Living Faith, Living with Christ, Give Us This Day, and Magnificat give short reflections for every day of the year.

And don’t forget to check out some of the websites and apps on prayer.

We can get help with prayer from other people, too. Talking with friends about prayer can be very beneficial. Actually praying with them

is even better. Joining (or starting) a Bible study group or a spiritual book club has helped many people. Some individuals even find a spiritual director, a person with whom they meet regularly to share their experiences of prayer and daily living. Spiritual directors can be priests, sisters, brothers, or laypersons who are not only experienced in prayer but also have skills for guiding others. How can you find one? Call your parish or a local retreat center, monastery, or convent. Or check out sdiworld.org.

5.

Experiment There are many different ways to pray.

“

We pray not only because we love prayer.

We pray because we love God. And prayer is one of the chief ways we come to know and love God more.

strength, and direction for our lives.

We become more and more the kind of person we really want to be: a person of love, integrity, compassion, forgiveness, and joy. = This article first appeared in VISION Vocation Guide 2008.

Related articles: VocationNetwork. org, “Spiritual direction for dummies (and other smart people who don’t know where to start)” and “A user’s guide on the ways to pray.”

Experimenting with various prayer forms can be healthy. Some people love to pray the Rosary; others prefer to read the psalms. Some like to take a scripture passage every day and reflect on it. Others find listening to music helpful. Some pray while walking or running; others like to sit or kneel. You might also want to try the Liturgy of the Hours, Centering Prayer, or other forms of meditation.

In our desire to become more prayerful, it is good to remember, in the final analysis, that prayer is a means, not an end in itself. We pray not only because we love prayer.

We pray because we love God. And prayer is one of the chief ways we come to know and love God more.

Through prayer we find meaning,

Suggested prayer sites 3-MINUTE RETREATS loyolapress.com/3-minuteretreats-daily-online-prayer * GOD IN ALL THINGS godinallthings.com PRAY AS YOU GO prayasyougo.org * SACRED SPACE sacredspace.ie * TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH takefiveforfaith.com * * These websites each have a corresponding app.

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RELIGIOUS LIFE

ANNIE WOROBETZ. COURTESY OF SCHOOL SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME.

What is charism?

SISTER THERESE DelGenio, S.S.N.D. expresses her community’s charism through her work at Cincinnati’s Our Daily Bread, an organization that calls itself a “ministry of hospitality.”

by Cathy O’Connell-Cahill

Cathy O’ConnellCahill is a writer and editor who lives in Chicago.

Charism is the inspirational purpose that starts communities and keeps them going. It is community mission and spirit. It gives communities distinctive personalities and imbues their daily practice with meaning.

M

Y FRIEND SHERYL is a Cistercian. She set off with some other nuns from the United States and Europe to refound a monastery on an island in the middle of Norway, where Cistercians had lived for three centuries during the Middle Ages. She speaks Norwegian now.

Sheryl and the other sisters sing the Liturgy of the Hours together in their chapel seven times each day. They work not at outside jobs but inside the monastery, making herbal soaps and skin cream to support themselves. The Cistercian day is a balance of prayer (both private and choral), work, and spiritual reading.

The sisters spend much of the day in silence.

Another friend of mine, Thérèse, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, opened a homeless shelter with one of her fellow sisters on the South Side of Chicago,

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TWO HOURS of personal prayer anchor every Carmelite’s day.

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where my family and I have volunteered for many years. We go once a month, but Thérèse would go every day. Thérèse tells me that her community lives to recognize and reflect the goodness of God everywhere.

Today she works at a day shelter for homeless people in Cincinnati. One morning in January, while guests waited for breakfast and Thérèse was in her tiny office with the door closed writing up reports, she heard commotion and then gunshots out in the shelter. She crawled under her desk and called 911. When police arrived, Thérèse emerged to find a dead man sprawled 10 feet from her office door. A man had come to shoot a woman who had jilted him and the man she had taken up with. The shooter was arrested, and the woman was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Her reaction to what followed

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this tragic, terrifying episode shows how she’s a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur down to her bones. “People were so good to us,” she says, praising those who brought hot meals and sandwiches for the shelter guests, who were moved into a heated bus without their belongings while the crime scene investigation went on and on. She applauded others who later sent cards, flowers, and other gifts to the staff and guests. The police victims’ assistance unit spent hours with those who’d been present, helping them begin to recover from the experience. One agency volunteered its architect to help construct a space where the shelter’s 400 guests could check their belongings to improve security, and someone else paid for 400 bins. “Isn’t this all goodness personified?” Thérèse says.

“We look for it even though things might be as black as can be.”

URGED

“

Charism, this 10-dollar word, which you don’t hear much in ordinary conversation, is the gift at the heart of all religious communities.

BY HIS REDEEMING

LOVE

FOLLOWING

THE EXAMPLE OF

WORKING

TOWARD

RECONCILIATION

Although Sheryl and Thérèse are both women religious, they lead very different lives. Why? It all comes down to charism. This 10-dollar word, which you don’t hear much in ordinary conversation, is the gift at the heart of all religious communities. Their charism is why they were founded and it is what keeps them going through the decades and even centuries.

JESUS

EUCHARISTIC

PROCLAIM

BE A LIFE-

GIVING

• A charism is a gift that comes from the Holy Spirit. Its purpose? To serve others, and especially to build up and renew the Body of Christ, the church.

IN THIS WORLD

• The story of a community’s founder will reveal a charism in action.

Often these people did not even envision founding a religious community; they simply felt a passion to do something to meet a specific need of their time. This burning desire

PRAYER

GOD’S LOVE

Charism is—what again?

• When religious communities use the word charism, they mean the particular gift of the Spirit that inspired their founder—a man or woman of bold vision, who gathered other people to help turn that vision into action.

ROOTED IN

FORCE

We, Sisters of the Precious Blood, invite you to join us in this life.

Vocations

4000 Denlinger Rd.  Dayton, Ohio 45426 (937) 837-3302 cell: (937) 609-0653

Like us on Facebook

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came from the Spirit. Others wanted to join them, and out of this grew the community.

• Charisms enable you to tell religious communities apart from one another. The Holy Spirit calls these groups of men and women to different things and gives them different gifts. We need all these many gifts to

build up the Body of Christ.

• The charism guides the community as it makes decisions about its mission and its future. This is true whether the founder lived 50 or 1,500 years ago.

• You have a charism, too. Sister Mary Pellegrino, C.S.J. writes in

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 33

America, “[O]ur charisms are not confined to vowed, religious life.

They are found and flourish among single and married persons, and clergy, as well.” Saint Paul says that each of us, by virtue of our Baptism, receives gifts of the Spirit for the good of us all.

Reaction to needs

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You can trace the development of a community’s charism back to a specific historical moment. That’s because the founder read the signs of the times, and with a push from the Holy Spirit moved into action to do what needed to be done. The Alexian Brothers, for example, trace their origins to 12th-century Europe when small groups banded together to tend the sick and bury the dead— revolutionary actions at the time.

During the Black Death in the 14th century, which killed almost a third of Europe’s population, they stayed with the sick and dying when others fled. These lay brothers were not even recognized as a religious community by the pope until 1472.

Or consider the Sisters of Mercy.

In 1827, Dublin’s Catherine McAuley used a sizable inheritance to open a house that would serve as a school for poor girls and a shelter for homeless girls and women. As other women volunteered to help, McAuley envisioned a lay corps of Catholic social workers, not a religious order—especially since sisters at the time were confined to their convents. Eventually the women realized that for the sake of stability they’d be better off as a religious community, though not stuck in a convent. They called themselves

“

Saint Paul says that each of us, by virtue of our Baptism, receives gifts of the Spirit for the good of us all.

to know to love to serve As men on fire with God’s love

the Sisters of Mercy, as they sought to make tangible the merciful love of God to all, especially the poor.

Dubliners, however, often called them the “walking nuns” because they spent so much time out in the community among the poor.

Evolving response Religious communities continually reflect on their founding charism to figure out how best to put their heritage into action in today’s world.

The Alexian Brothers in Chicago, for example, in the 1980s began taking people dying of AIDS into their personal residences, opening a permanent facility for them in 1989.

Because family and friends often abandoned those suffering from this dangerous new disease, who bore a great moral stigma as well, the brothers stepped in to care for them, just as they had for the afflicted during Europe’s Black Death six centuries before.

The Order of Mercy, or Mercedarians, founded in 1218 during the Crusades to ransom Christians captured by Muslims, is now working with the Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil in Iraq, who has asked them for prayers and economic support to help thousands of Christian families

Put your passion into service with

THE CLARETIAN MISSIONARIES

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“

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fleeing persecution by ISIS. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, whose founder, Saint Julie Billiart, advised her sisters to “educate for life,” still serve in Catholic schools, but for decades now have also been interpreting their charism more broadly. For example, my friend Sister Thérèse “educates for life” as a social worker at the Cin-

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cinnati day shelter where she works with people trying to recover from substance abuse, trauma, domestic abuse, and chronic poverty, among other challenges.

What’s my charism?

If you’re considering joining a religious community, you’re likely

Religious communities continually reflect on their founding charism to figure out how best to put their heritage into action in today’s world.

asking yourself if you’re drawn to a particular charism and what gifts you have to live it. It can take time trying a few out to figure it out.

Father Brian Walker worked in the missions as a priest before realizing what he really wanted to do was preach, so he joined the Dominicans, the Order of Preachers.

“I wanted to preach in season and out, and now that’s what my whole life is about,” he says. “I preach from personal experience and from the scripture and how it’s spoken to me.” One of Walker’s favorite preaching themes is “To praise, to bless, to preach.”

“All of us are called to praise and recognize God in all creation, to bless one another and what has been given us, and also to preach about the goodness of all of that,” he says. “Not everybody can preach from the pulpit, but we all preach by what we say and do, how we treat one another, and how we interact with one another. What does our interaction leave in our wake? What does it say about us when we’re gone?”

Sister Sheryl, the Cistercian nun in Norway, writes that the opportunity to sing the Liturgy of the Hours seven times a day was the main

COURTESY OF BROTHER DANIEL MCCORMICK

BROTHER TOM KLEIN, C.F.A. speaks to a resident in a nursing home run by his community, the Alexian Brothers. For centuries the Alexian Brothers’ charism has been to aid those on the margins who need medical help.

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reason she joined the Cistercians.

Her daily experience has changed over time: “When I was a novice, the silence was very strict. We had to learn a sign language to avoid speaking in the seven most important rooms in the monastery. Now we use common sense and charity to discern when it is simplest to have a quiet conversation. Our constitutions claim that only with a personal love for Jesus can one

persevere in a life that is ‘ordinary, obscure, and laborious.’ If the mystery and intensity of that appeals to you, come and see!”

It’s women and men of bold vision and commitment who live out the charisms of Catholic religious orders today. Perhaps you’re one of them. = Related article: VocationNetwork.org, “Glossary of vocation terms.”

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RELIGIOUS LIFE

COURTESY OF FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION

What are religious vows?

SISTER CECILIA Corcoran, F.S.P.A. presents Sister Julia Walsh, F.S.P.A. with a ring during her final vows ceremony.

by Sister Julia Walsh, F.S.P.A.

Sister Julia Walsh is a Franc i s c a n S i s te r o f Pe r p e t u a l Adoration, a former highschool theology teacher, and is now on staff at the Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center in Wisconsin. Her writing has appeared in America, Living Faith, and on her blog, “Messy Jesus Business.”

A young sister reveals how the age-old vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience give shape and meaning to her life.

I

WAS JUST OUT of high school when I visited a convent for the first time. I buzzed with excitement, aware I might be entering into a world that could define me. I had felt the pull toward a life dedicated wholly to God and wondered what shape that would take. At the convent, I heard women three times my age describe lives centered on God and community, and I observed their joy, dedication, and strength.

I also was introduced to the religious vows. Women and men religious (sisters, nuns, brothers, monks, and some priests) have elected to let these vows be the core of their lifestyle, the pathway to holiness that they pursue.

For most, the religious vows are public vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. These vows are what make them into consecrated women and men—

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

COLLEEN NEEL

WHILE HER vows entail not having children of her own, Walsh enjoys being a part of her godchildren’s lives.

A transforming presence . . . witnessing Gospel values

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people set aside for special purposes for God. Whether they are living in a monastery or among the poor, these vows direct how each religious lives the gospel and serves God. The vows define religious and make up the heart of a unique lifestyle. This lifestyle is meant to be prophetic: The vows announce the reign of God, the manifestation of Christ’s peace and justice. The biblical prophets were centered on announcing God’s ways to the world; the vows act in the same way. Compared to biblical prophets, though, religious do not necessarily need to announce God’s ways with words.

Rather, they proclaim by the very way they live their lives.

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A decade after that first visit to the convent, I stood in front of an altar with Franciscan sisters beside me.

I professed vows for the first time and joined a lineage of holy men and women linked back to the early church. My community, family, and friends were with me, witnessing.

I gave myself to God in this public manner because my commitment is for others. The words of dedication became my life map.

Poverty When I vowed poverty I committed to living simply and having no private possessions. This meant that I would share all things in common

COURTESY OF FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION

THE VOW of poverty demands creative approaches to building a wardrobe.

Walsh takes part in the convent clothing exchange.

with my community for the sake of the common good. Poverty is material and spiritual; I remember daily that all things in my life are gifts from which I am called to be detached. This vow includes ordinary items such as pens, books, and clothing and also insists that even my talents are to be shared for God’s purposes.

My vow of poverty is a radical choice to keep God and community first in my life. Although I am able to shop, I do not spend my own money.

An approved and monitored budget influences me and prevents me from splurging on things I once enjoyed: no more extra kitchen tools or nail polish. My choices are limited by the structures of sharing, helping me to be mindful of my sisters with greater needs, as well as the homeless mothers we serve.

Technically nothing I buy or

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use is my own; I must use all things in a way that leaves me unattached and free to pass them onward when needed. Even if my community has made a certain car, for example, my responsibility, I know it could be reassigned for another purpose at any time. This reality reminds me that I am made to be interdependent; God and community provide for my

needs and I am called to contribute to our mission.

Honestly, I experience a lot of freedom from sharing property. Even so, it can be challenging to “make do with what I have” while my friends update their wardrobes and gadgets.

Without the latest fashions, I sometimes feel like a misfit among my non-religious friends; my blouses

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 41

WALSH TAKES permanent vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

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

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come from our convent’s “clothing exchange.” The simple living I choose as a sister, however, reminds me to stand in solidarity with those whose poverty causes pain and deprivation.

Another aspect of the vow of poverty is that consuming less means being in a positive relationship with Earth and being a good caretaker of God’s creation; we pollute less, de-

42 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

crease our carbon footprints, and live as sustainably as our means allow.

We honor our oneness with creation, God’s designs, through these choices (Col. 1:16).

Chastity When I vowed chastity I voluntarily dedicated my body to God

and opened my heart to love more widely for the sake of God’s reign.

Like the vow of poverty, this vow has me living in a particular way— as an unmarried woman—so I can love and serve beyond attachments and possessions. No one can refer to me and say, she’s mine. I am all God’s.

In many ways, it makes absolutely no sense that I would renounce something as good as marriage and motherhood. But, actually that’s the point. The vow of celibacy is prophetic because it doesn’t make sense for this world. Just as the prophets of the Bible did strange things to make a point—like eating scrolls (Ezek.

3:1-11) and burying underwear (Jer. 13:1-11), so too is a vow of chastity bizarre. Some people are particularly called to this vow in order to make a point, or to point to God. It’s “heaven on earth” stuff to say no to marriage, sex, and children and only a few of us are really called to it. That’s what Jesus was talking about when he said that some have “renounced mar-

COURTESY OF FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION

“

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The simple living I choose as a sister reminds me to stand in solidarity with those whose poverty causes pain and deprivation.

riage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:21).

Through my consecrated chastity, I also direct my sexuality—the holy life-giving potential that God gave us all—toward something beyond the nearest horizon. Through this vow my body is consecrated to God; I live to point out another vision for the world wherein every human life is honored as sacred.

Through my consecrated chastity, I also renounce our culture’s obsession with unhealthy sexuality.

Through this vow, I cannot become complacent to the disorder of sexuality that the common culture promotes. Namely, I reject any notion

Embrace God's call with joy

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that love is strictly about possession, genital expression, or power; I oppose sexual abuse, pornography, sex trafficking, and other violations of human dignity. With my body vowed to God, I live to point out another vision for the world wherein every human life is honored as sacred.

I will be the first to admit that giving up marriage, sex, and children is definitely easier said than done.

Just a few interactions with an ador-

able man can cause me to develop a crush and force me to carefully establish boundaries. Plus, I am at the point in life wherein I crave daily interactions with children; I want to care for them, to help foster their growth. I have found ways to feed this need by being involved in the lives of young people whom I love, particularly my niece and nephew.

It’s true that my body churns with a longing to know the natural and

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 43

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sacred experience of union with another. But I said no to that potential, and this made me available to say yes to sharing a wider and broader love: the love of God and God’s people anywhere.

Obedience When I vowed obedience, I pledged

44 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

to live a life defined by God’s will and defined by the needs of my religious community. I said yes to growing in humility, so I could submit my selfishness for the sake of the common good.

Taking the vow of obedience terrified me the most. I am a very free-spirited person and I was afraid that my personality would

Saying yes to God’s will means becoming a better disciple of Jesus.

be squashed or I would have to give up my dreams and desires. It turned out, though, that my vow of obedience has provided the perfect container wherein my free spirit can thrive, so that rays of God’s light can illumine my God-given spunk.

The sisters were eager to receive my talents and gifts and have encouraged me to grow in ways beyond my imagination. Plus, community provides accountability, structure, and in many ways, an ability to be free from the things that can become distractions from serving God and God’s people. I’ve learned that when it comes to the future it is wisest not to trust in myself alone, but rather to trust in the big picture that only God can see—and God speaks through community.

I am a woman made up of hopes and dreams. I want to see the world, I want to experience adventure, I want, I want, I want. Confronted by my selfishness and stubbornness, the vows help me to abandon living for only me, me, me. Once, I was asked to give up a ministry I enjoyed so I could deepen my community relationships. I resisted and struggled, but I obeyed—because that was my vow. This seeming surrender ended up opening pathways to greater health and happiness. Saying yes to God’s will means becoming a better

COURTESY OF FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF PERPETUAL ADORATION

WALSH CELEBRATES her new status in the community as a “final-vowed” sister.

MANY RELIGIOUS share a car with other community members, including Walsh and Sister Anita Beskar, F.S.P.A.

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disciple of Jesus. The vow of obedience has set me free.

Zealous living A vowed religious is zealous for the reign of God. We believe our commitment to this countercultural lifestyle heralds the coming of Christ’s reign. It takes a lot of dedication to constantly witness; it’s daily work.

I’ve heard many religious say that

they must choose to live the vows each day. We can’t be halfhearted in our discipleship or stagnant in our faith development.

There is a lot of variety among religious communities about how the vows are lived and even which vows are taken. Some monastic communities take a vow of “stability,” meaning that the monastery will remain their home. In some communities, the sisters and brothers may take a fourth

vow such as “hospitality” or “service to the poor.” Dominicans only vow obedience, implying with that vow their acceptance of chastity and poverty. Each congregation has a distinct structure, constitution, way of dress, and way of being in the world.

By our commitment and our unique lifestyle, we give our whole selves to God: body, wealth, and will. This bold way of living means holding up signs of hope, bravely, to a discouraged and hurting world.

These are not just placards declaring GOD LOVES or protesting sin.

Rather, through our lifestyle, with zeal and gusto, we make visible what Christ established: Everything belongs to God, all bodies are sacred, God’s will be done—a whole new world on its way. = Related article: VocationNetwork.org, “A new sister looks at the vows.”

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 45

RELIGIOUS LIFE FRIAR MATTHEW Gummess, O.Carm. (left) shares a moment with fellow friar, Father Quinn Connors, O.Carm.

COURTESY OF THE ORDER OF CARMELITES

The passion of youth meets the wisdom of age Young and even middle-aged people who enter a religious community often have fewer peers these days. The age gap can have challenges but not as many as most think.

N

O DOUBT ABOUT IT, there’s been a demographic shift going on in religious communities for some time. There are more older religious than younger new members (whose smaller numbers are actually historically typical though).

So what is it like when God calls you to religious life during such change?

Four younger religious report on their own experiences.

The grace of living with elders

By Sister Michelle Lesher, S.S.J. Exiting the room of one of our 80-something sisters, I smiled, aware that we had just shared a profound moment. In our conversation, we reminded each other of the essence of our call to be Sisters of Saint Joseph. We talked about God, prayer, and the joys and struggles of community life. We laughed, cried, sat quietly, and told tons of stories; in the midst of all of that, we even played 46 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

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I am increasingly amazed to find that despite having grown up in different times, our stories about feeling compelled by religious life are remarkably similar.

a few hands of cards—which she always won. Talk about holy ground!

In conversation, we realized just how much we share in common. I was struggling to adjust to my new and utterly unfamiliar life as a novice, missing teaching in one of our academies. She was grappling with retiring after nearly 30 years in ministry. An unlikely pair, one at the beginning of her religious life, another nearing the end, we spent every Monday afternoon together for

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a year. We both believed that those what is central to our religious life— visits helped to steady each of us as relationship with God and service we entered new life terrain. Across to our dear neighbor—age isn’t all the decades, heart speaks to heart. that significant. I felt drawn to the People often ask mission of the Sisters if I ever hesitated in of Saint Joseph and joining an order where questions around age there are more wisdom never deter that call. figures then peers. The If I am honest truth is, I didn’t notice though, during my because I was too busy 13 years in religious being inspired by these life, I have seriously women who were livpondered this notion ing a life that matched of age gap, espethe one to which I felt cially since I have called. These women lived mostly with are my mentors and sisters older than my sisters. I am increasparents. That has led Sister Michelle Lesher, S.S.J. ingly amazed to find me to rich networkthat despite having grown up in ing with women religious in a variety different times, our stories about of congregations who are my peers. feeling compelled by religious life This is essential as we shape together are remarkably similar. When we the future of religious life, particulartalk about matters of the heart and ly in the United States. I believe that VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 47

SISTER CAROLE POLLOCK, S.S.J.

SISTER MICHELLE Lesher, S.S.J. (left) talks with Sister Roberta Archibald, S.S.J.

God is giving us the grace necessary to be bridges across this gap. Intergenerational living is possible and meaningful.

I came to religious life because I felt called to this particular lived expression of relationship with God in service to others. So did my sisters who are 10 or 60 years older than I am. When we live the essence of our life, age doesn’t matter. It is really about sharing those heartto-heart moments with my sisters. For, as Rumi reminds us, “we are all just walking each other home.”

our vocations deeply and together is very fulfilling. My experiences with intergenerational living have run a wide range, with age being really only one factor that influenced the experience for me.

I entered the novitiate—the first step in formally entering a community—right out of college. I did not go through this process of deepening interiority alone but along with my novice classmates and with the support of the formaSister Michelle Lesher, S.S.J. tion community. is a Sister of Saint Joseph My three noviof Philadelphia serving in tiate classmates vocation and formation were all at least Father Carlos Medina, O.S.A. ministry.

10 years older than me, and the formation community was five Community comes in many forms priests and a brother all the age of

By Father Carlos Medina, O.S.A. my grandparents. Yet somehow, living with considerably older men Living in a community of various did not seem odd to me. A visitor generations can be difficult at times, to our community that year pitied but underneath it all, the call to live me because I was so young and Enter #187 at VocationMatch.com 48 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

“

For a while I will continue to be one of the younger men in my province, but God willing, I will be an elderly member one day.

lived among elderly men. I, on the other hand, felt honored to begin my religious life among men who were deeply, radically following Christ.

After professing vows, I went on to theological studies in Chicago. During this time, I lived with younger friars in formation (preparation) and with a younger formation team. After two years of studies, I did pastoral ministry for a year and lived once again with much older men. This second time living with significantly older friars was difficult for me. I often felt disconnected during social time when conversations focused on people or events I did not know. I also didn’t have any peers my age. Prayer, a fulfilling ministry, and friends outside community who supported my vocation proved to be quite a gift.

After that pastoral year, I went back to finish my theological studies, and then was ordained. The community I live in today has taught me that age is not the only factor in connecting with people. I have been able to connect with the elderly men in my current household, who are like me, relatively new to the local community. So I have realized that perhaps my struggle to connect during my pastoral ministry year was not so much due to age differences, but to the fact that it was a group that had not changed much for several years.

In my new local community, some of the older members and the younger members are new to the living arrangement, with little knowledge of the local people and places. This

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dynamic makes connecting with one another much easier.

For me, as a younger religious, age matters . . . and it doesn’t matter.

For a while I will continue to be one of the younger men in my province, but God willing, I will be an elderly member one day. As I age and mature, I look forward to continuing to pray together and sharing life and ministry with my Augustinian brothers.

Father Carlos Medina, O.S.A., an Augustinian priest, is a pastor associate at St. Patrick Catholic Parish in San Diego.

Missing peers but loving community

By Sister Belinda Monahan, O.S.B. As I pushed a cart full of dishes down the hallway one Sunday morning, a sister stopped me and

said, “When I was young, I . . . ” I’m not certain what she said next because all I could think was, “I’m not young!” In my mid-40s, I live in virtually the only context in which I can be (and frequently am!) called young. I am more than 30 years younger than the median age of my community and seven years younger than the next youngest. When my fellow community members call me young, it’s usually meant with affection, sometimes tinged with envy. It occasionally makes me feel as though the entire future of the order is resting on my very uncertain shoulders. But it is also a responsibility I carry proudly, as a “young” woman religious, I am called to be a bridge between people, as I follow the women who came before me and lead the way into the future.

When I started looking at religious communities in my mid-30s, I did not really consider the fact that VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 49

“

In my mid-40s, I live in virtually the only context in which I can be (and frequently am!) called young.

in balancing ministry and community life. The scarcity of peers in my own community, however, means that I have worked to seek out peers in religious life outside of my own community, broadening my understanding of what religious life can be. The downside of having to work harder to find people who understand my pop culture references is more than balanced by the examples I have to follow and to live up to as a “younger” woman in this adventure of religious life.

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in most of the communities I visited, who walk with me as I learn what I would be one of the younger sisters. it means to be community. They are The communities to which I was the ones who could make space in attracted were not necessarily the their lives to answer my questions younger communities, but those in and listen to my frustrations. The which people were interested and enbreadth of their experience means gaged in the world that even if they don’t around them. This have the answers, they isn’t tied to age. At can understand and 103, Sister Vivian is sympathize with the the oldest member questions. The women of our community, who have lived steeped but she still reads in the Rule of Benedict the newspaper and have been faithful to every day and can monastic life for 60, 70, be counted on to or even 80 years provide have a strong, wella joyful and living exinformed opinion ample of what the fruits about current of that life can look like. events.

Sometimes I do miss Sister Belinda Monahan, O.S.B. Most of the sishaving peers in comters in my community are closer to munity. It would be nice if one or Sister Vivian in age than to me and two other people in the room knew many are “retired” from active minis- who Buffy the Vampire Slayer was or try. It has largely been these women could help with the struggles I face 50 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

Sister Belinda Monahan, O.S.B. is vocation director for the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago.

Yes to this life despite worries

By Friar Matthew Gummess, O.Carm.

Peter and I decided not to chance a risky journey back to Juárez, Mexico since it was getting on toward dusk.

That’s how we ended up in a sweltering, windowless hostel room in El Paso, Texas, the ancient ceiling fan thwacking away like a helicopter blade without doing much to alleviate the room’s dead air. No problem for Peter, though. He stripped down to boxers and a t-shirt and was asleep in five minutes, while I lay there sweating uncomfortably. I looked over and shook my head. Here were a couple of friars—me in my 20s, him pushing 90—and yet I felt like I was crashing somewhere with a college buddy.

Age gap? What age gap?

I admit, Father Peter does not exactly represent the norm. I’d gone to

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Juárez not so much to see the minisdemographic crunch. The ideal of try of presence he exercises there as to religious life had so captivated me see him. He’s a legend in the province that I couldn’t even see the writing for his vitality and on the wall. But I’ve joie de vivre, and he’s been in long enough still down in Juárez, now that communicounseling victims of ties I’ve loved have violence and saying been shuttered, and Masses for the poor in brothers I’ve loved his “retirement.” He’s have left—some extraordinary in every have passed away. way—except one. His Funerals outnumber age is closer to the professions. I proaverage in my province fessed solemn vows than my own. We’re in August 2016 with not anywhere close to one other brother, and bringing enough new Friar Matthew Gummess, O.Carm. I admit that in darker blood in to maintain moments, I wonder our ministries at the current level. which one of us will turn out the And so the immediate future looks lights when everyone else is gone. very different from the immediate But I’ve stayed because a compast. munity with more elders than peers is Five men joined with me, all still a community. I’ve stayed because from North America, all under 40, Peter, though extraordinary, is far and I was young and naive enough from being the only friar who defies not to worry about the looming the logic of age differences. I’ve stayed

because I believe the God who called Peter is the same God who is gently calling me. I’ve stayed because I hope that the ever-living God does have a future for us, even if that future places me in Indonesia or Vietnam, where there are far more young Carmelites than old. I’ve stayed, in the end, because I love Carmel, and when all is said and done, I want to be buried in that long row of Carmelites, next to the saints and the scoundrels, and I want to stand before God having said yes, like so many before me.

Like Peter, who first said yes so very many years ago, and is still saying yes today.

Friar Matthew Gummess, O. Carm., of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, resides in Washington, D.C., where he is studying for ordination at the Catholic University of America. = Related article: VocationNetwork.org, “Thriving among the generations.”

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 51

VISION SPOTLIGHT

Word as witness to the Word

COUNTLESS brothers, sisters, and priests as well as lay faithful have penned song and verse not only as a creative outlet, but also as a shared prayer, an expression of love for God and Creation, and a celebration of life.

Song and verse are among the oldest ways of praising God, and the impulse to be generative is one of the main components of a call to religious life, so it’s not surprising that poets are part of the vast array of creative religious.

S

“

OME PEOPLE go to priests; others to poetry …” said British novelist Virginia Woolf. Catholics, of course, know that the two aren’t mutually exclusive: Spirituality and art are richly intertwined in our faith tradition. Over the centuries, countless brothers, sisters, and priests as well as lay faithful have penned song and verse not only as a creative outlet, but also as a shared prayer, an expression of love for God and Creation, and a celebration of life.

