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Young Adult News

December 2024 Edition

In Mary-Darkness

by Jessica Powers

I live my Advent in the womb of Mary

And on one night when a great star swings free

From its high morning and walks down the sky

To be the dot above the Christus i,

I shall be born of her by blessed grace,

I wait in May-darkness, faith's walled place,

With hope's expectance of nativity.

I knew for long she carried me and fed me,

Guarded and loved me, though I could not see,

But only now, with inward jubilee,

I come upon earth's most amazing knowledge:

Someone is hidden in this dark with me.

May your Advent be a time of immersing yourself into your own Mary-darkness and spend time waiting for Jesus' presence to be revealed in new ways. This time of the year can be especially challenging with all the commercial emphasis on the season. There is an Advent Simplicity Challenge being offered. Perhaps it will help you enter more deeply into the blessings of this Advent. To learn more, click the link.

Advent Simplicity Challenge

Karaoke Night

Young adult outreach is always life giving to me because of the variety of ways we can connect with God and build community. November 16, 2024, was an example of this. I joined about forty young adults for karaoke night at American Martyrs parish in Manhattan Beach, CA. This social activity was for the young adults who attend the weekly Word and Wisdom faith sharing group facilitated by Christus Ministries that I participate in. This was the first time I heard any of the young adults sing and many of them have amazing voices. It was such a fun evening, which included a chili and nacho bar and a variety of snacks and desserts, laughter, fellowship, and solo and group singing. Fr. David Romero, SJ, did a wonderful job as the DJ as well as the young adult event team who created an inviting and cozy environment.

~ Sister Val

Discernment of Religious Life

Are you wondering about a call to religious life? The Sisters of Notre Dame Vocation Team is working with many women around the world who are interested in exploring this call and learning more about discernment.

You might also want to check out Sister Kaitlin's interview on her vocation story - BECOMING A NUN IN MY 20s w/ Sr. Kaitlin Morse, SND on YouTube at https://youtu.be/PfD2ZkUqUXY?si=C5Szq0YtFsOmpq45

No matter what your call in life, we are happy to help in your discernment process. If you want to be added to a list of faith sharing, retreats, and other opportunities for discerners, contact us at vocations@sndusa.org.

Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation News

Human trafficking is an ongoing concern for people around the world. The Alliance to End Human Trafficking has the latest edition of their newsletter: https://alliancetoendhumantrafficking.org/stop-trafficking-newsletter/ . May those who find themselves in this situation be helped by those of us who believe in Jesus.