tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173901902024-03-07T16:29:20.964-08:00SisterBloggersCatholic Sisters, Episcopal Sisters, women in formation, those discerning a religious vocation and others who want to join the conversation. We are women. Hear us blog.Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-50037125950452382102010-01-12T18:30:00.001-08:002010-01-12T18:43:56.521-08:00in the last twelve months...Hello dear friends and people I don't know. I'd like to start with a blanket apology for my lack of contribution to SisterBloggers... I really haven't lived up to the title of "contributor" at all!!<br /><div>Since shutting down my personal blog (the nun thing) I haven't been around the blogosphere much although I am mindful of my friends ands sisters here and hold you in prayer from time to time.</div><br /><div>I just thought I'd give a brief update on my life over the last year and invite you to do the same.</div><br /><div>As you can see it's been close to a year since we've heard from anyone and I know I'd like a little update from whoever is out there and feels inclined. It doesn't have to be long or detailed, just the view from where you're at now.</div><br /><div></div><div>In the last twelve months I've been living a much more geographically settled life as a novice sister. After six months of permanent transitition I landed in the Blue Mountains (west of Sydney) for a solid year of novitiate study and life. It's an incredibly beautiful place with plenty of bushwalks and stunning scenery around which I've loved exploring. Personally though the biggest gift of the year has been a deepening relationship with God and a more persoanl relationship with Jesus. That's been a challenging and at times painful journey but one of incredible gace and privelege.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My favourite realisation about God and me this year has been coming to the strong sense that </div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#993399;">God wants to be for me what Spring is for a cherry tree</span></strong></div><br /><div>(which is apparently a thought of the Sufi mystic Rumi, though I haven't been able to find the quote!)</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426049380873788434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 330px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtM8vqKlKg6_gNokY3MEVR39Qc5MjlCnerlm6Rq5kP-hBjmYM5-C05_yiXXNYAgDAEPyG7MM9DiTXIHUrMwkOy9Uv699Rjy-yrsW69hRsMmjWypkDm3KrEi8dGk2i1CQAaq8r1g/s400/cherry.jpg" border="0" /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435006619965060424noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-64368194762124875302009-01-23T09:02:00.000-08:002009-01-23T09:16:23.125-08:00End of January Round UpIt's almost the end of January. What's going on in Sister Blogger Land?<br /><br />A Nun's Life has great explanations of the differences between <a href="http://anunslife.org/2009/01/23/what-is-an-extern-sister/">extern sisters</a>, <a href="http://anunslife.org/2009/01/21/what-is-a-lay-sister-or-lay-nun/">lay sisters and choir sisters.</a><br /><br />Baya Thread shares a <a href="http://bayathread.blogspot.com/2009/01/prayer-for-life.html">beautiful prayer for life</a>.<br /><br />Sister Sisters are the topic of the day at the <a href="http://opblauvelt.blogspot.com/2009/01/sister-sisters-part-1.html">Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt Blog</a>.<br /><br />They're baking bread at the <a href="http://stgertrude.blogspot.com/2009/01/everyday-life-bread.html">Monastery of St Gertrude</a>.<br /><br />OP Preach is celebrating the <a href="http://opreach.org/2009/01/22/until-sunday-they-are-a-set-elect/">arrival of two candidates</a> - a "Set".<br /><br />Learn about the unique 83 year old Sister who got phone calls from Bono at <a href="http://sisternicole.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-concern-has-always-been-for-people.html">The Life of a New Sister</a>.<br /><a href="http://anunslife.org/2009/01/21/what-is-a-lay-sister-or-lay-nun/"><br /><br /></a>If I missed your blog and you'd like to tell us what's going on in your neck of the woods, feel free to use the comment box below!Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-48241614234071657312009-01-09T21:19:00.000-08:002009-01-09T21:44:03.425-08:00It's a new year in Sister Blogger land ...As the title of the post says, it's a new year in Sister Blogger Land. And I hope, in 2009, to actually update this page more than once in a blue moon! So, I give you my very belated Sister Blogger Roundup!<br /><br />This is where I visit a random selection of our member blogs and give you a 2 second version of what's going on so you're inspired to visit them!<br /><br /><a href="http://anunslife.org/2009/01/08/doubt-the-movie-discussion/">A Nun's Life</a> is discussing the movie Doubt, with special guest stars, the Sisters of Charity!<br /><br /><a href="http://colwichnov.wordpress.com/">Colwich Novitiate</a> blog has had a change of personnel.