Leadership Monthly

Reflection Column

Prepare the Way

Around the world Christians are beginning to set the stage for the birth of a new born baby boy, Jesus. Each country and culture has its own unique traditions of how to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child.

The season of Advent helps us to keep in focus the true meaning of Christmas. Yes, we get caught up in all the frills, the cards, baking and decorations, yet we know that Advent implies a silent waiting. We wait patiently, wait with others, wait with open arms, wait in awe for a new life that will bring new hope and new joy for the world. 

Each of us prepares our own heart as a welcoming place for this baby, the Christ Child. Winter is that time of year, not only to see the barrenness of nature around us, but to open our eyes to all the possibilities before us in hope of something more and something better. We can make our hearts a place of welcoming, a place of peace. That is what our world needs most and I think that is probably what each of us would want for ourselves, our family and friends. Prepare the way by preparing the heart for peace. After all, we are waiting for the Prince of Peace.

Invitation to a Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Advocacy

This past July 9, we invited you to participate in the Leadership Council of Women Religious (LCWR) call to prayer, fasting, and advocacy for issues affecting our country and our world. LCWR has asked that we do this again on a day or days of our choice.

This time we have chosen Friday, December 12, our Foundation Day.

When our founders came here in 1854, they began immediately to serve the people of God out of the very little they had been given. Perhaps we can keep them in mind as we fast and pray on this day.

Choose a time of day and a place to pray in a way that most helps you to connect with the Holy One who dwells within you and speak to God from your heart about that which you feel moved to pray. Make an effort to fast from whatever may externally or interiorly distract you from your commitment to live the call of the Gospel as an Ursuline Sister or Associate. You might place your signed missioning card nearby as a reminder.