Rosalind Moss' New Community -Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel's Hope

[nunsense]

I am so excited to see all of this taking place and to read nunsense’s updates. I see a lot of mention about older vocations, and that is wonderful. However, I was wondering if any younger women have expressed interest thus far? Has anyone heard from any younger women considering a vocation to the Daughters of Mary?

Just a quick reply here since I am about to take off for St Louis. Ros is flying out today and I am driving her car across country (she has a conference there this weekend) - please pray for a safe trip for both of us.

Yes, there have been many enquiries from young women. In most cases, these women are finishing off their studies or paying off debts and are not yet ready to enter as quickly as this summer. I think this is a good thing because it means that by the time Ros is accepting more candidates (after the founding sisters complete their canonical year of novitiate) there will be an established routine and a structure in place for those who enter. This time of foundation is going to require a lot more flexibility from the sisters as we learn how to live the life together and adapt to changes as we discover what isn’t working well. Already Ros is considering changing the daily schedule a little and it may be a few months before everything is completely settled. We will have time this summer to learn these things before officially becoming a community.

The other thing that should be in place by next year as well, is the opportunity for young women to come and do a live-in with us. I think this is very important for young women who are discerning religious life. As a parent myself, I know that I would like my daughter to investigate a community fully before making this kind of decision.

I will try to get online in the evenings during the trip - but depending on where I am, I might not have a wireless signal. I will check in again once I get to St Louis though.

Bless you all and blessed be our wonderful Lord forever!

 

[nunsense]

How about Canada? Although qw have about 5 communities in full habit here from different orders in our diocese. We are blessed!

I can only say that Ros says she wants a million women in habit (she actually has a much larger figure in mind but is keeping her aspirations small to start - lol ) with this in mind, she intends to keep St Louis as the Motherhouse, and send out groups of 4-5 sisters to start communities in other cities. Considering the number of applications she has received I don’t think this is an impossibility. There will be a delay of course, as the founding sisters need to complete a year of formation first, and then it would make sense to consolidate that formation before starting anything new. I haven’t asked her if she intends to wait until some of the sisters are fully professed, or if she will send out those under temporary vows. It will take 5-8 years before a sister takes final vows, so she might send sisters who have only done first profession - I will have to ask her this next time I remember!

So I am sure Canada isn’t out of the question – or at least close to the border - lol! I used to live in Rochester, NY - how about a community there or in Buffalo? hmmmm??

 

[nunsense]

I love your name Daughter of Mary!

I am unable to answer your question…probably Nunsense will have a better idea of any interest in younger women.

If I were a younger woman I would seriously consider joining a community that is starting off with five mature women…so far. Just think of the wisdom you will be surrounded with. I have always thought it must have been wonderful to have had the experiences of St John. Most of the apostles were of a mature age.

The most important thing to consider is whether this is the type of work you would be willing and able to do. It is very challenging work. I hope you have the calling.

That’s an interesting observation about St John the Apostle - I like it!

 

[knobelochs]

The convent’s address is:

Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel’s Hope
4950 Heege Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63123

 

[Shoshana]

I can only say that Ros says she wants a million women in habit (she actually has a much larger figure in mind but is keeping her aspirations small to start - lol ) with this in mind, she intends to keep St Louis as the Motherhouse, and send out groups of 4-5 sisters to start communities in other cities. Considering the number of applications she has received I don’t think this is an impossibility. There will be a delay of course, as the founding sisters need to complete a year of formation first, and then it would make sense to consolidate that formation before starting anything new. I haven’t asked her if she intends to wait until some of the sisters are fully professed, or if she will send out those under temporary vows. It will take 5-8 years before a sister takes final vows, so she might send sisters who have only done first profession - I will have to ask her this next time I remember!

So I am sure Canada isn’t out of the question – or at least close to the border - lol! I used to live in Rochester, NY - how about a community there or in Buffalo? hmmmm??

Thank you for your answer. My heart still yearns to be a nun and I am a grandmother! (57) I also went in the convent and stayed for a couple of years. I do not know if I ever got over the pain of being ostracized for conditions i had no control over, I just wish I was more mature at the time (18) or at least had a director at the time like I do now for over 20 years. Today, I would have left the order and joined another after praying about it.

Even if there is not a convent of Ros’ here, it really does not matter. God calls His own from all over the world no matter where they are. We have proof of this with our fledging of priest-community of the Companions of the Cross in Ottawa. Their order is growing in leaps and bounds. And from men from all over the world!

