Joyful News

​Dear Friends in Christ!
 
Praised be Jesus and Mary!
 
We are pleased to announce the election and installation of our new Mother Superior, Mother Caritas Marie, and our Vicaress, Sr. Mary Victoria. This milestone is the culmination of months of prayer and communal discernment under the guidance of Bishop Robert Vasa, Father Thomas Nelson, O.Praem. (an expert in Religious Life), and Mother Joan Paul, CK.

The forum of communal discernment was a new experience for our Sisters. As a young Community, up to this point the burden of governance has rested solely in the hands of our foundresses, Mother Teresa Christe and Mother Marie de Lourdes. As may be imagined, this process of assessing together our strengths, weaknesses, and vision as a Community was covered in prayer. Each meeting of the professed Sisters began in Chapel invoking the Holy Spirt and Our Lady. We are her daughters, this is her Community, and we trust in her maternal care for us. It was a blessing to see the Sisters draw more closely together through the discussions and prayer.

Following in the shoes of our beloved foundresses will be no small task. Mother Caritas Marie, our new Mother, was elected by the professed Sisters to continue the good work begun by our dear Mothers. Originally from Eastern Oregon, she has served the Community as Treasurer, and as Director of Development for the Diocese of Santa Rosa for seven years.

Bishop Vasa addressing Mother Caritas Marie
​​and Sr. Mary Victoria

To assist and support Mother Caritas Marie, Sr. Mary Victoria was chosen as Vicaress of the Community. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sister lived in New York City before entering the Convent. Sister served at the Cathedral of St. Eugene and has been teaching Theology at Cardinal Newman High School for five years.

Bishop Vasa presided over the installation and oath of office of Mother Caritas Marie and Sr. Mary Victoria on May 9 (traditionally Ascension Thursday). They will have the opportunity over the summer to visit other member communities of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious to gain a broader perspective of Religious Life and practical tips as they assume their new duties. As we reflect on Our Lord’s commissioning His disciples to evangelize the whole world, we consider with awe our small part in this great drama of salvation. Please join us in praying for our new Superiors as they strive to assist the Sisters to communicate the Beauty, Goodness, and Truth of Jesus Christ with Our Lady’s spirit.

Mother Caritas Marie making a profession of faith

Mother Teresa Christe continues the sabbatical she began in January for spiritual renewal and rest. It is common for Superiors to take a respite after shouldering the arduous duties inherent in their office, both for their renewal and to allow the Community time to transition to new leadership. After her duties as Novice Mistress are passed, Mother Marie de Lourdes will also take some time over the summer for a long-awaited personal retreat and rest. We look forward to being all together again after these respites draw to a close!

We look forward with great joy to the clothing of our two postulants as novices on May 20, the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church. They will receive the holy habit and their religious name. It is a much anticipated moment of joy for the whole Community! Three Sisters in temporary vows will renew their vows the same day. Pray for these Sisters as they deepen their commitment to Christ in this Community.
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Sharing the Kiss of Peace

We often think that once school is out, our schedule will be more relaxed. The opposite is often true! Between apostolic adventures and opportunities for ongoing formation, the Sisters will be traveling extensively this summer. The increasing number of professed Sisters has prompted a focus on intentional ongoing formation. We are committed to discerning the Sisters skills and aptitudes and providing appropriate professional development for their apostolates.

​This summer, we have Sisters traveling to University of Mary and the Catholic University of America for professional development. Eight of our Sisters will be attending sessions of the Vita Consecrata Institute (VCI). The VCI is sponsored by the Institute on Religious Life founded by Fr. John Hardon to preserve authentic religious life. It provides invaluable formation in both the spiritual and religious life. This is our first opportunity to allow a sizable number of Sisters to experience this wonderful formation.

​Thanks be to God we have a healthy education fund started by the Turicchi Family Foundation!

May crowning

In spite of the scholarships the Sisters have received for much of our summer adventures, we will be putting a noticeable dent in this fund and we invite you to consider contributing towards the Sisters’ education.​

Apostolic adventures abound! The Sisters are wrapping up the sacramental season, thankful for God’s abundant grace poured out upon our children and their families. The Sisters prepared over 50 students for First Communion and over 30 for Confirmation. We were blessed to teach all the freshman theology classes at Cardinal Newman High School again this year. ​Teaching the music, religion, and sacramental preparation classes at

First Communion

St. Eugene Cathedral School allowed the Sisters to share the beauty, goodness, and truth of the faith with all the students. We look forward to our various summer apostolates and thank God for the opportunity to serve Him in many and various ways.

​Commending you with love and prayers to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
​

The Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa