The “yes” that launched a thousand vocations

ANNUNCIATION QUILT , M.O. MCGRATH/BROMICKEYMCGRATH.COM

artWorKBy Brother MiChaelo’neill MCgrath, o.s.F.s. textBypatriCe J. tuohy

BEFORE THE ANGEL GABRIEL showed up on her doorstep, Mary, the mother of Jesus, likely lived an ordinary life occupied with domestic tasks and attending the temple on the Sabbath. But then came the angel’s announcement: “Hail favored one. The Lord is with you.”

At that moment, Mary was called to be at the center of God’s saving plan—to be the bearer of Good News, literally. She could have ignored the request or quietly demurred claiming an unworthiness. Instead, with awe and humility, she said yes. It is that yes, filled with to-the-marrow faith, that we may draw upon as we consider our own call to holiness. Because of Mary’s yes, each of us can be the person God wants us to be—for truly nothing is impossible with God. =

Association of British Carmels (O.C.D.) Carmelite nuns belong to the Order of Discalced Carmelites. In Britain, over 200 sisters live in 15 Carmelite monasteries, throughout England, Scotland and Wales. We follow the inspiration of St. Teresa of Avila, our Spiritual Mother, who believed that the most fruitful contribution she and her daughters could make for the good of the Church and the world was to develop a profound personal relationship with Jesus, in prayer, silence and sacrifice, offered for the salvation of all. This ideal is lived out in community life modelled on the friendship between Jesus and His disciples. The Eucharist is at the center of each day. Work, both household and remunerative, is sanctified by the full recitation of the Divine Office, two hours of silent prayer, and spiritual reading, as well as periods of recreation together. This calling both demands and supports the total gift of self to our loving God. Contact: Sr. Mary of St. Philip, O.C.D.; philipcarmelnh@gmx.co.uk; www.carmelnuns.org.uk. Member of Compass.

Augustinian Sisters (O.S.A.), Burgess Hill The Augustinian Order was founded in 1842 in Bruges, Belgium by Reverend Canon Peter John Maes who devoted his life to the care of the mentally ill. The Sisters of St. Augustine was re-formed in 1866 when it established its first home, St. George’s Retreat in Burgess Hill, Sussex, principally to care for the mentally and physically ill. The Sisters have continued to care for those that need it ever since. Today our Sisters work in our own houses in the Diocese of Plymouth, Northampton. We also have Sisters in Birmingham and Westminster still carrying on the vision of Canon Peter Maes. St. George’s is the Mother House, where the new care village and three care homes have been established. Contact: Sr. Miriam Condron, O.S.A.; sr.miriam@anh.org. uk; www.anh.org.uk. Member of Compass.

Bernardine Cistercians (O.Cist.) We are a monastic and international Order of women living according to the Rule of St. Benedict. We respond to the calls of the Church through our monastic life with our work of hospitality and education. The search for God in faith is the life-force of our whole day which is divided between prayer and work, lived out in a community united in love. Through lectio divina, personal prayer, the celebration of the Divine Office and the daily Eucharist, we nourish our life of prayer. Our monastic life calls for a certain withdrawal from the world, silence and asceticism which purifies the heart. We respond to the call of God who first loved us, by seeking him as followers of Christ through our vows of obedience, stability, and conversion of life, which include consecrated chastity and the renunciation of all personal property. We welcome women who feel called to a monastic vocation to come and see. Contact: Sr. Maria Whisstock, O.Cist.; srmariabernardine@yahoo. co.uk; bernardine.org. Member of Compass.

Carmelite Nuns (O.D.C.), Notting Hill The mission of the Carmelite is to enter, by the total gift of herself, into the saving mission of Christ, who gave himself for us that we might come to a fuller life in God. The Carmelite is one with all people, those who believe, those who search, and those who do not know that they are searching. She identifies with all that is worthy of humanity’s endeavour. Yet she is called to a life that is counter-cultural: to live quietly, against the background noise of the city; to live sparingly in an increasingly wasteful age; to live hidden in a competitive society; above all, to live lovingly in a violent world. In her contemplative prayer, the Carmelite carries the needs and hopes of every person before God, lifting the face of humanity to the Father, and opening her heart to be a channel of his outpouring love for all. Each sister works for the good of all and everything is held in common. While silence is maintained throughout the day as far as possible, this is balanced by two periods of recreation when the sisters come together to strengthen the bonds of community life. Contact: Sr. Patricia Mary ,O.C.D.; sistermarynh@gmail.com; carmelitesnottinghill.org.uk/. Member of Compass.

Carmelite Nuns (O.D.C.), Ware As Christians and Carmelites we try to follow Jesus Christ in faith, hope and love for the glory of God and for his reign on earth. The apostolic nature of our contemplative prayer gathers all engaged in the active ministry of the church (priests, theologians and lay persons) and places us at one with the needs and longings of the whole human family. Through the total gift of ourselves to God we strive under the Spirit’s action to establish a community of love. The Eucharist is the focal point of each day and is prolonged and renewed by the Liturgy of the Hours, a celebration of divine praise. Two hours daily are set aside for silent and solitary prayer and there is further time for spiritual reading. Through a careful balance between solitude and life in community and all that is required to earn our own living we try to give gospel values priority. “In the heart of mother Church I will be Love” This is St. Therese’s understanding of the life work of a Carmelite. Contact: Sr. Fiona Collins, O.C.D., prioress@warecarmel.com; www. warecarmel.com. Member of Compass.

Cenacle Sisters (r.c.) Cenacle Sisters are inspired “to work for the transformation of the world by awakening and deepening faith with and for the people of our time.” Our three-fold mission is lived out through Apostolic Service, Prayer, and Community Life. Apostolic Service of making Christ known and loved is carried out through a variety of ministries, retreats, spiritual direction, chaplaincies, and faith development. Prayer is at the center of the mystery of the Cenacle and our lives as Cenacle Sisters. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, prayer is at the heart of our ministry and our ministry inspires our prayer so that in all things Christ may be made known and loved. Community Life is where we come together and seek to have but one heart and soul. Our community of faith is gathered out of love for God, united in our mission, nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist so that we may have the grace of loving one another as Christ has loved us. Contact: Sr. Kate Stogdon, r.c.; katestogdon@ btinternet.com. Member of Compass.

Congregation of Jesus (C.J.) Despite centuries of struggle in a Church and a world unprepared for Mary Ward’s pioneering vision, sisters of the Congregation of Jesus today are fulfilling her Ignatian dream of women at the apostolic service of the Church and their fellow human beings all over the world. Formed in the tradition of St. Ignatius and the Spiritual Exercises we aspire to: • be “wholly God’s”—finding God in all things; • be “lovers of truth and workers of justice” in the light of the gospel; • live as companions of Jesus, sharing in His mission to our brothers and sisters. Whether by working in schools and universities, prisons or hospitals, spirituality centers or chaplaincies, through education, spiritual direction, social action for justice and hospitality we try to: • live with passion; • act with integrity; • pray with desire. Website: congregationofjesus.org.uk; email: vocations@congregatiojesu.org.uk; facebook. com/cjenglishprovince. Member of Compass.