<br /><br /><a href="http://eriebenedictines.blogspot.com/2009/01/ministry-news.html">Light through Stained Glass Windows</a> shares links to a variety of benedictine publications.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.monasticsonajourney.blogspot.com/">Monastics on a Journey</a> is on an Elvis kick.<br /><br /><a href="http://seekingsophie.blogspot.com/2009/01/beginnings-and-endings-friday-five.html">Seeking Sophie</a> is looking forward to 2009 and hoping one highlight is her acceptance to the community! (February will be here before you know it!!!)<br /><br />Ok, so that's not a complete round up, but it's a start!!!<br /><br />Peace,<br />Susan Rose, CSJPSusan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-66020510349944825392009-01-09T21:07:00.001-08:002009-01-09T21:17:25.795-08:00Welcome new membersFirst of all, I owe a HUGE apology to the bloggers I am about to mention, because it has taken me 3-6 months to activate your membership in Sister Bloggers. My only excuse is that I was busy finishing the Novitiate, making my first profession of vows and beginning active ministry, all the while trying to keep my <span style="font-style: italic;">own</span> blog up to date. Moderator responsibilities have been on the back burner, but I hope during the new year to do a better job!<br /><br />Now, on to business! Please welcome and visit our newest Sister Blogger members:<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://stgertrude.blogspot.com/">Life at the Monastery of St. Getrude</a></li><li><a href="http://holyfamilysisters.wordpress.com/">Sisters of the Holy Family</a></li><li><a href="http://windowstothesoul.wordpress.com/">Windows to the Soul</a></li><li><a href="http://opblauvelt.blogspot.com/">Domincan Sisters of Blauvelt</a></li></ul>Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-84077803385901832412008-07-06T16:40:00.000-07:002008-07-06T17:05:39.612-07:00SisterBlogger SummerIt's summer .... what are the SisterBloggers (and discerningtobeSisterBloggers) up to??<br /><br /><a href="http://failte-answeringthecall.blogspot.com/2008/07/last-tuesday-i-spent-wonderful-time-out.html">Failte </a>celebrated with some Sisters and is praying for patients on her discernment journey.<br /><br /><a href="http://bayathread.blogspot.com/2008/07/humming-along.html">Baya Clare, CSJ</a> is humming along and checking out beautiful scenery!<br /><br /><a href="http://eriebenedictines.blogspot.com/2008/07/july-4th-thoughts.html">Susan, OSB </a>shares her 4th of July thoughts<br /><br /><a href="http://edithosb.blogspot.com/2008/07/where-have-all-buttons-gone.html">Edith, OSB</a> wonders where all the buttons (and common fashion sense) have gone!<br /><br /><a href="http://monasticsonajourney.blogspot.com/2008/07/three-birthdays-to-celebrate.html">Vicky, OSB</a> celebrates the day their first sisters arrived in 1852 (on July 4 no less!)<br /><br /><a href="http://actjustly.blogspot.com/2008/07/affifrmation.html">Susan, CSJP</a> (yes that's me, but I also had to break the OSB theme!) was just accepted to profess first vows in October.<br /><br /><a href="http://romans8v29.blogspot.com/2008/07/facebook-face-off.html">Sr. Anne</a> is having a face-off with Facebook.<br /><br /><a href="http://seekingsophie.blogspot.com/2008/07/energized.html">Sophie's Daughter</a> is energized!<br /><br /><a href="http://sisterchrister.typepad.com/sisterchrister/2008/06/three-little-steps.html">Sister Christer</a> is preparing for a new ministry in the fall.<br /><a href="http://sisternicole.blogspot.com/2008/06/it-is-not-enough-to-be-busy-so-are-ants.html"><br />Sister Nicole</a> is making up for lost time after her vows celebrations.<br /><br />Happy Summer!Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-44835931640079276632008-06-23T04:02:00.000-07:002008-06-23T04:04:05.435-07:00Welcome Sr. JulieMy friend Sister Julie (who I've never met in person but MUST meet some day!) has joined our Sister Blogger club. Her blog is <a href="http://anunslife.org/">A Nun's Life </a>... it's awesome. <br /><br />Welcome Julie!Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-26673925122780956702008-06-11T18:51:00.000-07:002008-06-11T19:10:55.253-07:00This Week In Sister Blogger LandYes .... it's a roundup. Hope I didn't shock you with this infrequent event!!!<br /><br />This week in Sister Blogger Land ...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.angelfire.com/weird/anneutterback/thelatestbuzz/index.blog/1327807/up-for-a-challenge/">Ann </a>is working on going to mass more often - and going to bed earlier so she's up early enough!<br /><br />Newest SisterBlogger <a href="http://failte-answeringthecall.blogspot.com/2008/06/bats-in-belfry.html">Failte </a>had a run in with a bat. Eeek!<br /><br /><a href="http://monasticmusingsossr.blogspot.com/2008/06/whats-new-at-monastery.html">Contemplative woman</a> is musing about the horarium and a dear friend of the monastery who has passed away. (Fr. George was also one of my teachers during my intercommunity novitiate program - he will be missed!)