 

[kathielee]

I can only say that Ros says she wants a million women in habit (she actually has a much larger figure in mind but is keeping her aspirations small to start - lol ) with this in mind, she intends to keep St Louis as the Motherhouse, and send out groups of 4-5 sisters to start communities in other cities. Considering the number of applications she has received I don’t think this is an impossibility. There will be a delay of course, as the founding sisters need to complete a year of formation first, and then it would make sense to consolidate that formation before starting anything new. I haven’t asked her if she intends to wait until some of the sisters are fully professed, or if she will send out those under temporary vows. It will take 5-8 years before a sister takes final vows, so she might send sisters who have only done first profession - I will have to ask her this next time I remember!

So I am sure Canada isn’t out of the question – or at least close to the border - lol! I used to live in Rochester, NY - how about a community there or in Buffalo? hmmmm??

This is what I am talking about and interested in…not being very far from St. Louis and rural where it’s very much needed to have sisters here…and I am thinking it will be about 2 years before I can really take hold, I do think I will be asking my bishop to invite them and I think with the great need at hand out here, he will probably say yes. Of course, I can’t second guess the bishop, but there is an incredible need here for this. kathie

 

[daughterofmary]

I love your name Daughter of Mary!

I am unable to answer your question…probably Nunsense will have a better idea of any interest in younger women.

If I were a younger woman I would seriously consider joining a community that is starting off with five mature women…so far. Just think of the wisdom you will be surrounded with. I have always thought it must have been wonderful to have had the experiences of St John. Most of the apostles were of a mature age.

The most important thing to consider is whether this is the type of work you would be willing and able to do. It is very challenging work. I hope you have the calling.

Thanks for your reply to my post and your compliment on my member name!

I believe I am called to be a daughter of our Blessed Mother in the Carmelite Order though. Nevertheless, I am very excited about this new community. I have loved watching how God is working. It is incredible. I admit I have thought a bit about if God may be calling me to this community, and as much as I would love that calling, I don’t believe that is His will. I am so excited though to hear that other young women are considering the call. So very excited! I have an affection for this endeavor of our Lord’s, and I hope to see many young vocations enter and do this wonderful work that Rosalind has described: to bring God into the streets and be visible witnesses to the Gospel. This work is so needed, and I just hope that our Lord allows me to see a little of it in progress before He beckons me to Carmel: to Himself.

That is so true about mature vocations. I have learned so much in “letting God” by just watching these good women respond to God’s call… I am sure they would and will be great sources of wisdom and special examples to the younger women, I hope, God may call to this community. I am disappointed a little that I don’t believe I am one of those blessed young ones. I have never thought of that about St. John! What an interesting way of looking at him among the apostles!

Please pray for me as I continue to discern. I hope to pop in here every now and again to see how this new community is progressing. God bless you all!

 

[daughterofmary]

Just a quick reply here since I am about to take off for St Louis. Ros is flying out today and I am driving her car across country (she has a conference there this weekend) - please pray for a safe trip for both of us.

Yes, there have been many enquiries from young women. In most cases, these women are finishing off their studies or paying off debts and are not yet ready to enter as quickly as this summer. I think this is a good thing because it means that by the time Ros is accepting more candidates (after the founding sisters complete their canonical year of novitiate) there will be an established routine and a structure in place for those who enter. This time of foundation is going to require a lot more flexibility from the sisters as we learn how to live the life together and adapt to changes as we discover what isn’t working well. Already Ros is considering changing the daily schedule a little and it may be a few months before everything is completely settled. We will have time this summer to learn these things before officially becoming a community.

The other thing that should be in place by next year as well, is the opportunity for young women to come and do a live-in with us. I think this is very important for young women who are discerning religious life. As a parent myself, I know that I would like my daughter to investigate a community fully before making this kind of decision.

I will try to get online in the evenings during the trip - but depending on where I am, I might not have a wireless signal. I will check in again once I get to St Louis though.

Bless you all and blessed be our wonderful Lord forever!

Thank you for the update and responding to my post. How wonderful!

I will continue to pray for the community. Please pray for me as I continue to discern. May God grant you all a safe and blessed journey toward St. Louis! God bless you!

 

[onetruechurch]

Thanks for your reply to my post and your compliment on my member name!

I believe I am called to be a daughter of our Blessed Mother in the Carmelite Order though.

Please pray for me as I continue to discern. I hope to pop in here every now and again to see how this new community is progressing. God bless you all!

You would probably be very interested in watching the documentary on EWTN “The Nun”. The gal they are featuring is in the process of discerning and becoming a Carmelite Nun. August 23 is a long way off so I hope someone here remembers to remind us.

Yes, I will pray for you. I am glad that you will be popping in here to update us on your journey. God love you!

 

[1234]

Thank you for your answer. My heart still yearns to be a nun and I am a grandmother! (57) I also went in the convent and stayed for a couple of years. I do not know if I ever got over the pain of being ostracized for conditions i had no control over, I just wish I was more mature at the time (18) or at least had a director at the time like I do now for over 20 years. Today, I would have left the order and joined another after praying about it.