This year’s VISION Spotlight showcases the published work of contemporary women and men religious poets and lyricists who are following their call to serve God with their gifts and continuing our Catholic artistic heritage. = Find more poems by religious in our expanded article online at tinyurl.com/WitnesstoWord.

52 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

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JUST TAKE IT on Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” They love it, my students—memorize the words, but miss the point about that less-traveled road, claim Frost a hero for endorsing the holy my way, though he called this poem “a tricky one, very tricky,” less about not following the crowd, or even which path, and more about just making up your mind. If he could, the poet would nod to Yogi Berra: If you come to a fork in the road, take it. In the end, there will always be those two paths: the one you choose, and the other one.

Pick one—one that loves you back, and if you still seek some Yankee wisdom, try that other poem, the one about not standing and waiting too long, about miles and miles to go, about promises to keep.

Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., a Franciscan friar for 49 years and writer since he was 8, has written several books, including BrotherKeeper.

“Just Take It” was published in VISION Vocation Guide in 2010 and received a first place honor for original poetry by the Catholic Press Association. Janowski sees a clear connection between the vocation of a writer and that of a preacher committed to Christ, the Word made flesh. The two vocations sustain each other because both the preacher and the poet tell the stories of people confronting the hard moments of life as well as the exultant, unpredictable experiences of grace.

HE COMES He comes, slow like the sun; he comes nudging the darkness from the sky with a quiet stillness and red majesty.

He comes, mighty as hills; he comes greening the world with his life through a pow’r that enfolds us in peace that never ends.

He comes, behind ev’ry face; he comes reaching through dappled, routine days to touch our love and spring it free forever.

Sister Colleen Winston, O.S.B., a member of St. Walburg Monastery since 1959, is principal musician and coordinator of eucharistic liturgies. She has been an educator, a columnist, photographer, communication consultant, mentor, media producer, study guide author, musician, composer, and presenter of workshops and retreats. “He Comes” was published in 1973 in Folkhymns for Worship, an out-of-print hymnal and is used here with permission from North American Liturgy Resources.

54 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

DANCING ROOTEDNESS Trees dancing in fluorescent sunshine gleaming brightness

in radiant façade.

Standing firm in grounded being rooted strong

in stories found in yesterday’s meanderings

of ventures unbeknown

to humankind.

Creatures great and small bowing adoration to Creator

living life in core of each creation

magnificently formed creatively being shaped into beings celebrative of Creator’s all embracive expansiveness.

Stories flow creatively from firm grounded rootedness sharing life’s adventures in sparkling clear waters of refreshment.

Catching sparks of nuances for creative re-creations

slicing delicious fruits

of tangy serendipity.

Sister Marlou Ricke, F.S.P.A. was a teacher for 20 years in Catholic schools. She has also ministered in creative art therapy and spiritual direction. Her book Dance, Words, Dance!: A Celebration of Expressive Therapy in Story and Poetry Form, in which “Dancing Rootedness” appears, was published in 2007.

HERE I WILL STAY The Lord has guided me so far And in His guidance, He has up and dropped me here, at this time and in this place of history.

To search for and to find Him; Not somewhere else, But here.

And so HERE I WILL STAY, Until I have found that broken Lord, in all His forms, And in all His various pieces, Until I have completely bound-up His wounds and covered His whole Body, His People, with the rich oil of gladness.

And when that has been done, He will up and drop me again— Either into His Promised Kingdom, or into the midst Of another jigsaw puzzle of His broken Body, His hurting People.

Sister Carol Piette, M.M., also known as Sister Carla, entered Maryknoll Sisters in 1958.

She was sent to Chile, where she was a teacher and a pastoral care worker and continued to serve the poor during Chile’s military coup in 1973. In 1980 she was assigned to El Salvador to accompany internal refugees who were fleeing violence.

Piette died on August 24, 1980 while crossing a flooded river in an attempt to help a father return to his family. “Here I Will Stay” was published in her biography, Vessel of Clay: The Inspirational Journey of Sister Carla (2010), by Jacqueline Hansen Maggiore.

ROAD ATLAS Praise at hand!

Lands within lands, vast grand, Granite rock shifting sand Many I’ll visit only in my many mindmeanderings, Wondering . . . to see them all?

Would take forever and a day!

So I wing my way on fantasy flights.

Grab on to the first passing breeze and fly.

Let the wind lift be high Atop lofty mountain peaks, Glide down deep into yawning canyons, Afloat on every river, stream, and lake, Lazing on the glistening sands of every beach, So much to behold–and lo!

To raise one’s eyes in praise Glory Be! Will take–eternity!

Father Walter Bunofsky, S.V.D. was ordained in 1960.

His assignments have included vocation promotion and recruitment, parish ministry, chaplaincy, and spiritual direction. Along the way he learned to play the guitar and the clarinet, compose songs, do woodcarving, and write poetry. He is now in retirement at Divine Word Residence in Illinois. His first poem was “Road Atlas” printed in “Word/USA,” a Divine Word newsletter, in 1988.

AN APPETITE FOR THE FULLNESS OF LIFE In fields of scarcity We hunger For abundance Not just for bread or rice to fill the stomach But for peace, beauty and goodness To nurture our spirit

Our inner core Thirsts For a world we imagine To transform The world we experience We seek not only promises of relief Or healing of our brokenness and loss We want to eat and drink at the table of full communion.

Sister Georgene L. Wilson, O.S.F., D.Min. is a Wheaton Franciscan who serves as a spiritual development minister. She has been a teacher, preacher, pastoral minister, director of spiritual formation, and a spiritual companion. Wilson says her greatest joy is rooted in allowing Wisdom to use her as a channel for animating beauty and in affirming each person with whom she engages as “already good and incredibly free to love God, self, and all creation as kin in the kin-dom.” “An Appetite for the Fullness of Life” was published in 2011 in Bread and Lace: A Poetry Collection.

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 55

EN ESPAÑOL

VIDA RELIGIOSA​

EL HERMANO Jesús Alonso, C.S.C. con su familia.

La familia es importante por Carol Schuck Scheiber.

Traducido por Mónica Krebs.

CORTESÍA DEL HERMANO JESÚS ALONSO

Carol Schuck Scheiber es redactora ​e n VISION y editora en HORIZON, el periódico de National Religious Vocation Conference.

​ s bueno tener el apoyo de tu familia cuando eliges una E vocación eclesiástica, pero esto no siempre sucede—por lo menos no al principio.

L

OS PADRES Y HERMANOS a veces se resisten a apoyar a un miembro de la familia que ingresa a una comunidad religiosa. ¿Qué va a significar para el resto de la familia ser un hermano, hermana, o sacerdote? ¿Su ser querido estará solitario? ¿Va a desaparecer él o ella de las vidas de los miembros de la familia? El miedo y la ansiedad no son extraños.

Cuando el Hermano Jesús Alonso, C.S.C., miembro de los Brothers of Holy Cross (Hermanos de la Santa Cruz) de San Antonio, Texas, estaba considerando la vida religiosa, estaba preocupado porque los miembros de su familia vivieran en la pobreza. Habiendo crecido en una familia grande de trabajadores migrantes, Alonso era solo el segundo de sus seis hermanos y hermanas que se había graduado en la universidad. Su objetivo a lo largo de sus estudios había sido obtener un título en ciencias de la computación, encontrar un buen trabajo, y ayudar a proveer económicamente para su familia.

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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

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¡Visítanos online! ¿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.

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Cuando Alonso se sintió llamado a ser un hermano, la preocupación económica por sus padres y hermanos fue un gran impedimento. “El voto de pobreza no era un gran problema para mí personalmente. Yo sabía que hay cosas más importantes en la vida que esa. Pero aún así tenía que volver con mis padres y explicar esta vocación.

Ese fue un momento importante en nuestra relación,” dice Alonso. Su papá estaba de acuerdo con él en que Alonso debía estar apoyando a la familia. Su madre, sin embargo, le dijo, “Nunca esperé que tú nos ayudaras. Lo que importa es que tú elijas correctamente lo que está bien.”

Ahora, años más tarde, dice Alonso, sus padres están ambos “más en paz con la decisión de ser un hermano.”

El idioma, la fe, y la cultura, todo influye en la forma en que los padres reciben la novedad del deseo de sus vástagos de tomar los votos u 58 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

ordenarse, como también la forma en que los futuros sacerdotes, hermanas y hermanos asumen las relaciones familiares.

Los asiático americanos y muchos latinos pueden debatirse entre su profundo deseo, su vocación— que los atrae a la vida religiosa o al sacerdocio—y sus familias, que pueden desalentar tales planes.

El tiempo que pasan juntos permite que las familias, los candidatos a la vida religiosa, y sus comunidades lleguen a conocerse mutuamente. La mayoría de las comunidades religiosas invitan a los padres y hermanos de candidatos serios a venir a visitarlos. Muchos ministros de vocaciones hacen visitas regulares a la casa familiar de quienes están considerando esta vida.

Más allá de las preocupaciones que puedan albergar las familias cuando un ser querido ingresa a una comunidad religiosa, la mayoría de

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

los miembros de la familia estarían de acuerdo en que lo que quieren es una vida plena, bien vivida, para su ser querido. = Condensado de “La familia es importante,” VISION 2008 de Carol Schuck Scheiber.

EN ESPAÑOL ¿Qué fue lo que primero te atrajo a tu comunidad?

El ejemplo de los sacerdotes Oblatos en mi parroquia de Bakersfield, California me atrajo inicialmente a considerar su forma de vida. La sencillez, humildad, y vida comunitaria fueron demasiado tentadoras para resistirír.

SACERDOTES

Dejar que Dios guíe PADRE SERGIO PEREZ, O.S.J.

¿Tienes algún sobrenombre?

Muchos, ¡incluso algunos que no puedo compartir! Habitualmente mis amigos me llaman Serg o Sergie, y un amigo siempre me llama Padre Boogie porque me encanta bailar.

¿Qué tipos de ministerio has realizado?

Actualmente soy el director de vocaciones de mi comunidad, pero he trabajado en muchas áreas: trabajo pastoral en la parroquia, correccional de menores, servicios para niños abandonados, viajes en misiones al extranjero, catequesis, y más.

¿Tus mejores experiencias en el ministerio hasta ahora?

Trabajar con los jóvenes en forma personal y verlos crecer y “conseguir” su fe. También, disfruto celebrando los sacramentos con los jóvenes y ver que su fe cobra vida.

¿Tu forma preferida de rezar?

Me encanta ir a la Adoración y estar en la presencia de Jesús.

Es reconfortante y me ayuda a calmarme y concentrarme.

¿Lo mejor de vivir en comunidad?

Ser parte de una familia. Es uno de los mejores sentimientos estar en casa con los demás, compartir tu día. Oramos diariamente para imitar a la Sagrada Familia dentro de nuestra comunidad.

No siempre es fácil, pero es muy bueno seguir intentándolo.

CORTESÍA DE LOS OBLATES OF ST. JOSEPH

Cuando Sergio Perez le dijo a la gente que iba a ingresar a los Oblates of St. Joseph (Oblatos de San José), sus amigos dijeron, “¡Sí, claro!” Su mamá estaba tan alterada que hasta lloró. ¿Qué estaba haciendo el chavo a quien le encantaba bailar, había fundado una hermandad, y aspiraba a ser actor o maestro, con esposa y muchos niños? Se estaba dejando llevar para que “Dios pudiese guiarme a mi felicidad y santidad,” dice. Once años más tarde su numerosa familia y una vez escépticos amigos aceptan y hasta asumen su vocación como sacerdote religioso.

Read in English on page 65.

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EN ESPAÑOL

HERMANAS Cuando estabas creciendo, ¿cuál era tu sueño para tu vida? ¡La vida religiosa nunca se me pasó por la mente! Como excelente alumna que amaba la ciencia en mi escuela secundaria, lo único que yo quería hacer era llegar a ser médica para ayudar a la gente. Así que fui a la universidad con estudios superiores pre-médicos en biología y secundarios en química.

¿Cuál ha sido tu experiencia más emocionante como hermana?

En este momento me emociono cuando puedo tener un real encuentro personal con alguien que no entiende por qué las personas eligen ser cristianas. Esas conversaciones me mantienen entusiasmada para aprender más acerca de mi propia fe.

¿Qué es lo mejor de vivir en comunidad?

Hay una fuente inagotable de sabiduría a la que tengo el privilegio de acceder. También ha aumentado realmente mi confianza en mí misma el vivir entre mujeres con el mismo espíritu misionero que yo había sentido pero todavía no sabía qué hacer con él.

¿Tienes un santo favorito?

Una búsqueda providencial en Google HERMANA CHRISTINA CŃE CHAVEZ, C.D.P. El llamado de Dios puede ser lento y tranquilo; y también puede ser fuerte y súbito. Después de algunos sutiles indicios de que una comunidad religiosa podría ser el lugar para ella, la Hermana Christina Cńe Chávez, C.D.P. estaba en el funeral de su abuela cuando sintió un fuerte mensaje para consagrarse a Cristo. Poco después, tomó su teléfono y Googleó, “¿Cómo hacerse monja?”

Eso inició un serio viaje que finalmente la llevó a las puertas de la Congregation of Divine Providence (Congregación de la Divina Providencia) en su estado natal de Texas.

Read in English on page 79.

JC PHOTOGRAPHY

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He amado a San Francisco de Asís desde que era una niña pequeña y me enteré de su conversión radical. Amo a Santa Teresa de Ávila, también. Es una mujer impactante.

Cuéntanos algo sorprendente sobre ti.

Me estoy esforzando por ser políglota.

Actualmente soy bilingüe en inglés y español y estoy aprendiendo francés y chino mandarín. Además espero retomar nuevamente mis lecciones de alemán. ¡Pero la lista de idiomas que quiero aprender no termina allí!

¿Tienes algún consejo para quienes están considerando la vida religiosa?

Quiero que la gente sepa que realmente es una opción decir que sí a una vocación. El convento no es un lugar para ir si no puedes encontrar un novio o no puedes encontrar un trabajo.

Yo pensaba que tenía mi vida planificada, y tuve dos noviazgos largos en el pasado.

Sin embargo no sentí que nada fuese tan importante como servir a Dios de esta manera.

EN ESPAÑOL

VISIONES RELIGIOSAS FOTO CORTESÍA DE SURE WE CAN

De pie con los pobres

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A HERMANA Ana María Martínez de Luco dice que es bueno tener dos pies. Esto le permite literalmente pararse junto a personas sumamente pobres y al mismo tiempo figurativamente estar en pie con movimientos mundiales para ayudar a los pobres.

Martínez de Luco, miembro de las Sisters for Christian Community (Hermanas para la Comunidad Cristiana), dice que su vocación de ser célibe en aras del reino le permite entablar amistad y servir a la gente pobre de su hogar adoptivo de la ciudad de Nueva York, donde vive desde 2004, cuando se mudó desde España.

Ella escribió a VISIÓN acerca de su vida y su vocación: “En este momento, mientras escribo estas notas, un hombre está durmiendo a mi lado: un amigo que está embriagado, que tiene problemas con la droga, problemas de salud, a quien mañana he de acompañar al Hospital; una persona que tuvo una niñez devastadora, que ha vivido en la calle la mayor parte de su vida; quien necesita alguien que le cuide. El no tener esposo o hijos/as a

LA HERMANA ANA MARÍA Martínez de Luco hace voluntariado cada semana en Sure We Can, una organización sin fines de lucro que fundó en Brooklyn, Nueva York, para fomentar el trato justo y la comunidad entre quienes reciclan botellas y latas desechadas. Aquí está fotografiada con Anita, una de las “lateras.”

quienes cuidar (célibe), me da la libertad y me hace estar disponible por situaciones como ésta que tantas veces se presentan entre quienes vivo y trabajo.

El celibato por el Reino me da gran libertad para estar ahí donde el OTRO o la OTRA me necesita...”

Aunque Martínez de Luco trabaja con gente que está lejos del candelero, ha recibido atención por su ministerio y su visión. Fue presentada en el New York Times en 2015 por su trabajo con

BENJAMIN BULLARD, CULLMAN TIMES

DANOS ESTE DÍA

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ORNEAR PAN es tanto un medio de subsistencia como un ministerio para los monjes de St. Bernard Abbey (Abadía de San Bernardo) de Cullman, Alabama. “Es una bendición hacer este trabajo,” le dijo a Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. el inmigrante cubano Hermano Pachomius Alvarado, O.S.B. Alvarado y sus compañeros monjes llevan un estilo de vida que data 1,500 años atrás hasta San Benito de Nursia. Benito concibió una vida para su comunidad religiosa (los Benedictinos) que equilibraba el trabajo y la oración, y entonces Alvarado hornea pan con una visión meditativa y devocional. Como los monjes de todo el mundo, Alvarado intercala su tarea con cinco periodos de oración diaria, comenzando la mayoría de los días a las 6 a.m. y terminando a las 7:15 p.m.

Alvarado estaba en un monasterio en Colombia preparándose para la vida monástica cuando conoció al

EL HERMANO Pachomius Alvarado, O.S.B. prepara piezas de pan en la cocina del monasterio.

director de vocaciones de Sr. Bernard Abbey. “La comunidad me abrió sus puertas y me brindó la oportunidad de ser parte de este modo de vida,”dice Alvarado.

Mientras tanto, los panes de Alvarado han suscitado elogios: “El pan horneado en las instalaciones de un monasterio del norte de Alabama simplemente podría hacer de usted un creyente,” apunta el periodista Ben Bullard de Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.

Sure We Can (Seguro que podemos), una organización sin fines de lucro que funciona como centro de reciclado de botellas y latas y también como lugar para construir comunidad entre los “lateros” (quienes recogen botellas y latas por dinero).

Ella es co-fundadora de la organización desde 2007 junto con el latero Eugene Gadsden.

—Carol Schuck Scheiber.

Traducido por Mónica Krebs.

“ESTAMOS LLAMADOS a crear, con nuestra presencia en medio del mundo, una sociedad capaz de reconocer la dignidad de cada persona y de compartir el don que cada uno es para el otro. Con nuestro testimonio de comunidad viva y abierta a lo que nos manda el Señor, a través del soplo de su Espíritu, podremos responder a las necesidades de cada persona con el mismo amor con el que Dios nos ha amado. Tantas personas están esperando que salgamos a su encuentro y las miremos con esa ternura que hemos experimentado y recibido de nuestro trato con Dios.

Este es el poder que llevamos, no el de nuestros propios ideales y proyectos; sino la fuerza de su misericordia que trasforma y da vida.”

—-Discurso del Santo Padre Francisco a los participantes en el Capítulo General de los Agustinos Recoletos Jueves, 20 de octubre de 2016

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EN ESPAÑOL

HERMANOS ¿Cómo conociste a tu comunidad religiosa?

Encontré a los De La Salle Christian Brothers durante la escuela secundaria. Fue su capacidad para relacionarse con la gente joven, su dedicación a brindar una educación humana y cristiana a los jóvenes, especialmente los pobres, y su genuina vida comunitaria lo que realmente comenzó a atraer mi corazón.

¿Tu mejor experiencia en el ministerio hasta ahora?

La sala de clases es siempre un espacio sagrado para los hermanos. Sumado a la alegría increíble que he encontrado en la clase, hallé un gran significado en mi papel de decano de estudiantes.

Como hermano puedo acompañar a los estudiantes y las familias en momentos muy buenos pero también en épocas muy complejas.

¿Tu forma preferida de rezar?

La oración comunitaria es muy importante para mí, y por eso pienso que el tiempo de meditación personal antes de la oración comunitaria— combinado con nuestro tiempo de rezar juntos—son ambos muy especiales.

¿Qué sorprendería a la gente si supiese más acerca de ti?

Realmente soy una persona bastante tímida.

Maestro de corazón HERMANO CHRIS PATIÑO, F.S.C. No todos en la vida religiosa vienen de una familia que sea profundamente católica, pero sí el Hermano Chris Patiño, F.S.C. Él se considera bendecido de tener padres que se conocieron mediante el ministerio de jóvenes adultos y que hicieron de la educación católica una prioridad para él y sus hermanas. Desde sus raíces de inmigrante católico, hasta su amor por la enseñanza, fue un camino natural para Patiño unirse a los De La Salle Christian Brothers (Hermanos Cristianos de De La Salle), una orden dedicada a la educación.

Read in English on page 70.

HERMANO JAMES JOOST, F.S.C.

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¿Tus experiencias más emocionantes como religioso?

Las experiencias más emocionantes en mi vida como religioso tienen que ver con los estudiantes que han sido parte del camino. Ya fuese llevando a 18 estudiantes secundarios a Madrid para el Día Mundial de la Juventud, o llevando estudiantes a retiros y experiencias de inmersión, ha sido emocionante ser una parte de sus vidas en momentos importantes.

¿Qué te da esperanza en la vida religiosa?

Hallo gran esperanza en la gente joven que sigue explorando la posibilidad de la vida religiosa. Sus sueños, sus esperanzas, su deseo de hacer del mundo un lugar mejor . . . ¡todo eso me da esperanza!

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

A ­

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. Vocation Director, 3040 W. Salt Creek Lane, Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 1-847-463-8904; e-mail: vocations@ alexian.net; website: www.alexianbrothers.org.

See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org.

See ad on page 156. Code #141.

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 12 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)-837-2749; e-mail: luiscasso@yahoo.com.

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 99. Code #207.

Augustinian Monks of the Primitive Observance (O.S.A.Prim.) “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Do you have a pioneer spirit? Perhaps the Lord is calling you to be a consecrated man and join with us as a monk in giving yourself totally to God in a life of monastic contemplative prayer, joyful brotherhood,

and in building up our Monastery in Florida.

Augustinian Monks of the Primitive Observance, Mother of the Good Shepherd Monastery, 2075 Mercers Fernery Road, DeLand, FL 32720;Tel: (386) 736-4321; e-mail: monks@augustinianmonks.com; www.augustinianmonks.com.

Code #020.

Augustinians of the Assumption (A.A.) The Assumptionists are a worldwide congregation of almost 900 religious priests and brothers located in 30 countries. We are experiencing an uptick in vocations among men inspired by our simple yet expansive motto: “Thy Kingdom Come.” What makes us unique? We’re traditional in insisting on the essentials: love of Jesus Christ before any other devotion, and love of his Body the Church.

We embrace the Rule of St. Augustine and such monastic values as study, contemplation, silence, fraternal life, and common prayer. But we’re also apostolic, and so we seek to renew society using a language and means that will reach the people of our day. We focus on education in all its forms: university education, but also journalism, ecumenism, foreign missions, parishes, youth and campus ministry, the dialogue between faith and culture, and more. Join us as we transform lives and transform society. Come and see! www.assumptionists.us/vocations. Contact: Fr. Ronald Sibugan, A.A., Emmanuel House, 512 Salisbury Street., Worcester, MA 01609; 617-991-8335; assumption.vocmin@gmail.com.

Code #328.

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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 14174-0167; (716) 754-7489; e-mail: BarnabitesUSA@fatimashrine.com. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 108. Code #254.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

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 12 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, Wisconsin, and the United Nations, in addition to our 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; 610-519-4674; 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 our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 99. Code #207.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

Benedictine Monks (O.S.B.), Collegeville, MN—Saint John’s Abbey Saint John’s Abbey is a Catholic Benedictine monastery of 120+ 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) 363-2548; 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 36. Code #132.

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

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MEN’S COMMUNITIES

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

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 134. 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, and Saint Mary’s Oratory. We offer assistance to local parishes, and convents. 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 143. Code #182.

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG 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: 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, 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 43. Code #507.

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.), 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) 250-0341; e-mail: frphilip@st-bede.com; website: www.stbedeabbey.org.

Code #468.

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 132. Code #365.

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

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

64 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

ministry and hospitality, pastoral assistance to local parishes, and the ownership and operation of 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; e-mail: 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 Fr. Patrick Boland at 479-438-1810 or vocations@subi.org or www.benedictinemonks.org.

See ad on page 4. Code #256.

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 32. Code #206.

The Brothers of the Christian Schools (F.S.C. Fratres Scholarum Christianarum) As Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Christian Brothers) we are passionate about our mission of providing a human and Christian education to the young, especially those on the margins. 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, we are the largest group of lay religious men in the Catholic Church dedicated exclusively to the ministry of education with some 4,000 Brothers serving in 80 countries. In the United States and Canada, our ministries include 7 Colleges/Universities, 52 high schools, 15 middle schools and 23 educational centers. The Founder of the Brothers is St. John Baptist de La Salle (1651–1719) who is Patron Saint of Teachers. We invite faith-filled, 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 63. Code #100.

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

PRIESTS What first attracted you to your community?

The example of the Oblate priests in my home parish in Bakersfield, California initially drew me to consider their way of living. The simplicity, humility, and community life were too tempting to resist.

Letting God lead FATHER SERGIO PEREZ, O.S.J.

Ever had any nicknames?

Plenty, including some I can’t share! Usually my friends call me Serg or Sergie, and one friend always calls me Father Boogie because I love to dance.

What kinds of ministry have you done?

Right now I’m the vocation director for my community, but I’ve worked in many areas: parish pastoral work, juvenile corrections, services for neglected children, foreign mission trips, catechesis, and more.

Your best ministry experiences so far?

Working with young people one-on-one and seeing them grow and “get” their faith.

Also, I enjoy celebrating the sacraments with youth and seeing their faith come to life.

Your favorite way to pray?

I love going to Adoration and being in the presence of Jesus.

It’s refreshing and helps me to calm down and focus.

The best part of living in community?

Being part of a family. It is one of the best feelings to be home with others, to share your day.

We pray daily that we imitate the Holy Family within our community. It isn’t always easy, but it’s great to keep on trying.

COURTESY OF THE OBLATES OF ST. JOSEPH

When Sergio Perez told people he was joining the Oblates of St. Joseph, his friends said, “Yeah, right!” His mom was so upset she cried. What was the guy who loved dancing, founded a fraternity, and aspired to being an actor or teacher with a wife and plenty of kids doing? He was letting go so “God could lead me to my happiness and holiness,” he says. Eleven years later his large family and once skeptical friends accept and embrace his vocation as a religious priest.

Leer en español en la página 59.

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MEN’S COMMUNITIES 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; 504-9130005 or Bro. Mike Migacz, mikemigacz@hotmail. com; 732-718-8559; BrothersoftheSacredHeart.org.

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 95. Code #203.

C

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

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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 57. Code #091.

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, O. Carm.; frpaul@carmelites.net; (520) 325-1537 ext. 115; website: Carmelites.net.

See ad on page 50. Code #112.

Carmelite Friars (O. Carm.)—St. Elias Province As the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel in the New York Province of St. Elias, we serve the people of God in the United States, Vietnam and Trinidad & Tobago. Through our prayer, community and service, our ancient religious order continues the Carmelite charism started more than 800 years ago. Our ministries include parish work, retreat work, chaplaincy, campus ministry, counseling and Spiritual direction. Please contact our vocation office and visit our website for more information. Vocation Directors: Fr. Francis Amodio, O.Carm. and Fr. Joseph 66 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG Phuong Ngo, O.Carm.; (845) 344-2225 or cell: (845) 281-8991; e-mail: vocations@carmelites. com; website: www.carmelitefriars.org.

Code #307.

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 35. Code #092.

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 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: www.ComboniMissionaries.org; or Fr. Jose Pimentel Guzman (California), (323) 234-5984; e-mail: joalpigu@msn.com; Fr. Ruffino Ezama, (513) 8468457; e-mail: vocation@combonimissionaries.org; Fr. Chris Aleti (Chicago), (708) 339-6732; e-mail: amadriga67@gmail.com; Fr. Jorge Ochoa (California), (626) 339-1914; e-mail: jeochoa99@yahoo. com; Fr. Shane Degblor (Canada), (226) 338 8709; e-mail shanedegblor@gmail.com.

See ad on page 111. Code #123.

Congregation of Christian Brothers (C.F.C.) Called in faith by a loving God to a deep relationship with Jesus and with our brothers, our community was founded by Blessed Edmund Rice. We are missioned by the Church for the evangelization of youth. Our brothers serve on six continents. We welcome 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 serve in elementary and secondary schools, and colleges; are involved in youth and prison ministries; advocate for justice; and promote community engagement projects in some of the more challenged parts of the globe. Are you called to serve others as an Edmund Rice Christian Brother? Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America, Province Center, 742 Monroe Ave., Elizabeth, NJ 07201; Visit us at www.erbrothers.org or www.cfcvocations. org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 102. Code #095.

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

Blessed Basil Moreau began a commu-

nity 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 107. Code #097.

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 132. Code #411.

Congregation of the Mission (C.M.) (See Vincentian Priests and Brothers) 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 024523097; (413) 822-0904; e-mail: geoffd@stigmatines. com; www.stigmatines.com.

Code #046.

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, at P.O. Box 500,

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG Onamia, MN 56359-0500; (800) 407-5875; vocations@crosier.org, or www.crosiervocations.org.

Code #099.

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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: ocdfriarsvocation.org; phone: (262) 628-1838.

See ad on page 19. Code #434.

The Dominican Friars (O.P.) [Order of Preachers] Saint 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) 5291205; website: www.opeast.org/vocations. Western United States, The Most Holy Name of Jesus Province; e-mail: vocations@opwest.org; (510) 6588722; website: www.vocations.opwest.org. Southern 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 9. Code #228.

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Edmundite Fathers and­ Brothers (S.S.E.) [Society of St. Edmund] The Society of St. Edmund is

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; 718858-8217, ext. 18; e-mail: vocations@franciscanbrothersosf.org; www.franciscanbrothersosf.org.

See ad on page 101. 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.

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

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-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 408-9033422; or Fr. Oscar Mendez, O.F.M., at (en español) 510-821-4492; website: sbfranciscans.org; Facebook: www.facebook.com/SBFranciscans.Vocations.

See ad on page 2. Code #478.

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.

Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.)—Province of the Sacred Heart We are a community of priests and brothers inspired by St. Francis of Assisi to live the gospel. We strive to proclaim the gospel by our lives of prayer, brotherhood and service. We live in community and serve the Church in the Midwest from Northern Wisconsin to San Antonio, Texas. We also have missions in rural Alaska, Brazil, Africa, Thailand and Vietnam. Like Jesus and Francis who sent their followers to proclaim the goodness of God especially to those on the margins and disadvantaged, we live among the poor and underserved. We are present in shelters for the homeless, prisons, hospitals, with immigrants, in rural and urban parishes, schools and the inner city. If you are between 21 and 45 and would like more information about our way of life, please contact us at 312-853-2384, yes@befranciscan.com or visit our website www.befranciscan.com.

See ads on pages 2, 93. Code #283.

Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.)—Saint John the Baptist Province We live the way of life established

by St. Francis of Assisi 800+ years ago. Yes, our distinctive brown habit attracts attention but most of all we want our alternative lifestyle to stand out as a living witness to the Goodness of God and the joy of living the Gospel in the 21st century. We have fraternities of friars around the USA and even in Jamaica! We serve the Catholic Church in high schools, universities, parishes, hospitals (as nurses and chaplains), in inner city ministries, retreat houses, publishing (books, social media & internet content with “Franciscan Media”), and missions both foreign and domestic. In all of our ministries we preach the Good News of Jesus Christ. Join us in living the gospel in fraternity, in simplicity and most of all joyfully! See our website, www.franciscan.org or contact Fr. Page or Fr. Richard; 513-542-1082; sjbvocations@franciscan.org for more details.

See our ad on page 2. Code #478.

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Divine Word Missionaries (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 135. Code #177.

a clerical religious congregation of pontifical right whose priests and brothers share a common life and profess the public vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Our essential mission is evangelization, bringing the teaching of Christ to others. We seek to serve as Jesus did. The principal works of our apostolate are African American ministry, Catholic higher education, spiritual renewal and parish ministry.

Our works are unified through our commitment to the Church’s preferential option for the poor and our promotion of Social Justice. Fr. Lino Oropeza, SSE, Vocation Director, 270 Winooski Park, Colchester, VT 05439; (802) 654-3400; Fax: (802) 654-3409; e-mail:.loropeza@smcvt.edu; website: www.sse.org.

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 96. Code #119.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

Franciscan Friars, Conventual (O.F.M. Conv.) 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 136. Code #003.

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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 frequently less than one percent of the population is Catholic, a significant percent of residents are unchurched and the poverty rate is high. 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 our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 135. Code #103.

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Hospitaller­ Order of St. John of God, (O.H.) 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 454 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: Province of the Good Shepherd in North America; www.sjog-na.org; VocationsUsa@sjog-na. org; VocationsCanada@sjog-na.org; 815.472.3131.

See ad on page 93. Code #344.

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­ Josephite Priests and Brothers (S.S.J.) (See St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart)

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Marianists, Province of­ Meribah (S.M.) We are a religious community of brothers and priests, committed to living the Gospel together and serving Christ 68 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG 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, Gospelbased 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 96. Code #334.

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 Mark Motz, S.M., Holy Rosary Marianist Community, 159 Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228- 4901; phone: 314-250-4505; vocations@ marianist.us; website: marianist.com/vocations. See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org.

See ad on page 131. 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 98. 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 104. 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, 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 16. 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 5. 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, 508-236-9068; e-mail: lasalettevocations@gmail.com. Visit our website at: www.lasalettevocations.org; facebook.com/MissionariesofLaSaletteVocations; twitter: @LSvocations; Instagram: @lasalettevocations. Our mailing address is National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, Vocation Office, 947 Park Street, Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703.

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

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

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG WILL; (888) 484-9945; e-mail: Vocations@MSFAmerica.org; website: www.MSF-America.org.

See ad on page 98. 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) 2289263; vocation@cpps-preciousblood.org; www.cppspreciousblood.org. Kansas City Province (Western U.S., including Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, and California, as well as Vietnam), (816) 781-4344; vocations@preciousbloodkc.org; www. preciousbloodkc.org.

See ad on page 103. Code #108.

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (O.M.I.) The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate is an international community of over 4,000 priests and brothers founded by St. Eugene de Mazenod in 1816. The mission of the Oblates is to preach the Word of God to the poor in more than 60 countries around the world. We are currently serving in prisons, retreat centers, shrines, inner-city parishes as well as other missions in the USA and around the world. Join us in our efforts to make a difference in the world! For more information please visit us as www.omiusa.org or www.facebook.com/oblatesusa.

See ad on page 42. Code #109.

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; 951-446-8057; e-mail: Vocations@TrinityMissions.org; website: www.

TrinityMissions.org; 3325 13th Street, Riverside, CA 92501. We speak Spanish, Hablamos español.

See ad on page 105. Code #284.

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­ Nazareth Hermitage, Springfield, MO We are a grouping of diocesan hermits on 200 acres of dense hardwood forest, hills and hollows, in Southern Missouri. We are close neighbors with a Trappist Monas-

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 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 40. Code #289.

Norbertine Fathers and Brothers (O. Praem.)

[Canons Regular of Prémontré]—St. Norbert Abbey The Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey (The Premonstratensian Fathers and Brothers) is 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 ongoing 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. Various ministries flow from our communal life, including pastoral and sacramental ministry, education and administration at St. Norbert College and at 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 Diocese of Green Bay, the Diocese of Jackson, and the Archdiocese of Chicago. 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. To speak with a member of St. Norbert Abbey’s Norbertine vocations team: 1016 N. Broadway, De Pere, WI 54115; (920) 337-4333; e-mail: vocations@norbertines.org; websites: www. norbertines.org and www.stmosestheblackpriory.org.

See ad on page 133. Code #110.

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O b l a t e s ­o f t h e V i r g i n M a r y (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

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

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 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.

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­ 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, assisting lay and religious alike to answer the call to be apostles of Christ. We are more than 2,300 priests and brothers in 54 countries working in many apostolates: missionary work, evangelization, parish ministry, education, prison ministry, retreats, youth ministry, lay formation, and hospital and military chaplaincies. St. 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): website: www.sacapostles. org; e-mail: Vocation@sacapostles.org; 1-800-APOSTLE; or mail: Vocation Director, Pallottine Vocation Office, P.O. Box 5399, West Hyattsville, MD 20782.

See ad on page 31. Code #239.

Pauline Fathers and Brothers (O.S.P.P.E.) The Order of St. Paul the First Hermit was founded during the first half of the 13th Century in Hungary. The founder was Eusebius, a Canon of Esztergom. The Patron Saint of the Pauline Fathers is St. Paul the Hermit of Thebes (Egypt). He is regarded as the first hermit in Church history. With the motto, “Solus Cum Deo Solo” (Alone with God Alone), the Pauline Order is a religious community of monks, which follow the Rule of St. Augustine. Fostering a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Paulines are the custodians of the miraculous picture of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

Today there are less than 600 members in the Order throughout the world. The majority of the Order’s monasteries are presently located in Poland. The Order has monasteries and Shrines also in Germany, Slovakia, Croatia, Ukraine, Belarus, Hungary, Italy, USA, South Africa and United Kingdom. Director of Vocations, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901; 215-345-0600; e-mail: vocation@czestochowa.us; www.czestochowa.us.

See ad on page 45. Code #541.

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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 95. Code #133.

tery and Franciscan Retreat Facility, both within a few miles. Presently, two of our eight hermit dwellings are vacant. We each have a private oratory space with the Blessed Sacrament reserved. We also have a common chapel in which we gather for daily Mass. There is a morning work period. Our guidelines are approved by our local bishop. Our ideal hermit candidate (male or female) would possess a deep faith/ eschatological vision and appreciate the primacy of prayer in a Simple, Christian Life. Significant experience in religious life is necessary, with rare exceptions. Contact info: Nazareth Hermitage, Attn: Sr. Margaret Bourgeois, Route 5 Box 1122, Ava, Mo. 65608; 417-683-2401; e-mail: nazarethhermitage8@gmail.com; website: nazarethhermitage.wordpress.com.

Code #542.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

BROTHERS How did you meet your religious community?

I encountered the De La Salle Christian Brothers during high school. It was their ability to relate to young people, their dedication to providing a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor, and their genuine community life that really began to tug at my heart.

Best ministry experience to date?

The classroom is always a sacred space for the brothers. In addition to the incredible joy I have found in the classroom, I found great meaning in my role as dean of students. As a brother I would walk with students and families during very good moments but also in very challenging times.

Favorite way to pray?

Community prayer is very important to me, and so I think the time in personal meditation before communal prayer— combined with our time praying together—are both very special.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am actually a pretty shy individual.

Most exciting experiences as a religious?

A teacher at heart BROTHER CHRIS PATIÑO, F.S.C. Not everyone in religious life comes from a family that is fullthrottle Catholic, but Brother Chris Patiño, F.S.C. does. He considers himself blessed to have parents who met through young adult ministry and who made Catholic education a priority for him and his sisters. From his Catholic immigrant roots, to his love for teaching, it was a natural path for Patiño to join the De La Salle Christian Brothers, an order dedicated to education.

Leer en español en la página 62.

BROTHER JAMES JOOST, F.S.C.

70 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

The most exciting experiences in my life as a religious involve the students who have been part of the journey.

Whether it was taking 18 high-school students to Madrid for World Youth Day or taking students on retreats and immersion experiences, it has been exciting to be a part of their lives during significant moments.

What gives you hope about religious life?

I find great hope in the young people who continue to explore the possibility of religious life. Their dreams, their hopes, their desire to make our world a better place . . . that all gives me hope!

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG 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; (917) 830-5537 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 53. Code #114.

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­ 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 15. Code #135.

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­ 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. Dominic Tran, S.D.B., Salesian Vocation Office, 148 Main Street , New Rochelle, NY 10802 (914) 6367445; e-mail: info@salesiansofdonbosco.org; Face-

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, Indianapolis, Madison, New York City, Portland, St. Petersburg and Washington D.C. and in the Dioceses of Bismarck, Birmingham, Green Bay, St. Petersburg, Brooklyn, Nashville, Oakland, Orlando, Phoenix, St. Cloud, Sacramento, Venice, Wilmington, Youngstown 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 our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 97. 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.

Code #159.

Servants of the Paraclete (sP) Founded in 1947

by Fr. Gerald Fitzgerald, sP, our Congregation has helped more than 5,500 clergy and religious through residential programs based on Eucharistic Adoration, spiritual direction, psychological counseling and fraternal life in common. We remain committed to our Roman Catholic faith and encourage fidelity to the magisterium of the church. Currently we serve in Jemez Springs, New Mexico and Dittmer, Missouri in the USA and in Mt. Carmel House of Renewal, Rest and Recreation in Tagaytay City, Philippines, and at Sacred Heart House of Prayer near Da Lat, Vietnam. We have student Houses in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and in the Archdiocese of Cape Coast, Ghana. If you are interested in knowing more about the Servants of the Paraclete, please contact: Very Rev. David T. Fitzgerald, sP, P.O. Box 450, Dittmer, MO 63023; e-mail: servantgeneral@ aol.com; website: www.theservants.org.

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, min-

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

istries 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 Office, 23 Bliss Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670. Or call S.M.A. Vocation Director for Priesthood candidates: (917) 679-6984 or S.M.A. Vocation Director for Lay Missionaries: (201) 496-8394. E-mail: priestvocations@smafathers.org or (for Lay Missionaries): vocations.sma@ gmail.com. Please visit our website: www.smafathers. org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 104. Code #136.

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

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 153. Code #164.

St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart [Josephite Priests and Brothers (S.S.J.)], is a Society of Apostolic Life established in 1871 exclusively to serve the spiritual and temporal needs of the African-American community. The members of the Josephite Society serve in parishes, elementary schools, their high school, prisons, college campuses and specialized ministries in Archdioceses and Dioceses throughout the United States and the District of Columbia. While the primary ministry of the Josephites is to serve in the United States, they also minister in the Archdiocese of Ibadan, Nigeria and in the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria, strictly in formational ministry to their students preparing to come for studies in the United States.

The major seminary of the Josephites (St. Joseph’s Seminary), is in Washington, DC, where seminarians live and pursue their graduate degrees. The Josephite Society affords its members the mutual support of community life through communal prayers, spiritual and social gatherings as well as through active ministry. Father Roderick Coates, S.S.J., serves as contact person for the Josephite Vocation Team. Contact us at: Josephite Vocation Department, 1200 Varnum Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017-2740; (202) 832-9100; e-mail: vocations@josephite.com; or visit the website at: www.josephite.org.

See ad on page 94. Code #192.

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Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Berryville, VA—Our Lady of the Holy Cross Our community is oriented by St. Benedict’s Rule for Monasteries, living a life of prayer, supported by the work of our hands, serving the community and our natural environment. We seek to know the Lord through hospitality, sacred reading and study, the celebration of the liturgy, and our communal life; we seek to spread the Gospel through our contemplative life in the Diocese of Arlington. We cultivate priestly ministry within our Cistercian tradition, in service to our monks and nuns; this formation begins after solemn profession.

Catholic men over the age of 24 to age 55 are invited to join us. A high school education is necessary and further education is welcomed but not required.

Candidates may apply through our website: www. virginiatrappists.org on the vocation page under the tab “Join Us.” An inquiry form is available there that will be directly e-mailed to the Vocations Director. See our web ad at www.VocationNetwork.org.

Code #415.

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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. See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org.

Code #116.

book: facebook.com/salesianvocationseast; website: www.salesiansofdonbosco.org; If you are West of the Mississippi River contact the Salesian Vocation Office, 13856 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA 90706; (626) 674-2675; e-mail: info@salesianvocation.org; website: www.salesianvocation.org.

Code #117.

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

MEN’S COMMUNITIES

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: vocation@trappist.net; www.trappist.net/ vocation. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #415.

Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Peosta, IA—Abbey of New Melleray Founded in 1849 by Mount Melleray Abbey in Ireland, our community is located in the heartland of Northeastern Iowa, twelve miles from Dubuque and the Mississippi River. We are a contemplative monastery in the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. As members of the Cistercian family of monks and nuns founded in 1098 at Citeaux in France, we are wholly ordered to a life of prayer according to the Rule of St. Benedict. We support our way of life by carpentry—Trappist Caskets—supplemented by income from our 1,900 acre farm, our 1,300 acre forest, and a Guest House for 22 retreatants and visitors. The entire Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharist are celebrated in choir every day.

For additional information contact Br. Paul Andrew Tanner, Vocations Director, 6632 Melleray Circle, Peosta, IA 52068; e-mail: brpaulandrew@ newmelleray.org or call (563) 588-2319 ext. 199; website: www.newmelleray.org. See our web ad at www.VocationNetwork.org.

Code #415.

Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Piffard, NY—Abbey of Genesee We are a Roman Catholic community of contemplative monks belonging to the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, commonly known as Trappists. Our community is dedicated to the worship of God in a hidden life within the monastery following the Rule of St. Benedict, leading a life of solitude and silence, prayer and penance, in a joyful spirit of faith.

We support ourselves by the common work baking Monks’ Bread. Guests are received for quiet, private retreats at the retreat house. The monastic day begins with vigils at 2:25 a.m. and ends with compline at 6:40 p.m. Throughout the day there is a good balance between prayer, reading, and work, all lived in fraternal love and support. Contact: Br. M. Anthony Weber, Vocation Director, Abbey of the Genesee, Piffard, NY 14533; (585) 243-0660 ext. 19; e-mail: AnthonyWeber@GeneseeAbbey. org; website: www.GeneseeAbbey.org. See our web ad at www.VocationNetwork.org.

Code #415.

Trappist Cistercian Monks (O.C.S.O.) Spencer, MA—St. Joseph’s Abbey We are a monastic Order wholly directed to contemplation. We dedicate our lives within the enclosure of the monastery to the praise and worship of God in a hidden way of life. Our day is a balance of liturgical prayer; private, personal prayer; lectio divina (prayerful reading of Scripture) and work.

By fidelity to our contemplative monastic way of life with its own hidden mode of apostolic fruitfulness, in silence and solitude, in prayer and penitence, we seek to perform a service for God’s people and the whole human race. The Lord Jesus is our Strength and the Heart of our desire. We are located in central Massachusetts at 167 North Spencer Road, Spencer, MA 01562. Please visit us at www.spencerabbey.org. Vocational inquiries made at: vocation@spencerabbey.org. Typically 72 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH MEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG our candidates are men between the ages of 25 and 45. See our web ad at www.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 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 Fr. Anton Rusnak, 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. The Cistercian (Trappists) monks of New Clairvaux Abbey aim to respond to His call in the simplest, most direct and effective way possible! By means of total dedication to obedience, simplicity, solitude and silence, manual labor on our farm, the full Divine Office, following the Rule of Saint Benedict and the ninehundred year old Cistercian Monastic tradition. It is a life wholly directed to contemplation, drawing us close to Jesus through Mary. Men between 22 and 40 are invited to reply and arrange a visit. Contact: Br. Christopher, Vocation Director; Abbey of New Clairvaux, 26240 7th Street, Vina, CA 96092; (530) 839-2161; website: www.newclairvaux.org; e-mail: godseeking@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 Christ to those they serve. The earliest Trinitarians, through every possible means available, sought freedom for those held captive for their faith.

In modern days, 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, mission-oriented communities and enjoy common prayer. Their purpose is redemptive mission and community life. They number 28 members in the United States and more than 650 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 108. Code #122.

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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 13 countries. Viatorians of the Province of Chicago minister primarily in Illinois and Nevada in the United States, and in Bogota, Colombia, South America. Contact: Director of Vocation 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 101. Code #178.

Vocationists [Society of Divine Vocations] (S.D.V.) We are a religious community of Priests and Brothers founded in Pianura Italy, by Blessed Justin Mary Russolillo. 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.

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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.xaverianmissionaries.blogspot.com/. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 21. Code #137.

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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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 our digital web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See ad on page 41. Code #001.

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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 139. Code #482.

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 51. 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. We are called by our monastic profession to a balanced life in which our ministry flows out of our contemplative roots and focuses on enhancing the lives of others through prayer, education and service. We strive to eliminate the root causes of injustice through our works of charity and through education, and we place special emphasis on our care for creation. Our ministries in the Atchison/Kansas City area include an on-campus spirituality center in Atchison 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 21-45, who seek more information to visit us or 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; microsite: www.BeANun.org; website: www.mountosb.org.

See ad on page 51. Code #004.

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

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

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 51. 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 Health (Bismarck and Garrison), 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) 425-9734; e-mail: hvanorny@ gmail.com; website: www.annunciationmonastery.org; facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/ Annunciation-Monastery/233858728103?fref=nf.

See ad on page 51. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Bristow, VA—St. Benedict Monastery In the spirit of the 1500-yearold tradition of the Benedictine Order, we commit our lives to seeking God in community and have served the people of Virginia for nearly 150 years.

Our monastic life is comprised of communal prayer, ministry and sharing of our common life. Several corporate ministries address the needs in our local church and community: education, homelessness, adult literacy, retreats, spiritual direction, counseling and hospitality. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours, we bring the needs of our world to God. 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. We offer Monastic Discernment Weekends 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 51. Code #004.

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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 Venerable Clelia Merloni. Clelia propelled the life of the Apostles into the heart of the Church by dedicating the Congregation to the merciful 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, Portugal, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, the Philippines, Haiti, Ireland, and the United States. Sr. Angela Gertsema, 295 Benham St., Hamden, CT 06514; (203) 889-0408; e-mail: vocations@ascjus.org; Congregation website: www.ascjus.org.

Code #267.

Enter #078 at VocationMatch.com

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) 3387063; e-mail: vocation@osbchicago.org. Visit us at our website: www.osbchicago.org and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/BenedictineSistersofChicago.

See ad on page 51. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Colorado Springs, CO—Benet Hill We are a monastic community of 31 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 51. 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, study and service are the foundation of our spirituality.

We celebrate the presence of Jesus Christ and serve him in all God’s people. In the Benedictine monastic tradition, our love for the Church challenges us to meet the needs of God’s people in the areas of education, health care, social service, diocesan and parish ministries, spiritual direction and counseling. We sponsor Villa Madonna Academy, Montessori School and a Spirituality Center. Young adult women are welcome to join our volunteer service program. 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, KY 41017; (859) 331-6324; text message: 859-468-6040; e-mail: bauerosb@yahoo.com; website: www.stwalburg.org.

See ad on page 51. Code #004.

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 37 members encourages single women, ages 20-45, 74 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

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 51. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Duluth, MN—St. Scholastica Monastery Women living in community, following Christ according to the ancient Rule of St. Benedict. We balance liturgical and personal prayer, ministry and contemplative silence. Our monastery is an oasis of peace set between a college and a senior living community. We are surrounded by nature, with glorious views of Lake Superior. Sisters’ ministries include retreats, education, communications, social justice, management, hospitality, health care, and music and the arts. Our lives are centered in our Catholic faith, and shaped by stewardship, simplicity, and hospitality. We are vibrant leaders in our region, sponsoring the College of St. Scholastica and health-care organizations. We invite you to join us as a Benedictine Sister (age 20-50) or to live with us as a Volunteer Benedictine Associate for 3-12 months. Connect with us to learn more. Website: duluthbenedictines.org; e-mail: vocations@duluthosb.org; Twitter: www.twitter.com/duluthmonastery; Facebook: www.facebook.com/DuluthMonastery/. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ads on pages 51, 115. 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 ads on pages 37, 51. 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 51. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Ferdinand, IN—Monastery Immaculate Conception We are monastic women seeking God through the Benedictine tradition of community life, prayer, hospitality, and service to others. By our life and work, we commit ourselves to be a presence of peace as we join our sisters and brothers in the common search for God. We serve in education, parish ministry, social services, health care, retreat work, and spiritual direction. We do not identify ourselves with one particular ministry; rather, we respect each individual’s gifts as given by God. A

college education is helpful, but not required. We have approximately 140 members, seven of whom are in initial formation. We encourage women, ages 18-40, who seek God and want to live a balanced life of prayer, work, and community living to inquire about our monastic lifestyle. For more information, please contact Sister Teresa Gunter, 802 East 10th St., Ferdinand, IN, 47532-9239; (812) 367-1411, ext. 2830; email: vocation@thedome.org; website: www.izagged.org.

The world is zigging. We zagged. Come zag with us!

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 140. Code #069.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Fort Smith, AR—St. Scholastica Monastery We live the Benedictine tradition of seeking God in community by living the Holy Rule of St. Benedict by our common prayer, and lectio, sharing our gifts of hospitality and practice of holy leisure in the Arkansas since 1879. Our membership is 37. We are engaged in the vibrant work of God through education, pastoral care, health care, and Hispanic ministry where we assist in educating orphan girls in Guatemala. Other ministries include counseling, retreat work, and a school of spiritual direction. We welcome and encourage women ages 18-45 who are seeking to live a balanced life of prayer and personal transformation, and the desire to become part of our future by living our practice of being ‘Simply Benedictine’ while moving ‘Forward in Faith’ for God and His creation. To experience our life of prayer, work and sacred leisure we invite you to participate in our Observership and Volunteer Programs.

Vocation Director: Sr. Kimberly Prohaska, O.S.B., P.O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913; (479) 783-4147; e-mail: vocationdirector@stscho.org; website: www. stscho.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ads on pages 51, 145. 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 one live-in Oblate.

An active group of Oblates, Associates and Affiliates extend our charism. Our hospitality includes offering a variety of spirituality programs, and private and group retreats at The Priory Spirituality Center. Our guests are invited to join us in chanting the Liturgy of the Hours. Our Sisters are engaged in academic teaching, the creative arts, spiritual direction, legal ministry and care for our community and grounds.

Come and see how we live the Rule of Benedict in our balanced life of prayer and work, hospitality, simplicity and service. We welcome you and the gifts that you bring. New Membership Directors: Sr. Lucy Wynkoop and Sister Julian Cleary; 500 College Street NE, Lacey, WA 98516; (360) 438-1771; e-mail: vocations@stplacid.org; website: www.stplacid.org.

See ad on page 51. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Lisle, IL—Sacred Heart Monastery Directed by the Gospel and the spirit of the Rule of Benedict, our mission is to balance our monastic lifestyle with community and ministry.

Our primary ministry is praying the Divine Office along with 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 to help those who need jobs or education and want to learn how to budget. 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 51. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Rapid City, SD—St. Martin Monastery St. Martin Monastery is located

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG in the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota.

We are a community of 19 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 57702-9613; (605) 343-8011; fax: (605) 399-2723; e-mail: srflomcman@aol.com; website: www.blackhillsbenedictine.com.

See ad on page 51. 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 51, 155. 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

We, the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, are women who live and cherish the values and teachings of Jesus Christ, especially His love for the poor and needy. We are women ever loved and ever guided by The Holy Spirit; and in joy we walk at His side in gratitude and humility.

Venerable 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 context of community living and prayer. At present, our community has more than 200 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 320363-7180 or write: Vocations Director, 104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph, MN 56374-0220.

See ads on pages 51, 145. 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 51. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Tulsa, OK—St. Joseph Monastery We are Catholic Benedictine women committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which impels us to love as he loves us, through a common life of prayer, hospitality and ministry. We are an urban monastic community located in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, living a closely united community life centered on Divine Office, daily Eucharist, lectio divina and service to one another and the local Tulsa community. Discernment (being attentive to God’s voice through scripture, relationships and the world around us) calls us forth into active ministry. What is God calling you to do?

For more information: stjomonastery@gmail.com; St. Joseph Monastery, Vocations, 2200 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa, OK 74114; (918) 742-4989; www.stjosephmonastery. org; facebook.com/StJosephMonastery.

See ad on page 51. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Watertown, SD—Mother of God Monastery We are a community of 50 monastic women 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 hospital-

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

ity. Currently our sisters are involved in teaching, pastoral care, parish work, prison ministry, ministry to Native Americans, Latinos and other cultures, spiritual direction and retreats, ministry to the elderly, peace and justice advocacy, 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: Vocation Director, 605.886.4159, benedictinevocations@gmail.com. Like us on Facebook!

See ad on page 27. Code #157.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Winnipeg, Canada—St. Benedict’s Monastery We are a monastic community of sixteen women. We are 105 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 105 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, an independent living residence for seniors. We continue to serve in health care and education. We have an Oblate community that shares our Benedictine values and that meets for prayer and ongoing study monthly. We welcome livein volunteers and sabbatical guests at our Monastery and Retreat Centre. Sr. Mary Coswin, 225 Masters Ave, Winnipeg, MB R4A 2A1; (204) 338-4601; email: mcoswin@mymts.net; www.stbens.ca.

See ad on page 51. Code #004.

Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Yankton, SD—Sacred Heart 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. As our motto states, we are of “One Heart and One Soul”. Unified by Christ’s Sacred Heart, whose love flows out to us, we are called first to prayer and community life, then we reach out in service in a variety of ways, depending on the needs of the people and the gifts of the sisters. Interested in our way of life? We invite you to contact Sister Clarice Korger, 1005 W. 8th St., Yankton, SD 57078; 605-668-6092; 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 ads on pages 21, 51. Code #143.

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Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Richardton, ND— Sacred Heart Monastery As a community of Benedictine women we strive to deepen our relationship with God and one another through sharing the spiritual and material gifts God has given to us. Founded in 1910 to serve Native Americans and the needs of the church in rural North Dakota, we now provide hospitality in the quiet hills near Richardton and several Sisters serve in health and pastoral care. We live the common life based on the Rule of St. Benedict and the monastic promises of obedience, stability and fidelity to the monastic way of life. Our daily life is rooted in the Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, contemplative prayer and lectio. We are dedicated to good stewardship of the earth’s precious resources in this contemplative environment surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. We are further blessed by our brother monks at nearby Assumption Abbey with whom we have served since our beginning. Vocation Director, P.O. Box 364, Richardton, ND 58652; (701) 974-2121; email: vocations@sacredheartmonastery.com; website: sacredheartmonastery.com.

See ad on page 51. Code #004.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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 40 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) 9442221 ext. 127; e-mail: vocation@benedictinesisters. org; website: www.benedictinesisters.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 140. 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 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 42. Code #214.

C

Carmel of Cristo Rey We are a cloistered Community observing Papal Enclosure called to an apostolate of prayer, sacrifice, and penance for all humanity, the intentions of Holy Church, and especially for priests. Guided by the teachings of Saints Teresa of Jesus (Avila) and John of the Cross, we seek Divine intimacy and live a hidden life of solitude and silence. We wear a full traditional habit. We remain bilingual (English/Spanish) in grateful recognition of our Spanish Teresian heritage, and of our Community’s Foundresses who fled the religious persecution of the Mexican Cristero War (1927) and founded our new home in San Francisco (1928). Daily life includes: Holy Mass (Ordinary/ Extraordinary), full Liturgy of the Hours, communal Rosary, and Spiritual Reading, Recreation is taken together as a Community. There are also days of Eucharistic Adoration, and Benediction Service on Sundays. REQUIRED: Age: 20-40, sound mental and physical health, United States citizenship, conversational English and a commitment to become bilingual in English and Spanish. Age exceptions are rare and considered on an individual basis.

Code #333.

Carmelites (O.Carm.), New Orleans, LA—Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel As Carmelites we desire to be a community of contemplative women following “in the footsteps of Jesus” by living and serving in the midst of God’s people. A Pontifical Apostolic congregation, presently we are in Louisiana, Illinois, the Philippines and Timor-Leste.

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 va76 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

riety 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 our digital web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

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 non-vowed, who share in the Cenacle mission and charism. Sr. Janice Bemowski, r.c., The Cenacle, 513 W. Fullerton Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60614; 773528-6300; e-mail: vocations@cenaclesisters.org; website: www.cenaclesisters.org.

See ad on page 141. 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 53578-9737; e-mail: vocations@valleyofourlady.org; website: www.valleyofourlady.org.

See ad on page 125. Code #011.

Congregation of Divine Providence (C.D.P.), Melbourne, KY “Be Providence to others through the works of mercy!” We sisters of the 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 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 (C.N.D.) 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 128. Code #012.

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-sister-about-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 117. Code #058.

Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes (C.S.A.) The Sisters of St. Agnes participate in the mission of Christ by joyful service in the church, always aware that we, too, are among the needy and are enriched by those we serve. As an apostolic community, we are committed to transformation of the world, the church, and ourselves through promoting systemic change for the quality of life; justice for the economically poor; furtherance of the role of women in church and society; mutuality; inclusivity; and collaboration. Sr. 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 22. Code #171.

Congregation of the Humility of Mary (C.H.M.) We, the Congregation of the Humility of Mary, originating in France over 150 years ago, are a group of strong, dedicated women rooted in prayer and spirituality. Listening to the call of the Spirit as our world has changed, we have been involved in various ministries, with special emphasis on working for justice, helping to meet the needs of the poor and caring for Earth and all creation. Currently we sponsor an emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing for persons experiencing homelessness. Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, which provides spiritual renewal in a quiet country setting is another significant community sponsored ministry. Our history is one of adapting to change and embracing new realities. We welcome mature women age 30 and older seeking a life of spiritual searching and service in the context of community who are flexible and open to exploring new horizons with us. Contact: CHM Membership, 820 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport, IA 52804; 563322-9466 or searching@chmiowa.org. Learn more about us at www.chmiowa.org.

