Change of Pace

After my apostolic experience in Livonia, I spent a week in Lodi, where I first entered the community and got to know the sisters. During that week, I helped at the day care center on campus, where I helped often as a postulant living at that convent. It was wonderful to be back with young children again, and to be a part of the positive ministry that the sisters do there. At the end of the week, I attended a Lent retreat day, led by the pastor of a local parish. He had some wise advice and insights into Lenten spirituality and how we can live it in our daily lives. The sisters from the local area came to this retreat, and it was a lovely gathering, filled with laughter and conversation.

 

Then I returned to the novitiate, where I began to focus on the three vows that I will take when I make my first profession. I got back into the routine and practices of the formation house, which was quite an adjustment after being out for almost three months!

 

I had interviews with the council for our province, the leaders of our North American region. Each sister met with me one-on-one, asking me questions about my time in novitiate, my dreams and ideas for ministry, and about the charism and mission of our community. I was nervous in the days before the interviews, but once I was there, it was pleasant and peaceful. It feels good to be one step closer to making vows.

 

 

Now I enter into a time of less travelling and more time spent in classes and at the house. I look forward to being in one place for a while. Soon we start a new short-term ministry and I'll continue my studies.