“From the beginning, Mary, under the title of Our Lady Help of Christians, has been our principal patroness. Devotion to her remains a special mark of the Sisters of Bon Secours. In Mary we recognize the one who, by her virginal consecration, realized fully the perfection to which we are called.  Beloved of the Father, intimately united to His Son, led by the Holy Spirit, Mary gave herself entirely to the mystery of redemption. In our apostolic life, Mary is our example of generosity, compassion, and prompt help to those in need” (CBS Constitutions, #31).

“From the earliest days of our foundation, an important dimension of our prayer has been praying with the sick and the dying and their families, asking God to fill them with strength, courage, peace and healing. This form of prayer continues to be vital in our ministering to the sick.…our Bon Secours theology remains always an unfinished endeavor. Because it emerges … continue reading…

President Truman, signed and declared an annual, national day of prayer in 1952. In 1988, President Reagan amended and signed the law, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this special day in May.

Although we feel that prayer is important every day and we pray together as sisters each day, it is special to know that so many Americans will be joining us today, unified in prayer. This day transcends differences and brings our country together for the utmost guidance.

Please pray with us on this day. Whether you are able to join us in our Chapel for Mass today at 11 a.m. in Marriottsville, Md. or you are praying with us in spirit from across the country, we pray together for our nation, for those who serve our country and our fellow citizens.

For many, the … continue reading…

Pope Benedict XIV shares message on the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations (April 29th)

The Little Black Book, Six-minute meditations on the Sunday Gospels of Lent (Cycle B)

Sr. Pat Dowling, Vocation Director, recommends this companion for Lent. This Lenten booklet is based on the writings of Bishop Ken Untener, and put together by Catherine Haven, editor of the Little Books, with the help of Sr. Nancy Ayotte, IHM.

For today’s reading, Monday–Second Week of Lent, it provides this text:  “After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.” (Mk. 9:2-3)

It then shares how to apply this text to our lives by saying, “The Transfiguration of Jesus is not just an interesting incident in the life of Jesus–it’s supposed to happen in my life too. Transfiguration happens when I let the brightness and beauty of God’s life within me shine forth so that others can see it. The brightness … continue reading…

PRAYER ON ASH WEDNESDAY
Jesus, in honor of the forty days
you spent in the desert praying and fasting,
we begin this season of Lent.
During this time of good works, prayer, and sacrifice
may we prepare our hearts, souls, minds and bodies for the feast of your Resurrection.
May we follow in your footsteps
as we journey with you to Jerusalem.
At each Mass that we participate in during this Lent,
may we be reminded of the Last Supper
and your gift of Eucharist.
May we continue with you
accepting those challenges that come our way.
May we stay with Mary
as she stands by your Cross.
We ask you to forgive us our faults
and thank you for the sacrifice you have made for us.
Grant us, O God, the perseverance
to strive each day of this season of Lent
to become the person you created us to be.
May our preparation for Easter
make us one with you the Risen Christ on Easter
and every day of our lives. Amen.

An excerpt from our 2012 Prayerbook…

To receive a copy of our newest prayerbook, please email us at CBSVocations@bshsi.org

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…

A Prayer for Labor Day

O God, creator of the world,
of sun and moon and stars,
you chose to fashion us, your own,
your handiwork of love.
Indeed, we are your hands’ own work

and yet into our hands
you give the care
of every living thing.

In more ways than we can count
our work builds up
or tears apart what came
as gift from you.

Keep us faithful in preserving
all you’ve given
lest we harm the smallest part
of all you’ve made.

Give us good and honest work to do
and rest at each day’s … continue reading…

The Archdiocese of Baltimore will join Catholics around the world in 60 hours of Eucharistic prayer for vocations to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s ordination to the priesthood.  Archbishop O’Brien asks all to make Eucharistic adoration available for 60 hours beginning June 29 and conclude July 1, feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  In the Pope’s “Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations, ‘Proposing Vocations in the Local Church’,” he reminded Catholics that we all have a responsibility to pray for vocations. 

The Archdiocese of Baltimore provides a schedule of prayers throughout the area on their website at: http://www.archbalt.org/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=46431  Whether you live in the Baltimore area and can attend one of these services or you live at a distance and will be attending a service within another diocese, please join us in prayer for vocations at this time.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations was a couple of weeks ago, but I want to share this video and ask for your support in praying for vocations to religious life.  I’m sorry I don’t know who developed it (I would otherwise acknowledge them - perhaps the USCCB).  God’s call to live life as a sister has a long tradition. Not many are called, but it is a valid life calling even for today. Life in a convent is not strange – like other vocations its about relationships and living a faith – filled life. Thanks for helping us pray for vocations.

Create your own video”>http://animoto.com”>video slideshow at animoto.com.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations