Now we have a third volunteer! Here are her details:
Name: Janelle
Gender: Female
Age: Thirties
Vocation: Consecrated Life
Janelle is our third volunteer. Janelle is sure she's called to consecrated life but now has to discern what to do and where to go within that vocaction. I will post Janelle's entries as she gives them to me but you can also check out her blog: letitbedone.blogspot.com
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Where It All Began
Hi, I'm Katherine, and I want to share with whoever wants to listen/know about vocations. But just so that everyone out there will understand where I'm coming from, let me trace back to July 2008.
Looking back, I guess I wouldn't think that I would be the person I am today if I haven't gone to World Youth Day. I'm 16, and I went to WYD08 in Sydney, Australia almost a year ago. I was only 15 when I went to Sydney, and I was almost not allowed to go to WYD at all because I was a year younger than the age limit. On 2007, I joined a group that prepared me, along with all the other participants in our group, spiritually and physically for WYD the following year. I did go to all the meetings and preparations that they required us to go to for us to be qualified to travel all the way to Sydney. But even though I went to those spiritual preparations, I unfortunately still took my spiritual life for granted.
It was difficult to qualify for WYD, because it was a really long process. I needed permission from my parents and the school, a letter from the principal, a lot of travel papers, etc. Plus, I risked missing 2 weeks of school to travel - or so I thought. When a friend told me about WYD, and that the next one would be in Australia, I thought, "I haven't been to Australia yet, so why not apply!" I was so hyped to travel on my own, without my family for the first time. I looked at going to Sydney as an awesome travelling experience. Even though I was told that it would be a deeply "spiritual experience", I dodged that thinking that I'd enjoy the trip as if I were travelling like a tourist. Even though I was a Catholic that time (always have been and always will be), I didn't quite see the importance and gravity of my faith and my religion.
Soon, days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months, and those months finally reached July 2008. I became more nervous than ever. I was so close to backing out of my trip. I became hesitant for two main reasons. The first is that I didn't want to leave my family, that is now one member short, for two whole weeks. On September 2007, my dad died. I applied for WYD on June 2007. I didn't see what was so wrong on leaving back then. The second was that I was on my second to the last year until I finally would be done with high school. It was risky to miss school for so long!
But once I got to Sydney, everything changed. I started praying more, and I didn't even realize it until I got back home from Sydney. I didn't miss my family as much. I guess that's because I prayed to my dad to guide my family, especially my mom, to not worry about me so much. And Dad really did help! My mom didn't call everyday like she was so nervous. In Sydney, I met a lot of new friends. Once we got to the school where we were supposed to stay in, we already met our first Aussie friend.
The second day in Sydney, however, was, I guess, the turning point of my life. WYD hadn't officially started yet. There were still a few days until the Opening Mass of WYD. I met a lot of people on that second day in Sydney. Though, there were 2 people that stood out among the rest. I guess it's the Holy Spirit's subtle way of changing me. It was because of these two good friends of mine that I changed my life. Through their little ways, they touched me and I somehow changed.
A lot has happened on those two weeks in Sydney. Those 2 weeks of my like made the 15 years of my life seem like it never existed. The Opening Mass, when I actually cried because it was so beautiful. The Theology of the Body talk, when I first learned about JP2's GREAT teachings. Witnessing the re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross. The overnight vigil with the Pope. And finally the Final Mass - all of these events, and all experiences in between them really changed my life.
I soon then realized that I didn't "risk" missing 2 weeks of school. I opened myself, with the divine help of the Holy Spirit, to change my life. I found out that God was actually calling me to a better life.
Looking back, I guess I wouldn't think that I would be the person I am today if I haven't gone to World Youth Day. I'm 16, and I went to WYD08 in Sydney, Australia almost a year ago. I was only 15 when I went to Sydney, and I was almost not allowed to go to WYD at all because I was a year younger than the age limit. On 2007, I joined a group that prepared me, along with all the other participants in our group, spiritually and physically for WYD the following year. I did go to all the meetings and preparations that they required us to go to for us to be qualified to travel all the way to Sydney. But even though I went to those spiritual preparations, I unfortunately still took my spiritual life for granted.
