Created by Chris Carmody: jesusinsalem@yahoo.com and Stephanie Rangel: beverlyyouthministry@gmail.

com

Year Faith
of
2012-2013

24 February 2013

One Great Tree, With Many Branches

- Catechism 917

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: From the very beginning of the Church there were men and women who set out to follow Christ with greater liberty, and to imitate him more closely, by practicing the evangelical counsels Religious life in its various forms is called to signify the very charity of God in the language of our time, (CCC 918,926). If you were to ever attended a conference for those active within the religious life you would notice one thing for sure: every person is wearing a habit of a different color! Each color you see would represent a different order or religious community. Each order has particular charisms or a focus while working within the spiritual life of the Church. In just one hour you might see white habits, black habits, grey, brown, or even BLUE veils! In a great way this visual would help you to understand just how many orders there are. But who are the people wearing those habits? Why the veils? Why the rope around the waist, the giant crucifix, and long beard? The person who completely and willfully surrenders themselves to God, consecrates him/herself to complete service within the Church. They dedicate their lives in a special manner to become missionaries under the particular charisms, or focus, of their religious community. Both men and women can join in the religious life; men commonly becoming friars and woman becoming sisters. One beautiful example of a woman called to serve was a little nun named Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She belonged to the Missionaries of Charity, and was their founder. She once said of her life as a nun, A life not lived for others is not a life. In a simple ten word sentence Blessed Mother Teresa perfectly summed up what religious life truly is a vocation best served while in service to others. We as a Church have much to be thankful for, and those in the religious life should be at the top of the list! They spend their life serving us through prayer, charitable works, education, etc. Much of the Church has strived In effect, the consecrated life is at through their sacrifice and willingness to give. Most people will not bethe very heart of the Church as a come a consecrated member within the Church and some of us may never decisive element for her mission, even meet one! But those who do enter into such a vocation are true hesince it 'manifests the inner roes for the faith!

Look up some 0f the various religious communities in the United States and dedicate your time this Lent to pray for that community. Remember...theyre already praying for you!

nature of the Christian calling and the striving of the whole Church as Bride towards union with her one Spouse" - Pope John
Paul II, Vita Consecrata