Our Vocation Ministry - October 2005

Come and See Retreats / Days of Discernment
Our 2005-2006 Schedule is now available! This year in addition to our Come and See Retreats, we are adding a Day of Discernment to our schedule in several locations. We also added two new locations: Buffalo, NY and Miami, Fla.

Register Online for Come and See Retreats! If you have any questions or would like more information feel free to email or call me.

Feast of St. Francis - October 4th
This is the day that Franciscans throughout the world come together to celebrate the life of our founder, St. Francis of Assisi. Actually, we also gather on the evening October 3 to enter into The Transitus. This is when we remember Francis's death. (It's a Franciscan wake service!) Francis had a great deal to teach his followers about living and dying.

Francis lived in a time not unlike our own. Society had become materialistic, there were religious wars going on, as well as scandals within the Church. Francis became very disenchanted and felt a great yearning within him to do more with his life. It was in the Church of San Damiano, itself in disarray, that Francis, while praying in front of the crucifix, heard God say within him, "Rebuild my Church!" Francis spent the rest of his life responding to God's call.

Can you identify with Francis? Is God calling you to do more with your life? Do you feel a deep desire to love more…to help those who are suffering…to live as Jesus did?

Ask God. "What do you want me to do for you?" Then listen!

Here is a prayer of St. Francis to use when discerning God's will:

Prayer for Guidance
Loving God,
bring light to the darkness of my heart.
Give me right faith, certain hope,
and perfect charity.
Lord Jesus,
give me insight and wisdom,
so I might always discern
your holy and true will. Amen
-- St. Francis of Assisi, Prayer before the Cross (in San Damiano Church)

The next issue of our newsletter, Followers of Francis is at the printer. If you would like a copy, or would like to be placed on our mailing list, please email me.

To all who are,
and those who want to be Franciscans,
HAPPY FEAST DAY!

Are you being called to religious life?
Take this "Vocations Anonymous Test" to find out!

Answer "yes" or "no" to the following questions:
1. Does the idea of becoming a religious sister keep coming back time and time again even though you thought you had moved on in your life and forgotten about it?
2. Do you feel called to give more, to be more?
3. Does your relationship with God sustain you, enliven you, and invigorate you in such a way that you want to share the Good News with others?
4. Do you find your weekly ministry more life-giving and energizing than your 40 to 60 hour workweek?
5. Do you long for "MORE"?
6. Do you have a sneaking suspicion that you are on the brink of a major life decision?
7. Are you afraid to tell friends and family that you are thinking about becoming a Sister?
8. Does the idea of becoming a religious sister excite you and at the same time frighten you because you feel "unworthy"?

If you answered, "yes" to several of these questions, God may be inviting you to "Come follow Me!"

Our Vocation Webpages
We have a lot of information on our website to assist you in your discernment, such as:
Steps to Becoming a Sister
"Eleven Signs You May Have a Call to Religious Life"
"How do I know if God is calling me?"
Why are you an Allegany Franciscan? ...and much more!

I am deeply appreciative to all of our sisters and associates who have, and will continue to share their talents, spirituality, and lives, as we endeavor to assist you in your discernment process. We welcome your ideas, suggestions, and questions, and encourage you to visit our page frequently. As always, feel free to contact me at (813) 870-6314, or e-mail fsavoc@aol.com.

Peace and all good,
Sr. Mary McNally, Vocation Director



To read previous monthly updates, click here.