Sinsinawa
Spectrum
A Congregation News Magazine
Discerning . . . What Gives Life
by Mary Ann Nelson, OP, Director of Initial Membership
Sr. Mary Ann Nelson, OP
This is the time of year in my ministry when the Congregation asks the women who are ready for first profession, renewal of their vows, or final profession to enter into a more immediate process of discernment about their taking that important next step. It’s a thorough process! It includes reflecting on their time in initial membership as they update their autobiography. They are also asked to prepare a written self-reflection which they share with their local community, Pat [Mulcahey, OP], the Council, and me on their strengths and challenges for living Dominican life. At a community meeting which I facilitate, the Sister requesting vows shares her self-reflection, feedback is offered to her, and then each member of the community shares her own strengths and challenges with one another. A formal letter of request is written to the Prioress who then asks for feedback on the Sister’s readiness from some members who have lived with and known her. Finally, the Sister and I meet with Pat and the Council for a conversation after which they make a decision.
At this point, you’re probably saying to yourself, as many of our Sisters have said to me, “I wouldn’t have made it!” Or, “This is too much. Why should a woman have to go through all of this! Isn’t it enough that she wants to belong?” Actually, it isn’t useful to compare the process today to how it was in the past. Furthermore, our Constitution, #34, requires it of us:
Therefore the candidate should give evidence of Christian maturity, a proper intention, freedom of choice, and those qualities that will enable her to live on mission in apostolic community. Until perpetual profession the congregation and the candidate discern whether membership is mutually acceptable.
Even if it didn’t, this is an important life choice for a woman seeking membership and for the Congregation. It is essential that this choice is made freely and that it is life-giving, both for the woman becoming a member and for the Congregation. My belief is that if this is the life to which a woman is called she’ll become more whole and holy, more Dominican. Not only that, she will be happy, and this will be evident! This process provides the Sister requesting vows an opportunity to reflect on her life as a member of the Congregation and to hear from others what their experience is of her. Ultimately, when the Prioress and her Council make a decision, they have before them all the necessary data.
What might you say if you were to go through this process yourself . . . or with your community?