Vocation Directors Share Our "Good News"----

Come and See What We're About!

East and West our vocation directors have been busy sharing the good news about our sisters and our way of life.

East Coast Happenings

Here on the east coast, Sr. Mary Beth has been visiting various colleges and taking part in a number of "busy persons retreats." A few weeks ago she hosted a weekend retreat here at our motherhouse. Three young women came to learn a bit about how we live, who we are, and at least a little bit about the Franciscan spirituality that is the heart and soul of our life. Sr. Mary Beth said that it was a wonderful opportunity for these young women to spend some time away from the busyness of everyday life, to enjoy the surroundings of our motherhouse and the beauty of nature (and that weekend the autumn colors were at their best!), and to meet and share with other women who are asking the same questions and seeking direction in their lives.

What Happened That Weekend?

Two of our sisters were on hand to share a bit of our Franciscan spirituality. Sr. Elise showed a short video by Fr. Bill Short on our Franciscan identity and the gift this is to us as people of faith. She also talked about the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare and discussed the fact that each of us is called to follow them by being the person God created us to be. Sr. Julie did a presentation on the dignity of the human person, focusing on the idea that each of us is made in the image and likeness of God. Imagine the impact of that idea--We are God's Beloved! Friday and Saturday evenings allowed time to get to know some of our sisters who live at the motherhouse, to enjoy pizza, and to play a competitive game of "Catch Phrase." The group joined the sisters for prayers and the weekend allowed the young women to experience different types of prayer.

West Coast Happenings

Out on the west coast Sr. Patricia has been busy in a number of ways. She joind other vocation directors in the Archdiocese of Seattle at the first of the Life Choices Coffee Houses--a good way to connect with young adults, to share dialogue, andto assist young adults in discerning where God might be leading them. She also spoke at a archdiocesan meeting in Portland where pastors and lay ministers from twelve parishes came together. Of course there is the usual round of meetings and Sr. Patricia was on hand to represent our congregation at both the diocesan Serra Club Appreciation Dinner for sisters in the Portland archdiocese and--on a national level--at the national convocation of the National Religious Vocation Conference.

Weekend of Service

Sr. Patricia organized a really special weekend--one of service to others--at St. Francis House in Puyallup, Washington. One young woman joined Sr. Patricia and Sr. Guadalupe and spent the weekend working with the volunteers at St. Francis House--volunteers who give so generously of their time all year long to serve the needs of others. Among other tasks, the group helped to get St. Francis House ready for Christmas. The Christmas Corner is a much-loved feature at St. Francis House each year--and it provides clients with much needed gifts for their families. This year the Christmas Corner was prepared with loving hands--and on loving knees!--by the participants of the service weekend.

What About You?

Are you questioning where God might be leading you, what God is asking of you? Why not contact our vocation directors? They might be able to provide just the opportunity you need to explore those questions a bit further. Email them at vocations@osfphila.org.