As a religious Community, we commit ourselves to deepening our relationship with God, supporting each other and to continuing the Mission of Jesus. At the heart of Presentation Spirituality is compassion and hospitality. We are called to a reflective way of living in which our prayer moves us to action and our action to prayer.

" Let yourself be summoned by the love of Christ. Recognise his voice, which rings in the temple of your heart. Have no fear that the response He requires is radical, because Jesus, who first loved you, is ready to give what He asks of you. If He asks much, it is because He knows you can give much! "  Pope John Paul II

If you would like to know more or to talk to someone about how you feel God is leading you contact: Sr Bernadette Telephone 0115 950 6693 or click here to email Sr Bernadette.

From the "Town of the Monks" by Sister Bernadette Doherty

Beside the river Barrow, where it flows through a beautiful, deep, wooded valley below Mount Brandon, nestles the town of Graignamanagh, the town of the monks. The monks in question were those of the 13th century abbey of Duiske, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ireland. In 1204, William of Pembroke endowed this foundation for a colony of monks sent from Stanley in Wiltshire. The people of Graignamanagh are justly proud that Duiske Abbey Church has been in continuous use for eight hundred years. I was privileged to be born into the Doherty family and began my education in Graignamanagh. Ten Years later my family came to live in England. Every year we would "go home" for our holiday and reconnect with all the family and friends. While at school in Stockport, I came in contact with the Presentation Sisters. A few years later, on a very snowy Sunday in January, we found ourselves journeying to Chaddesden in Derby, where I was going to begin my training as a Presentation Sister. In those days, training involved, Up to one year as a postulant, Two years as a novice, and Five years in Temporary Profession, followed by Final Profession.

I started my training in Derby and made my final profession in St. Anne's Church, Buxton, Derbyshire. It could be said I made history that day! I was the first sister to celebrate my Final Profession in the public church. Previous to that, all religious profession ceremonies were celebrated in the Convent chapel.

My life as a Presentation Sister is one that I am honoured to live out. No, I would not change it, though I might be tempted to experience being rich for a day! Be honest, you may have had such a thought yourself! But they are only what ifs. Life is for living. I am very proud of belonging to the Doherty family and to the Presentation family. You may wish to find out more about us as a Presentation Family. Why not explore our web site further?  We live in community and are called to a reflective way of living in which our prayer moves us to action and our action to prayer. We work in five continents, taking to heart, the words of Nano Nagle our foundress, "If I can be of service in any part of the world, I would willingly do so".

My ministry as a sister is in the world of education. I have lovely, happy memories of pupils and school staff. I have also been involved in parish work. The more one learns, the more there is to learn. And where better than at the chalk face! My work is in the English Province, but I have also had the privilege of going abroad and learning from the people in the Philippines, Zambia and Delhi. My greatest lesson is how these people are so appreciative of what they have. We have so much and still we want more. I speak tongue in cheek of the people in the third world because I was there only a very short time, but I have certainly learnt a lot from them.

If you are wishing for some peace and quiet in your life or just a reflective time, why not visit that beautiful picturesque town of the monks, Graig to the locals, in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. Another option is to visit us here in Nottingham. Sr. Bernadette Doherty, Presentation Sisters, St Augustine's, Westville Gardens, Woodborough Rd, NOTTINGHAM  NG3 4QF   click here for a map of how to find us  Tel: 0115 950 6693

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