Prayer and a more monastic Community was right for me
Sr. Joanna O'Meara, VHM, The Visitation Sisters of Holy Mary

“We are companions on the journey, given to one another as helpers in doing God’s work.”
St. Jane de Chantal.

This quote, from the Founder of our Order, the Visitation Sisters of Holy Mary, sums up how  my own journey unfolded as I first began to discern Religious life about ten years ago. My first experience of Community came when I graduated from college and decided to volunteer for a year. I was part of a group of men and women who committed to serving Catholic Charities in the Twin Cities for one year while living in Community. During that year, I met the Visitation Sisters in north Minneapolis, and I suppose you could say the penny dropped. I had begun to think about intentional community, and knew prayer was central to living in Community, yet I was wondering what  this would look like for me. The next step (which I would advise anyone to undertake) was to meet with a spiritual director, someone who is skilled in listening and journeying with you as you listen and respond and discern where your gifts are best used.

As I returned to England after one year, I remained in touch with the Sisters and got a job working with the homeless. Questions still seemed to come up for me, and although my work was fulfilling, I realized God was calling me in another direction. It was helpful through this process to visit different communities with different ways of living out the Gospel. Yet, I still kept coming back to the importance to me of prayer and Community. I felt that a more monastic Community (which means you do not move around) held more meaning for me. Usually, when you contact a Community that you might be interested in, they have a Sister who is the initial contact person. I found this really helpful, as I felt I learned more about the Community rather than just flipping through mounds of brochures and looking at Web sites. So, I would encourage you to contact Sisters with your questions as it will be of mutual benefit in the long run.

It is a process, but pay attention to how you feel along the way. It is really important to notice: are you happy, peaceful, at ease, etc. I made my first vows in 2006, and am currently on another adventure as I am living back in England for awhile due to immigration restrictions. I wish you well as you take each step at a time to discern God’s will for you in your life.

With love & prayer,
Sr. Joanna O’Meara, VHM