Stream ~ Lines E-News from CSA Office of Vocation Discernment January 2013 Volume 2, Issue 4

Heroes and She-roes! By Jean Hinderer, CSA

As I write this article, I am still feeling so moved courage, and humor as they shared their stories of after viewing the CNN 2012 Heroes All Star Tribute search and discernment. They will continue their http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/02/ year of gatherings as a group with deeper bonding pushpa-basnet-of-nepal-is-the-2012-cnn-hero-of- with one another each time they meet. They the-year/ to everyday people who are changing the complete their intercommunity time in May 2013 as world! Before this program is aired, a committee in they then move into the next process of considering charge of this program receives thousands of application for novitiate. They know that nominations and eventually selects the ten heroes discernment is an ongoing, life-long, every day way who will be presented on the evening of the awards of life, way of seeing, way of listening, and a way of by celebrities accompanied by short videos of their loving process in which they live from the inside out work. Each of the ten “Heroes” is given a $50,000 and take God very seriously as God loves them into grant to support their special work as a community the unknown. crusader by creating solutions to social issues, or defending the planet by protecting and preserving It was an honor to step into their stories of journey the environment, or enhancing the lives of people as they continue to listen to God’s invitation softly through dedication to the enhancement of human heard at the level of the sacred as they discover health, or protecting the powerless by advancing their authentic selves! the causes of human or equal rights. Then from the ten nominees, one is declared as “CNN Hero of the Year” from online and social media voting and receives an additional $250,000 grant. It always leaves me breathless and in awe at the power of those who can singly change the world and often at the risk of their own lives.

On the weekend of November 30-December 2, 2012, I also met “heroes and she-roes” at the intercommunity pre-novitiate gathering at the Siena Retreat Center http://www.racinedominicans.org/ retreats.cfm in Racine, Wisconsin. As we gathered for our first evening session, introductions were made, revealing that these women and men were from all over the world, with diverse cultures, accents, and background experiences. There were those from Africa, Italy, Haiti, Mexico, Texas, Nebraska, California, Indiana, Arizona, Iowa, to name just some of the places where the Spirit found these wonderful discerners. Since the presentations were on the theme of discernment, they entered into the discussions with honesty, eagerness, Stream ~ Lines

Advent—Awakening the Soul’s Body By Ellen Swan

It was “a welcome, peaceful interlude” of music, prayer, gentle movement, and quiet reflection led by CSA associates Jack Talbot and Michael Ketterhagen http:// fcsh.org/. Both men brought their unique gifts to us as we gathered on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to begin our Advent journey – Jack’s music through piano and harp and Michael’s teachings of breathwork, meditation, and yoga. We prayed traditional prayers like the “Our Father” in a new way, moved our bodies in familiar yet liberating sequence, and sank into the deep silence within ourselves.

In the spirit of BE Michael Ketterhagen and BUILD Community, the invitation to this day of reflection was extended to area residents in addition to the CSA community of sisters and associates. From the opening prayer set to the heart-beat of drums, to the nourishing lunchtime soups, to the closing prayer of holding hands and hearts, it was a “need(ed) time set apart to acknowledge the season of Advent.”

(Quotes are taken from evaluations of the day, written by participants.)

Jack Talbot

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CSA Out ‘n About ~ Strength-Based Education at Marian University By Sister Deborah Golias, CSA

Marian University http://www.marianuniversity.edu/ has been my place of ministry for 38 years. My name is Sister Deborah Golias and, as you can see, I must enjoy it here to have stayed so long. You are right!

At Marian, I have so many opportunities to embrace CSA mission as I empower students to discover and apply their strengths http://www.strengthsquest.com/home.aspx in academics, leadership, career discernment, and relationships. Strengths are those patterns that characterize you in positive and productive ways. What is the connection between developing students’ strengths and CSA Mission?

