Category Archives: News

News

Resources for Consecrated Virgins

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One of the oldest sacramentals in the Church is Consecrated Virginity. This state in life was restored in the Church following Vatican II. It is still a relatively rare phenomenon in the Church for there are only 215 or so consecrated virgins in the United States.

Barb Swieciak is one of them. She became a consecrated virgin in 1984 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and as such has much wisdom to relay to those contemplating this step or those seeking to deepening their understanding of it. At the request of her bishop, Barb has prepared a new resource called Meditations on Mary for those discerning this vocation and for those who have embraced this relationship with the Lord. It is the first in a series of planned books.

Barb started with Mary because “that really is the essence of consecrated virgins living in the world, imitating the Mother of God in her life of holiness, in her purity of heart and intention, and in devoting herself totally to our Lord.” She opens the book with the Angelus, for the Incarnation, where the Word became flesh, is the beginning of the vocation of consecrated virginity.

The book is for anyone wishing to meditate on the mysteries of Jesus’ life, pondered in the heart of His Mother. It is written and designed, not to be read, but to be prayed over. If you want more information or wish to order the book, you can contact Barb at bswieciak@dioceseoflacrosse.com or fill out the PDF form. For more information on consecrated virginity, please visit www.

Consecrated virgins are like the unseen leaven in a bread, the activating agent that makes it rise. They were no distinctive garb, receive no pay from their diocese but through their works of mercy and penance, demonstrate to the world the fruitfulness that comes from their relationship with Jesus, their Spouse.

 

News, Women's Communities

LCWR Update/Cardinal Müller

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muellerCardinal Gerhard Müller, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, recently (April 30th) addressed the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) about their implementation of the mandate for reform following the Doctrinal Assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.

Here are a few of his remarks:

One of the  more contentious aspects of the Mandate—though one that has not yet been put into force—is the provision that speakers and presenters at major  programs will be subject to approval by the Delegate. (This year the LCWR is giving its “Outstanding Leadership Award” to Elizabeth A. Johnson whose 2011 book was criticized by the US Bishops for its “misrepresentations, ambiguities, and errors that bear upon the faith of the Catholic Church as found in Sacred Scripture, and as it is authentically taught by the Church’s universal magisterium…”)

“…the last thing in the world the Congregation  would want to do is call into question the eloquent, even prophetic  witness of so many faithful religious women. And yet, the issues raised  in the Assessment are so central and so foundational, there is no other  way of discussing them except as constituting a movement away from the  ecclesial center of faith in Christ Jesus the Lord.

The Cardinal then touched on “Conscious Evolution” which he said had been incorported into some religious institutes:

The  fundamental theses of Conscious Evolution are opposed to Christian  Revelation and, when taken unreflectively, lead almost necessarily to  fundamental errors regarding the omnipotence of God, the Incarnation of  Christ, the reality of Original Sin, the necessity of salvation and the  definitive nature of the salvific action of Christ in the Paschal  Mystery.

I am worried that the uncritical acceptance of things such as Conscious Evolution seemingly without any awareness that it offers a vision of God, the cosmos, and the human person divergent from or opposed to Revelation evidences that a de facto movement beyond the Church and sound Christian faith has already occurred.

Conscious Evolution does not offer  anything which will nourish religious life as a privileged and prophetic witness rooted in Christ revealing divine love to a wounded world. It  does not present the treasure beyond price for which new generations of  young women will leave all to follow Christ. The Gospel does! Selfless  service to the poor and marginalized in the name of Jesus Christ does!

Lord, we pray that all may be one in You. Founders and foundresses, please intercede for your religious communitites, that as vines they may always be part of the true Branch, who is Jesus Christ.

(Click here to go to The Catholic World Report website for Carl E. Olson’s analysis of His Emminence’s direct and pointed remarks. And to The National Catholic Register‘s article by Ann Carey, author of Sisters in Crisis: The Tragic Unraveling of Women’s Religious Institutes and  Sisters  in Crisis Revisited: From Unraveling to Reform and Renewal.

 

News

IRL National Meeting 2014 – YouTube Video Links

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exformAnother wonderful IRL National Meeting has come and gone with hundreds of attendees from many, many communities. Franciscans, Norbertines, Dominicans, Carmelites, Hermits, Consecrated Virgins, Consecrated Lay People, Diocesan Priests, Deacons, many other communities, lay people etc. were there in blue, brown, black, white, maroon or grey habits or in civilian clothes as the case may be. People came from California, Florida, Boston, Canada and points in between. Some of the friars were barefoot. One elderly priest made the trip as he always does by greyhound bus and the local train. Some came with no money and relied as they always do on the kindness of strangers to get them safely to their destination.

As one first-time attendee put it: It was God’s creative wisdom fully on display. It was also a foreshadowing of heaven when God will gather all the faithful together in His heavenly embrace.