It was difficult to qualify for WYD, because it was a really long process. I needed permission from my parents and the school, a letter from the principal, a lot of travel papers, etc. Plus, I risked missing 2 weeks of school to travel - or so I thought. When a friend told me about WYD, and that the next one would be in Australia, I thought, "I haven't been to Australia yet, so why not apply!" I was so hyped to travel on my own, without my family for the first time. I looked at going to Sydney as an awesome travelling experience. Even though I was told that it would be a deeply "spiritual experience", I dodged that thinking that I'd enjoy the trip as if I were travelling like a tourist. Even though I was a Catholic that time (always have been and always will be), I didn't quite see the importance and gravity of my faith and my religion.
Soon, days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months, and those months finally reached July 2008. I became more nervous than ever. I was so close to backing out of my trip. I became hesitant for two main reasons. The first is that I didn't want to leave my family, that is now one member short, for two whole weeks. On September 2007, my dad died. I applied for WYD on June 2007. I didn't see what was so wrong on leaving back then. The second was that I was on my second to the last year until I finally would be done with high school. It was risky to miss school for so long!
But once I got to Sydney, everything changed. I started praying more, and I didn't even realize it until I got back home from Sydney. I didn't miss my family as much. I guess that's because I prayed to my dad to guide my family, especially my mom, to not worry about me so much. And Dad really did help! My mom didn't call everyday like she was so nervous. In Sydney, I met a lot of new friends. Once we got to the school where we were supposed to stay in, we already met our first Aussie friend.
The second day in Sydney, however, was, I guess, the turning point of my life. WYD hadn't officially started yet. There were still a few days until the Opening Mass of WYD. I met a lot of people on that second day in Sydney. Though, there were 2 people that stood out among the rest. I guess it's the Holy Spirit's subtle way of changing me. It was because of these two good friends of mine that I changed my life. Through their little ways, they touched me and I somehow changed.
A lot has happened on those two weeks in Sydney. Those 2 weeks of my like made the 15 years of my life seem like it never existed. The Opening Mass, when I actually cried because it was so beautiful. The Theology of the Body talk, when I first learned about JP2's GREAT teachings. Witnessing the re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross. The overnight vigil with the Pope. And finally the Final Mass - all of these events, and all experiences in between them really changed my life.
I soon then realized that I didn't "risk" missing 2 weeks of school. I opened myself, with the divine help of the Holy Spirit, to change my life. I found out that God was actually calling me to a better life.
Second Volunteer: "Katherine"
We have our second volunteer!
Name: "Katherine"
Gender: Female
Age: Under 18
Vocation: Still discerning
"Katherine" is our second anonymous volunteer. Katherine isn't sure yet which vocation she's called to, though she is thinking about Opus Dei, but she wanted to share her process of discernment with us in hopes that it may encourage others to discern and help people in their own journey. Like with Anne Marie, I'll post Katherine's entries in the group and in the blog as she gives them to me.
Name: "Katherine"
Gender: Female
Age: Under 18
Vocation: Still discerning
"Katherine" is our second anonymous volunteer. Katherine isn't sure yet which vocation she's called to, though she is thinking about Opus Dei, but she wanted to share her process of discernment with us in hopes that it may encourage others to discern and help people in their own journey. Like with Anne Marie, I'll post Katherine's entries in the group and in the blog as she gives them to me.