<br /><br /><a href="http://monasticsonajourney.blogspot.com/2008/06/waiting-for-god.html">Sister Vicki</a> and her community are holding a vigil with one of their sisters who is on her final journey.<br /><br /><a href="http://actjustly.blogspot.com/2008/06/pros-cons-and-movement-of-heart.html">Susan</a> at Musings of a Discerning Woman (hey that's me!) just sent her letter requesting to profess temporary vows.<br /><br /><a href="http://romans8v29.blogspot.com/2008/06/ceding-gracefully.html">Sr. Anne</a> shares a bit about St. Barnabas.<br /><br /><a href="http://nunsuch.wordpress.com/2008/06/11/more-on-millennials/">Sandy </a>is pondering the millennial generation.<br /><br /><a href="http://thenunthing.blogspot.com/2008/06/what-do-people-do-all-day.html">Sarah </a>is getting into the groove of novitiate.<br /><br />And <a href="http://sisternicole.blogspot.com/">Nicole </a>is on retreat preparing for vows!!!<br /><br />Lot's happening in SisterBlogger land - that's for sure!<br /><br />Peace.Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-8527018054610119842008-06-11T18:46:00.000-07:002008-06-11T18:49:41.097-07:00more new membersIntroducing .....<br /><br />Failte (blogging at <a href="http://failte-answeringthecall.blogspot.com/">Answering the Call</a>): "I'm a busy lady trying to make time to walk & play with her 1 1/2 yr old husky/lab mix and study everything she can on early church beliefs, while trying to discern if I'm being called to a vocation within the church."<br /><h1> </h1><a href="http://www.desertpilgrim.blogspot.com/">The Desert Pilgrim</a>: "A journey in the Desert with St. Antony of Egypt, St. John Cassian, the Desert Fathers and Mothers, and all whose hearts long for that place of solitude and prayer with our Lord Jesus Christ. + + + "Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to Thy Name, and to the remembrance of Thee." Isaiah 26:8 + + +"<br /><br />Welcome!!!Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-21458075779351448082008-04-27T10:46:00.000-07:002008-04-27T10:48:41.707-07:00New MembersPlease welcome our two new Sister Blogger members:<br /><br />Baya Clare, SJ is blogging at <a href="http://bayathread.blogspot.com/">BayaThread</a>: "For the beauty of Earth, for the oppressed of the world: may we not lose sight.<br /><h1 class="title"> </h1> <span>Betsy is blogging at <a href="http://notallhabitsarebad.blogspot.com/">Not All Habits are Bad</a>: "</span>I'm a 23 year old college student, studying Physical Therapy, who for the past 3 years has been discerning her call from God to become a religious sister (nun) in the Catholic Church." ~ What a great blog name Betsy!<br /><br />Welcome to you both!!<br /><span><br /></span>Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-83557650000586704932008-04-06T18:29:00.000-07:002008-04-06T18:46:21.511-07:00G'day, g'day!Hello!<br />Since Susan’s lovely welcome was such a long time ago I’m feeling a little sheepish about how long it’s taken me to pop in and post something. I’m sure all our SisterBloggers have been busy but here’s a little round-up to let you know what’s going on in the world of some (and apologies it can’t be all) Sisters-in-cyberspace. <ul><li><a href="http://abiding.wordpress.com/">Abiding on the Fringes</a> seems to have taken a decidedly anti-blogger approach by only letting wordpress registered people read the blog! Maybe it’s deliberate, but if it’s not “let us in! let us in!”</li><li>Steph <a href="http://anunseenhope.blogspot.com/">at An Unseen Hope</a> is slowly getting back on the posting-wagon which is lovely to see. Although, if you faint at the sight of blood you might like to skip her most recent post – Steph’s been saving lives and has the photos’ to prove it!</li><li><a href="http://cathyknits.typepad.com/">Cathy</a> has been busy finding out about Worm Grunting. She’s been doing a whole lot of other stuff too but the worm grunting is a fascinating, and slightly disturbing thing!</li><li><a href="http://www.angelfire.com/weird/anneutterback/thelatestbuzz/">Anne</a> is looking for a new job.</li><li>At <a href="http://clairejoy.blogspot.com/">Flavour of the Month</a> Claire Joy is reflecting on the nature of truth and balance, and the challenges of chasing either.</li><li>From Where She Writes, <a href="http://fromwhereiwrite.blogspot.com/">Lisa </a>is remembering Pope John Paul II and also Terri Schiavo</li><li><a href="http://www.eriebenedictines.blogspot.com/">Susan</a> is sharing stories of Senator Hilary Clinton’s visit to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Erie</st1:City></st1:place> and making it to the print media in Faith Magazine</li><li><a href="http://actjustly.blogspot.com/">Susan</a> our SisterBloggers foundress is pondering being in the perfect place for her, now. </li><li>Anne at <a href="http://romans8v29.blogspot.com/">Nunblog</a> is considering who it was on the road to Emmaus</li><li><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sandy</st1:place></st1:City> at <a href="http://nunsuch.wordpress.com/">Nunsuch</a> is celebrating the arrival of Spring as is our unnamed Sister at <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Peace Place</st1:address></st1:Street>. In <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region> we’re just coming into Autumn so don’t be expecting anything like that from my end of the pool!