2020.July .Taize-Flyer 8.5x11...CAVA Greets a New Ministry Year Summer heralds a new ministry year...
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CAVA Greets a New Ministry Year Summer heralds a new ministry year (2020–2021) for CAVA. As we continue to work from home, we started converting our events into virtual gatherings. Our current membership includes consecrated women and men, diocesan priests, lay people, communicators, mission/charism advancement teams, leadership and community members willing to help. We continue to partner and collaborate with various agencies in the Chicago Archdiocese and other organizations as we support each other to bring hope amidst COVID-19, to uphold human dignity, and to accompany those responding to God’s call to serve. CAVA QUARTERLY A Newsletter for Office for Religous Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association (CAVA) Summer 2020 Upcoming Events July 24, 2020 CAVA Advisory Board Meeting July 27, 2020 Taizé Prayer Service August 6, 2020 CAVA Opening Virtual Gathering August 10, 2020 Every 2nd Monday 7 p.m. Central Online Discernment Group – Men August 12, 2020 Communications Committee Meeting August 19, 2020 Every Third Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Central Online Discernment Group – Women November 1–7, 2020 National Vocation Awareness Week CONTACT US Any comments, questions or if you wish to be involved in nurturing a vocation culture in the Archdiocese of Chicago, you may contact: [email protected] or visit vocationscava.org We promote vocation awareness and accompany discerners on their journey.
Transcript of 2020.July .Taize-Flyer 8.5x11...CAVA Greets a New Ministry Year Summer heralds a new ministry year...
CAVA Greets a New Ministry Year
Summer heralds a new ministry year (2020–2021) for CAVA. As we continue to work from home, we started converting our events into virtual gatherings. Our current membership includes consecrated women and men, diocesan priests, lay people, communicators, mission/charism advancement teams, leadership and community members willing to help. We continue to partner and collaborate with various agencies in the Chicago Archdiocese and other organizations as we support each other to bring hope amidst COVID-19, to uphold human dignity, and to accompany those responding to God’s call to serve.
CAVA QUARTERLYA Newsletter for Office for Religous Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association (CAVA)
Summer 2020
Upcoming Events
July 24, 2020 CAVA Advisory Board Meeting
July 27, 2020 Taizé Prayer Service
August 6, 2020 CAVA Opening Virtual Gathering
August 10, 2020 Every 2nd Monday 7 p.m. Central Online Discernment Group – Men
August 12, 2020 Communications Committee Meeting
August 19, 2020 Every Third Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Central Online Discernment Group – Women
November 1–7, 2020 National Vocation Awareness WeekCONTACT US
Any comments, questions or if you wish to be involved in nurturing a vocation culture in the Archdiocese of Chicago, you may contact:
or visit
vocationscava.org
We promote vocation awareness and accompany discerners on their journey.
CAVA QUARTERLY 2Summer 2020
CAVA Members Summit: Envisioning “What Ifs”
Here’s our 2020–2021 CAVA Advisory Board team:Sr. Connie Bach, PHJCBr. John Eustice, CSVSr. Michele Vincent Fisher, CSFNMs. Michelle HortonMs. Suzanne PetrouskiSr. Peggy Quinn, OSFFr. Mike ScherschelFr. John Schork, CPSr. Lovina Francis Pammit, OSF (Coordinator of Religious Vocations Ministries, Office for Religious)
Communications Committee Team:Ms. Suzanne Petrouski (Chair)Sr. Connie Bach, PHJCSr. Lovina Francis Pammit, OSF
Facebook Content Manager: Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD
Webmaster: Mr. Saul Garcia
Many thanks to Br. John Eustice, CSV for serving on the Communications Team with Mr. Dan Masterton’s help as a resource person. They have offered to continue helping as resource to the Communications team.
CAVA Programming Events Coordinator: Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC
On Wednesday, May 27, we had our first ever virtual “end of year” member gathering. This event provided the opportunity for celebrating and appreciating the gift of the past 40 years and for taking a long and loving look at our current realities while we envision our “what ifs” into the future.
We give special recognition to Br. Jim McDonald, CFC (Edmund Rice Christian Brothers) and Sr. Mary Beth Bromer, OSF (Felician Sisters), for serving a total of 12 years as CAVA Advisory Board members. Board members may serve up to a total of three terms (two year per term) each time equaling six years, after which they can serve another six years after a year’s respite. That is what Br. Jim and Sr. Mary Beth has done for CAVA, just like Sr. Kathleen Skrocki, C.R. had done a few years before. Br. Jim and Sr. Mary Beth will continue to be members of CAVA.