(C.B.S.) Can you picture yourself as consecrated to God by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience? A compassionate, healing, and liberating presence caring for all of creation? One who finds God in relationships—within community, colleagues in ministry, in people served and in the world? A woman of deep faith and prayer anchored in God’s love? A sister to all—accompanying the poor and oppressed, the sick and dying, healing injustices, bringing a message of hope and wholeness, and revealing to people a God who loves them? If you see yourself as this woman, then explore a vocation with Sisters of Bon Secours. If you are a single, Catholic woman, age 18-50 with no dependents, becoming a sister is possible. In Great Britain, we use our gifts and talents in many settings, including parish ministry, ministry to the terminally ill, pastoral visitation of hospitals and nursing homes, and home visitation. How would you like to use your gifts for God? For more information, contact Sr. Bridget O’Sullivan, C.B.S. at brdgsullivan2@ gmail.com or UKBonSecours@gmail.com. Bon Secours means Good Help—share God’s good help. Contact: Sr. Bridget O’Sullivan, C.B.S.; brdgsullivan2@gmail.com; bonsecours.org/; or find us at www.facebook.com/UKSistersofBonSecours. Member of Compass.

Daughters of Charity (D.C.) We belong to an international Roman Catholic congregation of women founded by Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac. We are given to God in community for the service of people in need who are carrying the hardships and poverties of our times. Our “cloister is the streets of the city” and our Vincentian spirit is one of humility, simplicity, and charity. Love embraces social justice and we commit ourselves to work for social transformation to change the unjust structures that cause poverty. Community is an essential support for our way of life and our primary place of belonging. We live

together in community the better to fulfill our mission of service. It is a setting in which joy and affection nurture our human and spiritual growth as well as our apostolic creativity. Contact: Sr. Theresa Tighe, D.C.; vocations@dcmillhill.org; daughtersofcharity.org.uk/. Member of Compass.

(F.M.A.)—Salesian Sisters Our religious family has its origin in the heart and mind of St. John Bosco and the creative fidelity with which St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello and her sisters assumed the project he intended, that of being called Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The Salesian Sisters of the Province of St. Thomas of Canterbury feel strongly called to follow Jesus, dedicating our lives to God through service for others. The Salesian charism—our special gift and responsibility—is to reach out to the young offering friendship, support, and help for their journey through life, and especially looking out for those most in need. Community is a key value for us. We consider it important to live together as “family.” We encourage others to work with us for the good of the young, and most communities benefit by the presence of committed Salesian cooperators and co-workers. Contact: Sr. Pauline Clark, F.M.A.; paulinefma@googlemail.com; www.salesiansisters.org.uk. Member of Compass.

Daughters of St. Paul (F.S.P.) We are an international Catholic community of religious women dedicated to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our spirituality is nurtured by the Eucharist and the Word of God and expressed through our collaborative effort to present the living message of Christ in a way that is meaningful for people today. We are committed to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, through word, color, and sound in the spirit of the apostle Paul. We use all forms of communication, new and old, to enable people of every nation to find for themselves an answer to their hearts’ deepest questions. Contact: Sr. Germana Santos, F.S.P.; vocations@pauline-uk.org; www.paulineuk.org/ daughters-of-st-paul. Member of Compass.

Daughters of the Cross of Liege We are an international group of Roman Catholic women who have been called to understand and proclaim to others that the love of God has been revealed to us in the most striking way in the Passion and Death of Jesus. Our RESPONSE to this great love is to honor Christ by loving and serving Him above all in the poorest, weakest and most suffering people. Living in a religious community means choosing to live with God and with others, for God and for others. Today the Daughters of the Cross seek to build communities of faith, centered on the Eucharist and nourished by prayer, in order to fulfill the Congregation’s apostolic mission. Our ministries are many and varied. You will find us: visiting and caring for the sick and infirm; providing pastoral ministries in parishes, schools, and hospitals; and working for peace and justice. Contact: Sr. Patricia Ainsworth, F.C.; paainsworthfc@gmail. com; www.daughtersofthecross.org.uk. Member of Compass. Daughters of the Holy Spirit (D.H.S.) We are an international, Roman Catholic congregation founded in Brittany, in 1706, for the relief of the poor, the sick, and the education of children. Rooted in the Love of the Trinity and our readiness to be led by the Spirit, we find that source which enables us to serve our brothers and sisters. Our involvement in mission is often expressed through simple human gestures. We are a “Spiritual Family” consisting of Sisters—vowed and living in community; Consecrated Seculars—vowed single women living alone or with family or friends; and Associates—laypeople, married or single, male or female. We share the same charism, spirituality, and missionary thrust and strive to live Matthew 25: “I was hungry...” For us there is no mission without adoration, without calling upon the Spirit to renew the face of the earth. Contact: Sr. Patricia Purchase, D.H.S.; patapurchase@ hotmail.com; www.fillesstesprit.org. Member of Compass.

Daughters of Wisdom (D.W.) The Daughters of Wisdom Great Britain and Ireland are part of a worldwide family of women who endeavour to live the shared vision of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort and Blessed Marie Louise Trichet and reflect the Wisdom of Christ by showing immense love to wounded humanity. Though the Province traces its history back to 1891, the current work of the Daughters of Wisdom reflects creative and holistic approaches to the challenges of the 21st century. Projects include: a centre for people with intellectual disability; a conference venue and spirituality centre; a residential nursing home for the elderly and frail; and projects for the “out of home.” Daughters of Wisdom can also be found working in missions and parish ministries and with voluntary organizations. If you are interested in living this Wisdom spirituality and desire to live your life for God alone, please contact our vocation discernment team. Contact: Sr. Patricia Reilly, D.W.; preilly57@yahoo.co.uk; www.daughtersofwisdom.org.uk. Member of Compass.

(O.P.) We are passionate about our call to follow Christ and share in His mission. Through contemplative prayer and reflective study our minds are open to truth. We are a multicultural prophetic community who are committed to right relations with God, each other, society, and creation. Inspired by the zeal of Saint Dominic; we desire to bring the liberating message of the Gospel to a world searching for meaning and hope. This we do as Dominicans through various forms of the ministry of preaching, particularly in education and evangelization. We are sent out on our apostolate by the community and return to our communities to be refreshed by the prayers and goodwill of the community. We strive to share our faith and doubts with each other. In wrestling with the truth together we make sense of who we are, and what we are called to be in the light of the Gospel. Contact: ursula.horanop@googlemail.com; www.dominicansisters.co.uk. Member of Compass. Faithful Companions of Jesus (F.C.J.) Our vocation is simply to be Companions of Jesus, sharing in the mission of Jesus in the world. We are called to follow Jesus faithfully, willing to stand at the foot of the cross like Mary and the holy women. To be one with Jesus in his thirst for the coming of the Kingdom of God. We live an Ignatian spirituality and, as Faithful Companions of Jesus, our missionary spirit urges us to adapt our work to the changing needs of Society and to the culture in which we live. In a world often torn apart by violence and poverty we offer our whole selves for whatever God is asking of us. Contact: Sr. MaryAnne Francalanza, F.C.J.; maryannefcj@gmail.com; fcjsisters.org. Member of Compass.

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (F.M.M.) A specific missionary spirituality has been characteristic of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary since the beginning. This is an integrated way of living as Gospel witness and proclamation. It is centered in the Eucharist and follows the way of St. Francis of Assisi. At the heart of this spirituality is the image of Mary, Mother of Jesus, who gave herself totally to the plan of God for the life of the world. The FMM live and share together in community, where they seek to live a real communion with each other. Ecumenical collaboration and dialogue with all persons sincerely seeking truth and justice characterize their way of mission throughout the world. For that reason, the internationality among the FMM is a path and sign of communion in a world which is fragmented. This meeting of cultures lived in community is already the good news. Contact: Sr. Helen Fennell, F.M.M; fmmimesvoc@yahoo. co.uk; www.fmmii.org. Member of Compass.

erhood (F.M.D.M.) We are an International Religious Congregation of Catholic women who proclaim with their lives the joy and freedom of the Gospel in the spirit of Francis and Clare of Assisi. We share in Christ’s mission and witness to our charism by channelling our energies and resources primarily for the voiceless and the vulnerable in our beautiful but broken world. Our common vision of Gospel community flows into service through education, healthcare, social, pastoral, and spiritual support. As Franciscan women we commit ourselves to living as “sister” to all people and the whole of creation. Right relationships lie at the heart of our charism. We rejoice in our gifts of family, simplicity, and joy that permeate our communities. We are enriched by our cultural diversity. We value our personal and community prayer that nourishes us for the many ways in which we are called to serve God’s people. For any Catholic unmarried women ages 17 to 45, if you feel the desire to deepen your relationship with God or feel the need to discern what God might be asking of you, please contact us. There is generally a prayer, fellowship, and faith sharing at St. Clare’s Clapham Common every 3rd Saturday of the month. Contact: Sr. Jacinta Kow, F.M.D.M. jacintafmdm@gmail. com; www.fmdminternational.co.uk/. Member of Compass.