</li><li>After a beautiful first post Ashley at <a href="http://nungeon.blogspot.com/">Pray.Seek.Live</a> seems to have gone missing… hopefully to return soon!</li><li><a href="http://yeah-okay.blogspot.com/">Seeking Something</a> is building a fence (and knows so much about how it should be done I’m thinking she should fly over here to build mine!)</li><li>At <a href="http://sisternicole.blogspot.com/">The Life of a New Sister</a>, Nicole is excited about getting her approval to make first vows. Congratulations Nicole and may the preparation time be filled with many, many blessings!</li></ul>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435006619965060424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-27300452275270342772008-02-09T12:01:00.001-08:002008-02-09T12:22:27.992-08:00A Delayed RevampingHello there folks ... sorry it's been so long since we've either a) updated the site or b) added those new members who have been patiently waiting. But we have exciting news ...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />A New Look </span><br />(see the header above). I took the picture on retreat last summer at <a href="http://www.wisdomhouse.org/">Wisdom House</a> in Connecticut (run by the <a href="http://www.daughtersofwisdom.org/">Daughters of Wisdom</a>).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Members<br /></span><span>Give a warm Sister Bloggers welcome to our newest members:</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://nungeon.blogspot.com/">Pray.Seek.Live</a></span><br />Ashley offers us a "peak at life through the lens of a Dominican novice."<br /><br /></li><li><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://colwichnov.wordpress.com/">Colwich Novitiate</a><br />A group blog from a Benedictine Convent in Staffordshire, UK.<br /><a href="http://smic-missionarysisters.blogspot.com/"><br /></a></li><li><a href="http://smic-missionarysisters.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discernment Journey</span></a><br />Sr. Andrea Westkamp hopes her blog "will be helpful to all who would like to find their way in life!"<br /></li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">(There are a few other new members pending so stay tuned...)</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />New Moderator<br /></span><span>Our Sister Blogger moderator team has gone international. Please welcome our Australian moderator, Sarah from The Nun Thing. Hopefully she'll be able to add her first round up soon! And maybe I'll even find the time to do an occassional round up myself. ;)<br /><br />Peace & Blessings this Lenten Season!<br /></span>Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-18861806166992721552007-11-23T07:49:00.000-08:002007-11-23T08:13:38.819-08:00Meet our newest Sister Bloggers!My sincerest apologies that it has taken me so long to get to this... the following new SisterBloggers have been waiting patiently in the queue for at least a couple of weeks now. Thanks so much for your patience with me as well as your kind and gentle inquiries which have finally prodded me to get me on the ball and get you added to the ring. Welcome!<br /><br /><a href="http://notesfromstillsong.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Notes from Stillsong Hermitage</a>, a diocesan hermitage in Oakland, CA, the Camaldolese Benedictine tradition. The author, Sister Laurel M. O'Neal, describes "Stillsong" thusly: "The name reflects the essential joy and wholeness that comes from a Christ-centered life of silence and solitude, but also points to the fact that contemplative life--even that of the hermit--spills over into witness and proclamation. At the heart of the Church, in the stillness and joy of God's dynamic peace, resonates the song which IS the hermit." This is a rich and fascinating site, and Sr. Laurel, too, seems to be an intensely interesting soul!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.paxplace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Peace (or Pax) Place</a> is described as "a place of peace. a place for peace. a place for peacemakers and peacekeepers to converse," written by Greenhawke, an oblate with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie who strives always to live more peaceably.<br /><br /><a href="http://seekingsophie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Seeking Sophie</a>, a.k.a. Sophie's Daughter, describes herself as a 20-something (closer to 30, but I will say "20-something" for as long as I can!) professional woman, searching for the right path in life! She is considering religious life in the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-75271528066345477582007-09-20T19:08:00.001-07:002007-09-20T19:12:13.962-07:00SisterBloggers gets nod...