Code #363.

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG 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.

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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 ministry, 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.

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

Enter #211 at VocationMatch.com 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 119. 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: srhelenaburns@ gmail.com. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #015.

Daughters of the Heart of Mary (D.H.M.) WOMEN CONSECRATED FOR MISSION. As an international congregation, we profess vows of 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

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

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: dhmvocations@gmail.com; website: www.dhm. org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.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 114. 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 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 113. Code #018.

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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 15,000 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.; YouTube: DaughtersofCharityUS; Twitter: DofCharity; Instagram: daughtersofcharityus.

See ad on page 149. Code #168.

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WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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 600 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, medical professionals, 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.”Please visit our website at www. adriandominicans.org and follow us on Facebook.

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ads on pages 113, 148. 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 113. Code #018.

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

us + Visit us + Email us! www.grdominicans.org; www. grdominicanvocations.blogspot.com.

See ad on page 113. 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 94539-5829.

Visit our website: www.msjdominicans.org.

See ad on page 113. 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 113. 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 schools, parish ministry, pastoral ministry and care, earth literacy, and corporate responsibility. We welcome other women to share this life with us. Visit our website: www. caldwellop.org. Be in touch with us: (973) 403-3331 x. 39; e-mail us at: dominicans@caldwellop.org.

See ad on page 113. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.)—San Rafael, CA Inspired by our faith and by the mission of St. Dominic to proclaim God’s Word in our world, we are dedicated to reaching out to all who hunger and thirst for God’s truth, love, and justice. Since 1850 the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have been a vital part of California and Nevada in the West, its people and the Church. We choose to live as a community to nurture our common life of prayer and study. The bonds developed in community life not only give us joy, but also strengthen us as we go out to serve in a broad range of ministries that include education, health care, social services, pastoral care, justice advocacy, and spiritual direction. We celebrate our call to the Order of Preachers and welcome other women to join us. Vocations Promoter, 1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael CA 94901-2236; (415)453-8303; vocations@sanrafaelop.org; www.sanrafaelop.org See ad on page 113. Code #018.

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 preach the Gospel with our lives and embody 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. Pastoral ministry, health care, education, social work, and advocacy are among our wide area of ministries, which 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. If you are discerning a call as a Dominican Sister, contact: Sister Chela Gonzalez, O.P., CGonzalez@GRDominicans. org; 616-514-3202 (Office); 616- 329-6221 (Cell); 2025 East Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503; Call

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 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 Church and society” and minister in dioceses all over the United States and in Trinidad and Tobago. Share in the vitality of Dominican life. Contact: Relationship for Mission Team, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824;

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e-mail: RFM@sinsinawa.org. Please visit us at: www. sinsinawa.org; www.facebook.com/sinsinawa; www. catherinescafe.blogspot.com.

See ad on page 113. 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 113. 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, 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) 207-1874; e-mail: srteresa@spdom.org; website: www.springfieldop.org.

See ad on page 113. Code #018.

Dominican Sisters of Oakford (O.P.) Oakford Dominican Sisters are distinguished by a radiating Joy in the service of God, rooted in the mission of Jesus, formed in the spirit of Dominic and Catherine. We are women who embrace the courage and trust of our foundresses (and respond to the signs of our times).

We are an international missionary Congregation, part of the Dominican Order, founded in 1889 in South Africa, to serve the most vulnerable of God’s people. Our charism and focus for mission call us to heed the urgent needs of the times and the call of the Church today. We address in truth and justice: Systems of violence and their consequences that drive people from their homelands; dehumanize people; destroy our Earth home. Oakford Dominicans currently serve the Church in South Africa, the United Sates, and Germany in the areas of education, health care, social work, pastoral care and spiritual direction.

Sister Gladys Echenique, O.P., 64 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85701; Cell: (520) 425-6324; srgladys18@ gmail.com; website:www.oakforddominicans.org.

See ad on page 113. 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 nonviolence, 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 113. Code #018.

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

SISTERS Growing up, what was your dream for your life?

Religious life never even crossed my mind! As a top student at my high school who loved science, the only thing I wanted to do was become a doctor to help people. So I went into college as a pre-med biology major with a chemistry minor.

What has been your most exciting experience as a sister?

Right now my excitement comes when I am able to have a real one-on-one moment with someone who doesn’t understand why people choose to be Christians. Those conversations keep me excited to learn more about my own faith.

What is the best part of living in community?

There is a never-ending source of wisdom that I am privileged to tap into.

Also it has really boosted my confidence to live among women with the same missionary spirit that I’ve felt but didn’t know yet what to do with.

Do you have a favorite saint?

I have loved Saint Francis of Assisi ever since I was a little girl and heard about his radical conversion. I love Saint Teresa of Avila, too. She is a powerful woman.

Tell us something surprising about yourself.

I’m striving to become a polyglot. I am currently bilingual in English and Spanish and am working on French and Mandarin Chinese. Plus I hope to pick up my lessons in German again. But the list of languages I want to learn doesn’t stop there!

Any advice for those considering religious life?

I want people to know this is really a choice to say yes to a call. The convent isn’t somewhere to go if you can’t find a boyfriend or can’t find a job. I thought I had my life planned out, and I had two long-term boyfriends in the past. Yet nothing else felt as important as serving God in this way.

A providential Google search SISTER CHRISTINA CŃE CHAVEZ, C.D.P. God’s call can be slow and quiet; and it can be strong and sudden.

After some subtle clues that a religious community might be the place for her, Sister Christina Cńe Chavez, C.D.P. was at her grandmother’s funeral when she felt a strong message to devote herself to Christ. Soon after, she picked up her phone and Googled “How do you become a nun?” and the VISION Vocation Match website popped up. That began an earnest journey that eventually brought her to the door of the Congregation of Divine Providence in her home state of Texas.

Leer en español en la página 60.

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WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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/FCJYoung-Adult-Network/236227646401517; Blog: fcjsisters.wordpress.com.

See ad on page 5. 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 compassionate service, total availability and concern for the salvation of all people. We live and pray together in community, and follow the Rule of the Third Order Regular 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 25. 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, 318 Mendon Road, North Smithfield, RI 02896; (847) 421-7265; e-mail: fmmvoc@aol.com; website: www.fmmusa.org.

Code #125.

Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady (F.M.O.L.) are an international Congregation of consecrated women inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. The ministry of the North American Region sponsors a number of healthcare and social service ministries in Louisiana, operates hospitals, clinics, physician practices, long-term care facilities, outreach clinics and various education programs. Our social service ministries include caring for the homeless, unwed 80 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

SEARCH WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG

mothers, individuals with HIV, the impoverished and people in prison or adjusting to life after their release.

We operate a private college preparatory high school as well as a university. If you believe God is calling you to serve others and you wish to explore a religious vocation, we invite you to contact us. We will help you with your spiritual journey. Contact our vocation director. 4200 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809; Call: (225) 922-7443; Website: www.fmolsisters.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/fmolsisters/.

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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 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; 503-649-7127; e-mail: fmsols.form@ gmail.com; website: www.olpretreat.org.

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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 Bernadine Gutowski, O.S.F. at (773) 618-9465 or at discern@hsosf-usa.org where you can freely discuss your thoughts. We also invite you to visit our website at www.hospitalsisters.org.

See ad on page 83. Code #037.

Franciscan Sisters of Allegany (O.S.F.) The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany seek to live the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We witness to God’s love in the Franciscan tradition by living as sisters with all creation, and by serving others, especially those who are poor and marginalized.

We are committed to a Gospel stance of nonviolence, justice, peace and integrity of creation.

We share our Franciscan charism of joy, simplicity and hospitality within varied ministries on the East Coast of the United States, in Jamaica, Brazil, and Bolivia. As Christ-centered women of hope, we support one another in community and prayer, and we welcome women who seek the same spiritual values. E-mail: vocations@fsallegany.org; website: www.alleganyfranciscans.org.

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Franciscan Sisters of Dubuque, IA (O.S.F.) We are rooted in the Gospel and in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare. We strive to live in right rela-

tionship with all creation by deepening our relationship with Mother Earth and Sister Water, by standing with persons who are poor and by making peace and practicing non-violence. We are a group of 250 sisters, 130 associates, and numerous volunteers. We serve in a variety of ministries in 14 states, Honduras, Canada, and St. Lucia. We partner with other religious congregations and civic organizations to respond to those whose needs are greatest in this country and abroad. Our strength, our hope and our joy flow from our commitment to prayer, to each other, and to the people God calls us to serve in love. To learn more about our life, visit our website www.osfdbq.org or Facebook page www. facebook.com/dubuquefranciscans; e-mail Sr. Pat Doody, O.S.F.; doodyp@osfdbq.org; phone: (563) 583-9786; or visit us in Dubuque, Iowa!

See ad on page 39. Code #540.

Franciscan Sisters of John the Baptist (F.S.J.B.) 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) 688-3500; e-mail: fsjbpeoria@yahoo.com; website: www.sistersofjohnthebaptist.org.

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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 82 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 rebuild.” We strive to foster relationships of interdependence that ensure a just society, along with sustainable and healthy care for our common home of earth. 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 40. 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

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education, health care, parish—just to name a few.

Let’s talk. Membership Office, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-8800; (888) 683-FSPA (toll free); e-mail: membership@fspa.org; website: www.fspa. org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 39. Code #030.

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; e-mail: info@franciscansisters.com; website: www.franciscansisters.com.

See ad on page 34. Code #056.

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 39. Code #540.

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Glenmary Home Mission Sisters of America (G.H.M.S.) The Glenmary Sisters provide missionary services to all God’s children in the rural areas of the Southern United States and 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 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 706-414-2982 or 1-800-301-2689.

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 ext. 208; Vocations@greynun.org, www.greynun.org.

See ad on page 28. Code #183.

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Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters (SSpS) As an international/intercultural religious missionary community, we are called to share the Good News of Jesus and witness to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the world. Called by the Spirit, we are sent to peoples of diverse cultures, religions and social/ethnic backgrounds. Wherever possible, we live in international and intercultural communities. We participate in the mission of Jesus through education, health care, parish ministry, retreat work, spiritual direction, counseling and social services. In our ministry, we pay special attention to women and children who are pushed to the margins of society.

Contact: Sr. Aprilia Untarto, SSpS; email: sspsvocation@ssps-us.org; 847-571-4350; www.ssps-usa.org.

See ad on page 125. Code #127.

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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 chal-

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

lenging 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.

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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 44. Code #039.

Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (L.S.I.C.) 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; www.lsic.us/.

See ad on page 26. Code #432.

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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 77. Code #211.

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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 11. Code #361.

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 116. Code #041.

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. 30 Sawmill Road, Dayton, OH, 45409; (937) 902-6377; ntrahan@gmail.com; See our web ad at VocationNetwork.org.

See ad on page 131. Code #105.

Maryknoll Sisters (M.M.) We are women religious missioners, called to a life commitment to cross cultural mission.

Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus, we serve the poor, the marginalized and the oppressed in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and the Americas. We move beyond boundaries of culture, race, socio-economic status and faith traditions, to make God’s love and compassion both known and experienced, through our lives. We serve in many capacities, according to our personal gifts and professional skills, as well as the needs of the people, with whom we live. As a multicultural community, we network with many organizations, in working for world peace, healing, justice, truth and the care of creation. You can also 82 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

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make a difference in this world! Join us to make God’s love visible through a life commitment to mission, in community. 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 ads on pages 113, 142. 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 vocation@ mmsmission.net. We also invite you to visit our website: www.medicalmissionsisters.org.

See ad on page 147. 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 life-long 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.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, MD in 1890, we now have 47 sisters as well as 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, etc). Wherever 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.

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 and/or Sr. Antonia Plata, MSC; email: tonipla25@yahoo.com. Se habla Espanol.

See ad on page 3. Code #044.

N ­

Nazareth Hermitage, Springfield, MO We are a grouping of diocesan hermits on 200 acres of dense hardwood forest, hills and hollows, in Southern Missouri. We are close neighbors with a Trappist Monastery and Franciscan Retreat Facility, both within a few miles. Presently, two of our eight hermit dwellings are vacant. We each have a private oratory space with the Blessed Sacrament reserved. We also have a common chapel in which we gather for daily Mass. There is a morning work period. Our guidelines are approved by our local bishop. Our ideal hermit candidate (male or female) would possess a deep faith/ eschatological vision and appreciate the primacy of prayer in a Simple, Christian Life. Significant experience in religious life is necessary, with rare exceptions. Contact info: Nazareth Hermitage, Attn: Sr. Margaret Bourgeois, Route 5 Box 1122, Ava, Mo. 65608; 417-683-2401; e-mail: nazarethhermitage8@gmail.com; website: nazarethhermitage.wordpress.com.

Code #542.

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Olivetan Benedictine Sisters, (O.S.B.) As a monastic community, the Olivetan Benedictines of Jonesboro, AR, love the Church and seek to serve her in fidelity to the Church’s Magisterium. Our mission is the same today as it was 130 years ago when we first came to Arkansas: serving those in need. “Ora et Labora” (Pray and Work) is the motto of the Benedictine Order, so prayer comes first in the life of our Sisters. Our life of prayer finds its highest expression in the Mass and in the daily recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours. In our work, we serve the needs of the people in many different capacities, such as teaching, pastoral care in our hospital, parish work, and prison ministry. We witness to our consecration by wearing a distinctive habit, and look to the Virgin Mary as our model and mother, wearing white in her honor. Contact: hacvocations@yahoo. com; 870-273-6872; website: www.olivben.org.

See ad on page 18. Code #447.

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

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WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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

Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate (P.V.M.I.) 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 adoration 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 109490658; (845) 783-2251; e-mail: pvmi@frontiernet.net.

Code #292.

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.poorclarenunsboston.org.

See ad on page 147. 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 35. 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

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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. Connie Bach, P.H.J.C., P.O. Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513; (574) 340-6409; e-mail: cbach@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.

Poor Servants of the Mother of God (S.M.G.) The Poor Servants of the Mother of God was founded in 1872 by Venerable Magdalen Taylor. 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 Non-profit 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 75. Code #460.

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 nonviolence 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.

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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.

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WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES R

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

Religious of the Assumption, USA Province (R.A.) 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 through prayer and education. We commit ourselves to our charism of education in many ways, including teaching, parish work, counseling, advocacy 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 1,100+ 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: directorassumption@gmail.com; (508) 793-1954.

Code #466.

Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (R.S.H.M.) 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.

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Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (F.M.A.) 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, we are the largest order of women religious in the world (over 12,000 in 98 countries) who live a strong community life of prayer, mission, and in joy with the youth wherever they are, especially the poorest. Centered in the Eucharist, devoted to Mary, and faithful to the Teachings of the Church, we work with, for, and among the youth in education, formation, and evangelization. Contact us: EASTERN PROVINCE—Sr. Theresa Lee, 315 West Columbus Drive, Tampa, FL 33602-1306; e - m a i l : h a p p y n u n @ g m a i l . 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: vocationsfma@ gmail.com; www.salesiansisterswest.org/; www. facebook.com/SalesianSistersWest/.

Code #255.

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School Sisters of Notre Dame (S.S.N.D.) We, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, are a vibrant, international congregation of vowed apostolic women with presence in 32 countries. We are committed to serving God and God’s people in order to bring Jesus’ message of love and unity to our world. Impelled by the Spirit and mission of Jesus we work to empower others as we spread Jesus’ message of love and unity.

We serve with a global vision believing that the world can be changed through the transformation of persons. Our life in mission integrates prayer, community life and ministry. We believe that our international presence gives us a unique global responsibility and perspective as we address, through various ministries, the urgent needs of our times. You are invited to share this joy-filled life with us. If you believe God is drawing you to take a closer look at religious life, contact one of our vocation directors at sisters@ssnd.org or (618) 303-9322; www.ssnd. org; www.twitter.com/School_Sisters; www.youtube. com/sistersofnotredame; www.instagram.com/ SSNDSisters. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #052.

School Sisters of St. Francis (O.S.F.)—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: 20-50. Education: 2 years college or work experience.

Contact: Sr. Catherine Caron; srcathcaron@hotmail. com; www.blesacrament.org.

Code #054.

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, 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; (630) 879-1296; e-mail: vocation@sscm-usa.org; website: www.sscm-usa.org.

See ad on page 22. 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 pen-

ance, 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, parish, 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 48. 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 selfemptying 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 abandoned 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., Scranton, PA 18509, e-mail: 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 29. 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-charityfederation.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #059.

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

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WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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 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. Marie Flowers, S.C.N., P.O. Box 10, Bardstown, KY 40048; (502) 331-4516; e-mail: vocation@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

Enter #509 at VocationMatch.com 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: mmccormick@scny.org.

See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #059.

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, 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 079610476; (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 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. The gifts and talents of new members are fully supported and incorporated into the out-reach ministries of the congregation beyond those ministries listed here.

Contact: Sr. Barbara Ann Smelko, S.C., 144 DePaul Center Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601; (724) 8360406 ext. 6622; e-mail: basmelko@scsh.org; www. scsh.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #059.

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida (S.C.S.J.A.) Gifted with a 200-year tradition of vowed service with and among the poor, we choose again 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.suoredellacarita.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 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 ministries as educators, pastoral ministers, counselors, advocates for the elderly and immigrants, and in the ministry of prayer. As God’s love frees us to serve, a spirit of trust and joy enlivens our community, and we commit ourselves to honor diversity, act against injustice, and stand humbly before God with gratitude. For more information, contact Lori Ritz, Director of the Office of Life and Mission; 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003; (563) 588-2351; email: newmember@ bvmcong.org; website: www.bvmcong.org, www. facebook.com/bvmsisters.

Code #296.

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: vocationoffice@ CCVI-VDM.org; www.sistersofcharity.org; www.

LasHermanasdelaCaridad.org.

See ad on page 58. Code #061.

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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; e-mail: sma.ruzzo@verizon.net; website: www.schalifax.ca. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #059.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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 28. Code #212.

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@ s i s t e r s o f m e rc y. o rg . S e e o u r w e b a d a t vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 146. Code #063.

Sisters of Notre Dame [Our Lady], (S.N.D.) We are an international, apostolic congregation, and we serve across the USA. Our mission is to make visible in the world God’s goodness and provident care. We live our lives as contemplatives in action through our prayer, ministry, and life together as sisters. Being together in community is an important value to us. Our family spirit and joyful simplicity help identify us as Sisters of Note Dame. 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 the effects of poverty and discrimination. We do this through education, health care, pastoral care, and social service outreach. You will find many examples of this at www.snd-vocations.org and www.snd1.org.

Allow us to assist you in your search by means of discernment resources, retreats, service opportunities, and live-in experiences. Contact us at sndvocationdirectors@snd1.org; or call 859392-8118 or send mail to 1601 Dixie Highway, Covington, KY 41011-2701.

Code #064.

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (S.N.D.deN.) 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 86 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

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university and adult education, religious and pastoral ministry, social services advocating for justice and human dignity and projects geared towards a healthy 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 Nancy Uhl, SNDdeN, Vocations Coordinator, 131 W. 64th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003; 213-4475070; Email: vocations@sndden.org; Website: www.snddenusa.org.

See ad on page 23. Code #065.

Sisters of Our Lady of Sion (N.D.S.) We are 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 prejudice, 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.

Sisters of Our Mother of Divine Grace (S.M.D.G.) We are an emerging community of consecrated life, 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.” Through the evangelical vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, we reflect more fully Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Since the Holy Spirit worked marvels of grace through her life-giving “fiat,” we unite with Mary, the Mother of Divine Grace, in our efforts to promote unity in truth. We work to renew and refresh parish life through Adoration of the Eucharist, parish catechesis and instruction, and a religious presence at parish events. For more information, visit: sistersmdg.org or e-mail: sistermary@ sistersmdg.org.

See ad on page 85. 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-theWoods, 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 812-230-4771 or eben@spsmw.org to learn more; www.SistersofProvidence.org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

Code #068.

Sisters of Providence Mother Joseph Province (S.P.)—Seattle and Spokane, WA The Sisters of Providence are an international congregation founded by Emilie Gamelin of Montreal in 1843.

As women religious, our ministries are diverse, fulfilling, and needed. They include education, parish ministry, health care, community service and support, housing, prison ministry, pastoral care, spiritual direction and retreats, and foreign missions. The community is composed of four provinces spread across Canada, the United States, Chile, El Salvador, Argentina, Egypt, the Philippines, Haiti, and Cameroon. Living in community enables us to support and enrich personal and communal growth and witness gospel values.

Our life of prayer includes quiet moments and faith sharing as we journey to wholeness. Contact the Vocation Office for Mother Joseph Province at (509) 474-2323; e-mail: vocations@providence. org; website: www.sistersofprovidence.net; Facebook: www.facebook.com/sistersofprovidencemjp; Twitter: twitter.com/SofPMJprovince.

See ad on page 139. 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 37. 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

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

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WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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. Francis (O.S.F.), Clinton, IA The Sisters of St. Francis of Clinton, IA are women of faith, joy and compassion, following in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. Our Third Order Franciscan charism calls us to ongoing conversion and empowers us to live and promote active nonviolence and peacemaking, our corporate mission. Our ministries are diverse and include peace/nonviolence ministries, advocacy for justice, healthcare, parish ministries, restorative justice work a​ nd ministries to those who are 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 114. Code #475.

Sisters of St. Francis—Tiffin Franciscans, Tiffin, OH (O.S.F.) “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 44. Code #287.

Enter #027 at VocationMatch.com 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 grade schools through adult education, in parish ministry, health care, social services, religious education, and as musicians and artists. Ministering in 11 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 ads on pages 26, 39. 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 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 the Charism Promoter: Sr. Christine Still at vocations@osfphila.org; www.osfphila.org. See our web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See ad on page 39. Code #139.

Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH—Sylvania Franciscans (O.S.F.) Celebrating over 100 years of Franciscan presence in NW Ohio and beyond, we are 145 Sisters and 75 Associates ministering in 12 Dioceses in eight states. 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

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

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: Vocation Office, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania, OH 43560; 419-8243914; vocations@sistersosf.org. Web: www.sistersosf.org; e-mail: vocations@sistersosf.org; Facebook: www.facebook.com/sylvaniafranciscans; YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/Sylvaniafranciscans. Twitter: SylvaniaFranciscans.

Instagram: Sylvaniafranciscans.

See ad on page 141. 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 education 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 23. Code #279.

Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities (O.S.F.) 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 ads on pages 39, 89. Code #294.

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Sisters of St. Francis (collaborative) Third Order Regular Women is a collaboration of Franciscan Sisters of Allegheny, NY; Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration; Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart; Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate; Sisters of St. Francis­–Dubuque, Iowa; Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia; Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities; and Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. As Franciscans, relationship with God, each other and all of creation is foundational to who we are. TOR Franciscans have four additional values: Continuous Conversion, Contemplation, Poverty and Humility. We strive to live these through the evangelical vows of poverty, chastity and obedience while living in community. Every congregation has its own history and charism, but we hold much in common. We live and minister in a variety of places around the United States and world in relationship with the people. Each congregation was originally founded in a specific time/place to meet an identified needs of the people of God. Over time we adjusted ministries and moved to new places in order to continue to meet the growing and changing needs of God’s people.

See ad on page 39. Code #540.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES 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 by praying together, 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. 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 varied 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, CSJ, (412) 926-2059; e-mail: vzottola@stjoseph-baden.org; website: www.stjosephbaden.org. Boston, MA: Anna Edge, CSJ, (617) 746-1621, e-mail: anna.edge@csjboston.org; and Pat Quinn, CSJ, (617) 746-2045; e-mail: vocation. office@csjboston.org; website: www.csjboston.org.

Brentwood, NY: Sr. Marie Mackey, CSJ (718) 7917911; e-mail: Mackey@csjbrentwood.org; website: www.brentwoodcsj.org; St. Joseph Worker Volunteer Program (Brentwood): S. Theresa Scanlon, CSJ, (646) 660-2711; S. Joan Gallagher, CSJ, (347) 585-6144; e-mail: SJWBrentwood@csjbrentwood.org; website: www.brentwoodcsj.org. Buffalo, NY: Sr. Jean Marie Zirnheld, SSJ, (716) 759-6454 ext. 11; e-mail: jmzirnheld@buffalossj.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: Co-Directors: Sr. Pat Eichner, CSJ, (308) 5292675; e-mail eichnerpat@csjkansas.org; 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 Program (785) 243-2113 ext. 1221; email: 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. Los Angeles, CA: Sr. Ingrid Honore-Lallande, CSJ, (951) 704-8888, 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) 515-0471; e-mail: peacejr56@yahoo.com; website: csjorange.org/ministries/st-joseph-workerprogram. 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.com; website: ssjspringfield.org.

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St. Augustine, FL: Sr. Florence Bryan, SSJ, (904) 206-2873; e-mail: Fbryanssj@gmail.com; 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 47. 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 47. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph (C.S.J.)—Boston, MA 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 47. 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 advocates 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. Theresa Scanlon, CSJ, (646) 660-2711; Sr.

Joan Gallagher, CSJ, (347) 585-6144; e-mail: SJWBrentwood@csjbrentwood.org. Website: www. brentwoodcsj.org.

See ad on page 47. Code #024.

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, Sr. Lorren Harbin, CSJ, (970) 260-2287; e-mail: Lharbincsj@gmail.com and Sr. Pat Eichner, CSJ, (308) 529-2675; e-mail: eichnerpat@csjkansas. org; website: www.csjkansas.org: Volunteer Coordinator: Laura Hansen, (785) 243-2113 ext.1221; email: volunteer@csjkansas.org.

See ad on page 47. Code #024.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (C.S.J.P.) “We want brave, noble, largeminded, and courageous souls.” Those attributes, written by Founder, Mother Clare in 1887, are among those we seek in new members today as our Congregation recommits to Jesus’ way of radical hospitality. Contemplative discernment and our charism of peace through justice compel us to expand and create new ministries not just “for” but “with” people who’ve been pushed to the margins. Called to carry on the mission of Jesus, we practice hospitality, nonviolence and care for creation. Recalling Jesus’ identification with the prophetic tradition, we develop a critical, sensitive conscience regarding religious, social, cultural, economic and political realities. Prayer is fundamental to our life. Our presence to one another in community enables, sustains, and challenges us to be responsive to our mission. Our sisters and associates minister in education, health care, social justice, parish ministry, spiritual direction and peace ministry in the U.S., U.K., and Haiti. Vocation Contact: Sr. Coralie Muzzy, CSJP, Vocation Director, P.O. Box 248, Bellevue, WA, 98009-0248, (425) 467-5401; cmuzzy@csjp-olp.org; website www.csjp.org.

See ad on page 148. Code #227.

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis (S.S.J.-T.O.S.F.) 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 lifegiving communities, empowering one another to live the truth of Gospel values, bonding with others in ever-widening circles of 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@ ssj-tosf.org; website www.ssj-tosf.org. See our web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See ad on page 39. Code #154.

Sisters of St. Rita (O.S.A.) The Sisters of St. Rita are an active/contemplative Augustinian Community, following the Rule of St. Augustine and the example of St. Rita of Cascia, our Patroness. Like St. Rita we serve people in love, peace and reconciliation. Our ministries include: health-and family care, pastoral

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

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WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

care of the sick, elderly and dying, especially working with people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Catechism, parish and prison ministries, as well as serving the poor are part of our volunteer outreach.

We welcome women who have the desire to live a common life with us and committing themselves to living the three evangelical counsels of consecrated celibacy, poverty and obedience. As Augustinian women we strive to be of “one mind and heart on the way to God”. Community is the first mission and charism of our religious community. Contact: Sr. Angelica Summer, 4014 N. Green Bay Rd., Racine, WI 53404; 262-639-1766; e-mail: sr.angelica@sbcglobal. net; website: www.sistersofstrita.org.

See ad on page 27. Code #163.

Sisters of the Good Shepherd (R.G.S. and C.G.S.) 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) 5862822 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 128. Code #077.

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,

Enter #294 at VocationMatch.com 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 vocations@nazarethcsfn.org; website: www.nazarethcsfn. org. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 34. Code #155.

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (S.N.J.M.) 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 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 73. Code #078.

Sisters of the Holy Redeemer (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 of hope and joy as we serve Jesus through our care for those who are suffering from sickness or poverty. 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 43. 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

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

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 127. Code #329.

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 they present themselves. 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) 837-3302. Learn more at www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org or vocations@cppsadmin.org. See our web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See ad on page 33. 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) 5882008; e-mail: vocations@dubuquepresentations.org.

Code #327.

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Sisters of the Divine Savior (S.D.S.) 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 28 countries, including the U.S. in Alabama, Arizona, California, South Dakota 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 ad on page 126. Code #315.

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WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

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 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. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

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. See our web ad at vocationnetwork.org.

See ad on page 129. Code #034.

Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis (O.S.F.)—East Peoria, IL Have a heart for the sick and suffering? Want to give your life in prayer, service and sacrifice for the greater honor and glory of God and the salvation of souls? Come and See if God may be calling you to be an OSF Sister. As faithful daughters of the Church, we live and pray together in community. In good Franciscan tradition, and in union with many lay mission partners, we care for the sick, poor, injured, aged, and dying, through OSF HealthCare.

You don’t need to be a nurse. Our sisters serve the sick in many different ways, to bring them healing in order to draw them closer to Christ. We are actively striving to transform health care to improve the lives of all, but especially the poor and vulnerable. 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 17. 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 90 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

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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) 4458031; e-mail: benedicite@fairpoint.net; website: www.transfigurationhermitage.org.

Code #367.

Society of the Holy Child Jesus—American Province (S.H.C.J.) 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 49. 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 ever-evolving 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 Finlayson at 1-888-844-7725 or vocations@rscj.org.

See ad on page 87. Code #027.

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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 1839 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: voca-

tions@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 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 vocationnetwork.org.

Code #415.

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 Mount Saint Joseph (O.S.U.) We are Ursuline Sisters proclaiming Jesus through education and Christian formation. 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, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Louisiana, New Mexico, Washington, D.C., and Chile, South America.

Our focus is in four areas: education, from primary

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

SEARCH OTHER COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG 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 Monica Seaton, (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 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. Elisa Ryan, OSU, elisaosu@gmail.com, (314) 825-9773; backlitwithjoy. wordpress.com; osueast.org; osucentral.org.

Code #218.

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W

Wheaton Franciscans (O.S.F.) 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@wfsisters.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 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.

—Libby Riggs, P.O. Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513; (574) 936-9936; e-mail: lriggs@poorhandmaids. org; 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.

