Recreation

"Religious consecration establishes a particular communion between religious and
​God and, in Him, between the members of the same institute." ~ Essential Elements, 18

The Sisters at recreation

A consecrated woman is called to give up many things for the One Thing Necessary, a renunciation that is repaid a "hundredfold in this life" as well as in the life to come in the possessing and being possessed by Him Who is beyond price. The hundredfold is expressed in many ways, big and small. For our contemplative-active community, one of these is our very communal life. Each Sister has been gifted by the Holy Spirit with the communal charism to communicate the Beauty, Goodness and Truth of our faith and has been called specifically to live her consecrated life in this community. This foundational calling and gift enables the Sisters to connect with each other in a manner that transcends differences in manner and temperament (although those are also part of the hundredfold and may be given as God's gift to help each of us smooth off our rough edges).

Sister puts the finishing touches on a Sacred Heart badge

One expression of our communal spirit is seen in our recreation. Each day, the Sisters spend a period of time together in edifying conversation, games, light projects, or active sports. These periods of relaxed interaction help to build up our family camaraderie, refresh our spirits, and renew our common commitment to our life of prayer and apostolic works.

Pictured is a "project recreation," an opportunity for the Sisters to work on special handwork projects that are not part of our daily duties. Some of the Sisters make rosaries, others embroider or sew, some work on calligraphy or develop skills in other art mediums. Not every Sister enters the convent with the ability to do some form of fine work, but these periods provide time for the Sisters to learn many different skills. "Project recreations" are particularly appreciated because they permit the Sisters to share grace-filled moments from their day while enjoying each other's company.

Latte's recreation - destroying the squeak in his newest toy!