Desert Discernment
By S. Annie Klapheke
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During these 40 days of Lent, we recall Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. We read in Scripture that following his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert (Matthew 4:1). When we reflect on this moment of Jesus’ life, often the focus is on his fasting and temptations. But I imagine those days in the wilderness were also a time of deep discernment; a time for listening in the silence, away from the distractions and busyness of daily life. Jesus was preparing to begin his public ministry, and I imagine that in his prayer, he was asking the ever-important discernment question, ‘God, to what are you calling me?’ Yes, even Jesus had to discern his call and pray to know his Father’s will.
The desert is often perceived as a dry and barren place. However, it can also be a place of rich spiritual wisdom. It is a place of spaciousness and silence; a place for long, unobstructed views, which allows for a wider perspective and horizons of seemingly endless possibilities. Perhaps an invitation this Lent is to take your own discernment into the desert with Jesus. Be led by the Spirit and allow your imagination to animate your prayer. Engage all of your senses. What does the desert look like and smell like? How does it feel? What can you hear in the silence that you normally cannot hear over the buzz of daily life? What is it that you truly hunger and long for? Take time to sit with this prayer experience and listen for what God may be speaking to your heart.
Like Jesus, after our 40 days of prayer and deep listening, we hope to emerge from Lent with a clarity of call and a readiness to proclaim the Kingdom of God.
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Catholic Charities has been welcoming migrants from across the globe to their new homes for more than 100 years. Through the Sisters of Charity’s partnership with Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio, S. Sandy Howe has been walking with a family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo seeking asylum in the U.S. |
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Catholic Sisters Week - March 8-14, 2021 |
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Fifty-two weeks a year women religious stand with the poor and immigrants, teach children, fight injustice, heal the sick, share spirituality, empower women, defend the planet, promote peace, create community and offer hope. But for one week, March 8-14, we shine the spotlight on women religious and encourage a wide range of campaigns and events that invite all who follow Jesus to
- expand and support their Gospel witness;
- grow the service networks they have seeded;
- share their spirituality, charisms, and community;
- encourage young women to consider a vocation to religious life;
- support their pastoral, teaching and prophetic works;
- and focus on the new world they call into being.
Religious communities throughout the world are joining together during Catholic Sisters Week for a collaborative effort to serve persons in need and bring much needed awareness to the current increase in food insecurity and underlying causes, including the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty, unemployment/under-employment, and inconsistent access to healthy food. The pandemic has affected people of all walks of life, but with no safe, secure place to call home, the homeless population has especially felt the gravity of our current reality. Throughout the week, please visit our website and social media to learn more about organizations our Sisters support. In addition we encourage you to learn more about local food pantries in your area and find ways you can help.
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Catholic Volunteer Network will be hosting Volunteer Fest, a post-grad service fair, from March 8-12. Come and virtually meet one-on-one with more than 60 faith-based organizations. Mentors will be available to help sift through all the information and options. All events will take place from 8 p.m. to midnight ET. Participants will need a laptop/desktop to access the platform. For a working schedule and to register, visit https://catholicvolunteernetwork.org/cvn-events/volunteerfest/
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March Faith Sharing (Sunday, March 7, 7 p.m. Eastern): Join with other young adult women to reflect on the Lenten journey.
March Discernment Group (Sunday, March 21, 7 p.m. Eastern): S. Whitney Schieltz will be our guest presenter as we talk about discernment in the Year of St. Joseph.
Note: Email S. Tracy Kemme (tracykemme@gmail.com) to get the Zoom link for any of the above SC discernment group and faith sharing opportunities.
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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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