SECULAR INSTITUTES Don Bosco Volunteers (D.B.V.) 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.

Secular Institute of Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ (S.I.M.) Consecrated single women who profess poverty, chastity and obedience while living life in the world. Our spirituality is Franciscan and

Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference

the Missionaries seek to identify with Jesus’ life by striving faithfully to live the Gospel in the world in the spirit of the Beatitudes. A close bond is created among the members through monthly days of recollection, annual retreats, and publications.

Requirements: a self-supporting occupation, a desire to promote Gospel values in today’s society, a willingness to commit to a celibate life, and the freedom to live our way of life. Background: founded in 1919 in Assisi, Italy, by Agostino Gemelli, OFM, and Armida Barelli. Approved in 1948 as a Secular Institute of Pontifical Rite. Established in the United States in 1953 by Fr. Stephen Hartdegen, OFM, and Barbara Ottinger. For more information contact Charleen Dahlin, (508) 386-1417; cdahlin@aol.com; website: www.simkc.org.

See ad on page 32. Code #337.

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 web ad at DigitalVocationGuide.org.

See our ad on page 16. Code #483.

U.K./IRISH COMMUNITIES Find U.K. and Irish communities online through our community search or in our digital edition of VISION DigitalVocationGuide.org.

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OTHER COMMUNITIES

Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis (V.H.M.) Four hundred years ago in Annecy, France, the friendship of St. Jane de Chantal and St. Francis de Sales gave birth to an order of women religious whose primary vow was the vow of Love. Our charism is a unique expression of that heart-to-heart encounter between Mary and Elizabeth. We are rooted in contemplative prayer with a mission of non-violent presence in a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood. All are welcome as we pray the liturgy of the hours four times a day, celebrate mass, and open our door to greet Jesus.

Our cloister garden is comprised of the northside of Minneapolis. To learn more about the Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis, our Salesian Spirituality, and opportunities to engage with us, visit us at our website: www. visitationmonasteryminneapolis.org; on Instagram @ minne_monastery/ and Facebook at VisitationMonasteryMpls. Contact: Sr. Katherine Mullin at katherinefmullin@gmail.com or (612) 521-6113. LIVE+JESUS! Code #086.

ASSOCIATE COMMUNITIES

OTHER COMMUNITIES

PRIESTS FATHER ROB HAGAN, O.S.A. at a Villanova football game. Hagan is chaplain to both the men’s basketball and football teams.

Team spirit: The priest on Villanova’s bench

by Leslie Scanlon COURTESY OF VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

Leslie Scanlon is a national correspondent f o r P re s by te rian Outlook magazine and a former religion writer at the Courier-Journal i n Lo u i s v i l l e , Kentucky. Her work has appeared in the Christian Century, the Washington Post, and many other publications.

Father Rob Hagan, O.S.A. left a successful legal career to answer a call that had hovered in his heart for years. Today the Augustinian priest leaves the door to his dorm room at Villanova University open for athletes and anyone else who needs a listening ear.

F

ATHER ROB HAGAN is the not-so-tall guy—relative to those in basketball—wearing a clerical collar and hanging out near the end of the Villanova University bench when the men’s basketball team plays. He’s the spiritual anchor of a team that won the 2016 NCAA championship with a thrilling last-second three-pointer by Kris Jenkins on a dish-off pass. With prayer and spiritual guidance, this priest fills a holy spot at his alma mater in the wickedly competitive, wildly secular world of college sports—the last place

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“

If the idea of priesthood crossed my mind—and it did—I dismissed it because I just felt there were too many other things I wanted to do with my life.”

this former criminal attorney ever expected to be.

Fundamentals for the future Hagan grew up in a Catholic family in Philadelphia, the third of four children and the only boy. When he was 17 and a student at Cardinal O’Hara High School, his 47-year-old father suffered a brain aneurism. “He went to bed one night, and he never woke up,” Hagan says. “Obviously that really stops you in your tracks when you’re a teenager in high school. It really forces you to think about life.”

Hagan watched his mom suddenly become a widow raising four children alone. “One of the great gifts that my dad gave me is a real acute appreciation for how short life is,” he says. “[So] make it count.”

Hagan went to Villanova University in Philadelphia. Because it was close by, he could commute to college. “I didn’t go to Villanova to become an Augustinian,” he says, but in college he was introduced to an array of priests, including Navy chaplains; a priest who was the university’s chief financial officer; and Father Peter Donohue, O.S.A.,

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COURTESY OF NANCY LANE

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then a teacher and now the university’s president. At graduation parties and barbecues, Hagan got to know a good friend’s uncle, Father Bill Atkinson, an Augustinian who had been paralyzed in a tobogganing accident—“who carried his cross with such great grace,” Hagan says.

Atkinson became a mentor to Hagan and is now being considered for sainthood.

Hagan’s oldest sister is a lawyer, so he leaned in that direction, resisting any sense of call to religious life. “I kind of thought a priest is in church 24/7, saying his prayers,” he recalls. “I knew that wasn’t me. If the idea of priesthood crossed my mind— and it did—I dismissed it because I just felt there were too many other things I wanted to do with my life.”

Still, the Augustinians left their mark.

“Aside from meeting the Augus-

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tinians, I also met [Saint] Augustine, and his story very much resonated with my own,” Hagan says. “Here’s a sinner before he was a saint. He tried a lot of things the world has to offer: power, ambitions, success, women, and he came to that wonderful conclusion that we all pray as a prayer from his Confessions of St. Augustine: ‘Lord you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.’ There’s always going to be a bigger house, there’s always going to be a better job, there’s always going to be money, there’s always going to be something more we want to pursue, until we understand that that something more that we’re all wired for is our relationship with God.”

Preliminary sidebar After college, Hagan headed toward the law, graduating from Widener

“

What I came to understand is that God calls in different ways, and often it can be kind of a whisper, a sense, and a slight tap on your heart.”

University School of Law and joining a small Philadelphia firm.

“My concentration was criminal defense. I was representing a lot of people who did some very colorful things. And in the course of my advocacy for them we often talked about life and how they got into this situation. That conversation could morph into their relationships and their relationship with their higher power,” he says. “People in the end kind of thought, what a radical shift to go from attorney to priest. The reality was a lot of the same things I do as a priest I did as an attorney, and things I did as an attorney I do as a

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DURING the 2016 National Basketball Championship, Hagan (right) is with Steve Murphy of the Villanova University Alumni Association board and Nancy Lane, incoming president of the Villanova University Alumni Association.

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priest. You get to represent people, and you become a voice for others, and you deal with their confidences, both their joys and their sorrows. I think, as Pope John Paul II said, that our lives are not a series of random, disconnected events, but rather each one builds on the one that preceded it, and prepares us for the next.

That’s kind of how I feel—none of this stuff was wasted.”

From time to time, the idea of becoming a priest rose up in him— and Augustine himself never disappeared for long.

Put me in, Coach A simple enough realization made Hagan pivot. “I had won a pretty big case. I was kind of pleased with myself. And I came home, and was having a steak and a beer, I was watching TV and Jeopardy came on.

A fellow says to Alex, ‘I’ll take Quotable Quotes for 200.’ As I’m kind of reflecting on my success, watching Jeopardy and having dinner, the

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quote is ‘Author of the phrase, Give me chastity, but not yet.’ And the guy says ‘Who was Saint Augustine?’

And I said to myself, ‘I can’t get away from this guy.’ He just keeps popping up. And I used to think as a kid that priests receive callings, and callings were those kind of radical things like what happened to Saint Paul—he got knocked off his horse. Moses saw the burning bush. I wasn’t having those kind of radical, sky-opening moments, so I just figured that’s not my calling. What I came to understand is that God calls in different ways, and often it can be kind of a whisper, a sense, and a slight tap on your heart.”

At age 32, after practicing law for seven years, Hagan put the law aside to enter the Order of St. Augustine.

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was my reluctance to give [law] up,” he says. “There was a certain autonomy that I had reached in terms of my professional life. I had season tickets to Villanova basketball and the 76ers, and I used to go in on a shore house with my friends. The notion of giving all that up just was not really attractive. The irony is, here I am reluctant to give up my season tickets, and what does God do? He makes me the chaplain for the national championship Wildcats team. God is never outdone in generosity.”

Big playbook Hagan’s work now is a mix of responsibilities: serving as an associate athletic director; as chaplain for the men’s basketball and football teams; and overseeing the office of sports medicine, where his legal skills come into play as part of risk management.

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While he had been drawn to the idea of marriage and fatherhood before becoming a priest, Hagan says, now “I work in a school where I’m in contact literally with thousands of young men and women.” On weekends, he helps at St. Paul’s Parish in south Philadelphia, which connects him with families and the broader community.

For the Villanova students, particularly the athletes, Hagan is a quiet, steady force. “He has a very understated way and is a great listener,” says Mike Sheridan, director of media relations for Villanova athletics. “He’s never pushy.”

Hagan keeps an open door—and actually lives in a sophomore dorm on campus. Both there and in the athletics office, students and recruits wander by to talk about matters big and small. Not every student will come to church, Hagan says, so “you

“

Here I am reluctant to give up my season tickets, and what does God do?

He makes me the chaplain for the national championship Wildcats team. God is never outdone in generosity.”

HAGAN (second from left) at a Villanova basketball game.

meet them where they are.”

Although he lives among students, Hagan makes time each day to connect to the Augustinians, who maintain a monastery on campus.

Each morning, he goes to Saxony Hall, a house with a small chapel that the order owns near the campus, for prayer and breakfast with several other Augustinians, sometimes returning in the evening for dinner as well.

He values the rhythm of that daily faith connection, and in his work with student athletes, he creates a spiritual rhythm as well. Each year begins with a Mass for the 600 student athletes and their coaches.

“We’ll ask God’s blessings,” Hagan says. “Not to win every game, but to bless our year and to help us be the best people we can be.”

Quietly, students seek him out when they are struggling—when a

relationship has ended; their grades are mediocre; a grandparent has died; they’ve gone from being a highschool star to warming the bench.

He talks to them about “that whole notion of how do you define yourself, and not allowing yourself to be defined by a number or a grade or how many points you scored.”

When a student on the women’s lacrosse team was diagnosed with cancer, Hagan went to the field to pray with her teammates. A month later, he came back to bless a shawl they had knitted for that player, because “we want her to know she is blanketed in our love and prayer.”

Four hours before each men’s football and basketball game, the athletes gather for a meal. And before that meal, Hagan says Mass—in the chapel for home games at Villanova; in a hotel room on the road, “with the pancakes and the eggs and the sausages sitting right there in the pans.”

He includes the scripture readings for the day and a homily about how those readings apply to their lives. Hagan prays for concerns the athletes and staff have presented to him. “I always try to make it a point to be in that room,” Sheridan says. “I Enter #145 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 97

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Holy Family Vocation Office

3014 Oregon Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118-1412

HAGAN SAYS MASS with Villanova University athletes.

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“

Students seek him out when they are struggling—when a relationship has ended; their grades are mediocre; a grandparent has died; they’ve gone from being a high-school star to warming the bench.

find myself uplifted by Father Rob’s words. He does a really great job helping center you on what really matters.”

Winning with grace In 2016, the Villanova basketball team played a Sweet 16 game on Holy Thursday. Hagan described for Enter #494 at VocationMatch.com 98 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

the players how Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, and told them: “We can imitate that. We can live that same way.” So before they played, the basketball players washed one another’s feet.

“The key players, like Ryan Arcidiacano, guys who are now NBA players, the managers, the walk-ons, the kids that don’t play, the wives of the assistant coaches, everyone,” all were equal in that moment, Hagan says.

“We really leaned on those Lenten themes as we marched through that tournament. They embraced the spirit of those values. It affected the way they treated each other and ultimately the way they played.”

Jenkins’ spectacular last-second shot that won it all was made possible by a pass from one of the team’s biggest stars. “That shot was a great shot, but what we also celebrate is

©2012 TO THE AUGUSTINIAN PROVINCE OF SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. USED WITH PERMISSION.

the pass,” Hagan says. “That play was called for Ryan [Arcidiacano].

That shot’s for him to take. But he had the humility and the understanding that my brother’s in a better position, so I’m going to give it to him. And everybody wins.”

In the locker room after the victory, the message was essentially the same as when North Carolina State stunned Villanova, a heavy favorite, in the second round of the tournament the year before. The word to the players in 2015 was about a higher calling—that “we weren’t going to let this loss define

HAGAN at Corr Chapel on the campus of Villanova University.

who we are,” Hagan says.

After winning the national championship in 2016, “the same theme was repeated in the locker room when we were holding the trophy,” he says. Coach Jay Wright told the players, “let’s not let this be the best thing that ever happens to us. … Go out and be good role models.

Let’s take this joy and share it with other people.” True to his position, Hagan keeps doing just that. = Related article: VocationNetwork.org, “The creative spirit finds expression in religious ministries.”

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PRIESTS

Tendering God on tough streets Carol Schuck Scheiber is content editor of VISION and editor of HORIZON, journal of the National Religious Vocation Conference.

COURTESY OF HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES

FATHER GREG Boyle, S.J. with his “homies.”

by Carol Schuck Scheiber

“God is always more,” says Father Greg Boyle, S.J., quoting Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Boyle takes the limits off love and has spent three decades extending it to gang members, inviting others to join him.

J

ESUIT PRIEST GREG BOYLE knows how to work a crowd. He’s been hustling money for his work with poor people for much of his priestly life. As a priest, he’s been hustling souls for even longer. But “hustle” is too harsh a term for the God that Boyle is talking about tonight.

As a winter drizzle falls on Toledo, Ohio, he stands at a podium in St. John’s Jesuit High School, and a small audience of do-gooders, church folk, and teenaged boys is in the palm of Boyle’s hand. He warmed them up by having two “homies”—former gang members in this case—tell heartbreaking stories of abuse, neglect, loss, and self-discovery through Homeboy Industries, the gang alterna-

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We Are Vincentians!

Men on A Mission serving Christ in the Poor

Eastern Province

Western Province

Rev. John Maher, C.M. vocations@stjohns.edu cmeast.org

Rev. Jim Osendorf, C.M. vocations@vincentian.org vincentian.org

“

He wears on his sleeve his affection for the mostly male, Hispanic gang members that he ministers to. He gives to his homies, and he receives from them their love and energy.

tives ministry in Los Angeles that Boyle has given his life to.

Boyle begins with funny stories about his homies, and the audience is laughing hard. He is the quintessential Irish storyteller. These middle-class Toledoans—most of whom have never met a tattooed gangbanger with a prison record—are starting to feel like they can relate to the characters in Boyle’s tales.

CONGREGATION OF THE MISSION, USA Celebrating 200 Years of Service in America

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A young woman at the Homegirl Cafe, which employs high-risk, formerly gang-involved women (and where “waitresses with attitude serve you,” Boyle quips), once obliviously waited on Diane Keaton. Boyle details the incident with Keaton: “ ‘You seem familiar,” the waitress says. She’s a big girl, ‘been there, done that’ tattooed on her, a felon parolee. ‘Wait a minute! I feel like I know you from somewhere, like maybe we’ve met?’ the waitress continues.”

Keaton demurred, says Boyle.

The priest’s timing is perfect, and he nails the punch line: “ ‘Now I know it! We was locked up together!’ ” The crowd roars.

All heart Boyle deftly weaves together humor, theology, and social justice. His Enter #102 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 101

CAROL SCHUCK SCHEIBER

“THE DAY WILL never come when I have more courage or will be more noble or be closer to God than Nicholas or Luis,” says Boyle (right).

Here he poses with Nicholas Lopez (left) and Luis Colocio of Homeboy Industries.

themes are similar to those in his popular book Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (Free Press, 2010). He wears on his sleeve his affection for the mostly male, Hispanic gang members that he ministers to. He gives to his homies, and he receives from them their love and energy. “I challenge you to say who is serving and who is being served,” he notes after one story.

Here’s what Boyle says a lot— and not just this night in a Rustbelt city with gang troubles of its own.

• God is bigger than you think.

More merciful. More forgiving.

• You have to go to the margins to help make barriers between people go away.

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call their good works, “is just the hallway to the ballroom. The ballroom is kinship,” where people of all types can all enjoy mutual love, respect, and mutuality.

The crowd stops Boyle’s words with loud clapping several times.

Story after story seems aimed at opening the hearts in the room.

Perhaps there is room in those hearts to love these fierce and scary people whose tattoos and manner of speech can be so off-putting. They are felons, yes, but now the audience knows before that happened, they were children with lives so twisted and horrifying that the guest homies can only make veiled references to their pasts.

Boyle’s voice quivers and cracks, and hearts open up a little wider.

He’s telling about a gang member who has committed violent crimes.

When he was 9, his mother slit her wrists and bled to death in front of him, blaming him as she died. The ensuing years did not get better, until one day, as an adult, this child-victim-turned-victimizer breaks down in tears with Boyle.

The room is silent. No one draws a breath. Perhaps the audience members are wondering about the criminals they see on TV news reports. Could it be that people who

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What is Homeboy Industries?

H

OMEBOY INDUSTRIES aims to break the cycle of gang violence in Los Angeles by offering services that heal and help.

They include but are not limited to education, legal aid, tattoo removal,

counseling, substance abuse, and a variety of social enterprises that offer jobs and job-training to at-risk individuals.

“Homeboy Industries is the largest and most successful gang intervention, rehab, and reentry program in the world

and has become a model for other organizations and cities,” according to homeboyindustries.org. The organization was founded in 1988 by a group of concerned citizens led by Father Greg Boyle, S.J.

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CAROL SCHUCK SCHEIBER

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seem so cruel were once kids who got beatings instead of meals?

Open arms Boyle is a good pastor, though, and he gently moves his listeners where every good pastor wants to take a crowd, straight into the wide arms of God. “In the end we’re doomed to

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imitate the kind of God we believe in,” he says. “So if our God is tiny and puny and exacting and demanding, always asking us to measure up but is eternally disappointed, how could we possibly be other than that?

“The trick is, as Saint Ignatius of Loyola always said, to look for the God who’s always greater. The God who is expansive and spacious and

loves us without measure, without regret. How do we discover the God of compassionate, loving kindness, who asks us to be in the world what God is? We have to tinker a little.

“I once had a Jesuit spiritual director who said we need a better God than what we have. And I think it’s true. We are endlessly creating God in our own image. We can’t help ourselves, but we certainly can catch ourselves. Anne Lamott says you know you’re creating God in your own image when God hates all the same people you do.”

Having established that understanding of the faith foundation that he offers donors and gangbangers alike, Boyle tells a few more stories.

They are funny, sad, and tender.

And then it’s time for questions. Can something along the lines of Homeboy Industries help a place like Chicago, where gang violence is at a boiling

“ BOYLE SIGNS HIS book, Tattoos on the Heart (Free Press, 2010), after his talk in Toledo, Ohio.

point? Boyle speculates a bit, but declines the role of chief gang advisor.

He fields more questions and encourages people to ask questions of his homies, Luis Colocio and Nicholas Lopez of Homeboy Industries. A woman asks, how do you break the cycle of violence? Boyle looks pleased to hand the microphone to Lopez, who explains how he is raising his 6-year-old daughter differently than he was raised.

Later Colocio tells the audience that a turning point from addiction and gang life was getting a job. He chokes up a little when he recalls his astonishment that someone would give him a real job, and a sustained applause washes over him.

The session wraps up, and now Boyle is seated at a table with St. John’s students selling his book at one end as he signs books at the other end. He peers up at book own-

Could it be that people who seem so cruel were once kids who got beatings instead of meals?

ers, asking their names so he can personalize his signature. He poses when people ask for photos. Only a few stragglers are left as he bundles up money from a donation box, chatting affably. Whereas Colocio and Lopez eagerly nod or bob their heads when speaking to these private school families—“Yes, ma’am,” “No, sir,”—Boyle is at ease.

He is 62 years old, and he has seen a lot over three decades in central city ministry. When he first began at Dolores Mission Church in central Los Angeles, the gang violence was overpowering. He recalls once doing eight funerals in a threeweek period. That was his impetus to start looking for solutions, which led to the multifaceted outreach programs of Homeboy Industries.

Tonight he still has a drive ahead of him, and the hour is growing late.

A few more thank-yous, a discussion about the easiest way to his car, and Father Greg Boyle, S.J. and friends are out the door.

Tomorrow they do essentially the same thing all over again in Cleveland. Homeboy Industries will take home some needed funds. And here in two heartland cities—each with troubles that people in central Los Angeles might understand—Boyle’s vision of kinship and God’s generous love has been scattered like a seed. =

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Boyle’s Jesuit connection “

I

WAS EDUCATED by the Jesuits. They were hilarious and prophetic, and it was one of those ‘I’ll have what they’re having’ moments,” says Father Greg Boyle, S.J. “I joined right out of Loyola High School [in Los Angeles, in 1972]. They were just the most amazing human beings.

It was during the Vietnam War; they were the funniest human beings I had ever met; and they were kind of: ‘Here, get in the van, we’re going to drive to San Francisco and we’ll protest the war.’ I [thought], ‘Well count me in!’ I just loved it. It was prophetic.”

Related article: VocationNetwork.org, “Fighting gangs one youth at a time.”

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PRIESTS AS A MISSIONARY priest Father Joseph Bragotti, M.C.C.J. has frequently been inspired by the faith of people he has met.

Here he stands with Wai Pui Man, his “adopted grandma,” who spent 10 years in prison for being a Christian during Mao’s regime in China.

5 Father Joseph Bragotti, M.C .C . J. has b e e n a Co m boni missionary priest for 55 years and has ministered in Africa, Europe, and Central America in pastoral work and publishing.

COURTESY OF COMBONI MISSIONS

reasons I love being a missionary priest

by Father Joseph Bragotti, M.C.C.J.

From the reward of celebrating the Eucharist in remote areas to the thrill of starting projects no one thought possible, missionary priesthood has been the adventure of a lifetime for this priest.

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APPINESS IS BEING a missionary and going to Africa. I was sure of it. My motivation? I wanted to see lions! I was 10 years old then, a survivor of World War II in my native Italy. I was ready for adventure, and adventure had come to our school in the guise of a Comboni missionary, fresh from Sudan. During his visit he fascinated us with stories and colorful postcards.

That did it: I was hooked on mission.

Seventy years later, 55 years into my priesthood, I am now “recycled.” We missionary priests don’t really retire, nor do we fade away easily. I look back on my life as a pastoral priest, youth chaplain, and journalist, and I see myself as a happy, contented, adventurous missionary. I loved it all and I still do. Here are five

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“

When I first went to Africa as a young missionary, I was going to bring God to people, or so I thought, but I soon realized that God was already there.

reasons this vocation has been so rewarding for me.

1. Celebrating the Eucharist

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Lately I have been helping children in a small school in Cincinnati to understand the Eucharist. We gather in little groups and have Mass in a classroom. The children have lots of questions as we gather to celebrate, and I explain everything I do as we move along. Some liturgists may shudder, but we love it.

It has always delighted me to open the heart of the faithful to the joy of “celebrating,” rather than “attending,” Mass. I have celebrated Mass under the trees in northern Uganda, with high-school students in the city, and in remote communities in Guatemala. That is what I was ordained to do, after all.

In the forests of Guatemala, where communities go without the Eucharist for months, I once gave the people of remote Sajul the first Christmas Mass in their history. People came from near and far, some walking through the forest for hours to attend. Did we celebrate!

We shared the unbounded joy of celebrating with the Lord. In another place I was the first priest ever to celebrate Holy Week and Easter with the people there. It’s part of their his-

FATHER JOSEPH BRAGOTTI, M.C.C.J.

BRAGOTTI SNAPPED this photo during a tense encounter between Sudanese civilians and rebel soldiers in 1994. He was impressed by the people’s desire for the Eucharist despite their dire living conditions. Bishop Paride Taban of Torit, Sudan is on the far right.

COURTESY OF COMBONI MISSIONS

man being walk away to face a new life. Sometimes I feel I can almost touch the presence of God’s merciful spirit.

3. Meeting people of faith BRAGOTTI travels to his flock in rural Guatemala in 2008. Celebrating the Eucharist with remote peoples has been one of the joys of missionary priesthood for him.

tory now and a bond of love that will never die.

2. Participating in Reconciliation By now I have heard untold thousands of Confessions on four continents, in dozens of countries and in various languages. No matter where you happen to be, the sins are always the same! And so is the inner joy of being an instrument of God’s mercy and love. I’ve spent hours hearing

Confessions in the open air in northern Uganda, in mission churches throughout Africa, Latin America, Europe, and even in China once.

I’ve heard Confessions of little firsttimers who confessed to “stealing the remote” (it’s definitely a modern sin) and Confessions of death-row prisoners. No matter where and when Reconciliation takes place, nothing compares to the intimate joy of seeing a burdened soul come in and a lighter, more hopeful, reconciled hu-

When I first went to Africa as a young missionary, I was going to bring God to people, or so I thought, but I soon realized that God was already there. Thanks to my ministry as a missionary and a journalist, I’ve had the opportunity to meet a variety of people worldwide who have taught me the meaning of faith in God and in humanity.

Martin Okelo was a young Catholic politician in Uganda during dictator Idi Amin’s rule. He disappeared one day, and his body surfaced in a ditch two weeks later. He had been tortured and murdered. In a pocket agenda found in his coat he had scribbled: “Together with Christ on the cross I forgive these people.

May the shedding of my blood be a blessing to them.” I kept those pages VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 109

“

COURTESY OF COMBONI MISSIONS

Because I love mission, I never fell into the trap of taking a bunch of suburban kids to a survival environment “to help.” We always went to learn and to establish connections.

with me as a relic for a long time.

In 1994, at the height of the civil war ravaging Sudan, I smuggled myself into the southern part of the country that was under rebel control. There I joined the local bishop who was attempting to visit his flock in the newly liberated areas. We lived and traveled with the rebel army. It was risky, but we had no choice. One day we came across about 1,000 people who, after years of hiding in the mountains, were now desperately looking for food.

At one point, the confrontation between people driven by hunger and 400 battle-weary young soldiers armed to their teeth was about to turn ugly. But a hush fell over the crowd when someone spotted the bishop and myself among the soldiers. Then one of the elders walked up to the bishop, pointed at me, and asked: “Is this the priest who will stay with us and give us Jesus?

We haven’t had the Eucharist in five years.” It gave me goosebumps.

There are hungers that bread alone cannot fill!

Another time I joined a group of Chinese Catholics from Macau on a trip to Guangzhou (Canton) in Communist China. A diminutive grandmother took me under her wing. She taught me how to use chopsticks and placed morsels of food on my plate. One day, after Mass, we took the entire cathedral crew, from rec110 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

FIRST COMMUNION celebrations are special around the world. Pictured here is the author with two girls from San Luis Petén Parish in Guatemala in 2008.

FATHER JOSEPH BRAGOTTI, M.C.C.J.

tor to sacristan, out to breakfast. It became a cheerful celebration of the years my new friends had survived at the “university.” Those, I found out, were the years they had spent in Mao’s prisons because they were Christians. My adopted grandma?

Ten years. Father Tan, the pastor?

Thirty-four years. I was breaking bread with living martyrs who, around that table, totaled 90 years of detention.

How could I not love being a missionary priest? Getting to brush shoulders with Christian heroes and

AS A YOUNGSTER Bragotti wanted to be a missionary priest so he could see lions in the wild. In 2006 he took this photo in Masai Mara, Kenya.

then tell others their inspiring stories has been an honor.

4. Sharing my experiences What you receive, you are asked to share. I had—and still have—the privilege of sharing the joy of mission through the written word. It isn’t work; I love it. I did it through our publications, through my international contacts in the Vatican pressroom, through war correspondents in wartime Uganda, and even through ordinary parish bulletins.

Over the years I have also loved sharing mission with teenagers. Because I love mission, I never fell into the trap of taking a bunch of suburban kids to a survival environment “to help.” We always went to learn and to establish connections. The kids always understood that, once there, we would be a pain in the neck for busy missionaries and that we would have to rely on the kindness of poor people.

We learned from them in a spirit of gratitude and humility. So we canoed our way up the rivers of Ecuador, took in the awesomeness of God’s creation, shared festivals with the Cayapa Indians, ate tons of rice and beans, got sick to our stomach, and spent TV-less evenings reflecting on our experiences and baring our souls. We always came home enriched, wiser, and with the intimate joy that we had touched the heart of mission and had been changed forever.

As a missionary priest one just falls in love with opening young minds and hearts to the wonders of God’s creations and of the human family in it.

5. Embracing creativity and adventure When I had been in Uganda about a year, in 1968, my bishop named me diocesan chaplain of youth organizations. I respectfully mentioned to him that there was a dearth of youth organizations in the diocese. “Exactly,” he answered. “Get busy!” Oh, the joy of working outside the box or, even better, of inventing the box!

And I have pictures to prove it: Over the years my Uganda Martyrs Youth Club became a model for similar ventures. Since that time, I have taken great pleasure in initiating projects that “would never work,” resurrecting publications that “were meant to die,” going to places where you “won’t be able to go,” such as voodoo rites in

Fr. Jose Alberto Pimentel Guzman 4705 S. Main St. LA, CA 90037 (323) 234-5984 joalpigu@msn.com

Fr. Ruffino Ezama 1318 Nagel Road.

Cincinnati, OH 45255 (513) 474-4997 vocation@ combonimissionaries.org

Fr. Chris Aleti 1615 E. 31st St. LaGrange Park, IL 60526 (708) 339-6732 amadriga67@gmail.com

Fr. Jorge Ochoa 4705 S. Main St. LA, CA 90037 (626) 339-1914 jeochoa99@yahoo.com

Fr. Shane Degblor (226) 338-8709 shanedegblor@ gmail.com

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West Africa or the mined countryside of Angola, or a newly contacted indigenous group in the Amazons. Writing the book beats going by the book any day. What’s not to love?

Mission always has a big component of adventure. As a youthful war survivor and a missionary priest, I have enjoyed it all. Indeed, my heart overflows. People tell me that I should write a book about all this.

Perhaps I will. But one thing is sure: My priestly missionary life, with its highs and its lumps, has been the adventure of a lifetime. I have loved it all. Thank you, Lord!

Oh, by the way, in case you wonder, I did get to see lions! = Related article: VocationNetwork. org, “Pope Francis wants YOU to be a missionary.”

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SISTERS

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SISTER BORAM LEE

Lights, camera— convent!

SISTER BORAM LEE poring over a text.