For those of you who missed attending, all the the talks that took place in the Chapel at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary were recorded. You can click on the link below to watch any of these talks.

IRL 2014 National Meeting Talks and Masses

Friday April 25 Pontifical High Mass

Friday April 25 Rosary and Benediction

Friday April 25 Dr. Timothy O’Donnell “Building a Civilization of Love Through the Sacred Heart of Jesus”

Saturday April 26 Sheila Liaugminas “Having Our Answers Ready”

Saturday April 26 Bishops Panel with Most Rev. Robert Vasa and Most Rev. James C. Timlin

Saturday April 26 Divine Mercy Vigil Mass

Sunday April 27 Divine Mercy Mass

Sunday April 27 Divine Mercy Chaplet and Relic Veneration

Sunday April 27 Mother M. Julie Saegaert, SCMC, “True Holiness, True Joy”

 

 

News

Job Posting – Office of Consecrated Life – Phoenix

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PhoenixIf you know of someone who can fulfill this position, please pass on the information!

Director, Office of Consecrated Life

 To support the Diocese of Phoenix in its mission of encountering the Living Christ, this position assists the Bishop by acting as his liaison to those women and men in consecrated life and assigned to the Diocese of Phoenix in all matters directly related to the local church. This position reports to the Chancellor for day to day activities including office management, diocesan communications and budgeting.

Essential Job Functions: Officially represents those living a consecrated life in the Diocese of Phoenix in all matters directly related to the local church by communicating the concerns and their needs to the appropriate diocesan administrative level; by meeting regularly with the Bishop; by representing those in consecrated life at official diocesan functions; and by visiting with individuals and communities of consecrated women and men; Collaborates with the vocation director of the Diocese of Phoenix to assist parishes, high schools and Newman Centers in their work of fostering vocations, Establishes an advisory board to receive input and recommendations from members appointed by the Bishop for policies and programs of the Office of Consecrated Life; Serves as a contact person as needed when positions open in various ministries in the Diocese; Disseminates information from the Diocese, USCCB, and Holy See to members of Consecrated Life; Assists those in consecrated life who seek counsel and/or spiritual direction by developing resources such as lists of therapists, counselors, and spiritual directors, as needed; by offering support as requested to those who are on leave of absence or exclaustration; Collaborates with the Vicar for Priests in matters related to counseling assistance through the Religious and Priest Assistance Program; Proposes educational, enrichment, and spiritual growth programs for those in Consecrated Life in collaboration with the Bishop; Coordinates activities and provides opportunities for education about consecrated life and community building with diocesan priests, deacons, and seminarians; Serves as initial contact person for those discerning consecrated life; Develops technology resources to promote vocations and discernment for consecrated life; Works in collaboration with the Vicar for Priests to foster opportunities for dialogue about consecrated life between priests and sisters/brothers in the Diocese; Develops outreach presentations to lay community about consecrated life; Coordinates the appeal for consecrated persons who are retired; Performs any other job-related duties the position requires or that are discerned by the Bishop and Director of Consecrated Life.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Knowledge of and grateful commitment to the Church’s teaching on consecrated life; Ability to explain the vocation and mission of consecrated persons in the Church; Ability to take initiative in fulfilling tasks in a professional manner, keeping the Bishop advised of progress in relation to assigned duties; and the ability to keep abreast of trends affecting those in consecrated life; Ability to preserve confidentiality of sensitive personal and business information; Working knowledge of the Church at a diocesan level; familiarity with the Code of Canon Law as it pertains to those in consecrated life; Excellent communication and organization skills; Ability to be sensitive to cultural diversity and justice issues and to needs of the people; Ability to make decisions regarding individual and program needs and operate independently with little direct supervision; Ability to travel throughout the diocese if required for committees, special programs, meetings, celebrations and visits to individual and local communities of consecrated life; Technology skills, emphasis on social media and technology related resources to promote vocations.

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree in theology, counseling, human resources or other appropriate discipline; Experience with formation work or a leadership position within an Institute of Consecrated Life; Excellent understanding of the Church’s teaching on Consecrated Life in the Church; Fluency in English and Spanish.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:

Diocese of Phoenix

Human Resources

400 East Monroe Street

Phoenix, AZ 85004

applicants@diocesephoenix.org

Cloistered life, News, Women's Communities

Bismarck Diocese Blessed With Two New Religious Communitites

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Sr. Mary Baptist
Sr. Mary Baptist

The Diocese of Bismarck in North Dakota has recently been blessed with the arrival of two very different religious congregations. As you can imagine, currently the diocese does not have many religious. However, Bishop David Kagan and his predecssor were eager for religious to come to minster to and pray for the people. Both will do the work of the New Evangelization in very differnt ways.

