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with God is my wealth
in poverty and joy in
deepest affliction.”

Vocation News

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Vocation/Formation Corner

August 15, 2019

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati welcomed eight new Associates in the last week. Two women made their commitments as Associates Aug. 5 in Juneau, Alaska, and six more candidates made their commitments at the Motherhouse in Cincinnati on Aug. 11. One more candidate will make her commitment later this summer in New Mexico. Here is a small part of each of their discernment statements. Have you invited anyone to become an Associate lately?

Bonnie Elder: “As I was discerning why I wanted to be an Associate, my first thought was to increase friendships with Catholic women in Juneau and perhaps Cincinnati, and of course, S. Dee in Cincinnati. I had 16 years of education with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. It is time to renew the wisdom I was given by both groups of Sisters of Charity.”

Lisa McDowell: “My initial call to become an Associate came during a visit to the Motherhouse with our dear friend, S. Dee. I attended Mass, met beautiful women of faith, and looked in awe at the history, artifacts and the names of Sisters and Associates lining the walls. I wanted to be part of something greater than myself. Twenty-eight years ago, I joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps because I wanted to serve the poor and make a difference in the world. With guidance from the Community, I feel God calling me back to live with simplicity, humility and charity.”

Veronica Buchanan: “As an Associate, I aspire to continue to share the journey with the Sisters of Charity and instill a positive memory in those I interact with in the name of the Community. Systemic change normally begins with one action; as an Associate, I will strive to serve as a conduit for positivity and charity, imparting to others the spiritual gifts I’ve received through my connection with the Sisters of Charity.”
Cheryl Dagy: “The Sisters have always seen potential in me that I had not seen in myself. It is my deep desire to emulate the grace through which the Sisters live the Gospel. I want to be fully aware of that whisper, to recognize it – as I now do – to do God’s work in Jesus’ name, living the Gospel, just as I have learned from the Sisters of Charity. I want to be the hands, legs, and heart, to live the charism and stay faithful to the virtues of humility, spirituality, and charity.”

Linda Jung: “If my life was a book, the Sisters of Charity were involved in every chapter. They educated me from childhood to young adulthood. The Spirit of Mother Seton they taught and exemplified in their lives has stayed with me to this day. The ideals of faith, service, and leadership were instilled in me and have been my guidelines in living a Christian life.”

Dee Mansi: “After a period of reflection and study, I find that our founders, Elizabeth Seton, Margaret George, Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, in both the Vincentian and Setonian traditions, are a constant source of inspiration and encouragement to live my life as a prayerful practitioner of social justice. Their willingness to work for the most vulnerable, embracing the spirit of the age, and overcoming any personal difficulties challenges me to surpass any obstacles I encounter.”

Dave Scharfenberger: “For me the most important question is not why I didn’t become one before, but why do I want to become an Associate now? I am in a time in my life when I want to deepen my relationship with God and reflect on where I have been on my life’s journey, and where I want to go. I feel that becoming an Associate will give me opportunities to discover and deepen my own spirituality.”
Patsy Schwaiger: “About six years ago, I became part of MSJU’s Charity Learning Community where I learned more about the lives of Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, Elizabeth Seton, Margaret George, Blandina Segale and other Sisters who pioneered the beginnings of this religious community. I have grown to admire the courage and tenacity of these women who, through personal and collective obstacles, were able to find their ‘grace of the moment…’”

We also had the privilege of celebrating the Silver Jubilees of Betty Rensing and Sandra Schafer as Associates in Mission.

Chanin Wilson, director of Associates

Debunking Religious Life Myths

It’s National Vocation Awareness Week! Throughout the week the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati will be refuting myths about vocations to religious life.

Myth 1: No one is entering religious orders.

Myth 2: Most newer members are older or second-career candidates.

Myth 3: Traditional or conservative communities are the only communities attracting new members.

Myth 4: Entering religious life is a last resort.

Myth 5: New members would prefer to live alone.

S. Romina Sapinoso Professes First Vows

Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Romina Sapinoso pronunced First Vows during a ceremony September 22, 2018, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. READ MORE