25 Years a Daughter of Charity

by Sister Nora Sweeney, D.C.

Sister Nora Sweeney (second row from top, third from left)
surrounded by members of her community during
her 25th jubilee celebration.

My story begins with my parents, whose love and own vocation inspired me in my call. My mom stayed home and sacrificed her life for each of her children–Billy, Tommy, Joseph, Jimmy, Bobby, Kathy, John, Patricia, Mary and Michael–while my dad worked to support the family, but rolled up his sleeves at night to help each of us. My parents guided my brothers and sisters from the day we were born through childhood as young adults and into adulthood.

Sister Nora Sweeney, D.C.

These past 25 years as a Daughter of Charity have presented me more joys, challenges and discoveries than I could have ever imagined. I was inspired and deeply touched by the personal gifts of the Daughters of Charity who celebrated with me this jubilee and those who have been called home. Each one of them was compassionate, took the time to listen, understood, shared reflections and challenged me on a personal level. Their life-giving presence truly made me aware of God's presence in my own life. I became more reflective, hungering for a life that was meaningful in service to others.

Prayer, especially community prayer, is my source of power and energy. As Daughters of Charity, we are "doers," but without being grounded in prayer, I could not share God's love with those I serve and with my co-workers. My ministry has provided countless opportunities to daily experience God at work in the lives of people of all backgrounds. In my ministries, I have had the opportunity of seeing, listening and touching the face of God. I have learned there is no limit to God's creativity, love and ability to bring good out of even the most tragic of circumstances.

When I said "yes" to Jesus' invitation, I could not imagine being anywhere else. I love my life as a Daughter of Charity. The Congregation of the Mission together with the Daughters of Charity are known as "the Double Family." We each are united by our charism of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac. Our lives are ultimately committed to the service of the poor. We are dedicated to daily celebration of communal prayer, Eucharist and community life. In my experience with the Vincentians, I have felt the growth in the Vincentian charism and witnessed a deeper desire of the Double Family to live this charism in service to those most in need.

Twenty-one years ago, I made vows for the first time and Sister Mary Fran Martin gave the reflection. She said, at that time, speaking of my parents Alice and Fred, that they were still in love after 50 years of life together. And when I celebrate my Golden Jubilee it will still be obvious I am still in love with God, with my community and with the poor I have the privilege to serve.

NCYC--We are the Church!

Imagine being in  football stadium with about 28,000 teens fired for Christ! I don't need to imagine--I was at NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) in Indianapolis.  Check out the NFCYM channel to get a sense of the power of the experience for our young Church http://www.youtube.com/user/nfcym.

Have you ever experienced Jesse Manibusan? http://jessemanibusan.com/home/

He is prayerful, inspiring and full of fun--seen here in one of his many smiley face shirts.  Throughout the event, he led the crowd in the following chant/cheer:

Who's the church? WE ARE!

Where's the church? RIGHT HERE!

And? EVERYWHERE!

How do we live our Catholic faith? ALL ARE WELCOME!

How do we live our Catholic faith? ALL ARE WELCOME?

And that's how the world knows that we've been, SIGNED. SEALED. DELIVERED.

Bob McCarty, executive director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, reminded the participants that our faith is vertical (God and me) and horizontal (my neighbor and me) as he moves his hand in a large sign of the cross. This was made concrete through the many service projects available at the event--packaging food for CRS, Locks-of-Love, capes for hospitalized children and more!

Pope Francis, NFCYM and the Daughters of Charity are of one mind and heart in the need to deepen our relationship with Christ in prayer and then reach out to our neighbors near and far.  As we read in Matthew 25--"Whatever you do for the least of these you do for me."  It is in giving that we receive, if only we take the time to reflect on our experiences and to hear God's message to me through this experience.

So what is God saying to me through my experience at NCYC (and NCCC)?

First, there are many amazing young people out there!  Second, they look to adults to be willing to share their time, talent and faith and they respond with enthusiasm.  Faith sharing is often not easy because it is something close to our heart.  We must pray for courage that we may speak boldly of our faith to the young Church and to our neighbor.  Third, this can all be done in the midst of a lot of fun!

Catherine and Sr. Denise

 Post contributed by Sister Denise LaRock, DC