Hello dear phatmass friends...

I got back from Georgia yesterday, where I went to hear Rosalind Moss. Her first talk was The Passover Fulfilled, the second one was The Holy Spirit: Giver of Life and the last one was God's Will for You: How to Know It. Each one of these talks was inspiring and so full of humor and love and the Holy Spirit.

When I first arrived at the motel, I turned on the TV to see if they had EWTN (I don't get it where I live) and not only did they have it, but the program that was just starting was "The Reason for Our Hope" with Rosalind Moss! I had never seen her speak before (only listened to a downloaded audio tape) so this was like my "preview" before the program the next day! God is very funny sometimes!

The next day, in addition to her scheduled talks, which were amazing, she was also so full of enthusiasm for her new community that she spoke about it as well. She told us that she hadn't intended to talk about it, but she obviously couldn't help herself - and we were all thrilled to hear what she had to say. I had time for a private chat with her during one of the breaks and she shared some of her plans. At the end of the day, she also showed some of us a picture of the habit she is going to have made. The habit is based on St Teresa of Avila's one, but in a blue color instead of brown. She started to describe it when suddenly it hit me and I said, "Oh, a Carmelite habit!" and she laughed and made some comment about "Yes, look who I am telling." because she knew that I had been a Carmelite. She thinks wearing a traditional habit in public is very important as a witness to Christ and His Church. She told us that long before she became a Catholic, or even a Christian, following Vatican II, she had read that nuns were going to be allowed to shorten and modify their habits, and even though she didn't know why, she said a pain shot through her at this and she knew that something had been lost. So she is very passionate about the wearing of the habit as part of the work of the community.

She hopes to get some people started working on fixing up the convent (cleaning and renovating) at the end of May, and has asked the Archbishop if he will do the consecration in September on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (God willing). The charism will be based on her patron saint, St Francis de Sales and she said that she will accept women from 18 to 118 (although if you are 119, I am sure she will still consider you - lol). The work will be preaching and teaching the gospel using all forms of media - and she described the community as contemplative-active.

Her own name in religion will be Mother Miriam of the Lamb of God and I just thought of her as "Mother" the minute I met her! She told me that she wants to start with no more than 12 sisters and then not to accept any vocations after that for the first year (during formation of the foundation sisters). She has about five sisters selected already, with many more applications in hand, and I have also asked to join her. She said she would send me a copy of the Rule and an application form as soon as she got back to California. I am hoping to be able to see her again, since I live only about an hour from her. She is very busy right now of course.

She said that the best email address for her is rosalindmoss@gmail.com. If you do write to her, I wouldn't expect an answer right away though because of how busy she is.

Some people at the program were so inspired that they even hoped that she might set up a Third Order for those who are married or have other responsibilities that prevent them from joining her. I have no doubt that her community is going to flourish wonderfully. She said that there would be a web site set up as soon as possible.

Believe me, this woman is incredible and anyone who joins her is going to be blessed just to know her. Her zeal and passion for Our Lord could set anyone on fire!

For those of you who are wondering how I could have changed from wanting to be a hermit to wanting to join her community - all I can say is that God spoke to me through her. At the end of the day, she was teaching a young girl who came up to talk to her. I think the girl said that she had been a Catholic (but I can't be sure because I came in after they had started talking) but she was now a Protestant, and Mother was answering her questions about Mary and about statues, and all those other misconceptions that Protestants have about the Catholic Church, and it was such a learning experience for me to hear what she was saying. Then she turned to me and asked me to go to the publications table to get a particular book for her, so I did, and then I came back and listened to such an amazing conversation. At the end, she told the girl she wanted to give her a gift, and she handed her the book, which was called Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating. I realized that I could learn so much from her and that she was able to answer so many of my own questions, despite the fact that I am a Catholic already! I think what we have here is a future Doctor of the Church (just my own opinion everyone)! The young girl, I could see, was also totally in awe of her, and she asked her to autograph the book! If that young girl doesn't end up converted (or brought back?) to the Church, well, I will be very surprized!

