Church of the Immaculate ConceptionSt Mary-of-the-Woods College
It seems like just yesterday when I had spent a wonderful week witnessing the work of God in my midst and felt that there must be something I was being called to do because of this experience. I wrote about it in the post This Week Ends. Last Sunday after Mass, I was approached by the head of the Adult Formation Commission, to which Ron and I belong, and asked me if I would consider becoming a Providence Associate.
To quote the information about the Sisters of Providence:
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are women of faith committed to effecting positive change in the world.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, foundress of the Sisters of Providence, was canonized on October 15, 2005 and Ron and I were privileged to attend the Mass of Canonization at the Woods the same day Pope John Paul II conferred her sainthood in Rome.
I have been blessed by the friendship of the Sisters over the years and am proud to call Sister Dorothy Rasche a dear friend. I have had the privilege of being educated at The Woods and received my degree from there in 1994.
Now, I have been called again. I want to be sure this is not my "Irish zeal" that is urging me on but a serious discernement of the will of God. Right now I am praying that this is the answer to those urgings I was feeling those few weeks ago. The preparation for becoming an Associate takes a year and I will journey with a companion through this period of discernment. I will not travel alone.
Please, I would ask that you would pray that this is the place God wants me to be right now and if it is indeed, I will be worthy of the call. I pray the Holy Spirit will endow me with the wisdom to know this is the call and the courage to follow His lead.
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!
Thanks be to God!
Aw, how wonderful.. Usually, folks aren't asked to become an associate -- more like the other way around, yes? I'll pray for your discernment, but I think the Lord is being quite clear already! Enjoy the year.
ReplyDeleteCarol
Thank you, Carol. God Bless you!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! When God calls, there is no mistaking it. What a privilege, congratulations and much courage. :)
ReplyDeletePraying that you will make the right choice, and discern God's will for you! :) I am certain you will!
ReplyDeleteIsadora and AR my sincerest thanks. I do not take for granted the prayers you both offer. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteWow. It's a true blessing to hear God's call. I'll be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Many, many thanks, Bia
ReplyDeleteWill be praying! :-D
ReplyDeletemost appreciated, cy
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on this invitation, Cathy! Is this like a third order??
ReplyDeleteThis is great news, Cathy! After reading your news I immediately thought the same as Carol - the fact that you have been approached sounds to me like your name( and your actions) have gone before you!
ReplyDeleteI will pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you every step of the way.
Joyful and inspiring news, Cathy. I pray you have no obstacles in your discernment of this. I would really love to know more about what being a Providence Associate would mean; I hope you will blog about it later!
ReplyDeleteLisa, perhaps this is a third order though it was not explained to me that way. And the brochure does say, "Both associates and sisters share in the mission, vision and spiritual life of Providence through prayer, ministry, relationship, celebration and works of love, mercy and justice. There is mutual benefit between associated and sisters in that both give expression to Providence in their unique ways of living and are invited to share their gifts with one another and with the world."
ReplyDeleteTo santiago chiva de agustin I wish to say thank you for your visit and the gift you sent. It was a wonderful example of the holiness of our youth around the world and I have chosen to share it with the rest of my friends.
God Bless you all!!!!
Gabrielle, you did sneak in while I was writing my note...I will be happy to keep all updated. Though I won't have my interview for another week as Sister Mary Alice is in DC this week. Saint Mother Theodore Gurein's statue is being place in the garden at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception...Wish I could have been there!
ReplyDeletemay God continue to light the path ahead! Blessings.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Miss Joy!!!
ReplyDeleteI felt a similiar calling to the Carmelites and so prayed about it for a year before deciding anything.
ReplyDeleteThe dear Sisters encouraged me to join their Order but I did not feel called to become a Sister and so I am a Third Order Carmelite(secular).
I will indeed PRAY much for you:).
Peace & love to you:)
Marie xooxoxox
Thank you so much Marie!!! God Bless you!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carol & Veritas. The invitation feels like the answer to your prayers. May your period of discernment be fruitful.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you to receive this calling.
Your blog inspires me to remain faithful, full of joy, and be alert to the voice of the Lord.
Maryellen
Maryellen, thank you for your kind and generous word.
ReplyDeleteThank you all. I can see that perhaps God has sent me support in this process in the word of encouragement you have sent. I praise Him heartily