We thank Sr. Jean Rhoads, D.C. for her service as CAVA Board member in the past two years. Sr. Jean, a member of the Daughters of Charity, has been transferred to their Eastern province, so we bid her, “Farewell and best wishes!”
As we begin our 2020–2021 ministry year, we welcome Br. John Eustice, CSV to the CAVA Advisory Board team. Sr. Michele Vincent Fisher, CSFN, who currently lives in Texas, is rejoining the team after a year’s respite, so welcome her back, y’all!
National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) Resources• Video of tips from Religious by NRVC.net: youtube.com/watch?v=gkJiBryEjRs&t=45s• NRVC.net infographic (English and Spanish) – Click to download: 2020 Study On Recent Vocations• Explore the lives of women religious: Click to visit site: Called and Consecrated• ChicagoPriest.org NVAW resources: Click to visit: NVAW Chicago Priest
CAVA QUARTERLY 3Summer 2020
Monthly Online Discernment GroupsCAVA offers two online discernment video chat groups – one for women and one for men for single, Catholic men and women age 18–40 interested in exploring a vocation in consecrated life. Discussion topics include discernment steps, the vows, ministry, prayer, and community life of consecrated women and men. Connect via Zoom video conferencing.
Women Every third Wednesday, 7:30–8:30 Central; August 19 is the next one. Contact Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC [email protected] and visit vocationscava.org online-discernment-group/
Men Every second Monday at 7 p.m. Central; August 10 is the next one. Contact Fr. Steve Dos Santos [email protected]. Visit vocationscava.org/online-discernment-group-men/
Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association (CAVA)
Discerning a religious vocation?Join our online discernment groupChat once a month with other women about religious life. Discuss topics such as vows, discernment, ministry, prayer, and community. Connect via computer. For single Catholic women ages 18–40.
To get connected, contact Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC [email protected]
Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association (CAVA)
DISCERNING A RELIGIOUS VOCATION?Join our Online Discernment Group. Meet once a month with other men to talk about discerning religious life. Discuss topics such as vows, discernment, ministry, prayer, and community. Connect via ZOOM. For single Catholic men ages 18–40.
To get connected, contact Fr. Steve Dos Santos, CPPS [email protected]
Busy Person’s Retreat at Northwestern University, April 27–30, 2020by Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD
A total of 7 participants participated in what ended up being the first-ever “Virtual” Busy Person’s Retreat for Northwestern University. Conducted entirely through Zoom, the Spiritual Guides met virtually with their respective students for 30 minutes each day (Monday through Thursday), and just as in previous face-to-face retreats, the students were encouraged to spend at least 30 minutes per day in personal prayer and reflection. Each student was provided with a copy of a retreat guide which included suggested Scripture passages, a reflection, and reflection questions for each day of the retreat.
The retreat concluded on Thursday evening, April 30, by way of a “Virtual Wrap-Up” session during which all seven students, the four Spiritual Guides, and Campus Minister, Mr. Tim Higgins, gathered via Zoom to spend time sharing about their experience of the week with a special focus on offering thanks to God for the graces and blessings received over the course of the week.
There was a consensus that doing the retreat in this “virtual” format was not as ideal as meeting face-to-face. Nevertheless, everyone agreed that under the unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a blessing to move forward with the retreat as a way of offering and finding support and encouragement to continue living our faith during this time of stress and uncertainty!
Sr. Belinda Monahan reports that she sensed how the students very much appreciated the opportunity to talk to someone “about God,” as one student put it. “So as the lock down wears on,” she adds, “I would encourage other universities and CAVA members to consider hosting these retreats. I think it’s more important now than ever that we reach out to young adults to help strengthen their faith.”
CAVA QUARTERLY 4Summer 2020
DARE TO LOVEVocations CAVA Radio Show Airs every 1st Thursday Monthly 8–8:30 a.m. | Channel WNDZ 750-AM – Indiana
Religious Brothers DayThursday, May 7, 2020Listen
On the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, we celebrate the vocation of religious brothers. Sr. Lovina’s guests Brother John Eustice, CSV and Brother Peter Lamich, CSV talk about their mission and min-istries as Clerics of Saint Viator, otherwise known as “Viatorians.” Click here for more information about the Viatorians. To find out more about religious brothers, go to religiousbrothers.org and to download the guide, click here.