Study is a key part of the “formation” process for becoming a Catholic sister. “During a charismatic prayer meeting . . . God said to me through one of the brothers there, ‘Go where my Light is,’ ” she says.

by Sister Boram Lee

Sister Boram Lee is a first-year novice with the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, in her third year of religious formation. She currently lives in Newton, New Jersey, where she helps provide sacramental retreats at Sacred Heart Center, serves as a catechist in a local parish, and attends Assumption College for Sisters.

Sister Boram Lee started out with a bright career in broadcasting, but direction from God led her to religious life.

D

ESPITE BEING a cradle Catholic, I never considered becoming a sister— that is, until the rat race burned me out.

Frankly, God wasn’t my biggest priority while I climbed the corporate ladder. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history and journalism, I was blinded by the allure of a glamorous, fast-paced life in network television in New York City, and I chased after a career in broadcast media, for three years working in areas ranging from production to research to multimedia news. I moved from job to job, working overnight and weekend shifts, holidays, doing whatever I needed to do to get ahead. As a result, my health and relationships suffered.

But God was still good to me. He gave me the grace to persevere through the difficult times, and eventually my work conditions got better. I was able to spend more time with my family and friends and serve at my parish as a catechist. And

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“

My vocation discernment didn’t happen in a nice, orderly, logical fashion. I don’t know if anyone discerns that way.

that’s when I identified a yearning in my heart for something more, something better. But I was still a long way off from sisterhood.

gation the Salesians of Don Bosco as well as cofounded the women’s religious congregation, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, also known as the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco. After patiently waiting my turn in line among thousands of pilgrims, I had my first encounter with Don Bosco through his relic. As I touched the glass box that encased a life-size wax replica of his body containing his relic, I prayed for guidance. Little did I know that a few years from that moment, I would be entering religious life in the congregation he founded.

Encounter with a saint

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Growing up, I had little contact with sisters. My family belonged to a Korean Catholic parish in northern New Jersey, where I attended public schools. Two Korean sisters served in our parish, and they spoke little to no English. Although I saw them around church, I couldn’t relate to them and didn’t get to know them well. Nevertheless, the sisters from my childhood must have left an impression on me because when I started getting involved with campus ministry in college, I noted the absence of sisters at our Catholic center and on retreats and wished there were some there.

It was not a religious sister but my biological sister, Rosa, who inadvertently piqued my interest in religious life. While I was still working as a journalist, Rosa invited me to venerate the relic of Saint John Bosco when it was at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City as part of a U.S. tour. This would be my first encounter with the saint who was a friend of the young and the poor and who had founded the men’s religious congre-

Seed of vocation grows My vocation discernment didn’t happen in a nice, orderly, logical fashion. I don’t know if anyone discerns that way. God worked in mysterious ways over the course of three years, speaking to me through various people, events, places, and dreams. I was terrified at first that God might be calling me to be a sister! I had no idea what the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience were all about, and I didn’t want to give up the life I was living, despite the misgivings I was starting to have about it. Like most people I had always dreamed of getting married someday and starting my own family. But the Lord gave me the grace to have courage and remain open.

I thought it was my career that was causing this growing unrest within me. So, I prayerfully considered a career change and decided to leave journalism for a field where I saw greater potential to effect positive social change. With a desire to help communities through the built environment, I decided to get a

LEE WITH the sisters and volunteers she met in Haiti who inspired her to become a sister herself.

LEE HAS FUN with puppets and children at a Salesian Sisters outreach display.

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master’s degree in urban planning.

It still hadn’t dawned on me that the hole in my heart could be filled by a religious vocation.

Halfway into graduate school, I attended a “Life in the Spirit Seminar” hosted by a charismatic young adults group. During the “Baptism in the Holy Spirit” program of the retreat, I was touched by the Holy Spirit in a very powerful way. I felt the fire of God’s love burning in my heart and on my tongue. I felt my heart filling with great joy and peace.

That seminar cultivated the seed of my vocation. I began to hear God’s call to live exclusively for Him.

Inspired by religious in Haiti That call grew louder while I was on a church service trip to Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world, which had suffered a devastating

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earthquake in 2010. For one week, we stayed and served at a nursing home facility for the homeless elderly of Croix-des-Bouquets, about a 30-minute drive from the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The facility was staffed and operated by consecrated religious men and women of the Korean congregation known as the Kkottongnae Brothers and Sisters of Jesus. These missionary brothers and sisters, most of whom were in their 30s and 40s, were trained medical professionals who lived at the facility and took great care of the residents there. I was fascinated by their life. They were some of the happiest, most authentic people I had ever met. Their life of love and sacrifice for others inspired me and challenged the way I saw the world around me.

One night during a charismatic prayer meeting with the sisters and brothers of Kkottongnae, God said to me through one of the brothers there, “Go where my Light is.” When I heard these words spoken aloud, I began to sob uncontrollably because deep down in my heart I knew what that meant. God was calling me to follow him in a radical way, now more clearly than ever. I welcomed his invitation into my heart that night. And finally I felt free.

Finding the right fit Upon my return from Haiti, I began to visit other communities closer to home with the help of a spiritual director. I looked at the spirituality of each congregation more than its core work, and I asked myself if I could honestly see myself living the community’s charism and lifestyle.

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“

Living the virtues of poverty, obedience, and chastity enables me to be totally free to love and serve others.

As I continued to pray and discern, God led me to the Salesian Sisters a month before my graduation. These sisters were gentle, joyful, and a whole lot of fun. They offered me friendship and cordiality, without pressuring me to visit them or enter the community, allowing me to decide for myself if and when I wanted to enter.

During this time, my parents were very apprehensive about my desire to pursue religious life, with my father concerned that I was trying to escape the world and avoid responsibility for my expensive decision to go to graduate school. Many arguments ensued. He started to warm up to my decision after graduation when he saw how hard I was working—at multiple part-time jobs—to pay off my student loans. Additionally, God sent people to my dad to advocate for my vocation. Once he approved, it didn’t take long to win over my mom.

God continued to send me little signs to reassure me that I was on the right path even during my application process to be accepted into the Salesian Sisters. When I retrieved my baptismal record from the church where I was baptized as a baby in Seoul, Korea, I learned that the date of my Baptism was January 31, the feast day of Saint John Bosco, one

You are God’s

Beloved!

LEE WITH a student and a sister during a school presentation.

Embrace your Gifts— Serve in the Margins with Us!

410-442-3171 BonSecoursVocations.org

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of our founders. I also learned that Saint Francis De Sales, the saint I had chosen for my Confirmation, was the patron saint of the Salesians and the source of its name.

Hopeful for the future Now I’m in my third year of formation with the Salesian Sisters—that is, preparation for full membership.

I feel more fully alive now than ever before. Living the virtues of poverty, obedience, and chastity enables me to be totally free to love and serve others. And though my vocation journey is not without fear, doubt, or difficulty, I have faith that God’s plan for me is, in the words of the prophet Jeremiah, “a future full of hope.” = LEE WITH CHILDREN during a service trip to Haiti that influenced her vocation decision.

Related article: VocationNetwork. org, “Why being single and living as a sister aren’t the same.”

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SISTERS

GREGORY MARCANTEL says about his daughter’s investiture day: “The emotion of that parting was very intense, ” with “love, pride, and more than a little sorrow.” It was hard for him that Angelique—a CPA— would not be joining his accounting practice as he had dreamed.

Proud family watches sister’s first steps Photos by Noel Marcantel. Text by Carol Schuck Scheiber.

Photographer Noel Marcantel is based in New Orleans.

He can be found at noelmarcantel.com and on Facebook (noelmphotography) and Instagram (@ noelmarcantel_photos). He specializes in travel, photojournalism, weddings, and other ceremonies.

Starting life as a Catholic sister is a big change: for the newly minted sister and her family too! When Angelique Joy Marcantel entered religious life, her family saw her off with a mix of emotions and camera in hand.

T

“

HE FIRST STEP is the hardest of all,” so the saying goes. And many times that sentiment rings true for men and women considering religious life.

Taking the plunge can be difficult, for them and for their families, who know their relationship with their loved ones won’t ever be the same.

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SISTER MARIE Protectrice de la Foi sits with another postulant who is about to take first vows.

MOTHER MARY of the Sacred Heart Gaes presents a permanent veil, which is blue, and a decorative crown of flowers.

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A few years ago the close-knit Marcantel family of Jennings, Louisiana gave its blessing to Angelique Joy as she began her entrance into the Servidoras community (Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará), but it was not easy.

First came the “investiture ceremony,” whereby Angelique donned a habit and took the name Sister Marie Protectrice de la Foi (French for Mary Protector of the Faith). That ceremony started a

several-year formation process.

Four months after investiture, Sister Marie Protectrice de la Foi took her first vows, which kicked off her novice year, during which she studied philosophy, liturgy, her community’s spirituality, church history, and other topics. Now a sister in temporary vows, she is stationed in Tanzania, East Africa, where she ministers in a school and medical clinic run by her community.

Her brother, Noel Marcantel,

“

Taking the plunge can be difficult, for them and for their families, who know their relationship with their loved ones won’t ever be the same.

A FELLOW SISTER reflects on the day of her first vows.

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“PART OF OUR culture as a religious family is to follow all major feast day Masses with a ‘feast’—a meal shared by all and a presentation of songs and dances,” says Sister Marie Protectrice de la Foi. Since first vows is a special occasion, “these are the sisters of [our] house of studies in Washington, presenting our song!”

DURING the evening of her first vows ceremony, the new sister visits with her best friend, Rachel Scott, and her parents, Jean and Greg Marcantel.

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photographed Sister Marie Protectrice de la Foi’s investiture and first vows—capturing on film her feelings about her missionary calling. She describes the two events: “My emotions were those of immense peace and a very profound joy, not just happiness, but true joy.

If freedom can be described as an emotion, it was that—the freedom that comes from having given Christ one’s whole self.”

She speaks to the realistic chal-

lenges as well: “I can attest that it is not easy to keep your focus on Christ when you are surrounded by so many distractions, and so, to persevere in the religious life is a gift from God. We continue to beg this gift from him every single day and to thank him regularly for our perseverance.” =

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My emotions were those of immense peace and a very profound joy, not just happiness, but true joy.”

Related articles: VocationNetwork. org, “Desert nuns find an oasis in sisterhood.”

THE NEW SISTER adjusts her crown of flowers.

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SISTERS

SISTER THEODORA Hawksley plays guitar during a service in the community chapel.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF CONGREGATION OF JESUS

A beginner sister keeps saying yes by

Sister Theodora Hawksley joined the Congregation of Jesus in 2015. Previously she had worked as an academic at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, where she specialized in peace-building and Catholic social teaching.

Sister Theodora Hawksley

From her exciting decision to enter religious life to an intense inner journey to grace-filled moments in ministry, here’s one woman’s experience of discernment as a brand-new sister.

I

HAVE BEEN on the journey of religious life for almost two years now, and I have a growing sense that life as a sister is about one gospel scene, repeated over and over: Jesus arrives on the shore and says, “Follow me,” and I answer, “Yes.” The challenging and enlightening experiences of my postulancy and novitiate helped me learn how to keep saying it as I continue to discern my call.

The first yes was exhilarating and easy. After years of careful discernment, it felt exciting to finally leave my job, clear my flat, and give away my possessions. I decided I would make the journey from my parents’ home to the Congregation of

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The first yes was exhilarating and easy.

After years of careful discernment, it felt exciting to finally leave my job, clear my flat, and give away my possessions.

Jesus house in London on foot. This is less heroic than it sounds—the distance is only about 40 miles—but turning it into a pilgrimage felt like a good way to mark the act of leaving home and starting a new life. As I walked through the streets of my hometown and out into the wintry countryside beyond, I found myself praying, “O God, you are my God, for you I long, for you my soul is thirsting.” Leaving behind muchloved friends and my job wasn’t easy, but I longed for God above all else, and that longing made the leaving worthwhile.

Embarking on postulancy I became a postulant a few days after I arrived in London, with sore feet but a happy heart. Postulancy is about learning to live in community, settling into the pattern of religious life, and learning a bit more about the order or congregation you are joining. It’s also a time of discernment, as both you and the congregation reflect on whether this is the life and the community to which God is calling you. For me, it was a time of real joy, growth, and confirmation that I had made the right decision. The sisters with whom

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THE AUTHOR talks with other sisters.

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I lived were engaged in different ministries during the day, from theology lecturing to hospital chaplaincy, and I enjoyed the new sense of shared purpose, shared mission, and shared prayer that came with community life. Learning to live in a very intergenerational community has its challenges, but there was a lot of encouragement and laughter, and I

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was also close to family and friends in London who were a good source of support.

Next step into novitiate After seven months in London, I moved north to York to begin my novitiate. For us, novitiate marks the beginning of becoming a member

of the Congregation of Jesus. This means I had to apply and undertake three interviews with sisters in the province, which was a good opportunity to explore how my call had deepened and developed during postulancy. In the old days, becoming a novice would have meant being “clothed,” but today it means receiving the distinctive cross of our order.

(One of our older sisters said a full veil and wimple took some getting used to because they made it sound like World War II in your head when you ate anything crunchy. In my case, I just inadvertently dangled my cross in my dinner for a few days, and then got the chain shortened to a better length!)

The novitiate is the backbone of initial formation: It is what prepares you to speak the life-transforming “yes” of religious vows. Some of that preparation is quite practical,

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My life as a religious can only be sustained by the certainty that Jesus calls me, and that this crazy adventure is not my good idea, but his.

including studying the constitutions, history, and spirituality of your congregation. The more fundamental preparation, though, is spiritual.

Novitiate is intended to be, at least in part, a desert experience where the call of God can be really heard and tested, separated out from all the hopes, expectations, and illusions that every person brings with him or her into religious life. In the old days, the desert was artificial, created

by high convent walls, seclusion from the rest of the community, lack of contact with family and friends, and manual labor. (Sorting socks is what the older sisters in my congregation remember.) These days, the rules are more relaxed, and the desert comes through more ordinary experiences. Being a lone novice living with a much older community was hard work, and I missed the lack of purposeful activity I had enjoyed in my professional life. I found myself struggling with loneliness, boredom, and frustration. At times, it was hard to remember the vision of generosity in God’s service that had brought me there.

But for all of the struggle, that desert time was the grace of the first year of the novitiate. Ultimately, my life as a religious can only be sustained by the certainty that Jesus

calls me, and that this crazy adventure is not my good idea, but his. I had found myself facing that moment that each of the disciples faced, when all the good reasons to follow the Lord seemed to disappear, and yet even in the most difficult moments, I could still clearly hear the call: “Follow me.” And though it demanded a much deeper generosity than ever before, I was still able to say, “Yes.” The experience of the Spiritual Exercises—meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices developed by Saint Ignatius Loyola—was important for me in confirming this yes, this inexplicable, joy-giving choice for Christ. I did the “long retreat,” as it’s known, in our house on the North Yorkshire coast. During the retreat I was guided through four weeks of contemplating Jesus’ life

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HAWKSLEY tamps down the community compost pile after a 30-day retreat.

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“

My experiences of ministry have shown me that, in belonging to God in a new and deeper way, I belong to the People of God in a new and deeper way, too.

Come and Be Who You Are! Reveal to others all they can be

Sr. Peggy Doyle, CND 732-232-5234

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from his birth, through his years of teaching and healing, to his suffering and death, Resurrection and ascension. Every single day, as I prayed, I walked along the beach outside the house and along the cliff tops that stretched away for miles to the east and west. This faithfulness to walking, in everything from blazing sunshine to thick fog and gale force winds, became an expression of my

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HAWKSLEY sings with fellow Congregation of Jesus member Sister Gemma Simmonds, C.J.

repeated yes to Christ, through all the ups and downs of my journey in religious life up to that point.

Where “yes” leads If novitiate is about saying yes to following Christ, it’s also about discerning where Christ is calling you, and how you are called to follow. In our congregation, where we share the same constitutions as the Jesuits, this means doing what we call “experiments” or mission placements. These placements stretch and test you, encourage you to grow in freedom and generosity, and encourage you to develop the spirituality and practices of a “contemplative in action.”

My experiences of ministry have shown me that, in belonging to God in a new and deeper way, I belong to the People of God in a new and deeper way, too. Through ministry, I have found that being a sister brings me into contact with the most beautiful, sinful, and intense parts of people’s lives: a Libyan asylum seeker in a homeless shelter who told me in tears about his journey to the United Kingdom and his desperate struggle to find work, a woman recovering from drug addiction whom I accompanied to a court hearing to regain access to her small children, Sudanese refugees with whom I worked side-by-side sorting canned food, the countless tugs on my sleeve from

people saying, “Sister, would you pray for . . . ” The word privilege is too small for moments like these. As I give thanks at the end of each day, all these experiences feel like a miraculous, shining catch of fish: There is more grace, more joy than I can count.

Two years to the day after I started walking from my parents’ house to begin my postulancy in London, I will be stepping on board a plane to Guyana, where I will spend three months working in the interior with indigenous communities. I am still only at the beginning of my journey of saying yes to Christ’s call, but already it has been a most astonishing adventure. = Related article: VocationNetwork.org, “Enter the real world of community life.”

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BROTHERS

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOUNT ANGEL ABBEY

SEVERAL YEARS ago Brother Andre Love, O.S.B. found his way to Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon—a place he now calls home, with men he now calls “Brother.”

Hard road to the monastery

by Ed Langlois

Brother Andre Love battled fierce inner demons before he returned to the church and found his way to religious life.

Ed Langlois, of Portland, Oregon, is editor of the Catholic Sentinel newspaper, where he has worked since 1993.

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IPS QUIVERING, nose running, and tears flowing, Bobby Love read through his notebook. The priest listened. The pages detailed 25 years of drug abuse, sexual excess, heavy drinking, and divorces. Love had treated scores of people shabbily.

He couldn’t believe he was uttering his deeds aloud. Head resting in heavily tattooed hands, he finished the list, then looked up, expecting the priest to be dialing 9-1-1.

But Father James Coleman, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Salem, Oregon, said only, “Is that it?”

Love was surprised and even a little offended by his reaction. He thought his list of sins warranted a stronger response. Apparently, Father Coleman had heard worse and so offered absolution and a penance the penitent thought too light for decades of debauchery.

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WHY BECOME A

MARIANIST? When Father Bob Jones, SM, started thinking about a religious vocation, it scared him a little. But under God’s guidance, “I knew it was right,” he says. “Looking back, it’s been exciting and challenging. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.”

Father Bob is chaplain and math teacher at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, Ohio.

IS A MARIANIST LIFE OF SERVICE, COMMUNITY AND PRAYER RIGHT FOR YOU? Learn more: Brother Mark Motz, SM vocations@marianist.us Sister Nicole Trahan, FMI ntrahan@gmail.com BROTHERS – PRIESTS – SISTERS

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LONG BEFORE HE was a monk, Love was an artist. He puts those skills to work regularly for the abbey painting icons, restoring art, and more.

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So Love also said, “Is that it?”

Father Coleman told Love that he was not getting off easily: “You’re going to have to go to RCIA. God’s got plans for you.”

Love did enter the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. He reclaimed his faith and was confirmed.

Now, 11 years later, he is known as Brother Andre Love, a Benedictine monk of Oregon’s Mount Angel Abbey. He is named after Saint André Bessette, the Holy Cross Brother known for healings and patron saint of a parish on Portland’s skid row, a refuge for hopeless cases.

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“I still laugh about it,” Love says of his vocation. “One of the things that is most affirming about it is that it’s so ridiculous that it must be of God. This is not something I would have pursued. This is not something I would have dreamed about. This is not something that I would have planned for. Yet every one of my desires in life has been fulfilled to a degree that is ridiculous—that’s the only word I can use to describe this.”

Rocky start Raised in a devout and moneyed

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“

Along with money came more intemperance. Like a hipster Saint Augustine, he began feeling miserable. He was a slave to his habits.

Catholic family in Texas and Mississippi, he was the only boy among five children. With an artistic personality, he clashed frequently with a numbers-oriented father. When Bobby was a teenager, he and his dad came to a mutual agreement—Bobby must leave home. The boy also left the church.

He joined the army at age 17 and stayed for five years. His commanders liked his work and gave him responsibility as a trainer who

prepared young soldiers for the Gulf War in 1991. What he did off-duty was another matter. He partied hard with booze, drugs, and sex. With every paycheck, he got a new tattoo.

After discharge, he embraced art and painting, and he worked briefly for Tower Records in New York.

He saw tattoo artists making good money and entered the field, earning as much as $100 an hour. “It was going to be a wonderful life,” he says.

Along with money came more intemperance. But, like a hipster Saint Augustine, he began feeling miserable. He was a slave to his habits. “I got to this point of hopelessness,” he says.

Trying to fill the void, he got married a few times and traveled: New York, Houston, Austin, Seattle, New Orleans. It was in the latter city that a close friend was murdered

brutally on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. The shock changed Love.

“It was so sudden, so quick, so unexpected that I thought, ‘This could happen to me. And if this were to happen to me today, I’m going to hell. No getting around it. Absolutely. One-way ticket.’ ” He responded to this new awareness in a way that felt familiar to him: He had “Have mercy” tattooed across his shoulders. “If by some chance I ended up at the gates, I had no defense. I just hoped God would have mercy,” he says. “That was my first prayer as an adult man.”

He asked himself why he felt so miserable when he had so much money and fun. It occurred to him that, despite his last name, his life was devoid of love.

He realized he had disposed of essential parts of himself—family

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and faith. “I was starving in a way,” he explains.

Second chance Love left his lucrative tattoo career, not because he thinks it’s inherently bad, but because he could no longer abide many of the sleazy images and words people asked him to etch permanently on their bodies. “Here are all these people coming to see my work and give me their money and I just can’t stand it,” he says. “I had nothing to give.”

On a bus headed to drug rehab, he looked out the window and saw an elderly woman lugging a duffel bag as large as she was. He saw it as signifying his own load of sin. That’s when he filled a notebook with his misdeeds and called St. Joseph Church in Salem, suggesting that the priest set aside a big block of time and brew a pot of coffee.

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After Confession, he felt new strength. “It occurred to me I have a clean slate. It’s all wiped away,” he says.

He made a second list, one with names of all the people he needed to ask for forgiveness.

“God had shown me this mercy.

God had given me this second chance,” he says. “But there was still all this animosity and hurt lingering out there in these relationships.” He wanted to look into the eyes of his sisters, his mother, his ex-wives and ask how he could set things right.

He traveled the country for several months making apologies. Most people accepted graciously. At least one wished he would just die, but came around later.

After learning about his faith from an adult perspective in RCIA, he moved to the Oregon coast to build a new life. “Obviously I’m supposed to get married, right? And have

“

If by some chance I ended up at the gates, I had no defense. I just hoped God would have mercy.”

a family and raise cool little Catholic kids and they will all be awesome with little Mohawks,” he says.

He was waiting for God to bring the perfect woman into his life.

He sat on the beach and watched couples run into each other’s arms seemingly in slow motion. After a while, he started getting angry.

Surprising direction Love went to complain to the parish priest in Newport, who suggested that maybe Love had another calling—monastic life.

“I thought that was crazy talk,” Love says. But he took a brochure from the priest and recognized pictures of Mount Angel Abbey, a place he had visited to see its art

LOVE MAKES HIS final vows with two other men in 2014, Brother Jesus Maria Leija, O.S.B. and Brother Gregory Benavidez, O.S.B.

and architecture. Thinking of it as a blind date with a monastery, he went on a discernment retreat, sporting dreadlocks, a long beard, tattoos, and dicey curriculum vitae.

“They were looking at me and saying ‘What?’ ” Love recalls.

Father Odo Recker, the vocations director at Mount Angel, admits that he did not know at first what to do with Love. No one had looked and spoken like that before while trying to enter the monastery.

“It was realizing that this was the real deal,” says Recker. “This has been a very positive thing for us. You need to be open to God’s surprises.

You need to be not too quick to judge.”

Welcoming the new recruit pushed Mount Angel’s famous hospitality up a notch.

“I was very transparent with them,” Love says. “This was not my plan anyway, so if it didn’t work out, well, that would be all right.”

A year elapsed between his first discernment retreat and his entrance into postulancy, a short-term live-in experience. During that period in be-

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Is that that you you God? God? Is LOVE GREETS a friend at the monastery’s bookstore and cafe.

FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF THE ATONEMENT

We bring AT-ONE-MENT to a fragmented world through Gospel Love, Mercy and Healing.

The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement is a Roman Catholic religious community with social, ecumenical, and pastoral ministries in the United States, Canada, England, Italy, & Japan.

For information about: Discernment Weekends for Young Adults ●Summer Internships for College-aged Men ●Immersions Experiences for Men Considering a Religious Vocation ●

ATONEMENTFRIARS.ORG/DISCERN Paul Krenzelok Director of Discernment Ministry pkrenzelok@atonementfriars.org 845-424-2122

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“

Monks are to do all in moderation. That code has given him additional strength in his ongoing recovery.

tween, he attended every official vocation event the abbey had, plus a week or two independently. He recalls the moment when finally he was allowed to stand in choir with the monks to pray the office. “I was giddy like a schoolgirl,” he says. One monk teased him about how his hands trembled as he held the book of psalms.

In some of the later retreats, Love was allowed to live among the monks and work with them side-by-side. He knew he loved the life, but the com-

munity had questions for him, too.

During Love’s year of decisionmaking, the abbot asked him point blank: Can you guarantee that you will not go back to substance abuse?

Love said he could offer no such guarantee. But he did explain to the abbot that he had been clean and sober for a few years already and cited the notion of taking things one day at a time: “I said if I do today and tomorrow what I did yesterday, we will be in good shape.” Monks, Love says, are to do all in moderation.

That code has given him additional strength in his ongoing recovery.

New life Love has been a Benedictine since entering in 2009. He professed his solemn, or final, vows in 2014. Instead

The artist’s eye If there be skilled workmen in the monastery, let them work at their art in all humility, if the abbot giveth his permission (Rule of St. Benedict 57:1).

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of abandoning art, he has continued, creating holy images as an iconographer. The abbot assigned him as curator of the abbey art collection and museum. Because of the mechanical skills he gained in the army and from taking care of his motorcycle, Love is also caretaker of the massive bells high in a tower above the church.

“Brother Andre brings to the community what every monk should bring in his own unique way: the desire for conversion, the desire to live a life of prayer together with the help of many brothers,” says Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, a well-known scholar chosen last year by his peers as Mount Angel’s spiritual leader. “He also brings a sense of hard work in service of the community.”

Love is among a number of men who have been coming recently to the

HIS PASSAGE in the Rule of Benedict led to one of the more important questions I was to answer during the discernment period prior to my entry into the monastery.

The abbot asked me how would I feel if I was not asked to work as an artist for the community. The question was truly a test of the spirit.

My initial reaction was to balk.

Ever since my youth, I have identified as an artist. This identity has completely shaped how I perceive and interact with the world. The abbot might as well have asked me to stop being a man. Impossible; it is who I am. After some reflection it occurred to me, this must be how the rich man felt when Jesus told him to sell all he had, give to the poor, and follow him.

My answer to the abbot was that I came to the monastery to be a monk not an artist. I gave that response in trusting obedience to God. He knows my heart and my deepest desires. He alone knows where I will find fulfillment. I did, however, add one little caveat: that no matter what task I am assigned it will be accomplished in an

monastery. As this article was being written, the abbey had 16 men in formation (preparing to become full members) and seven men considering entry after an initial live-in period.

For his part, Love does not particularly like talking about his past life. But he feels obligated, after the mercy God showed him.

“It’s funny. I get all these kudos: ‘It’s just amazing what you’ve done with your life and how you turned it around and made all these changes,’” he says. “Actually, what I’ve done

artistic manner. It will be brought to fruition with a mind and heart sensitive to form and design, beauty and order.

Upon entry to Mount Angel, I was blessed with the opportunity to share my talents as an artist, as a means of contributing to the community. For this, I am extremely grateful. I see in my role, as artist and curator of art for the abbey, the ability to share the gospel message in a unique way that seems tailored for my personality. By using a vocabulary of symbols or through mindfully arranged exhibits in the museum, I am participating in a silent dialog with the many visitors of Mount Angel Abbey. My hope is that I can convey with integrity the relevance and connectedness of all God’s universe.

Of course, the monastery is a busy place and art is not all I am assigned to do. But even when I am scrubbing toilets, it is done with an artistic eye for detail. I find myself trying to add just the right measure of cleanser to the bowl to achieve a perfect shade of blue, similar to the sky on a cloudless summer day. In this way, I am expressing my appreciation for the beauty of creation.

This humble endeavor most likely will go unnoticed, but it is still done that God may be glorified in all things.

— Brother Andre Love, O.S.B.

is take a perfectly good life, run it smooth into the dirt, and then ask for help to get it out and then received that help.”

On top of that grace, he explains, he was led to the life he was meant to live—at a hilltop monastery. “After all this wandering around and all these relationships,” he says, “I realize I was basically trying to figure out how to get home.” = Related article: VocationNetwork.org, “How to know where God is leading you.”

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BEING CATHOLIC

MAZUR/CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ENGLAND & WALES

Roll out the welcome mat

by Alice Camille

Alice Camille is the author of 20 books, including Fearless: Stories of the American Saints and other titles at alicecamille.com.

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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH in the United Kingdom, much like the church in the United States, is made up of immigrants from around the world.

Pictured here is Bishop Nicholas Hudson at a Way of Mercy World Youth Day celebration in Westminster Cathedral, London.

Catholic teaching clearly informs us how to treat the “stranger”—migrants, immigrants, and refugees— in our midst.

S

OMETHING EXTRAORDINARY happened at Standing Rock, North Dakota in December 2015. Defending their water supply and burial grounds made vulnerable by the Dakota Access Pipeline, the Sioux began a protest blocking the construction. That’s not the remarkable part. What is unusual is that more than 2,000 U.S. military veterans joined in to defend them against violence by U.S. law enforcement. Some veterans knelt before Standing Rock leaders in a reconciliation ritual, asking forgiveness for crimes committed against native peoples by the U.S. government throughout history. “We took your land” was among the sobering injustices the veteran spokesperson confessed.

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You shall not oppress an alien; you well know how it feels to be an alien, since you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.”

“We do not own the land,” the Sioux leaders corrected gently in accepting the apology. “The land owns us. We are its caretakers.”

The mutual display of humility was stunning. It stands in stark contrast to the way most of us think about national identity. Despite the global citizenship we benefit from every day, we tend to stuff our allegiance tightly inside national boundaries drawn on maps. U.S. citizens claim a particular ownership of all that exists “from sea to shining sea.” We possess this land in proud terms that, without much reflection, can slide easily from patriotism to arrogance to aggression. This sense of possession toward land—and even culture—makes the arrival of the stranger in our midst a source of tension, which may turn to suspicion, hostility, even violence.

