Sister Desire's Apostolic Experience in Coraopolis, PA

I arrived in Coraopolis, PA, on Friday, February 15, and will be here until Monday, April 1. I am spending my days at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) High School, walking up and down the halls and in and out of classrooms as a new addition with some experiences to share.

 

Sister Desire tutoring a student in Spanish

I have spoken with all of the students by going to each religion class and telling my vocation story. During each visit, I left time for the students to make comments or ask questions, and I had a lot of fun responding to them. I received questions such as, "What's your favorite color?" or, "If you could be any animal, what would you be?", but also encountered some very carefully thought-out questions such as, "What do you think of the military?" or "What do you think about other religions?" At the end of the discussion, I would ask the students to put their heads down so I could ask them a question. "Keep your eyes closed," I instructed, and then I would ask, "Have any of you ever thought about religious life? Just raise your hand." In each class, I always had at least two students raise their hands. Sometimes I had about four or five hands go up in a class. So keep the prayers coming! After speaking with the students, they felt more comfortable having me around, so we began an extracurricular activity after school.

About 15 students showed up on the first day, Monday, March 4, to make knotted cord rosaries. I began with a single-decade rosary. When they returned the next day, I gave them each enough cord to make a full rosary while the newcomers began on their own single decades. It has been great so far! I plan to continue next week as well, since the students are interested in continuing the activity after I leave.

Another one of my roles in the school is as a tutor, mostly for students struggling in Spanish or Religion. I work with about four students on a weekly basis and am really enjoying getting to know them. Two of them are seniors, so I get to listen to them talk about their future plans for school and employment. One young man tells me that I look like his little sister, so I guess they are becoming like family to me now!

 

Teaching rosary making to the students after school

On Wednesday, March 13, I had the chance to speak in one of the Spanish classes about immigration. I created a power point presentation entitled, Immigración: Antes de, Durante de, Después de (Immigration: Before, During, After).  It included educational videos as well as photographs that I had taken of children and adults both in Mexico and the United States who have had to endure the difficulties of immigration. We discussed some true/false statements that I had composed and then talked about the difficulties many migrants face when they finally arrive. We also had a chance to talk about how our country can benefit from their presence and I brought up an example that I figured would be relevant-- Pizza! Tomorrow the students will gather in groups to further discuss the topic and I am scheduled to give this same presentation for the remaining Spanish classes.

Other than school, I have had the opportunity to attend several young adult gatherings in the Pittsburgh area. Sarah Beedle, who is discerning a vocation to the religious life, often picks me up and we attend the events together. The religion teacher and campus minister here, Erin Stuvek, hosts a young adult gathering with her husband called "Taco Tuesday." We attend Mass in the evening and then gather just to visit for a while. After visiting, we read a reflection or excerpt from Scripture, and then get into small groups to go over some discussion questions. It is a wonderful experience, so I am trying to get some of our other young educators on board. Sarah also came to the OLSH Legacy Gala where our sisters were recognized for their ministry at OLSH High School. The evening was very enjoyable and Sarah noted how well-loved and supported the sisters are by the community here.

I look forward to my remaining two weeks with the OLSH community and ask for your continued prayers as I discern my future ministry! Thank you for all the support you have shown thus far and may God bless each and every one of you.

Your sister, Desiré

P.S. My niece, Grace Apodaca (pictured at right), was born on Saturday, March 9! She was four weeks early, but is doing very well and was discharged from the hospital with my sister 48 hours after delivery. Now my nephew has a little sister!

Sister Angelise's Apostolic Experience in Philadelphia, PA

My time here at St. Ignatius in Philadelphia, PA, has been nothing short of a blessing.

This last week especially, has been filled with one-on-one visits with the residents: spending time with them in their rooms, meeting with them in the hallways, praying with them when they request a prayer. In these discussions, a few have shared that they live with chronic pain and some have conveyed a desire to return to their home but can't due to failing health. Regardless of individual circumstances, the perceived lesson that comes through these remarkable encounters is the residents' desire to be heard, affirmed and validated.