It means “systemic change for quality of life” (CSA Mission) http://www.csasisters.org/. When strengths are used on a daily basis, when students learn to emphasize what’s right with themselves and others, they help change and improve quality of life. Everyone then grows and looks at the world with more courage and creativity. These attitudes have a ripple effect on others and empower them to move forward on whatever their journeys may be. Throughout students’ experience at Marian, teachers, mentors, and advisors are busy every day encouraging and supporting students to discover and reflect on their unique gifts. The awareness of strengths gives direction and empowers them to craft their own preferred future.

It is important to realize that the starting point for effecting “systemic change for quality of life” first begins with the self. CSA Mission calls for a “commitment to the transformation of…ourselves”. As Gandhi so wisely said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” By focusing on strengths, students have opportunities to practice leadership skills in a way that motivates others to use their gifts. It gives students the opportunity to mentor those who may be challenged to acknowledge that they have talents. It gives students the chance to mutually encourage each other because all are on the path to greater awareness and self-development. Teachers, mentors, and others including myself, spend our days giving good example, mentoring, and encouraging students to take steps in the courageous direction of “transformation of self”.

I cannot think of a more awesome ministry at Marian University than to help others discover their God-given strengths for the purpose of causing systemic change within which self is transformed: the call of the CSA Mission.

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12-12-12 Vocation Day at St. Mary’s Springs Academy By Sister Susan Seeby, CSA

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 (12/12/12), may have been Aaron Rodgers Day in Wisconsin, but it was also Vocation Day for juniors and seniors at St. Mary’s Springs High School http:// smsacademy.org/. This was in response to an invitation by theology teachers Tim Guiden and Carol Huck. Our audience was decked out in the appropriate green and gold in celebration of Aaron Rodgers. This “dress down day,” sponsored by the student council, collected toys and gifts for needy children in the city of Fond du Lac. It was just the right activity to support our call to the young people to consider lives of service. During the first and second periods of the day, Sister Jean Hinderer and I shared with some bright and attentive young women our vocation stories and the story of CSA http://www.csasisters.org/. At the same time, down the hall, the young men listened to four seminarians from St. Francis Seminary http://www.sfs.edu/ SFShome.htm speak about the vocation to the priesthood. After the first two periods, Sister Jean left and I carried on for the rest of the day with the message that God calls each of us to seek lives that will make the most of our talents and gifts and will bring faith, hope, love, and service into our world. The question and answer sessions helped them better understand CSA and our lives as sisters. At the end of each of the talks, the young women received a few “goodies” including our button that reads, “Ask Me About CSA!”

It is our hope that these young women will take up our invitation to come and visit us “across the road” at the motherhouse. Aaron Rodgers, toy donations, and spreading the story of CSA . . . 12/12/12 was definitely a success!

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Consider this...Conversations that Matter! Re: Faith & Call Evenings for Young Adult Catholics...who want to listen closely to God’s call!

By Sister Susan Seeby, CSA

The Chicago Area Vocation Association (CAVA) http://www.vocationscava.org/ is hosting a series of monthly talks for young adult Catholics in the Chicago archdiocese. These talks are held twice a month in various parts of the city. The topics and the speakers change each month. My turn as a speaker was Sunday, December 16, at the Chicago Cenacle Retreat Center. http://www.cenaclesisters.org/chicago- retreat-conference-center/ Five of us gathered to listen to and share faith stories. We focused upon the story of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Using storytelling, music, and the circle process, we shared our feelings upon listening to Mary’s “Magnificat” as interpreted in the song “Behold” by David Kauffman. We explored the development of our images and understanding of God from our childhoods until the present time, and then we reflected upon the weaving of our own faith stories with the stories of faith found in Scripture. The thoughtful conversation made the evening pass by quickly and soon we found ourselves gathering up our belongings and heading into the night, stronger for the time spent together.

Thus far, participation by the young adults in our diocese in the “Consider This” program has been limited, but we are hoping that as we get the word out, future talks will run out of space!