(O.S.B.) The Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Grace and Compassion was founded in 1954 and in 1978 became part of the Benedictine family. The Rule of St. Benedict is centered on Christ and aims at a balanced life. The main work of the congregation is hospitality, particularly in the care of the old, the sick, and the poor. We take as one of our vows that of “stability,” by which we promise to persevere in our monastic family. Everything is held in common. We obey the lawful commands of our superiors. We look for women who are sincerely seeking God, who have a love for the liturgy, who are generous, caring, with sound common sense, and in reasonable health. A sense of humor is an asset. Contact: carmel@ graceandcompassion.co.uk; graceandcompassionbenedictines.org.uk/. Member of Compass.

Handmaids of the Sacred Heart (A.C.I.) We were founded at the end of the 19th century, in Spain. The intention of the foundresses, Saint Raphaela Mary and her sister, Mother Pilar, was to create a family with a specific mission in the Church: to repair the Heart of Jesus, through a life centred on the Eucharistic celebration and Adoration. Our mission is mostly centred on education in the service of the gospel in schools, parishes, university residences, spirituality centres, and areas where there is deprivation. The wish to place Christ at the adoration of all peoples leads the sisters everywhere and to situations and places, where His Heart needs to be repaired. There are approximately 1000 Handmaids, in 130 communities, in 23 countries. Contact: Sr. Melita Ruffino, A.C.I.; melitarufino@gmail.com; http:// aciengland.org. Member of Compass.

Infant Jesus Sisters (I.J.S.) We are an international group of Catholic women religious serving in 16 countries. We desire to center ourselves in God, who is constantly creating and recreating all that lives. Our institute, founded in France in 1662, has always had a strong focus on mission, with sisters being trained to serve the needs of people in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. In collaboration with others, our current ministries include teaching, working with refugees and asylum seekers, visiting and supporting the “traveling community,” running a pony center, bereavement counseling, art therapy, awareness raising in the field of ecology and care of the earth, catechetical formation of children and adults, pastoral leadership in parishes, and many activities in the promotion of justice, peace, and integrity of creation. Contact: Sr. Kitty Ellard, I.J.S.; kittyijs@gmail.com; infantjesussisters.org. Member of Compass.

(I.B.VM.) We are an international, apostolic, women’s congregation founded in 1609 by Mary Ward. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola are central to our life, dedicated to sharing Christ’s mission in our world. Mary Ward realized that the Jesuit ‘pathway to God’ could be followed by women. We strive to live life to the full, being we aim to live this mission as: daughters of the Church and workers for unity who seek the Glory of God and the realization of the ultimate desire of Christ: “May they be one.” Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue are, therefore, foremost in all that we do. Our motto is: Thy Kingdom Come. Contact: Sr. Josephine Canny, O.A.; mnicannaid@ yahoo.ie; www.assumptionoblatesisters.org.uk/. Member of Compass.

‘such as we appear and appear such as we are...’ always reflecting her values: ‘freedom, justice and sincerity.’ The words on her tombstone: ‘To love the poor, live, die and rise with them...’ was all the aim of Mary Ward...’ guide our efforts to reflect in various ministries the preferential option for the poor. We seek to challenge unjust structures and respond to the needs around us. Priority for mission has implications for community life; we are often dispersed, united ‘in mind and heart’, sharing the One Mission of the Body of the Institute. Contact: Sr. Ewa Bem, I.B.V.M.; ewaibem@ gmail.com; www.ibvm.org. Member of Compass.

Little Company of Mary Sisters (L.C.M.) Inspired by the faith, courage, and initiative of the founder of the Little Company of Mary, Mary Potter, we are women of many nations who have heard a call in our lives to “FOLLOW JESUS”, in the spirit of Mary the Mother of Jesus. We simply believe beyond belief that our small talents and our capacity to love and serve echo the love and service Jesus gave to those he encountered in His life. As vowed women within the Catholic Church, we are to see and act through the lens of justice, to make visible the truth that all women and men are to share the fruits of God’s graciousness in Jesus. The ways we do is this through prayer for the dying; hospital/hospice/parish visits; bereavement support; spiritual direction; support of the elderly in their own homes; working with the homeless; school chaplaincy. To find out more about joining us as a Sister, please contact: Sr. Anita MacDonald, L.C.M.; anitamac90@btinternet.com; lcmsisters. org.uk. Member of Compass.

Little Sisters of the Poor (L.S.P.) In 181 homes for the aged in 31 countries, the Little Sisters repeat the founding gesture of Jeanne Jugan: that of receiving the aged in need, caring for them until death, loving them, and serving them in an evangelical atmosphere mindful of authentic respect for life. Each Little Sister draws from her life of prayer the desire to live the spirit of the Beatitudes in humility, simplicity, and confidence in God. The joyous service of the elderly, sealed by a fourth vow of hospitality, is accomplished together in united, international communities. Why not explore the way in which you can live in the light of the gospel message through prayer and service to the elderly? Contact: Sr. Caroline Mary Lloyd, l.s.p.; mp.lond@lsplondon.co.uk; www. littlesistersofthepoor.co.uk. Member of Compass.

Presentation Sisters (P.B.V.M.) As a religious community, we commit ourselves to deepening our relationship with God, supporting each other, and continuing the Mission of Jesus. At the heart of Presentation Spirituality is compassion and hospitality. We are called to a reflective way of living in which our prayer moves us to action and our action to prayer. Nano Nagle, our foundress, began her work of liberation of the poor in Cork, Ireland, in a setting of political oppression, displacement of people, economic and social injustice, and deprivation of human rights. She brought to the sad reality of her day all that a person can ever bring—her own response made in faith to God, whom she knew to be present in each human life. Inspired by her example, other women, in circumstances at once amazingly different and similar, have down the centuries, brought to the developing story their own unique contribution in every continent. Contact: Sr. Catherine O’Neill, P.B.V.M.; catherine. pbvm@blueyonder.co.uk; pbvm.org. Member of Compass.

Religious of the Assumption (R.A.) Founded by St. Marie Eugenie Milleret, contemplative prayer is the source and strength of our community life and our mission. Each day we gather together for the Liturgy of the Hours, to celebrate the Eucharist, and for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We are educators by vocation, seeking to make Jesus Christ and his Church known and loved. Convinced that each of us has a mission on earth, through our diverse educational ministries we help each person discover the contribution they are called to make to the building up of God’s Kingdom and the transformation of society. Founded in 1839 we are an international Congregation, present in 34 countries. Contact: Sr. Maureen Connor, R.A.; maureen_ra@yahoo. com; www.assumptionreligious.org. Member of Compass.

