It is Good That We Are Here
By Sister Annie Klapheke
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“Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them …” Matthew 17:1
We will begin the second week of Lent with hearing the story of the Transfiguration from Matthew’s Gospel. For the characters in the story, especially the disciples, the experience is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. And the emotions are not too far off from those of the discernment journey: excitement, confusion, fear, revelation, mountain-top joy … and the subsequent coming down.
What wisdom does this story offer to those in discernment? First, it teaches us to be present in the moment, and to be grateful. At the sight of Jesus’ shining face and the appearance of Moses and Elijah, Peter exclaims, “It is good that we are here.” Wherever you find yourself at this moment in discernment – clarity, confusion, fear – try to pause and appreciate the moment, knowing that each emotion has a place on the journey. Lean into radical trust and allow your prayer to echo the words of Peter, “It is good to be here.”
Second, the Transfiguration calls us to listen. This is no subtle command, booming from the heavens, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” The season of Lent is an ideal time to attune our ear to God’s voice. Using the traditional practices of fasting, prayer and almsgiving, we can carve out space for listening to the Spirit’s promptings. The message may not be as obvious as a mandate from the clouds, but God surely will speak, if the space is provided.
Finally, the Transfiguration is a story of change and transformation. Jesus was physically changed in his appearance, and certainly the disciples must have been deeply changed in their hearts. Take time to notice what change and transformation you have already experienced in your discernment journey. Again, be grateful for the place where you have arrived. And then gently ask God, ‘What further change and transformation are you inviting me to?’
These 40 days of Lent, we are invited to journey with Jesus – up the mountain, into the desert, and through the Paschal Mystery. In it all, God is the faithful leader and the guiding voice. It is good that we are here.
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Giving Voice Hosts 40s Retreat |
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The Charity Federation was well represented Feb. 17-19, 2023 at the Giving Voice 40s Retreat in Seal Beach, California. Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Romina Sapinoso attended the gathering, which provided participants with the time and space to renew body, mind and spirit together. This year’s retreat was facilitated by Sisters Kristin Peters, FSPA, and Jenny Wilson, RSM. |
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As she looks back on her life story to the present day, S. Romina Sapinoso reveals that there has always been evidence that God is by her side. That wisdom and assurance gives her hope as she looks to the future as a newly vowed Sister of Charity of Cincinnati. Read More.
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Take the Challenge: Meatless Monday |
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The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati invite you to join them for Meatless Monday on Monday, March 13, 2023 during Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14).
The congregation has committed to journey together towards ecological conversion through education, advocacy efforts, use of renewable energies and the responsible use of resources for the benefit of Earth and all creation. One of the commitments we encourage in 2023 is Meatless Mondays or a commitment to eat meat-free any one day of the week.
Why cut back on eating meat?
• Insulate factory farm workers from unjust conditions
• Conserve the rainforests; reduce deforestation
• Protect water purity
• Reduce methane emissions
• Stop desertification
• Avoid water waste
• Stop starvation with more grain crops
• Protect and increase biodiversity
• Curtail antibiotic resistance
• Decrease soil degradation
• Protect irreplaceable ecosystems
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions
Care of Creation is again this year an area of focus for Catholic Sisters Week and all are welcome to share in our charism and take part in the initiative. One small act CAN make a difference. Let’s join together with the Sisters in forwarding their mission and care for all creation.
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Resources for Praying This Lent |
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A new Discernment Songs playlist! To create the playlist, we asked younger Sisters from Giving Voice to share the songs that helped them most as they discerned religious life. We hope this music will inspire, comfort, and encourage you as you seek God’s will, during Lent and beyond.
Arts & Faith: Lent from Loyola Press. Each week, and on special days like Ash Wednesday, they provide a video commentary on a scripture-based artwork!
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Lent: Finding God in the Chaos from the Ignatian Solidarity Network. Sign up to receive daily reflections from writers like Fr. James Martin and S. Norma Pimentel on how we find hope, justice, and God’s presence in a chaotic, broken world.
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Upcoming Dates & Opportunities |
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March 8-14, 2023 – Catholic Sisters Week
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March 13, 2023 @ 6:30 p.m. – Soul Food with the Sisters: A home-cooked meal and faith sharing for young adult women in-person at Visitation House in Cincinnati.
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March 19, 2023 from 7-8:30 p.m. – Virtual Discernment Group – Imagining Meaningful Ministry: A panel on career, passion, and service in religious life, featuring Sisters Cookie Crowley, Joan Deiters, and Franette Hyc.
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March 31-April 1, 2023 – Vocation Venture: An in-person, overnight discernment experience sponsored by several Archdiocese of Cincinnati congregations.
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April 2, 2023 from 7-8:30 p.m. – Faith Sharing: How to Stay Faithful in Times of Anxiety. Reflections on faith and mental health, with special guest Dr. Jessica Coblentz.
April 16-22, 2023 – Sisters of Charity Chapter: There will be no discernment group in April because we will be preparing for and participating in Chapter, which happens every four years. Please pray for our congregation as we gather to elect new leadership and discern how God is calling us to move forward.
Contact Vocation Coordinator S. Tracy Kemme by texting 513-400-4628 or emailing vocations@srcharitycinti.org for more information about any of the above opportunities.
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E-Vōc is the electronic newsletter from the Vocations Team of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati for single women wondering what new thing God is calling forth in their lives. To join the E-Vōc mailing list, contact Erin Reder at erin.reder@srcharitycinti.org. To unsubscribe, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about life as a Sister of Charity, visit our website at www.srcharitycinti.org.
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