Our Vocation Ministry - September 2005

Come and See Retreats / Days of Discernment
We are in the process of scheduling our Come and See Retreats and Days of Discernment for the rest of 2005 and 2006. Besides being listed here on our webpage, we will have a brochure available.

Affiliates Gather in Allegany!
Several times during the year, our Affiliates come together to experience various communities and ministries, and to support each other in their journey. June 17, 18 and 19 found six of our Affiliates in Allegany exploring our Motherhouse, our Archives, Mission Society, the Ritiro, and Canticle Farm, and especially spending time and prayer with our senior sisters, as well as sisters from communities in the surrounding area.

Our affiliates also enjoyed sharing their journeys and many good laughs together. Perhaps the experience can best be described by Amy, one of our Affiliates who shared an email with the others when she returned home after the Gathering:

Hi dear friends!

It truly was a blessed weekend, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to spend those three days in Allegany.

During the drive from Buffalo to the Motherhouse, I gazed out the windows and wished there was some way I could wrap my arms around those hills, kiss God's good earth, and greet the weekend in a most Franciscan way. You're right, Mary, it really is God's country (as spoken by a true Northerner). Real mountains/hills, oaks and maples, dandelions, a cool refreshing breeze, and the most delightful drizzle--I felt so wonderfully blessed.

How clearly I can still see myself walking through Canticle Farm with God's breath dripping on my face, the delightful taste of His fresh strawberries moistening my lips, the comforting sight of a big, fluffy herd dog watching over the land, and the soiled feet and hands of a farmer who knows and loves God's great earth. Again I hear the sweet tremolo of a dozen older Sisters' voices leaking into the ever-peaceful Ritiro as we prayed and listened and prepared our hearts and minds in their chapel before Mass. I see the cheery, expectant faces of gray-and-white-haired Sisters all eager to learn our names and share their stories, while the tempting odors of a warm meal tickle our nostrils and send our still-full stomachs churning to make room for just a little bit more.

I feel the chill creeping in as we sit outside the ice cream place in 47-degree weather, eating and laughing and enjoying each other's company. I sense the joy as we try to suppress our giggles in the hallway, walking in twos or threes or ones-who-turn-the-twos-and-threes-in-the-right-direction to our designated meeting place, and I wonder if the Sisters might be enjoying our lighthearted youthfulness even as we disrupt their quiet time and rest. I sense the beautiful mix of awe and joy as we stand together for Mass on Sunday, sharing in this grace-filled celebration with each other as the "new generation," yet so carefully planted among the most well-seasoned members of this community in a place pulsing with memories.

Yes, it was a blessed weekend. Thank you all for being a part of it. May God continue to bless you in your journey of discernment and discovery!

Pax et bonum!!! :)
Amy

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