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Did you know that the Year of Consecrated Life recently concluded?

Throughout this year it has been beautiful to see an outpouring of love and support for consecrated religious women and men in the US and around the world. SSND's have been sharing their stories, inviting people to pray with them in their community houses, and helping spread the word about what it means to be a School Sister of Notre Dame! If you've missed any of that or would like to see it again, we are continuing to offer Year of Consecrated Life coverage and resources at ssnd.org!

We also want you to know that we, SSNDs and vocation ministers, are praying in a particular way for all of you who are discerning a possible call to religious life this year. Listen to how the Spirit may be inviting you through your experiences, relationships, and the movements of your heart! Be courageous! And, of course, please do contact us if you have any questions about discernment or the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Day of the Girl

From SSND.org:

Three years ago, the United Nations declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to raise awareness about all issues concerning gender inequality around the world. It’s a day when activist groups come together under the same goal to highlight, discuss, and take action to advance rights and opportunities for girls everywhere.

The International Day of the Girl will be commemorated with a Day of the Girl Speak Out from 3-6 p.m. (EDT-USA) on Friday, October 9.  At this event, poetry, songs, and stories from girls around the world will be performed at the United Nations Headquarters. The event will be live-streamed on the International Day of the Girl Summit website.

We also invite you to view the video that was created to celebrate the new U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and what they mean for Girls.
More information about the International Day of the Girl can be found on the UN Women website.
We invite you to learn more, explore ways to get involved, take action, offer a prayer.

World Teachers' Day

The School Sisters of Notre Dame, as educators in all we do, are celebrating and praying for teachers everywhere today on World Teachers Day. We invite you to join us in praying for teachers of all kinds and their ministry of education - you can find a prayer for teachers here!

Waiting to See Pope Francis

Sisters Rebecca Tayag and Maria Iannuccillo, SSND were among the many faithful who waited along the parade route in Washington, DC yesterday to see Pope Francis. They are pictured here with Br. Paul Bednarczyk, CSC. All three are involved in vocation work, so we can be confident that they brought prayers for all discerners with them!

Update:

Here are some more pictures from Sr. Rebecca Tayag, SSND:

Sister Eileen Reilly, SSND - Notes from the Bus

Sister Eileen Reilly, SSND, is one of several School Sisters of Notre Dame who are directly involved in this year's Nuns on the Bus campaign. One of her reflections about this past weekend's events gives a good sense of what being a 'nun on the bus' is like - check it out here! 

SSND Response to Ongoing Crisis in Hungary

Sister Lucy Nigh, SSND (a vocation team member) was recently in touch with fellow SSNDs in Hungary to see how they are handling the current refugee crisis.

Sister Lucy writes that she "spoke with Sister Eszti-Kinga, SSND, who is on the provincial council in Hungary about their anguish... She (Eszti-Kinga) and especially Sister Fidelis have taken tents and sleeping bags to help the refugees." 

You can see the full collection of pictures taken by these loving SSNDs here. Please keep the people who are migrating in treacherous conditions and those who are trying to help them in your prayers! 

National Day of Prayer with Religious - SSND Report

Our vocation team received a joyful report from Sister Celine Flynn, SSND about how her local community celebrated the National Day of Prayer with Religious on September 13. This day was one of the events suggested by the Bishops of the United States as a way to celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life. Did you attend an event that day? We'd love to hear about it! 

Here is Sister Celine's summary of the SSND event in Connecticut:

"We, here at VND had a lovely day here at 345 Belden Hill Road, Wilton! We scheduled an OPEN HOUSE from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. inviting all of the Churches in and around our area, colleges/universities, many businesses here in Wilton, Norwalk,Westport, New Canaan, and yes, our neighbors in the non-Catholic churches!  The day consisted of:  welcoming our guests, taking them on tours of our Motherhouse, refreshments, and ending it with a Prayer Service in our Chapel!  We had about 80 plus who came and were very happy to come and spend the afternoon with the Sisters!  S. Celine explained & quoted the Holy Father Pope Francis on the Importance of Celebrating Consecrated Life just before the Prayer Service!  Our many Guests found their whole visit to be very 'Inspirational!' very 'Peaceful,' as some of them expressed before leaving our Motherhouse!

