What a wonderful heritage and legacy we celebrate today -  that on January 24, 1824 twelve women in Paris professed their vows as Sisters of Bon Secours and pledged to be a presence of good help to the sick and dying in their homes; something truly unheard of at that time!  Something risky yet creative.  Something that inspired other women to follow and others to seek their compassion and good help in their times of need.

The same Spirit moves among us today, calling us to a new creativity; to take new risks; to continue to meet the pressing needs of today in our world.

We give thanks for our 12 founding sisters and all those who came before us and on whose shoulders we stand.  We give thanks for all of our sisters, associates, ministry volunteers and co-workers today who generously provide compassion, healing and liberation to people in need.  And we give thanks for all those who will come and join us tomorrow and in future years to be “good help to those in need.”

Blessings and love,

Sr. Rose Marie Jasinski, … continue reading…

April is National Stress Awareness Month.  Undoubtedly you feel stress in this crazy, fast-paced world of ours.  How do you handle stress in your life?  What kinds of things give you the most stress in your daily life?  How do you cope?  Do you feel a sense of peace after you pray or meditate about it? 

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.  Ps. 68:18-20

Mark your calendars for tomorrow, Saturday, March 26th as we celebrate Earth Hour.  Consider spending one hour from 8:30 – 9:30 PM without the lights or other electricity on in your home, office, etc.  Spend that time reflecting on just how we can care for our earth; how we can better utilize the natural resources around us – light a candle, utilize the moonlight (if it is available), sit in the dark for a while – be creative with how you spend that one short hour.  Spend this time in meditation and prayer.  Pray that this movement will motivate and inspire all of us to be more aware of our impact on the Earth.

Visit the Earth Hour web site for more suggestions.  Join together with others around the globe as we spread the message of hope and change for our planet.

Robert Morneau is a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church currently serving as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay in Wisconsin.  Bishop Morneau upon reading Parker Palmer’s well-known book, Let your Life SPEAK, Listening for the Voice of Vocation, began to reflect on the meaning of vocation and writes that it is something that involves listening, peace upon recognition, taking a path, love, self-giving and our lives reflecting what our true calling is.  

How do I know who I’m supposed to be”   “How can I be happy?” “How can I find God?” “How do I make good decisions?”  These are good questions to ask when exploring what vocation you are called to.  I’d encourage you to read Parker J. Palmer’s book, Let your Life SPEAK which invites us to listen to that inner teacher and following its lead to “being alive” as Joseph Campbell, a religious scholar … continue reading…

Do you hear all the noise around you? With our world of constant technological interruptions it isn’t very often that life is quiet. Our computers, blackberries, iPods, televisions and cell phones seem to push their way into any moment of silence. Often it seems they are competing against each other for our attention, even as we may be trying to discern our personal call to vocation. You may be studying vocation resources online when you receive an email or your cell phone rings, interrupting your thought once again. Although these convenient resources can be invaluable in your search into religious life, it is important to value the importance of silence too. How can we listen to what God is trying to tell us unless we filter out all the noise and prayerfully, quietly listen? So, take a moment today and turn the power off and turn your heart and mind on—onto God’s voice of direction and guidance.

These steps may help you hear God’s calling in your quiet time of prayer:… continue reading…

 The Solemnity of Easter

With Christians throughout the world, we celebrate the solemnity of Easter,  the feast of Christ’s resurrection from the dead: liberation from sin, hope for the world.

Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first,  and he saw and believed. – John 20:8

 Reflection:

The Resurrection of our Lord is the central mystery of Christian faith. It is also the central hope of daily human existence.

With the Resurrection we can be certain that suffering and death is not the final word on the human condition.

This is the deepest source of Christian hope. And it is the wellspring of true Christian joy.

On Easter Sunday God’s Word bursts forth in a joyful hymn of praise as the Church resounds with Alleluias.

Our Lenten observance now finds its fullest meaning.

As the message of Easter resounds in our minds and hearts, the truth of Jesus’ Resurrection finds echo in our lives…. continue reading…

Explanation of the Stations of the Cross. Link to a video to follow in the foot steps of Jesus by way of the cross during Holy Week. A meditative mini-pilgrimage for Good Friday. Stations of the Cross photographed at Sisters of Bon Secours Provincial House in Marriottsville, MD, USA.