On reflection, I believe this need is a universal need and is a facet of who we are as spiritual human beings. When we reflect on life and its accomplishments and its joys as well as its sufferings, we want to know that our lives had, and continue to have, meaning and purpose. Asking an elder to talk about their friends and family, even about their careers, faith and hobby interests can convey a message of affirmation and dignity to our senior population and I believe the need for that affirmation becomes even more vital as one's health and ability to verbally and effectively communicate decline.

So, where do I go with this lesson and what do I do with it?

I guess the biggest takeaways from this week's lesson are the words patience, presence and purpose. Patience, in giving elders the opportunity to share their stories as many times as possible and as often as possible. Presence, to meet our elders wherever they are. If they are happy, I will rejoice with them. If they are sad, I will weep with them. And should they be lost in a moment of confusion, I will meet them in that reality and journey with them through that experience. Purpose, that regardless of their circumstances, affirm that their lives have meaning and purpose and whether verbally or through a gentle touch, I will let them know that they are loved.

I still cannot believe my time with St. Ignatius has come to an end. I shall miss this place dearly but I shall also take away many positive experiences and spiritual lessons.

To the residents of St. Ignatius: You have shared so much of who you are with me and have helped me to learn even more about who I am through your gentle wisdom. I am indebted to you all and take with me a thousand happy memories of our time together.

 To Sister Maureen Lowry, RSM, St. Ignatius' Pastoral Care Director: Thank you for your wisdom, knowledge and guidance regarding pastoral care of the elderly.

To Michelle Garrison, director of activities, and her staff, Fran, Nicole, Lily and Ginny: Each of you exemplifies the core values of St. Ignatius in your activities with the residents: Dignity of All Persons, Excellence through Compassion, Community through Transformation, Stewardship through Justice and Peace, and Concern for the Poor, and also Love.

To John Meacham, administrator of St. Ignatius: Thank you for saying "Yes" to my apostolic experience and for making me feel so welcomed.

And finally, a heart-felt "Thank You" to SM Annelle Velivis, local minister, and SM Agatha Cebula, director of mission integration at St. Ignatius: For your wonderful Felician hospitality, excursions around the Philadelphia area, visits to the Shrine of St. John Neumann, and excellent discussions and literature on elder care. Your care, compassion and concern for the elderly is boundless. Mother Angela would be well-pleased with your commitment and efforts.

Next stop - Felician Village, Manitowoc, WI. Cheese curds and string cheese - I need my cheese!

Sister Bridget's Apostolic Experience in San Antonio, TX

I am staying at Blessed Mary Angela Convent with S Dorothy Ann Mary Moczygemba, SM Irene Krysinski and SM Ellen Sturm.  

My apostolic experience with Sister Dorothy, director of faith formation for St. Brigid's Parish in San Antonio, has been a great experience.  

St. Brigid's is a large parish, with about 2500 registered families, in Northwest San Antonio. The parish website describes itself as having "a pastor and pastoral team who are able to share leadership of the parish and willing to delegate responsibility in such a manner as to continue the development of a committed lay leadership that will assist in carrying out the message of the Gospel," and I have witnessed this firsthand. It is beautiful to see so many committed parishioners, young and old, who are a vibrant part of the parish life outside of Sunday Mass attendance. At the opening of the Parish Mission, the parishioners were asked to commit to one hour per week for Eucharistic Adoration as St. Brigid's prepares to start perpetual adoration.  More than 400 parishioners responded "Yes" to the call. The visiting priest, Father Sean Davidson, a member of the clerical association Missionaries of the Most Holy Eucharist, said he had never seen such a response.