Oblates of the Assumption Missionary Sisters (O.A.)The Oblates of the Assumption live and work in over 20 countries worldwide. We live lives of Contemplation in action; driven by a love of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Church (to be deepened continually and taken “to the world”). We live in international and intergenerational communities; with an ardent desire for the Coming of God’s Kingdom: within us, between us, around us. We are open to the modern world with a passion for mission; in collaboration with our Brothers: the Augustinians of the Assumption (with whom we share the same founder). Faithful to the spirit of our founder, Emmanuel d’Alzon,

Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux (C.S.F.B.) The Holy Family was founded in 1820 by Pierre Noailles, a priest of Bordeaux. Our Family is characterized by its inclusive nature, incorporating Apostolic and Contemplative sisters who together form a Religious Institute; an Institute of Consecrated Seculars; Priest Associates and Men and Women Lay Associates. We are present on five continents and have communities in 24 countries throughout the world. In our diverse ministries, we continue the mission of Jesus who came to bring good news to the poor and to gather all God’s children into one family. We model our lives on the Holy

Family of Nazareth and the first Christians who had but one heart and one mind. Our spirituality calls us to choose life and to live in communion with God and the entire cosmic family. Together we form a sacred community of life whose source is our Trinitarian God. Contact: Sr. Maria Crowley, C.S.F.B., maria.crowley1@ btinternet.com; www.holyfamilybordeaux.org. Member of Compass.

(S.H.J.M.) As Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, we follow Christ who is always to be found in those places where pain, hunger, intolerance, and hatred tear people apart. We are particularly sensitive to women and children; people with special needs; and to vulnerable and marginalized people who are denied the fullness of life. Our communities strive to be places of hospitality, where forgiveness and healing are ongoing, and each person’s culture, gifts, and talents are acknowledged, respected, and celebrated. In keeping with our Mission Statement we are called to help shape communities of gentleness, justice, and peace that witness to the healing, liberating, and empowering love of God. Our home base is in Ireland and the UK, with over 20 communities spread across these isles. Our sisters also serve in the U.S., South America, Africa, and Asia. Contact: Sr. Maria Holly, S.H.J.M.; mariahollyshjm@ gmail.com; www.sacredheartsjm.org. Member of Compass.

tian Instruction The apostolic zeal of Gabriel Deshayes and the openness of Michelle Guillaume to the will of God led to the birth of our Congregation in Beignon - Brittany on the 8th November 1820. The spiritual experience of our founders has become for each of us today, a light by which we respond to our vocation in the Church and in the world. Our mission is to witness to Jesus Christ and to proclaim the Gospel. Our first task in the Church and in the world is to be humble witnesses of the love of God. The power of the Gospel message is an invitation to reach out from wherever we are to those who are most affected by injustice and poverty. Today in England, France, Ireland, Africa and Mexico small communities of sisters live in rural areas or small towns, in suburbs, town centers or on housing estates. Activities and professions are varied: Education, social work, care of the sick and elderly, pastoral work, in all its forms. Contact: Sr. Ann O’Sullivan, I.C.S.G.; anncatherineosullivan@gmail.com; sistersofstgildas.org.uk. Member of Compass.

Sisters of Nazareth (C.S.N.) As religious women our first desire is to seek God, becoming one with him, taking on his mind and his way of life. We then live out our consecration through the various ministries (services) that enable us to present the love of Christ to all. For more than 150 years, inspired by our foundress Victoire Larmenier, we have been supporting and caring for those in need, from the beginning of life, through our ministries of childcare and education, to the later years, through residential care services and independent living and other ministries in keeping with our spirit. We strive to live our core values of love, compassion, patience, respect, justice, and hospitality. These values are the heart of our professional expertise, making each Nazareth House a place of peace. Contact: Sr. Frances Kelly, C.S.N.; FCKell@tiscali.co.uk; www.sistersofnazareth.com. Member of Compass.

(S.N.D.deN.) Saint Julie Billiart founded the Sisters of Notre Dame to make known God’s goodness, especially among the poorest and most abandoned people. Today, Sisters in Britain find themselves engaged in a wide and rich variety of ministries. The sisters contribute to the pastoral work in many dioceses in England and Scotland and to projects for the poor and marginalised around the country. Many sisters have chosen to work with the homeless, asylum seekers, refugees, and others in need of help and support. Other sisters are engaged in work with interfaith groups, spiritual direction, retreat work, and various forms of therapy and counselling work. We too strive to be women of prayer, who seek in every aspect of our lives to be united with God and to be responsive to the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of love. Contact: Sr. Elizabeth Brady, S.N.D.deN.; elizabeth.brady@sndden.org; www.snduk.org. Member of Compass.

(R.N.D.M.) We are committed in a special way to working with women and the young because we believe that when you educate women, you help to educate families and build a better world. We allow ourselves to be called to account by the Gospel and to respond with responsibility and prophetic ardour similar to those which animated our founder, Euphrasie Barbier. In the light of reflection and research in today’s Church, we are convinced that mission demands solidarity on the one hand and, on the other, a change of direction in the name of the Gospel. The possibilities for ministry here are limitless. At present our apostolic involvement includes teaching, retreat work, parish ministry, adult education, social work, mission appeals, work with immigrants and refugees, care of the elderly, hospital and hospice chaplaincy, working with the homeless, and hospitality for student sisters from Bangladesh, Kenya, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Contact: Sr. Mary Frances Collet, R.N.D.M.; mcollet4@gmail.com; www.rndm.org. Member of Compass.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (C.S.J.P.) “We want brave, noble, large-minded, and courageous souls.” Those attributes, written by Founder, Mother Clare in 1887, are among those we seek in new members today as our Congregation recommits to Jesus’ way of radical hospitality. Contemplative discernment and our charism of peace through justice compel us to expand and create new ministries not just “for” but “with” people who’ve been pushed to the margins. Called to carry on the mission of Jesus, we practice hospitality, nonviolence and care for creation. Recalling Jesus’ identification with the prophetic tradition, we develop a critical, sensitive conscience regarding religious, social, cultural, economic and political realities. Prayer is fundamental to our life. Our presence to one another in community enables, sustains, and challenges us to be responsive to our mission. Our sisters and associates minister in education, health care, social justice, parish ministry, spiritual direction and peace ministry in the U.S., U.K., and Haiti. Contact: Sr. Maureen Brennan, C.S.J.P., maureenbrennancsjp@gmail. com; www.csjp.org. Member of Compass. Code #406.

Society of the Holy Child Jesus (S.H.C.J.) We are an international community of Catholic women religious committed to Christ, living their consecrated life in the spirit of the Society founded by Cornelia Connelly in 1846. We believe that God has chosen to need women and men in every age to reveal God’s love as Jesus did. We serve in a variety of educational, pastoral, social, legal and spiritual ministries, through which we continue our mission to help others understand that God lives and acts in them and in our world and to rejoice in God’s presence. Trust and reverence for individual dignity and God’s loving mercy for the human family and for all creation mark our lives and our work wherever we are. Contact: Sr. Anne Stewart;, S.H.C.J.; anne. stewart@hotmail.co.uk.; www.shcj.org/vocation. Member of Compass.

Society of the Sacred Heart (R.S.C.J.) The Society of the Sacred Heart is an international congregation of some 2,700 women in 42 different countries of the world. Sharing the spirit of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, we are united in our mission: to deepen our understanding of God’s love and to discover and reveal that love to the world, through service with the hearts of educators. Religious of the Sacred Heart share life together in small communities and seek, though prayer and contemplation, to be drawn ever more deeply into the Heart of God. United to God’s Heart we are challenged to make choices for justice in response to the Gospel and the needs of the world. Contact: Sr. Barbara Sweeney, R.S.C.J.; bswe915436@aol.com; societysacredheart.org. uk/; www.societyofthesacredheartvocations.org. uk/. Member of Compass.

