Luigi Posted July 11, 2011 Posted July 11, 2011 And hey! - now the archbishop knows your name. When you need a letter of recommendation in the future.... All sorts of unanticipated benefits keep popping up!
OnlySunshine Posted July 11, 2011 Posted July 11, 2011 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1310420790' post='2265912'] Haha!! And no, I don't think I will turn it down now... although I [i]do[/i] need my spiritual director's input before I actually, officially, accept. Random thoughts going through my mind: -this whole process was so grounded in prayer. I was praying. Lots of people praying. St. Paul’s was praying. Fr. Matt said this has been the most difficult period of discernment and prayer for him in his whole priesthood… He called me on his way to retreat, which he is making because of this whole ordeal. Oh yeah. And the [i]Archbishop[/i] was praying, too. -the [i]Archbishop[/i] was involved heavily in all of this… as in, he knows all about me and my circumstances, knows all about the other candidate and his circumstances… everything. He was praying and guiding and helping Fr. Matt make a decision. -the offer I was given is insane… I won’t name the salary (but it’s much better than what I’m currently making) and it includes mileage, a parish cell phone, and it looks like they’re going to try and get a car donated for me to use. -the Holy Spirit has been moving in this whole process… and if this was such an ordeal, I wonder what He has in store for the actual job and parish. -along those lines, good God I need a lot of graces… this has better be all His work… ‘cause I’m a little nervous on the expectations that might come up now. -still waiting to hear back from my spiritual director -this is insane. INSANE I TELL YOU. [/quote] Plus, you get to live with your Sisters!!!!!! Seriously, though, I am so glad this turned out well. There were a few bumps in the road, but ultimately, God led you to this and apparently, He seriously wants you to spend more time with your future community. The fact that they are giving you a larger salary is amesome! That means you will be able to pay off your debt sooner and be a postulant sooner. Praised be Jesus Christ!
To Jesus Through Mary Posted July 11, 2011 Posted July 11, 2011 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1310420790' post='2265912'] Haha!! And no, I don't think I will turn it down now... although I [i]do[/i] need my spiritual director's input before I actually, officially, accept. Random thoughts going through my mind: -this whole process was so grounded in prayer. I was praying. Lots of people praying. St. Paul's was praying. Fr. Matt said this has been the most difficult period of discernment and prayer for him in his whole priesthood… He called me on his way to retreat, which he is making because of this whole ordeal. Oh yeah. And the [i]Archbishop[/i] was praying, too. -the [i]Archbishop[/i] was involved heavily in all of this… as in, he knows all about me and my circumstances, knows all about the other candidate and his circumstances… everything. He was praying and guiding and helping Fr. Matt make a decision. -the offer I was given is insane… I won't name the salary (but it's much better than what I'm currently making) and it includes mileage, a parish cell phone, and it looks like they're going to try and get a car donated for me to use. -the Holy Spirit has been moving in this whole process… and if this was such an ordeal, I wonder what He has in store for the actual job and parish. -along those lines, good God I need a lot of graces… this has better be all His work… 'cause I'm a little nervous on the expectations that might come up now. -still waiting to hear back from my spiritual director -this is insane. INSANE I TELL YOU. [/quote] WOW. Wow. Praise you Jesus Christ. [quote name='she_who_is_not' timestamp='1310421604' post='2265919'] Praise God! Guess what? We're going to keep praying for you! [/quote] This.
cmaD2006 Posted July 12, 2011 Posted July 12, 2011 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1310420790' post='2265912'] Haha!! And no, I don't think I will turn it down now... although I [i]do[/i] need my spiritual director's input before I actually, officially, accept. Random thoughts going through my mind: -this whole process was so grounded in prayer. I was praying. Lots of people praying. St. Paul's was praying. Fr. Matt said this has been the most difficult period of discernment and prayer for him in his whole priesthood… He called me on his way to retreat, which he is making because of this whole ordeal. Oh yeah. And the [i]Archbishop[/i] was praying, too. -the [i]Archbishop[/i] was involved heavily in all of this… as in, he knows all about me and my circumstances, knows all about the other candidate and his circumstances… everything. He was praying and guiding and helping Fr. Matt make a decision. -the offer I was given is insane… I won't name the salary (but it's much better than what I'm currently making) and it includes mileage, a parish cell phone, and it looks like they're going to try and get a car donated for me to use. -the Holy Spirit has been moving in this whole process… and if this was such an ordeal, I wonder what He has in store for the actual job and parish. -along those lines, good God I need a lot of graces… this has better be all His work… 'cause I'm a little nervous on the expectations that might come up now. -still waiting to hear back from my spiritual director -this is insane. INSANE I TELL YOU. [/quote] Um. I'm like speechless. Utterly speechless. Utterly speechless. It looks like the prayers moved mountains. I dunno -- but I think part of the trial was for you to get to a point of surrender, a willingness to accept whatever He sent your way. That wouldn't remove the heaviness of heart, but the fact that you said "Ok, whatever You want, just lead me" meant tons for the Lord. Don't be nervous, because God's hand is in this. Definitely. I think it will probably lead to personal growth on your part -- besides, you're going to be living with the sisters that you are most interested in. That in and of itself is a big change. But to boot -- you will have a wonderful job where you 100% serve Him. You'll have His grace to be able to do what His will is, both while living with the sisters and while working for Him at the parish. Congrats! Now stop worrying and start packing ...
