Responding with courage and personal sacrifice to the call of Christ in the Church, our foundresses lived out their desire to become women of prayer, community and service
SSMO Constitutions, Article 1
Dear Friends, Pilgrims of Hope,
As we begin the second month of this Jubilee Year of Hope, may we strive to be beacons of hope and prayer – to grasp our future full of hope. As the prophet Jeremiah told us, “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope,” Jeremiah 29:11.
Blessings,
Sr. Charlene
Meet our Jubilee Sisters
We are celebrating the Jubilee of several Sisters in 2025.
Sr. Elizabeth Sohler – 75 years
Sister Elizabeth Sohler was born in North Plains, Oregon, and was baptized at St. Edwards Parish. She
became acquainted with the SSMO Sisters through visits to relatives in the Community. Sister Elizabeth boarded at St. Mary of the Valley in high school, and entered the Community during her senior year.
Sister Elizabeth taught music for nine years and was an elementary school teacher.
Sister Elizabeth served for 27 years at Maryville in the business office, doing payroll and billing for the families of the residents.
Nowadays, Sister Elizabeth enjoys working with the flowers, prepares the guest rooms for visitors and enjoys spending time with her Sisters and in the chapel where she thanks God for calling her to religious life as a Sister of St. Mary of Oregon.
Visit Sister Elizabeth’s bio page to learn more about her inspiring journey.
Discernment Opportunities
Vocation Events for February
The SSMO Vocation Committee will be in Oregon this month.
Check out our events page for specific dates and locations.
If you happen to be where we are, please join us and say “hello.”
Please pray for our safe travels.
Thank you.
Questions:
After my initial contacts and discernment with a Community, what are the stages of integration into the Community?
When the applicant is accepted, the first stage of incorporation is Candidacy which lasts between 6
– 12 months. This will begin the formation program and living in Community.
Visit Five Formation Steps to learn more about the intentional and patient transition into religious life.
Did you Know?
Statistics from the 2020 Study on Recent Vocations to Religious Life:
Myths about Religious Life:
Myth: Younger religious people are not interested in traditional devotional practices.
Fact: New members rank daily Mass as very important to them. Their prayer style also expresses a strong preference for Liturgy of the Hours, faith-sharing, non-liturgical common prayer, Eucharistic adoration, rosary and meditation.
*Sources: National Religious Vocation Conference and “VISION” magazine
February Saints
Blessed Rosalie Rendu – Feb. 7 Feastday
“In an era troubled by social conflicts, Blessed Rosalie Rendu joyfully became a servant of
the poorest, restoring dignity to each one. . . . Her secret was simple: to see the face of Christ in every
man and woman.”
– Pope John Paul II
Saint Josephine Bakhita – Feb. 8 Feastday
The Patron Saint of Victims of Human Trafficking
Saint Josephine said to a visiting bishop:
“What do I do? Exactly what you are doing – the will of God.”
Visit our blog post about Saint Josephine to learn more about her incredible life.