Scripture is clear-cut about how to treat the stranger: “You shall not oppress an alien; you well know how it feels to be an alien, since you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt” (Exod. 23:9). It’s as clear as a U.S. vet kneeling in front of a Native American elder confessing white culture’s long legacy of trespass against the land’s citizens. It’s as clear as U.S. bishops reminding us that today’s immigrants “call most of us back to our ancestral heritage as descendants of immigrants and to our baptismal

We embrace being an international, intergenerational, intercultural congregation.

Karen Hawkins, SP Vocation Director Seattle, WA (206) 661-5925 karen.hawkins@providence.org

Elizabeth “Liz” Cole, SP Vocation Office Manager Spokane, WA (509) 474-2323 vocations@providence.org

Sisters of Providence Mother Joseph Province

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ANY CATHOLIC teaching principles shape our response to migrating peoples, including: • The dignity of the person • Economic justice • The common good • The preferential option for the poor • Rights balanced with responsibilities • The promotion of peace • Global solidarity and development • The moral function of governments

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heritage as members of the body of Christ” (Welcoming the Stranger Among Us, 2000). All of us share in the world’s goodness because of God’s generosity—not because we’ve got the right documentation or because we were here first. To claim rights for ourselves, while denying the dignity of others, is to forget who we are.

For Catholics this message of

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welcoming the stranger comes alive every time a household embraces an immigrant family in the neighborhood, whenever an individual supports policies that aid refugees, whenever a parish makes it clear that the “strangers” among them belong.

Our heritage of “other” Just a generation beyond their

enslavement, Moses warned the Israelites not to forget their history as they moved into a better future in Canaan: “For the Lord, your God . . . executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and befriends the alien, feeding and clothing him. So you too must befriend the alien” (Deut. 10:17-19). The friends of God are recognizable by how they demonstrate hospitality to the most powerless.

Jesus reaffirms the gravity of such hospitality in his teaching about final judgment: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matt. 25:35). If we fail to recognize Jesus in the needy stranger, we’re not excused. In fact, such recognition is the criteria for admission to the Kingdom.

In Welcoming the Stranger, the U.S. bishops reject the “anti-immigrant stance that has become popular in different parts of our country, and the nativism, ethnocentricity, and racism that continue to reassert themselves in our communities.”

These teachings are clear. Our natural egoism makes us cry “mine, mine” about everything we get our

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There’s no room for self-centeredness in Christianity, including the spirit of nativism.

hands on from the time we’re toddlers. But there’s no room for selfcenteredness in Christianity, including the spirit of nativism. Nativism describes the inner conviction that “we’re the real Americans”—and everyone who got here after us doesn’t belong.

Unity in plurality isn’t easy.

Yet cultural pluralism is our story.

During the last big century of mass migration from 1820 to 1920, the United States was saturated by waves of immigrants seeking a new home.

The church responded energetically with ethnic parishes, schools, and charitable institutions, founded by men and women religious, hastening the integration of newcomers into the American story. That’s how my grandparents got here. It’s why I’m a participant in the American dream today.

It must be admitted: The institutional church was less responsive to Native American and black communities in our midst who sought the same integration. “The stranger you know” can be harder to embrace than the foreigner you don’t.

Church leaders drafted statements of intent for these groups but rarely implemented them. Progress came mostly through the courage of individuals such as Augustus Tolton, the first black priest in the United States, and groundbreaking women religious, such as Elizabeth Lange, Henriette de Lille, Katharine Drexel, and Thea Bowman, who fought for the rights of Native American and

I

n 1866 Saint Thérèse Couderc, the Foundress of the Cenacle Sisters, had a vision of the Goodness of God. Today, over 150 years later, in Laudato Si’ Pope Francis invites us to gaze on the whole creation with eyes that see Goodness.

Come join us in living out this vision!

773-528-6300 vocations@cenaclesisters.org

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black Catholics within the U.S. church.

Challenges of change The face in need of our welcome keeps changing. Nineteenth-century immigrant waves came from Europe.

The arrival of more non-European immigrants since 1965 has led to an ironic rise in hostility from citi-

zens descended from the European influx. Unhappily, this is true in my family. We’re two generations “off the boat” ourselves, but my older relatives are deeply suspicious of the new arrivals.

This anxiety is especially strong in working-class communities already hard hit by shifts in the economy away from what used to be secure industries. Competition

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 141

COURTESY OF MAYA MINISTRY

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for work is keen in these regions.

What will happen when a new wave of hungry laborers arrive on the scene?

Another factor affecting the new immigration was the tightening of borders between the United States and Mexico, particularly after 9/11. South-of-the-border laborers continue to depend on U.S. jobs as much as our economy depends on their cheap labor. But their passage here is often imperiled, and their

142 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

presence is viewed with suspicion and hostility.

Stay true to tradition “Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity,” Pope Francis declared on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees in 2014. Our faith teaches that all of us are beloved children of God. But in our “throw-away culture,” the pope continues, precious things are

As the pope says, migrants want what we all want: a decent life where safety and employment are possible.

devalued: the environment, human rights, and people themselves. Once more we find ourselves in an era of sweeping migrations at levels that encourage a rise in fear and dread.

We retaliate by dehumanizing those who seem to threaten “our country” by diluting “our identity.”

Pope Francis isn’t shy about the cause: “We cannot remain silent about the scandal of poverty” at the root of this swelling tide of humanity. No one wants to leave home and country behind. But when leaders of nations don’t safeguard the good of their people, when wars disrupt whole societies, when frail economies are devastated, when people can’t feed

CATHOLIC SISTERS, priests, and brothers have been involved with helping immigrants and refugees for much of U.S. history. Sister Rachel Sena, O.P. shares a smile with two of her literacy students at Maya Ministry in Lake Worth, Florida.

their families, populations migrate.

As the pope says, migrants want what we all want: a decent life where safety and employment are possible.

In a rare joint statement, the U.S. and Mexican bishops have offered five key Catholic ideas about immigration to illuminate the discussion:

1. People have the right to find opportunities in their homeland.

3. Nations have the right to control their borders.

The church recognizes this right but rejects control merely to acquire additional wealth. Wealthier nations have a stronger obligation to accommodate immigrants than others.

4. Refugees and asylum seekers deserve protection.

This right isn’t limited to jobs. It includes economic, political, and social opportunities to live in dignity with a just, living wage.

The global community must protect those fleeing war and persecution.

Migrants have a right to refugee status without being jailed as their claims are considered.

2. People have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families.

5. The dignity and rights of undocumented migrants should be respected.

All the goods of the earth belong to all people. (The Sioux are right: We do not own the land!) When people can’t support their families, they have a right to seek work elsewhere. Nations should accommodate this right.

The inherent human dignity of all persons must be respected. Government policies must respect the human rights of the undocumented. (from Strangers No Longer: To-

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gether on the Journey of Hope, 2003, n. 34-38) Pope Francis suggests we all benefit from establishing a “culture of encounter.” Knowing people makes them real for us. Bumping heads with those who migrate may not be the gentlest mode of encounter, but many have no choice but to be here. Migrating people are often forced into swift and penetrating changes they would not otherwise choose. When they arrive among us, we’re obliged to change, too.

We all fear the loss of identity encounters with strangers initiate.

But as history and the gospel teaches us, they can be embraced as opportunities for invigorating, challenging, and transformational growth. = Related article: VocationNetwork.org, “Heaping helpings of mercy.”

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 143

BEING CATHOLIC

NASA

THIS PHOTO, taken from the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1992, shows a moonrise and sunrise from outer space. Pope Francis’ environmental vision begins from the perspective of a world without borders that requires action at all levels to repair the damage it has endured.

What Pope Francis wants you to know about the environment

by Carol Schuck Scheiber

Carol Schuck Scheiber is content editor of VISION and editor of HORIZON, journal of the National Religious Vocation Conference.

Environmental harm is considered by many to be the issue of our time. With characteristic hope and love, the pope has boldly spoken on it. Learn what it means for you.

W

HEN LAUDATO SI’ was published in 2015, the world took note. Although the environmental encyclical—like most church documents— builds upon previous statements and teachings of the church, it greatly heightened interest and focus on environmental concerns among Catholics and all other interested parties. Pope Francis addressed it to “every person living on this planet.”

Laudato si’: On Care for Our Common Home is about 150 pages in published book form, so any article that treats its themes cannot capture all its richness. It does not read like a page-turner, but the concentration it demands of readers rewards them with its insights into the world around us, its understanding of the human heart, and

144 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

its joyful (but not naive) celebration of the natural world.

Here are five of the messages Pope Francis shares in this encyclical.

1. Faith and “real life” are connected.

The very act of writing an encyclical on our care for creation means that Pope Francis, like popes before him, wants Catholics to apply principles from faith to all aspects of life. Our spiritual life is part and parcel of the rest of our life, and it has bearing on how we conduct ourselves in the marketplace, in our relationships, in our politics, and so on.

In fact, so closely intertwined is faith and material reality that Pope Francis spends a good bit of ink explaining that the created world is an embodiment of God in the same way that human life is made in the image and likeness of God.

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Our insistence that each human being is an image of God should not make us overlook the fact that each creature has its own purpose. None is superfluous. The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us.

Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God (Laudato si’, sec. 84).

2. The environmental crisis is real and urgent.

Pope Francis recognizes that global warming and other types of environmental degradation are harming the earth and the plants and animals that live on it, including humans. The Enter #341 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 145

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crisis is not overstated, he emphasizes, and people must face it head on: As often occurs in periods of deep crisis which require bold decisions, we are tempted to think that what is happening is not entirely clear. Superficially, apart from a few obvious signs of pollution and deterioration, things do not look that serious, and the planet could continue as it is for some time. Such evasiveness serves as a license to carrying on with our present lifestyles and models of production and consumption. This is the way human beings contrive to feed their self-destructive vices: trying not to see them, trying not to acknowledge them, delaying the important decisions and pretending that nothing will happen (Laudato, sec. 59).

146 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

In the first chapter, “What is happening to our common home,” the pope looks at pollution, global warming, loss of biodiversity, and water purity and access. He connects those issues to global inequality and declines in the quality of human life for many, with the poor being the hardest hit.

The human environment and the natural environment deteriorate together; we cannot adequately combat environmental degradation unless we attend to causes related to human and social degradation.

In fact, the deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet: “Both everyday experience and scientific research show that the gravest effects of all attacks on the environment are suffered by the poorest” (sec. 48).

“

The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God.

3. The environmental crisis has human roots.

In particular, Francis says our craving for consumer goods, for our own convenience and our own (albeit temporary) comfort, has negative environmental impacts. Technology should not be blindly embraced but rather seen as valuable when it enhances human life and the common good.

But a sober look at our world

Encyclical:

A document of official church teaching put forth by the pope.

shows that the degree of human intervention, often in the service of business interests and consumerism, is actually making our earth less rich and beautiful, ever more limited and grey, even as technological advances and consumer goods continue to abound limitlessly (sec. 34).

Obsession with a consumerist lifestyle, above all when few people are capable of maintaining it, can only lead to violence and mutual destruction (sec. 204).

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Yet all is not lost. Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start, despite their mental and social conditioning (sec. 205).

A ruined natural environment, Francis says, is closely connected to aspects of our culture that are in ruins: weak families, dysfunctional governments, immoral businesses.

If everything is related, then the health of a society’s institutions has consequences for the environment and the quality of human life. “Every violation of solidarity and civic friendship harms the environment.” In this sense, social ecology is necessarily Enter #438 at VocationMatch.com VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 147

peace “We are beginning a new order. We want brave, noble, large-minded and courageous souls.”

Mother Clare, Founder

Read Laudato si’ CLICK on “encyclicals” online at vatican.va.

The document is also available as a print book.

of recognizing the other (sec.

162).

CONTACT Sister Coralie Muzzy, CSJP

Vocation Director cmuzzy@csjp-olp.org www.csjp.org

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seek truth • make peace • reverence life

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institutional, and gradually extends to the whole of society, from the primary social group, the family, to the wider local, national and international communities.

Our difficulty in taking up this challenge seriously has much to do with an ethical and cultural decline, which

148 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

has accompanied the deterioration of the environment.

Men and women of our postmodern world run the risk of rampant individualism, and many problems of society are connected with today’s self-centered culture of instant gratification. We see this in the crisis of family and social ties and the difficulties

4. Hope prevails: Individual and collective action can help.

Healing the planet begins in our hearts and homes and extends into our jobs, policy-making, and more, says Francis.

Although the post-industrial period may well be remembered as one of the most irresponsible in history, nonetheless there is reason to hope that humanity at the dawn of the twenty-first century will be remembered for having generously shouldered its grave responsibilities (sec.

165). ... A path of productive development, which is more creative and better directed, could correct the present disparity between excessive technological investment in consumption and insufficient investment in resolving urgent problems facing the human family (sec. 192).

Furthermore, by focusing on our vocations (how we use our God-

“

There is reason to hope that humanity at the dawn of the twenty-first century will be remembered for having generously shouldered its grave responsibilities.

given talents), we can be part of the process of healing the planet.

5. Contemplate, celebrate, and rest.

Yes, you read that right. Pope Francis ends his lengthy, intricate letter reminding us that a connection exists between a sense of celebration and festivity and our honor for God, nature, and the Eucharist. Furthermore he reminds us that we need to guard the

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Sabbath, using it to rest and worship.

Doing so will renew us in our commitment to nurture both creation and human dignity.

The sacraments are a privileged way in which nature is taken up by God to become a means of mediating supernatural life.

Through our worship of God, we are invited to embrace the world on a different plane.

Water, oil, fire and colors are taken up in all their symbolic power and incorporated in our act of praise. . . . Christian spirituality incorporates the value of relaxation and festivity. We tend to demean contemplative rest as something unproductive and unnecessary, but this is to do away with the very thing which

is most important about work: its meaning. . . . . Rest opens our eyes to the larger picture and gives us renewed sensitivity to the rights of others. And so the day of rest, centered on the Eucharist, sheds it light on the whole week, and motivates us to greater concern for nature and the poor (sec. 237).

The mission to care for creation is part of each human being’s essential vocation. As Pope Francis puts it in the final paragraph of Laudato si’: “God, who calls us to generous commitment and to give him our all, offers us the light and the strength needed to continue on our way. . . . His love constantly impels us to find new ways forward. Praise be to him!” = Related article: VocationNetwork.org, “Catholic social teaching: a guide.”

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 149

INDEX

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Men’s 141

Alexian Brothers, p. 156

207

Augustinian Friars, p. 99

020

Augustinian Monks of the Primitive Observance, p. 63

328

Augustinians of the Assumption, p. 63

254

Barnabite Fathers and Brothers, p. 108

132

Benedictine Monks, Collegeville, MN, Saint John’s Abbey, p. 36

INDEX

465

088

182

468

217

507

408

365

014

256

Benedictine Monks, Lisle, IL, Saint Procopius Abbey, p. 64 Benedictine Monks, Morristown, NJ, Saint Mary’s Abbey, p. 134 Benedictine Monks, Newark, NJ, Newark Abbey, p. 143

Brothers of Christian Instruction, p. 32

098

Franciscan Friars, Conventual, p. 68

100

Brothers of the Christian Schools, p. 63

003

Brothers of the Sacred Heart, p. 95

103

091

Capuchin Franciscan Friars, p. 57

344

Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, OH, p. 93

112

Carmelite Friars, Pure Heart of Mary Province, p. 50

192

Josephite Priests and Brothers, p. 94

307

Carmelite Friars, St. Elias Province, p. 66

334

Marianists, Province of Meribah, p. 96

092

Claretian Missionaries, p. 35 105

Marianists, Society of Mary, p. 131

494

Mariannhill Missionaries, p. 98

298

Marist Brothers, p. 104

107

203

123

Comboni Missionaries, p. 111

095

Congregation of Christian Brothers, p. 102

097

411

Congregation of Holy Cross, p. 107 Congregation of St. Basil, p. 132

Benedictine Monks, Peru, IL, Saint Bede Abbey, p. 64

Congregation of the Mission, p. 101

Benedictine Monks, Pine City, NY, Mount Saviour Monastery, p. 64

046

Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata, p. 66

099

Crosier Fathers and Brothers, p. 66

434

Discalced Carmelite Friars, p. 19

Benedictine Monks, Saint Benedict, LA, Saint Joseph Abbey, p. 64 Benedictine Monks, Saint Benedict, OR, Mount Angel Abbey, p. 132 Benedictine Monks, Saint Meinrad, IN, Saint Meinrad Archabbey, p. 64 Benedictine Monks, Subiaco, AR, Subiaco Abbey, p. 4

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206

178

Benedictine Monks, Richmond, VA, Mary Mother of the Church Abbey, p. 43

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177

Divine Word Missionaries, p. 135

228

The Dominican Friars, p. 9

119

Edmundite Fathers and Brothers, p. 96

110

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, p. 136

Norbertine Fathers and Brothers, St. Norbert Abbey, p. 133

111

Oblates of the Virgin Mary, p. 69

Glenmary Home Missioners, p. 135

271

Order of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 69

239

Pallottines, Immaculate Conception Province, p. 31

541

Pauline Fathers and Brothers, p. 45

114

The Paulist Fathers, p. 53

116

Priests of the Sacred Heart, p. 71

135

The Redemptorists, p. 15

117

Salesians of Don Bosco, p. 71

Marists Fathers and Brothers, p. 16

145

Salvatorians (Society of the Divine Savior), p. 97

199

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, p. 5

159

Servants of Mary, Friars, p. 71

225

Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, p. 68

300

Servants of the Paraclete, p. 71

129

Missionaries of the Holy Family, p. 98

136

Society of African Missions, p. 104

108

Missionaries of the Precious Blood, p. 103

107

Society of Mary, p. 16

164

Spiritans, p. 153

133

Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 95

192

St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart, p. 94

109

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, p. 42

415

Trappist Cistercian Monks, pp. 71-72

284

Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, p. 105

122

Trinitarians, p. 108

094

Viatorians, p. 72

178

Vincentian Priests and Brothers, p. 101

506

Vocationists, p. 72

137

Xaverian Missionaries, p. 21

102

Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, p. 101

478

Franciscan Friars, p. 2

542

Nazareth Hermitage, p. 69

283

Franciscan Friars-Province of the Sacred Heart, pp. 2, 93

289

Norbertine Fathers and Brothers, Daylesford Abbey, p. 40

INDEX

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Women’s 001 Adorers of the Blood of Christ, p. 41 267 Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 73 482 Benedictine Nuns, Petersham, MA, St. Scholastica Priory, p. 139 004 Benedictine Sisters/ A.B.F.C., p. 51 282 Benedictine Sisters, Duluth, MN, St. Scholastica Monastery, pp. 51, 115 353 Benedictine Sisters, Elizabeth, NJ, St. Walburga Monastery, pp. 37, 51 069 Benedictine Sisters, Ferdinand, IN, Monastery Immaculate Conception, p. 140

152 Benedictine Sisters, Rock Island, IL, St. Mary Monastery, pp. 51, 155 175 Benedictine Sisters, St. Joseph, MN, St. Benedict’s Monastery, pp. 51, 145 157 Benedictine Sisters, Watertown, SD, Mother of God Monastery, p. 27 143 Benedictine Sisters, Yankton, SD, Sacred Heart Monastery, pp. 21, 51 008 Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, p. 140 214 Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, p. 42

011 Cistercian Nuns, p. 125 257 Congregation of Divine Providence, p. 76 012 Congregation of Notre Dame, p. 128 058 Congregation of Sisters of Bon Secours, p. 117

037 Franciscan Sisters at Springfield (Hospital Sisters of St. Francis), p. 83 354 Franciscan Sisters of John the Baptist, p. 80 170 Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, p. 40

171 Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, p. 22

030 Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, p. 39

363 Congregation of the Humility of Mary, p. 76

056 Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth, p. 34

440 Consolata Missionary Sisters, p. 77

211 Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, p. 77

168 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, p. 149

138 Glenmary Home Mission Sisters of America, p. 81

236 Daughters of Divine Zeal, p. 77

183 Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, p. 28

263 Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, p. 119

127 Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, p. 125

015 Daughters of St. Paul, p. 77 150 Daughters of the Heart of Mary, p. 77 275 Daughters of Wisdom, p. 114 018 Dominican Sisters, p. 113 176 Dominican Sisters, Adrian, MI, pp. 113, 148 439 Faithful Companions of Jesus, p. 5 025 Felician Sisters, p. 25 125 Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, p. 80

333 Carmel of Cristo Rey, p. 76

442 Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, p. 81

013 Carmelites, Congregation of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, p. 76

126 Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, p. 80

210 Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 81 039 Little Company of Mary Sisters, p. 44

043 Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart, p. 82 044 Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 3 542 Nazareth Hermitage, p. 82 447 Olivetan Benedictine Sisters, p. 18 271 Order of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary, p. 82 292 Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, p. 83 047 Passionist Nuns, Ellisville, MO, p. 83 438 Poor Clares, Jamaica Plain, MA, p. 147 048 Poor Clares, Langhorne, PA, p. 35 194 Poor Clares, Spokane, WA, p. 83 359 Poor Clares, Travelers Rest, SC, p. 83 049 Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, p. 83

432 Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, p. 26

460 Poor Servants of the Mother of God, p. 75

361 Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary, p. 11

503 Presentation Sisters, Dublin, Ireland, p. 83

041 Little Sisters of the Poor, p. 116

466 Religious of the Assumption, p. 84

105 Marianist Sisters, p. 131

273 Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, p. 84

479 Maryknoll Sisters, pp. 113, 142 042 Medical Mission Sisters, p. 147

255 Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco - Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, p. 84

299 Medical Missionaries of Mary, p. 82

052 School Sisters of Notre Dame, p. 84

VocationNetwork.org | VISION 2018 | 151

INDEX

341 Benedictine Sisters, Fort Smith, AR, St. Scholastica Monastery, pp. 51, 145

188 Cenacle Sisters, p. 141

INDEX

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Women’s (continued)

053 School Sisters of St. Francis, Milwaukee, WI, p. 84 054 Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, p. 84 055 Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, p. 22

INDEX

082 Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, p. 84

509 Sisters of Our Mother of Divine Grace, p. 85 068 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-theWoods, IN, p. 86

059 Sisters of Charity (Federation), p. 84

064 Sisters of Notre Dame, p. 86 065 Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, p. 23 366 Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, p. 86

152 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

218 Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union, p. 91 086 Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis, p. 91 087 Wheaton Franciscans, p. 91

Associate communities 049

420 Sisters of Social Service, p. 86

252 Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, pp. 26, 39

063 Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, p. 146

077 Sisters of the Good Shepherd, p. 128

078 Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, p. 73

287 Sisters of St. Francis, Tiffin, OH, p. 44

212 Sisters of Christian Charity, p. 28

315 Sisters of the Divine Savior, p. 126

181 Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, p. 37

083 Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA, p. 29

061 Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, TX, p. 58

163 Sisters of St. Rita, p. 27

155 Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, p. 34

540 Sisters of St. Francis, p. 39

296 Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 85

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067 Sisters of Providence, Seattle and Spokane, WA, p. 139

187 Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, PA, p. 48

060 Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida, p. 85

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475 Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, IA, p. 114

139 Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, p. 39 085 Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH, p. 141 279 Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, p. 23 294 Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, pp. 39, 89 024 Sisters of St. Joseph (Federation) p. 47 227 Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, p. 148 154 Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, p. 39

079 Sisters of the Holy Redeemer, p. 43 329 Sisters of the Humility of Mary, p. 127 318 Sisters of the Precious Blood, p. 33

New communities of consecrated life 049

327 Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dubuque, IA, p. 89

034 Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, p. 129 081 Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, p. 17

NFCRV Debt Fund, p. 11

Secular institutes 360

Don Bosco Volunteers, p. 91

337

Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ, p. 32

147

United States Conference of Secular Institutes, p. 91

367 Sisters of Transfiguration Hermitage, p. 90

Service organizations

172 Society of the Holy Child Jesus, p. 49 027 Society of the Sacred Heart, p. 87

Fiat Spiritus Community, p. 91

Resources 496

250 Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, New Windsor, NY, p. 90

Associate Community of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, p. 91

483

Catholic Volunteer Network, p. 16

415 Trappistine Cistercian Nuns, p. 90

U.K./Irish communities

222 Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph, p. 90

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ART OF DISCERNMENT

WOMAN AT THE WELL, SISTER ELAINE PENRICE, F.S.P.

Quench your thirst

by Patrice Tuohy

C

“

Author Patrice Tuohy is publisher of VISION on behalf of the National Religious Vocation Conference and CEO of TrueQuest Communications.

OME, see a man” who knows me, who knows you! That is the good news the Samaritan woman at the well runs to tell her neighbors.

The call to “come and see” is the first step toward discipleship. Jesus is your guide every step of the way as you discern the best path forward. Jesus is the one who knows you—your strength and resolve and your fear and doubt. He offers a personal invitation to you to follow in God’s way. And your answer—your vocation—is particular and specific. No other disciple will be exactly like you. No one else has the exact gifts that you bring.

You may choose religious life, consecrated life, a diocesan vocation, marriage, or other lay commitments.

The type of vocation you decide upon is not nearly as important as the quality of your vocation. Does it bring you joy? Does it increase your capacity for love? Does it draw you toward forgiveness and peace? Does it quench your thirst, not just for today but for the long haul? =

154 | VISION 2018 | VocationNetwork.org

Artist Sister Elaine Penrice is a Daughter of St. Paul and religious life promoter at the National Office for Vocation, Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales.

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COMMUNITIES IN THE UK

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WOMEN’S COMMUNITIES

COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

A Association of British Carmels Carmelite nuns belong to the Order of Discalced Carmelites. In Britain, over 200 sisters live in fifteen Carmelite monasteries, throughout England, Scotland and Wales. We follow the inspiration of St. Teresa of Avila, our Spiritual Mother, who believed that the most fruitful contribution she and her daughters could make for the good of the Church and the world was to develop a profound personal relationship with Jesus, in prayer, silence and sacrifice, offered for the salvation of all. This ideal is lived out in community life modelled on the friendship between Jesus and His disciples. The Eucharist is at the center of each day. Work, both household and remunerative, is sanctified by the full recitation of the Divine Office, two hours of silent prayer, and spiritual reading, as well as periods of recreation together. This calling both demands and supports the total gift of self to our loving God. www.carmelnuns.org.uk; philipcarmelnh@gmx.co.uk. Member of Compass.

Code #373.

Augustinian Sisters, Burgess Hill The Augustinian Order was founded in 1842 in Bruges, Belgium by Reverend Canon Peter John Maes who devoted his life to the care of the mentally ill. The Sisters of St. Augustine was re-formed in 1866 when it established its first home, St. George’s Retreat in Burgess Hill, Sussex, principally to care for the mentally and physically ill. The Sisters have continued to care for those that need it ever since. Today our Sisters work in our own houses in the Diocese of Plymouth, Northampton.

We also have Sisters in Birmingham and Westminster still carrying on the vision of Canon Peter Maes. St. George’s is the Mother House, where the new care village and three care homes have been established. www.anh.org.uk; Sr. Miriam Condron; thomas@ahn. org.uk. Member of Compass.

Code #374.

B Bernardine Cistercians, England We are a monastic and international Order of women living according to the Rule of St. Benedict. We respond to the calls of the Church through our monastic life with our work of hospitality and education. The search for God in faith is the life-force of our whole day which is divided between prayer and work, lived out in a community united in love. Through lectio divina, personal prayer, the celebration of the Divine Office and the daily Eucharist, we nourish our life of prayer. Our monastic life calls for a certain withdrawal from the world, silence and asceticism which purifies the heart. We respond to the call of God who first loved us, by seeking him as followers of Christ through our vows of obedience, stability and conversion of life, which include consecrated chastity and the renunciation of all personal property. We welcome women who feel called to a monastic vocation to come and see. www.bernardine. org; Sr. Maria Whisstock, srmariabernardine@yahoo. co.uk. Member of Compass.

Code #453.

C Carmelites, Notting Hill, UK The mission of the Carmelite is to enter, by the total gift of herself, into the saving mission of Christ, who gave himself for us that we might come to a fuller life in God. The Carmelite is one with all people, those who believe, those who search, and those who do not know that they are searching. She identifies with all that is worthy of humanity’s endeavour. Yet she is called to a life that is counter-cultural: to live quietly, against the background noise of the city; to live sparingly in an increasingly wasteful age; to live hidden in a competitive society; above all, to live lovingly in a violent world. In her contemplative prayer, the Carmelite carries the needs and hopes of every person before God, lifting the face of humanity to the Father, and opening her heart to be a channel of his outpouring love for all. Each sister works for the good of all and everything is held in common. While silence is maintained throughout the day as far as possible, this is balanced by two periods of recreation when the sisters come together to strengthen the bonds of community life. www.carmelitesnottinghill.org.uk/formation.htm; carmelnottinghill@talktalk.net. Member of Compass.

Code #393.

Cenacle Sisters Cenacle Sisters are inspired “to work for the transformation of the world by awakening and deepening faith with and for the people of our time.”

Our three-fold mission is lived out through Apostolic Service, Prayer, and Community Life. Apostolic Service of making Christ known and loved is carried out through a variety of ministries, retreats, spiritual direction, chaplaincies, and faith development. Prayer is at the center of the mystery of the Cenacle and our lives as Cenacle Sisters. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, prayer is at the heart of our ministry and our ministry inspires our prayer so that in all things Christ may be made known and loved. Community Life is where we come together and seek to have but one heart and soul.

Our community of faith is gathered out of love for God, united in our mission, nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist so that we may have the grace of loving one another as Christ has loved us. www. cenaclesisters.co.uk; Sr. Kate Stogdon, katestogdon@ btinternet.com. Member of Compass.

Code #376.

Congregation of Jesus Despite centuries of struggle in a Church and a world unprepared for Mary Ward’s pioneering vision, sisters of the Congregation of Jesus today are fulfilling her Ignatian dream of women at the apostolic service of the Church and their fellow human beings all over the world. Formed in the tradition of St. Ignatius and the Spiritual Exercises we aspire to: • be “wholly God’s” - finding God in all things; • be “lovers of truth and workers of justice” in the light of the gospel; • live as companions of Jesus, sharing in His mission to our brothers and sisters.

Whether by working in schools and universities, prisons or hospitals, spirituality centers or chaplaincies, through education, spiritual direction, social action for justice and hospitality we try to: • live with passion;

• act with integrity; • pray with desire. www.congregationofjesus.org.uk; vocations@congregatiojesu.org.uk; facebook.com/cjenglishprovince.