TeresaBenedicta Posted July 12, 2011 Author Posted July 12, 2011 Now that the shock and craziness has sort of settled down and I've been able to pray and talk with my spiritual director.... I'm so excited and so happy!! Ahhhhhh!! Jesus is just too good to me!! Ah, I love Him so much!! Now there's so much to do.
FutureSister2009 Posted July 12, 2011 Posted July 12, 2011 Continued prayers that everything turns out better then you can ever imagine! God Bless!!!
Chamomile Posted July 12, 2011 Posted July 12, 2011 [font="Arial"][size=2]Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen[/size][/font][font="Arial"][size=2][/size][/font] [font="Arial"][size=2] [/size][/font] [font="Arial"][size=2]~ Ephesians 3:20-21[/size][/font] [font="Arial"][size=2] [/size][/font] [font="Arial"][size=2] [/size][/font]
TeresaBenedicta Posted July 12, 2011 Author Posted July 12, 2011 [quote name='Chamomile' timestamp='1310496485' post='2266431'] [font="Arial"][size=2]Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen[/size][/font][font="Arial"][size=2][/size][/font] [font="Arial"][size=2] [/size][/font] [font="Arial"][size=2]~ Ephesians 3:20-21[/size][/font] [font="Arial"][size=2] [/size][/font] [font="Arial"][size=2] [/size][/font] [/quote] Amen, amen!! He is [i]sooooo[/i] good to me!! Although, He has His hands full now- He's obligated to grant me even more graces to be able to do this job well!! I officially accepted the position. And I start on Aug. 8th. So that's just less than a month to get all packed up, moved, get a car, and get all settled. Oh man. Craziness.
vee Posted July 12, 2011 Posted July 12, 2011 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1310508536' post='2266572'] [b] And I start on Aug. 8th. [/b] [/quote] The feast of St Dominic! Nice!!!
OnlySunshine Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1310508536' post='2266572'] Amen, amen!! He is [i]sooooo[/i] good to me!! Although, He has His hands full now- He's obligated to grant me even more graces to be able to do this job well!! I officially accepted the position. And I start on Aug. 8th. So that's just less than a month to get all packed up, moved, get a car, and get all settled. Oh man. Craziness. [/quote] I really envy you (in a good way; holy envy). I am praying that you are able to get everything set by the date set out for you. May St. Dominic pray for you and intercede for your intentions.
TeresaBenedicta Posted July 13, 2011 Author Posted July 13, 2011 [quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1310515313' post='2266606'] I really envy you (in a good way; holy envy). I am praying that you are able to get everything set by the date set out for you. May St. Dominic pray for you and intercede for your intentions. [/quote] :D ^ I am currently doing both of these!!! God is soooo generous with me!!! I trusted, even when I said: “I am sorely afflicted,” and when I said in my alarm: “No man can be trusted.” How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me? The cup of salvation I will raise; I will call on the Lord’s name. My vows to the Lord I will fulfill before all his people. O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful Your servant, Lord, your servant am I; you have loosened my bonds. A thanksgiving sacrifice I make: I will call on the Lord’s name. My vows to the Lord I will fulfill before all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Psalm 116:10-19 Through Christ let us offer God a continual sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15).
faithcecelia Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1310508536' post='2266572'] Amen, amen!! He is [i]sooooo[/i] good to me!! Although, He has His hands full now- He's obligated to grant me even more graces to be able to do this job well!! I officially accepted the position. And I start on Aug. 8th. So that's just less than a month to get all packed up, moved, get a car, and get all settled. Oh man. Craziness. [/quote] Oooh I will definately remember you the day you start, as its the day I go for my live-in at Notting Hill. I'll have lots of time for praying too
OnlySunshine Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 How are your parents taking it? If I remember correctly, you are living with them right now, right? I know it can't be easy to have non-Catholics for parents, especially something as important and life-changing as this. I'm praying that they support you regardless.
TeresaBenedicta Posted July 13, 2011 Author Posted July 13, 2011 [quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1310518622' post='2266621'] How are your parents taking it? If I remember correctly, you are living with them right now, right? I know it can't be easy to have non-Catholics for parents, especially something as important and life-changing as this. I'm praying that they support you regardless. [/quote] My dad is perfectly okay with it. He thinks it's a great opportunity and he's happy to be able to have another place to travel to take pictures My mom, on the other hand, is having a harder time with it. She's happy for me and supportive. It hurts her, I know. And it hurts me to know that it hurts her. But, all in all, they are loving and supportive... just like the best Catholic parents would be. God's grace is so good!