<a href="http://actjustly.blogspot.com/2007/09/random-thoughts-from-london.html" target="_blank">Sr. Susan Rose</a> points out <a href="http://www.blogher.org/sister-bloggers-build-community#readmore" target="_blank">this story</a> on <a href="http://www.blogher.org/" target="_blank">Blogher</a> which mentions our humble lil' web ring, along with several other perspectives on "blogging nuns." Great read!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-66615884047582167142007-08-30T14:03:00.001-07:002007-08-30T14:07:58.073-07:00She's official!Please welcome Sr. Susan Doubet, OSB, and her blog <a href="http://www.eriebenedictines.blogspot.com/">Light Through Stained-Glass Windows</a>:<br /><blockquote>This journal is simply meant to share some of the daily goings-on at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, Erie, PA. Things that occur in the daily and, in their simple "dailiness," truly do make it holy. I hope you enjoy them.</blockquote>She posts on Mondays and Thursdays. I don't think I cold be that a) disciplined or b) <em>restrained</em>!<br /><br />Please join me in welcoming SisterBlogger number <em>thirty-one</em>!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-63097164711697429752007-08-24T06:12:00.000-07:002007-08-24T06:26:21.440-07:00New Member WelcomeDear Sisters (and Sisters-to-be,... and wanna-be Sisters, and even those of you who don't yet know if you even wanna be a Sister!...), we have a new ring member. Please join me in welcoming Ashley Lyn. She's <a href="http://honeybeewaiting.blogspot.com/">Waiting on the Honeybee</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>God is like a honeybee, He doesn't mind me calling Him that; for when you are kind - sweet - He nears, and can draw you into himself. - St. Francis of Assisi</blockquote>What a great quote! As for Ashley, it would seem she's busy as a honeybee herself:<br /><blockquote>I've got...a new apartment, a lunchbox to buy, books to read, a vocation to explore, kitties and family to visit, letters to write, grad school to contend with, a lab to work in, concerts to attend, a minimalist to be, a city to explore, dancing to do, a life to find... </blockquote>Like so many of us, you have a lot on your plate there, Ash! Welcome!! This seems to be a brand speakin' new blog, as there aren't yet any posts, but there are a few interesting links in her sidebar. And so we look forward to hearing from our new little busy bee!<br /><br /><strong>In the queue:</strong><br />We also have 3 new blogs (totalling 2 prospective new members, if I'm understanding it correctly) in the queue.<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.eriebenedictines.blogspot.com/">Light through Stained Glass Windows</a></li><li><a href="http://pauseandpray.com/">Pause and Pray</a></li><li><a href="http://pauseforprayer.stblogs.com/">Pause for Prayer</a></li></ul>I've emailed them to let them know that they need to put the Ring code somewhere on their blog before I can "activate" them, but if you know any of these bloggers, feel free to swing on by and pre-welcome them. Perhaps you can even offer your assistance to get them squared away with that peskey "ring code" requirement? If either of you are reading this, do email me if you have any questions, and especially once you get the code put on your blogs. I'll be more than happy to activate you and make you official SisterBloggers!<br /><br />In the meantime, sisters (notice the small "s"--this means YOU too!), peace to all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-86060268139857214282007-08-11T06:52:00.000-07:002007-08-11T07:10:54.951-07:00What's up with the Sisters (and Sisters to be)?I realized this morning that it's been almost FOUR MONTHS since I've updated folks on what's happening in SisterBloggerWorld. Of course if you're interested you can always click the individual blogs on the sidebar to visit our respective words, but the whole idea of this page was to offer periodic sneek peeks into life in the convent or discernment.<br /><br />For example:<br /><br />Ann is realizing that what people say is true ... she <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/weird/anneutterback/thelatestbuzz/index.blog/1284033/am-i-in-love/">looks so much happier </a>now that she's living with the Sisters. The hills are even alive with the <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/weird/anneutterback/thelatestbuzz/index.blog/1284260/the-sound-of-music/">Sound of Music!</a><br /><br />Contemplative Woman shares about the importance of the Feast of the Transfiguration to her Redemptoristine Sisters ... <a href="http://monasticmusingsossr.blogspot.com/2007/08/for-contemplative-redemptoristine-nuns.html">so that's why they wear red habits</a>!<br /><br />Sister Nicole is <a href="http://sisternicole.blogspot.com/2007/08/drink-deeply-from-well-spring-of-prayer.html">counting down the days</a> - but trying to stay present - until she begins her 2nd year of Novitiate and the world of active ministry. (Now that sounds familiar .... me too!)