Vocation Station Check-In: Welcome To All The New Folks

[the171]

[quote name='marigold' timestamp='1317682140' post='2314823']
I've never even heard of po-boys, muffalatas or beignets! Also what is a Mass of Roses? I just have an image of a pile of flowers.
[/quote]

A mass in honor of st.therese held at the covington carmelite monastery.

[Clare~Therese]

Well I've been hanging around vocation station for awhile but haven't made a thread of my own yet. I don't know why though.

ANYWAY.
The short version of my short vocation story is basically, back in November 2009 I was at my maternal grandparents' house for some reason. Now, my maternal grandparents are the head of what you could call a rather stereotypical Italian-American family. I'd say they're pretty devout; one thing I find to be particularly notable is their great devotion to St. Anthony. So anyway, I was at their house pacing in their family room thinking about Christ Crucified as I do sometimes and my grandfather was sitting in his armchair as he often does.
Seemingly out of nowhere he asked me something like, "Have you ever thought about being a Poor Clare?"
He was referring to the ones in Rockford, of course, though at the time I didn't know they were there.
And just about the first thought I had was, "He's crazy!"
I didn't know much about religious life at that time either. I only knew about the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Carmelites, and that there were contemplative nuns and active Sisters. And I knew that the Poor Clares were one of the austere cloistered ones.
For weeks, though, what he said kept haunting me, and I wanted nothing to do with it. I finally came around a little while later and started to find the idea somewhat attractive.

Fast forward about half a year, and also a year and a half.
For the first time in 2010, I went to a vocation discernment camp in my Diocese named after St. Therese. It's three days long. There's Sisters there, we visit the Poor Clares, and lots of razzle dazzle stuff. I met a Carmelite of the Divine Heart of Jesus. When we visited the Poor Clares...Coolest. Thing. Ever. There was Benediction and Adoration; we were looking at their little gift shop thing and one of the externs, I suppose now, came out and greeted us. I just turned around and she was in the hallway; that scared me half to death. It seemed to me that Christ was radiating from everything and everyone there, so to speak. I had a wonderful time there. After I got home I couldn't shut up about it for days.

Also last year November 2010 the Diocese had a little nun run with myself and 4 other girls; we went to Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict over by Chicago somewhere. They were very sweet and had the cutest Polish accents ever. One thing I hope I never forget about it is, one of the Sisters starts waving at me as we're helping them clean up after a meal, and she says, "[i]Don't be so serious all the time[/i]!!" I like to have flashbacks to that when I'm being too serious about stuff. We also went to an assisted living home some Sisters were running somewhere around Janesville, Wisconsin. They were very sweet as well. One of them said something that made a great impression on me. I can't remember what now but I know I have it written down somewhere.

In March this year (I think? my memories are all fuzzy now) I went to the Here I am Lord Conference in St. Charles, IL. Bob Rice was there and a lot of other people. I met a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, and I thought the guys there wearing habits were having a St. Francis look-alike contest until I realized they were Friars. Derp.

But then I had a struggle with scruples and discouragement for awhile, so religious life was at the back of my brain most of the time if I thought of it at all. I rediscovered St. Therese, St. Faustina, and Faustina's [i]Diary[/i].
Another time I realized that my "discernment" had become something of an obsession, so I seriously decided to back off for awhile and not think about it. I figured if God really wanted me in religious life, He'd "hit me over the head with something," as I put it (and yes I seriously phrased it that way when I made the decision).

So God decided to hit me over the head with several articles in the Diocesan newspaper about the Poor Clares and an advertisement for the St. Therese Shrine in Darien, IL (I don't know if I spelled that right). There was a lot more besides that, but I don't feel like typing out all of it. Actually went to the St. Therese Shrine; long story about that short, it was epic.

