I just want to know what might be going on in your life this week.
Have the glorious springtime surroundings opened a glimpse into something bigger than yourself?
Is God speaking to you through the new scents of budding flowers, or the soft songs of the baby birds?
Have you found yourself desiring something more in your life?
Tell me about it. If you have found yourself with questions, ask me!
Welcome to Sisters Blog. Often, people ask us about our life as women religious sisters. Here, you’ll find a variety of blog entries on what we think and believe; our favorite things; news and events, and the opportunity to ask us questions. We welcome your comments on entries or suggestions to improve our Blog pages. Visit us often. Peace – Sisters of Bon Secours
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They say the opposite of war is not love…it is PEACE. And I have to say that this video, actually it is a trailer for an independent film, certainly brings light to how strongly we should be waging a campaign for Peace. What do you think? Here is an excerpt from the Global Zero website: [...] read more... |
Awakening the Heroes Within by: Carol S. Pearson Discerning one’s vocation is not an easy job. A key element of discernment is self discovery…truly understanding who you are, prior to listening to where God wants to lead you. Awakening the Hero Within is a book that delves into personality types and can offer some very [...]
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Sister,
For a few years, I have been thinking about becoming a nun and beginning the discernment process, but I always seem to be too busy or too occupied with everything going on in my life. Tehre is always some sort of crisis holding me here. I am struggling with knowing whether this is my calling or not.
Any advice for me?
Mary
Dear Mary,
Let me just begin by telling you that discernment truly begins when you stop ignoring God’s call for your life. It doesn’t matter at this point whether you know how he is calling you…you will figure that out in the discernment process through spiritual guidance, prayer and contemplation. We have a great deal of resources on our website, or that we can mail to you.
I would also like to reply to your comment about being too busy and always having a crisis holding you “there.” When you say there, are you referring to a spiritual roadblock or a physical location roadblock. In other words, I am concerned that you think you will need to immediately move away to begin discerning your call in life.
In reality, you should begin the process close to home. I would advise first contacting a Spiritual Director to help you listen more deeply to your spiritual voice (seek guidance at your parish). Definitely pray to God for guidance and strength. Finally, I would be more than happy to speak with you on the phone, via SKYPE, and through email to begin discussing a more formal discernment. We also sponsor Come and See vocation weekends where you can spend the weekend talking with other women who are exploring religious life, have one-on-one conversations with sisters, relax, pray, and learn a little more about Bon Secours.
In this moment, you seem to know that God is calling you to serve in some capacity. If you feel that becoming a nun would answer his call, then it is well worth exploring that option further. You never know what you might discover.
Call me toll free at 877-742-0277 or email me at cbsvocations@bshsi.org and we can discuss this further.
God Bless,
Sister Pat
Dear Mary,
Let me just begin by telling you that discernment truly begins when you stop ignoring God’s call for your life. It doesn’t matter at this point whether you know how he is calling you…you will figure that out in the discernment process through spiritual guidance, prayer and contemplation. We have a great deal of resources on our website, or that we can mail to you.
I would also like to reply to your comment about being too busy and always having a crisis holding you “there.” When you say there, are you referring to a spiritual roadblock or a physical location roadblock. In other words, I am concerned that you think you will need to immediately move away to begin discerning your call in life.
In reality, you should begin the process close to home. I would advise first contacting a Spiritual Director to help you listen more deeply to your spiritual voice (seek guidance at your parish). Definitely pray to God for guidance and strength. Finally, I would be more than happy to speak with you on the phone, via SKYPE, and through email to begin discussing a more formal discernment. We also sponsor Come and See vocation weekends where you can spend the weekend talking with other women who are exploring religious life, have one-on-one conversations with sisters, relax, pray, and learn a little more about Bon Secours.
In this moment, you seem to know that God is calling you to serve in some capacity. If you feel that becoming a nun would answer his call, then it is well worth exploring that option further. You never know what you might discover.
Call me toll free at 877-742-0277 or email me at cbsvocations@bshsi.org and we can discuss this further.
God Bless,
Sister Pat
Sr. Pat,
Thank you for your kind words. As far as which type of roadblock (spiritual or physical location) I was concerned with, I think some of both. I guess I didn’t understand how to become a nun, so I really wasn’t sure whether I would have to move away, or when I would have to move away. I read the links you sent me and it really helped clear up some of my other questions. Thanks!
My spiritual roadblock seems to be stress related. There is always a crisis that leaves me drained of energy or motivation. Sometimes I wonder how I can expect to help other people when it seems like I am sinking myself. I really do want to serve God. I do know that for sure, but my life just seems too complicated. I am not even sure if I am making any sense.
Thank you again,
Mary W.
Mary,
Believe it or not, you are making perfect sense. We all experience the roller coaster of life. What differentiates us as human beings and as Catholic Christians is how we handle that stress. As a consecrated religious, I have experienced great loss and stress that seemed unbearable. But I looked toward God for peace of mind and strength of character.
I guess you can liken it to standing in the water at the beach. If you stand there up to your knees in the water, you can feel the waves sway you back and forth, but your feel stay grounded.
Sometimes a big wave comes along and almost knocks you over, but you hold steadfast and strong, with your feet grounded. Each wave brings a current that causes the sand underfoot to shift and erode, eventually covering your feet and anchoring you down some.
This is like our faith. The more often we stand steadfast with God’s love in the wake of a tidal wave, the stronger our legs become. He strengthens us because he is holding us firmly. Furthermore, the more often we stand steadfast in the wake of adversity, the stronger we become in our faith. The stronger we become in our faith, the more capable we are of becoming who God wants us to be, and of helping others in his name.
Simply put, when it seems like life is building spiritual roadblocks, stand firm and call on God for a road crew!
Let’s talk! My toll free number is 877-742-0277.
Sister Pat
Sr.Pat,
I love your Sisters Blog and plan to visit often. How have you been? I wanted to ask you a couple of questions, just because when I speak of the history of Bond Secours, I want to make sure I have it correctly. How many countries do we have Sisters of Bon Secours working in or living in presently? I don’t want to just say all over the world. I would like to be able to say, for example “We have Sisters doing God’s work in 12 countries all over the world.” Also, how many Sisters of Bon Secours are there at this time?
This information is not for me to publish, just to learn more about my company.
Thanks and hope you are doing well. I would love to meet you for lunch just to visit!
Angie
Hi Angie,
Thanks for visitng our blog. The Sisters of Bon Secours are located in seven countries, France, Ireland, England, Scotland, USA, Peru and South Africa. And there are about 400 sisters worldwide. Thanks for asking and as you think of other questions pleae feel free to post them. I’d welcome a visit for lunch the Vocation Office number is 410-442-0267. Peace!
god is is in all countries