I posted months ago that the Carmelites in Alexandria, South Dakota, had decided to send four sisters to the diocese where they will live in a renovated farmhouse (“in the middle of nowhere”) in Emmons County. The four cloistered nuns arrived on March 19 and will have an open house from April 23-25 before they are permanently enclosed in the Carmel of the Holy Face. On April 26, Bishop Kagan will celebrate Mass at 11:00am then the nuns will be enclosed in their new home.

"In the middle of nowhere"
“In the middle of nowhere”

“Prayer is really the foundation for all missionary activity,” said Sister Mary Baptist, the Prioress. “You can talk to somebody and try to convince them, but if they don’t have grace, which is won by prayer, then it won’t be effective. So we really need prayer as the basis.”

The other group of four sisters coming to the diocese is from India. The Congregation of Teresian Carmelites is establishing their first mission in the Western Hemisphere in this most unlikely of places. They will minister to the people of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, assisting the priests and parishes and teaching at a mission school.

One of the Teresian Carmelites
One of the Teresian Carmelites

“It’s important to have the presence of holy people who can model what a life of faith should look like,” said a diocesan spokesman. “They’re also very obviously knowledgeable in the Catholic faith, and so they can evangelize to the people on the reservation and set a good example: that what is valuable to them … [is] a life that is for Christ and has meaning and purpose because it is lived for God.”

Visit the Diocese of Bismarck website or the National Catholic Register for more information.

News, Women's Communities

“Lean Into the Wind” with the Alhambra Carmelites!

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OCD Alhambra

 

 

 

The Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Alhambra, California, are one of the fastest growing religious orders in the United States and fortunate for them, many of those entering in the past few years have had musical talent! Thus, they were pleased to recently announce the release of their seventh CD: “Lean Into the Wind.”

This latest CD, a combination of traditional chant and contemporary praise music, flows from their spirituality. “We come together three times a day and chant the Liturgy of the Hours,” says Sr. Timothy Marie “We spend four hours of prayer each day, but the Lord has called us to take our form of spirituality and take it into the world. We work in education, health care and retreats. We’re a blend — in the world, but not of the world.”

Almost 150 sisters serve the Lord in the community, in addition to 11 novices and postulants. The Carmelites were founded by Mother Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament who arrived in the U.S. in 1927 after religious persecution drove her from Mexico. Their Motherhouse is in Alhambra, California, but they also serve God’s people in Florida, Colorado and Arizona.

leanwind“Lean Into the Wind” is their seventh recording.  Sr. Timothy Marie says, “There’s a parable in the Bible in which God talks about people not using their talents, so we wanted to use our gift to the service of the people, making a spiritual difference.“  (For excerpts from the beautiful recordings, click here!)

Sr. Gianna Heinemann, a native of South Dakota,  explains the “Lean Into the Wind” title:  “It’s facing your fear, but it’s more than that. It’s like grabbing the Lord’s hand and just running into the wind. It’s that sense of going deep with the Lord and allowing him to lead you and to trust.” She first felt called to religious life at World Youth Day in Germany, “For the first time, I saw young religious sisters who were wearing the full habit,” she said, and was struck by their joy and love for the Lord. A visit with the sisters convinced her that this was home.

Sr. Gianna is a South Dakotan native, one of two South Dakotans whose voices  you can hear on the CD. The other is Sr. Marie Estelle Klein who professed final vows in 2012 and hopes the CD will be a source of hope for people. “And we do pray for everyone. We see our charism as prayer. Each and every person in the world has a home in the hearts of Carmelite sisters.”

See the stories in the Pasadena Weekly and the Argus Leader. Click here to the order the CD!

Men's communities, News

The Most Holy Mother of God in Vladivostok

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Priests with Patrick and Anulfo2010With the crisis in Crimea in the news, it is happy to see that there is happier news from across the vast continent that is Asia. On March 12, 2014, Brother Patrick Milan Napal, CJD, made his perpetual profession with the Canons Regular of Jesus the Lord in Vladivostok, Russia.

The Canons Regular of Jesus the Lord is a new congregation being founded in Russia at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Mother of God in Vladivostok. The canons are helping to replant Christianity in a land where it was almost completely destroyed.

