New Faith, New Growth, New Orleans

by Sarah, discerner

From left: Sarah; Melissa; Father Jim Osendorf, CM; Lien; Jessica; Maricris; Sister Theresa Sullivan;
Sister Denise LaRock; and Sister Lisa Laguna taking a beignet break at Café du Monde in New Orleans.

As a discerner of religious life for more than a year, I was very fortunate to be asked to attend the Search and Serve in New Orleans. There were four other girls who attended and we shared our stories, our faith and our discernment journeys—which was very helpful because we realized our struggles and our questions were not crazy! We realized we were not alone.

Search and Serve combines service projects and fun with prayer and reflection to aid in vocation discernment. Our first day started off right with the celebration of the Eucharist in a beautiful, intimate little chapel in the House of Charity, where we stayed for the week. We reflected on Pope Francis' writing, particularly The Joy of the Gospel and the letter to religious. We had a wonderful mini-retreat day, learning various forms of prayer, and had time for private reflection and prayer.

We spent some time exploring New Orleans. One of the Sisters of Charity brought us through the Upper and Lower Ninth Wards. Compared to the beautiful houses stacked side by side in the Upper Ninth, the Lower was a sad ghost town. There was a glimmer of hope and some rebuilding, but it showed how truly devastating Hurricane Katrina was to the community 10 years ago. It made the stories real.

We were blessed to meet several persons who were homeless—lovingly called "guests"—at the Rebuild Center. I spoke with many of them as they waited for services Rebuild provides, including showers, Internet access, lunch, general or mental health clinic visits, or just having a safe place to site and escape the sun. In my conversations, I learned these guests had jobs and lives and this homelessness is a temporary condition—that people like you or me could easily have the same bad luck. They told me one after the other that they were "real people." What does that really mean, though? To me, it meant they were human, worthy of respect and love. They were worthy of companionship. They were worthy of me.

We visited the museum at Carville, the former national leprosarium. The Daughters of Charity served people with leprosy thrown out of their homes and towns. They touched the "untouchables" when no one else would. They were instrumental in caring and finding a cure for leprosy, or Hansen's Disease. I loved seeing pictures of Sisters and patients. We touched history in the chapel and toured the grounds.

We also spent time visiting with residents at the Chateau nursing home. I realized once again the humanity and "realness" of these folks. They were young once and have a story—or stories, I should say! They were grateful to have our attention and share with us, and we were glad recipients! We walked out of there with many sweethearts promising to pray for us.

It wasn't all work and prayer, though! We went to the French Quarter and did touristy things like eat beignets and creole spiced foods, and walking along the river. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the wonderful people around me!

During this time I felt a call deep within me to be present for the poor, marginalized and forgotten, to listen to their stories and their actual needs, not just what society says they need. These guests, residents and memories are now a part of me, and I want to continue to serve and be present—to find Christ in the encounters. Through these experiences and talking one-on-one with my fellow discerners, Daughters of Charity, Sisters of Charity and the Vincentian priest who celebrated mass each morning, I grew immensely in my discernment journey and my relationship with Christ.

I am truly thankful for all the hearts and hands that played a part in that wonderful week. I would definitely recommend participating in this experience of a lifetime.

Praying as a Daughter of Charity

by Michelle Hoffman, pre-postulant

Pre-Postulants Michelle, Cynthia, Martha and Kara start their formation weekend
with a trip to San Francisco and its shoreline.

What better way to get to know those in discernment with you than to take some time away in California, right?

The four pre-postulants along with the vocations directors came together in Los Altos Hills, Calif., in March for a time away to reflect, pray, learn and have some fun.

The focus of our time together was praying as a Daughter of Charity. Sister Julie Kubasak led us through reflection on the Liturgy of the Hours, meditation, the Liturgy, spiritual reading and the rosary. The pre-postulants were able to ask questions, experience prayer and fun together in community with the Sisters in Los Altos Hills. We were together right before vow renewal for the Daughters on the Feast of the Annunciation so we heard about what it was like to renew vows and take them for the first time. We also learned about the traditions of first vows and renewal.

The pre-postulants also spent a day of fun getting to know each other better with an adventure to San Francisco. In a short two hours, we explored Fisherman's Wharf, went to Ghirardelli Square, saw the Golden Gate Bridge and lots of seagulls. We made some life-long memories we will remember each time we are together. Some of us even shared our musical abilities. Who knows–we might even start a band.

The time away together really has brought the four of us closer. We were able to create memories and share life together while on our discernment journey as Daughters of Charity pre-postulants.