Ursuline Sisters (O.S.U., Brentwood We belong to a worldwide network of Ursuline sisters founded by Angela Merici. St. Angela had a particular concern for the development and fulfillment of women. Her zeal for serving those in need continues to inspire us today. Our sisters work in education, day-care centres, hospice, refugee centres, prison and hospital chaplaincy, parish ministry, with the Travelling community, and in one-to-one accompaniment. We come from many differing backgrounds, but all of us share a desire to bring Christ to the world by a consecrated life lived in community, prayer, and work. We set our entire lives aside for the service of God. In chastity we commit ourselves fully so that we are centred on Christ, through poverty we aim to live simply and have our goods in common, and by obedience we commit ourselves to putting the good of the order above our personal demands. Contact: margaret@ ursulinesistersbrentwood.org; www.ursulines. co.uk/brentwood.htm. Member of Compass.

Ursulines of Jesus (U.J.) Ursulines of Jesus is an international congregation of women religious, founded in France in 1802 by Fr. Louis M. Baudouin. Today, we are present in Africa, Madagascar, Latin America, Europe, including UK and Ireland. Our ministries include education and healthcare, parish pastoral, catechesis, spiritual and vocational accompaniment, hospital and university chaplaincy, and counselling/psycho-therapy. Through our charism, calling us to a life of Adoration of Jesus, the Incarnate Son of God, we seek to live close to the poor; to see Him in every human face, serving Him above all in those who are marginalized. Contact: Sr. Agnes Cullen, U.J.; agnescuj@gmail.com; www. ursulinesjesus.org; Member of Compass.

bey Benedictine monastic life was instituted in the Church in the sixth century; to this day, monks follow the Holy Rule as our response to Christ’s call. Monks listen to Christ through Church teaching, through the Scriptures, and through the Abbot and Community. Our response is the obedience of community living, the stability of community prayer and the conversion of mutual service. At Worth Abbey, 20 monks sing daily Mass and the full Divine Office of the Church in the Abbey church, and, as witnesses to the eternal truths of God, practice lectio divina of scripture and private mental prayer. We follow the monastic tradition of earning our own living through educational and pastoral works, offering hospitality to guests and, by our communal way of life, stand out against worldliness and social disharmony. Worth Abbey is a monastery of the English Benedictine Congregation, and a member of the worldwide Benedictine Confederation. Contact: Fr. Mark Barrett, O.S.B.; jmbarrett@ worth.org.uk; www.worthabbey.net. Member of Compass.

[De La Mennais Brothers] The Brothers of Christian Instruction, also known as the De La Mennais Brothers, is a teaching order founded by Fr. Jean-Marie de la Mennais with Fr. Gabriel Deshayes in 1819 to teach the poor children of Brittany in Western France who had not had the chance to go to school nor to learn about their faith due to the social upheaval caused by the French Revolution in 1789. Father De La Mennais gave the new congregation the motto, “Dieu Seul” (D.S.), which means “For God Alone.” The Brothers are now in 26 countries around the world, including France, Uganda, Chile, Japan, England, Italy, the U.S., and Indonesia. Wherever they are their aim remains that of their founder: to educate the young and to “make Jesus Christ better known and better loved.” Contact: Br. James Hayes, F.I.C.; bro_james@me.com; www. brojames.blogspot.co.uk. Member of Compass.

the mission of making the compassionate love of Christ real and tangible in the lives of young people since our foundation in Lyon, France in 1821. Our brothers can be found in 32 countries around the world ministering as teachers, administrators, coaches, campus ministers, and counselors in schools of all types. We also have brothers serving youth in colleges, prisons, parishes, literacy centers, and in third-world missions around the globe. We have the Loving Heart of Jesus as our focal point; his compassion enriches our prayer life and mission. He calls us to live as brothers: encouraging and supporting each other in community. Contact: Br. Daniel St. Jacques, S.C.; dansty2@gmail.com;. brothersofthesacredheart.org. Member of Compass.

(O.F.M.Cap.) In a time when reform was needed within both the church and the Franciscan family, Matteo Bassi, a friar, sought a life away from possessions, position, and wealthy benefactors to spend a life as a hermit, with the externals of coarse habit, long hood (capuce: hence “Capuchin”), and bare feet. He and his companions were established in 1543. Today there are 10,500 Capuchin friars throughout the world. The local Capuchin community normally consists of four to six friars living together, dependent on each other for prayer, meals, and recreation together and to fulfill the various duties of each place: study, pastoral work, office work, retreats and missions, vocational work, the sacrament of reconciliation, lecturing, care for people who come to the friary, and chaplaincy work for hospitals, prisons, and schools, among others. Contact: Br. Zbigniew Fryska, O.F.M.Cap; cap. vocations@btinternet.com; www.capgb.org/ vocation. Member of Compass.

Christian Brothers (C.F.C.) The Congregation of Christian Brothers was founded by Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice (1762-1844), a lay businessman, in 1802. He began his work in Waterford, Ireland, where his particular concern was the plight of Catholics who had been excluded from education because of the penal laws in force at the time. By the end of the 19th century the Congregation had grown steadily in membership and Brothers had moved to many different countries around the world. Today, Christian Brothers live in a faith community. They engage with people in their daily lives, often in the context of education and faith journey, but also as community workers, youth workers, and teachers. They are committed to being with poor people in their struggles, and in their desire for a better life. A Brother is committed to: spiritual search, life in community, and service of others, especially the poor. Contact: Br. Dominic Sassi, C.F.C.; cbsvocations1762@gmail.com; christianbrothervocation.org. Member of Compass.

Passionists The Passionists are a Catholic Religious Order of Pontifical Right founded by St. Paul of the Cross in Italy in 1720. Passionist priests, brothers, nuns, sisters and laypeople proclaim God’s love for the world revealed through the Passion of Jesus Christ and carry a message of compassion and hope to 61 countries throughout the world. Our mission aims at evangelizing by means of the Word of the Cross. In England and Wales Passionist ministry started with the peaching of retreats and missions, other ministries developed after Vatican II, including the Inner City Mission, our primary mission now, where Passionists of St. Joseph Province live and work among people of deprived areas. Contact: Fr. Martin Newell, C.P.; vocations@ passionists-uk.org; www.passionists-uk.org. Member of Compass.

Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D.) The British Region of Discalced Carmelites have communities in London, Oxford and Bucks. It is a large international Order founded by St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, dedicated to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, whose virtues of faith and service we strive to imitate. We find our inspiration in the Prophet Elijah, who burned with zeal for the Lord. We live in small communities, nurtured by the Word of God, dedicated to prayer and apostolic service. We are called to union with God through friendship with Christ and each other; to a life of prayer and service to the Church and world. Contact: Fr. John McGowan, O.C.D.; johnmcgowan50@gmail.com; www.carmelitevocation.ie. Member of Compass.

(O.H.) Worldwide over 1,230 Brothers live and work within 25 provinces across five continents. The Province of Saint John of God comprises Great Britain, Ireland, New Jersey, and Malawi where the Brothers fulfill a variety of roles in governance, leadership, and pastoral and hands-on support. Most importantly they are the guardians and promoters of the story of Saint John of God, his life, and his charism, keeping alive his mission in 53 countries today. The Brothers profess the three vows of religious life which are traditional within the church: poverty, chastity, and obedience. To these they add a fourth vow of hospitality. By this fourth vow they give their lives over to the service of the poor and broken in society, just as Saint John of God had done before them. Contact: Br. Ronan Lennon, O.H.; vocations@sjog.ie; www.saintjohnofgod.org/vocations.php. Member of Compass.