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National Vocation Awareness Week (Jan. 13-19, 2013) By Sister Jean Hinderer, CSA

The observance of National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/national -vocation-awareness-week.cfm began in 1976 when the National Conference of Catholic Bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year as the beginning of NVAW. In 1997, this celebration was moved to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This year’s NVAW theme is “Baptized in the Spirit.”

A vocation is a leap. We often speak of such a significant life choice as a leap of faith; sometimes it can feel like a leap in the dark! In a moment of life commitment, I “go beyond” the information available and give myself to something that escapes my sure control. How can I be sure that I should marry this person or join this religious congregation or pursue this career? Committing ourselves in these ways, we are likely to sense the risk – even the foolhardiness – of such a venture. And yet we want to make the leap. We sense that we need to leave the familiar confines . . . and set out for parts unknown and untested. And, like a child, we need to leap – to risk – again and again if we are to keep our vocations lively. In a developmental understanding, we see a vocation not as a one-time leap that lands us safely in the middle of a stable vocational state, but as an ongoing exercise of commitment that requires agility and grace. (Paraphrased: Seasons of Strength by Evelyn and James Whitehead)

Discovering God in a Digital World ~ Sites to Surf!

America (Jesuit publication) www.americamagazine.org Busted Halo (Paulist) www.bustedhalo.com Catholics on Call www.catholicsoncall.org Celebrating Everyday Spirituality www.melanniesvobodasnd.org/ Centering Prayer www.centeringprayer.com Daily Reflections & Prayer onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html Green Heart Education www.greenhearted.org/prayers-for-the-earth.html IHM Sisters www.ihmsisters.org/www/Ways_of_Joining_Us/virtualdiscernmentretreat.asp Latino Hispanic Catholics www.vocacioncatolica.com Liturgical Readings www.easterbrooks.com/personal/calendar National Religious Vocation Conference www.nrvc.net Pray-as-you-go (daily prayer for your MP3 player) www.prayasyougo.org Religious Ministries http://www.religiousministries.com/ Ron Rolheiser (speaker, author) www.ronrolheiser.com Sacred Space http://www.sacredspace.ie/ Spirituality & Practice: Resources for the spiritual journey www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ University of Notre Dame http://faith.nd.edu/s/1210/faith/start.aspx?gid=609&pgid=61 U.S. Catholic Publication http://www.uscatholic.org/ Vision Vocation Network www.vocationnetwork.org/opportunities Vocation Match (TrueQuest) www.vocationmatch.com Vocation Quest www.vocationquest.org/begin-retreat.htm

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By Sister Jean Hinderer, CSA

My Lord God,

I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I may think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in face please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my struggles alone.

(Prayer of Thomas Merton)

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Hope for the Future By Sister Susan Seeby, CSA

THREADS!

A day of input, reflection, and sharing . . . Exploring the threads of your journey for a possible CALL to religious life! Saturday, February 9, 2013 For single Catholic women ages 18-45 9:00 am – 3:00 pm $10 fee Sisters of the Divine Savior Provincial House 4311 North 100th Street, Milwaukee, WI

Contact: Sister Mary Lee Grady, SDS Phone: 414.466.0810 Ext. 229 Email: [email protected] To Register: http://fs25.formsite.com/vmmaforms/vmmaeventregistration/index.html

Sponsored by: Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother School Sisters of Notre Dame Sisters of the Divine Savior School Sisters of St. Francis Sisters of St. Agnes

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Holy Stubbornness! By Sister Jean Hinderer, CSA

A short while ago, I participated in a spiritual direction instruction on the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises with other participants who were entering into their second year of ministry preparation as spiritual directors. As I began to listen to the presenters speaking of meditation, they invited us to imagine ourselves at the birth of Jesus and present in the stable. I found myself resisting this form of prayer and I said to myself, “This is not how I pray. I am not comfortable with this form of meditation. The fewer the words, thoughts, and images, the better for me to be just present to the Presence.” Well, God thought otherwise. Somehow I was given a sacred nudge to just try it and open myself to the grace of the moment and the Gospel. The reflection below is the result of my struggle - God loves us even when we “act up” or “act out” as God delights and dares to move in and through our holy stubbornness. Servant Freed!

I stand in the darkened fissure of the stable, I stand along the steep grassy edges of the lit only by the glowing face of the boy-child. partial rocky hillside, Parent eyes glistening with holy wonder, His face emits energy with each spoken, while heavened stars point to “Blessed are you!” mangered Messiah. I listen, I wonder, I breathe, I listen, I wonder, I breathe, for I am only servant. for I am only servant. I stand in the upper room, corner-concealed, yet his eyes beckon me to move I stand in the darkened temple portico within his touch. observing those of the Law encircling His carpentered hands accept each foot the teacher-child. as with the artistry of fitting rough hewn wood. His face radiates with With tender, soothing, healing – intimate purpose and passion about God’s call! knowing, he bends to wash my feet. I listen, I wonder, I breathe, for I am only servant. Upon this embrace - God-light, God-love streams into my very soul- I stand in the Cana garden among I listen and hear within me: the six stoneware water jars. Untie her. His mother moving his mission, What do you want me to do “Do whatever he tells you.” for you? Pick up your mat. Waters of purification touched I do not condemn you. with words of transformation You are worth more than become intoxicating wedding wine. many sparrows. Speak these words over me . . . You are no longer servant – fill me to the brim with courage as you are friend. I listen, as I wonder, as I breathe, I wonder, I breathe . . . for I am only servant. sjh Stream ~ Lines

Undercover Work: Sacred Threshold~Crossing the Barrier to a Deeper Love By Paula D’Arcy

An Excerpt from Sacred Threshold~Crossing the Barrier to a Deeper Love by Paula D'Arcy

Paula D'Arcy presents four stories about the ways we must step across the threshold in the name of love. Here is an excerpt on the spiritual practice of mystery.

"When Harry Potter is trying to find the platform for the train that will bring him to his new school, he faces a blank wall where Platform 9 3/4 should be. Then the mother of a student who has made this trip before gives him advice. She encourages him to run right toward the platform (the threshold), promising that it will yield when he gets to it. That's what I am learning: to trust the amount of light I have been given and run right toward the next doorway. I no longer want to take my cues from people who are themselves frightened. I don't want to spend my hours defending the last place from which I looked. I want to move toward this force that is forever pushing through the events in our lives. And that I should have a companion for this next leg of the journey feels very simple and very true. Everything lies before us.”

Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes Vocation Discernment Office 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937 920.907.2310 [email protected] Stream ~ Lines

Social Media and CSA

Follow our blogs http://somecallmesis.blogspot.com http://csavocations.blogspot.com http://whatshapppeningattheun.blogspot.com

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CSA STATEMENT OF MISSION

We, the Sisters of St. Agnes, participate in the mission of Christ by joyful service in the Church, always aware that we, too, are among the needy and are enriched by those we serve. Inspired by our founders—by the missionary zeal of Father Caspar Rehrl, the courageous initiatives of Mother Agnes Hazotte, and the spiritual influence of Fa- ther Francis Haas—we continue to respond in our own times to those whose faith life or human dignity is threat- ened.

Rooted in Christ through prayer and worship we serve in both rural and urban settings throughout the United States and in Latin America. We strive to minister with simplicity and hospitality in the fields of education, health care, pastoral ministry and social service.

We are committed to transformation of the world, the church, and ourselves through promoting

• systemic change for the quality of life • justice for the economically poor • furtherance of the role of women in church and society  mutuality, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Love binds us together, and by sharing our lives and our faith in community, we support one another to live with singleness of purpose: that among us and in our world the Risen Christ be discovered and revealed.

1990