Vocations

Thoughts on VOCATION
"A vocation is God's unique invitation addressed to individual persons in which a free response is expected. This response is not a single act, but a life-long process, a journey of faith. We do not "have" a vocation; we discover how we "are" our vocations as we journey through life led by the Spirit. "   
The realisation of this invitation may come from something you have read, an event in your life, a meeting, a time of prayer and reflection. And if it is an invitation to Religious Life it is good to remember the following when that happens:-
* A personal relationship with God is an important and vital part of life.
* It is not uncommon to hear the call of the Lord to a particular way of life and at the same time feel apprehensive.
* God calls us to personal fulfilment so any way of life must be suited to our unique personality.
* It is good to talk and share with others who feel as you do - talk to Sisters, visit communities. Getting to know people is important - you have to know whether you could live with them!
* Remember that a vocation is a calling from God not merely a pursuit of your own feelings. This call is a growing realisation that to spend your life as a Sister dedicated to Christ and working for others - especially the poor and marginalised - is what would make you happy.
* There will always be trained individuals in every religious family to help you to know whether or not you are called to live in this particular way or with a particular group. Above all, pray for guidance, be patient and wait for God's reply. God calling is You!

Formation

Formation - The unfolding of God's call and of its implications in our lives is the essence of formation, both initial and on-going. Through prayer and reflective living and through the people and events in our lives we hear this call more clearly each day and are empowered by the Spirit to respond ever more generously. In order to be more effective in sharing the mission of Christ, we foster the human, Christian and religious development of each sister.
Our formation is -
* rooted in the Gospel
* carried out in fidelity to the Church's teaching, and
* in the spirit of the constitutions.
* Special emphasis is placed on developing the apostolic spirituality and social awareness that mark the Presentation charism. 

 

 

 
Mary of the Dawn

Mary,
living from that sacred place
where earth meets heaven,
your heart discerned the Holy One
in stars  in sun,
in lives of men and women,
in wind  in rock  in miracle of leaven,
in sacred Word proclaiming Israel's story,
in all the dailiness of life.

Woman of life,
welcome us into your home
your place  your sacred space!
Our eyes search to see as you saw.
Our hearts yearn to know as you knew,
to know the thousand faces of the One
above  below  within  beyond  among us,
flesh among us. Be light for our darkness.
Be dawn for our day.

Raphael Consedine PBVM
The Congregation of The Presentation of The Blessed Virgin Mary

 

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Vocation

Sr. Bernadette will answer your questions on vocations. Click here to send an email