Vocations and Joy

Vocation stories - Reception of seven novices of the Schoenstatt Sisters in Waukesha, USA

Rito de vestición Rite of reception Einkleidungsritus
Las novicias irradiaron alegría The novices radiated with joy Den Novizinnen sah man ihre Freude an
Mons. Dolan con Padres de Schoenstatt Archbishop Dolan with Schoenstatt Fathers Erzbischof Dolan mit Schönstattpatres
Aceita de Pascua Easter oil Osteröl
La Juventud Femenina del futuro Future Girls’ youth Mädchenjugend der Zukunft
Abuelos felices Happy grandparents Glückliche Großeltern Fotos: Christi Jentz © 2007

USA, Christi Jentz. There’s a story that Archbishop Dolan has told. It goes something like this: One day he was seated in a restaurant. A young waiter, who does not know that he is talking to a Catholic Bishop, sees the Bishop’s big ring on his finger and comments that it is an awesome ring. The Archbishop, not missing a beat, asks him, "You want one?" Interested?

Another story: One of our Sisters told me that she was questioned Saturday, during the novices’ reception celebration, by a young lady who wanted to know where she could buy a MTA brooch just like the one that Sister was wearing on her uniform dress. The visitor didn’t want a MTA pin from the gift shop. Sister happily responded, pointing to her brooch, that there was only one way she could get this brooch. Interested?

I, too, had a conversation with a young lady at the reception. Our family hadn’t seen her for several years, and in that time she had grown into an articulate, thoughtful young adult. I asked her what she was doing these days. She was independent and working but hadn’t decided to enter college, even though it was obvious that she would have the ability to do so. Since she seemed unclear in her vocation I asked if she had considered joining the Sisters community. She very candidly replied that she would seriously have to consider that option, especially after witnessing the events of that day. Interested!

Each novice has a unique vocation story to tell

2007 A year we mark with youthful vocation zeal and long-standing, faithful service to Christ! Send forth, O Lord, laborers into your vineyard and spare your people. Eternal Word, Redeemer of all creation, convert all souls to you. You have been obedient for all, even to death on the cross. Look on the merits of your Mother and of all the angels and saints who intercede for us. ~St. Vincent Pallotti

Saturday, April 14, the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary accepted seven novices into their community. Each novice has a unique vocation story to tell. The joy in the novices’ manner on that day (and throughout their novitiate) indicated that they had chosen their vocation wisely. Archbishop Dolan thanked the Schoenstatt families for these vocations. In his sermon, he underscored this charisma of joy, noting that he not only saw it in these young women but also among the other branches of the Schoenstatt Movement in his diocese. This doesn’t mean that the Schoenstatt Movement is immune from the common troubles of everyday life he explained, but that they approach even adversity in a providential, Marian way. Having this attitude gives inner peace and outer joy. Everyone in this diocese knows that Archbishop Dolan also emanates joy and the effect was contagious on Saturday. So many smiles!

Congratulations

After the Reception Mass, the novices were surrounded by family and friends and we couldn’t get close enough to take their pictures. However, there was an opportunity to take a few snapshots of some of the Schoenstatt Fathers with the Archbishop before he left. In July, Father Dieter Haas (pictured to the left of Archbishop) will be celebrating the 40th year of his priesthood.

Congratulations!