Finally, when it was time for her to leave, I went to her and said "Mother, please give me your blessing." She traced the sign of the cross on my forehead and then gave me a big hug and I just started crying again - I felt like I had "come home" when she embraced me - that I now knew what God was asking me to do with my life. I pray now that every one of you who is discerning will find the place where you belong as well - the feeling is so wonderful. Of course my own dear patron saint, Teresa of Avila, must be interceding for me as well, because the name of the church where the program was held was, of course, St Teresa of Avila! And don't let us forget that the habit is hers as well.

I must also say that the people of the parish of Grovetown, Georgia, were so kind and so loving and so generous that I felt as if I had known them as dear friends forever! They treated me as if I were some kind of VIP even though I had only gone there to hear Rosalind. They made sure I had time to speak with her. They made sure I was introduced to so many people and had company during lunch, and all of them were just so warm and welcoming! They provided me with transportation and even took me out to dinner on my last night, and it just felt like I was in one of those really early Christian communities where everyone loved each other! Saturday night after the program, I was also able to go to Reconciliation and attend Mass - and that was all beautiful too. It was a grace filled weekend.

I was also able to pass on the phatmass website address to another young girl who thought she might have a vocation. She is in the military for another two years but said she wants to start discerning, so I told her how great you all are, and said she should visit here. This really is a great service to people who don't know where to start looking. Go phatmass!

Enough for now. You might be able to tell that I am just a little teeny tiny bit happy right now. Praise God forever!

wow! It sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Iam just wondering did she mention how long their formation process is? Also will she accept individuals after the formation process is completed? Lastly will she have a website and a blog? Both seem very helpful to discerners

The total formation time (before final vows) will be between 5-6 years she said and Yes she will start accepting sisters again after the formation year is finished for the foundation sisters. And Yes, she will have a website. She didn't say anything about a blog but she said she would use all forms of media, so I imagine the answer to that will be a yes as well.

Have not heard of this wonderful woman before. This sounds very interesting!! Do keep us updated!!! You know how much we care about you and your journey.
alicemary

I don't even know you, nunsense, but I am very happy for you that you were able to make this trip and meet Rosalind Moss and feel so inspired. What a great grace! I watched her for years on EWTN and always loved her. To be honest with you, reading the report of your trip has definitely touched something deep within me. I guess I will have to find out what that's about! Didn't expect that to happen. Thanks again for sharing your experience. God Bless you, Lisa

I had not heard of Rosalind until three weeks ago when I read something on phatmass with a link to a newspaper article about her new community. At the time I thought it had nothing to do with me because I was checking out contemplative orders and hermitages, but after I heard a radio interview with her through a downloaded audio file, I was entranced and wanted to know more about her and what she had to say. She is an apologist for catholic answers (see link) and she is brilliant. With her Jewish background, her Evangelical Protestant chaplain background and her five years of studying and questioning the Faith before entering the Church, I think she could probably answer any question that anyone had about the Catholic religion.

If that weren't enough, her heart is on fire with love for Our Lord, and she is devoted to His Mother. She is straight down the line traditional (is that the right word?) and even quizzed the audience on the basics of the Catechism during her talks. She asked us "So, can women become priests?" and then proceeded to explain why it is impossible for the Church to ordain women as priests. She did this with several other controversial topics, and explained each one so beautifully. I was in awe not only with her ability to explain complex topics in a simple and clear way, but also with the passion and fire with which she did it. I was not the only one who had tears in her eyes at the end of one of the talks where she explained Christ's sacrifice for us during her talk about the Eucharist. Anyone who could listen to her during a talk like that, and not be moved, would have to have a heart of stone. Of course, I am a soppy and emotional person anyway, but I wasn't the only one there who felt a little overwhelmed I think. God is definitely at work in her.

[quote name='nunsense' date='Apr 28 2008, 07:48 PM' post='1513196']
I had not heard of Rosalind until three weeks ago when I read something on phatmass with a link to a newspaper article about her new community.

I hadn't heard of her at all until now.
Is she the fruit of the Charismatic Renewal?
Solid?
Children?
How is all this going down with her children/family?
With so many orders having such a difficult time holding their own right now, why didn't she join an already established order?

She is the fruit of a Conservative Jewish family, an Evangelical Protestant conversion and a the grace of the Lord who brought her to the true faith through her own attempts to "save" her brother from Catholicism!