<br /><br />Sister Anne saw In the Great Silence and is <a href="http://romans8v29.blogspot.com/2007/08/into-great-silence_07.html">heading into silence herself</a>.<br /><br />Sarah <a href="http://thenunthing.blogspot.com/2007/08/friends-and-future.html">is contemplating </a>friends who are Sisters who might be her Sisters soon as she prepares to enter her community.<br /><br />That Discerning Woman ... oh wait, that's me! Switching to first person, I share some reflections on my recent trip to visit one of my <a href="http://actjustly.blogspot.com/2007/08/csjp-present-past-in-el-salvador.html">Sisters in El Salvador.</a><br /><br />I've also got tips on how to use the Vision Vocation Magazine to <a href="http://actjustly.blogspot.com/2007/08/vision.html">discover the right community </a>for you!<br /><br />Now I've got to turn off the computer and get packing ... I'm heading on retreat in the morning.Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-74038398148085332052007-08-01T09:55:00.000-07:002007-08-01T10:09:40.489-07:00Publicity! Eek! I mean, Welcome!! :)Our humble little SisterBloggers WebRing got a mention in this year's brand new, hot-off-the-presses <a href="http://vocation-network.org/">Vision Vocation Guide</a> (<a href="http://pdf.vocation-network.org/Vision08pp66-85.pdf">p. 84</a>)! So if you're passing through as a result of seeing us mentioned there, thanks for stopping by!<br /><br />Don't be fooled by the lack of recent posts to this particular page into thinking this is a quiet little inactive WebRing--not so! While the <a href="http://www.actjustly.blogspot.com/">three</a> <a href="http://www.actjustly.blogspot.com/">of</a> <a href="http://opme.blogspot.com/">us</a> who co-moderate and manage the "business-end" of the Ring don't tend to post to this main page very often, do check out our wonderful collection of Real Live SisterBloggers in the sidebar. --><br /><br />Once again, we are honored to be mentioned, and even more honored to have you visit! Welcome!<br /><br /><strong>P.S.</strong> <em>If you would like to join the Ring and become a SisterBlogger yourself, please do so! Just scroll down to the bottom of the sidebar to the "SisterBloggers" box, and click "Join." I would ask that you send me an email at ndr76op AT gmNOSPAMail DOT com (take out the AT, NOSPAM, and DOT, of course!) to let me know of your join attempt. Methinks there's something funny going on with our Ring server, WebRing, I just haven't been able to prove it yet!</em>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-61441057597057403362007-06-18T19:02:00.000-07:002007-06-18T19:06:34.769-07:00New Member!It's been quite a little while, and I almost lost our newest member in the midst of all the "junk" join attempts I get every day, but please join me in welcoming our newest SisterBlogger:<br /><br />Sister Crystal Clark, SNJM blogs at <a href="http://www.sistercrystalclark.blogspot.com/">Untamed Grace</a>. In her own words:<br /><br /><blockquote><p>I am a Catholic sister. I'm 29 and not afraid to say it - will turn 30 very soon. I belong to the congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. I'm passionate about my community, the interchange between ministry - helping to facilitate awareness in others - and the sense of my own growing awareness as I relate in this great universe.</p></blockquote><br />Welcome, Sr. Crystal!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-10363087030731555472007-05-14T09:27:00.000-07:002007-05-14T09:31:51.703-07:00New Ring Member!Please join me in welcoming another Dominican to our ranks! (I'm not biased or anything... *wink*)<br /><br />Sr. Pat hails from the same <a href="http://sanrafaelop.org/">Dominican Community</a> as our own <a href="http://sisterchrister.typepad.com/">Sister Christer</a>. Pat blogs at <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.opreach.org" target="_blank">http://www.opreach.org</a>. Her first post is engaging and humorous; I am sure there will be more great thoughts to be found here soon!<br /><br />In other news, <a href="http://sisterchrister.typepad.com/">Sister Christer</a>'s father passed away this weekend. You may remember that she recently lost her mother after a long battle with cancer. Please pray for Christine and her family during this difficult time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-21511206637039378582007-05-07T10:16:00.001-07:002007-05-07T10:18:34.217-07:00Please welcome...<a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Waiting for the day</a>. "The Mollinator" describes herself thusly:<br /><blockquote><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>I'm a follower of Jesus and a child of God. I am also a mom of a 8 year old tornado named Ursula, and a family and youth minister. I am a lay Marianist, trying to live out community, hospitality, prayer, rejoicing, and pondering. I am a native Texan, and really isn't that more than enough?