St. Francis of Assisi
"Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self. "
Postulants
Sr. Mary Naccarato's Profession Mass
Saturday, August 18, 2012 at St. Patrick's Church, Newburgh, NY
Entrance Procession at Liturgy: Sr. Mary with her Candidate Director,
Sr. Eileen Carmody and Novice Director, Sr. Paula Cormier
Sr. Mary Naccarato professes her first vows
Sr. Mary Naccarato signs her vows at the altar as Sr. Patricia Anastasio,
President, looks on, during Sr. Mary's Profession Mass on August 18 at St. Patrick's Church
Miss Jayne Pickett's Entrance
Into the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation
August 30, 2012-09-12 at Mount St. Joseph
Ms. Jayne Pickett receives the Mission Statement of the Sisters of the Presentation
during her Entrance Ceremony on August 30 at Mt. St. Joseph
Jayne entering the chapel with her Vocation Director, Sr. Mary Catherine Redmond
Jayne begins her new journey with her candidate director, Sr. Joan Dombrowski
A Reflection by our Newly Professed – Sr. Mary Naccarato
What does it mean to be professing First Vows? Oh the joy, the excitement, the gratitude, to finally fulfill the desire the Lord put on my heart years ago.
My Profession Day was the happiest day of my life! I have discerned this call on and off for many years and now it feels so right, so natural to publicly proclaim my FIAT. To stand with my community before so many of my family, friends and associates and profess my desire to deepen my relationship with Christ as I follow Him in the footsteps of our foundress Nano Nagle was very humbling to say the least.
Many continue to ask why consider religious life when there is so much uncertainty, and a decline of numbers. I must admit I recently had a few weeks of a "dark night experiences" when I questioned it myself, but then came the flood of confirmations. The encouragement, love and support of community, family and friends as I shared my concerns and fears was so beautifully grace filled, confirming my vocation and reassuring God's loving presence amidst it all.
As I knelt before the tabernacle and professed my vows I was overwhelmed with a sense of peace and filled with gratitude and the feeling of how good it is to be here, how good it is to be home! I am a spoiled child of our Loving God, how truly blessed I am.
Mrs. Pat Pohle, President, Ladies Auxiliary; Kevin Strommer, Grand Knight; Mrs. Janet Heideman,
Regent, Ct. St. Ann, Mother of Mary #2419, Catholic Daughters of the Americas