Jesuits (S.J.), Society of Jesus Founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, and living in the spirit of his Spiritual Exercises, we are servants of Christ participating in the Church’s overall mission of evangelization. We seek to proclaim Christ’s love by our service of the poor and our work for justice. We seek to uncover His presence in our world through our engagement with culture and through dialogue with men and women of other faiths. We seek to promote His kingdom by being instruments of reconciliation, in humanity’s relationship with God, with creation, and amongst peoples. We are sent to where the needs are greatest, and in particular to the frontiers where faith and culture meet,

where peoples of different faiths and no faith encounter one another. We receive particular missions entrusted to us by the Pope for the service of the Church. Contact: Fr. Matthew Power, S.J.; matthew.power@jesuits.net; jesuit. org.uk. Member of Compass.

Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (M.S.C.) We are priests and brothers trying to be and bring the message of God’s love to the world. Usually living as part of a community, we share our talents, time, and resources together and have others to support, encourage, and challenge us. We live lives marked by prayer (personally and as a community); ministries of service; and the vows of celibacy, obedience, and poverty. As an M.S.C. you could be serving a parish, teaching at university or school, sitting with the sick or their family as hospital chaplain, running a youth club, at development work in a mission country, guiding people through a retreat, lending a listening ear as a counsellor, helping people through the high of their wedding day or the low of a bereavement, and many other things in between. We are active in 54 countries. Contact: Fr. Alan Neville, M.S.C., Vocations Director, vocations@mscmissions. ie; www.mscmissions.ie/. Member of Compass.

Carmelite Sisters (C.S.S.T.) The Delgany Carmelites are a community of eight sisters, living within a monastic structure whose origins lie in the 13th century, yet they want to revive the world. Their existence is relatively unknown and unseen, yet they want to influence thought and understanding. Personal material possessions do not matter to them, yet they want full and satisfied hearts. They have no part in organized political or cultural debate, but they can help shape ideologies. Their monastic lives are ordinary and extraordinary, they are confident and hesitant, faithful and faltering. Their encounters with paradox show them how to make sense of themselves before God. The Delgany Carmelites characterise their monasticism as an act of deep listening: to God, to one another and to the needs of the world around them. Contact us for a Monastic Weekend Experience. Sr. Monica Lawless, C.S.S.T.; Carmelite Monastery, Delgany, Greystones, Co. Wicklow; contact@ carmelitemonasterydelgany.ie; carmelitemonasterydelgany.ie/. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Cistercian Nuns, Glencairn Abbey, We are a Roman Catholic contemplative community of nuns, belonging to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (O.C.S.O.). We dedicate ourselves to the worship of God in a hidden life in the monastery under the Rule of St. Benedict. We take vows of stability, obedience, and conversion of life in this community that is a school of love. The Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, manual labour, service of the community, and hospitality are the main elements that make up our daily monastic life. The monastic values of silence, solitude, simplicity, and appreciation of the natural beauty that surrounds us undergirds our life of contemplation and witness to the Gospel. Contact: Sr. Sarah Branigan, O.C.S.O, vocations@glencairnabbey.org; www.glencairnabbey. org. More at VocationsIreland.com

Redemptorists, (C.Ss.R.) As an international Catholic religious congregation, our presence is felt in every corner of the world, working and ministering in 79 countries. Motivated by St. Alphonsus, our founder, bishop and Doctor of the Church, in whatever way we can, we try to bring Jesus our Redeemer into the very heart of daily life. Whether in working with those searching for a deeper understanding of faith, or celebrating the liturgy each day in our parishes, preaching parish missions, leading retreats or encountering people in the inner city, we offer people a new and exciting glimpse of a loving Father who calls us by name. In community we pray, live, work, and play. We have a passion for the Gospel and we have a passion for people. We seek to bring these two passions together. Contact: Fr. Richard Reid, C.Ss.R.; richard.reid@redemptorists.co.uk; www.redemptorists.co.uk. Member of Compass.

Servite Friars (O.S.M.) Before the Servites ever existed as an official religious Order, seven prosperous men came together in the city of Florence, Italy. As a reflection of the penitential spirit of the times, it had been the custom of these men to meet regularly as members of a religious society established in honor of Mary, the Mother of God. Eventually, the seven left their comfortable homes, put aside their finery and went to live together in a ramshackle building. Today Servite Friars are found in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. From a humble beginning we have been blessed with a long and rich history. Like our Seven Founders, we go where the needs of God’s people demand and seek the perfection of the Gospel way of life under the protection of Mary, the Mother and Servant of the Lord. Contact: Fr. Gabriel Bannon, O.S.M., gb97220@gmail.com; www.servitefriars. org. Member of Compass.

Daughters of Charity (D.C.) The Daughters of Charity are an international community of apostolic life. Founded by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac in 1633 in France, they first came to Ireland in 1855 when the country was still recovering from the effects of the Famine. Today the Irish Province of the Daughters of Charity comprises 27 houses across the country and five in Kenya. The Irish Province also fostered the growth of the now thriving Province of Nigeria. In addition to Kenya Irish sisters are also on mission in Nigeria and Ethiopia. Worldwide there are about 18,832 Daughters of Charity in some 91 countries in all five continents. We have special relationship with the other Vincentian organizations, whose members live their commitment in the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. Contact: Sr. Carmel Ryan, D.C., St. Catherine’s Provincial House, Dunardagh, Blackrock, Co. Dublin; carmelryandc@eircom.net; www.daughtersofcharity.ie. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Dominican Sisters (O.P.), Cabra We Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Catherine of Sienna, Cabra, are a small congregation with mission areas in South Africa, Latin America, Ireland, Louisiana, and a Trust (Fundação) in Lisbon. We strive to be faithful to Saint Dominic’s dream of bringing the Gospel to the people. Our thought is centred on the Incarnation, the coming of God into our world to fully share our humanity. This leads to a strong devotion to Jesus, a high value on human life, and seeing good in all created things. Our motto is: ‘To praise, to bless, to proclaim.” Our spirit is positive, joyful, and celebratory. We are searchers for God and for truth. We live in communion, sharing all we are and have with each other, supporting each other. We are contemplatives, praying together in community each day. We are preachers with a mission to evangelise, teach and liberate people. Join us! Contact: Sr. Fionnuala Quinn, O.P.; domsvocation@gmail.com; www.dominicansisters.com. More at VocationsIreland.com

(F.M.S.A.) The Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa is an international missionary congregation founded by Teresa Kearney, more commonly known as Mother Kevin or Mama Kevina. As members of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi, our vocation is be women of faith, consecrated to God in a community of love, joy, and simplicity. Impelled by the love of Christ, we are ready to be sent on mission. We respond with courage and zeal to the real needs of God’s people. We approach the people of God with Reverenceso that together we may grow in the fullness of the Gospel. We currently have members in Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, America, Ireland, Scotland, and England. Africa has always been the major focus for our work, but wherever we are, we have a particular concern for the most needy and marginalized members of society. Contact: Sr. Felicia Matola, F.M.S.A., 142 Raheny Road, Raheny, Dublin 5, Ireland; famatola@eircom.net; www.fmsa.net. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Little Company of Mary (L.C.M.) Founded in England in 1877 by Venerable Mary Potter, the first Irish community of the Little Company of Mary was formed in 1888 with the opening of St. John’s Hospital in Limerick. From the beginning, Irish women committed themselves to the vision of the founder and have sought to create a world in which every human person receives the care and love they need to become whole in body, mind, and spirit. Prayer and care for the sick and dying permeates all our ministries. The sisters today are involved in many different ministries, all of them grounded in prayer, community, and Marian spirituality. Life in the L.C.M. brings happiness and fulfillment as well as challenges, adventure, and encounters with other cultures. The diversity of our backgrounds, cultures, and talents enriches the whole congregation. Contact: Sr. Una Boland, L.C.M., Lima, College Road, Fermoy, Co. Cork; unaboland@yahoo. ie; www.lcm.ie. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Medical Missionaries of Mary (M.M.M.) We are an international congregation of women religious, founded by Mother Mary Martin in Nigeria, in 1937. Desiring to share Christ’s healing love, we bring health services to people of different cultures where human needs are great. MMMs are serving in 14 countries around the world, including our newest mission in the Republic of South Sudan. Sisters are trained in a variety of health-related professions. With Mary as our model, our special concern is the care of mother and child and the fostering of family life. In a world deeply and violently divided, we are women on fire with the healing love of God. Engaging our own pain and vulnerability, we go to peoples of different cultures, where human needs are greatest. Our belief in the interrelatedness of God’s creation urges us to embrace holistic healing and to work for reconciliation, justice and peace. Contact: Sr. Rita Kelly, M.M.M.; ritakelly.mmm@gmail.com; www.mmmworldwide.org. More at VocationsIreland.com.