</em></span></p></blockquote><p>Please join me in sending some Big Texas Love out to our newest SisterBlogger! :)</p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-60005787520979266052007-04-30T14:03:00.000-07:002007-05-04T07:08:00.912-07:00A long-awaited welcome...I get so many spam accounts trying to add themselves to the ring that I nearly lost a couple of real live ones in the shuffle! Please give a long-overdue welcome to:<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=24438368">My Journey</a>: <em>A glimpse into the journey that is my life.</em><br />Kelly writes from Pennsylvania about her journey of discernment. Please welcome her!<br /><br />We also have one other new blog waiting in the queue. Once they add the SisterBloggers ring code to their site, I'll get them officially added here as well.<br /><br />Another bit of housekeeping. The following blogs who used to be official ring members are in the queue for a lack of ring-code on their blogs. If you know these people, could you have them contact me about getting the ring code put back on their blogs if they still want to belong to the SisterBloggers web ring? Otherwise, I will be deleting them outright in a week or two (i.e. the next time I get around to doing Ring housecleaning--which could very well turn into a month or more given my history here!) If you see your blog here: we want you back! Please check your blog to make sure you have the code and let me know that/when you do. Thanks!<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://osbboonies.blogspot.com/">The Ear of Your Heart</a></li><li><a href="http://eveningbeaches.blogspot.com/">Evening Beaches</a></li><li><a href="http://footstepsofmary.blogspot.com/">In the Footsteps of Mary</a> (seems to be inactive...)</li><li><a href="http://naisei-suru.livejournal.com/">Naisei Suru (Self-Introspection)</a></li><li><a href="http://soul-seeker.sopranina.com/">sexy, innocent child-woman</a> (Diana, are you in or out of the ring? I may have lost you in the spammy-mess...)</li></ul><p>Finally, my own blog address has changed. I retired my old site (wheretonowgod), and the URL has already been claimed by someone else! Please update any links to: <a href="http://opme.blogspot.com">http://opme.blogspot.com</a>. I got the word last week that I have been accepted to enter with my very own Groovy Sisters in August! (different ones from Sr. Suan Rose, CSJP's original Groovy Sisters) I've officially made the switch and swapped out this new site for the old one in the ring.<br /><br />Onward and upward, dear Sisters and Sisters-to-be!</p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-22290718666469150302007-04-20T19:24:00.000-07:002007-04-20T19:41:27.218-07:00What are the Sisters (and Sister-to-be) blogging about this week?Yes, it's a (partial) round up. Miracles do happen!! If I missed your blog, feel free to let us know what's new in the comments!<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.angelfire.com/weird/anneutterback/thelatestbuzz/">Anne's Sisters are going to meet her parents</a> - a big step in any relationship, including religious life!</li><li>Sr. Claire joy is <a href="http://clairejoy.blogspot.com/2007/04/empty.html">musing about Thomas</a></li><li><a href="http://nuntime.blogspot.com/2007/04/visit-20000.html">Sr. Steph has had 20,000 visitors</a> to her spot in the blogosphere</li><li>Sr. Anne wonders if you can have <a href="http://romans8v29.blogspot.com/2007/04/religion-without-spirituality.html">religion without spirituality</a></li><li>Sarah shares what she'd do if she had <a href="http://thenunthing.blogspot.com/2007/04/if-i-had-all-time-in-world-i-could.html">all the time in the world</a></li><li>Sr. Lorraine writes about the <a href="http://thomasfortoday.blogspot.com/2007/04/freedom-of-gift.html">freedom of the gift</a></li><li>Sister Christer <a href="http://www.sisterchrister.typepad.com/">shares some great quotes</a></li><li>and Natty is raising some money <a href="http://opme.blogspot.com/">via her new blog </a>for a worthy cause - although your new blog needs to be added to the ring!<br /></li></ul>Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-43467047888032828432007-04-18T04:54:00.000-07:002007-04-18T04:56:22.592-07:00in the news<p>Check out this article in the Toledo Blade: "<a href="http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070418/ART16/704180303">Everyone from nuns to meter readers are blogging about work." </a>It features Sister Bloggers!