Hello Everyone,
Just a quick note to say I am home from my time with the Dominican Nuns in Buffalo.
Thanks so much for your prayers. Truly I was blessed while I was there. I have to rush out to my nephew's one year birthday party and I am still a little tired.
I promise I will write more tomorrow.
Blessings and Peace,
DonnaMarie
Full Version: Home from Buffalo
welcome back! Can't wait to hear about your visit!
Glad to hear you had a blessed trip, can't wait to hear about it.
God Bless
God Bless
She's back!!!! 
In time, we would looooooooove to hear allllllllll about it!
In time, we would looooooooove to hear allllllllll about it!
YAY!!!!!!!!!!! DONNA! I've missed you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Donnamarie is back, the world is rotating once again. 
Welcome back!
I've been sick so I wasn't able to visit with you...
Did you like Father Jacob and the Nuns... how's Charlene, do you know what day she's becoming a postulant?
Anyways I can't wait to hear how it went.
God bless,
Brendan
I've been sick so I wasn't able to visit with you...
Did you like Father Jacob and the Nuns... how's Charlene, do you know what day she's becoming a postulant?
Anyways I can't wait to hear how it went.
God bless,
Brendan
Welcome back, DonnaMarie! Please rest & reflect & take care of yourself! Pace e bene, Brandelyn
Hello I'm back with some news in regards to my aspirancy with the Dominicans Nuns in Buffalo.
I am surprised at how fast the three weeks went. I wish I didn't have to return back to Ottawa. I had a wonderful time.
The moment I walked into the cloister I felt at peace. I was laughing when Sister closed the door behind me and showed me where the keys are. She told me see here they are so you are not being locked in. Therefore if you need to go then you can go!
I was shown to my room and the patron saint on the door was St. Thomas Aquinas. I took the opportunity over the next three weeks to get know a little bit more about St. Thomas and ask for his intercession for my discernment with these nuns. Of course it took some time getting used to the schedule and I thought that because usually I rise early in the morning anyways it would be easy to get up at 5:00 am and follow the daily routine without feeling tired. Well, believe me I was looking for my bed at the time of rest at 1:00 and after Compline!!!!
Sr. Rose gave myself and another aspirant black postulant jumpers. Up till that point we have been wearing our own clothes but I put on and I didn’t want to take it off. After the first week, the monastery felt like home but I was afraid to hope and consider putting my name on the application papers because my past is filled with hurts and disappointments. I liked the rhythm of the day: the work, I helped in our novitiate library, the times community prayer and private prayer. I liked the silence during the meals as well as the fun at recreation. I learned to say quite a bit in very few words!!
All during this time I was praying and asking God for his desire for me in this house. As well, I had started the 30-day novena to St. Joseph asking for clarity for God’s call for me as well. I spoke to Sr. Rose, Fr. Jacob, their chaplain and Mother Gemma and during a time of Solemn Silence that I realized the Lord was speaking to me through them. They said I shouldn’t let the past decided my vocation as well I shouldn’t be afraid of the future. Also, Mother and Sr. Rose didn’t tell me to leave.
After that, I wasn’t afraid anymore and I started to fill out the application papers. I have one obstacle to my entering soon and that is my debts. I have some large debts and I didn’t hide that from the sisters. One of the sisters told me that I shouldn’t let that stop me from applying. So I will apply and see what help I can find because I do need help.
It is funny that of all the communities I have looked into in the last little while, this is the community I have kept at arms’ length. Yet, this is the community where the doors and the arms have opened to accept me. These brides of Christ are going to be bugging Him about my debts and judging from I have seen they will be resolved.
So that was my three weeks. I do believe I have a vocation to the contemplative life and sisters mentioned to me about being an extern sister. At first I thought they suggested it because they felt I couldn’t handle the cloister but I was wrong. They think I would be good at it. I think they are right. Thanks so much for your prayers and thanks so much Sr. Mary Michael for your advice. So I ask prayers for my debts to be resolved.
So my friends, after 20 yrs of trying a door have opened. I can’t say I didn’t lose hope now and then. Not to mentioned I lost confidence in God’s care for me as well. I know the road is hard my friends but don’t lose hope, moreover, don’t ever give into the temptation that I did that God didn’t want me. God loved me and He blessed me with some wonderful friends.
No matter how the hard the road gets, don’t ever doubt His loving care for you.
Peace,
DonnaMarie
I am surprised at how fast the three weeks went. I wish I didn't have to return back to Ottawa. I had a wonderful time.