She is rock solid with the Church and in her fidelity to the Holy Father.

She has never married or had children. Her brother is also a convert to Catholicism. I don't know about the rest of her family.

She is starting her own community because she believes it is what God is asking her to do. Here is some more from an article about her...

--------------------------------------------
SAINT LOUIS CATHOLIC
UNABASHEDLY CATHOLIC NEWS AND VIEWS
10 MARCH 2008

Saint Louis Catholic Interview with Rosalind Moss

Rosalind Moss, the well-known Catholic apologist, has recently announced that she is founding an order of nuns in St. Louis with the permission of Archbishop Burke. I had the great privilege to talk with her late last week, and she graciously agreed to be interviewed for publication.

Q: I remember meeting you at St. Francis de Sales Oratory last year when you were in town. Do you often attend the Traditional Mass?

A: I don’t often get to Traditional Mass. When I’m home in San Diego, which is rare on a Sunday because I travel so much, I do go to the Tridentine Mass. At the mausoleum, in San Diego, is where it is held! And, it is just so beautiful and reverent, that I truly, truly love it.

Q: Why did you choose St. Louis for your order?

A: I don’t know that I could come under a Bishop whom I could respect more, than Archbishop Burke. And I’m just thrilled to be coming.

Q: What is the name of your order?

A: Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel’s Hope. Actually, it was God who put together St. Louis, for me to come there. It actually was a desire of my heart and a surprise from God, let me just say it that way. I am thrilled to be coming to St. Louis.

Q: You’ll find the weather not as nice, no doubt.

A: As San Diego? But remember, I’m a New Yorker, I’m a Brooklyn bum. I grew up in New York. I actually miss the seasons, and I’ll be thrilled to be in St. Louis. The desire that I have is to reach the poor, and the rich, and every class of society, and race, creed, tribe, tongue and people.

Q: So, in terms of identifying the charism of your order, would that be a statement of it? Or is there something you have written?

A: No, not formally yet. Under the name, Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel’s Hope, I have, and will have on the website that I will have up as soon as I can, “Hope for the nations. Hope for the family. Hope for you.” My desire is to flood the world with habits. I’ll just tell you this—the story in a nutshell. When I was twenty, Jewish and single in New York, and didn’t have a clue Who Christ was, or who Christians were, the news came out that nuns had permission to shorten their habits to knee length. And, physically, it went straight through me. And I thought to myself, whoever these women are, in long black and white things—I don’t think I even knew the word “habit” then—they’re in the world to affect the world for God, and alas, the world has affected them. Now in today’s world that would be a very politically incorrect, insensitive statement. But that was the response of a 20-year old Jewish girl who didn’t have a clue; and the thing is, it was my loss. It was my deep and immediate loss. I lost something that was never mine to begin with. It affected me, and I never forgot it.

I have written my conversion story for Honey from the Rock, the story of 16 Jewish people who came into the Church. My brother, David [Moss], is also one there. Roy Schoeman edited the book. I said at the end of my story that now that I’m Catholic—referring to when I was twenty years old—I want to restore the years the locusts have eaten with an order of sisters that will restore the hemline to the floor and the habit to the world.

Q: I’m sure you’re aware of the statistics that show that the more conservative, more traditionally-dressed orders are flourishing—there is more to it than just the habit, of course, but there tends to be a correlation between the obviousness of the habit and the orthodoxy of the order. Would that be a fair statement?

A: It’s a hundred percent fair. I absolutely think so, and I know the young people today—religious young men in the priesthood—they want God; they want orthodoxy; they believe the Church is the Church Christ established; the Magisterium is the Church’s teaching office; the Church is our Mother.

God did not leave us on earth as a family any more than He did Israel, to do our own thing. Israel was to be a people set apart, by government, by dress, by food, by customs, by everything they did and did not do. It was unthinkable for anyone in Israel to do their own thing, and if they did, in many cases they would be put to death. When Jesus said to His disciples, “I will build My Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it,” the word he used for “Church” was the Greek translation of the Hebrew word for the assembly, for the people of God convocation. And we, too, the new people of God are to be a people set apart by their common government, and liturgy, and customs, and all of that.

