Second Retreat (dc's Updates)

[DiscerningCatholic]

College. :)

[domenica_therese]

As someone who got papers before a lot of the members of the postulant class that entered this August, I can say that there was definitely a reason for this year. The beautiful thing is that I was able to go into it saying "There's a reason I'm here and not there yet," and then just let God show me why he still needed me at my University, with my family, in the world. The result has been amazing.

 

Just stay busy, throw yourself into something meaningful, and enjoy this last opportunity to light a fire as a layperson. The world needs more people in it with Dominican hearts, and there's some situations you can get into and make a difference in as a layperson that you can't as much once you're a visible eschatalogical sign. :P

[AnneLine]

Sounds like you are very much at peace with your decision, which is wonderful and a gift of God.

 

I think the year of college and/or working is a wonderful idea.

 

Do what you can to keep any debt down, because you or your family will have to pay it down... but you already knew that!

 

Praying for you DC, and glad you will be among us for the next year!

[OnlySunshine]

Change of plans. I am postponing for a year.

 

That's a wise decision.  Not only will it increase the excitement but college gives you SO much that you are able to take with you into religious life.  Even though I am no longer discerning religious life, I cannot put a price tag on my college education.  I love learning!  Obviously, Dominicans do too!  ;)

[VeniJesuAmorMi]

I do still plan to enter (God willing, in 2015) and hopefully, this year will strengthen my vocation and make the "odds" of my staying higher. :)

 

It is really admirable that someone who has a strong desire for entrance is willing to wait another year, and for very good reasons! Praying for your intentions. :)

[DiscerningCatholic]

At the suggestion of a friend, there's something I have to add to this.

 

I am waiting because the sisters asked me to wait a year. I see this as a good way to practice obedience (that's my name for 2014: Operation Extreme Obedience), but this is by far the hardest thing I have ever been asked to do. I do see this as a gift from God and honestly, a bit of a "Good job; keep going" from God, since, as this IS the hardest thing I've ever had to do, it means that A.) I've come so far from where I was 2 years ago and B.) God clearly knows that I am capable of doing this. And, since many of the saints went through struggles like this, it's kind of an honor, if you get what I mean. :) That knowledge, however, doesn't make this any easier, so please do keep me in your prayers! 

 

Thanks, y'all. :blowkiss:

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

At the suggestion of a friend, there's something I have to add to this.

 

I am waiting because the sisters asked me to wait a year. I see this as a good way to practice obedience (that's my name for 2014: Operation Extreme Obedience), but this is by far the hardest thing I have ever been asked to do. I do see this as a gift from God and honestly, a bit of a "Good job; keep going" from God, since, as this IS the hardest thing I've ever had to do, it means that A.) I've come so far from where I was 2 years ago and B.) God clearly knows that I am capable of doing this. And, since many of the saints went through struggles like this, it's kind of an honor, if you get what I mean. :) That knowledge, however, doesn't make this any easier, so please do keep me in your prayers! 

 

Thanks, y'all. :blowkiss:

 

DC--I'm so proud of you for talking about this! I have seen your spiritual growth in just the past week!

 

I hope you know that all of us realize how difficult this is for you and that we will be praying for you.

 

I wouldn't say this if I didn't mean it (instead I'd just say nothing), but I honestly think you will enjoy your time in college, and that after the year is over, you will be very glad you had this extra year "in the world" being more independent. You are going to learn so much about living with other people. And, your classes will broaden your understanding of the world. The extra time will also mean you'll have even more time to learn (and live) Dominican spirituality before you enter.

 

Since your intended order is primarily a teaching order, maybe you'll also be able to find some chances to teach.

 

Everything you experience in college is going to work to make you a better Sister.

 

All of this is easy for me to say, but remember, you won't be doing all this alone. You have our prayers and support any time you need it. And, since your Sisters asked you to do this very difficult thing, I know you will have their prayers, too.

 

You have wanted to enter SO much, and now you've been asked to do probably the hardest thing the Community could ask. Yes, it will be a lesson in obedience, but I sincerely think you're actually going to enjoy and appreciate your year (although college is often tough for the first couple of months). Still, that doesn't make it any easier right now, so I'm going to leave you with a big hug and a famous Bible verse, Isaiah 40:31:

 

But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
    They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
    They shall walk and not faint.

 

Hang in there!

 

Iggy

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

One more thought that I forgot to add:

 

If you enter in 2015, that means you will be entering in The Year of Consecrated Life!

 

Awesome. 

[TheresaThoma]

Hehe I like 2014: Operation Extreme Obedience! 

 

Waiting can be difficult but I assure you if you find ways to stay busy a year will fly right by. I think it was St Therese who used the time she had to wait as a time to build her spiritual dowry. 

A good buddy for you this year might be Edith Stein (Sr Theresa Benedicta of the Cross). She was told to wait 11 years before she was allowed to enter by her bishop and SD! They realized the work she was doing teaching and working in philosophy was extremely valuable and that she needed to continue doing that for a while. 

[the171]

EDITH IS MY BRO

[DiscerningCatholic]

One more thought that I forgot to add:

 

If you enter in 2015, that means you will be entering in The Year of Consecrated Life!

 

amesome. 

 

DUDE I REALIZED THAT EARLIER TODAY

 

It's kind of funny because when I still thought I was entering in 2014, I thought, "Wow. I know I'd be becoming a novice in 2015, but it'd be so cool to enter in the year of consecrated life. Oh well."

 

:|

[TheresaThoma]

Lol! The Holy Spirit will have His way!

[AnneLine]

VERY PROUD of you, DC!!!!   And also proud that you chose to share this on line.   It is the BEST thing you can do to get the support you need for this year.  

 

We're here, and we are NOT gonna go away!!!!!

 

Feel free to reach out to us; if we can help, we will.

 

Do you have any plans in terms of where you might be considering going to school?   I don't know enough to know if you are still able to see if you can get any scholarship money or similar support -- try to stay away from loans if you POSSIBLY can, because that is the sort of thing that can delay an entrance... and we don't want it to happen to you.  AND it is a really good practice for learning to live simply......

 

 

 

 

[DiscerningCatholic]

Wow

 

I found this book on our bookshelf called "Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence"

 

Very wow

 

Legitimately awe.some (the book, not the fact that I found the book)

Edited December 19, 2013 by DiscerningCatholic

[AnneLine]

yes it is... and perhaps just what the Divine Physician ordered... or perhaps the Trolly Spirit?

[DiscerningCatholic]

I knew it was there for a while, but I've never looked at it until today. It's good thus far! It's a huge book and there's plenty to contemplate. Holla.

[Comingback]

I looked it up on Amazon and it does look awesome.  Thank you for posting.  It seems like something I could also use LOL.

[DiscerningCatholic]

Having a rough time today (for many reasons). :(

[Eowyn]

Having a rough time today (for many reasons). :(

 

 

:console:  :nun1:

[Feankie]

Dear DC, I'm sorry you're having a rough go of it today.  For a lot of people, for a lot of different reasons, people get weepy this time of the year.  Praying that our Blessed Mother will cover you in her mantle of peace, protection, and perseverance.

Edited December 20, 2013 by Francis Clare