Those who experienced LCP 2007 share their reflections:

The program was an opportunity to listen to speakers discuss issues relevant to relatively newly-professed religious.  The group discussions provided a forum for the participants to honestly dialogue about these issues in a non-threatening environment.  After being in the presence of twenty-one religious discerning a life commitment, I really believe that the Spirit was alive in this program and that the spirit of each person will make a strong and positive impact in the Church.    Jason Nesbitt CSV

What a wonderful and sacred time of sharing our diversity and our unity as women and men religious on a providence journey.  Janice Smith SP 

These days have given me a new set of friends.  These strangers on day 1 became people who shared iintimacy and dreams with me.  I felt at home and comfortable.  The future of the church is in good hands if these new friends are representative of what religious life is coming to be.  Patrick Nelson SDS 

I came feeling that this was going to be another “formation” program to attend. This program exceeded my expectations.  Our time together was both grace-filled and hope-filled.  The diversity of our group – age, gender, culture, religious congregations – gave me a snapshot of the church.  I am thankful for the people I met and the stories they shared.  Our speakers affirmed us as well as challenged us as the future of religious life.  I leave this place knowing the uniqueness of my vocation and with the tools to deepen my relationship with God and all of God’s creation.  Michele  Lezon SU 

The program was a wonderful experience.  It allowed me some space to step back and see where I had come from and where I am heading in my life journey.  I encountered some wonderful people in both the presenters and the participants.  It was a joy-filled experience from start to finish.  John Pantuso SDS 

These two weeks were on fire with the Spirit!  The energy and enthusiasm was tangible and radiated from the participants, presenters, facilitators, staff and all workers here!  Each person’s everyday “yes” strengthens me in my “yes” to be grown into over a lifetime.  This has been the start of a wonderfully graced chapter in my ife which I hope will continue to unfold. ..My we leave this hold sacred space becoming a blessing to all and to make God look good by the joy we live!   Ann Marie Gass SSJ 

…I feel that God was present in every reflection we had, and in all our beings…The different conferences invited us to find God in every human being, especially in the neediest and at the same time challenged us to continue witnessing God’s presence in everything we do as persons and through our ministries.  We see our vocation as a gift and as a grace God has granted to us in our lives….  Ana Julia Granados CCVI 

The program gave me an opportunity to meet others who are in the same stage of the formation process and whose experiences I could relate to.  I felt a great sense of solidarity with the participants and a hopefulness foar the future of religious life.  Susan Wells SNJM 

In our application to this program we were asked what our expectation would be and (what) I wrote…I thought was a pretty tall order even for two weeks.  But I received all of that and much more.  We have been blessed with wonderful presenters…a beautiful center…two wonderful (facilitators)….Being surrounded by God’s love and support in so many ways added a completeness to the experience.  Marcia Lyon SNJM 

My experience of the program has been very exciting.  I have been highly enlightened by the presenters…(and) happy at being with others who share the same journey and preparing to take a leap of faith in making the final commitment to God.  The whole program was well-planned and …given in a very conducive environment where we shared stories about our joys, challenges, hopes and dreams.  (It) was really affirming and grace-filled.  Mary Brigid Tembo CBS 

Being with other spirit-filled religious women and men who will profess a life commitment to Christ and their congregation has given me a great hope for the future.  Our bonding together has further confirmed my final ‘yes’ to Christ and the School Sisters of Notre Dame.  We are all in a life-long process of being and yet becoming.  The Life Commitment Program is one step on that journey.   Kathleen Raven SSND 

I am very grateful that I could participate in LCP.  Meeting with peers in the same/similar stages of religious life, sharing with them and listening to their stories surely enriched and nourished my spirit, soul, mind.  Realizing that we are dealing/facing similar issues, yet struggling to live out the call (the vows) gave me hope.  Although we are different in many ways, the desire to be one in God, to open our hearts to each other…encouraged me and strengthened me to persevere.  God was with us during these two weeks …     Jeanne d’Arc M. Cho CPS 

The experience has been a wonderful lead-up to final vows.  I have journeyed as one in these formation years in my community and have felt at times alone – yet leaving such a wonderful experience like this one, I feel so interconnected with twenty other men and women from different cultures and places…and I feel a solidarity and a passion for the church as I have never felt before…My heart is filled with gratitude for the profound experience I have had at this Life Commitment Program.  Patricia Warner RDC 

This program allowed me to build relationships, share my experiences and learn from others in a deep way.  In a time when religious life is not a common choice among members of our society, it is crucial that inter-congregational dialogue occurs.  This dialogue, in conjunction with others who have walked the path of formal formation before us,  equips us with a support system beyond our communities and individual life experiences.  John Eustice CSV 

I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to learn, pray and celebrate with others about to make final profession in their religious communities.  Connections made with men and women from diverse cultures and backgrounds has given me energy and hope.  Mary Slattery HM 

LCP 2007 is an excellent formative experience.  It was a time of sharing experiences with people who are at the same stage of formation, a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the challenges and hopes that religious life entails.  I go forth from this space energized and charged with the Spirit who does wonders in our world through people and particularly through me in connection or relationship with others.  (Unsigned) 

This has been a great experience, to spend time together with other newer members that are at the same stage as yourself in religious life.  About the topics presented: at least for me, I go home to my community with lots of questions for further discussion, but more I go home and know that I have been given an understanding that without questions religious life would be something static.  I think I have a better understanding…it is OK to go into the future not knowing.  All is God’s grace.  And all is love.   Kristen Johnson CSJ 

page top ^