I think the young people coming up in the Church today know what the Church is, and will address the confusion of the last years. Coming into the Church, people have said to me, and to my brother David, “How did you ever find your way into the Church in a day like this?” And the way we found our way in was not through Catholics so much, but it was the Church—it is true, and it is God’s. I think that’s what young people absolutely long for today; not just young people, but people of all ages.

So, yes, we are to be a people set apart, and people entering the priesthood and religious life want to be signs of God to the world and are unashamed to let people know. They are signs of eternity. In their habits, in their clerics, they are signs of eternity in our hearts. I know for a good many of the religious sisters who have done away with their habits, that I have had the opportunity to speak to, for the most part, they have done away with the habit because they don’t want the habit to be a barrier between the people they so love and wish to serve. But I believe the people need the sign very, very much. They need the sign. They need God. They need us to be set apart. They need us to be separate from the ordinary, because we are God’s representatives on earth. People need us to be set apart so we can help them—not be one of them—help them on their way to Heaven.

Q: Regarding coming into the Church in a time of confusion, I have a friend who expressed the notion like this, “Come on in, the water’s horrible.”

A: Yes, yes I know it. I actually heard Fr. Groeschel say that in his dear Brooklyn accent—it’s awful, come on in!

Q: Will your order primarily be a contemplative order, active, or mixed?

A: We will be a contemplative/active, evangelistic and teaching order. Contemplative and active, because service is the fruit of prayer, and we wanted nothing apart from prayer and apart from God.

Q: Will you pray the Divine Office in common?

A: We will have the Divine Office, we’ll have a Holy Hour, Mass every single day, Rosary every day.

Q: Who are your patrons?

A: St. Francis de Sales is going to be our Patron. He is the Patron for the Order. He’s my saint, too. St. Francis de Sales is my personal spiritual director from Heaven, I don’t mind saying that; I think he’s given me that confirmation. And he will be the director of the Order.

Q: You couldn’t do any better.

A: Oh, I am just so thrilled and I love St. Francis de Sales. I’ve read almost everything he’s written, including the spiritual directory he wrote for the Visitation nuns. And when he formed the Visitation nuns, with St. Jane de Chantal, they were going to go out and to the poor and the elderly, but the bishop of that time ordered them to be cloistered because it wasn’t well-heard of for nuns to be walking the streets. So, I said to St. Francis de Sales, “So, do you want to do it now? We can do it now.” And we are going to do it now.

When I visited St. Louis and went into St. Francis de Sales Oratory, I had just never been in anything more glorious in my entire life. And I’ve been to Rome! I’ve been to I don’t know how many cities in Italy, and many, many, many churches in Rome, but my heart has just never responded in such a way as it did when I entered St. Francis de Sales in St. Louis and saw that huge statue of my saint right there.

Q: The Institute of Christ the King celebrates such a beautiful and reverent liturgy—it touches you.

A: Oh, it’s magnificent. I’ll tell you it’s my dream to be settled initially in a working class area with a magnificent Church, and there’s no more ideal situation than to be exactly where St. Francis de Sales Oratory is, for me. However, I don’t know what God would have yet. To be in a parish that celebrates only the Tridentine Mass, I don’t know that. And so, that’s something that I want God to lead in.

Q: So, you don’t have a permanent location picked out yet?

A: I don’t. I am hoping to meet with Archbishop Burke as soon as he’s able to do it, and begin to explore a facility or convent in St. Louis. That’s what I hope to do.

Q: Have you already received any inquiries for vocations with your Order?

A: Oh, dozens. Dozens.

Q: If you’re looking forward to St. Louis, I think you’ll be welcomed here with open arms.

A: Thank you. I’ve heard from women from St. Louis, but also from women from all over the country, and we’ve had several dozen inquiries. Women are hungry. What we’re going to do is—I’ve already written the Rule, or Spiritual Directory for the Order—and we’re going to spend a good amount of time in the streets. Normally, when you see nuns, if you see them, that is, it’s because they’re on their way to Church, school, a meeting, or to wherever they’re going. But when you see us, it’s because we’ve reached our destination. I want that time in the streets. I want to be out in the streets in our habits when people go to work and when children go to school, because I want them to think of God. It doesn’t matter to me what faith they are, or if they have no faith. Even if they are angry with God, to see a nun in a habit they have to think of God. Whatever they think of God, they have to think of God. This is what I long for with all my heart.