(O.L.A.) We are contemplatives in action: finding God in all things and all things in God. We joyfully consecrate our lives to God for the proclamation of the Gospel. We work in 19 countries across three continents and take part directly in the mission of the Church by working for the construction of a new world according to God’s plan, particularly in Africa. Our ministries include education, health, development, inter-religious dialogue, and pastoral care. Promoting women, children, and the marginalized is a priority in all we do. In solidarity with like-minded people, we engage in nonviolent action for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. We invite young women who feel that God may be calling them to be a missionary sister to have the courage and faith to answer that call and become an O.L.A. Contact: Sr. Mary Crowley, O.L.A.; crowleyola@yahoo.com; www. olaireland.ie. More at VocationsIreland.com

Spirit (S.Sp.S.) We find our prayer time with Jesus a sustaining source of joy and strength. We live in international communities and are ready to serve anywhere in the world. We see all missionary activity as the work of the Holy Spirit and place ourselves under his guidance. We believe that “Missionaries are ambassadors of divine love. They are to reveal the great deeds of God and establish the kingdom of divine love”, St. Arnold Janssen (Founder). We try to adapt to the culture of the people among whom we live. We are 3,100 sisters working in 50 countries around the world. Contact: Sr. Carmen Lee S.Sp.S., 143 Philipsburgh Avenue, Fairview, Dublin 3; eng.com@worldssps.org; www.sspsei.org. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Poor Clares (P.C.C.), Carlow We observe the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, without anything of one’s own, in chastity and enclosure. The holiness of our foundress St. Clare was so manifest that when giving sworn evidence in the process of her canonisation only two years after her death in 1253, the sisters stated that it would be impossible to recount her virtues fully. The Pope himself honoured her by coming to her death bed in Assisi. Clare thought of her sisters as ”co-workers with God and a support for the frail and failing members of His Glorious Body.” This is our vocation as Poor Clares, and we rejoice in it. Prayer carries into every moment of our lives. It is like the golden thread running through the design of an exquisite piece of embroidery; it unifies the whole to create a work of art called contemplative life. Contact: Sr. Rosario, P.C.C.; poorclaresvoc@gmail.com; www. poorclarescarlow.ie. More at VocationsIreland.com

East We Three hundred years ago, our foundress, Nano Nagle was born in Ireland. Her global vision and creative endeavours have led to her legacy inspiring compassionate Gospel services around the globe today. We are a community of women whose lives are rooted in stillness and contemplation that enables us to develop caring and meaningful relationships in education, community outreach, innovative justice interventions, and international missionary service. We are committed to living sustainably and to promoting justice, peace, and nonviolence in all settings where we form community. Inspired by the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, we seek to be heart-centered women, developing caring and meaningful relationships especially with those who are poor, marginalised or voiceless. We invite women, single or single-again, ages 25-50, who desire to experience a dynamic, global community to contact Sr. Bernadette Flanagan, P.B.V.M., Acorn Centre, Warrenmount, Blackpitts, Dublin 8; bernadette@presprone.com; www.presentationsistersne.ie. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Religious Sisters of Charity (R.S.C.) The Religious Sisters of Charity were founded in Dublin in 1815 by Mary Aikenhead, a woman of great faith whose dream was to give to people who were poor the things people with money could buy. Today, we continue to live out her dream in Ireland, England, Scotland, Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, California, and Australia. Strengthened by vowed consecration, nurtured by prayer and the Eucharist, sustained by community living, we bring God’s love and compassion to those who are most in need. We take four vows: chastity, poverty, obedience, and service to the poor—a vow that is specific to our congregation. Our motto Caritas Christi Urget Nos (“The Love of Christ urges us on”) is taken from the second letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians. To learn more about us, contact: Sr. Rita Wynne, R.S.C.; ritawynnersc@eircom.net. Our Lady’s Mount, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6; ReligiousSistersOfCharity.ie. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Sisters of Bon Secours (C.B.S.) The Sisters of Bon Secours came from Paris to Dublin in 1961. The sisters established their first hospital in Cork in 1915. Later other hospitals were opened in Tralee, Glasnevin, and Galway, and a long term care facility in Cork. Bon Secours Health System was formed in 1993 to continue the mission of Good Help by providing quality care with our traditional values. Today, the Sisters of Bon Secours in Ireland minister in the Dioceses of Cork and Ross, Cloyne, Kerry, Galway, Kildare/Leighlin, Down/Connor, and the Archdiocese of Dublin. Ministries include: healthcare, pastoral services, addiction counseling, adult literacy, parish sisters, evangelization, and home visitation. If you can picture yourself as a sister to all, accompanying the poor and oppressed, the sick and the dying, healing injustices, bringing a message of hope and wholeness, and revealing to people a God who loves them, then explore a vocation with us. Contact: Anne Marie Whelan, C.B.S.; awhelan@congregation.bonsecours.ie; www. bonsecours.org. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Sisters of Marie Reparatrice The Sisters of Marie Reparatrice are an international community of vowed women religious serving in 23 countries. We are called to live and reveal the tenderness of God’s love for the world, in a spirit of reparation with Mary. Eucharistic Adoration is a particular form of our prayer. Our apostolic ministries vary according to the context in which we live, such as pastoral ministry, catechesis, chaplaincy and retreat ministry. Like Mary of Nazareth and Emilie d’Oultremont d’Hooghvorst, our foundress, in a world full of challenges, we sisters desire to live and to generate life fully everywhere and always, with a spirit of hope and courage, seeking healing, justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. Contact: Sr. Julie Buckley, Marie Reparatrice Sisters, 29, Brackenstown Village, Swords, Co. Dublin; julierbuckley@eircom. net; www.smr.org. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Sisters of Mercy (R.S.M.) The Sisters of Mercy were founded in Dublin, Ireland, by Catherine McAuley in 1831. Our founding call is to bring God’s compassionate love to the world and this continues to be our ongoing call wherever we are today. Our mercy mission is rooted in our relationship with God and this is nurtured through our lives of prayer and contemplation. We love and work in many countries worldwide in areas of great poverty and need. We are very conscious and attentive to the care of planet earth. We work in collaboration with our Mercy Associates and lay colleagues in our endeavors to reach out to those in need. Our life in community is constant support as we continue to live an authentic Mercy way of Life. If you would like further information about the Sisters of Mercy, please visit our website, www.sistersofmercy.ie. Or contact Sr. Martina Sheridan, R.S.M.; email: westprovvocations@gmail.com; More at VocationsIreland.com.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny (S.J.C.) Cluny Sisters have a MISSIONARY CALL and are thus in mission around the world....standing in solidarity with the ‘other’ wherever there is a little good to be done. We seek: • To know and do the Holy Will of God through discernment and total availability. • To sow seeds of hope and compassion reaping a harvest of liberation and justice. • To be a sign for our world through community life....a place of personal growth, spiritual support, conversion and pardon, discernment, shared

