Schoenstatt knows the meaning of "family"

On March 1^st, the Schoenstatt family came together in anticipation to celebrate 7 novices’ "yes" to God to take place on the following day

Apertura del programa en la Casa Padre Kentenich Kicking off the March 1st afternoon program with the song: Here I am Lord... Auftakt des Nachmittagsprogramms am 1. März mit dem Lied: Here I am Lord
Las Hermanas de María se presentaron a los jóvenes, a familiares y amigos de las novicias Sisters of Mary introduce themselves to families and friends Marienschwestern stellen sich Jugendlichen, Verwandten und Freunden vor
La Hna. Johanna Maria Helmich con participantes de su taller Sister Johanna Maria Helmich with participants of her workshop Schw. Johanna Maria Helmich micht Teilnehmern ihres Workshops
Coro de jovenes y Hermanas de María practicando Choir of the Schoenstatt Girls’ Youth and Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary practicing Chor von Mädchenjugend/Junge Frauen und Marienschwestern bei der Probe
Scouts de la región der Selva Negra, la primera vez en Schoenstatt Girls Scout Troopp from Blackwood Forest experienced Schoenstatt for the first time and are “simple excited” for the reception Pfadfinderinnen aus dem Schwarzwald, zum ersten Mal in Schönstatt und “einfach gespannt” auf die Einkleidung Fotos: Melissa Ann Schmid © 2008 Álbum de fotos – photo album – Fotoalbum

The joy and anticipation could be seen in each person’s face as they met up with old friends as well as made new acquaintances and discussed the wonderful reception to take place on the next day. "I have been to many receptions here in Schoenstatt, and each one is something special," stated Alexandra Rösch (18), who had several opportunities throughout last year to get to know many of the novices, "It is totally beautiful! And what is particularly special is how the entire Schoenstatt family comes together for the event."

Despite fatigue from traveling, many participated in the afternoon’s events

The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary planned an afternoon full of various workshops for the friends and families of the novices in order to learn about what it means to be a Sister of Mary. The program began at 3 p.m. in the Pater Kentenich House Film Theater. Here, the sisters introduced the theme that the entire weekend would be based on: "I have called you by name, and you are Mine." They talked of Mary as their prominent role model in life. "Like Mary, we choose to live in freedom and to live with great love."

After a brief Power Point presentation highlighting Schoenstatt’s history, the organizational structure of the Movement, and recent projects and developments, the attendees were given the option to participate in workshops that portrayed the sisters in more specific roles and ministries. Sr. M. Dorithee Vollmari conducted a workshop on adoration sisters in the Adoration House. Sr. M. Tina Busch provided an International presentation in the Mission House. Sr. M. Magdalena Schleinschok talked about sisters in a variety of professions in the Pater Kentenich House. Sr. Johanna-Maria Helmich discussed evangelization efforts in Marienland. And if the people still were not content with the choices, they could listen to a CD about God’s call in their professional walks of life as they spend time in reflection.

Sisters of Mary remind participants what it means to be a member of Schoenstatt

All of the workshops delved into the challenge that each Sister of Mary and every one of us is faced daily with: How can we live apostolically, and how can I be an apostle with my given talents? "It is a shame when we realize that many people today have difficulties talking about God and spreading His Law of Love," remarked Sr. Johanna-Maria, "However, Schoenstatt helps us all to speak up for the Catholic faith – this is our mission." The sisters reminded the participants that the grace flowing from the Shrine calls every member of Schoenstatt to live lives of Evangelization: to deepen our intellects, to place ourselves in God’s hands, to spark fires in others’ hearts, and to go courageously and instill courage in others. "Mary works miracles in the Shrine – we must believe that, and we become Shrines when she sends us forth."

Shortly after the workshops ended, everyone scattered here and there. There was still so much to do for the reception the next morning. Some went to the Adoration Church to finish sound checks and make final touches to the decorations. Others went to choir rehearsal in the Pater Kentenich House. And still others were rushing around to make final preparations for the evening’s upcoming vigil. Spirits remained joyful as many pondered the afternoon’s beautiful messages in their hearts.

Getting to know the novices intimately: an Evening World Tour

Everyone wanted to meet the novices! So many people arrived in the Film Theater at the Pater Kentenich House on Saturday evening that many had to double-up on chairs in order to fit everyone in. Young and old, men, women, and children, families and friends – one big happy Schoenstatt family – came to hear the novices give their personal testimonies. All felt welcome, especially with Srs. Angela and Gabriela translating in English and Spanish for the numerous visitors from Kenya, the Philippines, Mexico, and Portugal. "Unfortunately, the novices are not with us tonight as they are still engaged in retreat," stated the announcer. A sigh of disappointment swept through the room. "However, they prepared wonderful testimonies and presentations of their home countries to share with you tonight. So, without further ado, let’s begin our World Tour." The crowd enjoyed facts and photographs from each novice’s homeland, the personal stories of the novices’ journeys to becoming Sisters of Mary, and cultural performances, such as a customary dance from the Philippines, a spiritual Marian song sung by the visiting Kenyans, a traditional Bavarian song, and a sentimental musical tribute to Mary from Mexico.

In the end, everyone seemed satisfied with the evening’s World Tour. But the excitement still lingered in the air for the reception just hours away. "It is such a joy when everyone comes together as a united Schoenstatt family to celebrate with the novices," commented Iris Beutinger from Heidelberg, who met the novices at last year’s Advent Celebration she participated in, "I am especially looking forward to tomorrow because the novices are my friends. It will be truly beautiful!"