"God was good in giving us a Beautiful Day with the weather (the forecast was supposed to be a WASHOUT!), but the Sun was shining brightly! I believe that a good time was had by all!  S. Celine invited our guests to come back anytime to our Beautiful Chapel to pray, or to just sit in the Presence of the Lord! That the doors are always open!  She even suggested that maybe some of the families would ADOPT a Sister or two! The Sisters in the Motherhouse VND ENJOYED the touring, sharing, talking, refreshments as much as the Guests, did! It was truly a 'memorable' Day!"

Education as Salvation?

A concern about 'saving souls' might seem a bit strange to modern ears, especially coming from a woman who was a teacher and founder of schools for country girls. Putting Blessed Theresa and her words in context, however, we can see that there is a sentiment here that very timely or, perhaps, timeless. 

The word 'salvation' comes from the Latin word salus, which means 'wellbeing.' The root meaning of salvation is to improve one's condition, to make whole and well. An educational movement in the European Catholic Church had begun a century before Theresa which was concerned about the salvation of poor children on all levels. These new schools introduced poor and working class children to faith in Jesus, yes, but also equipped them with knowledge and skills to succeed in a society that otherwise excluded them. Learning how to read, write, do basic math, and behave well in public were game-changing tools for kids from both innercity slums and country towns. Their adult chances at wellbeing had been increased exponentially. 

If the social situation I described sounds oddly reminiscent of our time, it shouldn't surprise you that such Catholic schools (and many other schools modeled after them) still exist all over the world. This work continues, and School Sisters of Notre Dame continue to educate in the spirit of Blessed Theresa. Many other SSNDs work for the wellbeing of others in other settings, too - in ESL centers for adults, as dentists and lawyers, as social workers, and even at the UN! Their work is filled with everyday miracles of salvation. 

SSNDs On The Bus

The School Sisters of Notre Dame will again be taking part in Nuns On The Bus  - starting in St. Louis on Thursday! Information about the tour, links to the schedule of events and updates from our SSNDs during the journey will be posted on the ssnd.org website throughout the next two weeks. Stay tuned! 

Ruffling People's Feathers

Once someone has chosen to really begin discerning a call to religious life - out loud, in conversation with a spiritual director and a particular community or two - they are often asked what might have made them worried/anxious/afraid to take that step before doing so. One of the most common stumbling blocks to pursuing the possibility of a vocation to religious life is a concern about what other people will think. It can be very hard for some of us to reveal the deep desires of our heart to others, even those we care about and believe care about us. For others, the idea of being 'weird' or 'different' is difficult to bear. Still others may be concerned about disappointing family expectations of a lucrative career and/or a big family. These are all valid concerns to have. We human beings are made to be relational, and it may indeed ruffle some feathers if you decide to actively discern a call to religious life. In many, many cases, however, discerners are surprised at just how well their families and friends take their decision in stride. In fact, many are surprised to hear that their family and friends saw it coming! 

It is difficult to describe to those who have not yet experienced it the peace that comes when you choose to be most concerned about being true to what is being whispered in your heart and to what you feel God is inviting you to. Two hints while searching for what this may be for you, today:

1. These two things are probably the same thing, or at least related.

2. God always calls us into deeper joy and freedom (though the trust required to get there can sometimes be a bit scary for some of us).