The moment I walked into the cloister I felt at peace. I was laughing when Sister closed the door behind me and showed me where the keys are. She told me see here they are so you are not being locked in. Therefore if you need to go then you can go!
I was shown to my room and the patron saint on the door was St. Thomas Aquinas. I took the opportunity over the next three weeks to get know a little bit more about St. Thomas and ask for his intercession for my discernment with these nuns. Of course it took some time getting used to the schedule and I thought that because usually I rise early in the morning anyways it would be easy to get up at 5:00 am and follow the daily routine without feeling tired. Well, believe me I was looking for my bed at the time of rest at 1:00 and after Compline!!!!
Sr. Rose gave myself and another aspirant black postulant jumpers. Up till that point we have been wearing our own clothes but I put on and I didn’t want to take it off. After the first week, the monastery felt like home but I was afraid to hope and consider putting my name on the application papers because my past is filled with hurts and disappointments. I liked the rhythm of the day: the work, I helped in our novitiate library, the times community prayer and private prayer. I liked the silence during the meals as well as the fun at recreation. I learned to say quite a bit in very few words!!
All during this time I was praying and asking God for his desire for me in this house. As well, I had started the 30-day novena to St. Joseph asking for clarity for God’s call for me as well. I spoke to Sr. Rose, Fr. Jacob, their chaplain and Mother Gemma and during a time of Solemn Silence that I realized the Lord was speaking to me through them. They said I shouldn’t let the past decided my vocation as well I shouldn’t be afraid of the future. Also, Mother and Sr. Rose didn’t tell me to leave.
After that, I wasn’t afraid anymore and I started to fill out the application papers. I have one obstacle to my entering soon and that is my debts. I have some large debts and I didn’t hide that from the sisters. One of the sisters told me that I shouldn’t let that stop me from applying. So I will apply and see what help I can find because I do need help.
It is funny that of all the communities I have looked into in the last little while, this is the community I have kept at arms’ length. Yet, this is the community where the doors and the arms have opened to accept me. These brides of Christ are going to be bugging Him about my debts and judging from I have seen they will be resolved.
So that was my three weeks. I do believe I have a vocation to the contemplative life and sisters mentioned to me about being an extern sister. At first I thought they suggested it because they felt I couldn’t handle the cloister but I was wrong. They think I would be good at it. I think they are right. Thanks so much for your prayers and thanks so much Sr. Mary Michael for your advice. So I ask prayers for my debts to be resolved.
So my friends, after 20 yrs of trying a door have opened. I can’t say I didn’t lose hope now and then. Not to mentioned I lost confidence in God’s care for me as well. I know the road is hard my friends but don’t lose hope, moreover, don’t ever give into the temptation that I did that God didn’t want me. God loved me and He blessed me with some wonderful friends.
No matter how the hard the road gets, don’t ever doubt His loving care for you.
Peace,
DonnaMarie
DonnaMarie,
PRAISE BE TO JESUS CHRIST for the beautiful time you spent with the sisters. Please know of all the prayers the pham will be sending that your debts are disolved quickly!
PRAISE BE TO JESUS CHRIST for the beautiful time you spent with the sisters. Please know of all the prayers the pham will be sending that your debts are disolved quickly!
Hey donna! Welcome back!
Thank you for tell us about your trip and I am so happy for you! Well it seems that we are both in the same boat here but there is hope! There is a number of foundations whom would be willing to help you.
www.fraserfamilyfoundation.org
www.lasermonks.com
http://www.labourefoundation.org/
Also I would start doing a 54 day novena! I pray that Our Blessed Mother will keep watch over you and petition Our Lord for you needs.
In JMJ
Thank you for tell us about your trip and I am so happy for you! Well it seems that we are both in the same boat here but there is hope! There is a number of foundations whom would be willing to help you.
www.fraserfamilyfoundation.org
www.lasermonks.com
http://www.labourefoundation.org/
Also I would start doing a 54 day novena! I pray that Our Blessed Mother will keep watch over you and petition Our Lord for you needs.
In JMJ
QUOTE(Marieteresa @ Mar 5 2006, 03:10 PM)
Hey donna! Welcome back!
Thank you for tell us about your trip and I am so happy for you! Well it seems that we are both in the same boat here but there is hope! There is a number of foundations whom would be willing to help you.
www.fraserfamilyfoundation.org
www.lasermonks.com
http://www.labourefoundation.org/
Also I would start doing a 54 day novena! I pray that Our Blessed Mother will keep watch over you and petition Our Lord for you needs.
