Monthly Archives: August 2010

Need for play!

Posted on August 25, 2010 by | Leave a comment

I’m in the midst of a busy day at work. Sr. Julie and I meet by phone today as we do every week– great energizing meetings–but we both leave with lots of homework. Later today at the Orientation for new empoyees in the Motherhouse I get to talk about IHM vowed life and about working with women who are thinking about joining us. Okay, even though that is all good, you may be thinking that it doesn’t seem much like play.  You’re right!  But as soon as the Orientation has concluded I’ll be like greased lightning getting to my car for a trip ”up North,” that’s a Michigan expression for vacationing among the beautiful lakes and woodlands further north  in Michigan. A dear friend and Associate invited five of us IHMs to come to her lovely home on a lake. It’s a beautiful, quiet, peaceful place with woods to explore and a lake for canoeing, but the best part is the people!   Our hostess and the four other IHMs have a few years on me and are wisdom figures in my book.  Women of great  life-sense, humor and peace.  We’ll have great conversations, go exploring, play some cards and just enjoy each other. Sounds good, eh? Ultimately it’s all about the people!

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Toledo Area Discernment Retreat, October 29-30

Posted on August 25, 2010 by | Leave a comment

Visit The Well Within – A Discernment Retreat for Women

“Let them always be mindful to desire one thing alone, namely, the Spirit of God at work within” (Saint Francis)

Are you a young woman who has felt that nudge from God to consider religious life? Join others like yourself in a sacred time of listening, conversation and prayer.

  • Who: Women ages 18-35
  • What: A weekend of discernment to explore consecrated religious life and the charisms of various women’s religious communities in and around the Diocese of Toledo
  • When: Friday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m. until Saturday, October 30, 2010
    (Concludes with 5:30 p.m. liturgy and supper)
  • Where: Our Lady of Consolation Retreat House, 321 Clay Street, Carey, Ohio 43316
  • Cost: $25.00 Registration Fee to help cover the cost of the weekend; also scholarships available upon request

Sponsored by:

To register or to find out more, please contact:

Mrs. Yvonne Dubielak at the Office of Vocations, Diocese of Toledo
419-244-6711, ext. 323 or email
Facebook: Toledo Vocations

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Margaret Brennan, IHM honored by LCWR

Posted on August 17, 2010 by | Leave a comment

Margaret Brennan, IHM

LCWR, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, to which 90% of US religious communities belong, held their yearly conference in Dallas, Texas last week– and yes it was brutally hot there! Happily cool inside ,the members received excellent input from plenary speakers, and just as importantly gathered in dialogue with each other about current issues and deepened bonds among themselves and with religious around the globe.  Check out Tom Fox’s article in National Catholic Reporter below.
http://ncronline.org/news/women-religious/lcwr-initiatives-have-global-reach

During the conference LCWR conferred its highest honor, the Outstanding Leadership award to our own Sr. Margaret Brennan who was president of the IHM Congregation in the exciting and turbulent years following Vatican Council II. Margaret was President of LCWR during that time as well.  Here is the URL for NCR’s article on Margaret and the award presented by LCWR:
http://ncronline.org/news/women-religious/honored-lcwr-elder-speaks-its-origins

In case you’re interested in learning more about Sr. Margaret Brennan and/or the experiece of women religious during the post Vatican II renewal of religious life you might be interested in her book, What Was There for Me Once. Check out the book review by Tom Fox in where else but National Catholic Reporter.
http://ncronline.org/news/women-religious/life-change-and-renewal.
Available on Amazon or ihmgiftshop@ihmsisters.org  734-240-8308

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Posted in IHM, Meet IHMs, religious life, spirituality, Uncategorized, vocation

Joy, Commitment, Profound Gratitude and More Joy!

Posted on August 12, 2010 by | 6 Comments

There are no words to describe the joy in both Sr. Maria Antonia Aranda Diaz and the rest of the IHM community as Maria Antonia pronounced her final vows as an Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister on August 1, the feast of St. Alphonsus.  Very fitting since she has been drawn to his spirituality from childhood and IHMs claim St. Alphonus as patron. The liturgy included Mexican flavored music provided by the choir of St. Gabriel parish, Detroit where Antonia had ministered while in the US, and homily, readings and prayers in both Spanish and English. Especially moving was IHM president Mary Fran Gilleran’s speaking the words of the Vow ceremony in both halting but determined Spanish as well as English and Maria Antonia’s pronouncing her vows and speaking to the community in both languages.  Besides our awe and gratitude for Tonia’s vocation there was a profound sense that this is a  new moment for the community as we open more fully to the gift that our sisters from Puerto Rico and Mexico have to give us. Gracias a Dios!
Watch for videos on the IHM site on YouTube.

Srs. Joan Mumaw (Mission Councilor), Lucy Abbey (Mentor), Maureen Kelly (coworker and friend in Mexico), Maria Antonia Aranda Diaz and Mary Fran Gilleran (IHM President)

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Posted in IHM, Meet IHMs, religious life, spirituality, vocation

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