Vocation
The Vision
The call of Jesus and the Church to prayer and service is as real today as it was some two thousand years ago. How can we enable our Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada to become more dynamic and prophetic in the life of our people and country? Who will meet this challenge and respond to God's invitation to prayer and service in the realization of this vision? Who will enter into a relationship with the living God?
“The harvest is great but the labourers are few.” Matthew 9:37
The Call to Religious Life
The call to the religious life is an always evolving and unfolding invitation that draws us ever closer into the mystery of life and love. This call from God, embraced with generosity, allows us to blossom and to radiate His goodness and beauty.
Everyone has a vocation. This gift from God allows us to be our very best selves when it is embraced. For some it may be marriage, for others the single life and for still others it is the religious life. Each state is graced. Each allows us to serve God and others with all our talents and gifts. Our response must be in the way that best suits us.
“You did not choose me, I chose you; and commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.” John 15:16
Each Sister Servant has had a unique experience of God's call. Click on the link to the video clips to hear some of their stories.
Did You Always Want to Become a Sister?
How Do I Know If I Have a Call to the Religious Life?
There is no simple answer to this question. You must listen to your heart and pray earnestly for guidance from God. Sharing your desires with someone who knows you well or with a priest or Sister in whom you are able to confide, may help you to discern your call.
There are signs that may help you to decide:
- You long for something more in life.
- You may desire a simpler lifestyle.
- You feel drawn to and loved by God .
- You may be strongly drawn to prayer or participation in the Liturgy.
- You desire to do something more for God.
- You would like to share your life with others who are also committed to making a difference in the world by following Jesus.
“... I am going to lure her and lead her out into the desert and speak to her heart...
...I will betroth you to myself forever, betroth you with integrity and justice, with tenderness and love;...
...“I will betroth you to myself with faithfulness.” Hosea 2:16, 20-22
Vocation Prayers
To know what path of life to follow, you need the light of the Holy Spirit. You need to pray for guidance and for courage and generosity to respond to the call you receive.
The best prayer is the one that arises spontaneously from your heart. And do pray insistently, persevering until your request is granted.
For inspiration we offer two prayers:
Prayers to Discern the Special Vocation to Which I Am Called by God
Lord, send into the fields the workers who will achieve the harvest of tomorrow and prove their love, not counting moments, years, unless to note the joy of service for others. Grant me, who have so many opportunities, the vision of those tomorrows that depend on the response I make today. Help me to hear the gentle call of Jesus: “Come, follow me.&rdquo"
Heavenly Father, I love You. Thank you for calling me to be a Christian. Send your Spirit into my heart to teach and guide me. Help me to know in what state of life You want me to serve you and your people. Give me the strength I need to overcome all difficulties and follow your will. I ask this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
“For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him.” Luke 11:9-10
Why Become a Sister Servant?
- to witness to and share in the life of Christ
- to enter into a special relationship with the Living God.
- to share life and prayer in community.
- to consecrate one's life in service to our Ukrainian people
- to respond to the call of Christ and the Church
- to recreate and to renew his Church and people
- to grow in holiness and wisdom.
“Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations;... and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you.” Matthew 28: 20
Who Becomes a Sister Servant?
If you can check off the following, then you have what it takes to become a Sister Servant of Mary Immaculate:
- single
- between 20 - 45 years old
- good health
- freedom from debts
- some education or work experience beyond high school
- belong to a Catholic parish
- a willingness to be involved in the community's mission
- an ability to live in community
- a desire to respond to God's call to prayer
“Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or land for the sake of my name, will be repaid a hundred times over, also inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19-29
How Does One Become a Sister Servant?
“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1
A Time of Inquiry:
- a flexible period of time tailored to each individual
- a time to meet the Sisters and to spend time with them in community, in conversation, in prayer
- a time to discern with spiritual guidance and the Vocation Director what God's calling for you
A Time of Postulancy (10 months to 2 years)
- a time to enable you to discern your calling in a more structured way within our community
- a time to get to know the other Sisters
- a time to be introduced to community life
- a time to learn more about the spirituality, prayer life and mission of the Sisters Servants
- a time to continue your faith journey and share it with others
A Time of Novitiate (2 years)
- a time of more intense formation in prayer and community
- a time of preparation for your vowed commitment
- a time of preparation for and involvement in the mission work of the Sisters Servants
- a time to deepen your relationship with Jesus
- a time to grow in your love of Mary Immaculate
A Time for First Profession of Vows
Upon completion of novitiate formation, you make First Profession of Vows of celibate chastity, poverty and obedience for one year. It is now
- a time to begin the life of temporary vows as a member in a local community
- a time to enter into the Sisters Servants' life in various ministries
Sister Nadia Tkaczuk, SSMI, pronounces first vows at home parish, Dormition of the Mother of God, Mississauga, August 2, 2009
A Time of Temporary Vows (5 to 6 years)
The vows are renewed annually.
- a time to continue your formation as a follower of Christ through deepening prayer and community life
- a time to integrate your prayer and service in apostolic works
- a time to further discover and develop your abilities and personal qualities
- a time to make new friends and to grow in the faith with them
Sister Georgia Shchavij, SSMI, renews vows at Mount Mary Immaculate, Ancaster, August 8, 2009
A Time for Solemn Profession
At the end of the period of temporary vowed commitment, a minimum of five years, you publicly profess final vows, which give you full membership in the congregation of Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate.