OnlySunshine Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1310528290' post='2266686'] My dad is perfectly okay with it. He thinks it's a great opportunity and he's happy to be able to have another place to travel to take pictures My mom, on the other hand, is having a harder time with it. She's happy for me and supportive. It hurts her, I know. And it hurts me to know that it hurts her. But, all in all, they are loving and supportive... just like the best Catholic parents would be. God's grace is so good! [/quote] That's very good to hear. I don't know how my mom is going to fair when I finally move out. If all goes as planned and I move to be a missionary somewhere in the States, she's probably going to have "empty nest syndrome." She had a bit of it when my little sister moved out for college and my sister is moved out permanently now. Children moving is incredibly hard on the mothers especially. I'm glad to hear that your parents are taking it pretty well and are supportive of your decision. I think this is absolutely wonderful that you get to live with your community.
MissScripture Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1310528290' post='2266686'] My dad is perfectly okay with it. He thinks it's a great opportunity and he's happy to be able to have another place to travel to take pictures My mom, on the other hand, is having a harder time with it. She's happy for me and supportive. It hurts her, I know. And it hurts me to know that it hurts her. But, all in all, they are loving and supportive... just like the best Catholic parents would be. God's grace is so good! [/quote] So, you're going to live with your Sisters, right? Are you going to be in a sort of aspirancy or postulancy now? Will your parents get to visit you, and call you, etc, whenever, or are you going to start having restrictions on that as you will when you officially enter? It could turn out to be a nice way to transition for your Mom. And it's definitely tough on the Catholic Moms for their daughters to be going to the convent, too. Do you know any other Moms of sisters that you could put her in touch with? I know my mom has really enjoyed knowing another lady whose daughter is in a convent (different order than my sister), because she has a much better understanding of the situation than parents who have never experienced anything like that. Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS!
TeresaBenedicta Posted July 13, 2011 Author Posted July 13, 2011 [quote name='MissScripture' timestamp='1310528813' post='2266693'] So, you're going to live with your Sisters, right? Are you going to be in a sort of aspirancy or postulancy now? Will your parents get to visit you, and call you, etc, whenever, or are you going to start having restrictions on that as you will when you officially enter? It could turn out to be a nice way to transition for your Mom. And it's definitely tough on the Catholic Moms for their daughters to be going to the convent, too. Do you know any other Moms of sisters that you could put her in touch with? I know my mom has really enjoyed knowing another lady whose daughter is in a convent (different order than my sister), because she has a much better understanding of the situation than parents who have never experienced anything like that. Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS! [/quote] Yup, I'll be living in a little flat above the garage at the Novitiate! I won't technically be in any official formation stage, I don't think. So I'll still have quite a bit freedom in regards to contact with family and friend. I'll still have my cell phone and computer and car. I'll still be able to go home for Christmas and if I take a vacation. Still be able to go hang out with friends on occasion. I mean, obviously a lot of that will be restricted naturally. I certainly won't be going out every Friday night by any means. Nor will I be spending hours on the internet in the evenings like I do now. I'll be participating in community life as best I can in my circumstances. To be honest- I'm not sure what that will look like. I guess it'll just be something we feel out as we go. Life will certainly be different. Kind of like being in limbo, I guess. Not fully in the world... and not fully in the convent, either. It'll be interesting, to say the least! I'm not sure what to do with my mom. I'm hoping she'll fly out with me and meet the sisters again. I don't know how interested she'd be with talking with other parents... just because... I don't know. She has an amazing understanding, though... especially for a non-Catholic. It's beautiful. I mean, there's the natural pain of having a child move so far away, and of course of no more grandchildren... but she 'gets' the vocation, I think. Just amazing! I really think this is a great 'transition' for when I enter. So it won't be quite a stark "I'm living at home and now I can only talk once or twice a month" difference.
faithcecelia Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1310530819' post='2266717'] Yup, I'll be living in a little flat above the garage at the Novitiate! I won't technically be in any official formation stage, I don't think. So I'll still have quite a bit freedom in regards to contact with family and friend. I'll still have my cell phone and computer and car. I'll still be able to go home for Christmas and if I take a vacation. Still be able to go hang out with friends on occasion. I mean, obviously a lot of that will be restricted naturally. I certainly won't be going out every Friday night by any means. Nor will I be spending hours on the internet in the evenings like I do now. I'll be participating in community life as best I can in my circumstances. To be honest- I'm not sure what that will look like. I guess it'll just be something we feel out as we go. Life will certainly be different. Kind of like being in limbo, I guess. Not fully in the world... and not fully in the convent, either. It'll be interesting, to say the least! I'm not sure what to do with my mom. I'm hoping she'll fly out with me and meet the sisters again. I don't know how interested she'd be with talking with other parents... just because... I don't know. She has an amazing understanding, though... especially for a non-Catholic. It's beautiful. I mean, there's the natural pain of having a child move so far away, and of course of no more grandchildren... but she 'gets' the vocation, I think. Just amazing! I really think this is a great 'transition' for when I enter. So it won't be quite a stark "I'm living at home and now I can only talk once or twice a month" difference. [/quote] I think it will be great! When I was originally discerning and was looking at COLW we talked about doing something like this while I paid off my loan (the joys of modern life, eh?). I wouldn't be at all suprised if you find yourself gradually separating yourself more and more from secular life and spending more time with your sisters as you adjust.
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