The story behind the re-establishment of this Catholic church is amazing. Over twenty years ago, Andre Popok, a young Soviet naval officer, converted to Roman Catholicism after reading restricted religious literature as part of a Communist indoctrination course. In 1991, he put ads in the local Vladivostok papers, looking for other Catholics. After a community formed, Popok wrote to the bishop responsible for the area asking for a priest. On November 15, 1991, the bishop accepted the application of Fr. Myron and (then) Br. Daniel Maurer to be the first resident Roman Catholic clergy in Vladivostok in 50 years. They found ten Catholics and a state-owned wreck of a church.

icon
Our Lady of Vladivostok

After receiving help from Catholics in the US and elsewhere, the building was restored and returned to the Catholic Church. Eleven other parishes have grown up as well, some huge distances away. Fr. Myron and Fr. Dan are doing heroic work.You can help. They welcome donations, would love to come and speak in your parish and welcome visitors on mission trips. You can sponsor one of their seminarians. Come for a visit and bring some tenderness to a lonely person in an orphange or nursing home. Russia has the dubious distinction of being the first country in the world to legalize abortion. The average woman in Russia has between 6 to 8 abortions in her lifetime. Your donations can help save a life by supporting the CJD’s women support center.

The address for inquiries in English and Russian: myron@catholic.vladivostok.ru
For inquiries in English, Spanish, Russian and French: daniel@catholic.vladivostok.ru

Mrs. Vicky Trevillyan is the National US Coordinator in Modesto, CA. Her phone number: 209-408-0728 and Email: usoffice@vladmission.org.

News

IRL 40th Anniversary Featured in the National Catholic Register!

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Mother Teresa and Archbishop Sheen were faithful supporters of the IRL.
Mother Teresa and Archbishop Sheen were faithful supporters of the IRL. Shown here with then-Abbot Edmund McCaffrey, IRL Executive Director.

This month, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the IRL’s founding at the 2014 National Meeting, we were pleased to see a story about this momentous event in the National Catholic Register.

Appearing in the March 22, 2014, issue, the author talked to several IRL board members and employees to get their perspective on 40 turbulent years of in religious life. The IRL was originally founded to “save religious life in America” which was experiencing a precipitous decline in membership, in both men and women’s orders.

Father Thomas Nelson, O.Praem., our National Director, said, “The IRL has a good reputation in the Church to fidelity to the Church. Therefore, communities become members because it’s a stamp of approval, in a certain sense, [that] they are faithful to Church teaching.” Four times a year, the IRL Executive Committee meets to discuss applications for new Affiliate members. We scrutinize them carefully and in some cases visit them before they are approved for membership. Earlier this month, we approved four new communities showing that we continue to be a vital portal for vocation information for youth, a source of assistance to the communities themselves and that there are new, growing and faithful communities emerging in the Church.

Mother Marie Julie Saegaert, SCMC, superior general of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, said that a number of young women who have come in and persevered in their order “met us at the annual meeting.” She also praised the laity who are such an important part of the IRL’s mission. “They are faithful to the Church and love the consecrated life. They are powerhouses of prayer.”

To read the complete story, visit the National Catholic Register.

General interest, Men's communities, News, Resources, Vocations, Women's Communities

Institute on Religious Life Launches New Website

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Revised screenThe Institute on Religious Life today launched a completely redesigned www.ReligiousLife.com. The new site is more dynamic and user friendly, houses a great resource of information, and provides expanded audio and video features.

“All of the changes are intended to convey a better sense of our mission and who we are as an organization,” said Michael D. Wick, executive director of the IRL. “We are so happy to launch our new website during the IRL’s 40th anniversary and as the Church prepares to celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life which Pope Francis declared to begin this October.”

The new site was made possible by a grant from Our Sunday Visitor Institute. It was designed by Solutio Software of Cheney, Kansas.

“The site will be a great help to young Catholics who wish to know more or are considering the priestly or religious life, something very much needed in our times. And it will connect them to faithful institutes of consecrated life. The VocationSearch database is terrific for learning about the IRL’s 160-plus affiliate communities,” said M. Kathleen O’Brien, IRL director of operations. “We believe it is the premier Catholic vocations information portal—a ‘one-stop shopping’ experience for those who are sincerely discerning their vocation or seeking resources to promote and pray for vocations. From its 8-day ‘virtual’ discernment retreats, to the new Religious Life e-magazine, to vocation prayer leaflets for distribution among family, friends or parishioners, the new site offers all kinds of resources for building up the consecrated life.”

The site has in-depth reflections on the consecrated life, print and audio, including meditations by the IRL’s founder, Servant of God Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., and talks given by IRL national director Fr. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem. The home page photo rotation features IRL affiliates, as well as real-time entries from the IRL’s “Vocation Blog” and a listing of scheduled events.

Young people who are serious about discernment can sign up for the free “Speak Lord” audio download of the month club or find out about upcoming “Come & See” vocation retreats. “Young people need catechesis and direction to be able to discern the Lord’s calling for their lives and the IRL wishes to provide helpful resources that will allow them to discern God’s will,” notes Father Nelson.

The Institute on Religious Life was founded in 1974 by Servant of God Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J. Early supporters included Bl. Mother of Calcutta and Ven. Fulton J. Sheen. Its mission is to promote and support the consecrated life as a gift to the Church and an evangelical witness to the world.