I was contacted by a reader who asked me to pass on some information for an upcoming retreat held by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc Wisconsin.
While I have discerned that I am not called to religious life, I know there are people out there who ARE called and perhaps don't realize it yet. I would encourage every Catholic woman out there to really consider whether YOU are called to serve the Lord and His Church as a vowed religious Sister.
I checked out their website and they've got some great information. They even have videos and music that can be downloaded and viewed from your computer, to aid you in your discernment.
Here's some information, for anyone interested, about the next retreat. (Note: you'll have to open a PDF link for more details.)
We Invite You...
Young, Adult, Single Women to a Lenten/Spring Transformation Retreat at Holy Family Convent March 2-4, 2007! Come join other young women who desire to grow in their faith and discover the transforming love of Jesus!
You may also contact the Sisters directly:
Phone: 920-682-7728
E-mail: Sister Mary Ann Spanjers
smaryannsp@fscccalledtobe.org
They've also got a blog!
Please, everyone, men and women both; please pray about whether God may be calling to to service in the Church. We need Sisters, Nuns, Deacons, Priests, and Brothers. There are many discernment retreats available through various communities, and attending one does not "lock" you into that particular community. They are just as concerned about your Vocation as you are! So please open your heart to God's will and rest in the knowledge that those who seek will find a door opening before them.
May God bless and keep you all, and may He send more workers for His vinyard.
5 comments:
I also suggest to those who have children, grandchildren (since your discernment has been for married obviously) to pray often for Jesus to call religious vocations to your children/grandchildren. He will not be outdone in generosity.
Sanctus - I discerned a call to religious life. NOW I am discerning marriage. :-) Or the permanent single life.
God bless!
~ Adoro (sorry, not signed in)
Sanctus ~
Sorry about the brevity of my earlier post. I can never say what I want if I respond from work on my break.
Thanks for reminding people to suggest religious vocations to their children/ grandchildren. I don't think that happens NEARLY enough, especially in this world of imploding populations. I have to wonder how many priests, sisters, brothers, have been aborted or contracepted? It's a sobering thought. And the children that are left are usually encouraged to get high-paying jobs and not worry about "religion", as long as they're "happy".
The world cannot accept that people are THRILLED to work in God's direct service.
And as far as my discernment goes...well, I'm certain I'm not called to religious life, but I can't say with any conviction that I'm meant to be married, either. Only God knows. But I will say this; I am happy to be single right now because it allows me to work for God without the necessary attachments of marriage. And thus, I am solely dependent upon Him. I have no one else...literally.
It's an exercise in trust and faith, and I am thus thankful for this "trial" of the single life.
God bless you! Love your blog!
Thank you so much for the support of our Community of Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity!
Your prayers for vocations are terribly important! There are many young women who desire to deepen their relationship with Jesus and I know that some of them are called to join us on this journey! It is through communication and prayer that one can discover how to respond to God's invitation!
I also invite your bloggers to check out our Franciscanized World Blog! The song and image of the month are inspiring!
May the Lord give you peace!
Sister Mary Ann
Hi, Sister Mary Ann, thanks for dropping by! Glad to help in any way I can.
God bless you!
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