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,
The first days of fall are already behind us as we alternate between sunny days and refreshing rain. As always, these days are full of new activities and adventures, but during the harvest season, let us remember the words of our Lord Jesus, “I am the true vine and Father is the gardener.” Thank you Sr. Juanita for this artistic and important message on our bulletin board.
Blessings,
Sr. Charlene
Meet our Sisters – Sr. Elma Heesacker
Sr. Elma remembers hearing the call to religious life at a very early age. She learned many things in those years and she was drawn to wanting to be good and loving.
As Sr. Elma spent time helping the Sisters after school, she realized her amazing ministry of service.
Cooking, baking, driving, sacristan and more – Sr. Elma has served in many ways and always found joy in spending time with people. That joy is instantly realized through her laughter.
Visit ssmo.org/sister/heesacker to read more about Sr. Elma’s encouraging journey.
Discernment Opportunities
Here are a few first-hand opportunities, for women who are considering a commitment to religious life, to learn more with our Sisters.
Vocation Events for October
The SSMO Vocation Committee will be in Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho and Minnesota this month
Check out our events page for specific dates and locations.
If you happen to be where we are, please join us.
Please pray for our safe travels.
Thank you.
Questions:
What is your daily prayer schedule?
Prayer is essential to develop your relationship with God. It takes time to listen to your heart’s deepest desire in conjunction with God’s
plan for you.
The schedule for prayer varies among religious congregations, and among individual Sisters.
Key components of the prayer life of a Sister of St. Mary of Oregon are:
Mass, morning and evening prayer, rosary, meditation, reading and reflecting on scripture/spiritual books, adoration, and simply finding time and space for quiet reflection.
Did you Know?
Interesting facts about members who are entering religious life:
Myths about Religious Life:
Myth: New members are drawn to the ministries of a community.
Fact: Newer members indicate that they are drawn to religious life because of the example of the members, the spirituality, prayer life, community life, and mission of the institute.
In fact, multiple studies show that the majority of new members were previously involved in ministry in a parish or other setting. Since newer
members were already involved in ministry, clearly they are coming to religious life not just for ministry but for a way of life that is different from what they were living before.