Summer rolled around this year, signaling that St. Therese Camp 2011 was going to start up, so I went; since his Feast Day was going to be during the camp, I prayed a novena to St. Anthony beforehand. His intercession came through in a big way. This time there were tons of Dominicans and Franciscans, not much else. Met some DSMME and Nashville Dominicans. This year I discovered St. John Vianney, St. Philomena, and the Brown Scapular (and no wonder, what camp named after Therese wouldn't give them out?). On Monday we went to a State Park and hiked/prayed the rosary. Shortly after the rosary was over, a Dominican Sister who was the leader of the small group I was in specifically asked me seemingly out of nowhere, "...do you like pondering things?"
And BOOM! I thought of the contemplative life right away, the Poor Clares..this life that terrified me but at the same time had me so fascinated that my intrigue rose above the fear. This mysterious ordinariness that they posses that is somehow also extraordinary.

That's all (for now), folks! I have to eat dinner.

[TheresaThoma]

Ok the quick version of mine.
I was not raised with any religion at all. Then I went to a Jesuit university in 2009 and met some amesome Catholics who introduced me to the Faith. Early in 2010 they also introduced me to the idea of Religious Life. I guess that is when my discernment began. Since I wasn't even Catholic at that point it got pushed off to the side, but never completely out of the way. Then in October 2010 I realized that I really need to explore the possibility further. My parents weren't to pleased with all of this which resulted me coming back home and going on a discernment hiatus. I didn't stop praying about it though and a couple of months ago I started actively contacting different communities. I'm starting to have pretty regular contact with 3 of them and I am super excited about it!

[InPersonaChriste]

hmm... My story isn't the most eyecatching or exciting one but I think that I shall add to this wonderful thread.

My brothers attended Minor Seminary and that was my first real encounter with religious life. The monks who ran the monastery were all so dedicated and loving. I really wanted to be a boy so I could go to seminary.

I met my first sister at a catholic camp. My father introduced us but she said hello and then had to leave straight away. Oddly enough, the feeling of her joy for serving God that I recieved in a handshake left such a large impression upon my soul that I still remember it! I started to look into religious life as an option at that point.

I also met with some Visitation nuns out of the blue in Chile. They were the most beautiful and joyous women I have ever met. That experience showed me how beautiful the Religious life is. The culture does put a damper on religious life.

After much praying I have finally contacted an order where I feel most drawn too. And I will be going to retreat very soon I hope!

Edited October 4, 2011 by InPersonaChriste

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Clare~Therese' timestamp='1317689275' post='2314892']
Well I've been hanging around vocation station for awhile but haven't made a thread of my own yet. I don't know why though.

ANYWAY.
The short version of my short vocation story is basically, back in November 2009 I was at my maternal grandparents' house for some reason. Now, my maternal grandparents are the head of what you could call a rather stereotypical Italian-American family. I'd say they're pretty devout; one thing I find to be particularly notable is their great devotion to St. Anthony. So anyway, I was at their house pacing in their family room thinking about Christ Crucified as I do sometimes and my grandfather was sitting in his armchair as he often does.
Seemingly out of nowhere he asked me something like, "Have you ever thought about being a Poor Clare?"
He was referring to the ones in Rockford, of course, though at the time I didn't know they were there.
And just about the first thought I had was, "He's crazy!"
I didn't know much about religious life at that time either. I only knew about the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Carmelites, and that there were contemplative nuns and active Sisters. And I knew that the Poor Clares were one of the austere cloistered ones.
For weeks, though, what he said kept haunting me, and I wanted nothing to do with it. I finally came around a little while later and started to find the idea somewhat attractive.

Fast forward about half a year, and also a year and a half.
For the first time in 2010, I went to a vocation discernment camp in my Diocese named after St. Therese. It's three days long. There's Sisters there, we visit the Poor Clares, and lots of razzle dazzle stuff. I met a Carmelite of the Divine Heart of Jesus. When we visited the Poor Clares...Coolest. Thing. Ever. There was Benediction and Adoration; we were looking at their little gift shop thing and one of the externs, I suppose now, came out and greeted us. I just turned around and she was in the hallway; that scared me half to death. It seemed to me that Christ was radiating from everything and everyone there, so to speak. I had a wonderful time there. After I got home I couldn't shut up about it for days.

