TRANSFORMATION

I just came back from the first of three phases of a workshop on the Transformation of Religious Life in North America. About 130 men and women religious attended this meeting which included those in leadership positions, formation personnel, and newly professed members. We discussed the importance of religious communities not remaining the way they have always been. They must move forward and transform themselves to continue the mission to which they were called at their founding. Religious communities need to let go of the memories that encumber them and hold on to the memories that energize them.

There was time for table discussion at which each person expressed where they felt their congregation was a this point in time about transformation. The facilitators/speakers, Luisa Saffiotti and Finten Sheenan are well known to the Religious Formation Conference and gave us much to ponder by stirring up a lot of questions we need to ask ourselves. The weekend was heavy, however, it was also very exciting. I think the most important point I brought back with me is the urgency of transformation of religious life.

PRAYER

With my prayer group a couple of weeks ago, we reflected on the importance of praying and sitting in silence for twenty minutes a day. The reflection mentioned all the possibilities that sitting in silence can do for us and how it can change us on the different situations of our lives. It helped us to see how we can grow in relationship with others as well as with our God. With all the noise in the world, our culture, and the business of our lives we need to take that twenty minutes a day to help keep us in balance. We need prayer and quiet time. I (we) cannot function well without it.

SALT AND LIGHT

Today's reading from Matthew 5:13-16 has so much to reflect on. I will try to sum up some of the two homilies I heard and my own reflection. Jesus said, "YOU are the salt of the earth," and, "YOU are the light of the world."

My first reflection was on those who have been light and salt for me. These people have shown me the way when I felt I was in darkness. They put flavor in my life when I felt flat or lacked enthusiasm. Some of these people brought the light of scripture to me and taught me how to pray with God's Word. Others helped me journal and voice what was going on in my heart and in my relationships with Christ and other people. For these people, I am deeply grateful.

Then I reflected on how I am salt and light for others. All of our gifts and talents are given for the common good. St. Paul says that in his letter to the Corinthians. So, where and how are my gifts shared? First of all I think with my students and their families. I share with them the love of Christ for each one. I help bring light to parents who miss the fact that their child may have a learning disability or an attention issue. I bring light to how they can help their child at home. I let parents know I am praying for them.

Secondly, I try to be light and salt to my congregation. I use my gifts and talents by doing formation work, expressing enthusiasm for the life we lead, proclaiming scripture, helping to plan a community day, or planning prayer for my prayer group. I try to be light of hope and presence to the sisters in our Marycrest area.
Finally, I try to be light and salt for my family. My daughter-in-law is having surgery this Tuesday, and I am the listening ear for both her and my son. I hope to be present with them on Tuesday, however Erie weather is unpredictable. I listen to my sisters concerns, my mother's joys and woes. Being a listening ear helps keep me in touch with my family.
What good is salt if it goes flat? It will not flavor the food. Jesus said we do not put a lamp under a bushel basket, but rather we put it out where all can see it and benefit from its light. So must we use our gifts and talents to be and do for others and it is all for the glory of God. Our faith is not just a "me and God" kind of faith. It is a faith that must be shared. Our light can make a difference in another person's life.

How are you called to be salt of the earth and light of the world? Let your light shine!

THE BEATITUDES

The Beatitudes tell us what it means to follow Jesus as a disciple. By sitting down, Jesus takes the position of a teacher. In teaching these nine statements, Jesus describes the qualities of a disciple. They are not the same as the world's expectations. Have you ever thought about what they mean? Perhaps I can share with you what I am currently teaching my students. These are simple meanings from our text book.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The poor in spirit know their need for God.
"Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted." Those who mourn are sad because of the sorrow in our world. They will do what they can to help.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land." The meek are kind to others and treat others fairly.
"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." These people give to God and others what is right and work for justice.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." The merciful forgive others as they want God to forgive them.
"Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God." The clean of heart keep God first in their lives.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Peacemakers solve problems without hurting others.

"Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom heaven." These people do what God wants even when doing the right thing is difficult.

"Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven." Sometimes we will be called names and be hurt because we choose to follow God and his commandments.

There is so much we can reflect on in this passage. I think I will take time to reflect on how I am following Jesus in light of the Beatitudes. My students will have a test on this on Tuesday. Blessed are they who study, for they will pass the test.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Today marked the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. The theme is, "A+ for America Catholic Schools." At the opening liturgy this morning our students at Blessed Sacrament School talked about how Catholic Schools provide Achievement, Academics, Attitude, Athletics. Catholic Schools in America provide a well-rounded education. Students who graduate from Catholic Schools go on to be professionals and leaders.
After the liturgy, we had an open-house. All the teachers were in their classrooms. Third grade students and their parents came in to see what fourth grade will be like. Some of my students and their parents stopped in to say hello. Also, some of my former students came as well as their parents. It was wonderful to see them and find out how they are doing in high school and in college. It is funny how I can still picture where they sat in my classroom when they were in fourth grade.

We have several activities planned for the week which include assemblies, playing games with our buddies, writing cards to those at the VA hospital, playing bingo, and watching a movie. Not much will be normal this week in the classroom, however, the students will enjoy themselves. Someday they will realize how fortunate they were to attend a Catholic School.

GRACED MEMORIES

Since Kelly's entrance last week I have been recalling my journey through formation. I found the entrance ceremony and remembered the events that led to my entering community. I next looked at my entrance into the Novitiate. I remember how unsure I was that I was ready for this next step. It was held at the Motherhouse on 8th and Liberty. I was soooo nervous. It was a time of learning the history of our congregation, its documents, and vows. It was a time of discovery of who I was in all this and how I wanted to serve God and the "dear neighbor". Then I recalled making vows for the first time. It was held at our Community Living Center. Each year after that I renewed my vows in a simple ceremony at the different houses in which I lived. Finally, I looked at my Profession ceremony. It was such a joyous occasion! Family, friends, and community members were all present. The music, the liturgy, the celebration was more than I could have hoped for.
My invitation and program covers held an image of two people dancing with the words, "My spirit dances with God who loves me." This line came from a magnificat I had written before I entered. God and I continue to dance. Sometimes, we are in-sync. Sometimes, I am out of step. Other times I try to lead and I stumble. However, throughout the dance, God always continues to hold my hand. God and I have been dancing for eighteen years. March 1st will mark my nineteenth year in community. I want the dance to go on forever!

WELCOME

This afternoon, Kelly Smock entered our congregation. Kelly is a young woman who has been an associate of our congregation for six years, therefore she is no stranger to our sisters. She has lived our charism and has brought it to those with whom she works. As has been our tradition, we held the service at the house where she will be living during her Pre-Novitiate stage. Leadership, a few friends, her family, and formation personnel were present. It was a joyous occasion for all of us. During the ceremony Kelly was presented with a basket which held welcoming notes from many of our sisters in the community. I will continue walking with Kelly during this stage of formation.
Kelly is the first young woman I have had the pleasure to journey with through the Pre-Entrance stage of formation. Sometimes it seemed as if everything took so long, however, it was worth it. The day finally came.

It is a blessing when new people come to a community. They bring gifts to share, enthusiasm, and a willingness to serve God. When a new person enters it changes the whole community. I look around at all the women in our congregation and know that each one of us makes a difference in her own way. I cannot imagine the community without any one of them.