MSBT Updates June 2026

Blessed Mother at our Motherhouse in Philadelphia

Life as a Novice in the 21^st Century

Every Sister was once a Novice. The foundational phase of formation called the Novitiate is regulated in many ways by canon law. That means, some of the core curriculum for Novices is the same in every religious congregation, male or female. It has been common practice in many dioceses to offer a program for all Candidates (postulants) and Novices in a local area. In the greater Philadelphia area, the program is called InSearch and has been providing elements of formation across religious congregations for decades. Our current Novice, Sr. Chris Rome, MSBT, has been part of InSearch since she entered Candidacy with the Missionary Servants.

Sr. Chris Rome, MSBT (seated left) with fellow InSearch participants

This has been an effective way to share resources, such as instructors. The weekly topics for classes include human development, the vows, and some theology. Sr. Deb Wilson, MSBT recently served as instructor for the session on the History of Religious Life. InSearch has also been a great way for Novices of various congregations to get to know one another. Otherwise, Novices may navigate their congregation’s formation program alone. InSearch provides essential peer support within the context of community during the formation process.

Soon this portion of Sr. Chris’s religious formation will be ending. Next, she will be moving onto another innovative, joint formation program called the InterCongregational Collaborative Novitiate (ICCN). The program is located in Chicago and supported by the Religious Formation Program. The ICCN provides a rich mentoring environment for Novices as it nurtures spiritual, relational, intellectual and intercultural growth. There Sr. Chris will foster a deeper devotional knowledge of our specific MSBT charism as she continues to prepare for vowed, apostolic religious life.

Awaken the Giant:
Pentecost Retreat

From Left: Marta Quinones, MCA; Sr. Chris Wiltrakis, MSBT; Angelica Otero, MCA; 
Fr. Victor Canela, ST; Sr. Terry Bretthauer, MSBT; Sr. Virginia Ann Wagner, MSBT

The retreat was offered in a bilingual format, with presentations repeated in English and Spanish in separate morning and afternoon sessions. During Mass, meals and social times everyone came together as one group. In addition to the presenters and host, many Missionary Servants gathered with the MCA for the weekend including Sisters Janet Santibañez, Chris Wiltrakis and Terry Bretthauer, MSBT; Fathers David Hamm, Odel Medina, Allen Rodríquez and Brother Senan Gallagher, ST.

The theme of the weekend, Awaken the Giant, called the lay members to remember who they are and who they are called to be, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out our charism in daily life. The closing Mass included professions of candidacy and acts of consecration of new MCA members of the growing Cenacles of the Trinity Region.

Extended Silent Retreat

in Philadelphia this Summer

Is God calling you to

Come and Rest Awhile

this Summer?

There is still time to register for this upcoming seven‑day, silent retreat in Philadelphia. The retreat offers the opportunity to leave behind the distractions and busyness of daily life, to truly unwind and reconnect with God. It is designed for those seeking deeper peace, prayer, and renewal in their life. Participants have the option to include daily spiritual direction. This week long retreat includes private accommodations, daily Mass, nourishing meals, quiet prayer, and the restful atmosphere of the Mother Boniface Spirituality Center. There are also partial-stay options for those who are not available for the entire week. Experience the richness and depth of an extended retreat this Summer. Come and Rest Awhile.

Archive of Previous

MSBT Updates

These monthly MSBT Updates began in October 2025. New people have been added to the list of email recipients each month since. For those who would like to view previous monthly issues, there is an online archive available on our MSBT website.

For the values of sports.

Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.

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