Also last year November 2010 the Diocese had a little nun run with myself and 4 other girls; we went to Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict over by Chicago somewhere. They were very sweet and had the cutest Polish accents ever. One thing I hope I never forget about it is, one of the Sisters starts waving at me as we're helping them clean up after a meal, and she says, "[i]Don't be so serious all the time[/i]!!" I like to have flashbacks to that when I'm being too serious about stuff. We also went to an assisted living home some Sisters were running somewhere around Janesville, Wisconsin. They were very sweet as well. One of them said something that made a great impression on me. I can't remember what now but I know I have it written down somewhere.

In March this year (I think? my memories are all fuzzy now) I went to the Here I am Lord Conference in St. Charles, IL. Bob Rice was there and a lot of other people. I met a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, and I thought the guys there wearing habits were having a St. Francis look-alike contest until I realized they were Friars. Derp.

But then I had a struggle with scruples and discouragement for awhile, so religious life was at the back of my brain most of the time if I thought of it at all. I rediscovered St. Therese, St. Faustina, and Faustina's [i]Diary[/i].
Another time I realized that my "discernment" had become something of an obsession, so I seriously decided to back off for awhile and not think about it. I figured if God really wanted me in religious life, He'd "hit me over the head with something," as I put it (and yes I seriously phrased it that way when I made the decision).

So God decided to hit me over the head with several articles in the Diocesan newspaper about the Poor Clares and an advertisement for the St. Therese Shrine in Darien, IL (I don't know if I spelled that right). There was a lot more besides that, but I don't feel like typing out all of it. Actually went to the St. Therese Shrine; long story about that short, it was epic.

Summer rolled around this year, signaling that St. Therese Camp 2011 was going to start up, so I went; since his Feast Day was going to be during the camp, I prayed a novena to St. Anthony beforehand. His intercession came through in a big way. This time there were tons of Dominicans and Franciscans, not much else. Met some DSMME and Nashville Dominicans. This year I discovered St. John Vianney, St. Philomena, and the Brown Scapular (and no wonder, what camp named after Therese wouldn't give them out?). On Monday we went to a State Park and hiked/prayed the rosary. Shortly after the rosary was over, a Dominican Sister who was the leader of the small group I was in specifically asked me seemingly out of nowhere, "...do you like pondering things?"
And BOOM! I thought of the contemplative life right away, the Poor Clares..this life that terrified me but at the same time had me so fascinated that my intrigue rose above the fear. This mysterious ordinariness that they posses that is somehow also extraordinary.

That's all (for now), folks! I have to eat dinner.
[/quote]



Thanks for the chuckles. I love how God works and these little things happen when you least expect it. It certainly seems like you have received a lot of God-winks along the way and I can just imagine you entering the Poor Clare Colettines and taking the name of Sr. Mary Therese of Christ Crucified when you are invested in the habit.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='TheresaThoma' timestamp='1317689711' post='2314899']
Ok the quick version of mine.
I was not raised with any religion at all. Then I went to a Jesuit university in 2009 and met some amesome Catholics who introduced me to the Faith. Early in 2010 they also introduced me to the idea of Religious Life. I guess that is when my discernment began. Since I wasn't even Catholic at that point it got pushed off to the side, but never completely out of the way. Then in October 2010 I realized that I really need to explore the possibility further. My parents weren't to pleased with all of this which resulted me coming back home and going on a discernment hiatus. I didn't stop praying about it though and a couple of months ago I started actively contacting different communities. I'm starting to have pretty regular contact with 3 of them and I am super excited about it!
[/quote]

I hope the RSMs are on the top of your list!

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='InPersonaChriste' timestamp='1317692018' post='2314937']
hmm... My story isn't the most eyecatching or exciting one but I think that I shall add to this wonderful thread.

