Vocation Director Sister Mary O Donovan O Carm Email SrMaryOD stmhcs org www carmelitesisters com 518 537 5000 Strengthened by the graces received from our Lenten journey and now basking in the light of Our Lord s glorious resurrection at Easter we continue to pray that God may inspire many young women to follow His call of love and service to the elderly men and women of our day As Saint Teresa of Jesus once said God can never be outdone in generosity Be Not Afraid Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all Aristotle Iko Iko dance on TikTok If you feel called to our Carmelite way of life and inspired to dedicate yourself to the care of the elderly contact us and we will be happy to journey with you in your discernment Sr Sharon Rose at Marian Manor Sr Michelle Elizabeth O Carm An ongoing use of technology continues as we reach out to vocation inquiries Moreover this time of semi lockdown allows us to attend virtual workshops and educational series as part of formation for the novices and ongoing formation for their directors It is so important to never remain in the status quo and continue learning Among these workshops were on Blessed Titus Brandsma Center for Applied Carmelite Spirituality Oxford England Culture Community and Power Perspectives Religious Formation Conference Discernment Religious Life Religious Formation Conference Human Sexuality Workshop Fr Quinn Conners Dr Kathy Gallaher What Makes a Carmelite a Carmelite Keith Egan Lecture in Carmelite Studies Opening our minds to the truths of our faith and religious values prepares it for the transforming light of the Holy Spirit I m your Easter Gi What is it like being a rst year novice at would be an interesting read as Sister Michelle Elizabeth shares her experience with us Our two senior novices Sister Sharon Rose and Sister Dolores Carmel are away for their second mission experience at Marian Manor in South Boston MA and Saint Patrick s Home in Bronx NY respectively Tech Savvy Welcome to our Spring Summer issue of Vocation Frontlines newsletter e anticipated springtime is nally here and we are so looking forward to what the warmer and brighter days ahead will bring us As with the rest of the country our vocation outreach is very slowly opening itself up to the young women looking for opportunities to visit our convent and meet the Sisters We are mindful that we are still under COVID precautions However with some ingenuity dash of creativity and abundance of collective prayers the Avila community pulled o a modi ed Come See day for two young women discerning a vocation We planted the seed now we wait for the Holy Spirit to take over the work of promoting the growth Sr Dolores Carmel and Resident at St Patrick s Home Bronx NY Sister Helena of Mary O Carm Sr Dolores Carmel s birthday Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and In rm Newsletter Spring Fall 2021 We Are Family Vocation Frontlines THE SPIRIT ALONE GIVES LIFE
Vocation Director Sister Mary O Donovan O Carm Email SrMaryOD stmhcs org www carmelitesisters com 518 537 5000 Strengthened by the graces received from our Lenten journey and now basking in the light of Our Lord s glorious resurrection at Easter we continue to pray that God may inspire many young women to follow His call of love and service to the elderly men and women of our day As Saint Teresa of Jesus once said God can never be outdone in generosity Be Not Afraid Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all Aristotle Iko Iko dance on TikTok If you feel called to our Carmelite way of life and inspired to dedicate yourself to the care of the elderly contact us and we will be happy to journey with you in your discernment Sr Sharon Rose at Marian Manor Sr Michelle Elizabeth O Carm An ongoing use of technology continues as we reach out to vocation inquiries Moreover this time of semi lockdown allows us to attend virtual workshops and educational series as part of formation for the novices and ongoing formation for their directors It is so important to never remain in the status quo and continue learning Among these workshops were on Blessed Titus Brandsma Center for Applied Carmelite Spirituality Oxford England Culture Community and Power Perspectives Religious Formation Conference Discernment Religious Life Religious Formation Conference Human Sexuality Workshop Fr Quinn Conners Dr Kathy Gallaher What Makes a Carmelite a Carmelite Keith Egan Lecture in Carmelite Studies Opening our minds to the truths of our faith and religious values prepares it for the transforming light of the Holy Spirit I m your Easter Gi What is it like being a rst year novice at would be an interesting read as Sister Michelle Elizabeth shares her experience with us Our two senior novices Sister Sharon Rose and Sister Dolores Carmel are away for their second mission experience at Marian Manor in South Boston MA and Saint Patrick s Home in Bronx NY respectively Tech Savvy Welcome to our Spring Summer issue of Vocation Frontlines newsletter e anticipated springtime is nally here and we are so looking forward to what the warmer and brighter days ahead will bring us As with the rest of the country our vocation outreach is very slowly opening itself up to the young women looking for opportunities to visit our convent and meet the Sisters We are mindful that we are still under COVID precautions However with some ingenuity dash of creativity and abundance of collective prayers the Avila community pulled o a modi ed Come See day for two young women discerning a vocation We planted the seed now we wait for the Holy Spirit to take over the work of promoting the growth Sr Dolores Carmel and Resident at St Patrick s Home Bronx NY Sister Helena of Mary O Carm Sr Dolores Carmel s birthday Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and In rm Newsletter Spring Fall 2021 We Are Family Vocation Frontlines THE SPIRIT ALONE GIVES LIFE