Q: How will this affect your current speaking, writing and other apologetics work?

A: I will continue to do the “From the Heart” program with Catholic Answers twice a month, the first and third Wednesdays of each month. I’ll continue to do that from St. Louis. I’m not taking further speaking engagements at the moment, for the most part, but I’m going to try to fulfill what I can of the speaking engagements I have for Catholic Answers for the rest of the year.

Q: Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to my readers.

A: You’re welcome, and thanks. One more thing—we are in the process of designing the habits. And they will be to the floor (laughs), that’s for sure! We’re going to work with families, we’re going to teach the faith in the convent, we’re going to show films in the convent, we’re going to talk about God. I just want to reach people. I want to help families live for God. That’s foremost in my heart.

God bless you, and I’ll see you when I get to St. Louis.

Praised be Jesus!

I'm really so happy for you! It sounds like the Holy Spirit was really moving in you.
Once again, thank you so much for always being open to us, to sharing how the Lord is working in your soul. It's been so beautiful to watch you for the past year or so, and I hope that you have truly found your Lord, your Lover, your Spouse in this beautiful new community.

In Jesus and Mary,
Lauren

I had to smack my forehead and say, "DUH" when I read that her habit was going to be Carmelite, only blue.

Makes sense, does it not? Mt. Carmel is in Israel.

Blessings,
Gemma

Thank you so much. Well, it is funny how God works. I have often wondered why my life has gone in such strange patterns, but God takes everything and uses it. Look how amazing Rosalind's life has been, with the Jewish background, and the 18 years as an Evangelical before coming to the Faith. God was doing wonderful things in her to prepare her for what she is going to be doing.

"We’re going to work with families, we’re going to teach the faith in the convent, we’re going to show films in the convent, we’re going to talk about God. I just want to reach people. I want to help families live for God. That’s foremost in my heart."

So, perhaps all of the things that I have done in my life have actually been a part of God's plan for me (ya think? duh) and won't be wasted. The years of fostering and parenting and teaching and all the other things might actually have been to prepare me for this? And the time in Carmel was such a wonderful foundation as well.

I heard this priest say recently (he borrowed it from someone else, I forget who) that we can only see the bottom side of the tapestry, which looks dark and ugly, but when viewed from the top, the tapestry is rich in colors and patterns and is beautiful - that's what God sees. I guess that's why we have to trust Him - we don't see the whole picture.

I hadn't thought of that before! Carmel from Israel perhaps, with the blue color in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Rosalind has such a deep reverence for her.

Rosalind also sees humor in everything as well, and she made us laugh when she told us that Mary wants to bring everyone to Jesus, and is the typical Jewish mother who says "Have I got a son for you!" (you have to hear it with her NY Jewish accent to get the full effect!)

You are in my prayers in a special way. Bon Voyage.

Nunsense, maybe your attraction to Carmel and the Carmelite habit was meant to prepare you for this.

Funny how things work out, isn't it? It's why it is so important that we remain open and never close ourselves to any way God may want to use us. I am happy for you and will keep your intention in my prayers.

Wow, Annie!! I just read this, and that is sooo wonderful!!! God bless you!!

How wonderful you got to meet and talk with Rosalind Moss. I first heard her on EWTN on Journey Home. You are right her zeal and passion for Our Lord could set anyone on fire! It did me. I have emailed her twice and left her two messages. I would like to take this journey with her I am 51 and want the traditional habit. It is hard to find a community with the traditional habit that will take someone over the age of 45 let alone 50. I have been discerning actualy my whole adult life but actively searching for a few years. I know God has called me to follow him. I have known like I said my whole adult life, but it was me who needed to give in and answer. Some of the communities I have visited have had half in a modified habit and half not. Most have had none. That really saddend me. I want people to know that I am a bride of Christ and I have taken up the cross for him. This may sound like pride but is pure 100% LOVE! The modified habit is fine but I know that I am to wear the full traditional habit and be a witness with the habit. I believe Rosalind said to let the world know that God is alive. I totaly love the idea of the name change most all of the communities 98% you retain your own name. I would perfer to change my name because entering into religious life to me would be a rebirth I would still be me but with a new name in religious life. When you become married you change your name, when you are confirmed you add a name makes perfect sense. I would surely love to be part of the 12 to help start the community. I hope and pray that I may.
Janet.

