Yesterday I was interview by a newspaper reporter. Mr. Lohmann, a kind and curious journalist from the Richmond Times - Dispatch, came to ask me a few questions about “Nun Better”, the no-budget cooking show I’ve been doing on YouTube. I was a bit anxious at first, but quickly the interview felt more like a good conversation. I have no doubt that the article will be interesting, not because I’m all that interesting, but because Bill sees “human interest” in a Benedictine sister who periodically "moonlights" as a chef – not for personal profit but for visibility and the good of our community. I am grateful to this reporter for the hour he spent with me yesterday and for the afternoon video shoot we've planned for next Monday. We (Bill and me) will be on the RTD website cooking something wonderful together. Another first for Sister and probably not the last first for this monastic on a journey! I’ll keep you posted…
Blessings and love to you all…
- Sister Vicki
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Big day in my line of work...
It’s Sunday at the monastery…and I’m filled with gratitude for the gift of presence – the blessing of being here, body and soul. Today, the universal Church celebrates the 4th Sunday of Easter and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. (Now, everyone has a vocation – married or single, husbands, wives, fathers and mothers. This day of prayer is specific to GOD’s call to religious life and ordained ministry.)
The Holy Father chose a Sunday in the Easter season. What a wonderful way to highlight the joy of our life as religious, priests and deacons. I maintain that joy is a verifiable side-effect of a genuine call and the best advertisement for the life. Maybe, today, you could think of someone who might have the gifts to live a religious vocation. There is a skill-set that helps in the transition to community life:
1. A willingness to learn, to be formed by the life and by women whose feet have been steady on the path
2. A healthy respect for boundaries – both personal and communal
3. The capacity for intimacy – the ability to share yourself in trust and vulnerability
4. Experience with failure and its lessons
5. A forgiving nature
These are not “prerequisites”, merely skills that serve us well in monastic life. Some can be acquired over time and through experience. What is non-negotiable is the sincere desire to seek GOD and the mutual determination of the candidate and the community. Discernment takes time. There is no such thing as a “shot-gun” profession. I often see my role as the “pace car” – you know, the one that rides ahead of the racers who are yearning to cut loose and “put the pedal to the metal.” My job is to slow everyone down and help them round the tricky curves that come our way in serious discernment. I like the image – obviously.
So…where was I? Oh, yes…think of someone whom GOD might be calling. Close your eyes and hold them in your heart. Pray… Ask for GOD’s will to unfold. Pray that they might be given the courage to check out this weird, wonderful life. If they are meant for it, they will know joy like Easter and deep peace like Christmas. If they are meant for it, they will race to the finish line, “their hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love (RB Prol. 49).”
Blessings and love to you all...
- Sister Vicki
The Holy Father chose a Sunday in the Easter season. What a wonderful way to highlight the joy of our life as religious, priests and deacons. I maintain that joy is a verifiable side-effect of a genuine call and the best advertisement for the life. Maybe, today, you could think of someone who might have the gifts to live a religious vocation. There is a skill-set that helps in the transition to community life:
1. A willingness to learn, to be formed by the life and by women whose feet have been steady on the path
2. A healthy respect for boundaries – both personal and communal
3. The capacity for intimacy – the ability to share yourself in trust and vulnerability
4. Experience with failure and its lessons
5. A forgiving nature
These are not “prerequisites”, merely skills that serve us well in monastic life. Some can be acquired over time and through experience. What is non-negotiable is the sincere desire to seek GOD and the mutual determination of the candidate and the community. Discernment takes time. There is no such thing as a “shot-gun” profession. I often see my role as the “pace car” – you know, the one that rides ahead of the racers who are yearning to cut loose and “put the pedal to the metal.” My job is to slow everyone down and help them round the tricky curves that come our way in serious discernment. I like the image – obviously.
So…where was I? Oh, yes…think of someone whom GOD might be calling. Close your eyes and hold them in your heart. Pray… Ask for GOD’s will to unfold. Pray that they might be given the courage to check out this weird, wonderful life. If they are meant for it, they will know joy like Easter and deep peace like Christmas. If they are meant for it, they will race to the finish line, “their hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love (RB Prol. 49).”
Blessings and love to you all...
- Sister Vicki
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Home from ABFC...
Sister Ephrem smiles as participants report "table talk"... Her brilliant book is available through her community's on-line gift shop. http://www.sbm.osb.org/tabid/218/Default.aspx
It was wonderful to meet the sisters at Beech Grove and to network with others in voction ministry... (monastic schola pictured above)
...and to meet foundresses I've never known.
Sister Kerry has a gift for sharing her passionate desire for justice and gently inviting others to "embrace the challenge."
Sister Karen Joseph tells the BEST stories!
A room filled with women who, each in their way, touch the future of Benedictine life in America...
Sister Glenna and Sister Cecilia (of Atchison, KS) both received honors for their years of service to ABFC. How proud was I?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Road Trip...
Friends,
I will be leaving in the morning for Beech Grove, Indiana. Formation and vocation ministers are meeting at Our Lady of Grace Monastery for the ABFC - American Benedictine Formation Conference. This is my first time attending this meeting. I'm looking forward to being a learner among many ammas (wisdom women). I will be back in the office - one my offices - on Wednesday, 5/29. I have no idea if I'll have Internet access, so look for a new entry upon our return. (I'm going with three of my sisters - yippee!)
Blessings and love to you all...
- Sister Vicki
Monday, April 20, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
"This is the night when Christians everywhere,...are restored to grace and grow together in holiness."
"This is the night when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave."
"Accept this Easter candle, a flame divided but undimmed, a pillar of fire that glows to the honor of God."
Saturday, April 11, 2009
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