Vocation panel discussion at St. Joseph's in Honey Creek

While I have been here at St. Brigid's, I have been assisting Sister Dorothy and Lourdes Machado, her assistant, in the office as well as participating with various faith-forming ministries. I helped to research and choose a Vacation Bible School theme, facilitated a First Eucharist Gathering with the children (one of many highlights), attended one of two bible studies going on at the parish, and participated in a "Writing with Angels" meeting where the participants read scripture, pray together, faith share and journal together. I also joined in a few RCIA classes and accompanied Sister Dorothy to the Rite of Election. 

Youth Ministry Coordinator Nora Ruiz allowed me to accompany the youth group to the Natalie Grant concert, a Christian singer, at the University of the Incarnate Word. I also attended a few of the Youth Group meetings. One of the beautiful instances of collaboration of the community here at St. Brigid's was exemplified at a high school retreat planning meeting I attended. Headed by Nora, who had to leave soon after it started, the team, a mix of young adults (former youth group members) and adult parishioners, proceeded to present ideas for activities, skits and overall flow of the weekend event. Each idea was discussed and most were accepted and adapted to the need of the event. Input came from a majority of the participants. It was beautiful and exciting to see leaders of today forming leaders of tomorrow!

Vocation Events

Youth group at St. Brigid's

The first Saturday I was in San Antonio, S Jane Mary Gawlik took me to the San Antonio Super Youth Spectacular. Jesse Manibusan was the keynote speaker and Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller presided at Mass. More than 500 young people attended the event. I participated in a skit and Q&A panel with several seminarians and a Salesian Sister, Sister Jaden. The youth group led by Nora Ruiz from St. Brigid's was also there and this was their first sighting of me. On Sunday,  back at the parish, many came and introduced themselves to me and gave me great feedback on the skit, which focused on making good decisions in the face of temptation. This past Sunday I was involved in two more vocation panel discussions, one at St. Brigid's and the other in "Hill Country," at St. Joseph's in Honey Creek. I talked with many of the teens from St. Brigid's one-on-one as they were interviewing seminarians and religious for their Confirmation classes. At St. Joseph's, we were part of the Life Teen event after Mass. I was amazed by the amount and quality of questions this group of high schoolers had for us. Many came and asked more questions following the event.

Sadly, my time here in San Antonio is coming to a close. I have been truly blessed to have experienced so much in such a short time and to have met so many faith-filled people who have welcomed me with open arms and plenty of hugs!

New Members and New Events!

Congratulations Amy and Suzanne!  Both of these women attended the Come and See weekend in Enfield, CT this past fall and have decided to discern religious life with the Felicians.  We are proud to have you journey with us!

 

 

 

 

 

On February 14th, the three of us second year novices will be headed to different areas of the country for our apostolic experiences...

 

...I, Sister Desire' Anne-Marie, will be going to Coraopolis, PA to spend time at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School.  I will be there for approximately four weeks gaining experience in the classroom as a substitute teacher, shadowing the campus minister, talking with the students and doing whatever it is they need a novice to do!  Afterward I will spend eight weeks in Milwaukee, WI at St. Joseph's Academy.  Sister Mary Brenden, who is the head of mission and outreach for the school, will be my mentor during this time.  I am excited about the fact that St. Joseph's Academy has a high Spanish-speaking population.  I will get to practice my conversational skills!  I'll do my best to keep you updated on how it's going :)

 

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School website:

http://www.olsh.org/

 

St. Joseph's Academy website:

http://cdcsj.org/

 

...Sister Bridget Mary, that's me!  I am going to start out at St. Brigid's Parish in San Antonio, Texas!  I love the snow, but I also love the Southwest, so I'm willing to part with the cold weather for awhile.  Sister Dorothy Moczygemba will be guiding me through experiences in both religious education and youth ministry.  After about four weeks there, I will fly to Buffalo, NY to be with our Sisters at Our Lady of Pompeii Convent.  Sister Therese Chmura will be my main connection with religious education.  When my four weeks in New York are up, I will be under the guidance of Sister Faith Balawejder at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Convent in Coraopolis, PA.  There I will be involved with the St. Louise de Marillac Parish.  I am excited about experiencing ministry in a parish since my interest is in pastoral ministry.  Initially I thought I would rather teach adult religious education, but after some time with the children at the Montessori School of Enfield, CT, I am considering religious education with children.  I trust this might help me discern where I am being called!