To Make This Love Visible

To discover and live out one's vocation is a joyful and beautiful process, even if it isn't always easy. If you have ever met someone who is clearly being/doing what they were made to do - whether that is being a parent, fighting fires, or leading others in prayer - then you know precisely what I am talking about. It was obvious that this person was lit up from the inside by the joy that comes from living an authentic life, a life where who you are, what you value, and what you do all line up, all make sense together. I think that this is what our Foundress, Blessed Theresa, is asking for God's help to achieve in her own life in today's quote. She is certainly not alone in this desire! You may want to consider making her prayer your prayer; I know that it is one my heart whispers often.

Upcoming Event in St. Louis

For those of you who live in the Midwest, we would love to have you join us for an event that we're calling "Stories Around The Campfire" on Saturday, October 3rd. It's going to be a great night! Full details and registration can be found here.

More Wise Words From Our Foundress

Join us in Prayer on Tuesday!

Pope Francis has instituted in the Catholic Church the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation,” which will be celebrated on September 1 beginning this year. The day offers individual believers and communities a fitting opportunity to reaffirm their personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which has been entrusted to our care and to implore God's help for the protection of creation as well as pardon for the sins committed against the world in which we live. We invite you to join us in prayer on this day, using the prayer service prepared by the SSND Shalom team for North America. (Shalom is the term we use to describe our SSND international network for justice, peace, and integrity of creation.) To download the pdf with the prayer service, please click here: www.ssnd.org/sites/default/files/files/Shalom/care_of_creation_prayer090115.pdf 

The Shape of Your Heart, The Focus of Your Love

What I love most about this quote from Blessed Theresa is the gentle but very real challenge that it is. These are words that hit me right in the chest - right in the heart - every time that I read them. A soft poke, whispered questions: What do I love? Does my interior landscape (the things that I spend time thinking about, the things I desire, etc) seem like a reflection of what I say I love? Would a stranger looking at my day-to-day life know what I love based on what they would see me spending my time, money, and energy on? After reflecting on these things I always find myself shaking my head with a wry smile. I know the areas in which I can do better - we all do - and part of a life of discipleship is always striving to do a bit better. Being human means, among other things, having an inborn longing to become the best and most authentic version of ourselves over the course of our lifetime. This journey to wholeness, and our desire to make this journey, reminds me of Jesus' promise that, "I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly" (Jn 10:10).

For those who are working out what they are going to do with their "one wild and precious life" (Mary Oliver), it is often helpful to take some time to consider what the shape of your heart is now and to consider what you hope the shape of your heart will become. These can be powerful insights about what makes you happy and helps you to feel most alive - what gives you abundant life.

An SSND Case Study: Sister Betty Uchytil

Sister Betty Uchytil, SSND, was recently featured in her local newspaper for starting a new role as principal at a Catholic primary school. While the school is new to Sister Betty, serving as an administrator in such a school is not - and, as the headline of the article indicates, her vocation as both an SSND and an educator has brought her to a great variety of schools over the years.  

A few things I'd like to highlight from this article:

• Sister Betty became a teacher and taught in public schools for ten years before becoming an SSND. It's normal to try a career or two before entering into serious discernment with a community!
• Her journey brought her to a school in Nepal - and, soon after, back home due to the temporary closure of the school. You never know what might happen, or how quickly your course might change, when following God's call! 

Read more about Sister Betty and her new role as a school principal here!

TREVOR MCDONALD/COURIER-POST

 

Final Thoughts, Chapter 9: Gathering the Fragments

"The amount of information presented here may seem a bit overwhelming 

to women and men who are trying to sort through the possibilities 

of service in the church and make the best decisions for their lives. 

One may need to read these chapters more than once and take 

time to reflect on each of them as part of his or her discernment."

Sage advice from Robin Ryan, CP, editor of this past week's Summer Book Club selection, Catholics on Call: Discerning a Life of Service in the Church! We hope that you have enjoyed reading the excellent work of the book's authors with us. Ryan, in this final chapter, offers a summary of the themes which emerge when all of the chapters are placed together. We would like to close this final Book Club entry for this year by presenting these points as Ryan summarizes them as a starting point for your Sunday reflections. Thanks for joining us!

