Sometimes you'll see a banner outside a UCC Church that says "God is still speaking ...". I've always loved that idea. Yesterday I had a few experiences that reminded me that God is also still calling folks to religious life. And people are still listening!
I had the wonderful opportunity to drop in on a weekend vocation retreat organized by the Sisters of the Seattle Archdiocese, including our own to vocation ministers with the mostest, Sr. Jo-Anne and Sr. Amalia. There were 8 young women attending the two day retreat. I came towards the tail end and was there for a Question & Answer Session, Liturgy, Lunch and then an opportunity to share my own vocation story. It was great to meet these young women--all under the age of 40--responding to God's call to explore religious life.
After I got home from the retreat, I had a conference call with the group that's been meeting by Skype since September to plan the upcoming 6th National Gathering of Giving Voice, the organization of women religious under the age of 50. 150 women who believe in the future of religious life will be gathering in Chicago July 21-24 for deep listening and meaningful conversations about God's dreams for religious life and signs that are already emerging of 21st century religious life.
Put the two experiences together, and I'm feeling quite hopeful about the future, and so grateful to have been invited along for the journey!
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing this upbeat and hopeful experience.
That retreat sounds fantastic! And how cool to have that experience juxtaposed with the Giving Voice conference call!... So sorry to miss you all in Chicago, but I hope to be with you at the next gathering! Prayers from afar...
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