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,
Every summer we have the privilege of honoring our Sister Jubilarians. It is a time of joy and nostalgia as we look back on each woman’s years as a Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Community member, service in ministry and special contribution to help create a better world.
For 2023, we have nine Jubilarians. We will introduce them over the course of the next few months.
Blessings,
Sr. Charlene
Meet the 2023 Jubilarians
Sister Angeline Sohler
80th Jubilee
Born: North Plains, Ore.
Attracted to SSMO by: Sisters who taught religious vacation school in my parish.
Favorite:
- Ministry: Teaching first grade and art.
- Style of prayer: Meditation
- Saint: My patron, Guardian Angel
- Food: Chocolate
- Movie: “The Sound of Music”
- Holiday/Holy Day: Easter
- Recreation: Hiking
Discernment advice for young adults: Pray and get acquainted with Sisters.
Sister Barbara Rose Sohler
60th Jubilee
Born: Hillsboro, Ore.
Attracted to SSMO by: The Sisters who taught me. I appreciated their dedication to God.
Favorite:
- Ministry: Teaching at Valley Catholic Elementary
- Style of prayer: Contemplation
- Saint: St. Teresa of Avila
- Food: Fruits and vegtables
- Movie: “The Sound of Music”
- Holiday/Holy Day: Veterans’ Day
- Recreation: Walking, gardening, biking
Discernment advice for young adults: Develop a consistent habit of prayer that will draw you closer to God.
Easter Celebration Continues
Check out a few photos of the Lent/Easter liturgical decorations that adorn the Sisters’ dining room. Photos by Sr. Rosina Pham.
Discernment questions
If you have been thinking about religious life and have a desire to serve God, you may be full of doubts or you may be quite clear. In either case, it is important to ponder and pray.
Here are a few tips and the first in a series of questions to help you ponder and pray this important life decision.
Tips:
- Spend time pondering each question – Jot down your thoughts
- Writing your answers will help clarify your thinking
- Share your responses with a trusted friend, or perhaps a Sister in whom you have confidence
Questions: How Did It All Begin?
What attracts you to consider religious life?
When did you first begin to consider religious life as a possibility for your life commitment?
- Is this due to encounters with certain people?
- Through a special event?
- Through a particular situation?
What has helped to clarify your thoughts?
Religious Woman Saint – May
She saw a need and responded
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat
Madeleine-Sophie Barat was born in Joigny, France in 1779. In 1800, she founded the Society of the Sacred Heart. The Society’s purpose was to make known the love of God revealed in the Heart of Christ. They focused on the restoration of Christian life in France through the education of young women, both rich and poor.
By the time of her death in 1865, Madeleine Sophie Barat guided an international Community of 3,359 women, inspired by a deeply held spiritual ideal and offering education to women in Europe, North Africa, and North and South America.
Feastdays of May – Dedicated to Mary
Our Lady of Fatima – May 13 – Our Lady of Fátima is a title of Mary, Mother of Jesus, based on the Marian apparitions reported in 1917 by three shepherd children at the Cova da Iria in Fátima, Portugal. The three children were Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
The appearances took place between May 13 and Oct. 13, 1917.
Visitation of Mary – May 31 – the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates the Virgin Mary’s visit to her cousin, Elizabeth, who acknowledges that Mary is the Mother of God.
With this event, Mary provides an excellent example of humility, graciousness and generosity toward her elder cousin.
Upcoming events and opportunities
Discernment – Would you like help with your discernment? We are here to assist. Send a note to [email protected] for more information.
Every Thursday is Holy Hour. 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.
Please call ahead so someone can meet you at the front door.
Be an Ambassador for Vocation Awareness
We invite you to assist the SSMO Vocation Committee to help raise awareness of the vocation to religious life.
Consider scheduling Committee members to have the vocation display after Masses or inviting a Sister to share information during a Young Adult meeting.
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.
Contact Sr. Charlene at [email protected] if you are interested or have questions.