"While we live in a culture of choice in North America, discerning one's vocation involves responding to a call.

God's call to serve others comes to ordinary people.

The search for God's will takes place within the Christian community.

Finding peers who are also committed to discerning their vocation is a source of strength and encouragement for young adults.

Discerning God's call requires a stance of listening.

We need the help of wise, trustworthy mentors in discerning what God is asking of us.

Deepening one's knowledge of our faith tradition nourishes a person's discernment of vocation.

In the current climate, responding to the call to serve as a religious, priest, or lay ecclesial minister demands courage.

Each vocation is a unique mystery.

There comes a time in the process of discernment when we have to make the best decision that we can, according to the lights that we have been given.

We should approach vocational discernment with trust and hope."

Day 7, Chapter 7: Religious Life Today

"Ultimately, it is a choice of who one will be. 

It is a choice to leave everything and to follow Jesus.

It is a choice about who will be the center of one's life in 

an exclusive and absolute way that determines all other 

loves and all other choices. In responding to God's invitation 

to become a consecrated religious, one chooses 

a uniquely different path to holiness."

This chapter is, I should imagine, the one most directly helpful to the readers of this blog. Sister Charlene Diorka, SSJ, does a very fine job of summarizing some key points about consecrated religious life within our cultural context as well as what is unique about the process of discerning this vocation, taking on this identity, and living it out within community, ministry, and prayer. She asked some excellent questions at the end of the chapter which I would like to leave you with today, either for your own personal reflection or for discussion here. 

How has God's loving activity been present in your life?

What would it be like to commit yourself to a life of service?

What do you see as the joys or challenges of life as a religious brother, sister, or priest?

How do you understand community living and why is it important to you?

What encourages you to move forward in undertaking a vocational discernment? What holds you back?

What is your/God's desire for your "one wild and precious life" and how has God entrusted and gifted you for that life?

Day 6, Chapter 6: Lay Ecclesial Ministry

"Significant numbers of laity are responding to the prompting of the 

Holy Spirit and the needs of the church in many and varied ways. 

They have embraced discipleship with Jesus, joining the Church in 

continuing his saving mission of bringing forth the reign of God."

This chapter, authored by Sheila McLaughlin, hits home in a particular way for Catherine and I. We are lay ecclesial ministers ourselves. Each of us, in her own time and way, discerned that God was calling us to lives of service within the church, came to understand that the invitation we were experiencing was not to consecrated religious life, and eventually found our way to this unique vocation which God created us for. Does this mean, however, that we value lay ecclesial ministry more than other vocations within the church? Certainly not! We both value consecrated religious life so much that we have been working together with the School Sisters of Notre Dame for the last three years to promote vocations to this community.

What I drew from this chapter, and what I hope comes through clearly for all readers, is that we each have a particular way of life for which we are best suited. The church continues to adapt and grow in response to the needs of people who live in specific moments and places within history. Anyone who is discerning whether they might be called to work within the church in some way is clearly committed to helping to bring about the reign of God - and we are all blessed by each person who steps forward to do so! Discernment of this kind requires listening carefully to learn how you, with your blend of gifts, talents, life experiences, and vision will best be able to contribute to the church's mission. Be open to all vocational possibilities!

What seems most challenging to you about ministry within the church?

What qualities/gifts/skills can you bring to the service of the Gospel?

Day 5, Chapter 5: The Communion of the Church

"While the Catholic Church has some obvious 
institutional aspects, Catholicism itself is an essentially 
communal expression of Christian faith."

One of the things that I appreciate most about this chapter, contributed by Thomas P. Rausch, SJ, is that the author takes the time to give a brief overview of the development of the early church and key moments in it's modern history before exploring the theology of church as communion. Reading Rausch's presentation of key facts about the church reminded me about my first brush with church history and the feeling I had at that time of clarity about so much of what I had seen, heard, and experienced growing up Catholic. If you have never had the opportunity to learn much about how the Catholic Church came to be how and what it is today, I encourage you to seek out a good book or course on the subject - it can really enlighten both your faith and your experience of belonging to the church. 