H G H C T S A L T S A L T Scattered Coins by Sister Sharon Rose Carmel O Carm Jesus Cleanses the Temple Area John 2 14 17 V I wonder how the scene must have played out from the perspective of the moneychangers and the traders e time of Passover was near so many Jews were visiting the Temple and they were probably expecting to make a pro t from the purchase of animals for sacri ce e passage does not mention any Pharisees or scribes complaining about their presence at the Temple so perhaps the moneychangers and traders felt justi ed is does not excuse them it was wrong to turn the Father s house into a marketplace and Jesus was right to be angry When I picture this scene my mind tends to focus on the coins scattered on the ground It reminds me of those times in my life when I feel deprived of something good and lawful I think many people can relate to that feeling especially during the pandemic ere are grandparents aching to hug their grandchildren young couples postponing or drastically reducing their weddings students who did not get to go to proms or have a graduation party and most of us are wondering when things will go back to normal again I think it is easier to make sacri ces when we feel we are in control of them but life often hands sacri ces that we did not want or ask for at being said there are choices to make I wonder how many of the moneychangers came back the next day grumbling about the angry stranger with the whip who disrupted their sales I wonder how many of them were thinking about ghting back fantasizing about what they might do if He tried that stunt again However I also think about how it feels to embrace an unexpected sacri ce that softening of the heart that comes with recognition of the better option It is wonderful to be with loved ones but when motivated by the love that desires their good it is easier to accept the limitations that comes with protecting them from COVID I often forget this in my own life but when I re ect on this scene and picture the scattering of coins I realize anew that we really do have a lot of control even over sacri ces we cannot help We cannot choose whether to wear a mask where it is mandated to do so but we can choose to wear it gracefully out of love for others good We cannot choose to hug Grandma if her home requires visitors to remain socially distant but we can choose to smile brightly at her and tell her how much we love her In the end the attitude with which we approach sacri ce makes all the di erence We may not always know why things happen but we trust in God to know what is best for us and to provide us His grace in the times of sacri ce Life as a Novice When I think of what my time in the novitiate has been about so far and what it has meant to me what comes to mind is a sense of gratitude for all of the chances to learn and grow intellectually personally and spiritually As a novice my days are lled with prayer classes work duties and community My classes consist of a variety of topics including the vows obedience poverty and chastity the history of consecrated life scripture and our Rule and Constitutions just to name a few Currently three of my classes the vows history of consecrated life and scripture are being given through an initiative called the Magdala Apostolate Sponsored by the Institute for Catholic Culture the Magdala Apostolate aims at educating women religious and those in initial formation on a wide range of topics having to do with the teachings of the Church While I have enjoyed all of my classes so far the classes I am taking through Magdala have been some of my favorites both because of the content and the chance to connect with Sisters from communities throughout the US and Canada What has been beautiful for me is noticing how the discussions and materials from class resurface in the other aspects of my day I have been surprised at how often something from one of my classes has become a point of discussion at a meal or the main focus of my prayer for that day Perhaps the thing that I have been most grateful for throughout my time in the novitiate is the time I am given to spend with the Lord e novitiate especially the canonical year is meant to be spent apart with Jesus e times of prayer throughout the day both communal and private have become great sources of peace strength and re ection for me Bit by bit I have noticed myself growing in love of Jesus the Sisters and whomever else He puts in my path e novitiate is not always easy but I have noticed how beautiful the process is with Jesus by my side I am learning to lean into Him and His love for me more and more with each passing day Pope St John Paul II once said that life with Christ is a wonderful adventure Over the last eight and a half months I have had the privilege of adventuring with Christ as I navigate the ins and outs of religious life as a novice ough challenging at times I have loved every moment I cannot wait to see what lies in store in the months and years ahead Sr Miche e Elizabeth O Carm
H G H C T S A L T S A L T Scattered Coins by Sister Sharon Rose Carmel O Carm Jesus Cleanses the Temple Area John 2 14 17 V I wonder how the scene must have played out from the perspective of the moneychangers and the traders e time of Passover was near so many Jews were visiting the Temple and they were probably expecting to make a pro t from the purchase of animals for sacri ce e passage does not mention any Pharisees or scribes complaining about their presence at the Temple so perhaps the moneychangers and traders felt justi ed is does not excuse them it was wrong to turn the Father s house into a marketplace and Jesus was right to be angry When I picture this scene my mind tends to focus on the coins scattered on the ground It reminds me of those times in my life when I feel deprived of something good and lawful I think many people can relate to that feeling especially during the pandemic ere are grandparents aching to hug their grandchildren young couples postponing or drastically reducing their weddings students who