Pray, because everything depends on God

The Soul of the Apostolate is a book of which I have been vaguely aware for many years, but I never had the discipline or inclination to read it through until very recently. The premise is as simple as the Gospel: "Without God, you can do nothing."

St. Augustine, I believe, said, "Pray as though everything depends on God; work as though everything depends on you." The reality is both: Everything depends on the action of grace... and we can't shirk our duty either.

In pondering a vocation (or in helping someone to discover a vocation), prayer is the absolute prerequisite for anything resembling success. And not just a prayer here or there - it must be an active seeking of the will of God in daily, intense, prolonged prayer.

More on the "how to" later.

Aspirancy, Growing in Discipleship

Our Aspirancy program for young women is really a time of growing in discipleship. It is a time to come to know Christ more intimately, to grow in prayer, to step away from the things that hold one back from giving one's life freely to God. The program is so structured as to call one away from the bustle of modern life and go deeper into a relationship with the Lord.

All of the programs at Mater Redemptoris House of Formation aim to bring young women closer to Christ and deeper into their experience of his life. The Aspirancy, being residential, is the most intense of these.

Come Holy Ghost

Tis the season for retreats.

Mater Redemptoris House of Formation has been hosting "Come Follow Days," a series of rereat experiences, for ten years. This year, the high school program took the prize for "most popular," with twenty-three participants.

The retreat days are set up to accommodate the various ages and developmental stages of the girls and young women who participate. The youngest group comprises 4th-6th graders and combines play with prayer and discussion. The high school retreat lasts two days and has a good deal more time for reflection and prayer - with the fun still added in. The adult retreat is a formal directed retreat for those serious considering the possibility of a religious vocation.

And all spend serious moments pondering God's call for their lives.

Aspirancy

What is the Aspirancy in this House of Formation?

The adult live-in program at Mater Redemptoris House of Formation is designed for young women between the ages of 18 and 25, who desire to discern actively the call to the religious life. The primary goal of their stay at the House is to find God’s will for their lives; the activities and requirements reflect and facilitate this objective. 

The program may last from one to four semesters, depending on the young woman’s situation. The young woman will participate each semester in one course of prayer, one of vocational discernment and one of human formation. The courses will be chosen for each individual in order to best meet her particular needs.

She lives in a convent setting and participates in the daily life of the Sisters as appropriate. Through this period, she gains an understanding of the religious life and, through daily prayer, comes to know God's will for her life. 

Come and Follow Retreat for Young Adults

God's Will is found in listening. We look, we think, we pray, we discern, but really, it's all about listening.

And it's very hard to listen in a culture that is always talking and seeing and busy...

So there's this thing called a retreat.

It's all about scripture. And listening to God.

Mater Redemptoris House of Formation will be hosting a retreat for young women, ages 17 to 24.

When:    Saturday, June 11, 2011: 10:00 a.m. – 

             Sunday, June 12, 2011: 4:30p.m.

Where:   Mater Redemptoris House of Formation

             3730 East Avenue South

             La Crosse, WI 54601

Cost:     Donations accepted

Here is more information.

Hope to hear from you soon.

So What Is a House of Formation?

Mater Redemptoris House of Formation is a unique project, sponsored by the Diocese of La Crosse and the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, to help young women discerning a call to the religious life. It is a place of prayer, discernment and study. It is a place to seek God's Will.

There is a live-in option for young women (and we are currently accepting applications for September!). There are retreats of varying lengths for varying age groups. There is an option for spiritual mentoring.

Over the next weeks and months, this blog will look at the programs and projects of this house.



Monstrance in the San Damiano Adoration Chapel
Alton, Illinois

 Come and See...