Countdown To My Sister's First Vows!

[i<3franciscans]

The pictures are so beautiful! I wish I was here during the countdown!

edited because I can't spell.

Edited July 31, 2012 by i<3franciscans

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='Sr. Mary Catharine' timestamp='1343738055' post='2460585']
I can't imagine a group making profession that is bigger than my own community!
[/quote]

Sister Mary Catharine--Were you actually AT the ceremony? Or do you have an "in" with someone who was there? Considering the physical distance between all of you, I've been impressed when I've seen or heard glimpses of how Dominican Novice Mistresses manage to stay close and support each other--even though some of you are cloistered and some are active.

It may have been my overactive imagination, but a couple of years ago I thought I spotted Sister Mary Veronica (before she came to Summit) at a vocation retreat for the Nashville Dominicans. You even share aspirants!

I hope all is going well. I loved the Summit blog the other day describing the Summit garden, when you (along with your growing grapes) were described as being busy "growing novices." I wish I was an artist because my "unusual mind" immediately got an image of your postulants as small saplings--(your postulants arrive as young trees--God planted the original seed)--then the novices and the Sisters who have made first profession as ever larger, more beautiful trees--flowering and beginning to bear fruit--up to the most senior--one of "your" first young saplings--who has left the nest (sorry for mixing metaphors) and is now under the special care of the whole Community and due to make Solemn Profession early next year. (I'm not counting Sister Mary Amata as one of "your" saplings, because she arrived at Summit in her full maturity, with only the final grace of solemn vows to bring her tree to full fruition--although I know she is just as special to you as ones who arrive as small saplings who need your special care to flourish.)

Oh yes! Thank-you for the pictures!

Edited August 1, 2012 by IgnatiusofLoyola

[MissScripture]

It was definitely worth the >40 hours in the car to make it down there. It was so beautiful!
The night before (Friday night) one of the Australian's Sister's parents put on a meet & greet to meet families of the other Sisters. It was really nice to meet the other families. It helped make it really feel like family the next day.

On Saturday, we dressed John Paul in his adorable sweater vest and I put on my bridesmaid's dress (we had an extra from my wedding, and my sister asked me to wear it if it fit me), and we wandered around the campus of Vanderbilt for a while, before finding the Cathedral. We got to see my sister before the ceremony, so she got to meet her nephew for the first time. Before Mass, I went into the Ladie's room, and there were several Sisters in there getting ready. One of the soon-to-be professed saw me and said hello (using my name, when I wasn't even sure who she was), and commented on how cute John Paul was. Someone IN the stall asked who she was talking to, and she told them, and then THAT Sister said hi to me. LOL.

The Mass was long, but very beautiful. Watching the 19 brides walking down the aisle was so amazing. They were all clearly in love. John Paul slept through most of the Mass and woke up just in time to hear my Sister's vows. The vows were said first in English, and then if a Sister's first language was not English, they said their vows in their native tongue. I thought that was really neat. After their Vows they got their black veils. The Bishop mispronounced my sister's name. (He didn't use the French pronunciation of Therese). After communion, my mom's friend who was with us, took John Paul out (he was getting restless) so that I could stay for the rest of the Mass. So, the first thing my sister saw upon leaving the sanctuary was my son chewing on a doll and growling.

After Mass we went to the college for a reception. Sr. Anna Karol cut the cake. And the newly professed sang a few songs for us. We got to hang out with my sister until 4:30, when she was returned to the Motherhouse.

My family and our friends went to see her on Sunday, but my husband and John Paul and I went to see his family. Then on monday, we went to the Motherhouse and spent the day with my sister, again.

[quote name='loveletslive' timestamp='1343694110' post='2460463']
Sr. Cora Marie! and my other friend is now Sr. Mariana Rose!!
[/quote]
I think I saw them! I seem to remember those names. We saw a bunch of the newly habited Sisters, and most were wearing name tags with their new names. As we were leaving, we saw one Sister walking and trying to untangle her rosary. My dad said, "Huh, looks like a bad rosary day." You could tell they were new to the habit, but it was really sweet.

[quote name='Mary's Margaret' timestamp='1343745431' post='2460600']
Such joy! Oh, that all Catholics would glow with such love!
[/quote]
Yes! It was so beautiful to see the Sisters walking down the aisle. They were SO in love.