did not get to go to proms or have a graduation party and most of us are wondering when things will go back to normal again I think it is easier to make sacri ces when we feel we are in control of them but life often hands sacri ces that we did not want or ask for at being said there are choices to make I wonder how many of the moneychangers came back the next day grumbling about the angry stranger with the whip who disrupted their sales I wonder how many of them were thinking about ghting back fantasizing about what they might do if He tried that stunt again However I also think about how it feels to embrace an unexpected sacri ce that softening of the heart that comes with recognition of the better option It is wonderful to be with loved ones but when motivated by the love that desires their good it is easier to accept the limitations that comes with protecting them from COVID I often forget this in my own life but when I re ect on this scene and picture the scattering of coins I realize anew that we really do have a lot of control even over sacri ces we cannot help We cannot choose whether to wear a mask where it is mandated to do so but we can choose to wear it gracefully out of love for others good We cannot choose to hug Grandma if her home requires visitors to remain socially distant but we can choose to smile brightly at her and tell her how much we love her In the end the attitude with which we approach sacri ce makes all the di erence We may not always know why things happen but we trust in God to know what is best for us and to provide us His grace in the times of sacri ce Life as a Novice When I think of what my time in the novitiate has been about so far and what it has meant to me what comes to mind is a sense of gratitude for all of the chances to learn and grow intellectually personally and spiritually As a novice my days are lled with prayer classes work duties and community My classes consist of a variety of topics including the vows obedience poverty and chastity the history of consecrated life scripture and our Rule and Constitutions just to name a few Currently three of my classes the vows history of consecrated life and scripture are being given through an initiative called the Magdala Apostolate Sponsored by the Institute for Catholic Culture the Magdala Apostolate aims at educating women religious and those in initial formation on a wide range of topics having to do with the teachings of the Church While I have enjoyed all of my classes so far the classes I am taking through Magdala have been some of my favorites both because of the content and the chance to connect with Sisters from communities throughout the US and Canada What has been beautiful for me is noticing how the discussions and materials from class resurface in the other aspects of my day I have been surprised at how often something from one of my classes has become a point of discussion at a meal or the main focus of my prayer for that day Perhaps the thing that I have been most grateful for throughout my time in the novitiate is the time I am given to spend with the Lord e novitiate especially the canonical year is meant to be spent apart with Jesus e times of prayer throughout the day both communal and private have become great sources of peace strength and re ection for me Bit by bit I have noticed myself growing in love of Jesus the Sisters and whomever else He puts in my path e novitiate is not always easy but I have noticed how beautiful the process is with Jesus by my side I am learning to lean into Him and His love for me more and more with each passing day Pope St John Paul II once said that life with Christ is a wonderful adventure Over the last eight and a half months I have had the privilege of adventuring with Christ as I navigate the ins and outs of religious life as a novice ough challenging at times I have loved every moment I cannot wait to see what lies in store in the months and years ahead Sr Miche e Elizabeth O Carm
H G H C T S A L T S A L T Scattered Coins by Sister Sharon Rose Carmel O Carm Jesus Cleanses the Temple Area John 2 14 17 V I wonder how the scene must have played out from the perspective of the moneychangers and the traders e time of Passover was near so many Jews were visiting the Temple and they were probably expecting to make a pro t from the purchase of animals for sacri ce e passage does not mention any Pharisees or scribes complaining about their presence at the Temple so perhaps the moneychangers and traders felt justi ed is does not excuse them it was wrong to turn the Father s house into a marketplace and Jesus was right to be angry When I picture this scene my mind tends to focus on the coins scattered on the ground It reminds me of those times in my life when I feel deprived of something good and lawful I think many people can relate to that feeling especially during the pandemic ere are grandparents aching to hug their grandchildren young couples postponing or drastically reducing their weddings students who did not get to go to proms or have a graduation party and most of us are wondering when things will go back to normal again I think it is easier to make sacri ces when we feel we are in control of them but life often hands sacri ces that we did not want or ask for at being said there are choices to make I wonder how many of the moneychangers came back the next day grumbling about the angry stranger with the whip who disrupted their sales I wonder how many of them were thinking about ghting back fantasizing about what they might do if He tried that stunt again However I also think about how it feels to embrace an unexpected sacri ce that softening of the heart that comes with recognition of the better option It is wonderful to be with loved ones but when motivated by the love that desires their good it is easier to accept the limitations that comes with protecting them from COVID I often forget this in my own life but when I re ect on this scene