Sunday, 21 June 2009
January 2009 - "Left on the shelf"
January 2009
I’m overseas on holiday at the moment. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster in terms of my thinking about the future. I’ve had to adapt a bit, not being in Catholic countries for the past 6 weeks. I’ve been saying the Divine Office and doing my best to make it to Sunday Mass (I’ve heard it in some interesting languages), when I’m not in the middle of nowhere. I’ve been feeling really sad today and a bit “left on the shelf”. A few of my close friends have become engaged recently. I just always have wanted to get married and have lots of children and I feel scared that that’s not going to happen for me. Although I feel so blessed to be living chastely I feel really removed and disconnected from all those feelings of love and flirting and the amazing thrill of being in love or having a crush. I feel like I won’t find the right person for me and it’s all quite sad really. I don’t know what God wants for me. I’ve been spending a lot of time praying about my vocation (i.e., asking God for a husband!).
I’m overseas on holiday at the moment. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster in terms of my thinking about the future. I’ve had to adapt a bit, not being in Catholic countries for the past 6 weeks. I’ve been saying the Divine Office and doing my best to make it to Sunday Mass (I’ve heard it in some interesting languages), when I’m not in the middle of nowhere. I’ve been feeling really sad today and a bit “left on the shelf”. A few of my close friends have become engaged recently. I just always have wanted to get married and have lots of children and I feel scared that that’s not going to happen for me. Although I feel so blessed to be living chastely I feel really removed and disconnected from all those feelings of love and flirting and the amazing thrill of being in love or having a crush. I feel like I won’t find the right person for me and it’s all quite sad really. I don’t know what God wants for me. I’ve been spending a lot of time praying about my vocation (i.e., asking God for a husband!).
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
November 2008 - Reflecting on the past, thinking about the future
I’m still so thankful to God for everything that’s happened in my life over the past few months. I spend a lot of time thinking about how much I could feel the Holy Spirit at WYD and what a beautiful, special feeling it was to go to confession and also to do Eucharistic Adoration with the Pope. I feel so close to my sisters and my parents as well. Finding my prayer group at the Cathedral, getting to know my wonderful parish priest and making some amazing new friends has been really special. Now I always look forward to Thursdays for prayer group! I remember one Thursday we had Adoration and we read a passage from the New Testament about the apostles being caught in a storm while in the boat and having Jesus calm the storm and I thought about how amazing it would be to have Jesus there with you. I immediately felt Jesus say to me "I am here with you now” and I felt so much peace.
… recently I said a Novena to St Anthony to find me Catholic friends and a Catholic husband. That night I met two wonderful Catholic friends. So far no husband though! I’ve started praying the Rosary daily and I love it, it’s my favourite prayer…
…I’ve just been on retreat and I loved it. I did Eucharistic Adoration in the middle of the night and I prayed especially for my best friend and my parents. I spent time reflecting on the woman in Luke 7 who anoints Jesus and it brought tears to my eyes. I feel like that woman.
One thing I’ve taken away from this retreat is the potential of finding a fantastic partner. There are so many handsome, strong and devoutly Catholic men here and I think God showed me that so that I could relax and know that my future spouse is out there and that he comes from a very special group of men. This has been very renewing for me and has made me smile many times the past few days. Thinking about how God has moved me in the past few months has got me wondering about how what he has in store for me, what is to come and what my real potential is. This weekend I met the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecelia – Sister Mary Madeleine gave the most beautiful talk on Mary. Another talk this weekend was on the Bible – that’s my next big commitment. I’m really looking forward to reading it much more! One very moving thing about this weekend was meeting two young men who are about to enter the Seminary. I think they are fantastic role models and it was really wonderful to meet them.
… recently I said a Novena to St Anthony to find me Catholic friends and a Catholic husband. That night I met two wonderful Catholic friends. So far no husband though! I’ve started praying the Rosary daily and I love it, it’s my favourite prayer…
…I’ve just been on retreat and I loved it. I did Eucharistic Adoration in the middle of the night and I prayed especially for my best friend and my parents. I spent time reflecting on the woman in Luke 7 who anoints Jesus and it brought tears to my eyes. I feel like that woman.
