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,
No matter where you live, you most likely endured (or are enduring) the cold winter weather. As a friend mentioned to me, when your house has no electricity and the indoor temperature is barely above freezing, it causes you to pause and consider those who do not have indoor living options.
Let the needs of others stay fresh in our memories so that we will take opportunities to offer our gifts of time, talent or treasure.
In this edition of the newsletter you will find an invitation to respond to a “Come and See” weekend for single women between the ages of 18 and 35.
Wishing you many blessings,
Sr. Charlene
Meet our Sisters – Sr. Patricia Lulay
Sister Patricia Lulay said she was literally “born into the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.” She was one of nine in her family, always surrounded by religious women and priests in Sublimity, Oregon.
When she was in third grade, her teacher, Sister Beatrice Rigert, asked the class, “Who would like to be a sister or priest?” Young Patricia raised her hand. She had her picture taken on the steps of the St. Boniface Convent. That was her first memory of expressing her desire to live a religious life.
However, during high school, Sr. Patricia says she was the “least likely in her graduating class to come into a religious community.”
She moved to Portland and started working directly after high school, but she never felt completely happy nor fulfilled. She felt God calling her and after one year, in 1971, she requested to enter the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.
Over the decades on the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus, Sr. Patricia developed her green thumb by tending the gardens and grounds, especially the roses. As a life-long learner, she has also served in elder care, food service, and, recently, the formation of the younger Sisters.
Sr. Patricia said, “Living a life of prayer, community, and service has been beautiful and fulfilling. All the blessings I have received over the years have given me meaning and purpose in my life. Serving others as a way of loving God has been my greatest gift. I am very thankful for my community and all the good we do for the world.”
Visit: Sr. Patricia’s Bio and Jubilee pages to see more about her incredibile 51 years as a Sister of St. Mary of Oregon.
Discernment Questions – Family
Seven ways to learn more about life as a Sister of St. Mary of Oregon
Ready to Learn More about discernment with SSMO? If so, you are wise to find ways to become acquainted with the spirituality and lifestyle of a Community before requesting to begin formal application.
Here are seven suggestions:
Come and See Retreats
Contact Sr. Charlene Herinckx to learn more or register.
Your invitation to a Weekend with the Sisters
Who: single women ages 18 to 35 who want to learn more about religious life.
When: May 18-19 and June 22-23
Where: SSMO Motherhouse
Why: This is your opportunity to ask questions, learn more about your discernment and spend some time with our Sisters.
Don’t forget to invite a friend to join you!
Vocation Events for February
Here is where you will find the SSMO Vocation Committee in February. Be sure to “Hi” when you see us.
February Feastdays
The Purification of Mary – Feb. 2
This celebration recalls an old tradition that a woman who gives birth to a son must participate in a ritual 40 days after the birth. It recognizes Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the Temple in Jersualem 40 days after His birth to consecrate Him to God and to complete the ritual purification of Mary.
Our Lady of Lourdes – Feb. 11
This day celebrates Mary’s appearance to
St. Bernadette and her declaration: ”I am
the Immaculate Conception.”
Women Religious Saints Feastdays – February
St. Josephine Bakhita – Feb. 8
St. Josephine Bakhita, the Patron of Sudan. “Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. What a great grace it is to know God!”
Visit SSMO Reflects on St. Josephine Bakhita to learn more about her inspirational story.
St. Scholastica – Feb. 10
St. Scholastica is the patron saint of the Benedictine nuns/sisters,
education, and convulsive children, and she is invoked against storms and rain. Her twin sister was St. Benedict.