My brothers attended Minor Seminary and that was my first real encounter with religious life. The monks who ran the monastery were all so dedicated and loving. I really wanted to be a boy so I could go to seminary.

I met my first sister at a catholic camp. My father introduced us but she said hello and then had to leave straight away. Oddly enough, the feeling of her joy for serving God that I recieved in a handshake left such a large impression upon my soul that I still remember it! I started to look into religious life as an option at that point.

I also met with some Visitation nuns out of the blue in Chile. They were the most beautiful and joyous women I have ever met. That experience showed me how beautiful the Religious life is. The culture does put a damper on religious life.

After much praying I have finally contacted an order where I feel most drawn too. And I will be going to retreat very soon I hope!
[/quote]

I hope that you are able to discern with the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles very soon. They seem like such a beautiful order and, if I was called to monastic life, I would consider them. They radiate with the joy of Christ when they take their profession photos.

[Clare~Therese]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1317692366' post='2314940']



Thanks for the chuckles. I love how God works and these little things happen when you least expect it. It certainly seems like you have received a lot of God-winks along the way and I can just imagine you entering the Poor Clare Colettines and taking the name of Sr. Mary Therese of Christ Crucified when you are invested in the habit.
[/quote]


is right.

Yeah...for awhile these little God-winks, as you called them, were showing up [i]everywhere[/i]. It was crazy.
That would be razzle dazzle, but who knows what could happen next? Lol.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Clare~Therese' timestamp='1317694708' post='2314971']


is right.

Yeah...for awhile these little God-winks, as you called them, were showing up [i]everywhere[/i]. It was crazy.
That would be razzle dazzle, but who knows what could happen next? Lol.
[/quote]

I've had a few odd occurrences lately. I've learned not to rely in praying about signs because I would seek them out even though they weren't there. But things have been coming up randomly when I least expect it that keep reminding me of the RSMs. Like I stated above, I was trying on boots this past weekend and one of the boxes I picked up had "mercy" in the name. What a weird name for a boot! Everytime I see something like that, my mind immediately comes back to the RSMs and Divine Mercy.

[Clare~Therese]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1317695589' post='2314982']

I've had a few odd occurrences lately. I've learned not to rely in praying about signs because I would seek them out even though they weren't there. But things have been coming up randomly when I least expect it that keep reminding me of the RSMs. Like I stated above, I was trying on boots this past weekend and one of the boxes I picked up had "mercy" in the name. What a weird name for a boot! Everytime I see something like that, my mind immediately comes back to the RSMs and Divine Mercy.
[/quote]


Lol!
That [i]is[/i] a funny name for boots.

[Mary's Margaret]

"That [i]is[/i] a funny name for boots."
Oh, I don't know...I thank God for His mercy when it's minus 20C and my feet are toasty warm in their boots as I wait another 20 minutes for a bus since the first one passed me by. I have to admit to thinking some not so charitable thoughts on those days!

[Lisa]

Mary's Margaret- are you discerning with any particular community?

[InPersonaChriste]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1317692571' post='2314945']

I hope that you are able to discern with the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles very soon. They seem like such a beautiful order and, if I was called to monastic life, I would consider them. They radiate with the joy of Christ when they take their profession photos.
[/quote]

Yes, I feel very blessed to have been in contact with them! They know of my spiritual director and he is under a priest who visited them in the fall.. So that was pretty interesting!

They do radiate joy!

[Mary's Margaret]

Hi Lisa. Thank-you for asking. After having "God winks" (images in prayer, 'words' from our Lord in the silence, 'coincidences' etc) over several years, I took it all to my Pastor (a Companions of the Cross priest) who discerned I had a call to religious life. This was wonderful, except I was 61 at the time! My first reaction was, "Lord, do you KNOW how old I am?"

