Listening to what my calling maybe

I can't help wonder what the calling I have for my life. Right know as I go a visit a few communities. So, far the ones I've been to have felt like place I could be at. Yet, this is not something to be rushed into. I feel a little bit lost at times. Just not knowing if I'm headed in the way that God has set before me. At times it seems that I am and at others it does not. There seems to be so many questions to be answered and to be asked. Still, there seems to be no words to put to all these questions and answers for them. For, know any way it seems that all this is something that to be wrestled with with and pondered. No matter what, it seems that there will be this struggle with whether or not one is heading down the path for someones life.

Saint Mary Monstery at Rock Island, Illnios

Over this past weekend I had the chance to get away and spend it with the Sisters of St. Benedict of St. Mary Monastery. With all that has been going on lately I needed the time to recharge. Being able to meet the many of the Sister was great and I look forward making many other visits. I am visiting other communities but I feel that this community could very well be one that makes my top three or four list.

Being able to have the time to talk with the sisters through out the weekend was a great.

In the picture from left to right, Sister Mary Jane, myself, and Sister Bobbi. Being able to take part in the times of prayer with the community and having time with the Sister Bobbi and Mary Jane within their community group on Saturday evening. Through out the day I was able to have time to myself to take pictures and explore the grounds. Along with being able to learn the history of Saint Mary Monastery from Sister Bobbi and also we talked about the Rule of Saint Benedict. What a great time of learning about this great community. Along with being able to learn if this is really what I am being called to.

It sure does seem like I am being called to the religious life. Yet, I do not want to rush into this. Given that I have two years before I will be able to join a community. This is something I do not want to rush into and want to take my time in choosing a picking a community. Along with taking the time to truly seeing if I am being called to the religious life.

Being a part

With all that has been going lately I feel this deep long for something. A something that I can not really put to words. Being able to find a place a place to call home. A longing to known and to know others. Longing for a real sense of community. A change of heart into the trueness of a calling. Being more like Christ. How many long to be a part of something great the something so much lager then just one ministry or one block of time. Is there really such a thing as doing to much or too little. Being a part of any community is a great thing. It seems to be a matter of finding where that may be.

Now what?

Finding the way home with it being three weeks ago after the Easter Vigil. Still, there seems no way really put how I felt and the joy of becoming a part of the family. The lingering questions of 'know what?' keeps coming up. What do we do know that R.C.I.A. is over for us. What ministries do we work in know. How can we be of service to those who are not yet part of the Catholic Church. What do I do once P.A.D.S is over for the season.

Holy Week

This is one of those weeks where that seems a sorrowful one. Yet, one full that is a reminder of what Christ had done for us on the cross. The pain that Mary had to go through. Looking on helplessly as her son was slowly suffocating to death. This painful way to die to pay for our sins. A lyric that keeps running in my mind is 'Its my mocking voice that held him their.' From the song How Deep Our Fathers Love for Us.

It feels so much different this year. Then in prior years because I am taking part in a much more meaningful time. This year with becoming part of the Catholic Church. This is some what scary and yet I am ready for this. I can not wait. Being able to part take in all that it is to be a part community of faith.

Spring?

Yes, that is right it's snow. And it is spring time. I hope that coming Easter Sunday that it will be nice out. As I am writing this it the snow is still coming down. I like snow but this just does not fell right. In the morning, the is going to be more snow. Well, that's what happens in northern Illionis.

Coming home

Holy Week...a the events of the passion of Christ. His last supper with his friends, his trail, death, and being raised from death. As for many who have been going though R.C.I.A. having gone though this time of learning. We will be coming home to the Catholic Church. How much I've learned and come to see as to were I need to be going. The time really see if this is the place for me. There is know no turning back. I can not wait for Easter Vigil. Being able to part take of this Holy Meal. I am amazed by the speed of this year went. For, it was last April that I emailed pastoral associate for R.C.I.A. So, here is to Holy Week and Easter 2009!!