[quote name='Janet' date='May 19 2008, 08:22 AM' post='1533331']

Hello Janet,
I have a question or two regarding your message;
You wrote, "The modified habit is fine but I know that I am to wear the full traditional habit and be a witness with the habit."
You wrote "I know" with confident assurance, so I am wondering what would you do, if the community you were so sure of, changed many of their customs and wearing the full habit was one of them. What would take presidence; Obedience or "your personal knowing."
I am not arguing, (I have already been given 'warning".) but this happened to many professed nuns in the 60's, who were a long time in community and suddenly, the Order was not what they 'signed onto" in the beginning.
The conflict in plain words was "knuckle under or you're out". The older nuns were "so sure' of what God was asking of them and the younger nuns were "so sure" it was the Holy Spirit who was moving them.

You wrote......" I totaly love the idea of the name change most all of the communities 98% you retain your own name."

I totally disagree with the percentages used here. Could you give rreferences or attribution for your numbers please?
Thanks

God be with you in finding this lovely Mother.
Yesterday, a seminary student asked if I had heard of Rosalind Moss and suggested I look into her as she was starting an order. I didn't write the name down but, there it was, first in this forum this morning.
Thank you all for the information on her.

Wonderful News and Prayers!!! I am so Happy for you Annie!

First off - Janet - have you contacted Ros about this yet? She has been sending out the Spiritual Directory and application forms - she has had over 200 enquiries! She doesn't want to start with more than 12 but not everyone who enquires is ready to enter right away, or would be suitable for the foundation year.

I have been accepted and will be heading off to St Louis on June 13th. Once we are in habit, then we will start using our names in religion. Ros is letting us pick our own and I have decided on Sister Mary Michael of the Holy Cross. St Michael has always helped me out, and of course, since we are going to be Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel's Hope - it only seems right to use Our Lady's name as well.

Ros and I met yesterday for Mass and then brunch and this is a woman on fire with love for God! While at the restaurant, people who recognized her would approach just to ask her for prayers (and one lady who was a Baptist came up and asked for Ros' to prayer for a family member, which she did right there in the restaurant - no embarrassment about praying out loud in public!). She treated each person with such respect and love and kindness - a saint by anyone's standards. I feel as if I am watching history in the making and the excitement and joy is almost unbearable.

Fortunately for me, Ros lives about an hour and a half away so I can offer to help out with things. She is so busy right now and has to keep flying out to different places for business or for conferences etc. We are hoping that all her things will be packed up by the 13th so she can fly out then and won't have to come back to California after that. That way, she can focus on the convent and on finishing off some speaking engagements.

I will be driving a U-Haul (packed with things for the convent) from California to St Louis with another woman who is also going to be a sister, so it will give us time to get to know each other. We won't make it there until after the weekend, but there will still be plenty of work to be done in getting the convent ready. In fact, it will most likely take the whole summer. God willing, and depending on the Archbishop's availability, the consecration (and taking of the habit) may take place in September, with much rejoicing and a Procession and an Open House in the convent.

This is a time of great graces and so many people have stepped forward to offer help in the form of donations or items or services. It is amazing how people's hearts are already being touched, before the community has even officially begun!

Ros told me that she wants us to be a witness to God in the world, and that is why the habit is so important. When people see us, they will think of God. No matter what they think, at least they will have Him in their thoughts. So many people today never even think of God, let alone believe in Him. The habit is a sign of a life consecrated to God - that has to make a person stop and think. And from the sheer joy that radiates from her, I have no doubt that she will set many hearts on fire for Our Lord. Just watching the people who came up to speak with her at the restaurant was amazing. Their faces were beaming with love and inspiration after talking with her.

I feel very blessed to be a part of this wonderful foundation. We are also obviously very blessed in Archbishop Burke, who has been so supportive of Ros' efforts. And Ros said that the parish priest is wonderful too. This whole project seems very blessed by God.

No, I'm not excited at all

That is so wonderful to hear, congrats!!!
Oh course you'll be in my prayers.