School Sisters of Notre DameThursday, June 4, 2020 Listen
Sister Lovina checks in with guests Sr. Bridget Waldorf and Sr. Jill Lazsewksi, School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) who are part of a vocation ministry team. Sr. Bridget and Sr. Jill share their vocation stories – journeys that took time to unfold, how their congregation was formed in response to the need for education for young women, and then left some words of wisdom to listeners about the importance of being open to God’s call in our lives by taking time to pray and journeying with others because discernment is a step by step process. The SSND vocation team offer accompaniment to help sort out the sense of call from God in their hearts. Contact: [email protected] [email protected]
School Sisters of Notre Dame – ContinuedThursday, July 2, 2020Listen
The conversation continues with the Sisters of Notre Dame. Sisters Stephanie Spandl and Carol Jean Dust share their vocation stories and the SSND charism of seeking unity amidst diversity, their mission and social justice work. Sisters Stephanie and Carol Jean are part of a team who accompanies women exploring their call to religious life. Contact: [email protected] [email protected] Visit: ssnd.org sturdyroots.org
Missed the live airing of the show? Go to radiotv.archchicago.org/radio/dare-to-love for the recorded podcast. Recent topics are described below.
CAVA Quarterly Newsletter – Spring 2020 Issue Page 6 of 8
World Day of Prayer for Vocations - May 3, 2020
The purpose of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publicly celebrate vocations to ordained ministry and religious life in all its forms. Many parishes and religious institutes commemorate this day with prayer forvocations and vocation promotion events. For resources including the WDPV prayer, visit:https://nrvc.net/publication/5311/article/15674
Read the message from His Holiness Pope Francis for the 57th World Day of Vocations:http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/vocations/documents/papa-francesco_20200308_57-messaggio-giornata-mondiale-vocazioni.html
For General Intercessions suggestions, visit: https://www.worlddayofprayerforvocations.com/resources-for-mass/prayers-of-the-faithful/
Earth Day – April 22, 2020
Wednesday, April 22 marks the 50th annual celebration of Earth Day. The Office of HumanDignity and Solidarity in the Archdiocese is hosting a prayer service at 10:00 am Central.Register here by Monday, April 20th. Instructions on how to join the Zoom call will beemailed to you by the hosts.
Vocations CAVA Radio Show “Dare to Love”
The Vocation Awareness radio show “Dare to Love” airs every first Thursday Monthly 8-8:30 a.m. | Channel WNDZ 750-AM – Indiana.Go to https://radiotv.archchicago.org/radio/dare-to-loveRecent topics are described below.
Checking in Amidst the Covid-19 Crisis Thursday, April 2, 2020Sr. Lovina checks in with guests Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD (Divine WordMissionaries) and Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC (Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ) on howour day to day lives have been affected by the pandemic, prompting us to use ourtime in a different way and be more creative with our events when we can’t host in-person gatherings. Reflection and prayers are offered to bring hope to this world.
Chicago’s Got Sisters - for Women Discerning Religious Life Thursday, March 5, 2020Chicago’s Got Sisters for Women Discerning Religious Life Today’s guest is Sister Kara Davis, Daughters ofCharity, who first met her community at a “Nun Run” (Indy’s Got Sisters) in Indianapolis and again at a Chicago’s Got Sisters event. Now one of the coordinators, Sister Kara talks about what this 24-hour “no stringsattached” event involves, including meeting several congregations and opportunities for prayer and gatheringinformation. The next Chicago’s Got Sister will be planned for fall 2020. For information, visithttps://www.vocationscava.org/. For information on the March 11 event held at CTU visit:https://catholicsistersweek.org/event/stories-of-spirit-and-heart-conversations-with-catholic-sisters/
World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life Thursday, February 6, 2020Sr. Lovina and guest, Sister Joan McGlinchey, MSC, Vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese of Chicago, discuss the celebration of Consecrated Life Day that was recently held at Our Lady Mother of the Church onFebruary 8, 2020. About 250 consecrated men and women from various congregations gathered. The eventculminated in the celebration of Mass with the parish, Cardinal Cupich presiding.
Want to talk? We’re here to listen! Let us be your companion on the journey. If you are seeking to explore what God is calling you to be and to do in your life – perhaps a desire to make a difference in the world, be closer to God or serve the community – we are here to walk with you on that path. [email protected]
CAVA QUARTERLY 5Summer 2020
Each month, a CAVA member, partner in ministry or part of the CAVA family is featured to allow others to get to know those in vocation ministry. Below are recently featured CAVA members.
