This week is National Vocation Awareness Week. As a part of our celebrations, we asked some of our sisters to reflect on the future of religious life. Each of them responded to the question: “What would you say to someone who thinks religious life is a relic of the past?”
Sister Chris Partisano, CSJ
History affirms that there have always been individuals called into a uniquely defined relationship with God where God is life’s center; the major focus of one’s intimacy and work. I would call that a religious vocation! How one lives that call is in time, space and the reality of now…it may look different than what we have lived these last many years, but God still calls and seeks a “YES!”
Sister Patricia Murphy, CSJ
The “format” of religious life at the time I became a Sister of St. Joseph is a relic of the past. But through those of us who are members, the format of our way of life changed to fit the needs of the people of God. The deeper focus on serving, of doing “whatever a woman is capable of,” remains today. It is up to you, the next generation, to continue evolving the “format.”
Sister Mary Rita Essert, CSJ
Yes, religious life is a much beloved and respected relic of the past, AND it is a force for the present and hope for the future.
Sister Danielle Bonetti, CSJ
If you have this desire, listen deeply. Ask our loving God for direction and find someone who can listen and ask you discerning questions. God speaks to us through gentle urgings and unexpected thoughts that come to us. The important thing is not to immediately “decide” and find intellectual confirmation. But it is important to honor the feeling or thought and then find a wise and spiritual guide, preferably someone who is familiar with religious life, to help you go deeper into these thoughts and feelings.
Sister Chizuru Yamada, CSJ
Like the life of faith, religious life evolves over time. The initial formation process within our congregation today is entirely different from what it was twenty years ago. I believe that religious life should not be about clinging to established “forms,” but rather about continually asking, “What is its essence?” and adapting to the needs of the times—and there could be a form of “religious life” that each era calls for. To those from an earlier generation, this might not even look like “religious life” at all. And also, there would be no need to be fixated on the term itself. At its core, it is simply about surrendering oneself, following Jesus, and serving as a bridge—connecting neighbor to neighbor, and neighbor to God. Living out this way of life alongside companions is, I believe, a path that is both ever-new and universal.
Sister Joann Heinritz, CSJ
Aaah, religious life for me is more meaningful today than ever! Why? Though there are fewer women religious living our mission and charism than in the past, the Wild Holy Spirit is reminding us “that one size fits all!” We are witnessing how our charism fits women and men called as associates, agrégées, and charism partners, joining the family of Joseph as agents of unifying love. God is doing something NEW!