I think it's wonderful that you'll be in a habit, a silent form of vocation in of its self.
I tend not to speak so well sometimes and people get the wrong idea because of it, one reason its important for me to find a place with a habit, I won't have to speak a word, people would know.
I work at a gas station and my co-workers often call me sister Jessica, if they hear someone swear they point to me and tell them "Don't swear in front of her, she's going to be a nun"
LOL after telling them several times, they don't do that anymore.

Anyway, it is good too see.

Jessica

Really wonderful to hear this is going forward, and that you have been accepted, Nunsense. Will you be fully habited right away as soon as the community forms? I can't wait to see them! :-)

Actually, yes. The Archbishop is allowing the founding sisters the special privilege of wearing the full professed habit from day one even though we won't be professed! The sisters who join after the first formation year will all have to go through the usual stages, Postulants in a uniform (with veil), Novices in full trad habit with white veil and then Professed with their blue veil (like the rest of the habit). The habit is being made now but I will ask Ros if we can take photos and post them on the web site when it's finished (with her modeling it?)

I am so super happy for you Annie!

It is really amazing to hear how all of this is happening.

That is great news!!!
For the joy to be exploding from within really is a sign that it is your true home.
Pray for us Annie, that we too might find out true home in this world.

Nunsense, I must have missed the part where you posted (if you did) previously that you were accepted. CONGRATULATIONS. God Bless you. God go before you, with you, in you....may He surround all of the founding sisters (and of course those to come) with His strength, grace, and Holy Spirit Power. Deo gratias....semper Deo gratias.

Pax

The numbers were based on how many communities I visited. This was not a formal study by no means. If you would please let me know about your already been given warning. What would take presidence would be my answer after careful consideration and prayer.
Hello Janet,
I have a question or two regarding your message;
You wrote, "The modified habit is fine but I know that I am to wear the full traditional habit and be a witness with the habit."
You wrote "I know" with confident assurance, so I am wondering what would you do, if the community you were so sure of, changed many of their customs and wearing the full habit was one of them. What would take presidence; Obedience or "your personal knowing."
I am not arguing, (I have already been given 'warning".) but this happened to many professed nuns in the 60's, who were a long time in community and suddenly, the Order was not what they 'signed onto" in the beginning.
The conflict in plain words was "knuckle under or you're out". The older nuns were "so sure' of what God was asking of them and the younger nuns were "so sure" it was the Holy Spirit who was moving them.

You wrote......" I totaly love the idea of the name change most all of the communities 98% you retain your own name."

I totally disagree with the percentages used here. Could you give rreferences or attribution for your numbers please?
Thanks
[/quote]

Janet - I have sent your post to Ros, and sent you a PM.

God bless you.
Annie

Wow, this is amazing, Annie!! I am so very happy for you!! Wow!!

this is so exciting! Praise God! and, thank you for your yes!

Annie--start a blog!!! What you wrote about driving the u-haul was priceless!!!

Blessings,
Gemma

Gemma, you make me laugh! Actually, from the quotes I got, it is going to be cheaper to have a moving company take everything instead of hiring a truck for a one-way rental. I will still be driving cross country but only with the car now -so the story won't be quite as interesting!

Ros has someone working on the web site now, but I might start a blog just for fun. After all, it is kind of history in the making, being in at the start of a new community!

This is an extract from Ros' letter to potential candidates...


Those who wish to pursue the possibility of a future with the new community, but, for any reason, are not in a position to enter at present – as well as those who may not be able to pursue entrance to the community even in the future – may wish to consider one of four options, each of which is in the process of being formulated:

(1) A one-year program of spiritual formation (in individual or group format)
The program will consist of a study of the life of our Lord, using the new series, Reasons
for Our Hope – A Bible Study on the Gospel of Luke (9 months), guided reading through St. Francis de Sales’ Introduction to the Devout Life (3 months), a program of daily prayer, help toward spiritual growth and direction, and the encouragement of like-minded souls!

(2) Membership in the Third Order of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel’s Hope
A program of prayer and spiritual growth to enable both individuals and families to grow in grace, in the love of God and neighbor, and to know and live God’s will for our lives.