In JMJ
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Thank you for tell us about your trip and I am so happy for you! Well it seems that we are both in the same boat here but there is hope! There is a number of foundations whom would be willing to help you.
www.fraserfamilyfoundation.org
www.lasermonks.com
http://www.labourefoundation.org/
Also I would start doing a 54 day novena! I pray that Our Blessed Mother will keep watch over you and petition Our Lord for you needs.
In JMJ
[right][snapback]903580[/snapback][/right]
I'm glad to see that the lasermonks offer this type of assistance. I've often paid more for their goods than I would have to pay elsewhere in the hope that their charitable causes are good ones. Clearly they are.
Donna, I spoke quite a bit with Charlene today, and I give thanks to God that your aspirancy was so wonderful. I did see you behind the grille, and though I was only sick a little, I didn't want to ask to speak with you in the parlor, because I didn't want to disrupt your experience... I'm so glad that hopefully you'll enter religious life, and in my city too! I am so happy for you. 
QUOTE(passionheart @ Mar 5 2006, 02:20 PM)
Hello I'm back with some news in regards to my aspirancy with the Dominicans Nuns in Buffalo.
I am surprised at how fast the three weeks went. I wish I didn't have to return back to Ottawa. I had a wonderful time.
The moment I walked into the cloister I felt at peace. I was laughing when Sister closed the door behind me and showed me where the keys are. She told me see here they are so you are not being locked in. Therefore if you need to go then you can go!
I was shown to my room and the patron saint on the door was St. Thomas Aquinas. I took the opportunity over the next three weeks to get know a little bit more about St. Thomas and ask for his intercession for my discernment with these nuns. Of course it took some time getting used to the schedule and I thought that because usually I rise early in the morning anyways it would be easy to get up at 5:00 am and follow the daily routine without feeling tired. Well, believe me I was looking for my bed at the time of rest at 1:00 and after Compline!!!!
Sr. Rose gave myself and another aspirant black postulant jumpers. Up till that point we have been wearing our own clothes but I put on and I didn’t want to take it off. After the first week, the monastery felt like home but I was afraid to hope and consider putting my name on the application papers because my past is filled with hurts and disappointments. I liked the rhythm of the day: the work, I helped in our novitiate library, the times community prayer and private prayer. I liked the silence during the meals as well as the fun at recreation. I learned to say quite a bit in very few words!!
All during this time I was praying and asking God for his desire for me in this house. As well, I had started the 30-day novena to St. Joseph asking for clarity for God’s call for me as well. I spoke to Sr. Rose, Fr. Jacob, their chaplain and Mother Gemma and during a time of Solemn Silence that I realized the Lord was speaking to me through them. They said I shouldn’t let the past decided my vocation as well I shouldn’t be afraid of the future. Also, Mother and Sr. Rose didn’t tell me to leave.
After that, I wasn’t afraid anymore and I started to fill out the application papers. I have one obstacle to my entering soon and that is my debts. I have some large debts and I didn’t hide that from the sisters. One of the sisters told me that I shouldn’t let that stop me from applying. So I will apply and see what help I can find because I do need help.
It is funny that of all the communities I have looked into in the last little while, this is the community I have kept at arms’ length. Yet, this is the community where the doors and the arms have opened to accept me. These brides of Christ are going to be bugging Him about my debts and judging from I have seen they will be resolved.
So that was my three weeks. I do believe I have a vocation to the contemplative life and sisters mentioned to me about being an extern sister. At first I thought they suggested it because they felt I couldn’t handle the cloister but I was wrong. They think I would be good at it. I think they are right. Thanks so much for your prayers and thanks so much Sr. Mary Michael for your advice. So I ask prayers for my debts to be resolved.
So my friends, after 20 yrs of trying a door have opened. I can’t say I didn’t lose hope now and then. Not to mentioned I lost confidence in God’s care for me as well. I know the road is hard my friends but don’t lose hope, moreover, don’t ever give into the temptation that I did that God didn’t want me. God loved me and He blessed me with some wonderful friends.
No matter how the hard the road gets, don’t ever doubt His loving care for you.
Peace,
DonnaMarie
[right][snapback]903557[/snapback][/right]
I am surprised at how fast the three weeks went. I wish I didn't have to return back to Ottawa. I had a wonderful time.
