The ceremony last Saturday was a combined twenty-fifth jubilee/vow ceremony/assembly mass. About 42o of my closest sisters, family, and friends were gathered for Eucharist, dinner, and a bit of dancing afterwards. Things couldn't have been more beautiful! From the music, the readings, the actual vow piece, the food, everything! A couple of times that week and the actual day people asked if I was nervous, and I really wasn't. I've had four years in the process to discern and a few years before I actually began to pray with this decision, and it is a yes I am happy and excited to proclaim. I know there is a lot more yet to walk in this journey, but I can't ask for better companions with whom to travel.
I leave early Monday morning for Ripley, so I'm working to get things packed, some thank you notes written, all those good odds and ends, but I wanted to at least post a little something here in the meantime. I hadn't planned on it, but maybe after the photos I'll add my written vow statement in case anyone is interested. Enjoy. More from Ripley later.
Walking with all gathered here and with all of the Sisters of St. Joseph who have made this profession before me in the Congregation of the Great Love of God,
I ask you, God, my Life and my Love, to fill me and carry me in the vows I am to profess.
It is my desire and intent to live chastity, an all-inclusive loving and being loved, animated in the charism and mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph, lived specifically through a life of consecrated celibacy.
In that love and in God's overwhelming abundance I choose to live poverty. I acknowledge that all that I am and all that I have been given are gifts from God and I return these gifts in the complete giving of myself. I acknowledge my dependence on community, and choose to live a life of simplicity.
This love and this desire to give keep me attentive to the listening required of obedience. I pray for the grace to respond wholeheartedly to the people, places, and authorities who call me to more.
Recognizing that my understanding and living of these vows will never be static, and I say yes to the Mystery of this journey in deep trust, peace, and joy.
My God, I, Sister Sarah Jane Heger make these vows of religious chastity, poverty, and obedience according to the Constitution of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. I make this profession in the hands of our Provincial Superior until August 2011.
I ask you, God, my Life and my Love, to fill me and carry me in the vows I am to profess.
It is my desire and intent to live chastity, an all-inclusive loving and being loved, animated in the charism and mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph, lived specifically through a life of consecrated celibacy.
In that love and in God's overwhelming abundance I choose to live poverty. I acknowledge that all that I am and all that I have been given are gifts from God and I return these gifts in the complete giving of myself. I acknowledge my dependence on community, and choose to live a life of simplicity.
This love and this desire to give keep me attentive to the listening required of obedience. I pray for the grace to respond wholeheartedly to the people, places, and authorities who call me to more.
Recognizing that my understanding and living of these vows will never be static, and I say yes to the Mystery of this journey in deep trust, peace, and joy.
My God, I, Sister Sarah Jane Heger make these vows of religious chastity, poverty, and obedience according to the Constitution of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. I make this profession in the hands of our Provincial Superior until August 2011.
--Sarah
congratulations!!! Prayers continue with you as you continue to live out the unifying love that the charism calls us to.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteIt has been great to be with you via Blog and in prayer as you have moved into the decision to be a vowed member. The wekend was great from meeting...to vows, to dinner to dancing....
thanks and blessings,
Nancy in Atlanta
Dear Sr. Sarah Heger aka beloved grandaughter:
ReplyDeleteYour first vow ceremony was absolutely beautifull and you looked so very very happy. We wish you so much happiness and success in your new assigment in Missisippi. We know that you will be a blessing wherever you go. Keep us in your prayers as we will do the same for you. God bless you
Grandma and Grandpa Martin
Congratulations! You look so happy in the pictures. And what a great dress! I'm making my first vows in October.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Susan Rose, CSJP
Congratulations and love! It was a joy to be at the vow ceremony, and wasn't Gail's testimony a wonderful one of the happiness of being a CSJ! May you find that happiness every day of your life!
ReplyDeleteI'll miss you when you leave for Mississippi.
Love,
Mary Ann H.
Sarah, your pictures and blog comments are very nice. You look great! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the world via the WWW.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you, Renee Nickelson
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteus in Ripley Miss You!!! Sister Sarah!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete