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,
As we begin the new liturgical year on Sunday, I wish you “Happy New Year!”
This is always a busy time of the year and we sometimes wonder, “Where did the time go?”
An old favorite hymn of mine has these lyrics:
“One day at a time, sweet Jesus; That’s all I’m asking of You. Just give me the strength to do every day what I have to do.”
And it ends: “Lord help me today, show me the way, one day at a time.”
Wishing you many blessings on your Advent journey to Bethlehem – one day at a time!
Sr. Charlene
Meet Our Sisters –
“No matter who we are, we all can have a close relationship with God if we want it.”
Sr. Patricia Marie Landin
Sr. Patricia Marie Landin was born in Seattle, WA, toward the end of World War II. She was the second oldest of five children.
Her close relationship with Jesus began at her first Holy Communion and first Sacrament of Penance. That was when she had a realization of who God really was.
During her sophomore year, she was attending a CCD class (now called Religious Education Class) and a newly ordained priest shared the story of his vocation to the priesthood and invited us to think about dedicating our life to God in this special way.
At that very moment, she was hit with the Holy Spirit. That evening, after class, she announced to her parents that she was going to be a Sister.
After high school, on Feb. 2, 1967, Sr. Patricia entered the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, where she has grown closer to God and her Sisters through prayer and celebrating Community life together.
Sr. Patricia Marie became a nurse and ministered at Maryville for many years. As well as a Board Certified Chaplain.
“I love serving God and his people for God is the center of my life – and always will be,” says Sr. Patricia Marie.
Visit Sr. Patricia Marie Landin’s biography page for more about her amazing journey.
Opportunities to learn and discern
Sunday with the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
You are invited to join the Sisters for Lauds (morning prayer), Mass, sharing, and lunch on Dec. 10.
Contact Sr. Charlene at 503-805-6201 to register and get more information.
Schedule:
- 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer
- 9 a.m. Mass
- 9:45 a.m. Refreshments followed by input and sharing
- 11:30 a.m. Lunch with the Sisters
Discernment Questions
Visit ssmo.org/vocations to see questions from previous newsletters.
What is your personal story?
- How has my relationship with God changed over time?
- What has challenged my faith? Who or what helped me at that time?
- How is God alive to me today?
What are some of the initial steps I could take in my discernment?
One of the best ways to learn more about religious life is to talk with Sisters who made that commitment. Take your questions to someone you respect.
In addition:
- Pray to know your vocation
- Serve others by volunteering
- Introduce your family members and friends to the Sisters
December Feastdays of Mary
December 8 – Immaculate Conception: The church teaches that Mary is
immaculate, or without sin, from the moment of her conception. She is without sin, not because she is divine, but because God gave that gift of grace to her.
December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe: This feastday commemorates the appearance of Mary in 1531, which initiated a strong devotion to Mary in Mexico and beyond.
The Virgin Mary said to Juan Diego, “Listen and understand, my littlest son, let nothing frighten and afflict you or trouble your heart … Am I not here, I, who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow?”