• The pre-postulants share their thoughts on prayer and a look at their retreat in this video.
• Sister Julie shares more about the retreat here.
• Hear from Kara and Martha in this Holy Hangout about getting to know Sisters.

Finding Renewal in Prayer

by Sister Julie Kubasak, D.C.

Sister Julie Kubasak, D.C., shares at the Daughters of Charity pre-postulants' retreat
in Los Altos Hills this March. 

"A highlight of their day is the time of personal prayer: listening to the Lord, praise and thanksgiving, contemplation, seeking to know his will, and presenting to him the life and needs of those who are poor." –Constitutions of the Daughters of Charity, #21

It's hard to believe it has been three months since I was in California for a retreat with our Vocation Directors and our pre-postulants, Michelle, Cynthia, Martha and Kara, to focus on praying as a Daughter of Charity. Since then, I have been praying daily for them and for all of you in discernment with the Daughters of Charity.

The quote above from our Constitutions is a great one, isn't it? Often, I'm asked this question: "How do I make it as a Daughter of Charity?" My answer is simple: Daily prayer will be your sustaining force. Daily prayer is daily renewal.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ends. God's kindness is new every morning." –Lamentations 3:2, 23

I think daily prayer is what inspires our day–keeps us going, gets us back on track when we're a bit off. Oh, sure, there are times in life when we may be feeling like we are just "putting time in" rather than praying. And that is our big mistake! Prayer is not about feeling. Prayer is about being and a Being.

Even if during the day I forget to think of what I prayed about that morning, when I do bring it to mind it's always a great moment. During the Examen, I often see a connection to an insight from my morning prayer that really applied to my whole day. The Examen is taking time to reflect on your day before the Lord, and remembering that God was there...that you noticed. God is always there!

So how has your prayer life been going? Have you taken time every day? It's O.K. if you only do a short prayer time daily, and build it up. The important thing is to do it. Remember: God is just waiting for you. He's already there.

Which prayer style appeals to you, "works" for you? Whatever way seems right is the right way. Don't worry about trying to use a prayer style you think you should be using. Additionally, our prayer style changes over time. Just be open, try your best and God will do his part.

• Take a look at the weekend in retreat and hear from our pre-postulants about prayer in this video.
• Read this article and others in the June 2015 Vocation Discernment newsletter from Daughters of Charity Vocations.

Navigating Your Vocation One Step at a Time

Kara Davis will become a Pre-Postulant with Daughters of Charity this August. She is currently completing her Master's in speech pathology at Eastern Illinois University. This summer she is going to walk the Camino de Compostela in Spain. This post was originally published on the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Vocations website.

Navigating Your Vocation One Step at a Time
by Kara Davis

"I feel God calling me to religious life, but I don't know many Sisters. Where do I begin?"

Those were the panicked thoughts that raced through my head when I began seriously discerning religious life during college. God had been whispering to my heart for several years, but like any self-consumed teenager, I chose to ignore Him. However, God never abandoned my vocation, and as I prepared for graduation and making the next good step in my life, I knew I had to actually spend some genuine time in discernment. So, like any good student, I got on Google and started to research.

I read about local Nun Runs, where discerners traveled together to visit a variety of religious communities. During these busy weekends, women were able to pray with Sisters and learn about several different charisms, apostolates, and ways to experience community life. I chose to participate in the Indianapolis Nun Run, and it opened my eyes to the variety of ways I could be called to religious life. In addition, I was able to meet other women my age who were also discerning religious life.

This experience did not suddenly clarify my vocation, directing me straight to a particular community, but it did serve a purpose. I saw a variety of women answering God's call to holiness as religious Sisters and nuns, and I was finally able to visualize myself doing the same thing. I discovered that I shared the same deep desire to offer my life to Christ.

My experience on the Indianapolis Nun Run gave me the confidence to continue on the road of discernment. Through prayer, service and building relationships with Sisters, I eventually responded to God's call. I applied, and was accepted to the Daughters of Charity as a Pre-Postulant.

Discernment may feel like a race, but if you take the time to embrace the journey, God's whispers will powerfully resonate within you, guiding the next good step.

"Every vocation, every path to which Christ calls us, ultimately leads to fulfillment and happiness, because it leads to God, to sharing in God's own life." [Blessed Pope John Paul II]

Online Advent Retreat Coming Soon!

Not close enough to any of our discernment retreat locations? Now you can ask questions and hear stories online!