During his annual retreat, Father discerned I not only had a religious call, but that I was called to form something new. This discernment of Father matched what I had been experiencing, but thought couldn't be true: who am I that the Lord would ask this of me? However, the Lord has drawn me deeper into silence and solitude and has written a deep concern for the souls of the dying onto my heart. So many people, including practicing Catholics, are facing death without the true knowledge of and trust in God's presence and design. In these times of the new evangelization, I've not come across anything about evangelizing the dying, yet that is what God is calling me to. So, I am discerning a call to form a community which would be deeply contemplative (Carmelite spirituality) and would take the fruits of that contemplation/deepening union with God to those who are at the brink of The New Life, or death.

On the eve of the Assumptions 2010, in a private Mass, I made private vows of poverty, chastity and obedience according to my state in life (I am divorced with one grown son). I presently work as a social worker at a drop-in centre for adults who live on the street or are under-housed and oft-times living with mental illness and/or addiction. Lately, I've been feeling impelled to move on, to take concrete steps into what God is calling toward, and this has been affirmed by my spiritual director.

So, toward this end, I am currently looking for a community that would take me in for a period of formation and further discernment. I had applied to one Carmel that seemed open to me, but their request to the Bishop was turned down. So the search continues.

Let me take this opportunity to say I've been greatly blessed by everyone here. I've heard of communities that were new to me (I'm in Canada, but am open to communities in the States) and am very uplifted by all the young women here who are excited about spending their lives for God. Thank-you for your open sharing: it's very encouraging, even to an old lady!

May God continue to bless you in His abundance.

[Aya Sophia]

A ministry to the spiritual needs of the dying . . . wonderful to see how the Spirit moves, inspiring people to offer themselves in a particular service that God wills to be done. How many both live and die without the helps of faith, without spiritual formation, without the love of God shown to them through a neighbor? So many are alone and in this kind of darkness, deeply in need of support in their journey home. Wish you strength and perseverence, Margaret's Mary, in living out the call God has put into your heart.

[Mary's Margaret]

Thank-you, Aya Sophia. I used to work in Palliative Care as a Stress Therapist and saw too many people dying without being reconciled with God. I also saw the difference between dying with the assurance of God's Presence and mercy and dying ignorant or rebellious. No one should face the end of this life without at least the opportunity to turn to God; nor should they die alone or in the midst of family tensions. Bringing a prayerful presence makes a significant difference to which even non-Christians are drawn.

Hope this isn't what's referred to as "hijacking a thread". If it is, my apologies.

[Aya Sophia]

Just noticed I called you "Margaret's Mary" ... [u]serious[/u] dyslexia

My hijack - my bad. I'll bring it back around by saying a little about self: was a Benedictine some years ago, then out for a long while until my beloved mother (memory eternal!) went to God then discerning again until entered Carmel last year. Left in Jan of this year (and of course the ques all ask is why I left but can't go into this in a public way - tried to for a blog post but can't!) DG, am returning, I hope in Nov (next month) but depends on medical stuff.

Voila! We're back on track . . . .

Edited October 4, 2011 by Aya Sophia

[Guest clara]

Well thanks for the welcome!

I'm new to pm,
I am not discerning. I was a member of a BEAUTIFUL community for 24 months before I discerned that I am not called to the religious life. I left my community a few months ago, very shortly before first vows. Right now I'm just sorting out where I belong and all that. I really just love the Catholic atmosphere here on Phatmass as its something I dearly miss from the religious life!

[Mary's Margaret]

Hi Clara. I'm pretty new here too and have found this to be a very comfortable, charitable, supportive, informative and humourous 'communty'. So, welcome. As you've probably seen, there are others who have made a journey similar to yours so I know you will find understanding and encouragement here was you find your new path. It takes a lot of courage and self-awareness to do what you've done. May God bless you with even more of the same to find your true place in His will.

[Clare~Therese]

Hi everyone!
That sounds beautiful, Mary's Margaret!


Today I was at my maternal grandparents' house again (why does this kind of stuff seem to happen there all the time?) and while I was there, my grandparents' priest friend (I'll call him Fr. L) happened to call my grandfather on his cellphone and ask him if I was "keeping on track," whatever [i]that's[/i] supposed to mean...