Also, I don't have any pics on my camera. When I get some, I will post them.

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

I did an Internet search, and found a HUGE set of photos on Flickr from the ND first profession ceremony. (If these are the same photos that Sr. Mary Catharine posted, I apologize.) I loved the photos, but unfortunately I didn't know which Sister was Miss Scripture's Sister sister. (Say that 10 times fast!) There are SO many pictures there must be at least a couple of good pictures of her. Miss Scripture--Will you let us know which one is your Sister sister? Here's the link. Enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominicanfriars/7669215400/in/set-72157630804743022

P.S. MS--I prayed for you and your family to have a safe and fun trip. Looks like my prayers worked! (Yeah right, as if MY prayers made any difference. LOL)

Edited August 4, 2012 by MissScripture
Edited for link functionality

[MissScripture]

Iggy, for some reason your link didn't work right, so here it is, again [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominicanfriars/7669215400/in/set-72157630804743022"]http://www.flickr.co...157630804743022[/url]

My sister is front and center in the first picture!

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='MissScripture' timestamp='1344013090' post='2462106']
Iggy, for some reason your link didn't work right, so here it is, again [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominicanfriars/7669215400/in/set-72157630804743022"]http://www.flickr.co...157630804743022[/url]

My sister is front and center in the first picture!
[/quote]

Thanks for fixing it. You're able to edit posts with your mod powers, right? Could you fix the link in my post just in case someone tries my link and gives up instead of reading down to your post. Thanks!

And thanks for pointing out your Sister sister!

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

MS--Maybe you'll know the answer to this--maybe not.

The ND's are pretty unusual in only having one year of novitiate--the required year of "canonical novitiate." (At least I THINK it's unusual, although I'm sure there are other Communities that do this, as well.) Do you know why the ND's only have a one-year novitiate compared to the two-year novitiate that is more typical? As I understand it (and again I could be wrong), a one year novitiate was common pre-Vatican II, but after Vatican II recommended a 2-year novitiate, a lot of Communities went to that.

If you don't know offhand, no biggie. It's not like I'm discerning--just curious.

(For those who are newer to VS, I am one of VS' self-appointed "cheerleaders"--not discerning myself, but supporting in prayer and posts those who are discerning, especially Dominicans, but will pray for most anyone who is nice to me.

Edited August 3, 2012 by IgnatiusofLoyola

[somethingfishy]

The Dominican friars also have a one-year novitiate (after about two weeks of postulancy!). It is somewhat unusual for women's communities, though.

[MissScripture]

[quote name='IgnatiusofLoyola' timestamp='1344037228' post='2462452']
Thanks for fixing it. You're able to edit posts with your mod powers, right? Could you fix the link in my post just in case someone tries my link and gives up instead of reading down to your post. Thanks!

And thanks for pointing out your Sister sister!
[/quote]
No problem. I almost just changed your link, but decided that I'd leave it, in case somehow the pics I found weren't what you were linking to. I just figured it was better to get permission first. But it's fixed, now.

[quote name='IgnatiusofLoyola' timestamp='1344037803' post='2462455']
MS--Maybe you'll know the answer to this--maybe not.

The ND's are pretty unusual in only having one year of novitiate--the required year of "canonical novitiate." (At least I THINK it's unusual, although I'm sure there are other Communities that do this, as well.) Do you know why the ND's only have a one-year novitiate compared to the two-year novitiate that is more typical? As I understand it (and again I could be wrong), a one year novitiate was common pre-Vatican II, but after Vatican II recommended a 2-year novitiate, a lot of Communities went to that.

If you don't know offhand, no biggie. It's not like I'm discerning--just curious.

(For those who are newer to VS, I am one of VS' self-appointed "cheerleaders"--not discerning myself, but supporting in prayer and posts those who are discerning, especially Dominicans, but will pray for most anyone who is nice to me.
[/quote]
Well, they have a full year of postulancy, then a year of being a novice, then 2 years following still in the novitiate as 1st year black veils and then 2nd year black veils. After that, they move to the professed side of the Motherhouse. I don't know the why of any of it. I find it a little strange that their First vows were for 3 years, but they only remain in the novitiate for 2 more years.