One thing I’ve taken away from this retreat is the potential of finding a fantastic partner. There are so many handsome, strong and devoutly Catholic men here and I think God showed me that so that I could relax and know that my future spouse is out there and that he comes from a very special group of men. This has been very renewing for me and has made me smile many times the past few days. Thinking about how God has moved me in the past few months has got me wondering about how what he has in store for me, what is to come and what my real potential is. This weekend I met the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecelia – Sister Mary Madeleine gave the most beautiful talk on Mary. Another talk this weekend was on the Bible – that’s my next big commitment. I’m really looking forward to reading it much more! One very moving thing about this weekend was meeting two young men who are about to enter the Seminary. I think they are fantastic role models and it was really wonderful to meet them.
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
September 2008 - Changes
It’s finally spring! I’ve made some important changes in my life and I can feel that things are already better. WYD has brought me much closer to God and I’m very thankful for that. I’m going to Mass a couple of times a week, confession once a fortnight, prayer group once a week, and reading lots of great books (i.e., about Theology of the Body). I realised just how far I had moved away from God and it makes me quite sad. Society feeds so many messages and values that are very far removed from getting me where I want to be in my life. I find it takes quite a bit of strength, courage and understanding to keep your focus on what’s important.
I feel really happy, relaxed and free. I’ve put meeting my future husband into God’s hands – the best move I’ve made! I think the hardest thing is actually trying to explain to others how I’ve changed. Lots of people don’t understand and I realise it is a very big shift for me. People vary in terms of how accepting they are.
I feel really happy, relaxed and free. I’ve put meeting my future husband into God’s hands – the best move I’ve made! I think the hardest thing is actually trying to explain to others how I’ve changed. Lots of people don’t understand and I realise it is a very big shift for me. People vary in terms of how accepting they are.
Thursday, 4 June 2009
July 2008 - Post WYD
July 2008
Following WYD I feel really close to God and I feel much clearer about what’s important to me. I feel peaceful and content in lots of ways and I feel like I’ve reconnected with being Catholic, which I’m so glad to have done. I attended confession for the first time in many years and I’m amazed at how that feels. I’d been carrying that around for a long time. I’ve remembered all the great things about being Catholic, not just the negative ones that can get focussed on when you live a mainstream, secular life.
My sister is a great inspiration to me in terms of her religion, it’s really great. It’s just such a serene, uplifting experience being with so many Catholics and making it a visible, key part of your life. The Spanish priest I confessed to asked me if I had prayed for a husband and I said yes and he said “you can pray with great confidence”. I feel it clarified a lot of feelings I’d been having about being single and how I feel like I know what I want and what I’ve waited for and it’s not something or anything I know isn’t right. I don’t feel any urgency because I know it will happen when it’s right.
I feel like it is very important to me to marry a Catholic man because I think keeping faith and living a Catholic life. I feel like I have to constantly defend my faith and lots of the people I know are anti-Christian.
Following WYD I feel really close to God and I feel much clearer about what’s important to me. I feel peaceful and content in lots of ways and I feel like I’ve reconnected with being Catholic, which I’m so glad to have done. I attended confession for the first time in many years and I’m amazed at how that feels. I’d been carrying that around for a long time. I’ve remembered all the great things about being Catholic, not just the negative ones that can get focussed on when you live a mainstream, secular life.
My sister is a great inspiration to me in terms of her religion, it’s really great. It’s just such a serene, uplifting experience being with so many Catholics and making it a visible, key part of your life. The Spanish priest I confessed to asked me if I had prayed for a husband and I said yes and he said “you can pray with great confidence”. I feel it clarified a lot of feelings I’d been having about being single and how I feel like I know what I want and what I’ve waited for and it’s not something or anything I know isn’t right. I don’t feel any urgency because I know it will happen when it’s right.
I feel like it is very important to me to marry a Catholic man because I think keeping faith and living a Catholic life. I feel like I have to constantly defend my faith and lots of the people I know are anti-Christian.
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