Map Quest
By S. Andrea Koverman
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Have you ever been so sure of where you were headed that you didn’t notice the various signs along the way telling you that you were actually headed in the wrong direction? Admittedly geographically challenged, I recently had just such an incident, and it made me think about our discernment journeys.
S. Peggy and I were going to a board meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico, about a five-hour drive from our home. I hopped on I-10 and went right into autopilot mode. We were enjoying each other’s company and so engrossed in conversation that neither of us paid any attention to all the familiar indicators along the way that should have alerted us that we were heading towards Tucson, Arizona, instead of our intended destination of Santa Fe. We didn’t question that we were on the right path until we got a text 165 miles later from S. Carol asking, “Where are you?” To answer her, we had to actually stop and think about it!
Discernment can be like that, too. We may set our sights on a goal we have named, a decision we’ve made, or an idea of what we think we should or have to do with our life. Without paying close attention to indications to the contrary, we may plow ahead on autopilot and end up going the wrong way or taking much longer to get where we should be than necessary. We may even discover that the map that once served us well just doesn’t match the terrain anymore and we need a new one.
A helpful tool for discerning the path you are on can be to do a spiritual autobiography, taking a look backwards from as early as you can remember and imagining that God was your mapmaker (which is true!). Recall moments that touched your heart, attracted your attention, appealed to your sense of purpose or call. You may be surprised at what pops up in your consciousness. One memory that surfaced for me was when I was about 10 years old. I had watched a movie about Joan of Arc and was so inspired by her faith and courage that I told God that if I was needed to serve a great purpose like Joan was, I wanted to. I had forgotten all about that, but in looking back it was a clear affirmation to me as I was discerning religious life. As you reflect, you may find affirmations that indeed you are moving in the right direction. But you also may discover indications that God is inviting you to make a slight deviation in your route, to take an altogether unexpected turn, or simply to pull over at a rest stop and give it some serious thought.
Though unnerving, it is important to practice “holy detachment” while engaged in this practice. As St. Elizabeth Ann Seton said, “Let us abandon ourselves to the Providence of God and be on our guard not to anticipate it.” In other words, don’t be so sure of your destination, so tightly guarded against being derailed that you miss all the signposts and indications that God may have other plans for you. Let go of predetermined outcomes and be open to the adventure of your life with Jesus at the wheel!
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Future of Charity Blog:
From the FOC to HOC: Happy 10 Years!
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In January the SC Federation House of Charity in New Orleans, Louisiana, celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Members of the Future of Charity offer their tributes to the House and the visionary Sisters who dreamed of its beginnings. Read more at
http://futureofcharity.blogspot.com/
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Giving Voice Weekend Retreats
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Giving Voice 20s and 30s Retreat
Sisters Tracy Kemme, Annie Klapheke and Whitney Schieltz joined Catholic peers in their 20s and 30s for a weekend of community, prayer and relaxation. This year’s Giving Voice 20s and 30s Retreat, held in Phoenix, Arizona, focused on the theme “Friendship With God: A Sending.”
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Giving Voice 40s Retreat
Fifteen Sisters in their 40s from 11 congregations and 12 countries came together in Seal Beach, California, for the Giving Voice 40s Retreat. Sister of Charity Romina Sapinoso joined the women for an energizing weekend filled with wisdom and love.
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A Good Read:
The Time is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage
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S. Joan Chittister’s powerful book is a call to live our faith in action for the benefit of a world in need of moral and spiritual voices. S. Joan explained more fully her intentions in her appearance on
Super Soul Sunday
with Oprah Winfrey:
Sister Joan Chittister with Oprah Super Soul Sunday
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For more information on S. Joan and her book, visit her website at
www.joanchittister.org
.
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Catholic Schools Week: Learn. Serve.
Lead. Succeed.
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During the last week of January, Catholic schools around the country celebrated Catholic Schools Week and the importance, value and contributions of Catholic education to the Church and world. The Sisters of Charity joined in the celebration by honoring SCs, past and present, who have continued the legacy begun by Elizabeth Seton, the founder of Catholic schools in America.
#CSW20
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February 2, 2020
World Day for Consecrated Life
February 2, 2020
Sunday of Reflection: We Vow Our Lives to God
, 9:30 a.m. Mass, 10:45 a.m. presentation, Motherhouse
February 14, 2020
St. Valentine’s Day, Feasts of Saints Cyril and Methodius
February 26, 2020
Ash Wednesday
March 8-14, 2020
Catholic Sisters Week
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In January the House of Charity in New Orleans, Louisiana, hosted a Federation group for days filled with service, prayer and fellowship. During their time together the group served at Hotel Hope, a shelter for women and children.
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E-Vōc
is the electronic newsletter from the Vocations Team of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati for single women wondering what new thing God is calling forth in their lives.
If you are interested in learning more about life as a Sister of Charity, visit our website at
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