We're hosting a special Online Advent Discernment Retreat Dec. 1-5. It's a chance to share your thoughts as you're discerning your calling. This private retreat matches your schedule and meets you where you are through phone, email or Skype.

To schedule a time and find out more about the online retreat, email dcvocations2@doc.org or call Sister Virginia Ann Brooks, D.C., at 812-963-7559.

Other upcoming retreat opportunities:

• Nov. 15-17: Come and See Discernment Retreat in Emmitsburg, Md.
• Nov. 16: Come and Serve Discernment Retreat in Chicago

Visit our Retreats page for more information and other opportunities.

Gathering for Daughters Under 61 Years Old

So, how did a gathering come to be for those under 61 years old? Not 60, but 61! It turns out when the retreat and workshop were first announced some of the Sisters signed up and were 60 at the time and once the retreat drew closer--they had turned 60!

We are getting one step closer to bringing together four the Daughter of Charity Provinces in the United States. This summer 71 of the sisters from the Emmitsburg, Evansville, St. Louis, and Albany provinces gathered for retreat and a workshop. The gathering was a wonderful time of prayer, sharing, and fun. The photo was taken after the retreat and workshop day in the Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg Maryland where we sang one of the little company's favorite songs--Ubi Caritas. As you can tell from the photo, individuals weren't quite ready for this shot. Despite the existence of email, several cameras were used to take photos and one shot is never enough;-)

I chose this photo because it captures the joy we share as Daughters of Charity in this unposed moment. Many Sisters didn't know other participants before this gathering since they are from different provinces and parts of the United States. However, something much deeper and profound binds us together. Yes, it is the joy of giving ourselves completely to God, in community and serving Christ in those living in poverty!

Daughter of Charity Vocation-Come and See Retreats

Interested in checking out if the Daughters of Charity are for you? Maybe you know someone who feels called by God to make a radical gift of self to Christ. This retreat will help sort that out a bit in a setting of prayer.

Our theme for the Emmitsburg retreat will be "Christ the True Treasure". If you are interested in coming to any of the retreats you can contact us at the above places. If you are in my "neighborhood" and would like to come to the Emmitsburg retreat you can contact me at larocksrd@doc.org or call 410-646-2074.

Feel free to pass on the info if you know someone else that may be considering that total gift of self to Jesus Christ. More info about the Daughters of Charity can be found at http://www.daughters-of-charity.com/ and there is lots of good info about all the branches of the Vincentian Family at http://www.famvin.org/. Check it out!

My Annual Retreat

Each year I get time to visit my family, have a vacation, and have a retreat. I have just returned from my annual eight day retreat. I hope everyone enjoys my halo while it lasts! It is truly a gift to have these days of quiet to reflect on my life and my relationship with God. When I first came to the community, I thought I could never make it through eight days of silence. However, now I relish the time of quiet.

There are three different types of retreats available. The most common type is the preached retreat. This is where a retreat director gives a talk to a large group for a period of time each day. Individuals may sign up to visit with the director to talk or if it is a priest to have confession. We also had several sessions available to us for the sacrament of Reconciliation. Then there is the guided retreat. In a guided retreat, the group is about 10 people. The group meets altogether each day for a short presentation by the retreat director and maybe some sharing by the group. Those attending this retreat may sign up to visit the retreat director individually. Finally, there is the directed retreat. This is the one I now like to make. In a directed retreat, the director may have up to about six directees. Each day of the retreat the director meets one-one to with each directee. In addition to time with the retreat director we have liturgy of the hours together and Eucharistic liturgy also each day. A couple of days we can pray the rosary together and there are opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration--usually we call it Exposition.

I feel amazingly blessed to have this gift of retreat! As Daughters of Charity we seek to be contemplatives in action. Our annual retreat is a way to make sure we don't lose that contemplative side in the midst of the busyness of service of the poor. Each month we are strongly encourage to take a day of retreat. Usually this is done privately, but sometimes a local community (the Sisters with whom you live) will plan a retreat together. Globally, the Daughters of Charity are in retreat on December 31st as we reflect on the past year and the new one to come.

I pray that each of you can find some quiet time in which to center your life more deeply in Christ. I know most people don't have the wonderful opportunity for a long retreat. It would be great if everyone did! However, there are little ways to find some quiet. Sometimes, it could be as simple as not turning the radio on when you are in the car alone, take a couple of quiet minutes when you get up or go to bed, read the gospel of the day and ask God that it may speak to you personally. We need to seek those small opportunities to keep us growing closer to Christ each day--not just maintance!