Sr. Mary Jo Curtsinger, CSJCongregation of St. Joseph
MORE
Sr. Shannon Fox, SSJ-TOSFSisters of Saint Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis
MORE
Fr. Tom Tiscornia, MMMaryknoll Fathers and Brothers
MORE
VOCATION VOICES
ACE Vocation Night Draws Women into ConversationBy Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC – CAVA Events Coordinator
The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana sponsors a women’s vocation night every July in collaboration with CAVA. Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC, worked with Katie Moran and Taylor Kelly to plan this year’s event held virtually due to COVID-19. Twelve undergrad and graduate students studying to become educators and volunteering throughout the country spent the evening in prayer and conversation with nine CAVA members and a guest sister who works at Notre Dame, including:
Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC Sr. Aprilia Untarto, SSpSSr. Peggy Quinn, OSF Sr. Jill Laszewski, SSNDSr. Julie Sewell, OSB Sr. Jessi Beck, PBVMSr. Kara Davis, DC Sr. Mary Jo Curtsinger, CSJSr. Denise Glazik, OP Sr. Christin Tomy, OP
During our panel discussion, Sr. Kara spoke on community, Sr. Jessi spoke on prayer life, Sr. Julie addressed the vows, and Sr. Mary Jo shared “next steps” in the discernment process. Breakout sessions were offered to ask questions of the sisters followed by three sessions of “speed dating,” also in break out rooms.
There was great energy in the virtual rooms! Technology helped us to quickly form a sense of community despite COVID-19! We closed with the following prayer:
Let your gift be to honor God with your heart, with your life, with every breath you take and in every moment you are awake. May God’s will for you be revealed in the right time and space, and may God find you ready to follow that plan for a beautiful and precious life!
Thank you to all who participated and supported both the women in the ACE Program and the collaborative efforts between CAVA and Notre Dame!
CAVA QUARTERLY 6Summer 2020
@vocationsCAVA vocationscava.org
Taizé Prayer Service – July 27, 2020Join us live on a virtual Taizé style prayer service led by Sister Connie Bach, PHJC. When: July 27, 2020Time: 7 p.m. CDT/8 p.m. EDTPlease promote this event as this was specifically planned during this time of pandemic and hosted and promoted by CAVA through the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. The link will be provided on our Facebook page facebook.com/VocationsCAVA/. See flyer on the last page.
Resources at Your Fingertips
Mass Online: The Archdiocese of Chicago offers daily and Sunday Mass online at: radiotv.archchicago.org/television/broadcast-masses
Archdiocese of Chicago Facebook Page: facebook.com/archchicago/
YouTube Channel: youtube.com/user/CatholicChicago/videos
David Haas offers daily prayer and reflection live at 8:00 am Central on Facebook. You need to have a Facebook account/profile. For his Easter concert, visit: youtube.com/watch?v=W5hYV9i-Fmo&feature=youtu.be
Don’t forget - CAVA has a Facebook page! Please like the CAVA page: facebook.com/VocationsCAVA/. Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, maintains this page for us with some help from Sr. Lovina. Please help spread our reach by liking and sharing the posts. It also helps to “friend” each other as CAVA members and partners because this is how we can reach more people across the globe and spread God’s love together!
Vatican News: Messages from the Pope and latest news from the Vatican. Visit vaticannews.va/en.html
Get Involved with CAVA: Join CAVA as a member or partner in ministryWe need your help in supporting this ministry. Watch our video: youtube.com/watch?v=P7K_RVZXrLk If you are passionate about nurturing a vocation culture, accompanying discerners or willing to collaborate with others, consider becoming a member of CAVA. We welcome sharing your ideas, energy, expertise and enthusiasm for vowed/consecrated life.
What We OfferCAVA promotes vocation awareness (recognizing God’s voice in our life) through school and parish events, campus retreats, discernment weekends, and monthly online discernment groups. We also publish quarterly newsletters that provide what’s going on in the vocation ministry scene. Our website provides various resources for vocation ministers, schools, parishes, students and seekers. vocationscava.org
Our PurposeFaithful to Christ’s call to discipleship, CAVA encourages others to respond to this invitation:• by the witness of our own lives;• by providing opportunities for young people to learn about various vocation choices including ordained, vowed/consecrated, married, or single life;• by assisting seekers/discerners as they explore how God is calling them in their lives.
What is Taizé?TaizéTai·zé|\tā-zā\(noun)
TheTaizéCommunityisanecumenicalmonasticorderinTaizé,Saone-et-Loire,Burgundy, France. It is composed of more than one hundred brothers, from Catholic and Protestant traditions, who originate from about thirty countries across the world. It was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schutz, a Reformed Protestant.
The contemplative worship practices of the Taizé community are being incorporated in a wide variety of churches. A Taizé worship service involves sung and chanted prayers, meditation, a period of silence, liturgical readings, light, and icons. There is no preaching. The prayers consist of “short chants, repeated again and again,” according to an introduction in a Taizé songbook. These chants or mantras help one center more fully on God.
TaizéPrayer Service
Answering God’s Call in Response to the Needs of the World Today
Virtual EventJuly 27 | 8 pm EDT / 7 pm CDTwww.poorhandmaids.org/live
Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
Partners in the work of the Spirit
