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,
A video game called “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego” is vintage now but was a wonderful geography challenge for many elementary students. Using that concept, we will share with you “Where in the World were the SSMOs in March?” See photo below.
May the grace-filled Holy Week and Easter season find you at peace and renewed.
Sr. Charlene
Did you know?
The Sisters’ Library at the Motherhouse has several books and DVDs available for checkout by our families and friends. Contact Sr. Diana Jean at 503-644-9181 to make arrangements.
Religious Women Saints – April
They saw a need and responded
St. Teresa de Jesús de los Andes (1900 – 1920)
As she prepared to enter the convent, Juanita (her baptismal name) taught religion to children at her parish and helped those in need. One day she met a young boy in rags. She brought him home and cared for him by giving him her brother’s clothes and feeding him. When she learned how poor his family was, she had a raffle to help them – donating donated her watch as the grand prize. She is the first Chilean to be declared a Saint and the first Discalced Carmelite Nun to become a Saint outside the boundaries of Europe and the fourth Saint Teresa in Carmel together with Saints Teresa of Avila, of Florence, and of Lisieux. Her feastday is April 12.
St. Catherine of Siena (1347 – 1380)
St. Catherine was the 23rd of 25 children in her family. She was a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic in the Roman Catholic Church. St. Catherine was a mystic who endured periods of desolation. She was an advisor to many influential people, including the Pope. She was attentive to the needs of the poor. She was the author of “The Dialogues.”
Because of her literary contributions to the Church was given the title Doctor of the Church. After her death, it was learned that St. Catherine was also a stigmatist.
St. Catherine of Siena was Canonized in 1461. Her feastday is April 29.
Upcoming events and opportunities
Discernment – Would you like guidance your calling through conversations with our Sisters or reading materials? We are here to assist. Send a note to [email protected] for more information.
Every Thursday, you are invited to the weekly Holy Hour with the Sisters. On the first Thursday of each month, the special intention is for vocations to religious life and priesthood. Join us at 6:30 p.m. at the SSMO Motherhouse Chapel.
Email [email protected] to arrange to have someone meet you at the front door.
Vocation Question – What are the key characteristics of people who enter religious life today?
Some of the primary characteristics are:
- Drawn to prayer, spirituality, charism, and community life
- Culturally diverse
- Committed to living simply and in solidarity with the poor
- Filled with abundant hope for religious life
Be an Ambassador for Vocations
Members of the SSMO Vocation Committee have visited several parishes with a display table and plan more visits after Easter. Consider inviting the Vocation Committee members to visit your parish for weekend Masses, Young Adult Group, Parish Vocation Committees, Parish retreats, etc.
Interested in Attending a Vocation Discussion Group?
We are considering hosting a group of young adults (men and women) who are interested in learning more about religious life and priesthood.
Gatherings would begin after Easter, continuing through the summer months.
Contact Sr. Charlene at [email protected] if you are interested or have questions.