[Deus te Amat]

[quote name='MissScripture' timestamp='1344041510' post='2462479']

No problem. I almost just changed your link, but decided that I'd leave it, in case somehow the pics I found weren't what you were linking to. I just figured it was better to get permission first. But it's fixed, now.


Well, they have a full year of postulancy, then a year of being a novice, then 2 years following still in the novitiate as 1st year black veils and then 2nd year black veils. After that, they move to the professed side of the Motherhouse. I don't know the why of any of it. I find it a little strange that their First vows were for 3 years, but they only remain in the novitiate for 2 more years.
[/quote]

I think the last bit is so that they experience life on the professed side before renewing vows.

[MissScripture]

[quote name='Deus_te_Amat' timestamp='1344041971' post='2462487']


I think the last bit is so that they experience life on the professed side before renewing vows.
[/quote]
Oh, that makes sense. Not that you would know, since you haven't entered yet, but are there a lot of differences? Or is it more just a sense of permanence?

[Deus te Amat]

Off the top of my head?

Novitiate:
~60 sisters
Under a novice mistress
Preparing to teach/focusing on formation
Live at the Motherhouse

Professed:
~200 sisters
Under mother (as far as I know)
Living the apostolate
Not necessarily living at the motherhouse


There's probably a lot more, but I'll probably learn the rest by experience.

Edited August 4, 2012 by Deus_te_Amat

[MissScripture]

[quote name='Deus_te_Amat' timestamp='1344044161' post='2462499']
Off the top of my head?

Novitiate:
~60 sisters
Under a novice mistress
Preparing to teach/focusing on formation
Live at the Motherhouse

Professed:
~200 sisters
Under mother (as far as I know)
Living the apostolate
Not necessarily living at the motherhouse


There's probably a lot more, but I'll probably learn the rest by experience.
[/quote]
So, on the 3rd year as a black veil, can they be sent to a mission? Some of this stuff I haven't really considered, since my sister won't be done with school soon enough for it to even be a possibility.

Also, I didn't want to ask this question last weekend, when we were all happy about vows and stuff, but I was curious. They took vows for 3 years, so what happens to someone who discerns out before that? Do they need to wait out the three years? Or do they need special permission from the Bishop to be released from their vows? Or can they be released by their superiors in the Novitiate? Or do you not know and don't really want to think about it? lol.

[Deus te Amat]

[quote name='MissScripture' timestamp='1344046279' post='2462507']

So, on the 3rd year as a black veil, can they be sent to a mission? Some of this stuff I haven't really considered, since my sister won't be done with school soon enough for it to even be a possibility.

Also, I didn't want to ask this question last weekend, when we were all happy about vows and stuff, but I was curious. They took vows for 3 years, so what happens to someone who discerns out before that? Do they need to wait out the three years? Or do they need special permission from the Bishop to be released from their vows? Or can they be released by their superiors in the Novitiate? Or do you not know and don't really want to think about it? lol.
[/quote]

They could teach, but it would be in Nashville, as they are still in the Novitiate.

As for the other question, I think they would wait for the end for the three years, but if it were dire, I think there would be some wiggle room. But I don't know for sure.

[TheresaThoma]

I don't know if it is the same for the NDs but I talked about the vows with the novice director with the SMMC they have 4 years of temporary vows. They take them for one year then renew for three more years. If you were to discern out after renewing your temporary vows you would have to wait out the remaining part of the three years.

[MessorCarus]

But temporary vows aren't binding like final vows, correct? So, why would they need to stay? Actually, I know of a Sister who left after professing temporary vows. She then rejoined the community later. Granted, I don't know for what reason she left.

[mantellata]

Temporary vows are just as binding as final vows but for less time. A Sister could be dispensed from her vows if she left prior to fulfilling the temporary term (this would require the permission of the Ordinary for religious orders of diocesan rite and of the Congregation for Religious - rep. the Pope for Pontifical) or she could live out her vows (with certain dispensations especially in regards to poverty) at home until they "run out".

[OnlySunshine]

I don't think it's necessarily a requirement of all communities if the temporarily professed discerns out of the convent. I have known some religious to discern that they were not called to live in the convent anymore. One in particular left about a month after professing temporary vows. I'm not sure what the stipulations were when she left, however.

[Sr Mary Catharine OP]

Our sisters remain in the novitiate for 2 years after Profession (we don't "take vows", we "make profession"). This is so that the living out of the committment of profession can be guided and that there is a gradual taking on of responsibilities.

