Membership/Vocation:
‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart’ Jeremiah1: 4-5
• Who am I?
God gives me my identity, calls me by my name, and encourages me to respond.
• What is my vocation?
God has designed a plan for me. Co-operating and responding reveals a life-long mission destined for me from all eternity.
• How do I discern my vocation?
As I respond to God’s call competent companions on my journey help unravel my deepest yearnings. A specific call may illuminate my heart issuing an invitation impossible to ignore.
• What is the essence of a Servite vocation?
Servite sisters are dedicated to Mary, the Virgin of the Annunciation, and Mary, the Mother of Sorrows. Mary’s patient suffering and her presence at the foot of the cross embodies our charism which is one of compassionate presence. By her example the dimensions of our vision is expanded enabling us be more aware ‘of the poor of Yahweh’
As sisters we normally live in community and put ourselves and our gifts at the service of the Church’s mission, welcoming others in a spirit of hospitality. Prayer and contemplation coupled with ministry is integral to our lives.
(Adapted from the Constitutions of the Servite Sisters)
• What does membership entail?
There are many forms of being linked with the congregation not least of which is by friendship, prayer and Association. Membership which entails a long period of formation enables the candidate and the congregation to explore together a journey in faith. The lengthy process helps to clarify intentions permitting the necessary courage for the next stage of commitment.
Commitment usually by vow or promise is a sacred contract permitting partnership with the Congregation in mission and ministry. Over a period of several years these contracts are evaluated and if requested may lead to permanent membership.
• If I come and leave what then?
Discerning a religious vocation is a process of continuous choice. Ultimately I must opt for that which gives me life.
‘And everywhere you are to go my hand will follow you; you will not be alone’ Jeremiah |
|
Servite Associate Membership in the English Province:
• Baptism calls all Christians to further the Kingdom of God in prayer and service.
- Servite Associate Membership is an opportunity for lay people to join with the Servite Sisters in answering that call, so that by sharing our gifts we may support each other in being a compassionate presence in our world.
• Fulfilling the spiritual needs of the lay Christian.
- The Association exists for all who feel drawn to Servite values and wish to realize them in a bonded group.
-It shares in the rich heritage of the Servite Charism and Tradition. It is a sign of hope, encouraging men and women to take their rightful role in the church, in collaboration and through commitment to a way of life In order to do this, members agree to: honour Mary daily in prayer and to witness in their lives the qualities of Mary. Associates celebrate the principal Servite Feasts.
- Associates meet together regularly – to pray, to socialize, and to participate in Servite experiences on a wider scale.
• To be Servite is to imitate Mary in all things.
- In this we are agents of forgiveness, reconciliation and healing, as Mary demonstrated in her concern for others and for the whole of creation.
- Supporting one another by creating community we are then called to extend our communion in Christ, helping in turn to create meaningful communities of faith and mutual support among those we serve.
• How can I become an Associate Member in England?
- Becoming a Servite Associate involves a process of learning about and sharing in the Servite life in your area, or finding ways of making links if there are no Sisters or other Associates where you live.
- This process of discernment, in conjunction with designated group leaders, leads to an opportunity to make a commitment as an Associate. This commitment is renewable each year.
- Click here to be put in touch with Associate Membership in England.
Back to the top of this page
|
