Jennifer has arrived!
I am so happy to announce that after two years of searching for a Communications Associate, God has brought Jennifer Murphy to the Vocations office.  She comes to us with experience as a director of public relations for a college, a freelance editor and writer with community relations, website content and layout, crisis relations, special events planning, and general promotions.

Jen will be spearheading our advertising and marketing campaigns and will be an integral part of our website optimization project.

Our department is very excited about continuing to take the Sisters of Bon Secours further into the technological age, and I think Jen will be a great asset to that goal.  Welcome, Jen!

The Catholic Review features Sister Bernie Claps’ first vow ceremony. Please review this article by George Matysek, Jr.

CLICK HERE for the full article.

National Religious Vocation Conference
NRVC.NET
phone: 773-363-5454
e-mail: nrvc@nrvc.net

U.S. CATHOLIC BISHOPS FOCUS ON LANDMARK VOCATIONS STUDY

Executive Director of National Religious Vocation Conference provides bishops
with major findings on vocation trends

Bishops asked to meet with religious leaders in their dioceses; speak often of vocations;
establish religious life component in diocesan vocation offices

Baltimore, Nov. 18, 2009—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, gathered in Baltimore for their annual meeting, invited Holy Cross Brother Paul Bednarczyk, Executive Director of the Chicago-based National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC), to present the results of the NRVC’s landmark Study on Recent Vocations to Religious Life, published this past August.  

Bednarczyk outlined the study’s key findings including the need for collaborative efforts with dioceses, Catholic educators, and families in creating a culture of vocation within the Church. He asked for the bishops’ help “in promoting consecrated life as a viable, joyful, and grace-filled option for the men and women in your dioceses” and suggested three practical ways the bishops … continue reading…

For several years during discernment and novitiate, Sr. Bernie has been quite a blessing to the Sisters of Bon Secours.  It is with a warm welcome and excited  anticipation that we celebrated her First Vow Ceremony last weekend!  Here is the press release along with photos from the ceremony:

Fr. Joe gave a wonderful homily
Sister Bernadette Claps will make her first vows during a liturgy on November 7th at 11 a.m. at the Sisters of Bon Secours  Chapel in Marriottsville, Md.
Sr. Bernadette “Bernie” Claps first entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Bon Secours in 2006. Her previous  experience in social work, counseling, pastoral care, and administration, as well as continued learning and spiritual growth within the congregation, has allowed her to serve the community in which the Sisters of Bon Secours are a presence … continue reading…

The Baltimore Sun is spotlighting the landmark “Vocations to Religious Life Study” and the vocation efforts of the Sisters of Bon Secours were featured. Can you believe religious life on the front page of the Baltimore Sun?  CLICK HERE for the full article.

On August 11, the National Religious Vocation Conference released the results of its Study of Recent Vocations to Religious Life. The complete study, executive summary, and other supplementary materials, including media information and best practices, are now posted on the NRVC website at www.nrvc.net.

The purpose of this research project was to identify and understand who is entering religious life today and which types of religious institutes are receiving and retaining new members. NRVC contracted with the Center for the Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), a Georgetown University-based research center, to carry out the study.

Message of Pope Benedict XVI

Dear brothers and sisters, nourish your day with prayer, meditation and listening to the Word of God. May you, who are familiar with the ancient practice of lectio divina, help the faithful to appreciate it in their daily lives too. And may you know how to express what the Word suggests, letting yourself be formed by it so that you bring forth abundant fruit, like a seed that has fallen into good soil. Thus, you will be ever docile to the Spirit and you will grow in union with God, you will cultivate fraternal communion among yourselves and will be ready to serve your brethren generously, especially those in need. May people see your good works, a fruit of the Word of God that lives in you, and glorify your Heavenly Father (cf. Mt 5:16)! In entrusting these reflections to you, I thank you for the precious service you render to the Church and, as I invoke the protection of Mary and of the Saints and Blessed, Founders of your Institutes, I wholeheartedly impart the … continue reading…

The Treasurers of a Life

Employed as a Medical Lab Technologist, Chris Webb was a familiar face at Saint Francis Hospital in Charleston, S.C. for over twenty three years! In those years Chris accomplished a great deal, dedicating herself to her family, work and church.

Several years ago, a single mom with her sons out of school, Chris felt the stirrings of change. She began simplifying her life, cutting back some of her activities. She felt something new was about to happen, but Chris wasn’t sure what. As a woman of faith, Chris continued on in the rhythm of her life, open to what God might be calling her to. She thought that might be working full time as a Catholic Chaplain.

Despite a busy schedule Chris completed four units of clinical pastoral education through the Chaplaincy program at St. Francis started by Bon Secours Sister, Sr. Gemma Neville. She has fond memories of Sr. Gemma who took Chris under her wing. During off hours Chris worked as … continue reading…

November 4, 2007, marked an important day for Sr. Carol Frawley. Gathered together with other Bon Secours Sisters and friends, Sr. Carol professed her first vows at a Mass held at the Chapel in Marriottsville. Father Joe Driscoll concelebrated the ceremony with Father Joe Lacey, Sr. Carol’s spiritual director. The ceremony was reverent and beautiful, enhanced by a liturgical dance performed by Sister Martha Starett, O.P., along with the angelic voices of the Bon Secours Sisters Choir and their music. A reception was held at the Provincial House following the Mass.

“This day was very special and meaningful to me,” says Sr. Carol. “I was able to publicly pronounce my love for the Lord and make known my desire to be a Bon Secours Sister. I am humbled and grateful to be called by the Lord to walk in my journey with Sisters who have dedicated their lives to serving others through our charism of compassion, healing, and liberation.”

Sr. Carol now lives in … continue reading…