You’re not too old, if you have no other impediments. There are many orders in the US and, I am sure, Canada who are accepting older candidates.

 

[nunsense]

Thank you for your answer. My heart still yearns to be a nun and I am a grandmother! (57) I also went in the convent and stayed for a couple of years. I do not know if I ever got over the pain of being ostracized for conditions i had no control over, I just wish I was more mature at the time (18) or at least had a director at the time like I do now for over 20 years. Today, I would have left the order and joined another after praying about it.

Even if there is not a convent of Ros’ here, it really does not matter. God calls His own from all over the world no matter where they are. We have proof of this with our fledging of priest-community of the Companions of the Cross in Ottawa. Their order is growing in leaps and bounds. And from men from all over the world!

I just turned 56 this last Monday, so it isn’t too late for you yet!! I think being a parent offers a truly valuable insight into so many things, even religious life. You will stay in my prayers!
Annie

 

[deborahssong]

Greetings in the Lord!
I am a married lady of 38 years now. Yes ot the same na, and we were married in the catholic churhc as we both were catholics. Had left the church for about 24 years but have returned......oh what a spiritual jounrey I have been on...Have been very atcive in service to the Lord! ..anyway I would love to know about the guidelines for this new community......I had heard that Ros would be accepting married women? Please please give me the information ............I am so excited about this new community........I love the Lord so much.......and it is so wonderful to see what He is doing in the earth! Amen.....Thank you and may the Lord be your cloud by day and your pillar of fire by night........

 

[deborahssong]

Ladies…so sorry for the spelling in my post prior to this! I am tired and I can sure tell…God Bless…

Deborah(Debbie)

 

[nunsense]

Greetings in the Lord!

 I am a married lady of 38 years now.  Yes ot the same na, and we were married in the catholic churhc as we both were catholics.  Had left the church for about 24 years but have returned......oh what a spiritual jounrey I have been on...Have been very atcive in service to the Lord!  ..anyway I would love to know about the guidelines for this new community......I had heard that Ros would be accepting married women?  Please please give me the information ............I am so excited about this new community........I love the Lord so much.......and it is so wonderful to see what He is doing in the earth!  Amen.....Thank you and may the Lord be your cloud by day and your pillar of fire by night........

Your enthusiasm is so sweet! Actually, Ros is not accepting married women into the religious community, but she is going to start a Third Order that will be open to everyone, including married people. The time line for that isn’t set yet though, so all I can do is counsel patience. Once the website is up and running, and the newsletter in production, then news will be updated about the Third Order and other activities.

We do have a pretty amazing Lord, don’t we? It’s impossible NOT to fall in love with Him!

Annie

 

[onetruechurch]

I just turned 56 this last Monday, so it isn’t too late for you yet!! Annie

Happy birthday Baby Boomer!

I just narrowly missed the Baby Boomer Generation…thank the Lord! Baby Boomers had it much harder with all the temptations that we old fogies didn’t have. Congratulations for surviving those days and becomng the wonderful truly Catholic woman that you are. :getholy:

Deborah may have confused that Ros “does” accept widows who no longer have the obligations of children and husband …and are out of debt.

 

[nunsense]

Perhaps I should have said that she also accepts women who have been married before but who either are widows or have had their marriages properly annulled.

 

[Cosette]

Once the website is up and running, and the newsletter in production, then news will be updated about the Third Order and other activities.

Annie (Nunsense), have you any idea as to how long it will take to get the website up and the newsletter going?

Also, any updates on the final look of the habit?

Thank you and God bless you on your journey as His new Daughter of Mary, Mother of Israel’s Hope.

Cosette

 

[Irish_Kathy]

You’re not too old, if you have no other impediments. There are many orders in the US and, I am sure, Canada who are accepting older candidates.

Nunsense – I am 46 years old. I know that’s not a problem. My main problem would be that I was born with a somewhat mild form of Spina Bifida. I’m not in a wheelchair or on crutches of any kind. I just have a few physical issues that don’t imped much on my getting around.

Kathy

 

[Shoshana]

You’re not too old, if you have no other impediments. There are many orders in the US and, I am sure, Canada who are accepting older candidates.

It would be a tough choice between Ros’ and Mother Angelica’s,

BUT, I guess I missed to say that I am married for 34 years. Has never taken away the yearning though…

God bless everyone and i pray for for vocations on the perpetual thread of prayer in the vocations section for all those pondering…

 

[Cosette]

Actually, I’m pretty sure that Mother Angelica’s community has a cut-off age of about 35, as do most orders that I’ve researched. Some will take women up to approximately age 40, but there are really very very few who leave it “wide open” the way Ros does, providing, of course, that one can perform the duties required of one of her sisters. I think Rosalind is very wise to do so, as older women have so much life experience and (hopefully) wisdom to offer.