The moment I walked into the cloister I felt at peace. I was laughing when Sister closed the door behind me and showed me where the keys are. She told me see here they are so you are not being locked in. Therefore if you need to go then you can go!
I was shown to my room and the patron saint on the door was St. Thomas Aquinas. I took the opportunity over the next three weeks to get know a little bit more about St. Thomas and ask for his intercession for my discernment with these nuns. Of course it took some time getting used to the schedule and I thought that because usually I rise early in the morning anyways it would be easy to get up at 5:00 am and follow the daily routine without feeling tired. Well, believe me I was looking for my bed at the time of rest at 1:00 and after Compline!!!!
Sr. Rose gave myself and another aspirant black postulant jumpers. Up till that point we have been wearing our own clothes but I put on and I didn’t want to take it off. After the first week, the monastery felt like home but I was afraid to hope and consider putting my name on the application papers because my past is filled with hurts and disappointments. I liked the rhythm of the day: the work, I helped in our novitiate library, the times community prayer and private prayer. I liked the silence during the meals as well as the fun at recreation. I learned to say quite a bit in very few words!!
All during this time I was praying and asking God for his desire for me in this house. As well, I had started the 30-day novena to St. Joseph asking for clarity for God’s call for me as well. I spoke to Sr. Rose, Fr. Jacob, their chaplain and Mother Gemma and during a time of Solemn Silence that I realized the Lord was speaking to me through them. They said I shouldn’t let the past decided my vocation as well I shouldn’t be afraid of the future. Also, Mother and Sr. Rose didn’t tell me to leave.
After that, I wasn’t afraid anymore and I started to fill out the application papers. I have one obstacle to my entering soon and that is my debts. I have some large debts and I didn’t hide that from the sisters. One of the sisters told me that I shouldn’t let that stop me from applying. So I will apply and see what help I can find because I do need help.
It is funny that of all the communities I have looked into in the last little while, this is the community I have kept at arms’ length. Yet, this is the community where the doors and the arms have opened to accept me. These brides of Christ are going to be bugging Him about my debts and judging from I have seen they will be resolved.
So that was my three weeks. I do believe I have a vocation to the contemplative life and sisters mentioned to me about being an extern sister. At first I thought they suggested it because they felt I couldn’t handle the cloister but I was wrong. They think I would be good at it. I think they are right. Thanks so much for your prayers and thanks so much Sr. Mary Michael for your advice. So I ask prayers for my debts to be resolved.
So my friends, after 20 yrs of trying a door have opened. I can’t say I didn’t lose hope now and then. Not to mentioned I lost confidence in God’s care for me as well. I know the road is hard my friends but don’t lose hope, moreover, don’t ever give into the temptation that I did that God didn’t want me. God loved me and He blessed me with some wonderful friends.
No matter how the hard the road gets, don’t ever doubt His loving care for you.
Peace,
DonnaMarie
[right][snapback]903557[/snapback][/right]
Te Deum!!!!!
Thanks be to God for your vocation! I will keep you in my prayers that your debts be erased, and that you can become the bride of Christ, clearly His will for you.
God bless you,
Denise
God bless you,
Denise
Praised be Jesus!
I am praying for you!
That is soooooooo wonderful!
I am praying for you!
That is soooooooo wonderful!
DonnaMarie, thank you so much for sharing about your Aspirancy! I cannot wait until I can go make my Aspirancy with the nuns in Marbury this July, and hearing your experience makes me anticipate it even more. What you said about getting up early struck me too--I am planning to get up at 6:00 every day here, so that when I go down there to CST their 5:00 shouldn't be that bad, but I think it will be exhausting anyway. Also, I have to be "praying and asking God for his desire for me" all the time because I am so changeable and see so many good works for God that even if I didn't enter the cloister I could never do them all! But they pull my heart in different directions and I have to be constantly quieting it and giving it back to Him.
Two questions for you. First, did you have to apply before making the aspirancy, or are most of the papers filled out afterwards? I had to do the paperwork before the aspirancy. I'm just curious how different monasteries do it. Second, do the nuns in Buffalo have other extern sisters that you would join, or would you be the first one? Would you live with them in the cloister and just be able to do work outside as well, or would you live in separate quarters? Do you take different vows as an extern? (Lots of questions, I hope it's not a bother.)
God bless and Our Lady keep you and your vocation! Especially to the glorious order of St. Dominic!