mission and caring. • To be grounded in prayer and contemplatives in action....celebrating and nurturing our relationship with God in many different ways. Contact: Sr. Peggy McLoughlin, S.J.C., Cluny House 1, Beechwood Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, peggy_mcloughlin@hotmail. com; www.sjc.ie. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Sisters of the Holy Family of St. Emilie We are an international congregation, founded at Villefranche-de-Rouergue by St. Emilie de Rodat. Our aim is to imitate Jesus of Nazareth in today’s world, revealing God’s tenderness and love. Personal and community prayer nourishes our hope and helps us to be contemplatives in action. Community life is very important. From it we derive joy and strength for our apostolic activities. Our forms of presence and service are varied. Our range of activities worldwide are: teaching; nursing; parish ministry; counseling; guided prayer; spiritual direction; social work; ecumenism; chaplaincy; work in schools, hospitals, prisons, nursing homes; pastoral work with the elderly, homeless people, gypsies, and women in need. In Ireland we have a small community in Tullamore. Our main ministry is prayer. The House of Formation for Ireland and England is in London. Contact: Sr. Mary Fahy, 61 Carowmore Meadows, Knock, Co. Mayo; josephine.harney@yahoo.com; holyfamilysisters.org.uk. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Ursuline Sisters (O.S.U.) We are women of all ages who have responded to a personal invitation from Christ to dedicate our lives to Him as Ursuline Sisters. We continue to live the vision of Angela Merici, an innovative woman who in 1535 saw a new way for women to consecrate their lives to God while continuing to live in the heart of family and society. Our primary mission is to realize God’s love for us, to offer our love in return, and to share that love with all whom we encounter. We have ministries in the areas of education; health care; pastoral work in parishes and dioceses; prayer, retreat, spiritual direction and counselling; work with marginalized people – the poor, prisoners, the homeless, and immigrants. The constant mission underpinning all our ministries is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all people. Contact: Sr. Karen Kent, O.S.U.; karenkent64@gmail.com; www. ursulines.ie. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Augustinians (O.S.A.) The key elements of the Augustinian tradition include: A strong sense of Christian community and friendship; the restless search for God, for his love and truth; the invitation to form communities to embody Gospel ideals and the challenge of St. Augustine to be “one in mind and heart on our way to God”; to offer companionship to men and women making their journey to the heart; and to serve the local church, adapting ministry to the needs of the time. Today you will find Irish Augustinians working in a wide variety of apostolates, such as parishes, schools, foreign missions, retreats, hospitals, youth apostolate, caring for the elderly, and WOW (Word on Web…adult faith education). Contact: Fr. Colm O’Mahoney, O.S.A., St. Augustine’s, Taylors Lane, Ballyboden, Dublin 16, augustinianvocations@hotmail.com; www. augustinians.ie. More at VocationsIreland.com.

bey, (O.C.S.O.) Our monks live a secluded, contemplative life in which prayer holds a central position. In addition to private prayer and study, we assemble in church eight times a day for prayer and Mass. The monastery has a guesthouse for those wishing to make short retreats, a repository, a gift shop, and a coffee shop. If you think that you may be interested in a monastic life, you are invited to contact the Vocations Director via email (info@bethabbey. com) or telephone (028-2582-1211). No specific qualifications or skills are required. Ideally an applicant should be aged 20 to 50 and be in good health for his age. Contact: Fr. Celcus Kelly, O.C.S.O.; celcus@bethabbey.com; www.bethlehemabbey.com. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D.) The Discalced Carmelite Family is a religious order in the Roman Catholic Church. We, the members, trace our roots back to the ancient hermits on Mount Carmel, Israel, in the 13th century. Like them, we try to follow Christ with special emphasis on Scripture and prayer. In this we take Mary as our model. Our way of life was reinterpreted for us in the 16th century by St. Teresa of Avila with the help of St. John of the Cross. That is why we are sometimes today referred to as “Teresian Carmelites”. Our website provides information for those interested in a Carmelite vocation. It tells you a little about us, the formation process, and how to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you. Contact: Br. Noel O’Connor, O.C.D.; ireland@carmelitevocation.ie; www.ocd.ie. More at Vocations Ireland

Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.) We are a Fraternity in Mission, inspired by the life of St. Francis to bring the Gospel of Joy and Grace to the world. We serve the Church and the world as brothers and priests and search for God in a communal life of poverty, prayer, and service to others. The friars of the Irish Franciscan Province are members of the 800-year-old Order of Friars Minor with a worldwide presence in 120 countries and some 13,000 friars. The wider Irish Province includes the Custody (Region) of the God Shepherd in Zimbabwe and the Custody of the Immaculate Conception in Great Britain. In the joyful and prophetic spirit of St. Francis, the Irish Franciscan Friars are dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Christ by serving the poor and promoting justice, peace, care of creation, and reconciliation. Contact: Br. Pat Lynch, O.F.M., Franciscan Friary, Athlone, Co Westmeath, brpatofm@hotmail.com; www. franciscans.ie. More at VocationsIreland.com

Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (M.S.C.) We are priests and brothers trying to be and bring the message of God’s love to the world. Usually living as part of a community, we share our talents, time, and resources together and have others to support, encourage, and challenge us. We live lives marked by prayer (personally and as a community); ministries of service; and the vows of celibacy, obedience, and poverty. As an M.S.C. you could be serving a parish, teaching at university or school, sitting with the sick or their family as hospital chaplain, running a youth club, at development work in a mission country, guiding people through a retreat, lending a listening ear as a counsellor, helping people through the high of their wedding day or the low of a bereavement, and many other things in between. We are active in 54 countries. Contact: Fr. Alan Neville, M.S.C., Vocations Director, vocations@mscmissions.ie; www. mscireland.com. More at VocationsIreland.com.

Presentation Brothers (F.P.M.) We are the Presentation Brothers, an international, Catholic congregation of religious brothers. Our mission is ‘to form Christ in the young’, in the spirit of our founder, Blessed Edmund Rice. Our focus today is the ‘New Evangelization’, creative ways of making Christ known to the young people of our time. We need help with our work! We passionately believe in our vocation as Presentation Brothers and we encourage young men to consider joining us. This is a beautiful vocation and a great mission! We have eight communities of Brothers in Ireland with one Brother living with the International Community at Mount Sion in Waterford city. Our Irish communities are located in Birr, Co. Offaly; Cork city (four communities); Glasthule, Co. Dublin; Glór na hAbhann, near Dungarvan, Co. Waterford; and Killarney, Co. Kerry. Contact: Br. Anthony O’Sullivan, F.P.M., Mount St. Joseph, Blarney Street, Cork, Ireland; vocation@presentationbrothers.org; www.presentationbrothers.org. More at VocationsIreland.com.

St. John of God Brothers (O.H.) The new St. John of God Province (England/Ireland) is part of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, an international Catholic Religious Order of Brothers. As Brothers of St. John of God we take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and hospitality. We live and pray together in community. We endeavor to follow in the footsteps of St. John of God, our Founder, whose life’s vision was one of hospitality where everyone is welcomed and treated equally. In Ireland and England the Brothers provide services for people with a range of needs, including mental health, intellectual disabilities and care of the aged. We also have services in New Jersey, USA and in Malawi, Central Africa, which we support from our home base. Contact: Br. Ronan Lennon, O.H.; St. John of God Brothers “Granada”, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin; vocations@sjog.ie; www.sjog.ie; www.stjohnofgodvocation.ie. More at VocationsIreland.com.