There's a saying I've heard a few times ... "Join the convent, see the world." After spending most of this year in New Jersey - which granted is a different world from the Pacific Northwest - I will in fact be seeing even more of the world very soon. I think the saying alludes to the fact that in active apostolic religious communities - unlike monastic communities where you make a vow of stability and are tied to a particular place - you never know where you will lay your head. We go where we are called to go to serve God & God's people.The Sisters of St Joseph of Peace are an International Congregation with Provinces in the US & the UK. I learned this week that I will be spending my first 3 month Ministry Experience next year in London! I'm still waiting to hear what my ministry itself will be, but I know that come September I'll be living with a small community of sisters in London. As you might expect, I'm a very excited!
Before that I'll be joining some of our Sisters & Associates from all 3 Provinces on a trip to El Salvador in late July/early August.One of our Sisters runs a health mission to the people of El Salvador. She will be leading our trip along with another American sister from a different community that also ministers in El Salvador.
The goal of the trip is a kind of immersion in the culture, history and current reality of El Salvador. We just received the itinerary for our trip, which will include visits to where Archbishop Romero and the Jesuits were murdered, areas that were hard hit by the civil war, a repopulation village, and much more. There will be lots of time for prayer and reflection built into the experience. I've talked with folks who went on this trip last year and I am sure it will be amazing.
11 comments:
I know your post wasn't about this, but London Calling is one of the great albums of all time, IMO. :)
Antony ... I would have to agree!
Susan, what an opportunity to experience your first novitiate mission experience so close to the heart of the congregation! Just a clarifying question -- is the entire novitiate group going together or will you each be in a different province?
Hi, Susan! Crystal Clark, snjm here- I live with Cathy Beckley, snjm. Met you breifly in Seattle - hope to connect someday - know we've tried, but did not work out. Have enjoyed reading your blog. Blessings as you soak in the experience of trips to London and El Salvador.
You will love London. Try and get up to the Lakes area while there.
You are truly blessed.
Wow, Susan! What exciting times lay ahead! I will continue to watch and read with interest, as I "follow in your footsteps"--albeit in a different order, and a few years behind ya!
The trip to El Salvador sounds amazing! I can't wait to read what you say about it upon your return...
Also, thanks for the birthday wishes. I appreciate it.
Lastly, is your novitiate a 2-year one? If so, what will next year look like for you? Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like - ntrahan@gmail.com.
Many continued blessings!
Just read your blog again... realized I missed what you said about your first 3 months of apostolic novitiate....
How exciting! Keep us posted!
Lisa - the 2nd year novices will be having their ministry experiences at the same times next year but in different places. We will then come back together here at the Novitiate House in between.
Crystal - of course I remember you! Are you living in Queen Anne Hill with Cathy? I visited that house when I was discerning. When I'm back in the NW we will definitely need to connect.
Nicole - Yes we have a 2 year novitiate. The 2nd year starts in September which is when I will be going to London for my first ministry experience.
Natty & Mema - thanks.
In the mean time I've got just under 3 months left to take advantage of the time and space of the canonical year here in Jersey - with a few times away for the trip to El Salvador and Retreat.
How exciting!
London! I love London! That is so awesome. Can't wait to hear about it.
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