Member of Compass.

Code #377.

Congregation of Sisters of Bon Secours (C.B.S.) Can you picture yourself as consecrated to God by vows of poverty, chastity and obedience? A compassionate, healing, and liberating presence caring for all of creation? One who finds God in relationships—within community, colleagues in ministry, in people served and in the world? A woman of deep faith and prayer anchored in God’s love? A sister to all—accompanying the poor and oppressed, the sick and dying, healing injustices, bringing a message of hope and wholeness, and revealing to people a God who loves them? If you see yourself as this woman, then explore a vocation with Sisters of Bon Secours. If you are a single, Catholic woman, age 18-50 with no dependents, becoming a sister is possible. In Great Britain, we use our gifts and talents in a variety of settings including parish ministry, ministry to the terminally ill, pastoral visitation of hospitals and nursing homes, and home visitation. How would you like to use your gifts for God? For more information, contact Sr. Bridget O’Sullivan, C.B.S. at brdgsullivan2@gmail.com or UKBonSecours@gmail. com. Bon Secours means Good Help – share God’s good help at Bonsecours.org/?page_id=32; www.facebook. com/UKSistersofBonSecours.

Code #543.

D Daughters of Charity, UK We belong to an international Roman Catholic congregation of women founded by Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac.

We are given to God in community for the service of people in need who are carrying the hardships and poverties of our times. Our “cloister is the streets of the city” and our Vincentian spirit is one of humility, simplicity, and charity. Love embraces social justice and we commit ourselves to work for social transformation to change the unjust structures that cause poverty. Community is an essential support for our way of life and our primary place of belonging. We live together in community the better to fulfill our mission of service. It is a setting in which joy and affection nurture our human and spiritual growth as well as our apostolic creativity. www.daughtersofcharity.org. uk/. srtheresatighe@gmail.com. Member of Compass.

Code #454.

Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters), UK Our religious family has its origin in the heart and mind of St. John Bosco and the creative fidelity with which St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello and her sisters assumed the project he intended, that of being called Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The Salesian Sisters of the Province of St. Thomas of Canterbury feel strongly called to follow Jesus, dedicating our lives to God through service for others. The Salesian charism—our special gift and responsibility—is to reach out to the young offering friendship, support, and help for their journey through life, and especially

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Note: These listings appear in the digital edition only. looking out for those most in need. Community is a key value for us. We consider it important to live together as “family.” We encourage others to work with us for the good of the young, and most communities benefit by the presence of committed Salesian cooperators and co-workers. www.salesiansisters.org.uk; paulinefma@googlemail.com. Member of Compass.

Code #381.

Daughters of the Cross of Liege, UK We are an international group of Roman Catholic women who have been called to understand and proclaim to others that the love of God has been revealed to us in the most striking way in the Passion and Death of Jesus. Our RESPONSE to this great love is to honor Christ by loving and serving Him above all in the poorest, weakest and most suffering people. Living in a religious community means choosing to live with God and with others, for God and for others. Today the Daughters of the Cross seek to build communities of faith, centered on the Eucharist and nourished by prayer, in order to fulfill the Congregation’s apostolic mission. Our ministries are many and varied. You will find us: visiting and caring for the sick and infirm; providing pastoral ministries in parishes, schools, and hospitals; and working for peace and justice. www.daughtersofthecross.org.uk; paainsworthfc@gmail.com. Member of Compass.

Code #383.

Daughters of the Holy Spirit We are an international, Roman Catholic congregation founded in Brittany, in 1706, for the relief of the poor, the sick, and the education of children. Rooted in the Love of the Trinity and our readiness to be led by the Spirit, we find that source which enables us to serve our brothers and sisters. Our involvement in mission is often expressed through simple human gestures, apparently without significance.

(Rule of Life) We are a ‘Spiritual Family’ of vowed Sisters living in community; Consecrated Seculars--vowed single women living alone or with family or friends; and Associates--lay people, married or single, male or female. We share the same charism, spirituality and missionary thrust, striving to live Matthew 25, ‘I was hungry...thirsty...’ We live our baptismal consecration in the Spirit of Pentecost. ‘For us there is no mission without adoration, without calling upon the Spirit to renew the face of the earth.’ (Rule of Life). www.fillesstesprit. org; patapurchase@hotmail.com. Member of Compass.

Code #487.

F Faithful Companions of Jesus, UK Our vocation is simply to be Companions of Jesus, sharing in the mission of Jesus in the world. We are called to follow Jesus faithfully, willing to stand at the foot of the cross like Mary and the holy women. To be one with Jesus in his thirst for the coming of the Kingdom of God. We live an Ignatian spirituality and, as Faithful Companions of Jesus, our missionary spirit urges us to adapt our work to the changing needs of Society and to the culture in which we live. In a world often torn apart by violence and poverty we offer our whole selves for whatever God is asking of us. www.fcjsisters.org; Sr. MaryAnne Francalanza; maryannefcj@ gmail.com. Member of Compass.

Code #426.

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary A specific missionary spirituality has been characteristic of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary since the beginning.

This is an integrated way of living as Gospel witness and proclamation. It is centered in the Eucharist and follows the way of St. Francis of Assisi. At the heart of this spirituality is the image of Mary, Mother of Jesus, who gave herself totally to the plan of God for the life of the world. The FMM live and share together in community, where they seek to live a real communion with each other. Ecumenical collaboration and dialogue with all persons sincerely seeking truth and justice characterize their way of mission throughout the world. For that reason, the internationality among the FMM is a path and sign of communion in a world which is fragmented. This meeting of cultures lived in community is already the good news. www.fmmii.org; hmfennell@hotmail. com. Member of Compass.

Code #474.

Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood We are an International Religious Congregation of Catholic women who proclaim with their lives the joy and freedom of the Gospel in the spirit of Francis and Clare of Assisi. We share in Christ’s

mission and witness to our charism by channelling our energies and resources primarily for the voiceless and the vulnerable in our beautiful but broken world.

Our common vision of Gospel community flows into service through education, health-care, social, pastoral, and spiritual support. As Franciscan women we commit ourselves to living as ‘sister’ to all people and the whole of creation. Right relationships lie at the heart of our charism. We rejoice in our gifts of family, simplicity and joy that permeate our communities. As a small International congregation we are enriched by our cultural diversity. We value our personal and community prayer which nourishes us for the many and different ways in which we are called to serve God’s people. For any Catholic unmarried women ages 17 to 45, if you feel the desire to deepen your relationship with God or feel the need to discern what God might be asking of you, please feel free to contact St. Jacinta as there is generally a prayer, fellowship, faith sharing at St. Clare’s Clapham Common every 3rd Saturday of the month. www.fmdminternational. co.uk/; Sr. Jacinta Kow; jacintafmdm@gmail.com.

Member of Compass.

Code #385.

G Grace and Compassion Benedictines, UK The Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Grace and Compassion was founded in 1954 and in 1978 became part of the Benedictine family. The Rule of St. Benedict is centered on Christ and aims at a balanced life. The main work of the congregation is hospitality, particularly in the care of the old, the sick, and the poor. We take as one of our vows that of “stability,” by which we promise to persevere in our monastic family. Everything is held in common. We obey the lawful commands of our superiors. We look for women who are sincerely seeking God, who have a love for the liturgy, who are generous, caring, with sound common sense, and in reasonable health. A sense of humor is an asset. www.graceandcompassionbenedictines.org. uk/; carmel@graceandcompassion.co.uk or pgkathy@ btconnect.com. Member of Compass.

Code #452.

I

COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Daughters of St. Paul, UK We are an international Catholic community of religious women dedicated to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our spirituality is nurtured by the Eucharist and the Word of God and expressed through our collaborative effort to present the living message of Christ in a way that is meaningful for people today. We are committed to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, through word, color, and sound in the spirit of the apostle Paul. We use all forms of communication, new and old, to enable people of every nation to find for themselves an answer to their hearts’ deepest questions. Sr. Germana Santos; gsantos226@gmail.com; www.paulineuk.org/daughters-of-st-paul. Member of Compass.

Code #382.

Daughters of Wisdom The Daughters of Wisdom Great Britain and Ireland are part of a worldwide family of women who endeavour to live the shared vision of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort and Blessed Marie Louise Trichet and reflect the Wisdom of Christ by showing immense love to wounded humanity.

Though the Province traces its history back to 1891, the current work of the Daughters of Wisdom reflects creative and holistic approaches to the challenges of the 21st century. Projects include: a centre for people with intellectual disability; a conference venue and spirituality centre; a residential nursing home for the elderly and frail; and projects for the ‘out of home.’

Daughters of Wisdom can also be found working in missions and parish ministries and with voluntary organizations. If you are interested in living this Wisdom spirituality and desire to live your life for God alone, please contact our vocation discernment team.

Sr. Patricia Reilly; preilly57@yahoo.co.uk; www. daughtersofwisdom.org.uk. Member of Compass.

Code #490.

Infant Jesus Sisters We are an International group of Catholic Women Religious serving in 16 countries. We desire to center ourselves in God, who is constantly creating and recreating all that lives. Our institute, founded in France in 1662, has always had a strong focus on mission, with sisters being trained to serve the needs of people in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. In collaboration with others, our current ministries include teaching, working with refugees and asylum seekers, visiting and supporting the “traveling community,” running a pony center, bereavement counseling, art therapy, awareness raising in the field of ecology and care of the earth, catechetical formation of children and adults, pastoral leadership in parishes, and many activities in the promotion of justice, peace, and integrity of creation. www.infantjesussisters.org; kittyijs@gmail. com. Member of Compass.

Code #386.

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Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, UK We are an international, apostolic, women’s congregation founded in 1609 by Mary Ward. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola are central to our life, dedicated to sharing Christ’s mission in our world. Mary Ward realized that the Jesuit ‘pathway to God’ could be followed by women. We strive to live life to the full, being ‘such as we appear and appear such as we are...’ always reflecting her values: ‘freedom, justice and sincerity.’ The words on her tombstone: ‘To love the poor, live, die and rise with them...’ was all the aim of Mary Ward...’ guide our efforts to reflect in various ministries the preferential option for the poor. We seek to challenge unjust structures and respond to the needs around us. Priority for mission has implications for community life; we are often dispersed, united ‘in mind and heart’, sharing the One Mission of the Body of the Institute. www.ibvm.org; Sr. Ewa Bem; ewaibem@gmail.com. Member of Compass.

Code #491.

L Little Company of Mary Sisters, UK (L.C.M.) Inspired by the faith, courage, and initiative of the founder of the Little Company of Mary, Mary Potter, we are women of many nations who have heard a call in our lives to “FOLLOW JESUS”, in the spirit of Mary the Mother of Jesus. We simply believe beyond belief that our small talents and our capacity to love and serve echo the love and service Jesus gave to those he encountered in His life. As vowed women within the Catholic Church, we are to see and act through the lens of justice, to make visible the truth that all women and men are to share the fruits of God’s graciousness in Jesus. The ways we do is this through prayer for the dying; hospital/ hospice/parish visits; bereavement support; spiritual direction; support of the elderly in their own homes; working with the homeless; school chaplaincy. To find out more about joining us as a Sister, please contact: Sr. Anita MacDonald, L.C.M.; anitamac90@btinternet.com; lcmsisters.org.uk.

Code #390.

Little Sisters of the Poor, UK In 181 homes for the aged in 31 countries, the Little Sisters repeat the founding gesture of Jeanne Jugan: that of receiving the aged in need, caring for them until death, loving them, and serving them in an evangelical atmosphere mindful of authentic respect for life. Each Little Sister draws from her life of prayer the desire to live the spirit of the Beatitudes in humility, simplicity, and confidence in God. The joyous service of the elderly, sealed by a fourth vow of hospitality, is accomplished together in united, international communities. Why not explore the way in which you can live in the light of the gospel message through prayer and service to the elderly? www.littlesistersofthepoor.co.uk; Sr. Caroline Lloyd; mp.lond@lsplondon.co.uk. Member of Compass.

Code #450.

O Oblates of the Assumption Missionary Sisters, UK The Oblates of the Assumption live and work in over 20 countries worldwide. We live lives of Contemplation in action; driven by a love of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the Church (to be deepened continually and

taken “to the world”). We live in international and intergenerational communities; with an ardent desire for the Coming of God’s Kingdom: within us, between us, around us. We are open to the modern world with a passion for mission; in collaboration with our Brothers: the Augustinians of the Assumption (with whom we share the same founder). Faithful to the spirit of our founder, Emmanuel d’Alzon, we aim to live this mission as: daughters of the Church and workers for unity who seek the Glory of God and the realization of the ultimate desire of Christ: “May they be one”. Ecumenism and Inter-Faith dialogue are, therefore, foremost in all that we do. Our Motto is: Thy Kingdom Come. www. assumptionoblatesisters.org.uk/; Sr. Josephine Canny; mnicannaid@yahoo.ie. Member of Compass.

Code #394.

P Presentation Sisters As a religious Community, we commit ourselves to deepening our relationship with God, supporting each other and continuing the Mission of Jesus. At the heart of Presentation Spirituality is compassion and hospitality. We are called to a reflective way of living in which our prayer moves us to action and our action to prayer. Nano Nagle, our foundress, began her work of liberation of the poor in Cork, Ireland, in a setting of political oppression, displacement of people, economic and social injustice and deprivation of human rights. She brought to the sad reality of her day all that a person can ever bring - her own response made in faith to God, whom she knew to be present in each human life. Inspired by her example, other women, in circumstances at once amazingly different, amazingly similar, have down the centuries, brought to the developing story their own unique contribution in every continent. www.pbvm.org; Sr. Catherine O’Neill; catherine.pbvm@ blueyonder.co.uk. Member of Compass.

Code #429.

R Religious of the Assumption, UK Founded by St. Marie Eugenie Milleret, contemplative prayer is the source and strength of our community life and our mission. Each day we gather together for the Liturgy of the Hours, to celebrate the Eucharist, and for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We are educators by vocation, seeking to make Jesus Christ and his Church known and loved. Convinced that each of us has a mission on earth, through our diverse educational ministries we help each person discover the contribution they are called to make to the building up of God’s Kingdom and the transformation of society. Founded in 1839 we are an international Congregation, present in 34 countries. www.assumptionreligious.org; Sr. Maureen Connor; maureen_ra@yahoo.com. Member of Compass.

Code #397.

S Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, UK As Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, we follow Christ who is always to be found in those places where pain, hunger, intolerance, and hatred tear people apart. We are particularly sensitive to women and children; people with special needs; and to vulnerable and marginalized people who are denied the fullness of life. Our communi-

ties strive to be places of hospitality, where forgiveness and healing are ongoing, and each person’s culture, gifts, and talents are acknowledged, respected, and celebrated.

In keeping with our Mission Statement we are called to help shape communities of gentleness, justice, and peace that witness to the healing, liberating, and empowering love of God. Our home base is in Ireland and the UK, with over 20 communities spread across these isles. Our sisters also serve in the U.S., South America, Africa, and Asia. www.sacredheartsjm.org/; Sr. Maria Holly; mariahollyshjm@gmail.com. Member of Compass.

Code #399.

Sisters Hospitallers of the Sacred Heart, UK The Congregation of Sisters Hospitallers is an international Religious Congregation providing health care to people with psychiatric illnesses, people with physical and mental disabilities, people who are elderly or suffering with dementia and people with other illnesses in accordance with our founding charism. From the moment of its foundation, the Congregation has had among its primary objectives the provision of complete care and acceptance of the sick. We aim at caring for the person in her/his entirety, working to maintain or reinsert the person into society and in defence of her/his dignity. www.sistershospitallers.org. Sr. Isabel Canton; superior@hsc-uk.org. Member of Compass.

Code #428.

Sisters of Christian Instruction (St. Gildas) The apostolic zeal of Gabriel Deshayes and the openness of Michelle Guillaume to the will of God led to the birth of our Congregation in Beignon - Brittany on the 8th November 1820. The spiritual experience of our founders has become for each of us today, a light by which we respond to our vocation in the Church and in the world.

Our mission is to witness to Jesus Christ and to proclaim the Gospel. Our first task in the Church and in the world is to be humble witnesses of the love of God. The power of the Gospel message is an invitation to reach out from wherever we are to those who are most affected by injustice and poverty. Today in England, France, Ireland, Africa and Mexico small communities of sisters live in rural areas or small towns, in suburbs, town centers or on housing estates. Activities and professions are varied: Education, social work, care of the sick and elderly, pastoral work, in all its forms. www.sistersofstgildas.org. uk; Sr. Ann O’Sullivan; anncatherineosullivan@gmail. com. Member of Compass.

Code #431.

Sisters of Nazareth, UK As religious women our first desire is to seek God, becoming one with him, taking on his mind and his way of life. We then live out our consecration through the various ministries (services) that enable us to present the love of Christ to all. For more than 150 years, inspired by our foundress Victoire Larmenier, we have been supporting and caring for those in need, from the beginning of life, through our ministries of childcare and education, to the later years, through residential care services and independent living and other ministries in keeping with our spirit. We strive to live our core values of love, compassion, patience, respect, justice, and hospitality. These values are the heart of our professional

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Note: These listings appear in the digital edition only. expertise, making each Nazareth House a place of peace. www.sistersofnazareth.com; Sr. Frances Kelly; FCKELL@tiscali.co.uk. Member of Compass.

Code #448.

Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, UK We are committed in a special way to working with women and the young because we believe that when you educate women, you help to educate families and to build a better world. We allow ourselves to be called to account by the Gospel and to respond with responsibility and prophetic ardour similar to those which animated our founder, Euphrasie Barbier. In the light of reflection and research in today’s Church, we are convinced that mission demands solidarity on the one hand and, on the other, a change of direction in the name of the Gospel. The possibilities for ministry here are limitless.

At present our apostolic involvement includes teaching, retreat work, parish ministry, adult education, social work, mission appeals, work with immigrants and refugees, care of the elderly, hospital and hospice chaplaincy, working with the homeless, and hospitality for student sisters from Bangladesh, Kenya, Myanmar, and Vietnam. www.rndm.org; Sr. Mary Frances Collet; mcollet4@gmail.com. Member of Compass.

Code #395.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, UK (C.S.J.P.) “We want brave, noble, large-minded, and courageous souls.”

Those attributes, written by Founder, Mother Clare in 1887, are among those we seek in new members today as our Congregation recommits to Jesus’ way of radical hospitality. Contemplative discernment and our charism of peace through justice compel us to expand and create new ministries not just “for” but “with” people who’ve been pushed to the margins. Called to carry on the mission of Jesus, we practice hospitality, nonviolence and care for creation. Recalling Jesus’ identification with the prophetic tradition, we develop a critical, sensitive conscience regarding religious, social, cultural, economic and political realities. Prayer is fundamental to our life. Our presence to one another in community enables, sustains, and challenges us to be responsive to our mission. Our sisters and associates minister in education, health care, social justice, parish ministry, spiritual direction and peace ministry in the U.S., U.K.,

Society of the Holy Child Jesus We are an international community of Catholic women religious committed to Christ, living their consecrated life in the spirit of the Society founded by Cornelia Connelly in 1846. We believe that God has chosen to need women and men in every age to reveal God’s love as Jesus did.

We serve in a variety of educational, pastoral, social, legal and spiritual ministries, through which we continue our mission to help others understand that God lives and acts in them and in our world and to rejoice in God’s presence. Trust and reverence for individual dignity and God’s loving mercy for the human family and for all creation mark our lives and our work wherever we are. www.shcj.org/vocation; Sr. Anne Stewart; anne.stewart@hotmail.co.uk. Member of Compass.

Code #422.

Society of the Sacred Heart (R.S.C.J.) The Society of the Sacred Heart is an international congregation of some 2,700 women in 42 different countries of the world. Sharing the spirit of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, we are united in our mission: to deepen our understanding of God’s love and to discover and reveal that love to the world, through service with the hearts of educators. Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ), share life together in small communities and seek, though prayer and contemplation, to be drawn ever more deeply into the Heart of God. United to God’s Heart we are challenged to make choices for justice in response to the Gospel and the needs of the world. www.societyofthesacredheart.org.uk; www. societyofthesacrdheartvocations.org.uk; Sr. Barbara Sweeney; bswe915436@aol.com. Member of Compass.

Code #492.

U Ursulines of Jesus Ursulines of Jesus is an international congregation of women religious, founded in France in 1802 by Fr. Louis M. Baudouin. Today, we are present in Africa, Madagascar, Latin America, Europe - including UK and Ireland. Our ministries include: education and healthcare, parish pastoral, catechesis, spiritual and vocational accompaniment, hospital and university chaplaincy, and counselling/psycho-therapy.

Through our Charism, calling us to a life of Adoration of Jesus, the Incarnate Son of God, we seek to live close to the poor; to see Him in every human face, serving Him above all in those who are marginalized. www. ursulinesjesus.org; Sr. Agnes Cullen; agnescuj@gmail. com. Member of Compass.

Code #424.

W Ware Carmel As Christians and Carmelites we try to follow Jesus Christ in faith, hope and love for the glory of God and for his reign on earth. The apostolic nature of our contemplative prayer gathers all engaged in the active ministry of the church (priests, theologians and lay persons) and places us at one with the needs and longings of the whole human family. Through the total gift of ourselves to

God we strive under the Spirit’s action to establish a community of love. The Eucharist is the focal point of each day and is prolonged and renewed by the Liturgy of the Hours, a celebration of divine praise.

Two hours daily are set aside for silent and solitary prayer and there is further time for spiritual reading.

Through a careful balance between solitude and life in community and all that is required to earn our own living we try to give gospel values priority. “In the heart of mother Church I will be Love” This is St. Therese’s understanding of the life - work of a Carmelite. www.warecarmel.com; Sr. Fiona Collins; warecarmel@btinternet.com. Member of Compass.

Code #425

MEN’S COMMUNITIES B Benedictine Monks, Worth Abbey, UK Benedictine monastic life was instituted in the Church in the sixth century; to this day, monks follow the Holy Rule as our response to Christ’s call. Monks listen to Christ through Church teaching, through the Scriptures, and through the Abbot and Community. Our response is the obedience of community living, the stability of community prayer and the conversion of mutual service. At Worth Abbey, 20 monks sing daily Mass and the full Divine Office of the Church in the Abbey church, and, as witnesses to the eternal truths of God, practice lectio divina of scripture and private mental prayer. We follow the monastic tradition of earning our own living through educational and pastoral works, offering hospitality to guests and, by our communal way of life, stand out against worldliness and social disharmony. Worth Abbey is a monastery of the English Benedictine Congregation, and a member of the worldwide Benedictine Confederation. Contact: Fr. Mark Barrett; jmbarrett@worth.org.uk; www. worthabbey.net. Member of Compass.

Code #469.

COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Sisters of Notre Dame, UK Saint Julie Billiart founded the Sisters of Notre Dame to make known God’s goodness, especially among the poorest and most abandoned people. Today, Sisters in Britain find themselves engaged in a wide and rich variety of ministries. The sisters contribute to the pastoral work in many dioceses in England and Scotland and to projects for the poor and marginalised around the country. Many sisters have chosen to work with the homeless, asylum seekers, refugees, and others in need of help and support. Other sisters are engaged in work with interfaith groups, spiritual direction, retreat work, and various forms of therapy and counselling work. We too strive to be women of prayer, who seek in every aspect of our lives to be united with God and to be responsive to the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of love. Sr. Elizabeth Brady; elizabeth.brady@sndden. org; www.snduk.org. Member of Compass.

Code #404.

and Haiti. Sr. Maureen Brennan, maureenbrennancsjp@ gmail.com; www.csjp.org. Member of Compass.

Code #406.

Brothers of Christian Instruction (F.I.C.) [De La Mennais Brothers] The Brothers of Christian Instruction, also known as the De La Mennais Brothers, is a teaching order founded by Fr. Jean-Marie de la Mennais with Fr. Gabriel Deshayes in 1819 to teach the poor children of Brittany in Western France who had not had the chance to go to school nor to learn about their faith due to the social upheaval caused by the French Revolution in 1789.

Father De La Mennais gave the new congregation the motto, “Dieu Seul” (D.S.), which means “For God Alone.” The Brothers are now in 26 countries around the world, including France, Uganda, Chile, Japan, England, Italy, the U.S.A., and Indonesia. Wherever they are their aim remains that of their founder: to educate the young and to “make Jesus Christ better known and better loved.” Contact: Br. James Hayes, FIC; bro_james@me.com; www.brojames.blogspot. co.uk. Member of Compass.

Code #470.

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COMMUNITIES IN THE UK

SEARCH THESE COMMUNITIES ONLINE AT VOCATIONNETWORK.ORG Note: These listings appear in the digital edition only.

Brothers of the Sacred Heart, UK The Brothers of the Sacred Heart have been about the mission of making the compassionate love of Christ real and tangible in the lives of young people since our foundation in Lyon, France in 1821. Our brothers can be found in 32 countries around the world ministering as teachers, administrators, coaches, campus ministers, and counselors in schools of all types. We also have brothers serving youth in colleges, prisons, parishes, literacy centers, and in third-world missions around the globe. We have the Loving Heart of Jesus as our focal point; his compassion enriches our prayer life and mission. He calls us to live as brothers: encouraging and supporting each other in community. www.brothersofthesacredheart.org; dansty2@gmail.com. Member of Compass.

Code #457.

COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

C Capuchin Franciscan Friars of Great Britain (O.F.M. Cap.) In a time when reform was needed within both the church and the Franciscan family, Matteo Bassi, a friar, sought a life away from possessions, position, and wealthy benefactors to spend a life as a hermit, with the externals of coarse habit, long hood (capuce: hence “Capuchin”), and bare feet.

He and his companions were established in 1543. Today there are 10,500 Capuchin friars throughout the world. The local Capuchin community normally consists of four to six friars living together, dependent on each other for prayer, meals, and recreation together and to fulfill the various duties of each place: study, pastoral work, office work, retreats and missions, vocational work, the sacrament of reconciliation, lecturing, care for people who come to the friary, and chaplaincy work for hospitals, prisons, and schools, among others. Contact: Br. Zbigniew Fryska, OFM Cap; cap.vocations@btinternet.com; www.capgb.org/ vocation. Member of Compass.

Code #472.

Christian Brothers, UK The Congregation of Christian Brothers was founded by Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice (1762-1844), a lay businessman, in 1802. He began his work in Waterford, Ireland, where his particular concern was the plight of Catholics who had been excluded from education because of the penal laws in force at the time. By the end of the nineteenth century the Congregation had grown steadily in membership and Brothers had moved to many different countries around the world. Today, Christian Brothers live in a faith community. They engage with people in their daily lives, often in the context of education and faith journey, but also as community workers, youth workers, and teachers.

They are committed to being with poor people in their struggles, and in their desire for a better life.

A Brother is committed to: Spiritual search, Life in community, and Service of others, especially the poor. www.christianbrothervocation.org; Br. Dominic Sassi; dominicsassi@gmail.com. Member of Compass.

Code #501.

D Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D.) The British Region of Discalced Carmelites have communities in Lon-

don, Oxford and Bucks. It is a large international Order founded by St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, dedicated to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, whose virtues of faith and service we strive to imitate. We find our inspiration in the Prophet Elijah, who burned with zeal for the Lord. We live in small communities, nurtured by the Word of God, dedicated to prayer and apostolic service.

We are called to union with God through friendship with Christ and each other; to a life of prayer and service to the Church and world. Fr. John McGowan; johnmcgowan50@gmail.com; www. carmelitevocation.ie. Member of Compass.

Code #375.

H Hospitaller Order of St. John of God (O.H.) Worldwide over 1,230 Brothers live and work within 25 provinces across five continents. The Province of Saint John of God comprises Great Britain, Ireland, New Jersey, and Malawi where the Brothers fulfill a variety of roles in governance, leadership, and pastoral and hands-on support. Most importantly they are the guardians and promoters of the story of Saint John of God, his life, and his charism, keeping alive his mission in 53 countries today. The Brothers profess the three vows of religious life which are traditional within the church: poverty, chastity, and obedience. To these they add a fourth vow of hospitality. By this fourth vow they give their lives over to the service of the poor and broken in society, just as Saint John of God had done before them. Contact: Br. Ronan Lennon, OH; ronan.lennon@sjog.ie; www.saintjohnofgod.org/vocations.php. Member of Compass.

Code #471.

parishes, preaching parish missions, leading retreats or encountering people in the inner city, we offer people a new and exciting glimpse of a loving Father who calls us by name. In community we pray, live, work and play. We have a passion for the Gospel and we have a passion for people. We seek to bring these two passions together. www.redemptorists.co.uk; Fr. Richard Reid; richard.reid@redemptorists.co.uk.

Member of Compass.

Code #489.

S The Society of Jesus Founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, and living in the spirit of his Spiritual Exercises, we are servants of Christ participating in the Church’s overall mission of evangelization. We seek to proclaim Christ’s love by our service of the poor and our work for justice. We seek to uncover His presence in our world through our engagement with culture and through dialogue with men and women of other faiths. We seek to promote His kingdom by being instruments of reconciliation, in humanity’s relationship with God, with creation, and amongst peoples. We are sent to where the needs are greatest, and in particular to the frontiers where faith and culture meet, where peoples of different faiths and no faith encounter one another. We receive particular missions entrusted to us by the Pope for the service of the Church. www.jesuit.org.uk/; Fr. Matthew Power; matthew.power@jesuits.net. Member of Compass.

Code #423.

P Passionists, UK The Passionists are a Catholic Religious Order of Pontifical Right founded by St. Paul of the Cross in Italy in 1720. Passionist priests, brothers, nuns, sisters and laypeople proclaim God’s love for the world revealed through the Passion of Jesus Christ and carry a message of compassion and hope to 61 countries throughout the world. Our mission aims at evangelizing by means of the Word of the Cross. In England and Wales Passionist ministry started with the peaching of retreats and missions, other ministries developed after Vatican II, including the Inner City Mission, our primary mission now, where Passionists of St. Joseph Province live and work among people of deprived areas. Contact Fr. Martin Newell; vocations@passionists-uk.org; www. passionists-uk.org. Member of Compass.

Code #510.

R Redemptorists, (CSsR), UK As an international Catholic Religious Congregation, our presence is felt in every corner of the world, working and ministering in 79 countries. Motivated by St. Alphonsus, our founder, bishop and Doctor of the Church, in whatever way we can, we try to bring Jesus our Redeemer into the very heart of daily life. Whether in working with those searching for a deeper understanding of faith, or celebrating the liturgy each day in our

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