SND

The Call of the chosen ones

A vocation to religious life is a personal response to God's invitation to serve and love, lived out in community with others who share a similar calling. It is often characterized by a desire to give oneself to the Lord and serve others. It involves a willingness to surrender one's life, talents, and resources to fulfill God's purpose and mission.

In the context of religious life, a vocation typically involves:

1. Self-offering: Giving oneself to God and dedicating one's life to His service.
2. Self-denial: Renouncing personal interests and ambitions for the sake of serving others.
3. Self-surrender: Embracing a life of obedience, humility, and trust in God's providence.

This desire to give oneself to the Lord is rooted in:

1. Love for God: A deep love and desire to please Him.
2. Love for others: A genuine concern and compassion for those in need.
3. Sense of purpose: A clear understanding of one's role in God's plan.

In surrendering oneself to God, individuals with a vocation often experience:

1. Joy and fulfillment
2. Peace and contentment
3. Sense of direction and purpose
4. Fruitfulness in ministry and service

In the Bible, the call of the chosen ones refers to God's selection and invitation to individuals or groups to fulfill a specific purpose or mission.

1. Divine initiative: God takes the first step, choosing and calling individuals. Could that individual be be you?
2. Specific purpose: Each call has a unique purpose, such as leadership, prophetic ministry, or missionary work. Where do you feel called to?
3. Response required: The called individual or group must respond in faith, obedience, and surrender. He is waiting for your response.
4. Equipping and empowerment: God equips and empowers the chosen ones for their task. Ready to be equipped and empowered?

The call of the chosen ones in the Bible include:

1. Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3): Called to be the father of a new nation.
2. Moses (Exodus 3:1-4:17): Called to lead Israel out of slavery.
3. Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10): Called to prophetic ministry.
4. David (1 Samuel 16:1-13): Called to be king of Israel.
5. Prophets (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel): Called to speak God's word to His people.
6. Apostles (e.g., Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 6:12-16): Called to follow Jesus and spread the Gospel.
7. Paul (Acts 9:1-31): Called to be an apostle to the Gentiles.

Women were called in diverse ways and were involved in God's work throughout the Bible. Their calls were not limited to traditional roles, but encompassed various forms of leadership, ministry, and service.

1. Leadership:
• Deborah (Judges 4-5): Prophet and judge of Israel
• Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2): Deaconess and leader in the early church
2. Ministry and Service:
• Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43): Disciple and servant of the church
• Martha (Luke 10:38-42): Host and servant of Jesus
3. Prophecy and Teaching:
• Anna (Luke 2:36-38): Prophetess who recognized Jesus as Messiah
• Priscilla (Acts 18:26): Taught Apollos about Jesus
4. Mission and Evangelism:
• Mary Magdalene (John 20:1-18): First witness to Jesus' resurrection and missionary to the apostles
• Lydia (Acts 16:11-15): Early convert and host to Paul and Silas
5. Intercession and Prayer:
• Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2): Prayed for a child and dedicated him to God's service
• Mary, mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-55): Prayed and surrendered to God's will
6. Discipleship and Following Jesus:
• Mary of Bethany (John 12:1-8): Sat at Jesus' feet and learned from Him
• Joanna (Luke 8:1-3): Supported Jesus' ministry financially

The Sisters of Notre Dame (SND) are rooted in the Spirituality of St. Julie Billiart, a Catholic religious congregation founded by Sister Maria Aloysia Wolbring and Sister Maria Ignatia, dedicated to Education, Social Justice, Health Care and Spiritual Growth. This is an invitation to join us and ~

1. Embrace a life of prayer, community, and service
2. Deepen your relationship with God and live the Gospel values
3. Commit to a life of chastity, poverty, and obedience
4. Serve others, especially the poor and marginalized
5. Pursue spiritual growth and ongoing formation
6. Join a global community of sisters with a shared mission

If you feel called to explore this invitation, consider:

1. Discernment: Reflect on your motivations, values, and sense of purpose
2. Prayer: Seek guidance from God and listen to your inner voice
3. Research: Learn more about the SND's charism, mission, and community life
4. Contact: Reach out to the SND's vocation director or a local sister for guidance and support
5. Visitation: Spend time with the sisters to experience their community life and ministry

Remember, this invitation is a personal call from God, and your response should be guided by prayer, discernment, and a willingness to surrender to His will.