</p><blockquote><p>Indeed, there are enough nuns keeping blogs that SisterBloggers alone, an online network of like-minded blogs from Catholic and Episcopalian nuns, boasts nearly two dozen members. Vieira's own site links to more than 30. "I think religious women are wanting to tell their story" said Sister Susan Francois, 34, who started SisterBloggers three years ago, and belongs to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in New Jersey. </p><p>She said she started her blog when she was "discerning a religious vocation for myself and decided to share my story." She said the majority of the nuns who are part of SisterBloggers are in their 20s and 30s, but she's surprised how universal the experiences sound, "even though the communities are very different." Some nuns use their blogs to provide daily prayer. Many wrestle with what it means to live a devout life; on the Web site Sister Mary Alternative, Sister Jen explains she's a post-modern nun "testing my vocation to religious life." And others, like Sister Julie's site, are committed to debunking the notion that a nun's life is one of solitude and uptight elderly women with sour faces. </p></blockquote>Susan Rose Francois, CSJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09801188192396918147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-78616223752325391382007-03-09T17:38:00.000-08:002007-03-09T17:47:06.705-08:00Welcome new Ring Member!A warm welcome to our newest ring member, Sarah, blogging at <a href="http://thenunthing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Nun Thing</a>. An introduction in her words: <i>Ah, the 'nun thing'... it's such a benign sounding phrase. I'm joining the nuns. Well, maybe... unless I change my mind. unless I realise I really did lose my mind. unless the nuns won't have me. unless it starts to feel less 'right'. unless I realise I can't. So, this is my journey. My blessed, madening, daggy, odd, sacred, loved and bizarre journey.</i><br /><br />Belated condolences to one of our co-mods, <a href="http://sisterchrister.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Sister Christer</a> on the passing of her mother. We hold you and your family in our hearts.<br /><br />Go welcome <a href="http://thenunthing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah</a>, give <a href="http://sisterchrister.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Sister Christer</a> a cyber-hug (or a real one, if you know her IRL) and see the previous post for the blogs that are still missing the ring code or are MIA. The MIA's will likely be removed from the ring soon <a href="mailto:ndr76op@gmail.com">unless I hear differently</a>. But never fear, at the rate that I do updates on the ring, that could be next month! ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17390190.post-67023713635925957782007-02-10T17:01:00.000-08:002007-03-12T13:38:52.163-07:00A bit of housecleaning [Updated 3/9]As I was adding our newest ring member...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A NEW and DIFFERENT <a href="http://edithosb.blogspot.com/">Monastic Musings</a>...<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><blockquote>Sr. Edith, OSB writes from Duluth, Minnesota and is a Benedictine of St Scholastica Monastery and a sociologist. Her blog looks quite picturesque and interesting... check it out y'all!</blockquote></span><br /></div>I noticed a great <span style="font-weight: bold;">many of our member sites do not have the SisterBloggers Ring Code on them</span>. I am not sure if this is something that was lost when y'all converted from the Old Blogger to the New Blogger, but there were about a dozen sites that either no longer exist, or do not contain the ring code.<br /><br />I have moved the following sites out of active membership and removed their links from the sidebar of this page. If there has been some mistake, never fear, you can easily have your status restored. Simply re-add the webring code to the sidebar of your MAIN BLOG page, then leave a comment to this post, and I'll get ya re-added.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">No code</span><br /><br /><li><a href="http://osbboonies.blogspot.com/">The Ear of Your Heart</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://eveningbeaches.blogspot.com/">Evening Beaches</a></li><li><strike><a href="http://clairejoy.blogspot.com/">Flavor of the Month</a></strike> <i>Welcome Back Sr. CJ!</i></li><li><a href="http://footstepsofmary.blogspot.com/">In the Footsteps of Mary</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://sisternicole.blogspot.com/">The Life of a New Sister</a><br /></li><li>"The Original" <a href="http://monasticmusingsossr.blogspot.com/">Monastic Musings</a> a.k.a Contemplative Horizon<br /></li><li><a href="http://naisei-suru.livejournal.com/">Naisei Saru</a><br /></li><strike><li><a href="http://thomasfortoday.blogspot.com/">Open Wide the Doors to Christ!</a></strike> Welcome back 3/12!</li><li><a href="http://soul-seeker.sopranina.com/">sexy, innocent child-woman</a> [Updated URL; no code]</li><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">404 error (entire site is MIA)</span><br /><br /><li><a href="http://ashgonz.blogspot.com/">God's Little Pen</a></li><li><a href="http://ashgonz.blogspot.com/">Pray.Seek.Live</a></li><br />This is also a time to let us know if your blog has moved to a new home. I'm not worrying about long-time inactive blogs just now (there seem to be at least a couple of those), but I'm going to ask that everyone who wants to be a ring member to get that code on your blogs and let me know so I can reinstate you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com10