The 3rd year of profession a sister "moves downstairs" but the professed dorm is actually on the same floor as the novitiate. She is under the prioress but continues to receive guidance from the novice mistress as needed. Her studies are also still under the novice mistress. The 3rd year is important because the Sister find what life is like for her living the full observance. She also takes her share of answering "the turn" and of other responsibilities shared among the professed community. In some ways she has more "freedom" because she doesn't need to get permission to do things, etc. the way she does in the novitiate. She has her assignments and may within the regular observance of the house and her responsibilities work out her day as she wishes.

For example, in the novitiate much of the work is assigned and can (and does) change. The sisters need to ask permission for their retreat days, for visitors, and to offer to substitute for various works or adoration times. In the professed community the sisters can decide this for themselves and can work out times that are good for their family visit, etc. and they inform the prioress out of respect or curtesy but it is understood that if it is a regular parlor visit they don't need to ask specific permissions.

Sisters who wish to leave in temporary vows petition the Prioress who brings this request to the Council for their consent. The decision is then sent to the Bishop for confirmation.

I don't know what exactly is done in Nashville but I would expect it is the same as this is from Canon Law.

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='Sr. Mary Catharine' timestamp='1344084475' post='2462627']
Our sisters remain in the novitiate for 2 years after Profession (we don't "take vows", we "make profession"). This is so that the living out of the committment of profession can be guided and that there is a gradual taking on of responsibilities.

The 3rd year of profession a sister "moves downstairs" but the professed dorm is actually on the same floor as the novitiate. She is under the prioress but continues to receive guidance from the novice mistress as needed. Her studies are also still under the novice mistress. The 3rd year is important because the Sister find what life is like for her living the full observance. She also takes her share of answering "the turn" and of other responsibilities shared among the professed community. In some ways she has more "freedom" because she doesn't need to get permission to do things, etc. the way she does in the novitiate. She has her assignments and may within the regular observance of the house and her responsibilities work out her day as she wishes.

For example, in the novitiate much of the work is assigned and can (and does) change. The sisters need to ask permission for their retreat days, for visitors, and to offer to substitute for various works or adoration times. In the professed community the sisters can decide this for themselves and can work out times that are good for their family visit, etc. and they inform the prioress out of respect or curtesy but it is understood that if it is a regular parlor visit they don't need to ask specific permissions.

Sisters who wish to leave in temporary vows petition the Prioress who brings this request to the Council for their consent. The decision is then sent to the Bishop for confirmation.

I don't know what exactly is done in Nashville but I would expect it is the same as this is from Canon Law.
[/quote]

Sister Mary Catherine--Thanks so much for the explanation!

I miss Sister Joseph Maria's smile. Now that she is no longer living in the novitiate, she isn't in as many of the pictures on the Summit blog!

With your explanation, I now have a better idea of what the change has meant for Sister Joseph Maria's everyday life. And, unless I have my arithmetic wrong, Sister Maria Teresa is also due to move "down the hall" sometime this fall. I will miss her in the novitiate pictures, too!

On the other hand, although I will miss seeing these Sisters' pictures on your blog so often, their moving out of the novitiate means more free beds in the novitiate! Every day I pray for new strong vocations for your Community as well as for the Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph in England, where Laetitia Crucis/Sister Mary Catherine is finishing her canonical novitiate year.

That's TWO Sister Mary Catharine/Catherine's for Phatmass! However, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but if I remember correctly from the Summit blog, besides the differences in spelling, your name is in honor of St. Catherine of Alexandria and LC/Sister Mary Catherine's name is in honor of St. Catherine of Siena--both very important and revered saints!

To fellow VS'ers--If you don't regularly read the blog of the Summit Dominicans, you are missing something special. The blog is not only well-written and fun, but I have also learned something of what life is like in a cloistered monastery, as well as about various saints, Catholic church history, the Dominican order--I could go on and on.......But, for once, I won't.

The blog address is [url="http://www.nunsopsummit.org"]www.nunsopsummit.org[/url]. This is also the address for the home page of the Community, as well as for the Cloister Shoppe with its wonderful soaps and other things (both serious and fun).

Edited August 7, 2012 by IgnatiusofLoyola