How do you understand the biblical metaphors for church (People of God, Body of Christ, and Temple of the Spirit)?

What is your experience of the communion of the church? What does it mean to live in communion with the church?

Day 4, Chapter 4: The Art of Discernment

 “Discernment is the ability to perceive God’s work and to respond to it with enthusiasm and joy.”

 (Page 71)

This chapter/article is one that I could visit over and over again as a person’s discernment is never complete. As we go through each phase of life we discern new challenges. Yet but because of our baptism and the graces we received we can remain grounded to our call; that which brings the most energy and satisfaction to our lives. I especially appreciated the description of the five calls we are given. While it is impossible to pull out only one or two key points (it really is that good of an article!) I will name some of my favorite points...those which had me thinking deeper about my own discernment.

Discerning maturity: “We are all in the process of “becoming.” Whether we are growing in love and knowledge is a crucial discernment question.” (Page 64)

Discerning Holiness:  “Holiness is to live in the light of God’s love, before his face.” (Page 65). I am challenged to read, Therese’s (St. Therese of Lisieux) Story of a Soul.

Discerning Community: “We need one another if our minds and hearts are to be truly Christian. It is in community that we are affirmed and challenged, supported and confronted. …God gives us one another so that together we might advance in the way of his kingdom.” (Page 67)

Discerning Service: “Service or ministry essentially involves two reciprocal elements: identifying needs and naming gifts. …The challenge in this fourth baptismal call is to identify our gifts. …when are you happiest and most alive?” (Page 67)

Discerning Generosity: “Generosity is the Christian way of life flowing out of a sense of being gifted and grounded in an attitude of gratitude.” “Discernment leads us to recognize that God wants us to be not only recipients of his blessings but also transmitters of his grace.” (Page 68) 

Reflection Questions:
1. Bishop Robert Morneau names several Mentors of Discernment, do you have a mentor that you would add to this list?

2. Have you had a significant life experience that shaped the person you are today?

3. What makes you most alive or happiest in life?

Day 3, Chapter 3: The Foundations and Dynamics of Prayer

“Prayer is the food for our life with God; without it we suffer from malnourishment.” (Page 44)

I can still clearly remember the day I was confirmed in the Catholic Church. As each student approached the Bishop we were asked a question or two about our faith. I was nervous as my sponsor and I stood in front of the Bishop my heart beating hard and my mind racing, praying for an easy question. My question: “What is your favorite prayer and who taught it to you,” caught me off guard but I quickly answered The Memorare and my parent? As I walked back to my pew I kept thinking to myself how did I get such an easy question….little did I understand then the importance of a solid prayer foundation in my life. Prayers are often one of the first things we teach children. My nephew can quickly recite his dinner prayer and my sister can probably say the Guardian Angel prayer in one breath; we always prayed together as a family, from an early age it was a priority. Yet the older I get the more difficult I find it is to structure significant prayer time in my life. It’s not that I’m too busy or that I have forgotten to pray but perhaps because our foundation of prayer is only taught to a certain level. What once worked in my family home, suddenly doesn’t fit in my personal life. Feeling less than satisfied with how much time I was actually praying, I recall sitting in a graduate Theology class and reading an article much similar to this and things finally made sense. Our individual prayer lives are our unique opportunity to carve out a specific relationship with Christ. In this chapter Robin Ryan, OP, reminds us that that works for me may not work for others but it is mine. I needed to create a sacred space that enabled me to dive into deep conversation with Christ, to be honest, to listen to my heart and make prayer a priority in my daily life; this is always evolving and will continue to as I grow and change as an adult.    

Do you have a strong prayer foundation?

What is your favorite prayer or method of prayer?