and picture the scattering of coins I realize anew that we really do have a lot of control even over sacri ces we cannot help We cannot choose whether to wear a mask where it is mandated to do so but we can choose to wear it gracefully out of love for others good We cannot choose to hug Grandma if her home requires visitors to remain socially distant but we can choose to smile brightly at her and tell her how much we love her In the end the attitude with which we approach sacri ce makes all the di erence We may not always know why things happen but we trust in God to know what is best for us and to provide us His grace in the times of sacri ce Life as a Novice When I think of what my time in the novitiate has been about so far and what it has meant to me what comes to mind is a sense of gratitude for all of the chances to learn and grow intellectually personally and spiritually As a novice my days are lled with prayer classes work duties and community My classes consist of a variety of topics including the vows obedience poverty and chastity the history of consecrated life scripture and our Rule and Constitutions just to name a few Currently three of my classes the vows history of consecrated life and scripture are being given through an initiative called the Magdala Apostolate Sponsored by the Institute for Catholic Culture the Magdala Apostolate aims at educating women religious and those in initial formation on a wide range of topics having to do with the teachings of the Church While I have enjoyed all of my classes so far the classes I am taking through Magdala have been some of my favorites both because of the content and the chance to connect with Sisters from communities throughout the US and Canada What has been beautiful for me is noticing how the discussions and materials from class resurface in the other aspects of my day I have been surprised at how often something from one of my classes has become a point of discussion at a meal or the main focus of my prayer for that day Perhaps the thing that I have been most grateful for throughout my time in the novitiate is the time I am given to spend with the Lord e novitiate especially the canonical year is meant to be spent apart with Jesus e times of prayer throughout the day both communal and private have become great sources of peace strength and re ection for me Bit by bit I have noticed myself growing in love of Jesus the Sisters and whomever else He puts in my path e novitiate is not always easy but I have noticed how beautiful the process is with Jesus by my side I am learning to lean into Him and His love for me more and more with each passing day Pope St John Paul II once said that life with Christ is a wonderful adventure Over the last eight and a half months I have had the privilege of adventuring with Christ as I navigate the ins and outs of religious life as a novice ough challenging at times I have loved every moment I cannot wait to see what lies in store in the months and years ahead Sr Miche e Elizabeth O Carm
Vocation Director Sister Mary O Donovan O Carm Email SrMaryOD stmhcs org www carmelitesisters com 518 537 5000 Strengthened by the graces received from our Lenten journey and now basking in the light of Our Lord s glorious resurrection at Easter we continue to pray that God may inspire many young women to follow His call of love and service to the elderly men and women of our day As Saint Teresa of Jesus once said God can never be outdone in generosity Be Not Afraid Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all Aristotle Iko Iko dance on TikTok If you feel called to our Carmelite way of life and inspired to dedicate yourself to the care of the elderly contact us and we will be happy to journey with you in your discernment Sr Sharon Rose at Marian Manor Sr Michelle Elizabeth O Carm An ongoing use of technology continues as we reach out to vocation inquiries Moreover this time of semi lockdown allows us to attend virtual workshops and educational series as part of formation for the novices and ongoing formation for their directors It is so important to never remain in the status quo and continue learning Among these workshops were on Blessed Titus Brandsma Center for Applied Carmelite Spirituality Oxford England Culture Community and Power Perspectives Religious Formation Conference Discernment Religious Life Religious Formation Conference Human Sexuality Workshop Fr Quinn Conners Dr Kathy Gallaher What Makes a Carmelite a Carmelite Keith Egan Lecture in Carmelite Studies Opening our minds to the truths of our faith and religious values prepares it for the transforming light of the Holy Spirit I m your Easter Gi What is it like being a rst year novice at would be an interesting read as Sister Michelle Elizabeth shares her experience with us Our two senior novices Sister Sharon Rose and Sister Dolores Carmel are away for their second mission experience at Marian Manor in South Boston MA and Saint Patrick s Home in Bronx NY respectively Tech Savvy Welcome to our Spring Summer issue of Vocation Frontlines newsletter e anticipated springtime is nally here and we are so looking forward to what the warmer and brighter days ahead will bring us As with the rest of the country our vocation outreach is very slowly opening itself up to the young women looking for opportunities to visit our convent and meet the Sisters We are mindful that we are still under COVID precautions However with some ingenuity dash of creativity and abundance of collective prayers the Avila community pulled o a modi ed Come See day for two young women discerning a vocation We planted the seed now we wait for the Holy Spirit to take over the work of promoting the growth Sr Dolores Carmel and Resident at St Patrick s Home Bronx NY Sister Helena of Mary O Carm Sr Dolores Carmel s birthday Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and In rm Newsletter Spring Fall 2021 We Are Family Vocation Frontlines THE SPIRIT ALONE GIVES LIFE