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 Page 2 January 2013 Volume 2, Issue 4 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. Page 3 January 2013 Volume 2, Issue 4 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! Page 4 January 2013 Volume 2, Issue 4 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.