 

St. Brigid Parish website:

http://www.stbrigidcc.org/

 

St. Louise de Marillac Parish website:

http://stlouisedemarillac.org/

 

Enfield Montessori School website:

http://www.enfieldmontessorischool.org/

 

 

...Hello!  I am Sister Mary Angelise.  I will be starting my apostolic experience at the St. Ignatius Nursing Home in Philadelphia, PA.  I will be focusing on pastoral care and senior activities.  As a postulant, I was fortunate enough to spend a month with our Sisters in the care center at Our Lady of Good Counsel Convent.  I was involved in pastoral care and senior activities there as well and really enjoyed it, so I am glad to have the chance to explore this ministry once again.  After Philadelphia, I will spend time at Felician Village in Manitowoc, WI, where Sister Mary Odelle is the local minister.  There are many possibilities for ministry there, so my specific outreach will be decided when I arrive in March.  I will complete my apostolic experience at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent in Buffalo, NY.  The opportunities for ministry in the Buffalo area are just as plentiful, so again we will look at the possibilities for ministry when the time comes closer.  Please keep us in your prayers!

St. Ignatius Nursing Home website:

http://www.stignatiusnursinghome.org/

Meet the First Year Novice

Me with the new dog, Sammy

Hello everyone.  I'm the new 1st year novice.  My name is Sister Maria Louise Edwards.  I'm from New Jersey, but I don't have much of an accent.  Honestly not many people I've met from New Jersey have that accent.  It's more common the closer you get to Bayonne and Jersey City.  Anyway, I'm from Saddle Brook, New Jersey, which is a small town near Hackensack (the county seat) and about 20 minutes from Manhattan.  I have a degree in Theatre from NYU and I pursued a career in acting for about ten years.  My vocation story was recorded for our website when I was a postulant:

http://feliciansistersna.org/become-a-felician-sister/vocation-stories/louise-edwards

Since entering the community I have grown to love and deeply respect the Felician Sisters, not only in their commitment as Franciscan women, but also in their commitments to the Church, following in the footprints of St. Francis and Blessed Mary Angela, and committed to the spiritual renewal of the world.

As Franciscans the Felicians have helped me to be a better steward of the earth, making a conscious effort to choose a lifestyle that takes the environment into consideration.  I've learned to clean with vinegar and baking soda rather than products that hurt the environment.  As a house we rarely eat beef and try to buy locally grown produce, if possible.  Just recently we had a class on nutrition and since then I've been keeping a food journal hoping to make healthier choices in what I eat, praying to be a better steward of my body.  I've only been a novice for three months, but physically I feel much healthier than I have in years.



Photo of S Maria Louise taken by Sister Desire' at Talcott Mountain

I've been discerning a vocation to religious life for the past ten years.  It takes some of us longer to get to where the Lord wants us to be.  I felt the Lord calling me to the Felicians because I was drawn first of all to their love for Mary and for the Eucharist, two components in my spirituality that were not optional.  Also not optional was a community that was not only actively faithful to the Magisterium, but recognized the spiritual value in living this truth.  I've seen the Sisters grappling with a lot of the same issues that the Church is grappling with, but their hearts always move toward hopeful obedience.  As I study the letters of our foundress I realize that this was so important to Blessed Mary Angela that she mentioned obedience in nearly every letter she wrote.  This is a great grace and blessing that I think she obtained for our community.  May it always be so going forward.

If you are reading this know that you are in my prayers!
All through the Heart of Mary in honor of the Most Blessed Sacrament!

(Left to right) S Maria Louise, S Bridget Mary, S Desire' Anne-Marie and S Mary Angelise