(3) Membership as a Lay Associate of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel’s Hope
An opportunity for those who wish to be part of our support troops through prayer and through the myriad of talents and gifts which our Lord has showered upon His children.


(4) Receipt of our brand new newsletter – yet in the making!
For those who wish simply to keep in touch and to watch our Lord at work in the
building of His new community of Sisters as they walk through the world, in full habit, as “messengers of hope to those who are longing for a sign of God’s mercy.”

If you would like to be included in one or more of the options listed above – or in a way I’ve not yet thought of! – please let me know. We will contact you just as soon as these auxiliary programs are in place.

One note here, to respond to a good number of you who have asked about a fully contemplative branch of the community. While we would love to have such a branch starting out, I have recognized two factors: first, that, of necessity, we must narrow our beginning to the heart of our charism, which is to “flood” the streets with holy habits as signs to God, reaching out to every soul who longs for Him. Second, I am confident that, since we are taking in women of all ages (who, upon entrance, can keep the pace of “walking the streets” twice daily for 1-½ hours at each “outing”), it will not be more than a few years before some of our Sisters will need to spend more time “off their feet!” and in prayer. At that time, a contemplative branch will form somewhat happily and naturally for our Lord’s aging street walkers!

Regarding a time table for the establishment of the community, we are beginning work on the convent in Saint Louis at the end of this month, will move into our new facility at the beginning of July, spend the remainder of the summer getting it into shape, and look to the formal inauguration of the community in September!

Our new website is being put together and should be up and running before too long. The address will be: www.MotherOfIsraelsHope.org. (If you click on that address now, you’ll get a blank page!) If you wish, in the interim, to take a look at the parish of Saint George at which our convent is located, you can see it at: http://www.romeofthewest.com/2006/02/photo...rch-affton.html.

I look forward to hearing from you, as our Lord leads, and to seeing all that our Blessed Lord has in store. You all are in my prayers.

God’s boundless love and grace to each of you!

Rosalind Moss

P.S. Several of you have mentioned your desire to help with the work of getting the convent into shape over the summer (painting, cleaning, decorating, etc.)! A dear angel, by the name of Judy Capistrant, in the St. Louis area, has volunteered to coordinate our team of volunteers. It would help me greatly if those who wish to help would contact Judy directly via her email at or by phone (for this information – contact Annie at anniemac@calequus.com). Feel free to let Judy know the area(s) in which you or your group may wish to help. Judy will coordinate all and will let you know the dates and times we’ll be meeting at the convent. See you there; God bless you!

It is so exciting to see this happening so organically and from inception - and I'm so happy for you, too, Annie...but I think that was an excellent suggestion, your starting a blog - you can set one up for free at Blogspot and it would bring this very exciting process open to many others...and who knows how the lord may move them to help, or to prayer, or to making donations!

One of the last chances to see and hear Ros before she heads to St Louis will be in Ohio. I don't know if the conference is full or not but the information is on the catholic answers website here.

The Gift of Faith Weekend Catholic Conference - Rosalind Moss
Barrette Community Center on the Campus of Walsh University
N. Canton, OH

June 07

2020 East Maple Street NW
N. Canton, OH 44720
1-330-966-2903


She will be in St Louis (for all you locals) from June 13th.

Would that be open to men, or only women? I think their apostolate is great, to bring Our Lord to the streets. I've wanted to do something like that for a long time. It would be cool if they eventually found a men's order with the same apostolate.

I'll ask her, next time we chat. It would be great if men could be involved too!

Annie,
I am thrilled! I am so Happy for you! Please know that you are in my Prayers...
+
Nancy

I just tried to contact Annie at the email address given in a previous post and
I got the Wolverhamption Carmel in the UK! Annie can you give us another
address, please? Thanks tons.... Wanted to mention two things to you....

What??? That must have surprised Mother!

My email address is anniemac@calequus.com

Good news from WV Carmel - Sister Jane (a white veil) is having her final profession on June 1st (black veil). She is so happy. Mother said there will be 8 priests, 1 deacon and 3 servers at the ceremony! So please remember Sister Jane of the Trinity in your prayers on her special day!

This has probably been posted, but here's Rosalind on The Journey Home talking a little about her conversion and the founding of this new community, From Jew To Protestant To Catholic To Mother Superior