+Ida
Two questions for you. First, did you have to apply before making the aspirancy, or are most of the papers filled out afterwards? I had to do the paperwork before the aspirancy. I'm just curious how different monasteries do it. Second, do the nuns in Buffalo have other extern sisters that you would join, or would you be the first one? Would you live with them in the cloister and just be able to do work outside as well, or would you live in separate quarters? Do you take different vows as an extern? (Lots of questions, I hope it's not a bother.)
God bless and Our Lady keep you and your vocation! Especially to the glorious order of St. Dominic!
+Ida
QUOTE(TheresaMF @ Mar 5 2006, 08:02 PM)
Two questions for you. First, did you have to apply before making the aspirancy, or are most of the papers filled out afterwards? I had to do the paperwork before the aspirancy. I'm just curious how different monasteries do it. Second, do the nuns in Buffalo have other extern sisters that you would join, or would you be the first one? Would you live with them in the cloister and just be able to do work outside as well, or would you live in separate quarters? Do you take different vows as an extern? (Lots of questions, I hope it's not a bother.)
God bless and Our Lady keep you and your vocation! Especially to the glorious order of St. Dominic!
+Ida
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My friend you are not asking too many questions but I am laughing about what you said about the time difference between your time and the monastery. There is a Benedictine priest who helps the nuns with their singing. He told me that he joined a monastery on the west coast so the time difference wouldn't effect him. He said that lasted a week
Ok I had the paperwork when I visited the monastery in November but I sat on the papers. I thought I would wait till I was allowed to make a Aspriancy. Then when I got the approval I said I would wait till after the Aspirancy. I didn't want to waste the paperwork and I think I was just too afraid to try despite all the encouragement from my friends.
This monastery has other extern sisters so I would be just another one. The extern sisters have their cells in the enclosure but they can move in and out of the enclosure so they aren't bound by papal enclosure. The externs take simple perpetual vows.
The rest of the formation is the same. They aren't involved with an external apostolate but they will take care of guests, meeting people who come to the monastery and taking the telephones. Yes, sometimes you need to drive to the doctor's etc but the Prioress must give permission.
I hope it helps. The vocation directress gave me the policy for extern sisters back in November and so that is what I am using as my guide. I don't know if the monastery you are spending time have different guidelines. If you are interested about being an Extern, ask them.
Cheers,
Dm
Thanks for your answers, Donna Marie! My monastery doesn't have externs, I don't know if they would want them, and I don't know whether I would want to be one! (LOL) I was just wondering. I am so impatient, I just want to be there NOW and stop all this waiting and time for thinking and doubting. Ah well. Thanks again.
QUOTE(TheresaMF @ Mar 5 2006, 08:41 PM)
Thanks for your answers, Donna Marie! My monastery doesn't have externs, I don't know if they would want them, and I don't know whether I would want to be one! (LOL) I was just wondering. I am so impatient, I just want to be there NOW and stop all this waiting and time for thinking and doubting. Ah well. Thanks again.
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Believe I understand.
As well, I don't know when you are leaving but it would be a good idea to recruit some prayer buddies to pray for you before you go, during and when you return.
I had so much problems before I left I was ready to call the whole thing off. By God's Grace I was able to make a Pousitinia and tell the people about my struggle. They both said I should expect adversity and prevented me from cancelling my trip and kept up their prayers for me.
Cheers,
DM
Sounds like you had a truely blessed time there! I am hoping to visit the Nuns in Rockford again soon since it has been months since I have been there to visit. Thank you for sharing about your visit! I am so glad that the Lord has blessed you this way! Blessed be God!
Oh WOW Donna Marie - it sounds like it was fantastic! I'm so glad for you, and I will definitely keep you in my prayers.
.......OK, I'll go away now....
.......OK, I'll go away now....
Donna,
I am SOOOOO happy for you! I love your story.....
Please pray for us inside those cloistered walls!!!
I am SOOOOO happy for you! I love your story.....
Please pray for us inside those cloistered walls!!!
QUOTE(srmarymichael @ Mar 7 2006, 10:33 AM)
Donna,
I am SOOOOO happy for you! I love your story.....
Please pray for us inside those cloistered walls!!!
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I am SOOOOO happy for you! I love your story.....
Please pray for us inside those cloistered walls!!!
[right][snapback]905200[/snapback][/right]
DM,
I am very glad to hear that you are back home safely and close to entering!
Hope to hear from you soon!!
Christopher
I am very glad to hear that you are back home safely and close to entering!
Hope to hear from you soon!!
Christopher
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